188 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out a program 
under subsection (a), the Secretary of a military de-
partment shall prescribe the standards to be met by 
members of units of the Junior Reserve Officers’ 
Training Corps under the jurisdiction of such Sec-
retary to be eligible for the award of a scholarship 
under the program. 
(2) UNIFORMITY
ACROSS
MILITARY
DEPART-
MENTS.—To the extent practicable, the standards pre-
scribed under this subsection shall be uniform across 
the military departments. 
(c) APPROVED
INSTITUTIONS
OF
HIGHER
EDU-
CATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out a program 
under subsection (a), the Secretary of a military de-
partment shall maintain a list of institutions of high-
er education (as that term is defined in section 101 
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1001)) at which a scholarship awarded under the pro-
gram may be used toward obtaining a private pilot’s 
certificate. 
(2) QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS.—Any in-
stitution of higher education included on a list under 
this subsection, and any course of instruction toward 
obtaining a private pilot’s certificate offered by such 
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institution, shall meet such qualifications and stand-
ards as the Secretary shall prescribe for purposes of 
the program. Such qualifications and standards shall 
include a requirement that any institution included 
on the list award academic credit at such institution 
to any member awarded a scholarship under the pro-
gram for work (whether or not fully completed) on the 
ground school course of instruction of such institution 
in connection with obtaining a private pilot’s certifi-
cate. 
(d) SCHOLARSHIP.— 
(1) AMOUNT.—The amount of the scholarship 
awarded a member of a Junior Reserve Officers’ 
Training Corps under a program under subsection 
(a) shall be such amount as the Secretary of the mili-
tary department concerned considers appropriate to 
defray, whether in whole or in part, the charges and 
fees of a course of instruction toward obtaining a pri-
vate pilot’s certificate offered by the institution of 
higher education to be attended by the member in ob-
taining the certificate. 
(2) USE.—A scholarship awarded a member 
under a program may be used by the member only to 
defray the charges and fees of an institution of higher 
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education for a course of instruction toward obtaining 
a private pilot’s certificate. 
(3) MAINTENANCE OF MEMBERSHIP.—A scholar-
ship awarded an individual under a program may be 
used by the individual only while the individual 
maintains membership in a unit of a Junior Reserve 
Officers’ Training Corps. 
(e) ANNUAL REPORTS ON PROGRAMS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than February 28, 
2021, and each year thereafter, each Secretary of a 
military department shall submit to Congress a re-
port on the program, if any, carried out by such Sec-
retary during the preceding calendar year. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—Each report under paragraph 
(1) shall include, for the program and year covered 
by such report, the following: 
(A) The number of scholarships awarded. 
(B) The total amount of scholarships 
awarded. 
(C) The work undertaken through such 
scholarships, including the number of recipients 
who fully completed a ground school course of in-
struction in connection with obtaining a private 
pilot’s certificate. 
(f) ASSESSMENT OF RELATED PILOT PROGRAM.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Defense shall submit to Congress a report setting forth 
the results of an assessment, conducted by the study 
group described in paragraph (2) for purposes of the 
report, of the pilot program conducted by the Air 
Force in 2018 and 2019 known as the ‘‘Air Force 
JROTC Flight Academy, Chief of Staff Private Pilot 
Scholarship Program’’. 
(2) STUDY GROUP.—The study group described 
in this paragraph shall include the following: 
(A) A representative of the Department of 
Defense, selected by the Secretary of Defense. 
(B) A representative of the headquarters of 
the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training 
Corps with experience with the pilot program, 
selected by the Secretary of the Air Force. 
(C) In addition to the representative under 
subparagraph (B), a representative of each mili-
tary department, selected by the Secretary of 
such military department. 
(D) A representative of the Department of 
Transportation, selected by the Secretary of 
Transportation. 
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(E) A representative of the Department of 
Education, selected by the Secretary of Edu-
cation. 
(F) Representatives of such private organi-
zations and entities as the Secretary of Defense 
considers appropriate. 
(3) ELEMENTS.—The assessment required by 
paragraph (1) shall identify best practices in assist-
ing members of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training 
Corps in obtaining a private pilot’s certificate 
through institutions of higher education, including the 
most appropriate funding mechanisms for such prac-
tices. 
SEC. 518. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING JUNIOR RE-
SERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps 
(referred to in this section as ‘‘JROTC’’) contributes 
to an enhanced sense of pride in our Nation and in 
the members of the Armed Forces who serve; 
(2) JROTC develops a culture dedicated to serv-
ice of our great land and reinforces duty, honor and 
courage; 
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(3) the Nation has been steadily depending on a 
smaller and smaller minority of the population to 
fight its wars and protect its borders; 
(4) this dwindling population risks the long-term 
security of our Nation and the freedoms it provides; 
(5) JROTC operates in all 50 States and con-
tributes to better grades and graduation rates; and 
(6) JROTC was supported in the John S. 
McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fis-
cal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232) and should be 
increased in fiscal year 2020, including at least 3,700 
JROTC units nationwide. 
SEC. 519. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING THE NATIONAL 
GUARD YOUTH CHALLENGE PROGRAM. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the National Guard Youth Challenge Pro-
gram provides a vital service to at-risk youth by pro-
viding life-changing mentorship, developing self-dis-
cipline, and providing education in valuable skills; 
and 
(2) the Secretary of Defense should use the au-
thority provided under section 509(h)(2) of title 32, 
United States Code, to allow Department of Defense 
equipment and facilities to be used by the National 
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Guard to maximize the support of the Department for 
the Youth Challenge Program. 
Subtitle C—General Service Au-
thorities and Correction of Mili-
tary Records 
SEC. 521. ESTABLISHMENT OF BOARD OF APPEALS REGARD-
ING DENIED REQUESTS FOR UPGRADED DIS-
CHARGES AND DISMISSALS. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Chapter 79 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1553 the 
following new section 1553a: 
‘‘§ 1553a. Board of Discharge Appeals 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—(1) The Secretary of Defense 
shall establish a Board of Discharge Appeals to hear ap-
peals of requests for upgraded discharges and dismissals 
under section 1553 of this title that are denied by the service 
review agencies. 
‘‘(2) The Board of Discharge Appeals shall consist of 
not fewer than three members appointed by the Secretary. 
‘‘(b) APPEAL.—(1) Upon the request of an appellant, 
the Board of Discharge Appeals shall review the findings 
and decisions of a service review agency regarding the re-
view of the discharge or dismissal of the appellant. 
‘‘(2) The Board of Discharge Appeals may direct the 
Secretary of the military department concerned to change 
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the discharge or dismissal of an appellant, or issue a new 
discharge for an appellant, to reflect its findings. 
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘appellant’ means a former mem-
ber of the armed forces (or if the former member is 
dead, the surviving spouse, next of kin, or legal rep-
resentative of the former member) whose request for 
an upgraded discharge or dismissal was denied by a 
service review agency. 
‘‘(2) The term ‘service review agency’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 1555 of this 
title.’’. 
(b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) TABLE OF SECTIONS.—The table of sections 
at the beginning of such chapter is amended by in-
serting after the item relating to section 1553 the fol-
lowing new item: 
‘‘1553a. Board of Discharge Appeals.’’. 
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 1553(b) 
of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘A board’’; 
and 
(B) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
‘‘(2) If a board of review established by the Secretary 
of a military department denies a request for an upgraded 
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discharge or dismissal, that denial may be appealed to the 
Board of Discharge Appeals under section 1553a of this 
title.’’. 
(c) DEADLINE.—The Secretary of Defense shall estab-
lish and implement the Board of Discharge Appeals under 
such section 1553a of title 10, United States Code, as added 
by subsection (a), not later than September 30, 2020. 
(d) TRAINING.—Each member of the Board of Dis-
charge Appeals established under such section 1553a shall 
receive training under section 534(c) of the National De-
fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 
114–328; 10 U.S.C. 1552 note). 
(e) REPORTING.— 
(1) REPORT.—Not later than April 1, 2021, the 
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees 
on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a report regarding the Board of Dis-
charge Appeals established under such section 1553a. 
The report shall include, with respect to appeals 
heard by the Board of Discharge Appeals since imple-
mentation, the following: 
(A) The number of appeals heard. 
(B) The number of appeals granted. 
(C) The number of appeals denied, includ-
ing the reasons for such denials. 
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(D) A summary of any differences between 
reviews under section 1553 of title 10, United 
States Code, and appeals under section 1553a of 
such title. 
(2) ONLINE PUBLICATION.—On October 1 of each 
year starting in 2022, the Secretary shall publish on-
line the information described in subparagraphs (A), 
(B), and (C) of paragraph (1) with regards to the 
preceding fiscal year. 
SEC. 522. PROHIBITION ON REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF 
PERSONNEL ASSIGNED TO DUTY WITH A 
SERVICE REVIEW AGENCY. 
(a) PROHIBITION.—Section 1559(a) of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘December 31, 2019’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘December 31, 2025’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘that agency until—’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘that agency.’’; and 
(3) by striking subsections (1) and (2). 
(b) REPORT.— 
(1) REPORT
REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 
days after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
each military department shall submit a report to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and 
House of Representatives that details a plan to— 
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(A) reduce the backlog of applications before 
the service review agency of the military depart-
ment concerned; and 
(B) maintain the resources required to meet 
the timeliness standards for disposition of appli-
cations before the Corrections Boards under sec-
tion 1557 of title 10, United States Code, not 
later than October 1, 2021. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—Each report under this sub-
section shall include the following: 
(A) A description of the current backlog of 
applications before the service review agency of 
the military department concerned. 
(B) The number of personnel required to 
meet the deadline described in paragraph (1)(B). 
(C) The plan of the Secretary concerned to 
modernize the application and review system of 
the service review agency of the military depart-
ment concerned. 
SEC. 523. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON RECORD AND SERVICE 
REVIEW BOARDS. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of De-
fense shall establish a Department of Defense Advisory 
Committee to be known as the ‘‘Defense Advisory Committee 
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on Record and Upgrade Review Boards’’ (in this section 
referred to as the ‘‘Advisory Committee’’). 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee shall 
consist of not more than 15 members appointed by the 
Secretary of Defense, eight of whom shall be civilian 
practitioners or representatives of organizations that 
have experience assisting members of the Armed 
Forces and veterans with cases before service review 
boards (as that term is defined in section 1555 of title 
10, United States Code). 
(2) MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES ON AC-
TIVE
DUTY
INELIGIBLE.—A member of the Armed 
Forces serving on active duty may not serve as a 
member of the Advisory Committee. 
(c) PERSONNEL.— 
(1) EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.—At least 35 per-
cent of members of the staff of the Advisory Com-
mittee shall have experience described in subsection 
(b)(1). 
(2) DIRECTOR; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR.—The di-
rector and assistant director of the Advisory Com-
mittee may not both be members of the Armed Forces 
serving on active duty. 
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(3) STAFF.—Not more than 65 percent of the 
staff of the Advisory Committee may be comprised of 
members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty. 
(d) DUTIES.—The Advisory Committee shall advise the 
Secretary of Defense on the best structure, practices, and 
procedures to ensure consistency of boards for the correction 
of military records and service review boards in carrying 
out their responsibilities under chapter 79 of title 10, 
United States Code, and in granting relief to claimants 
under that chapter. 
(e) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than one year after 
the date of the establishment of the Advisory Committee and 
annually thereafter for the three subsequent years, the Advi-
sory Committee shall submit to the Secretary of Defense and 
the congressional defense committees a report containing ob-
servations and recommendations regarding issues of board 
operations and efficacy, including— 
(1) granting relief at adequate rates; 
(2) adhering to the intent of Congress, including 
regarding liberal consideration; 
(3) standards for evidence, training experience 
and qualifications of board members; 
(4) efficacy of efforts to ensure consistency across 
boards; 
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(5) case management and record keeping sys-
tems, including electronic access to board precedents; 
(6) ease of personal appearances by claimants; 
(7) expert review of medical and psychiatric 
cases; and 
(8) related potential structural changes or alter-
native board models. 
(f) TERMINATION.—The Advisory Committee shall ter-
minate on the date that is four years after the date of estab-
lishment under subsection (a). 
(g) AUTHORITIES.—The Advisory Committee shall 
have all normal authorities granted to advisory committees, 
including the ability for staff to request documents from the 
Department of Defense, hold public hearings, and travel in 
furtherance of the board mandate. The board shall also be 
permitted, with assistance from personnel of the Depart-
ment of Defense, to administer surveys and conduct field 
experiments to assess the viability of different policy options 
considered in the course of the activities of the Advisory 
Committee. 
SEC. 524. TIME REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION OF 
HONORABLE SERVICE. 
Upon the submission to the Secretary of a military 
department or a designated commissioned officer serving in 
the pay grade O-6 or higher by a member of the Armed 
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Forces of a completed United States Citizenship and Immi-
gration Services Form N–426, the Secretary or the Officer 
shall— 
(1) in the case of a member of the Armed Forces 
who has served or is serving honorably on active duty, 
provide certification that the nature of the member’s 
service has been honorable by not later than five days 
from receiving the form; 
(2) in the case of a member of the Armed Forces 
who has served or is serving honorably in a Reserve 
Component of the Armed Forces, provide such certifi-
cation by not later than three weeks from receiving 
the form; and 
(3) in the case of a member of the Armed Forces 
whose service has been other than honorable, provide 
to the member notice that a certification of honorable 
service will not be provided and justification for why 
such certification will not be provided— 
(A) in the case of a member who has served 
or is serving on active duty, by not later than 
five days from receiving the form; and 
(B) in the case of a member who has served 
or is serving in a Reserve Component, by not 
later than three weeks from receiving the form. 
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SEC. 525. PROHIBITION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF MILITARY 
SERVICE SUITABILITY DETERMINATIONS FOR 
FOREIGN NATIONALS WHO ARE LAWFUL PER-
MANENT RESIDENTS. 
The Secretary of Defense may not take any action to 
implement the memorandum titled ‘‘Military Service Suit-
ability Determinations for Foreign Nationals Who Are 
Lawful Permanent Residents’’, issued by the Secretary and 
dated October 13, 2017, until the Secretary reports to the 
congressional defense committees the justification for the 
policy changes required by such memorandum. 
SEC. 526. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLU-
SION. 
(a) PLAN REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
design and implement a five-year strategic plan for diver-
sity and inclusion in the Department of Defense. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The strategic plan under this sec-
tion— 
(1) shall be based on the strategic plan estab-
lished under section 2 of Executive Order 13583 (3 
Fed. Reg. 13583 (August 18, 2011)); 
(2) shall incorporate existing efforts to promote 
diversity and inclusion within the Department; and 
(3) may not conflict with the objectives of the 
2018 National Military Strategy. 
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(c) DEADLINE.—The Secretary shall implement the 
strategic plan under this section on January 1, 2020. 
SEC. 527. INDEPENDENT STUDY ON BARRIERS TO ENTRY 
INTO THE ARMED FORCES FOR ENGLISH 
LEARNERS. 
(a) INDEPENDENT STUDY.—Not later than 30 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
of Defense shall seek to seek to enter into a contract with 
a federally funded research and development center under 
which the center will conduct a study on barriers to entry 
into the Armed Forces for English learners. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study under subsection (a) 
shall— 
(1) identify barriers to entry into the Armed 
Forces for English learners, including— 
(A) challenges with military recruiters and 
language proficiency; 
(B) challenges with the assessment of poten-
tial recruits, including the construction and de-
livery of and testing time constraints related to 
the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery; 
(C) challenges with dissemination of re-
cruiting information; and 
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(D) any other challenges that may be iden-
tified by the federally funded research and devel-
opment center in the course of the study; 
(2) the effect of such barriers on— 
(A) the number of interactions recruiters 
have with English learners; 
(B) the enlistment rate among populations 
of English learners; and 
(C) any other effects that may be identified 
by the federally funded research and development 
center in the course of the study; 
(3) an analysis of existing efforts and programs 
to remove barriers to entry into the Armed Forces for 
English learners, including an analysis of the 
scalability and sustainability of such efforts and pro-
grams; and 
(4) additional opportunities to address such bar-
riers, including alternative assessments and Armed 
Services Vocational Aptitude Battery preparation 
programs for English learners. 
(c) SUBMITTAL TO DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.—Not 
later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the federally funded research and development that con-
ducts the study under subsection (a) shall submit to the Sec-
retary of Defense a report on the results of the study. 
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(d) SUBMITTAL TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 30 
days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense re-
ceives the report under subsection (c), the Secretary shall 
submit to the congressional defense committees an unaltered 
copy of the report and any comments of the Secretary with 
respect to the report. 
(e) ENGLISH LEARNER DEFINED.—In this section, the 
term ‘‘English learner’’ has the meaning given that term 
in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Edu-
cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). 
SEC. 528. REENLISTMENT WAIVERS FOR PERSONS SEPA-
RATED FROM THE ARMED FORCES WHO COM-
MIT ONE MISDEMEANOR CANNABIS OFFENSE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall prescribe regulations that permit any Secretary of a 
military department to grant a reenlistment waiver to a 
covered person if the Secretary determines that the reenlist-
ment of that covered person is vital to the national interest. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered person’’ means an indi-
vidual— 
(A) who has separated from the Armed 
Forces; and 
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(B) who has admitted to or been convicted 
by a court of competent jurisdiction of a single 
violation— 
(i) of any law of a State or the United 
States relating to the use or possession of 
cannabis; 
(ii) that constitutes a misdemeanor; 
and 
(iii) that occurred while that indi-
vidual was not on active service in the 
Armed Forces. 
(2) The terms ‘‘active service’’ and ‘‘military de-
partment’’ have the meanings given such terms in sec-
tion 101 of title 10, United States Code. 
SEC. 529. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING ACCESSION 
PHYSICALS. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
(1) United States Military Entrance Processing 
Command (‘‘USMEPCOM’’) operates 65 Military 
Entrance Processing Stations (‘‘MEPS’’) dispersed 
throughout the 50 States and Puerto Rico. 
(2) Applicants for accession into the Armed 
Forces must travel to the closest MEPS to receive 
physical examinations, are often driven by a military 
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recruiter, and receive lodging at a nearby hotel, paid 
for by the Armed Force represented by that recruiter. 
(3) In 2015, USMEPCOM reported that 473,000 
applicants from the military and other agencies proc-
essed through the 65 MEPS, for a total of 931,000 
MEPS visits. 
(4) Section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, 
authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter 
into contracts with private health care providers for 
physical examinations. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress 
that the Secretary of Defense should explore alternatives to 
centralized accession physicals at MEPS, including con-
ducting physicals through community health care providers, 
in order to reduce transportation costs, increase efficiency 
in processing times, and free recruiters to focus on the core 
of the recruiting mission. 
Subtitle D—Military Justice 
SEC. 531. COMMAND INFLUENCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 837 of title 10, United 
States Code (article 37 of the Uniform Code of Military Jus-
tice), is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘Unlawfully influencing 
action of court’’ and inserting ‘‘Command in-
fluence’’; 
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(2) by amending subsection (a) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(a)(1) No court-martial convening authority, nor any 
other commanding officer, may censure, reprimand, or ad-
monish the court or any member, military judge, or counsel 
thereof, with respect to the findings or sentence adjudged 
by the court, or with respect to any other exercise of its 
or his functions in the conduct of the proceeding. 
‘‘(2) No court-martial convening authority, nor any 
other commanding officer, may deter or attempt to deter 
a potential witness from participating in the investigatory 
process or testifying at a court-martial. The denial of a re-
quest to travel at government expense or refusal to make 
a witness available shall not by itself constitute unlawful 
command influence. 
‘‘(3) No person subject to this chapter may attempt 
to coerce or, by any unauthorized means, attempt to influ-
ence the action of a court-martial or any other military 
tribunal or any member thereof, in reaching the findings 
or sentence in any case, or the action of any convening, 
approving, or reviewing authority or preliminary hearing 
officer with respect to such acts taken pursuant to this chap-
ter as prescribed by the President. 
‘‘(4) Paragraphs (1) through (3) shall not apply with 
respect to— 
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‘‘(A) general instructional or informational 
courses in military justice if such courses are designed 
solely for the purpose of instructing members of a 
command in the substantive and procedural aspects of 
courts-martial; 
‘‘(B) statements regarding criminal activity or a 
particular criminal offense that do not advocate a 
particular disposition, or a particular court-martial 
finding, or sentence; or 
‘‘(C) statements and instructions given in open 
court by the military judge or counsel. 
‘‘(5)(A) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) through (3), 
but subject to subparagraph (B)— 
‘‘(i) a superior convening authority or officer 
may generally discuss matters to consider regarding 
the disposition of alleged violations of this chapter 
with a subordinate convening authority or officer; 
and 
‘‘(ii) a subordinate convening authority or offi-
cer may seek advice from a superior convening au-
thority or officer regarding the disposition of an al-
leged offense under this chapter. 
‘‘(B) No superior convening authority or officer may 
direct a subordinate convening authority or officer to make 
a particular disposition in a specific case or otherwise sub-
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stitute the discretion of such authority or such officer for 
that of the subordinate convening authority or officer.’’; 
(3) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘advanced, in grade’’ and 
inserting ‘‘advanced in grade’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘accused before a court-mar-
tial’’ and inserting ‘‘person in a court-martial 
proceeding’’; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following new sub-
sections: 
‘‘(c) No finding or sentence of a court-martial may be 
held incorrect on the ground of a violation of this section 
unless the violation materially prejudices the substantial 
rights of the accused. 
‘‘(d)(1) A superior convening authority or com-
manding officer may withhold the authority of a subordi-
nate convening authority or officer to dispose of offenses in 
individual cases, types of cases, or generally. 
‘‘(2) Except as provided in paragraph (1) or as other-
wise authorized by this chapter, a superior convening au-
thority or commanding officer may not limit the discretion 
of a subordinate convening authority or officer to act with 
respect to a case for which the subordinate convening au-
thority or officer has authority to dispose of the offenses.’’. 
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(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at 
the beginning subchapter VII of chapter 47 of title 10, 
United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), 
is amended by striking the item relating to section 837 (ar-
ticle 37) and inserting the following new item: 
‘‘837. Art. 37. Command influence.’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by sub-
sections (a) and (b) shall take effect on the date of the enact-
ment of this Act and shall apply with respect to violations 
of section 837 of title 10, United States Code (article 37 
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), committed on or 
after such date. 
SEC. 532. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR CERTAIN OF-
FENSES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 843 of title 10, United 
States Code (article 43 of the Uniform Code of Military Jus-
tice), is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘maiming of 
a child, kidnapping of a child,’’ after ‘‘sexual assault 
of a child,’’; and 
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(B)— 
(A) by striking clauses (ii) and (iv); and 
(B) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause 
(ii). 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by sub-
section (a) shall take effect on the date of the enactment 
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of this Act and shall apply with respect to the prosecution 
of offenses committed before, on, or after the date of the en-
actment of this Act if the applicable limitation period has 
not yet expired. 
SEC. 533. GUIDELINES ON SENTENCES FOR OFFENSES COM-
MITTED UNDER THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILI-
TARY JUSTICE. 
(a) GUIDELINES REQUIRED.—Not later than the date 
specified in subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense shall 
establish nonbinding guidelines on sentences for offenses 
under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uni-
form Code of Military Justice). The guidelines shall provide 
the sentencing authority with a suggested range of punish-
ments, including suggested ranges of confinement, that will 
generally be appropriate for a violation of each offense 
under such chapter. 
(b) SENTENCING DATA.—In developing the guidelines 
for sentences under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense 
shall take into account the sentencing data collected by the 
Military Justice Review Panel pursuant to section 946(f)(2) 
of title 10, United States Code (article 146(f)(2) of the Uni-
form Code of Military Justice). 
(c) DATE SPECIFIED.—The date specified in this sub-
section is the date that is not later than one year after the 
date on the which the first report of the Military Justice 
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Review Panel is submitted to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives 
pursuant to section 946(f)(5) of title 10, United States Code 
(article 146(f)(5) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). 
SEC. 534. EXPANSION OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF COM-
MANDERS FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT 
COMMITTED BY ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE 
ARMED FORCES. 
(a) NOTIFICATION OF VICTIMS OF EVENTS IN MILI-
TARY JUSTICE PROCESS.— 
(1) NOTIFICATION REQUIRED.—The commander 
of a member of the Armed Forces who is the alleged 
victim of sexual assault committed by another mem-
ber of the Armed Forces shall provide notification to 
such alleged victim of every key or other significant 
event in the military justice process in connection 
with the investigation, prosecution, and confinement 
of such other member for sexual assault. 
(2) DOCUMENTATION.—Each commander de-
scribed in paragraph (1) shall create and maintain 
appropriate documentation on any notification pro-
vided as described in that paragraph. 
(b) DOCUMETATION OF VICTIM’S PREFERENCE ON JU-
RISDICTION IN PROSECUTION.—In the case of a member of 
the Armed Forces who is the alleged victim of sexual assault 
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committed by another member of the Armed Forces who is 
subject to prosecution for such offense both by court-martial 
under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uni-
form Code of Military Justice), and by a civilian court 
under State law, the commander of such alleged victim shall 
create and maintain appropriate documentation of the ex-
pressed preference, if any, of such alleged victim for pros-
ecution of such offense by court-martial or by a civilian 
court as provided for by Rule 306(e) of the Rules for Court- 
Martial. 
(c) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
prescribe in regulations the requirements applicable to each 
of the following: 
(1) Notifications under subsection (a)(1). 
(2) Documentation under subsection (a)(2). 
(3) Documentation under subsection (b). 
SEC. 535. INCREASE IN INVESTIGATIVE PERSONNEL AND 
VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LIAI-
SONS. 
(a) MILITARY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES.— 
(1) MINIMUM STAFFING LEVEL.—Not later than 
one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of each military department shall en-
sure that the number of personnel assigned to the 
military criminal investigative services of the depart-
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ment is sufficient to ensure, to the extent practicable, 
that the investigation of any sex-related offense is 
completed not later than six months after the date on 
which the investigation is initiated. 
(2) STATUS
REPORTS
REQUIRED.—Not later 
than one year after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, Secretary of each military department shall issue 
guidance requiring that any criminal investigator of 
the department who is assigned to investigate a sex- 
related offense submits a status report to the direct 
supervisor of such investigator in the event that the 
investigation of such offense exceeds 90 days in dura-
tion. Each status report shall include— 
(A) a detailed explanation of the status of 
the investigation; 
(B) identification of any information that 
has not yet been obtained but is necessary to 
complete the investigation; and 
(C) identification of any barriers pre-
venting the investigator from accessing such in-
formation. 
(b) VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LIAI-
SONS.—Not later than one year after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary of each military department 
shall increase the number of personnel serving as Victim 
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Witness Assistance Program liaisons to address personnel 
shortages in the Victim Witness Assistance Program. 
SEC. 536. INCREASE IN NUMBER OF DIGITAL FORENSIC EX-
AMINERS FOR THE MILITARY CRIMINAL IN-
VESTIGATION ORGANIZATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Each Secretary of a military de-
partment shall take appropriate actions to increase the 
number of digital forensic examiners in each military 
criminal investigation organization (MCIO) under the ju-
risdiction of such Secretary by not fewer than 10 from the 
authorized number of such examiners for such organization 
as of September 30, 2019. 
(b) MILITARY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION ORGANIZA-
TIONS.—For purposes of this section, the military criminal 
investigation organizations are the following: 
(1) The Army Criminal Investigation Command. 
(2) The Naval Criminal Investigative Service. 
(3) The Air Force Office of Special Investiga-
tions. 
(4) The Marine Corps. Criminal Investigation 
Division. 
(c) FUNDING.—Funds for additional digital forensic 
examiners as required by subsection (a) for fiscal year 2020, 
including for compensation, initial training, and equip-
ment, shall be derived from amounts authorized to be appro-
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priated for that fiscal year for the Armed Force concerned 
for operation and maintenance. 
SEC. 537. PILOT PROGRAMS ON DEFENSE INVESTIGATORS 
IN THE MILITARY JUSTICE SYSTEM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Each Secretary of a military de-
partment shall carry out a pilot program on defense inves-
tigators within the military justice system under the juris-
diction of such Secretary in order to do the following: 
(1) Determine whether the presence of defense in-
vestigators within such military justice system will— 
(A) make such military justice system more 
effective in providing an effective defense for the 
accused; and 
(B) make such military justice system more 
fair and efficient. 
(2) Otherwise assess the feasibility and advis-
ability of defense investigators as an element of such 
military justice system. 
(b) ELEMENTS.— 
(1) INTERVIEW OF VICTIM.—A defense investi-
gator may question a victim under a pilot program 
only upon a request made through the Special Vic-
tims’ Counsel or other counsel if the victim does not 
have such counsel. 
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(2) UNIFORMITY ACROSS MILITARY JUSTICE SYS-
TEMS.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the 
personnel and activities of defense investigators under 
the pilot programs are, to the extent practicable, uni-
form across the military justice systems of the mili-
tary departments. 
(c) REPORT.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than three years 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Sec-
retaries of the military departments, submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the 
House of Representatives a report on the pilot pro-
grams under subsection (a). 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The report required by para-
graph (1) shall include the following: 
(A) A description of each pilot program, in-
cluding the personnel and activities of defense 
investigators under such pilot program. 
(B) An assessment of the feasibility and ad-
visability of establishing and maintaining de-
fense investigators as an element of the military 
justice systems of the military departments. 
(C) If the assessment under subparagraph 
(B) is that the establishment and maintenance of 
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defense investigators as an element of the mili-
tary justice systems of the military departments 
is feasible and advisable, such recommendations 
for legislative and administrative action as the 
Secretary of Defense considers appropriate to es-
tablish and maintain defense investigators as an 
element of the military justice systems. 
(D) Any other matters the Secretary of De-
fense considers appropriate. 
SEC. 538. PILOT PROGRAM ON PROSECUTION OF SPECIAL 
VICTIM 
OFFENSES 
COMMITTED 
BY 
ATTENDEES OF MILITARY SERVICE ACAD-
EMIES. 
(a) PILOT PROGRAM.—Beginning not later than Jan-
uary 1, 2020, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a 
pilot program (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Pilot Pro-
gram’’) under which the Secretary shall establish, in ac-
cordance with this section, an independent authority to— 
(1) review each covered special victim offense; 
and 
(2) determine whether such offense shall be re-
ferred to trial by an appropriate court-martial con-
vening authority. 
(b) OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PROSECUTOR.— 
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(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—As part of the Pilot Pro-
gram, the Secretary shall establish, within the Office 
of the Secretary of Defense, an Office of the Chief 
Prosecutor. 
(2) HEAD OF OFFICE.—The head of the Office 
shall be known as the Chief Prosecutor. The Secretary 
shall appoint as the Chief Prosecutor a commissioned 
officer in the grade of O–7 or above who— 
(A) has significant experience prosecuting 
sexual assault trials by court-martial; and 
(B) is outside the chain of command of any 
cadet or midshipman described in subsection 
(f)(2). 
(3) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Chief Prosecutor 
shall exercise the authorities described in subsection 
(c) but only with respect to covered special victim of-
fenses. 
(4) SPECIAL RULE.—Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, the military service from which the 
Chief Prosecutor is appointed is authorized an addi-
tional billet for a general officer or a flag officer for 
each year in the two year period beginning with the 
year in which the appointment is made. 
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(5) TERMINATION.—The Office of the Chief Pros-
ecutor shall terminate on the date on which the Pilot 
Program terminates under subsection (e). 
(c) REFERRAL
TO OFFICE
OF
THE CHIEF PROS-
ECUTOR.— 
(1) INVESTIGATION PHASE.— 
(A) NOTICE
AND
INFORMATION.—A mili-
tary criminal investigative organization that re-
ceives an allegation of a covered special victim 
offense shall provide to the Chief Prosecutor and 
the commander of the military service academy 
concerned— 
(i) timely notice of such allegation; 
and 
(ii) any information and evidence ob-
tained as the result a subsequent investiga-
tion into the allegation. 
(B) TRIAL COUNSEL.—A trial counsel as-
signed to a case involving a covered special vic-
tim offense shall, during the investigative phase 
of such case, provide the Chief Prosecutor with 
the information necessary to enable the Chief 
Prosecutor to make the determination required 
under paragraph (3). 
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(2) REFERRAL TO CHIEF PROSECUTOR.—In the 
case of a charge relating to a covered special victim 
offense, in addition to referring the charge to the staff 
judge advocate under subsection (a) or (b) of section 
834 of title 10, United States Code (article 34 of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice), the convening au-
thority of the Armed Force of which the accused is a 
member shall refer, as soon as reasonably practicable, 
the charge to the Chief Prosecutor to make the deter-
mination required by paragraph (3). 
(3) 
PROSECUTORIAL
DETERMINATION.—The 
Chief Prosecutor shall make a determination regard-
ing whether a charge relating to a covered special vic-
tim offense shall be referred to trial. If the Chief Pros-
ecutor makes a determination that the charge shall be 
tried by court-martial, the Chief Prosecutor also shall 
determine whether the charge shall be tried by a gen-
eral court-martial convened under section 822 of title 
10, United States Code (article 22 of the Uniform 
Code of Military Justice) or a special court-martial 
convened under section 823 of such title (article 23 of 
the Uniform Code of Military Justice). The deter-
mination of whether to try a charge relating to a cov-
ered special victim offense by court-martial shall in-
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clude a determination of whether to try any known 
offenses, including any lesser included offenses. 
(4) EFFECT OF DETERMINATION AND APPEALS 
PROCESS.— 
(A) 
DETERMINATION
TO
PROCEED
TO 
TRIAL.—Subject to subparagraph (C) determina-
tion to try a charge relating to a covered special 
victim offense by court-martial under paragraph 
(3), and the determination as to the type of 
court-martial, shall be binding on any convening 
authority under chapter 47 of title 10, United 
States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Jus-
tice) for a trial by court-martial on the charge. 
(B) DETERMINATION NOT TO PROCEED TO 
TRIAL.—Subject to subparagraph (C) determina-
tion under paragraph (3) not to proceed to trial 
on a charge relating to a covered special victim 
offense by general or special court-martial shall 
be binding on any convening authority under 
chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice) except that 
such determination shall not operate to termi-
nate or otherwise alter the authority of the con-
vening authority— 
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(i) to proceed to trial by court-martial 
on charges of collateral misconducted related 
to the special victim offense; or 
(ii) to impose non-judicial punishment 
in connection with the conduct covered by 
the charge as authorized by section 815 of 
such title (article 15 of the Uniform Code of 
Military Justice). 
(C) APPEAL.—In a case in which a con-
vening authority and the staff judge advocate ad-
vising such authority disagree with the deter-
mination of the Chief Prosecutor under para-
graph (3), the convening authority and staff 
judge advocate may jointly appeal the deter-
mination to the General Counsel of the Depart-
ment of Defense. The determination of the Gen-
eral Counsel with respect to such appeal shall be 
binding on the Chief Prosecutor and the con-
vening authority concerned. 
(5) TRIAL
BY
RANDOMIZED
JURY.—After the 
Chief Prosecutor makes a determination under para-
graph (3) to proceed to trial on a charge relating to 
a covered special victim offense, the matter shall be 
tried by a court-martial convened within the Armed 
Force of which the accused is a member in accordance 
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with the applicable provisions of chapter 47 of title 
10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice) except that, when convening a court-martial 
that is a general or special court-martial involving a 
covered special victim offense in which the accused 
elects a jury trial, the convening authority shall de-
tail members of the Armed Forces as members thereof 
at random unless the obtainability of members of the 
Armed Forces for such court-martial prevents the con-
vening authority from detailing such members at ran-
dom. 
(6) UNLAWFUL INFLUENCE OR COERCION.—The 
actions of the Chief Prosecutor under this subsection 
whether or not to try charges by court-martial shall 
be free of unlawful or unauthorized influence or coer-
cion. 
(d) EFFECT ON OTHER LAW.—This section shall su-
persede any provision of chapter 47 of title 10, United 
States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), that 
is inconsistent with this section, but only to the extent of 
the inconsistency. 
(e) TERMINATION AND TRANSITION.— 
(1) TERMINATION.—The authority of the Sec-
retary to carry out the Pilot Program shall terminate 
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four years after the date on which the Pilot Program 
is initiated. 
(2) TRANSITION.—The Secretary shall take such 
actions as are necessary to ensure that, on the date 
on which the Pilot Program terminates under para-
graph (1), any matter referred to the Chief Prosecutor 
under subsection (c)(2), but with respect to which the 
Chief Prosecutor has not made a determination under 
subsection (c)(3), shall be transferred to the appro-
priate convening authority for consideration. 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘Armed Force’’ has the meaning 
given that term in section 101(a)(4) of title 10, 
United States Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘covered special victim offense’’ 
means a special victim offense— 
(A) alleged to have been committed on or 
after the date of the enactment of this Act by a 
cadet of the United States Military Academy or 
the United States Air Force Academy, without 
regard to the location at which the offense was 
committed; or 
(B) alleged to have been committed on or 
after the date of the enactment of this Act by a 
midshipman of the United States Naval Acad-
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emy, without regard to the location at which the 
offense was committed. 
(3) The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of 
Defense. 
(4) The term ‘‘special victim offense’’ means any 
of the following: 
(A) An offense under section 917a, 920, 
920b, 920c, or 930 of title 10, United States 
Code (article 117a, 120, 120b, 120c, or 130 of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice). 
(B) A conspiracy to commit an offense spec-
ified in subparagraph (A) as punishable under 
section 881 of such title (article 81 of the Uni-
form Code of Military Justice). 
(C) A solicitation to commit an offense 
specified in subparagraph (A) as punishable 
under section 882 of such title (article 82 of the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice). 
(D) An attempt to commit an offense speci-
fied in subparagraph (A) as punishable under 
section 880 of such title (article 80 of the Uni-
form Code of Military Justice). 
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SEC. 539. TIMELY DISPOSITION OF NONPROSECUTABLE 
SEX-RELATED OFFENSES. 
(a) POLICY REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of De-
fense shall develop and implement a policy to ensure the 
timely disposition of nonprosecutable sex-related offenses in 
accordance with subsection (b). 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The policy developed under sub-
section (a) shall require the following: 
(1) Not later than seven days after the date on 
which a court-martial convening authority declines to 
refer a nonprosecutable sex-related offense for trial by 
general or special court-martial under chapter 47 of 
title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of 
Military Justice), the convening authority will for-
ward the investigation to the commander of the ac-
cused. 
(2) Not later than 90 days after the date on 
which the commander of the accused receives the in-
vestigation under paragraph (1)— 
(A) the commander will determine whether 
or not to take other judicial, nonjudicial, or ad-
ministrative action in connection with the con-
duct covered by the investigation, including any 
lesser included offenses, as authorized under sec-
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tion 815 of title 10, United States Code (article 
15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); and 
(B) in a case in which the commander of 
the accused decides to take additional action 
under subparagraph (A), the commander take 
such actions as appropriate. 
(c) NONPROSECUTABLE SEX-RELATED OFFENSE DE-
FINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘nonprosecutable sex-re-
lated offense’’ means an alleged sex-related offense (as that 
term is defined in section 1044e(g) of title 10, United States 
Code) that a court-martial convening authority has de-
clined to refer for trial by a general or special court-martial 
under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uni-
form Code of Military Justice) due to a determination that 
there is insufficient evidence to support prosecution of the 
sex-related offense. 
SEC. 540. TRAINING FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT INITIAL DIS-
POSITION AUTHORITIES ON EXERCISE OF 
DISPOSITION AUTHORITY FOR SEXUAL AS-
SAULT AND COLLATERAL OFFENSES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The training for sexual assault ini-
tial Disposition authorities on the exercise of disposition 
authority under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code 
(the Uniform Code of Military Justice), with respect to 
cases for which disposition authority is withheld to such 
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authorities by the April 20, 2012, memorandum of the Sec-
retary of Defense, or any successor memorandum, shall in-
clude comprehensive training on the exercise by such au-
thorities of such authority with respect to such cases in 
order to enhance the capabilities of such Authorities in the 
exercise of such authority and thereby promote confidence 
and trust in the military justice process with respect to such 
cases. 
(b) MEMORANDUM OF SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.—The 
April 20, 2012, memorandum of the Secretary of Defense 
referred to in subsection (a) is the memorandum of the Sec-
retary of Defense entitled ‘‘Withholding Initial Disposition 
Authority Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice in 
Certain Sexual Assault Cases’’ and dated April 20, 2012. 
Subtitle E—Other Legal Matters 
SEC. 541. STANDARD OF EVIDENCE APPLICABLE TO INVES-
TIGATIONS AND REVIEWS RELATED TO PRO-
TECTED COMMUNICATIONS OF MEMBERS OF 
THE ARMED FORCES AND PROHIBITED RE-
TALIATORY ACTIONS. 
(a) STANDARD OF EVIDENCE.—Section 1034 of title 
10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)(1)(B)(ii), by striking ‘‘as 
defined in subsection (i)’’ and inserting ‘‘as defined 
in subsection (k)’’; 
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(2) by redesignating subsections (i) and (j) as 
subsections (j) and (k), respectively; and 
(3) by inserting after subsection (h) the following 
new subsection (i): 
‘‘(i) STANDARD OF EVIDENCE.—A finding or other de-
termination made under any of subsections (c), (d), (g), or 
(h) may be based on the standards of evidence specified in 
section 1221(e) of title 5.’’. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by sub-
section (a) shall not apply to members of the Coast Guard. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by sub-
section (a) shall take effect on the date that is 30 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with 
respect to allegations pending or submitted under section 
1034 of title 10, United States Code, on or after that date. 
SEC. 542. EXPANSION OF SPECIAL VICTIMS’ COUNSEL FOR 
VICTIMS OF SEX-RELATED OR DOMESTIC VIO-
LENCE OFFENSES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1044e of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘sex-re-
lated’’ and inserting ‘‘sex-related or domestic 
violence’’; 
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(2) by striking ‘‘alleged sex-related offense’’ each 
place it appears and inserting ‘‘alleged sex-related of-
fense or alleged domestic violence offense’’; 
(3) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘an indi-
vidual described in paragraph (2)’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘an individual described in paragraph (3)’’; 
(B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as 
paragraph (3); and 
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the fol-
lowing new paragraph (2): 
‘‘(2) The Secretary concerned shall designate para-
legals (to be known as ‘Special Victims’ Counsel Para-
legals’) for the purpose of providing paralegal assistance to 
Special Victims’ Counsel.’’; 
(4) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ‘‘or the 
Family Advocacy Program’’ after ‘‘Victim Witness 
Assistance Program’’; 
(5) in subsection (d)(2)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘Special Victims’ Coun-
sel’’ and inserting ‘‘Special Victims’ Coun-
sel and a Special Victims’ Counsel Para-
legal’’; and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
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(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘Spe-
cial Victims’ Counsel.’’ and inserting ‘‘and a 
Special Victims’ Counsel Paralegal; and’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph: 
‘‘(C) ensure that a Special Victims’ Counsel re-
ceives the training necessary to meet the needs of a 
victim of an alleged sex-related offense or an alleged 
domestic violence offense.’’; 
(6) in subsection (f)(1), by inserting ‘‘a rep-
resentative of the Family Advocacy Program,’’ after 
‘‘Sexual Assault Victim Advocate,’’; 
(7) by amending subsection (g) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘alleged sex-related offense’ means 
any allegation of— 
‘‘(A) a violation of section 920, 920b, 920c, 
or 930 of this title (article 120, 120b, 120c, or 
130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); or 
‘‘(B) an attempt to commit an offense speci-
fied in a subparagraph (A) as punishable under 
section 880 of this title (article 80 of the Uni-
form Code of Military Justice). 
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‘‘(2) The term ‘alleged domestic violence offense’ 
means any allegation of— 
‘‘(A) a violation of section 928b of this title 
(article 128b of the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice); or 
‘‘(B) an attempt to commit such an offense 
as punishable under section 880 of this title (ar-
ticle 80 of the Uniform Code of Military Jus-
tice).’’; and 
(8) by adding at the end the following new sub-
sections: 
‘‘(i) MINIMUM STAFFING LEVEL.—Not later than two 
years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Sec-
retaries concerned shall ensure that the number Special Vic-
tims’ Counsel serving in each military department is suffi-
cient to ensure that the average caseload of a Special Vic-
tims’ Counsel does not exceed 25 cases at any given time. 
‘‘(j) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than December 1, 
2022, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Sec-
retaries concerned, shall submit to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives a report that includes— 
‘‘(1) an analysis of the caseloads of Special Vic-
tims’ Counsel and Special Victims’ Counsel Para-
legals, respectively; 
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‘‘(2) an assessment of the ability of the military 
departments to fill additional authorized billets for 
the Special Victims’ Counsel program to meet mission 
requirements; and 
‘‘(3) a description of how the training require-
ments for the Special Victims’ Counsel program have 
been expanded to meet the needs of victims of alleged 
domestic violence offenses.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at 
the beginning of chapter 53 of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended by striking the item relating to section 1044e 
and inserting the following new item: 
‘‘1044e. Special Victims’ Counsel for victims of sex-related or domestic violence of-
fenses.’’. 
SEC. 543. NOTIFICATION OF ISSUANCE OF MILITARY PRO-
TECTIVE ORDER TO CIVILIAN LAW ENFORCE-
MENT. 
(a) NOTIFICATION OF ISSUANCE.—Section 1567a of 
title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘and any indi-
vidual involved in the order does not reside on a mili-
tary installation at any time during the duration of 
the military protective order, the commander of the 
military installation shall notify’’ and inserting ‘‘, 
the commander of the unit to which the member is as-
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signed shall, not later than seven days after the date 
of the issuance of the order, notify’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection 
(c); 
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following 
new subsection (b); 
‘‘(b) NOTIFICATION IN EVENT OF TRANSFER.—In the 
event that a member of the armed forces against whom a 
military protective order is issued is transferred to another 
unit— 
‘‘(1) not later than the date of the transfer, the 
commander of the unit from which the member is 
transferred shall notify the commander of the unit to 
which the member is transferred of— 
‘‘(A) the issuance of the protective order; 
and 
‘‘(B) the individuals involved in the order; 
and 
‘‘(2) not later than seven days after receiving the 
notice under paragraph (1), the commander of the 
unit to which the member is transferred shall provide 
notice of the order to the appropriate civilian au-
thorities in accordance with subsection (a).’’; and 
(4) in subsection (c), as so redesignated, by strik-
ing ‘‘commander of the military installation’’ and in-
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serting ‘‘commander of the unit to which the member 
is assigned’’. 
(b) ANNUAL REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 
March 1, 2020, and each year thereafter through 2024, the 
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional de-
fense committees a report that identifies— 
(1) the number of military protective orders 
issued in the calendar year preceding the year in 
which the report is submitted; and 
(2) the number of such orders that were reported 
to appropriate civilian authorities in accordance with 
section 1567a(a) of title 10, United States Code, in 
such preceding year. 
SEC. 544. CLARIFICATIONS REGARDING SCOPE OF EMPLOY-
MENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF MEM-
BERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES. 
(a) CLARIFICATION
REGARDING
DEFINITION
OF 
RIGHTS
AND BENEFITS.—Section 4303(2) of title 38, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ before ‘‘The term’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
paragraph: 
‘‘(B) Any procedural protections or provisions 
set forth in this chapter shall also be considered a 
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right or benefit subject to the protection of this chap-
ter.’’. 
(b) CLARIFICATION REGARDING RELATION TO OTHER 
LAW AND PLANS FOR AGREEMENTS.—Section 4302 of such 
title is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(c)(1) Pursuant to this section and the procedural 
rights afforded by subchapter III of this chapter, any agree-
ment to arbitrate a claim under this chapter is unenforce-
able, unless all parties consent to arbitration after a com-
plaint on the specific claim has been filed in court or with 
the Merit Systems Protection Board and all parties know-
ingly and voluntarily consent to have that particular claim 
subjected to arbitration. 
‘‘(2) For purposes of this subsection, consent shall not 
be considered voluntary when a person is required to agree 
to arbitrate an action, complaint, or claim alleging a viola-
tion of this chapter as a condition of future or continued 
employment, advancement in employment, or receipt of any 
right or benefit of employment.’’. 
SEC. 545. MILITARY ORDERS REQUIRED FOR TERMINATION 
OF 
LEASES 
PURSUANT 
TO 
THE 
SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT. 
Section 305(i) of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act 
(50 U.S.C. 3955) is amended— 
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(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘(including 
orders for separation or retirement)’’ after ‘‘official 
military orders’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(3) PERMANENT
CHANGE
OF
STATION.—The 
term ‘permanent change of station’ includes separa-
tion or retirement from military service.’’. 
SEC. 546. CONSULTATION REGARDING VICTIM’S PREF-
ERENCE IN PROSECUTION JURISDICTION. 
Section 534(b) of the Carl Levin and Howard P. 
‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 10 U.S.C. 1044e 
note) is amended by— 
(1) redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as 
paragraphs (3) through (5), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the fol-
lowing new paragraph (2): 
‘‘(2) RECORD
OF
CONSULTATION
AND
VICTIM 
PREFERENCE.—The Secretary of Defense, acting 
through the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel 
and Readiness, shall issue guidance to ensure that the 
consultation under paragraph (1) is provided to each 
victim of an alleged sex-related offense described in 
such paragraph. Such guidance shall require that the 
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following information about each consultation is re-
corded and preserved in written or electronic format: 
‘‘(A) The time and date of the consultation. 
‘‘(B) The name of the individual who con-
sulted with the victim. 
‘‘(C) The result of the consultation, includ-
ing— 
‘‘(i) whether the victim expressed a 
preference under paragraph (1); and 
‘‘(ii) if the victim expressed a pref-
erence, whether the victim preferred that the 
offense be prosecuted by court-martial or in 
a civilian court.’’. 
SEC. 547. EXTENSION AND EXPANSION OF DEFENSE ADVI-
SORY COMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATION, PROS-
ECUTION, AND DEFENSE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT 
IN THE ARMED FORCES. 
Section 546 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ 
McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2015 (10 U.S.C. 1561 note) is amended— 
(1) by amending paragraph (2) of subsection (c) 
to read as follows: 
‘‘(2) BASIS
FOR
PROVISION
OF
ADVICE.—For 
purposes of providing advice to the Secretary pursu-
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ant to this subsection, the Advisory Committee 
shall— 
‘‘(A) review, on an ongoing basis, cases in-
volving allegations of sexual misconduct de-
scribed in paragraph (1); 
‘‘(B) study the feasibility of incorporating 
restorative justice models into the Uniform Code 
of Military Justice; and 
‘‘(C) review Rule for Courts-Martial 1001(c) 
(as set forth in the Manual for Courts-Martial, 
2019 edition, or any successor rule) to determine 
whether, and to what extent, the interpretation of 
that rule by military courts— 
‘‘(i) limits the ability of sexual assault 
victims 
to 
make 
statements 
during 
presentencing proceedings; and 
‘‘(ii) limits the content of such state-
ments.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ‘‘five years’’ 
and inserting ‘‘ten years’’. 
SEC. 548. DEFENSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE PRE-
VENTION OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT REQUIRED.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
establish and maintain within the Department of De-
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fense an advisory committee to be known as the ‘‘De-
fense Advisory Committee for the Prevention of Sex-
ual Misconduct’’ (in this section referred to as the 
‘‘Advisory Committee’’). 
(2) DEADLINE FOR ESTABLISHMENT.—The Sec-
retary shall establish the Advisory Committee not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee shall 
consist of not more than 20 members, appointed by 
the Secretary from among individuals who have an 
expertise appropriate for the work of the Advisory 
Committee, including at least one individual with 
each expertise as follows: 
(A) Expertise in the prevention of sexual 
assault and behaviors on the sexual assault con-
tinuum of harm. 
(B) Expertise in the prevention of suicide. 
(C) Expertise in trauma and trauma symp-
toms. 
(D) Expertise in the change of culture of 
large organizations. 
(E) Expertise in implementation science. 
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(2) BACKGROUND OF INDIVIDUALS.—Individuals 
appointed to the Advisory Committee may include in-
dividuals with expertise in sexual assault prevention 
efforts of institutions of higher education, public 
health officials, and such other individuals as the Sec-
retary considers appropriate. 
(3) PROHIBITION ON MEMBERSHIP OF MEMBERS 
OF ARMED FORCES ON ACTIVE DUTY.—A member of 
the Armed Forces serving on active duty may not 
serve as a member of the Advisory Committee. 
(c) DUTIES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee shall 
advise the Secretary on the following: 
(A) The prevention of sexual assault (in-
cluding rape, forcible sodomy, other sexual as-
sault, and other sexual misconduct (including be-
haviors on the sexual assault continuum of 
harm)) involving members of the Armed Forces. 
(B) The policies, programs, and practices of 
each military department, each Armed Force, 
and each military service academy for the pre-
vention of sexual assault as described in sub-
paragraph (A). 
(2) BASIS FOR PROVISION OF ADVICE.—For pur-
poses of providing advice to the Secretary pursuant to 
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this subsection, the Advisory Committee shall review, 
on an ongoing basis, the following: 
(A) Closed cases involving allegations of sex-
ual assault described in paragraph (1). 
(B) Efforts of institutions of higher edu-
cation to prevent sexual assault among students. 
(C) Any other information or matters that 
the Advisory Committee or the Secretary con-
siders appropriate. 
(3) COORDINATION OF EFFORTS.—In addition to 
the reviews required by paragraph (2), for purposes 
of providing advice to the Secretary the Advisory 
Committee shall also consult and coordinate with the 
Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Pros-
ecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed 
Forces (DAC-IPAD) on matters of joint interest to the 
two Advisory Committees. 
(d) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than March 30 each 
year, the Advisory Committee shall submit to the Secretary 
and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and 
the House of Representatives a report on the activities of 
the Advisory Committee pursuant to this section during the 
preceding year. 
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(e) SEXUAL ASSAULT CONTINUUM OF HARM.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘sexual assault continuum of harm’’ in-
cludes— 
(1) inappropriate actions (such as sexist jokes), 
sexual harassment, gender discrimination, hazing, 
cyber bullying, or other behavior that contributes to 
a culture that is tolerant of, or increases risk for, sex-
ual assault; and 
(2) maltreatment or ostracism of a victim for a 
report of sexual misconduct. 
(f) TERMINATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), the Advisory Committee shall terminate on 
the date that is five years after the date of the estab-
lishment of the Advisory Committee pursuant to sub-
section (a). 
(2) CONTINUATION.—The Secretary of Defense 
may continue the Advisory Committee after the termi-
nation date applicable under paragraph (1) if the 
Secretary determines that continuation of the Advi-
sory Committee after that date is advisable and ap-
propriate. If the Secretary determines to continue the 
Advisory Committee after that date, the Secretary 
shall notify the Committees on the Armed Services of 
the Senate and House of Representatives. 
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SEC. 549. SAFE TO REPORT POLICY APPLICABLE ACROSS 
THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall, in 
consultation with the Secretaries of the military depart-
ments, prescribe in regulations a safe to report policy de-
scribed in subsection (b) that applies with respect to all 
members of the Armed Forces (including members of the re-
serve components of the Armed Forces) and cadets and mid-
shipmen at the military service academies. 
(b) SAFE TO REPORT POLICY.—The safe to report pol-
icy described in this subsection is a policy under which a 
member of the Armed Forces who is the alleged victim of 
sexual assault, but who may have committed minor collat-
eral misconduct at or about the time of such sexual assault, 
or whose minor collateral misconduct is discovered only as 
a result of the investigation into such sexual assault, may 
report such sexual assault to proper authorities without fear 
or receipt of discipline in connection with such minor col-
lateral misconduct absent aggravating circumstances that 
increase the gravity of the minor collateral misconduct or 
its impact on good order and discipline. 
(c) MINOR COLLATERAL MISCONDUCT.—For purposes 
of the safe to report policy, minor collateral misconduct 
shall include any of the following: 
(1) Improper use or possession of alcohol. 
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(2) Consensual intimate behavior (including 
adultery) or fraternization. 
(3) Presence in an off-limits area. 
(4) Such other misconduct as the Secretary of 
Defense shall specify in the regulations under sub-
section (a). 
(d) AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES.—The regulations 
under subsection (a) shall specify aggravating cir-
cumstances that increase the gravity of minor collateral 
misconduct or its impact on good order and discipline for 
purposes of the safe to report policy. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘Armed Forces’’ has the meaning 
given that term in section 101(a)(4) of title 10, 
United States Code, except such term does not include 
the Coast Guard. 
(2) The term ‘‘military service academy’’ means 
the following: 
(A) The United States Military Academy. 
(B) The United States Naval Academy. 
(C) The United States Air Force Academy. 
SEC. 550. AVAILABILITY OF SPECIAL VICTIMS’ COUNSEL 
AND SPECIAL VICTIM PROSECUTORS AT MILI-
TARY INSTALLATIONS. 
(a) DEADLINE FOR AVAILABILITY.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—If an individual specified in 
paragraph (2) is not available at a military installa-
tion for access by a member of the Armed Forces who 
requests access to such an individual, such an indi-
vidual shall be made available at such installation for 
access by such member by not later than 48 hours 
after such request. 
(2) INDIVIDUALS.—The individuals specified in 
this paragraph are the following: 
(A) Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC). 
(B) Special Victim Prosecutor (SPC). 
(b) REPORT ON CIVILIAN SUPPORT OF SVCS.—Not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, each Secretary of a military department shall submit 
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the 
House of Representatives a report setting forth the assess-
ment of such Secretary of the feasibility and advisability 
of establishing and maintaining at each installation under 
the jurisdiction of such Secretary with a Special Victims’ 
Counsel one or more civilian positions for the purpose of— 
(1) providing support to such Special Victims’ 
Counsel; and 
(2) ensuring continuity and the preservation of 
institutional knowledge in transitions between the 
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service of individuals as Special Victims’ Counsel at 
such installation. 
SEC. 550a. NOTICE TO VICTIMS OF ALLEGED SEXUAL AS-
SAULT OF PENDENCY OF FURTHER ADMINIS-
TRATIVE ACTION FOLLOWING A DETERMINA-
TION NOT TO REFER TO TRIAL BY COURT- 
MARTIAL. 
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of De-
fense, upon a determination not to refer a case of alleged 
sexual assault for trial by court-martial under chapter 47 
of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Mili-
tary Justice), the commander making such determination 
shall periodically notify the victim of the status of a final 
determination on further action on such case, whether non- 
judicial punishment under section 815 of such title (article 
15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), other adminis-
trative action, or no further action. Such notifications shall 
continue not less frequently than monthly until such final 
determination. 
SEC. 550b. TRAINING FOR SPECIAL VICTIMS’ COUNSEL ON 
CIVILIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE MATTERS IN 
THE STATES OF THE MILITARY INSTALLA-
TIONS TO WHICH ASSIGNED. 
(a) TRAINING.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sub-
section (c), upon the assignment of a Special Victims’ 
Counsel (including a Victim Legal Counsel of the 
Navy) to a military installation in the United States, 
such Counsel shall be provided appropriate training 
on the law and policies of the State or States in 
which such military installation is located with re-
spect to the criminal justice matters specified in 
paragraph (2). The purpose of the training is to as-
sist such Counsel in providing victims of alleged sex- 
related offenses with information necessary to make 
an informed decision regarding preference as to the 
jurisdiction (whether court-martial or State court) in 
which such offenses will be prosecuted. 
(2) CRIMINAL JUSTICE MATTERS.—The criminal 
justice matters specified in this paragraph, with re-
spect to a State, are the following: 
(A) Victim rights. 
(B) Prosecution of criminal offenses. 
(C) Sentencing for conviction of criminal 
offenses. 
(b) ALLEGED SEX-RELATED OFFENSE DEFINED.—In 
this section, the term ‘‘alleged sex-related offense’’ means 
any allegation of— 
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(1) a violation of section 920, 920b, 920c, or 930 
of title 10, United States Code (article 120, 120b, 
120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Jus-
tice); or 
(2) an attempt to commit an offense specified in 
a paragraph (1) as punishable under section 880 of 
title 10, United States Code (article 80 of the Uni-
form Code of Military Justice). 
(c) EXCEPTION.—The requirements of this section do 
not apply to a Special Victims’ Counsel of the Coast Guard. 
Subtitle F—Member Education 
SEC. 551. AUTHORITY FOR DETAIL OF CERTAIN ENLISTED 
MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AS STU-
DENTS AT LAW SCHOOLS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 101 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating sections 2004a and 2004b 
as sections 2004b and 2004c, respectively; 
(2) by inserting after section 2004 the following 
new section: 
‘‘§ 2004a. Detail as students at law schools: certain en-
listed members 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of each military de-
partment may, under regulations prescribed by the Sec-
retary of Defense, detail enlisted members of the armed 
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forces as students at accredited law schools, located in the 
United States, for a period of training leading to the degree 
of bachelor of laws or juris doctor. No more than twenty- 
five officers from each military department may commence 
such training in any single fiscal year. 
‘‘(b) ELIGIBILITY FOR DETAIL.—To be eligible for de-
tail under subsection (a), a member must be a citizen of 
the United States and must— 
‘‘(1) as of the time training is to begin— 
‘‘(A) have served on active duty for a period 
of not less than four years nor more than eight 
years; 
‘‘(B) be in pay grade E–5 or E–6; and 
‘‘(C) meet all requirements for acceptance of 
a commission as a commissioned officer in the 
armed forces; and 
‘‘(2) sign an agreement that, unless sooner sepa-
rated, the member will— 
‘‘(A) complete the educational course of 
legal training; 
‘‘(B) upon completion of the educational 
course of legal training— 
‘‘(i) accept a commission as a commis-
sioned officer in the armed forces; and 
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‘‘(ii) accept transfer or detail as a 
judge advocate or law specialist within the 
department concerned; and 
‘‘(C) agree to serve on active duty following 
completion or other termination of the edu-
cational course of legal training for a period of 
two years for each year or part thereof of such 
training. 
‘‘(c) SELECTION.—Members detailed for legal training 
under subsection (a) shall be selected on a competitive basis 
by the Secretary of the military department concerned, 
under the regulations required by subsection (a). 
‘‘(d) SERVICE AND SERVICE OBLIGATIONS.—(1) Ex-
cept as provided in paragraph (2), any service obligation 
incurred by a member under an agreement entered into 
under subsection (b) shall be in addition to any service obli-
gation incurred by the member under any other provision 
of law or agreement. 
‘‘(2)(A) A member who does not successfully complete 
a course of legal training to which detailed pursuant to this 
section shall cease such detail and return to the armed force 
concerned as an enlisted member. 
‘‘(B) Any time of a member described by subparagraph 
(A) in a course of legal training described in that subpara-
graph shall not count toward satisfaction of any period of 
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service required under the current contract or agreement of 
the member for enlistment in the armed forces. 
‘‘(e) LIMITATION ON NUMBER DETAILABLE.—The ag-
gregate number of enlisted members detailed under this sec-
tion and commissioned officers detailed under section 2004 
of this title in any fiscal year by a Secretary of a military 
department may not exceed 25. 
‘‘(f) OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS.—Subsections 
(d) and (f) of section 2004 of this title shall apply to the 
detail of members under this section, except that any ref-
erence in such section to an ‘officer’ shall be deemed to be 
a reference to an ‘enlisted member’ for such purposes.’’. 
SEC. 552. EDUCATION OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 
ON CAREER READINESS AND PROFESSIONAL 
DEVELOPMENT. 
(a) PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION REQUIRED.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Chapter 101 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after sec-
tion 2015 the following new section: 
‘‘§ 2015a. Education of members on career readiness 
and professional development 
‘‘(a) PROGRAM OF EDUCATION REQUIRED.—The Sec-
retary of Defense shall carry out a program to provide edu-
cation on career readiness and professional development to 
members of the armed forces. 
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‘‘(b) ELEMENTS.—The program under this section 
shall provide members with the following: 
‘‘(1) Information on the transition plan as de-
scribed in section 1142(b)(10) of this title. 
‘‘(2) Information on opportunities available to 
members during military service for professional de-
velopment and preparation for a career after military 
service, including— 
‘‘(A) programs of education, certification, 
training, and employment assistance (including 
programs under sections 1143(e), 2007, and 2015 
of this title); and 
‘‘(B) programs and resources available to 
members in communities in the vicinity of mili-
tary installations. 
‘‘(3) Instruction on the use of online and other 
electronic mechanisms in order to access the edu-
cation, training, and assistance and resources de-
scribed in paragraph (2). 
‘‘(4) Such other information, instruction, and 
matters as the Secretary shall specify for purposes of 
this section. 
‘‘(c) TIMING OF PROVISION OF INFORMATION.—Subject 
to subsection (d), information, instruction, and other mat-
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ters under the program under this section shall be provided 
to members at the times as follows: 
‘‘(1) Upon arrival at first duty station. 
‘‘(2) Upon arrival at any subsequent duty sta-
tion. 
‘‘(3) Upon deployment. 
‘‘(4) Upon promotion. 
‘‘(5) Upon reenlistment. 
‘‘(6) At any other point in a military career 
specified by the Secretary for purposes of this section 
‘‘(d) SINGLE PROVISION OF INFORMATION IN A YEAR 
WITH MULTIPLE EVENTS.—A member who has received in-
formation and instruction under the program under this 
section in connection with an event specified in subsection 
(c) in a year may elect not to undergo additional receipt 
of information and instruction under the program in con-
nection with another such event in the year, unless such 
other event is arrival at a new duty station.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec-
tions at the beginning of chapter 101 of such title is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to sec-
tion 2015 the following new item: 
‘‘2015a. Education of members on career readiness and professional develop-
ment.’’. 
(b) REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report on the program of education re-
quired by section 2015a of title 10, United States 
Code (as added by subsection (a)), including the fol-
lowing: 
(A) A comprehensive description of the ac-
tions taken to implement the program of edu-
cation. 
(B) A comprehensive description of the pro-
gram of education. 
(2) APPROPRIATE
COMMITTEES
OF
CONGRESS 
DEFINED.—In this subsection, the term ‘‘appropriate 
committees of Congress’’ means— 
(A) the Committee on Armed Services and 
the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate; 
and 
(B) the Committee on Armed Services and 
the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House 
of Representatives. 
SEC. 553. DEFENSE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE FOREIGN LAN-
GUAGE CENTER. 
(a) AUTHORITY TO AWARD BACHELOR’S DEGREES.— 
Section 2168 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
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(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘Asso-
ciate’’ and inserting ‘‘Associate or Bachelor’’; 
and 
(2) by amending subsection (a) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(a) Subject to subsection (b), the Commandant of the 
Defense Language Institute may confer— 
‘‘(1) an Associate of Arts degree in a foreign lan-
guage upon any graduate of the Foreign Language 
Center of the Institute who fulfills the requirements 
for that degree; or 
‘‘(2) a Bachelor of Arts degree in a foreign lan-
guage upon any graduate of the Foreign Language 
Center of the Institute who fulfills the requirements 
for that degree.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at 
the beginning of chapter 108 of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended by striking the item relating to section 2168 
and inserting the following new item: 
‘‘2168. Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center: degree of Associate 
or Bachelor of Arts in foreign language.’’. 
SEC. 554. EXPANSION OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 
STARBASE PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2193b of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended— 
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(1) 
in 
the 
section 
heading, 
by 
striking 
‘‘science, mathematics, and technology’’ 
and inserting ‘‘science, technology, engineer-
ing, art and design, and mathematics’’; 
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘science, math-
ematics, and technology’’ and inserting ‘‘science, tech-
nology, engineering, art and design, and mathe-
matics’’; and 
(3) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘mathematics, 
science, and technology’’ and inserting ‘‘science, tech-
nology, engineering, art and design, and mathe-
matics’’; 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at 
the beginning of chapter 111 of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended by striking the item relating to section 2193b 
and inserting the following new item: 
‘‘2193b. Improvement of education in technical fields: program for support of ele-
mentary and secondary education in science, technology, engi-
neering, art and design, and mathematics.’’. 
SEC. 555. DEGREE GRANTING AUTHORITY FOR UNITED 
STATES 
ARMY 
ARMAMENT 
GRADUATE 
SCHOOL. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 751 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following 
new section: 
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‘‘§ 7422. Degree granting authority for United States 
Army Armament Graduate School 
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY.—Under regulations prescribed by 
the Secretary of the Army, the Chancellor of the United 
States Army Armament Graduate School may, upon the 
recommendation of the faculty and provost of the college, 
confer appropriate degrees upon graduates who meet the de-
gree requirements. 
‘‘(b) LIMITATION.—A degree may not be conferred 
under this section unless— 
‘‘(1) the Secretary of Education has rec-
ommended approval of the degree in accordance with 
the Federal Policy Governing Granting of Academic 
Degrees by Federal Agencies; and 
‘‘(2) the United States Army Armament Grad-
uate School is accredited by the appropriate civilian 
academic accrediting agency or organization to 
award the degree, as determined by the Secretary of 
Education. 
‘‘(c) 
CONGRESSIONAL
NOTIFICATION
REQUIRE-
MENTS.—(1) When seeking to establish degree granting au-
thority under this section, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and the House of Representatives— 
‘‘(A) a copy of the self-assessment questionnaire 
required by the Federal Policy Governing Granting of 
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Academic Degrees by Federal Agencies, at the time 
the assessment is submitted to the Department of 
Education’s National Advisory Committee on Institu-
tional Quality and Integrity; and 
‘‘(B) the subsequent recommendations and ra-
tionale of the Secretary of Education regarding the 
establishment of the degree granting authority. 
‘‘(2) Upon any modification or redesignation of exist-
ing degree granting authority, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and House of Representatives a report containing the ra-
tionale for the proposed modification or redesignation and 
any subsequent recommendation of the Secretary of Edu-
cation on the proposed modification or redesignation. 
‘‘(3) The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Com-
mittees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives a report containing an explanation of any ac-
tion by the appropriate academic accrediting agency or or-
ganization not to accredit the United States Army Arma-
ment Graduate School to award any new or existing de-
gree.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at 
the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the 
end the following new item: 
‘‘7422. Degree granting authority for United States Army Armament Graduate 
School.’’. 
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SEC. 556. CONGRESSIONAL NOMINATIONS FOR SENIOR RE-
SERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS SCHOL-
ARSHIPS. 
Section 7442 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(k) Any candidate not nominated under paragraphs 
(3) through (10) of subsection (a) may be considered by the 
Secretary of the Army in order of merit for appointment 
as a Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadet under 
section 2107 of this title.’’. 
SEC. 557. CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR TRANS-
FER FOR A STUDENT OF A MILITARY SERVICE 
ACADEMY WHO IS THE VICTIM OF A SEXUAL 
ASSAULT OR RELATED OFFENSE. 
(a) MILITARY ACADEMY.—Section 7461 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection: 
‘‘(e) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER 
FOR A CADET WHO IS THE VICTIM OF A SEXUAL ASSAULT 
OR RELATED OFFENSE.—(1) The Secretary of the Army 
shall provide for timely determination and action on an 
application for consideration of a transfer to another mili-
tary service academy submitted by a cadet who was a vic-
tim of a sexual assault or other offense covered by section 
920, 920a, or 920c of this title (article 120, 120a, or 120c 
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) so as to reduce 
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the possibility of retaliation against the cadet for reporting 
the sexual assault or other offense. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary of the Army shall prescribe regula-
tions to carry out this subsection, within guidelines pro-
vided by the Secretary of Defense that direct the Super-
intendent of the Military Academy, in coordination with 
the Superintendent of the military service academy to 
which the cadet wishes to transfer— 
‘‘(A) to approve or deny an application under 
this subsection not later than 72 hours after the sub-
mission of the application; and 
‘‘(B) to approve such application unless there 
are exceptional circumstances that require denial of 
the application. 
‘‘(3) If the Superintendent of the Military Academy 
or the Superintendent of the military service academy to 
which the cadet wishes to transfer denies an application 
under this subsection, the cadet may request review of the 
denial by the Secretary concerned, who shall grant or deny 
review not later than 72 hours after submission of the re-
quest for review. 
‘‘(4) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that all 
records of any request, determination, or action under this 
subsection remain confidential. 
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‘‘(5) A cadet who transfers under this subsection may 
retain the cadet’s appointment to the Military Academy or 
may be appointed to the military service academy to which 
the cadet transfers without regard to the limitations and 
requirements set forth in sections 7442, 8454, and 9442 of 
this title.’’. 
(b) NAVAL ACADEMY.—Section 8480 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following 
new subsection: 
‘‘(e) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER 
FOR A MIDSHIPMAN WHO IS THE VICTIM OF A SEXUAL AS-
SAULT OR RELATED OFFENSE.—(1) The Secretary of the 
Navy shall provide for timely determination and action on 
an application for consideration of a transfer to another 
military service academy submitted by a midshipman who 
was a victim of a sexual assault or other offense covered 
by section 920, 920a, or 920c of this title (article 120, 120a, 
or 120c of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) so as to 
reduce the possibility of retaliation against the midshipman 
for reporting the sexual assault or other offense. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary of the Navy shall prescribe regula-
tions to carry out this subsection, within guidelines pro-
vided by the Secretary of Defense that direct the Super-
intendent of the Naval Academy, in coordination with the 
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Superintendent of the military service academy to which 
the midshipman wishes to transfer— 
‘‘(A) to approve or deny an application under 
this subsection not later than 72 hours after the sub-
mission of the application; and 
‘‘(B) to approve such application unless there 
are exceptional circumstances that require denial of 
the application. 
‘‘(3) If the Superintendent of the Naval Academy or 
the Superintendent of the military service academy to 
which the midshipman wishes to transfer denies an applica-
tion under this subsection, the midshipman may request re-
view of the denial by the Secretary concerned, who shall 
grant or deny review not later than 72 hours after submis-
sion of the request for review. 
‘‘(4) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that all 
records of any request, determination, or action under this 
subsection remain confidential. 
‘‘(5) A midshipman who transfers under this sub-
section may retain the midshipman’s appointment to the 
Naval Academy or may be appointed to the military service 
academy to which the midshipman transfers without regard 
to the limitations and requirements set forth in sections 
7442, 8454, and 9442 of this title.’’. 
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(c) AIR FORCE ACADEMY.—Section 9461 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection: 
‘‘(e) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER 
FOR A CADET WHO IS THE VICTIM OF A SEXUAL ASSAULT 
OR RELATED OFFENSE.—(1) The Secretary of the Air Force 
shall provide for timely determination and action on an 
application for consideration of a transfer to another mili-
tary service academy submitted by a cadet who was a vic-
tim of a sexual assault or other offense covered by section 
920, 920a, or 920c of this title (article 120, 120a, or 120c 
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) so as to reduce 
the possibility of retaliation against the cadet for reporting 
the sexual assault or other offense. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary of the Air Force shall prescribe reg-
ulations to carry out this subsection, within guidelines pro-
vided by the Secretary of Defense that direct the Super-
intendent of the Air Force Academy, in coordination with 
the Superintendent of the military service academy to 
which the cadet wishes to transfer— 
‘‘(A) to approve or deny an application under 
this subsection not later than 72 hours after the sub-
mission of the application; and 
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‘‘(B) to approve such application unless there 
are exceptional circumstances that require denial of 
the application. 
‘‘(3) If the Superintendent of the Air Force Academy 
or the Superintendent of the military service academy to 
which the cadet wishes to transfer denies an application 
under this subsection, the cadet may request review of the 
denial by the Secretary concerned, who shall grant or deny 
review not later than 72 hours after submission of the re-
quest for review. 
‘‘(4) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that all 
records of any request, determination, or action under this 
subsection remain confidential. 
‘‘(5) A cadet who transfers under this subsection may 
retain the cadet’s appointment to the Air Force Academy 
or may be appointed to the military service academy to 
which the cadet transfers without regard to the limitations 
and requirements set forth in sections 7442, 8454, and 9442 
of this title.’’. 
SEC. 558. REDESIGNATION OF THE COMMANDANT OF THE 
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF 
TECHNOLOGY AS THE DIRECTOR AND CHAN-
CELLOR OF SUCH INSTITUTE. 
(a) REDESIGNATION.—Section 9414b(a) of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended— 
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(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘COM-
MANDANT’’ and inserting ‘‘DIRECTOR
AND CHAN-
CELLOR’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘Commandant’’ each place it ap-
pears and inserting ‘‘Director and Chancellor’’; and 
(3) in the heading of paragraph (3), by striking 
‘‘Commandant’’ and inserting ‘‘Director and Chan-
cellor’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 9414 of such 
title is amended by striking ‘‘Commandant’’ both places it 
appears and inserting ‘‘Director and Chancellor’’. 
(c) REFERENCES.—Any reference in any law, regula-
tion, map, document, paper, or other record of the United 
States to the Commandant of the United States Air Force 
Institute of Technology shall be deemed to be a reference 
to the Director and Chancellor of the United States Air 
Force Institute of Technology. 
SEC. 559. ELIGIBILITY OF ADDITIONAL ENLISTED MEMBERS 
FOR ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS OF THE 
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE. 
Section 9415(b) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(3) Enlisted members of the armed forces other 
than the Air Force who are participating in Commu-
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nity College of the Air Force affiliated joint-service 
training and education courses.’’. 
SEC. 560. SAFE-TO-REPORT POLICY APPLICABLE TO MILI-
TARY SERVICE ACADEMIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, in con-
sultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, 
shall prescribe in regulations a safe-to-report policy de-
scribed in subsection (b) that applies with respect to cadets 
and midshipmen at the military service academies. 
(b) SAFE-TO-REPORT POLICY.—The safe-to-report pol-
icy described in this subsection is a policy under which a 
cadet or midshipman at a military service academy who 
is the alleged victim of sexual assault, but who may have 
committed minor collateral misconduct at or about the time 
of such sexual assault, or whose minor collateral misconduct 
is discovered only as a result of the investigation into such 
sexual assault, may report such sexual assault to proper 
authorities without fear or receipt of discipline in connec-
tion with such minor collateral misconduct. 
(c) MINOR COLLATERAL MISCONDUCT.—For purposes 
of the safe-to-report policy, minor collateral misconduct 
shall include any of the following: 
(1) Improper use or possession of alcohol. 
(2) Consensual intimate behavior or fraterniza-
tion with another cadet or midshipman. 
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(3) Presence in an off-limits area. 
(4) Such other misconduct as the Secretary of 
Defense shall specify in the regulations under sub-
section (a). 
(d) MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY DEFINED.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘military service academy’’ means the fol-
lowing: 
(1) The United States Military Academy. 
(2) The United States Naval Academy. 
(3) The United States Air Force Academy. 
(4) The United States Coast Guard Academy. 
SEC. 560a. RECOUPMENT OF FUNDS FROM CADETS AND 
MIDSHIPMEN SEPARATED FOR CRIMINAL MIS-
CONDUCT. 
Not later than September 30, 2020, each Secretary of 
a military department shall prescribe regulations by which 
the Superintendent of a military service academy under the 
jurisdiction of the Secretary shall, pursuant to section 
303a(e) of title 37, United States Code, recoup the cost of 
advanced education received by a cadet or midshipman who 
is separated from that military service academy— 
(1) at any time before the cadet or midshipman 
graduates from the military service academy; and 
(2) for criminal misconduct by the cadet or mid-
shipman. 
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Subtitle G—Member Training and 
Transition 
SEC. 561. PROHIBITION ON GENDER-SEGREGATED TRAIN-
ING AT MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOTS. 
(a) PARRIS ISLAND.— 
(1) PROHIBITION.—Subject to paragraph (2), 
training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris 
Island, South Carolina, may not be segregated based 
on gender. 
(2) DEADLINE.—The Commandant of the Marine 
Corps shall carry out this subsection not later than 
five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. 
(b) SAN DIEGO.— 
(1) PROHIBITION.—Subject to paragraph (2), 
training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San 
Diego, California, may not be segregated based on 
gender. 
(2) DEADLINE.—The Commandant of the Marine 
Corps shall carry out this subsection not later than 
eight years after the date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 562. MEDICAL PERSONNEL AT MARINE CORPS RE-
CRUIT DEPOTS. 
Not later than September 30, 2020, the Secretary of 
the Navy, in coordination with the Navy Medical Depart-
ment, shall— 
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(1) assign personnel to the Marine Recruit 
Training Regiment at each Marine Corps Recruit 
Depot who— 
(A) possess sufficient medical training and 
equipment to evaluate sick recruits; and 
(B) is capable of determining whether a re-
cruit requires emergent care; and 
(2) ensure such personnel is available after busi-
ness hours in order to advise personnel regarding the 
course of action for managing a sick recruit. 
SEC. 563. ASSESSMENT OF DEATHS OF RECRUITS UNDER 
THE JURISDICTION OF THE SECRETARY OF 
THE NAVY. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Inspector General of the De-
partment of Defense shall conduct an assessment of the 
deaths of recruits at facilities under the jurisdiction of the 
Secretary of the Navy, and the effectiveness of the current 
medical protocols on the training bases. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than September 30, 2020, the 
Inspector General shall submit to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and the House of Representative a 
report containing the results of the assessment conducted 
under subsection (a). The report shall include the following: 
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(1) The number of recruits who died during 
basic training in the five years preceding the date of 
the report. 
(2) The causes of deaths described in paragraph 
(1). 
(3) The types of medical treatment that was pro-
vided to recruits described in paragraph (1). 
(4) Whether any of the deaths identified under 
paragraph (1) were found to be a result of medical 
negligence. 
(5) A description of medical capabilities and 
personnel available to the recruits at each facility. 
(6) A description of medical resources accessible 
to the recruits at the company level at each facility. 
(7) A description of 24-hour medical resources 
available to recruits at each facility. 
(8) An evaluation of the guidelines and resources 
in place to monitor sick recruits. 
(9) An evaluation of how supervisors evaluate 
and determine whether a sick recruit should continue 
training or further seek medical assistance. 
(10) An evaluation of how the Secretary of the 
Navy can increase visibility of the comprehensive 
medical status of a sick recruit to instructors and su-
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pervisors in order to provide better situational aware-
ness of the such medical status. 
(11) An evaluation of how to improve and med-
ical care for recruits. 
SEC. 564. INCLUSION OF SPECIFIC EMAIL ADDRESS BLOCK 
ON CERTIFICATE OF RELEASE OR DISCHARGE 
FROM ACTIVE DUTY (DD FORM 214). 
(a) MODIFICATION REQUIRED.—The Secretary of De-
fense shall modify the Certificate of Release or Discharge 
from Active Duty (DD Form 214) to include a specific block 
explicitly identified as the location in which a member of 
the Armed Forces may provide one or more email addresses 
by which the member may be contacted after discharge or 
release from active duty in the Armed Forces. 
(b) DEADLINE FOR MODIFICATION.—The Secretary of 
Defense shall release a revised Certificate of Release or Dis-
charge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), modified as re-
quired by subsection (a), not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 565. MACHINE READABILITY AND ELECTRONIC TRANS-
FERABILITY OF CERTIFICATE OF RELEASE OR 
DISCHARGE FROM ACTIVE DUTY (DD FORM 
214). 
(a) MODIFICATION REQUIRED.—The Secretary of De-
fense shall modify the Certificate of Release or Discharge 
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from Active Duty (DD Form 214) to be machine readable 
and electronically transferable. 
(b) DEADLINE FOR MODIFICATION.—The Secretary of 
Defense shall release a revised Certificate of Release or Dis-
charge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), modified pursu-
ant to subsection (a), not later than four years after the 
date of the enactment of this Act. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit a report to Congress regarding the following: 
(1) What systems of the Department of Defense 
require an individual to manually enter information 
from DD Form 214. 
(2) What activities of the Department of Defense 
require a veteran or former member of the Armed 
Forces to provide a physical copy of DD Form 214. 
(3) The order of priority for modernizing items 
identified under paragraphs (1) and (2) as deter-
mined by the Secretary. 
(4) The estimated cost, as determined by the Sec-
retary, to automate items identified under para-
graphs (1) and (2). 
SEC. 566. RECORDS OF SERVICE FOR RESERVES. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than September 30, 
2020, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and imple-
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ment a standard record of service for members of the reserve 
components of the Armed Forces, similar to DD Form 214, 
that summarizes the record of service of each such member, 
including dates of active duty service. 
(b) COORDINATION.—In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary of Defense shall coordinate with the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to ensure that the record established under 
this section is acceptable as proof of service for former mem-
bers of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who are 
eligible for benefits under laws administered by the Sec-
retary of Veterans Affairs to receive such benefits. 
Subtitle H—Military Family Readi-
ness and Dependents’ Education 
SEC. 571. AUTHORIZING MEMBERS TO TAKE LEAVE FOR A 
BIRTH OR ADOPTION IN MORE THAN ONE IN-
CREMENT. 
Section 701(i) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by striking paragraph (5). 
SEC. 572. DEFERRED DEPLOYMENT FOR MEMBERS WHO 
GIVE BIRTH. 
Section 701 of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(l) A member of the armed forces who gives birth 
while on active duty may not be deployed during the period 
of 12 months beginning on the date of such birth except— 
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‘‘(1) at the election of such member; and 
‘‘(2) with the approval of a health care provider 
employed at a military medical treatment facility.’’. 
SEC. 573. AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY CONCERNED TO 
TRANSPORT REMAINS OF A COVERED DECE-
DENT TO NO MORE THAN TWO PLACES SE-
LECTED BY THE PERSON DESIGNATED TO DI-
RECT DISPOSITION OF THE REMAINS. 
(a) AUTHORITY.—Section 1482(a)(8) of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(8)(A) Transportation of the remains, and trav-
el and transportation allowances as specified in regu-
lations prescribed under section 464 of title 37 for an 
escort of one person, to the place, subject to subpara-
graph (B), selected by the person designated to direct 
disposition of the remains or, if such a selection is not 
made, to a national or other cemetery which is se-
lected by the Secretary and in which burial of the de-
cedent is authorized. 
‘‘(B) The person designated to direct disposition 
of the remains may select two places under subpara-
graph (A) if the second place is a national cemetery. 
If that person selects two places, the Secretary con-
cerned may pay for transportation to the second place 
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only by means of reimbursement under to subsection 
(b). 
‘‘(C) When transportation of the remains in-
cludes transportation by aircraft under section 562 of 
the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 109–364; 10 U.S.C. 
1482 note), the Secretary concerned shall provide, to 
the maximum extent practicable, for delivery of the 
remains by air to the commercial, general aviation, 
or military airport nearest to the place selected by the 
designee.’’. 
(b) MILITARY ESCORT AND HONOR GUARD ONLY TO 
FIRST LOCATION.—Section 562(b) of the John Warner Na-
tional Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Pub-
lic Law 109–364; 10 U.S.C. 1482 note) is amended by add-
ing at the end the following: ‘‘If the person designated to 
direct disposition of the remains selects two places under 
such section, the term means only the first of those two 
places.’’. 
SEC. 574. CLARIFICATION REGARDING ELIGIBILITY TO 
TRANSFER ENTITLEMENT UNDER POST-9/11 
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. 
Section 3319(j) of title 38, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
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‘‘(3) The Secretary of Defense may not prescribe any 
regulation that would provide for a limitation on eligibility 
to transfer unused education benefits to family members 
based on a maximum number of years of service in the 
Armed Forces.’’. 
SEC. 575. ABSENTEE BALLOT TRACKING PROGRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF PROGRAM.— 
Section 102(h) of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Ab-
sentee Voting Act (52 U.S.C. 20302(h)) is amended to read 
as follows: 
‘‘(h) ABSENTEE BALLOT TRACKING PROGRAM.— 
‘‘(1) REQUIRING
ESTABLISHMENT
AND
OPER-
ATION OF PROGRAM.—The chief State election official, 
in coordination with local election jurisdictions, shall 
establish and operate an absentee ballot tracking pro-
gram described in paragraph (2) for the use of absent 
uniformed services voters and overseas voters. 
‘‘(2) PROGRAM DESCRIBED.— 
‘‘(A) INFORMATION ON TRANSMISSION AND 
RECEIPT OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS.—An absentee 
ballot tracking program described in this para-
graph is a program under which— 
‘‘(i) the State or local election official 
responsible for the transmission of absentee 
ballots in an election for Federal office oper-
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ates procedures to track and confirm the 
transmission of such ballots and to make 
information on the transmission of such a 
ballot available by means of online access 
using the internet site of the official’s office; 
and 
‘‘(ii) the State or local election official 
responsible for the receipt of absentee ballots 
in an election for Federal office operates 
procedures to track and confirm the receipt 
of such ballots and (subject to subparagraph 
(B)) to make information on the receipt of 
such a ballot available by means of online 
access using the internet site of the official’s 
office. 
‘‘(B) SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON RECEIPT 
OF VOTED ABSENTEE BALLOTS.—The informa-
tion required to be made available under clause 
(ii) of subparagraph (A) with respect to the re-
ceipt of a voted absentee ballot in an election for 
Federal office shall include information regard-
ing whether the vote cast on the ballot was count-
ed, and, in the case of a vote which was not 
counted, the reasons therefor. The appropriate 
State or local election official shall make the in-
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formation described in the previous sentence 
available during the 30-day period that begins 
on the date on which the results of the election 
are certified, or during such earlier 30-day pe-
riod as the official may provide. 
‘‘(3) USE OF TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER 
BY OFFICIALS WITHOUT INTERNET SITE.—A program 
established and operated by a State or local election 
official whose office does not have an internet site 
may meet the requirements of paragraph (2) if the of-
ficial has established and operates a toll-free telephone 
number that may be used to obtain the information 
on the transmission or receipt of the absentee ballot 
which is required under such paragraph.’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by sub-
section (a) shall apply with respect to elections held during 
2020 or any succeeding year. 
SEC. 576. ANNUAL STATE REPORT CARD. 
Section 1111(h)(1)(C)(ii) of the Elementary and Sec-
ondary 
Education 
Act 
of 
1965 
(20 
U.S.C. 
6311(h)(1)(C)(ii)) is amended by striking ‘‘on active duty 
(as defined in section 101(d)(5) of such title)’’. 
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SEC. 577. TRANSPORTATION OF REMAINS OF CASUALTIES; 
TRAVEL EXPENSES FOR NEXT OF KIN. 
(a) TRANSPORTATION FOR REMAINS OF A MEMBER 
WHO DIES NOT IN A THEATER OF COMBAT OPERATIONS.— 
Section 562 of the John Warner National Defense Author-
ization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 109–364; 10 
U.S.C. 1482 note) is amended— 
(1) in the heading, by striking ‘‘DYING IN A 
THEATER OF COMBAT OPERATIONS’’; and 
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘in a combat 
theater of operations’’ and inserting ‘‘outside of the 
United States’’. 
(b) TRANSPORTATION FOR FAMILY.—The Secretary of 
Defense shall revise Department of Defense Instruction 
1300.18 to extend travel privileges via Invitational Travel 
Authorization to family members of members of the Armed 
Forces who die outside of the United States and whose re-
mains are returned to the United States through the mor-
tuary facility at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. 
SEC. 578. MEETINGS OF OFFICIALS OF THE DEPARTMENT 
OF DEFENSE WITH SURVIVORS OF DECEASED 
MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) CHIEFS OF THE ARMED FORCES.—The Secretary 
of Defense shall direct the chiefs of the Armed Forces to meet 
periodically with survivors of deceased members of the 
Armed Forces to receive feedback from those survivors re-
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garding issues affecting such survivors. The Chief of the Na-
tional Guard Bureau shall meet with survivors of deceased 
members of the Air National Guard and the Army National 
Guard. 
(b) UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR PERSONNEL 
AND READINESS.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Per-
sonnel and Readiness shall meet periodically with survivors 
of deceased members of the Armed Forces to discuss policies 
of the Department of Defense regarding military casualties 
and Gold Star families. 
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than April 1, 2020, the 
Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness 
shall brief the Committee on Armed Services of the House 
of Representatives regarding policies established and the re-
sults of the meetings under subsection (b). 
SEC. 579. DIRECT EMPLOYMENT PILOT PROGRAM FOR MEM-
BERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RE-
SERVE, VETERANS, THEIR SPOUSES AND DE-
PENDENTS, AND MEMBERS OF GOLD STAR 
FAMILIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense may 
carry out a pilot program to enhance the efforts of the De-
partment of Defense to provide job placement assistance and 
related employment services directly to the following: 
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(1) Members of the National Guard and Reserves 
in reserve active status. 
(2) Veterans of the Armed Forces. 
(3) Spouses and other dependents of individuals 
referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2). 
(4) Members of Gold Star Families. 
(b) ADMINISTRATION.—The pilot program shall be of-
fered to, and administered by, the adjutants general ap-
pointed under section 314 of title 32, United States Code, 
or other officials in the States concerned designated by the 
Secretary for purposes of the pilot program. 
(c) COST-SHARING REQUIREMENT.—As a condition on 
the provision of funds under this section to a State to sup-
port the operation of the pilot program in the State, the 
State must agree to contribute an amount, derived from 
non-Federal sources, equal to at least 50 percent of the funds 
provided by the Secretary to the State under this section. 
(d) DIRECT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM MODEL.—The 
pilot program should follow a job placement program model 
that focuses on working one-on-one with individuals speci-
fied in subsection (a) to cost-effectively provide job place-
ment services, including services such as identifying unem-
ployed and underemployed individuals, job matching serv-
ices, resume editing, interview preparation, and post-em-
ployment follow up. Development of the pilot program 
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should be informed by existing State direct employment 
programs for members of the reserve components and vet-
erans. 
(e) TRAINING.—The pilot program should draw on the 
resources provided to transitioning members of the Armed 
Forces with civilian training opportunities through the 
SkillBridge trainsition training program administered by 
the Department of Defense. 
(f) EVALUATION.—The Secretary shall develop outcome 
measurements to evaluate the success of the pilot program. 
(g) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.— 
(1) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than March 
1, 2021, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees a report describing 
the results of the pilot program. The Secretary shall 
prepare the report in coordination with the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs and the Chief of the National 
Guard Bureau. 
(2) ELEMENTS
OF
REPORT.—A report under 
paragraph (1) shall include the following: 
(A) A description and assessment of the ef-
fectiveness and achievements of the pilot pro-
gram, including the number of members of the 
reserve components and veterans of the Armed 
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Forces hired and the cost-per-placement of par-
ticipating members and veterans. 
(B) An assessment of the impact of the pilot 
program and increased reserve component em-
ployment levels on the readiness of members of 
the reserve components and on the retention of 
members of the Armed Forces. 
(C) A comparison of the pilot program to 
other programs conducted by the Department of 
Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to 
provide unemployment and underemployment 
support to members of the reserve components 
and veterans of the Armed Forces, including the 
best practices developed through and used in 
such programs. 
(D) Any other matters considered appro-
priate by the Secretary of Defense. 
(h) DURATION
OF AUTHORITY.—The authority to 
carry out the pilot program expires on September 30, 2023, 
except that the Secretary may, at the Secretary’s discretion, 
extend the pilot program for not more than two additional 
fiscal years. 
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SEC. 580. CONTINUED ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOLS WITH SIG-
NIFICANT NUMBERS OF MILITARY DEPEND-
ENT STUDENTS. 
(a) ASSISTANCE
TO SCHOOLS WITH SIGNIFICANT 
NUMBERS OF MILITARY DEPENDENT STUDENTS.—Of the 
amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2020 
in Division D of this Act and available for operation and 
maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the 
funding table in Section 4301 of this Act, $40,000,000 shall 
be available only for the purpose of providing assistance 
to local educational agencies under subsection (a) of section 
572 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2006 (Public Law 109–163; 20 U.S.C. 7703b). 
(b) IMPACT AID FOR CHILDREN WITH SEVERE DIS-
ABILITIES.—Of the amount authorized to be appropriated 
for fiscal year 2020 in Division D of this Act and available 
for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities 
as specified in the funding table in Section 4301 of this 
Act, $10,000,000 shall be available for payments under sec-
tion 363 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Author-
ization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Public Law 106–398; 20 
U.S.C. 7703a). 
(c) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY DEFINED.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘local educational agency’’ has the mean-
ing given that term in section 7013(9) of the Elementary 
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7713(9)). 
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Subtitle I—Decorations and Awards 
SEC. 581. EXPANSION OF GOLD STAR LAPEL BUTTON ELIGI-
BILITY TO STEPSIBLINGS; FREE REPLACE-
MENT. 
(a) ELIGIBILITY OF STEPSIBLINGS.—Subsection (d)(3) 
of section 1126 of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘and half sisters’’ and inserting ‘‘half sisters, 
stepbrothers, and stepsisters’’. 
(b) FREE REPLACEMENT.—Subsection (c) of such sec-
tion is amended by striking ‘‘and payment of an amount 
sufficient to cover the cost of manufacture and distribution’’ 
and inserting ‘‘at no cost to that person’’. 
SEC. 582. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ATOMIC VETERANS 
SERVICE MEDAL. 
(a) SERVICE MEDAL REQUIRED.—The Secretary of 
Defense shall design and produce a military service medal, 
to be known as the ‘‘Atomic Veterans Service Medal’’, to 
honor retired and former members of the Armed Forces who 
are radiation-exposed veterans (as such term is defined in 
section 1112(c)(3) of title 38, United States Code). 
(b) DISTRIBUTION OF MEDAL.— 
(1) ISSUANCE TO RETIRED AND FORMER MEM-
BERS.—At the request of a radiation-exposed veteran, 
the Secretary of Defense shall issue the Atomic Vet-
erans Service Medal to the veteran. 
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(2) ISSUANCE TO NEXT-OF-KIN.—In the case of a 
radiation-exposed veteran who is deceased, the Sec-
retary may provide for issuance of the Atomic Vet-
erans Service Medal to the next-of-kin of the person. 
(3) APPLICATION.—The Secretary shall prepare 
and disseminate as appropriate an application by 
which radiation-exposed veterans and their next-of- 
kin may apply to receive the Atomic Veterans Service 
Medal. 
SEC. 583. REVIEW OF WORLD WAR I VALOR MEDALS. 
(a) REVIEW REQUIRED.—Each Secretary concerned 
shall review the service records of each World War I veteran 
described in subsection (b) under the jurisdiction of such 
Secretary who is recommended for such review by the Valor 
Medals Review Task Force referred to in subsection (c), or 
another veterans service organization, in order to determine 
whether such veteran should be awarded the Medal of Honor 
for valor during World War I. 
(b) COVERED WORLD WAR I VETERANS.—The World 
War I veterans whose service records are to be reviewed 
under subsection (a) are the following: 
(1) Any African American war veteran, Asian 
American war veteran, Hispanic American war vet-
eran, Jewish American war veteran, or Native Amer-
ican war veteran who was awarded the Distinguished 
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Service Cross or the Navy Cross for an action that oc-
curred between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 
1918. 
(2) Any African American war veteran, Asian 
American war veteran, Hispanic American war vet-
eran, Jewish American war veteran, or Native Amer-
ican war veteran who was awarded the Croix de 
Guerre with Palm (that is, awarded at the Army level 
or above) by the Government of France for an action 
that occurred between April 6, 1917, and November 
11, 1918. 
(3) Any African American war veteran, Asian 
American war veteran, Hispanic American war vet-
eran, Jewish American war veteran, or Native Amer-
ican war veteran who was recommended for a Medal 
of Honor for an action that occurred from April 6, 
1917, to November 11, 1918, if the Department of De-
fense possesses or receives records relating to such rec-
ommendation. 
(c) CONSULTATIONS.—In carrying out the review 
under subsection (a), each Secretary concerned may consult 
with the Valor Medals Review Task Force, jointly estab-
lished by the United States Foundation for the Commemo-
ration of the World Wars (in consultation with the United 
States World War One Centennial Commission) and the 
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George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War, and 
with such other veterans service organizations as such Sec-
retary determines appropriate, until the conclusion of the 
review. 
(d) RECOMMENDATION BASED ON REVIEW.—If a Sec-
retary concerned determines, based upon the review under 
subsection (a), that the award of the Medal of Honor to 
a covered World War I veteran is warranted, such Secretary 
shall submit to the President a recommendation that the 
President award the Medal of Honor to that veteran. 
(e) AUTHORITY TO AWARD MEDAL OF HONOR.—The 
Medal of Honor may be awarded to a World War I veteran 
in accordance with a recommendation of a Secretary con-
cerned under subsection (d). 
(f) WAIVER OF TIME LIMITATIONS.—An award of the 
Medal of Honor may be made under subsection (e) without 
regard to— 
(1) section 7274 or 8298 of title 10, United 
States Code, as applicable; and 
(2) any regulation or other administrative re-
striction on— 
(A) the time for awarding the Medal of 
Honor; or 
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(B) the awarding of the Medal of Honor for 
service for which a Distinguished Service Cross 
or Navy Cross has been awarded. 
(g) DEFINITIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In this section: 
(A) AFRICAN AMERICAN WAR VETERAN.— 
The term ‘‘African American war veteran’’ 
means any person who served in the United 
States Armed Forces between April 6, 1917, and 
November 11, 1918, and who identified himself 
as of African descent on his military personnel 
records. 
(B) ASIAN AMERICAN WAR VETERAN.—The 
term ‘‘Asian American war veteran’’ means any 
person who served in the United States Armed 
Forces between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 
1918, and who identified himself racially, na-
tionally, or ethnically as originating from a 
country in Asia on his military personnel 
records. 
(C) HISPANIC AMERICAN WAR VETERAN.— 
The term ‘‘Hispanic American war veteran’’ 
means any person who served in the United 
States Armed Forces between April 6, 1917, and 
November 11, 1918, and who identified himself 
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racially, nationally, or ethnically as originating 
from a country where Spanish is an official lan-
guage on his military personnel records. 
(D) JEWISH
AMERICAN
WAR
VETERAN.— 
The term ‘‘Jewish American war veteran’’ mean 
any person who served in the United States 
Armed Forces between April 6, 1917, and No-
vember 11, 1918, and who identified himself as 
Jewish on his military personnel records. 
(E) NATIVE AMERICAN WAR VETERAN.—The 
term ‘‘Native American war veteran’’ means any 
person who served in the United States Armed 
Forces between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 
1918, and who identified himself as a member of 
a federally recognized tribe within the modern 
territory of the United States on his military 
personnel records. 
(F) SECRETARY
CONCERNED.—The term 
‘‘Secretary concerned’’ means— 
(i) the Secretary of the Army, in the 
case of members of the Armed Forces who 
served in the Army between April 6, 1917, 
and November 11, 1918; and 
(ii) the Secretary of the Navy, in the 
case of members of the Armed Forces who 
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served in the Navy or the Marine Corps be-
tween April 6, 1917, and November 11, 
1918. 
(2) APPLICATION OF DEFINITIONS OF ORIGIN.— 
If the military personnel records of a person do not 
reflect the person’s membership in one of the groups 
identified in subparagraphs (B) through (F) of para-
graph (1) but historical evidence exists that dem-
onstrates the person’s Jewish faith held at the time of 
service, or that the person identified himself as of Af-
rican, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American descent, 
the person may be treated as being a member of the 
applicable group by the Secretary concerned (in con-
sultation with the organizations referred to in sub-
section (c)) for purposes of this section. 
Subtitle J—Miscellaneous Reports 
and Other Matters 
SEC. 591. REPEAL OF QUARTERLY REPORT ON END 
STRENGTHS. 
Section 115(e) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by striking paragraph (3). 
SEC. 592. REVISION OF WORKPLACE AND GENDER RELA-
TIONS SURVEYS. 
(a) SURVEYS OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.— 
Section 481(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
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(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by 
inserting ‘‘unwanted sexual contact,’’ after ‘‘assault,’’; 
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) 
as paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively; 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2), the fol-
lowing new paragraph (3): 
‘‘(3) The specific types of unwanted sexual con-
tact that have occurred, and the number of times each 
respondent has been subjected to unwanted sexual con-
tact during the preceding year.’’; 
(4) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by 
striking ‘‘and assault’’ and inserting ‘‘assault, and 
unwanted sexual contact’’; 
(5) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by 
striking ‘‘or assault’’ and inserting ‘‘assault, or un-
wanted sexual contact’’. 
(b) SURVEYS OF CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES OF THE DE-
PARTMENT OF DEFENSE.—Section 481a of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘and dis-
crimination’’ and inserting ‘‘discrimination, and un-
wanted sexual contact’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
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(A) 
by 
redesignating 
paragraphs 
(3) 
through (5) as paragraphs (4) through (6), re-
spectively; 
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the fol-
lowing new paragraph (3): 
‘‘(3) The specific types of unwanted sexual con-
tact that civilian employees of the Department were 
subjected to by other personnel of the Department (in-
cluding contractor personnel), and the number of 
times each respondent has been subjected to unwanted 
sexual contact during the preceding fiscal year.’’; 
(C) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by 
striking ‘‘and discrimination’’ and inserting 
‘‘discrimination, and unwanted sexual contact’’; 
and 
(D) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by 
striking ‘‘or discrimination’’ and inserting ‘‘dis-
crimination, or unwanted sexual contact’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by sub-
sections (a) and (b) shall take effect on the date of the enact-
ment of this Act and shall apply with respect to surveys 
under sections 481 and 481a of title 10, United States Code, 
that are initiated after such date. 
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SEC. 593. MODIFICATION OF ELEMENTS OF REPORTS ON 
THE 
IMPROVED 
TRANSITION 
ASSISTANCE 
PROGRAM. 
Section 552(b)(4) of the John S. McCain National De-
fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 
115–232) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through 
(D) as subparagraphs (B) through (E), respectively; 
(2) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as re-
designated by paragraph (1), the following new sub-
paragraph (A): 
‘‘(A) The total number of members eligible 
to attend Transition Assistance Program coun-
seling.’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new sub-
paragraphs: 
‘‘(F) The number of members who partici-
pated in programs under section 1143(e) of title 
10, United States Code (commonly referred to as 
‘Job Training, Employment Skills, Apprentice-
ships and Internships (JTEST-AI)’ or ‘Skill 
Bridge’). 
‘‘(G) Such other information as is required 
to provide Congress with a comprehensive de-
scription of the participation of the members in 
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the Transition Assistance Program and pro-
grams described in subparagraph (F).’’. 
SEC. 594. QUESTIONS IN WORKPLACE SURVEYS REGARDING 
SUPREMACIST, EXTREMIST, AND RACIST AC-
TIVITY. 
The Secretary of Defense shall include, in the work-
place and equal opportunity, command climate, and work-
place and gender relations surveys administered by the Of-
fice of People Analytics of the Department of Defense, ques-
tions regarding whether respondents have ever— 
(1) experienced or witnessed in the workplace— 
(A) supremacist activity; 
(B) extremist activity; or 
(C) racism; and 
(2) reported activity described in paragraph (1). 
SEC. 595. COMMAND MATTERS IN CONNECTION WITH TRAN-
SITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. 
(a) INCLUSION OF SUPPORT FOR PARTICIPATION IN 
PROGRAMS
IN COMMAND CLIMATE ASSESSMENTS.—Not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, each command climate assessment for the commander 
of a military installation shall include an assessment of the 
extent to which the commander and other command per-
sonnel at the installation encourage and support the par-
ticipation in covered transition assistance programs of 
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members of the Armed Forces at the installation who are 
eligible for participation in such programs. 
(b) TRAINING ON PROGRAMS.—The training provided 
a commander of a military installation in connection with 
the commencement of assignment to the installation shall 
include a module on the covered transition assistance pro-
grams available for members of the Armed Forces assigned 
to the installation. 
(c) COVERED TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 
DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘covered transition as-
sistance programs’’ means the following: 
(1) The Transition Assistance Program. 
(2) The programs under section 1143(e) of title 
10, United States Code (commonly referred to as ‘‘Job 
Training, Employment Skills, Apprenticeships and 
Internships (JTEST–AI)’’ or ‘‘Skill Bridge’’). 
(3) Any program of apprenticeship, on-the-job- 
training, internship, education, or transition assist-
ance offered (whether by public or private entities) in 
the vicinity of the military installation concerned in 
which members of the Armed Forces at the installa-
tion are eligible to participate. 
(4) Any other program of apprenticeship, on-the- 
job training, internship, education, or transition as-
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sistance specified by the Secretary of Defense for pur-
poses of this section. 
SEC. 596. EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF 
A 
‘‘GOLD 
STAR 
FAMILIES 
REMEMBRANCE 
DAY’’. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
(1) March 2, 2020, marked the 91st anniversary 
of President Calvin Coolidge signing an Act of Con-
gress that approved and funded the first Gold Star 
pilgrimage to enable Gold Star families to travel to 
the gravesites of their loved ones who died during 
World War I. 
(2) The members of the Armed Forces of the 
United States bear the burden of protecting the free-
dom of the people of the United States. 
(3) The sacrifices of the families of the fallen 
members of the Armed Forces of the United States 
should never be forgotten. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress 
to— 
(1) support the designation of a ‘‘Gold Star 
Families Remembrance Day’’; 
(2) honor and recognize the sacrifices made by 
the families of members of the Armed Forces of the 
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United States who gave their lives to defend freedom 
and protect America; and 
(3) encourage the people of the United States to 
observe ‘‘Gold Star Families Remembrance Day’’ 
by— 
(A) performing acts of service and good will 
in their communities; and 
(B) celebrating the lives of those who have 
made the ultimate sacrifice so that others could 
continue to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of 
happiness. 
TITLE VI—COMPENSATION AND 
OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS 
Subtitle A—Pay and Allowances 
SEC. 601. CLARIFICATION OF CONTINUATION OF PAYS DUR-
ING HOSPITALIZATION AND REHABILITATION 
RESULTING FROM WOUNDS, INJURY, OR ILL-
NESS INCURRED WHILE ON DUTY IN A HOS-
TILE FIRE AREA OR EXPOSED TO AN EVENT 
OF HOSTILE FIRE OR OTHER HOSTILE AC-
TION. 
Section 372(b)(1) of title 37, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(1) The date on which the member is returned 
for assignment to other than a medical or patient 
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unit for duty; however, in the case of a member under 
the jurisdiction of a Secretary of a military depart-
ment, the date on which the member is determined fit 
for duty.’’. 
SEC. 602. BASIC NEEDS ALLOWANCE FOR LOW-INCOME REG-
ULAR MEMBERS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 37, United States 
Code, is amended by inserting after section 402a the fol-
lowing new section: 
‘‘§ 402b. Basic needs allowance for low-income regular 
members 
‘‘(a) ALLOWANCE REQUIRED.—(1) Subject to para-
graph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall pay to each covered 
member a basic needs allowance in the amount determined 
for such member under subsection (b). 
‘‘(2) In the event a household contains two or more 
covered members entitled to receive the allowance under this 
section in a given year, only one allowance may be paid 
for that year to a covered member among such covered mem-
bers whom such covered members shall jointly elect. 
‘‘(b) AMOUNT OF ALLOWANCE FOR A COVERED MEM-
BER.—(1) The amount of the monthly allowance payable 
to a covered member under subsection (a) for a year shall 
be the aggregate amount equal to— 
‘‘(A) the aggregate amount equal to— 
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‘‘(i) 130 percent of the Federal poverty guide-
lines of the Department of Health and Human Serv-
ices for the location and number of persons in the 
household of the covered member for such year; minus 
‘‘(ii) the gross household income of the covered 
member during the preceding year; and 
‘‘(B) divided by 12. 
‘‘(2) The monthly allowance payable to a covered mem-
ber for a year shall be payable for each of the 12 months 
following March of such year. 
‘‘(c) NOTICE OF ELIGIBILITY.—(1)(A) Not later than 
December 31 each year, the Director of the Defense Finance 
and Accounting Service shall notify, in writing, each indi-
vidual whom the Director estimates will be a covered mem-
ber during the following year of the potential entitlement 
of that individual to the allowance described in subsection 
(a) for that following year. 
‘‘(B) The preliminary notice under subparagraph (A) 
shall include information regarding financial management 
and assistance programs administered by the Secretary of 
Defense for which a covered member is eligible. 
‘‘(2) Not later than January 31 each year, each indi-
vidual who seeks to receive the allowance for such year 
(whether or not subject to a notice for such year under para-
graph (1)) shall submit to the Director such information 
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as the Director shall require for purposes of this section in 
order to determine whether or not such individual is a cov-
ered member for such year. 
‘‘(3) Not later than February 28 each year, the Direc-
tor shall notify, in writing, each individual the Director 
determines to be a covered member for such year. 
‘‘(d) ELECTION NOT TO RECEIVE ALLOWANCE.—(1) A 
covered member otherwise entitled to receive the allowance 
under subsection (a) for a year may elect, in writing, not 
to receive the allowance for such year. Any election under 
this subsection shall be effective only for the year for which 
made. Any election for a year under this subsection is irrev-
ocable. 
‘‘(2) A covered member who does not submit informa-
tion described in subsection (d)(2) for a year as otherwise 
required by that subsection shall be deemed to have elected 
not to receive the allowance for such year. 
‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘covered member’ means a regular 
member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air 
Force— 
‘‘(A) who has completed initial entry train-
ing; 
‘‘(B) whose gross household income during 
the most recent year did not exceed an amount 
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equal to 130 percent of the Federal poverty 
guidelines of the Department of Health and 
Human Services for the location and number of 
persons in the household of the covered member 
for such year; and 
‘‘(C) who does not elect under subsection (d) 
not to receive the allowance for such year. 
‘‘(2) The term ‘gross household income’ of a cov-
ered member for a year for purposes of paragraph 
(1)(B) does not include any basic allowance for hous-
ing received by the covered member (and any depend-
ents of the covered member in the household of the cov-
ered member) during such year under section 403 of 
this title. 
‘‘(f) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
prescribe regulations for the administration of this section. 
Subject to subsection (e)(2), such regulations shall specify 
the income to be included in, and excluded from, the gross 
household income of individuals for purposes of this sec-
tion.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at 
the beginning of chapter 7 of such title is amended by in-
serting after the item relating to section 402a the following 
new item: 
‘‘402b. Basic needs allowance for low-income regular members.’’. 
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SEC. 603. TEMPORARY INCREASE OF RATES OF BASIC AL-
LOWANCE FOR HOUSING FOLLOWING DETER-
MINATION THAT LOCAL CIVILIAN HOUSING 
COSTS SIGNIFICANTLY EXCEED SUCH RATES. 
Section 403(b) of title 37, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(8)(A) The Secretary of Defense may prescribe a tem-
porary increase in the current rates of basic allowance for 
housing for a military housing area or a portion thereof 
(in this paragraph, ‘BAH rates’) if the Secretary deter-
mines that the actual costs of adequate housing for civilians 
in that military housing area or portion thereof exceed the 
current BAH rates by more than 20 percent. 
‘‘(B) Any temporary increase in BAH rates under this 
paragraph shall remain in effect only until the effective date 
of the first adjustment of BAH rates for the affected mili-
tary housing area that occurs after the date of the increase 
under this paragraph. 
‘‘(C) This paragraph shall cease to be effective on Sep-
tember 30, 2022.’’. 
SEC. 604. BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING FOR A MEMBER 
WITHOUT DEPENDENTS WHEN RELOCATION 
WOULD FINANCIALLY DISADVANTAGE THE 
MEMBER. 
Section 403(o) of title 37, United States Code, is 
amended— 
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(1) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘In’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(2)(A) In the case of a member described in subpara-
graph (B), the member may be treated for the purposes of 
this section as if the unit to which the member is assigned 
did not undergo a change of home port or a change of per-
manent duty station if the Secretary concerned determines 
that it would be inequitable to base the member’s entitle-
ment to, and amount of, a basic allowance for housing on 
the new home port or permanent duty station. 
‘‘(B) A member described in this subparagraph— 
‘‘(i) has no dependents; 
‘‘(ii) is assigned to a unit that undergoes a 
change of home port or a change of permanent duty 
station; and 
‘‘(iii) is in receipt of orders to return to the pre-
vious home port or duty station.’’. 
SEC. 605. PARTIAL DISLOCATION ALLOWANCE. 
(a) CURRENT AUTHORITY.—Section 477(f)(1) of title 
37, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘family’’. 
(b) FUTURE AUTHORITY.—Section 452(c) of title 37, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraph (3) as para-
graph (4); and 
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(2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the fol-
lowing new paragraph (3): 
‘‘(3)(A) A partial dislocation allowance paid to 
a member ordered to occupy or vacate housing pro-
vided by the United States. 
‘‘(B) Beginning on January 1, 2022, the partial 
dislocation allowance under subparagraph (A) shall, 
subject to subparagraph (C), be equal in value to the 
allowance under section 477(f) of this title on Decem-
ber 31, 2021, as adjusted in regulations prescribed by 
the Secretary concerned under the authority estab-
lished by that section. 
‘‘(C) Effective on the same date in 2022 and any 
subsequent year that the monthly rates of basic pay 
for all members are increased under section 1009 of 
this title or another provision of law, the Secretary of 
Defense shall adjust the rate of the partial dislocation 
allowance under this paragraph by the percentage 
equal to the average percentage increase in the rates 
of basic pay.’’. 
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Subtitle B—Bonuses and Special 
Incentive Pays 
SEC. 611. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CERTAIN EXPIRING 
BONUS AND SPECIAL PAY AUTHORITIES. 
(a) AUTHORITIES RELATING TO RESERVE FORCES.— 
Section 910(g) of title 37, United States Code, relating to 
income replacement payments for reserve component mem-
bers experiencing extended and frequent mobilization for ac-
tive duty service, is amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 
2019’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2020’’. 
(b) TITLE 10 AUTHORITIES RELATING TO HEALTH 
CARE PROFESSIONALS.—The following sections of title 10, 
United States Code, are amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 
2019’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2020’’: 
(1) Section 2130a(a)(1), relating to nurse officer 
candidate accession program. 
(2) Section 16302(d), relating to repayment of 
education loans for certain health professionals who 
serve in the Selected Reserve. 
(c) AUTHORITIES
RELATING
TO
NUCLEAR
OFFI-
CERS.—Section 333(i) of title 37, United States Code, is 
amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2019’’ and inserting 
‘‘December 31, 2020’’. 
(d) AUTHORITIES RELATING TO TITLE 37 CONSOLI-
DATED SPECIAL PAY, INCENTIVE PAY, AND BONUS AU-
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THORITIES.—The following sections of title 37, United 
States Code, are amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2019’’ 
and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2020’’: 
(1) Section 331(h), relating to general bonus au-
thority for enlisted members. 
(2) Section 332(g), relating to general bonus au-
thority for officers. 
(3) Section 334(i), relating to special aviation 
incentive pay and bonus authorities for officers. 
(4) Section 335(k), relating to special bonus and 
incentive pay authorities for officers in health profes-
sions. 
(5) Section 336(g), relating to contracting bonus 
for cadets and midshipmen enrolled in the Senior Re-
serve Officers’ Training Corps. 
(6) Section 351(h), relating to hazardous duty 
pay. 
(7) Section 352(g), relating to assignment pay or 
special duty pay. 
(8) Section 353(i), relating to skill incentive pay 
or proficiency bonus. 
(9) Section 355(h), relating to retention incen-
tives for members qualified in critical military skills 
or assigned to high priority units. 
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(e) AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY INCREASE IN 
RATES
OF BASIC ALLOWANCE
FOR HOUSING.—Section 
403(b)(7)(E) of title 37, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘December 31, 2019’’ and inserting ‘‘December 
31, 2020’’. 
Subtitle C—Family and Survivor 
Benefits 
SEC. 621. PAYMENT OF TRANSITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR 
CERTAIN DEPENDENTS. 
Section 1059(m) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in the subsection heading, by inserting 
‘‘MEMBERS OR’’ after ‘‘DEPENDENTS OF’’; 
(2) by inserting ‘‘member or’’ before ‘‘former 
member’’ each place it appears; and 
(3) by amending paragraph (3) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(3) For the purposes of this subsection, a member is 
considered separated from active duty upon the earliest of— 
‘‘(A) the date an administrative separation is 
initiated by a commander of the member; 
‘‘(B) the date the court-martial sentence is ad-
judged if the sentence, as adjudged, includes a dis-
missal, dishonorable discharge, bad conduct discharge, 
or forfeiture of all pay and allowances; or 
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‘‘(C) the date the member’s term of service ex-
pires.’’. 
SECTION 622. DEATH GRATUITY FOR ROTC GRADUATES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1475(a)(4) of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by adding ‘‘; or a graduate 
of a reserve officers’ training corps who has yet to receive 
a first duty assignment; or’’ at the end. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment under sub-
section (a) applies to deaths that occur on or after the date 
of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 623. CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY FOR EDUCATION AND 
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPOUSES OF 
PROMOTED MEMBERS. 
Section 1784a(b) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘Assistance’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(2) A spouse who is eligible for a program under this 
section and begins a course of education or training for a 
degree, license, or credential described in subsection (a) may 
not become ineligible to complete such course of education 
or training solely because the member to whom the spouse 
is married is promoted to a higher grade.’’. 
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SEC. 624. OCCUPATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR RELOCATED 
SPOUSES OF MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED 
SERVICES. 
(a) IMPROVEMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE PORT-
ABILITY FOR MILITARY SPOUSES THROUGH INTERSTATE 
COMPACTS.—Section 1784 of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(h) IMPROVEMENT
OF
OCCUPATIONAL
LICENSE 
PORTABILITY THROUGH INTERSTATE COMPACTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense 
may enter into a cooperative agreement with the 
Council of State Governments to assist with funding 
of the development of interstate compacts on licensed 
occupations in order to alleviate the burden associated 
with relicensing in such an occupation by spouse of 
a members of the armed forces in connection with a 
permanent change of duty station of members to an-
other State. 
‘‘(2) LIMITATION.—The amount provided under 
paragraph (1) as assistance for the development of 
any particular interstate compact may not exceed 
$1,000,000. 
‘‘(3) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than February 
28 each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Com-
mittees on Armed Services of the Senate and the 
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House of Representatives a report on interstate com-
pacts described in paragraph (1) developed through 
assistance provided under that paragraph. Each re-
port shall set forth the following: 
‘‘(A) Any interstate compact developed dur-
ing the preceding calendar year, including the 
occupational licenses covered by such compact 
and the States agreeing to enter into such com-
pact. 
‘‘(B) Any interstate compact developed dur-
ing a prior calendar year into which one or 
more additional States agreed to enter during 
the preceding calendar year. 
‘‘(4) EXPIRATION.—The authority to enter into a 
cooperative agreement under paragraph (1), and to 
provide assistance described in that paragraph pursu-
ant to such cooperative agreement, shall expire on 
September 30, 2024.’’. 
(b) GUARANTEE OF RESIDENCY FOR REGISTRATION OF 
BUSINESSES OF SPOUSES OF MEMBERS OF UNIFORMED 
SERVICES.— 
(1) 
IN
GENERAL.—Title 
VI 
of 
the 
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 4021 et 
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following 
new section: 
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‘‘SEC. 707. GUARANTEE OF RESIDENCY FOR BUSINESSES OF 
SPOUSES OF SERVICEMEMBERS. 
‘‘For the purposes of registering a business— 
‘‘(1) a person who is absent from a State because 
the person is accompanying the person’s spouse who 
is absent from that same State in compliance with 
military or naval orders shall not, solely by reason of 
that absence— 
‘‘(A) be deemed to have lost a residence or 
domicile in that State, without regard to whether 
or not the person intends to return to that State; 
‘‘(B) be deemed to have acquired a residence 
or domicile in any other State; or 
‘‘(C) be deemed to have become a resident in 
or a resident of any other State; and 
‘‘(2) the spouse of a servicemember may elect to 
use the same residence as the servicemember regardless 
of the date on which the marriage of the spouse and 
the servicemember occurred.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of con-
tents in section 1(b) of such Act is amended by insert-
ing after the item relating to section 706 the following 
new item: 
‘‘Sec. 707. Guarantee of residency for businesses of spouses of servicemembers.’’. 
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SEC. 625. EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE FINAN-
CIAL ASSISTANCE TO CIVILIAN PROVIDERS 
OF CHILD CARE SERVICES OR YOUTH PRO-
GRAM SERVICES WHO PROVIDE SUCH SERV-
ICES TO SURVIVORS OF MEMBERS OF THE 
ARMED FORCES WHO DIE IN LINE OF DUTY. 
Section 1798(a) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting ‘‘, survivors of members of the armed 
forces who die in line of duty while on active duty, active 
duty for training, or inactive duty for training,’’ after 
‘‘armed forces’’. 
SEC. 626. SPACE-AVAILABLE TRAVEL ON MILITARY AIR-
CRAFT 
FOR 
CHILDREN 
AND 
SURVIVING 
SPOUSES OF MEMBERS WHO DIE OF HOSTILE 
ACTION OR TRAINING DUTY. 
Section 2641b(c) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraph (6) as para-
graph (7); and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the fol-
lowing new paragraph (6): 
‘‘(6) 
Children 
(as 
described 
by 
section 
1072(2)(D) or section 1110b(b) of this title, as the 
case may be) and surviving spouses of members of the 
armed forces who die as a result of hostile action or 
training duty.’’. 
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