S-4543 : Still Just a Bill

James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023

This bill authorizes Department of Defense (DOD) activities for FY2023 and addresses other issues.

For example, the bill

• authorizes the procurement of various items, including Ship-to-Shore Connector craft and replenishment oiler ships;
• limits or prohibits the retirement or reduction of certain weapons systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and certain aircraft;
• reduces inventory requirements for certain air refueling aircraft;
• requires the Government Accountability Office to assess the efforts to modernize the propulsion systems of the F-35 aircraft;
• requires DOD to conduct a pilot program on the use of sustainable aviation fuel;
• prescribes end strengths for the branches of the Armed Forces;
• expands Selective Service registration requirements, which currently apply only to qualifying male citizens, to cover all qualifying citizens;
• prohibits inducting any person into the Armed Forces under certain authorities without an act of Congress;
• requires the Army to establish sex-neutral fitness standards for combat military occupational specialties that are higher than those for noncombat specialties;
• requires DOD to reissue and update certain instructions relating to the confidentiality of servicemembers receiving mental health care;
• establishes regional centers of excellence for providing military specialty care;
• requires DOD to develop and issue implementing guidance for risk management for DOD pharmaceutical materiel supply chains;
• extends the authorities for certain activities in Iraq and Syria, including assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria; and
• prohibits using funds authorized by this bill for DOD participation in Saudi Arabia's offensive operations against the Houthis in Yemen unless specifically authorized by statute.