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A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to modify the organization and authorities of the Assistant Secretaries of Defense with duties relating to industrial base policy and homeland defense.
2/7/2025, 11:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 436
The bill seeks to enhance the organization and authorities of these Assistant Secretaries in order to better address the evolving challenges facing the defense industry and homeland security. This includes streamlining decision-making processes, improving coordination between different departments within the Department of Defense, and ensuring that the Assistant Secretaries have the necessary resources and support to carry out their duties effectively.
Overall, the goal of Bill 119 s 436 is to modernize and strengthen the capabilities of the Assistant Secretaries of Defense with responsibilities related to industrial base policy and homeland defense, in order to better protect and defend the United States against current and future threats.
Congressional Summary of S 436
This bill modifies the organization and responsibilities of the Assistant Secretaries of Defense (ASDs). Current law provides for 19 ASDs, with some of these positions established in statute and others specified by the Department of Defense (DOD).
First, the bill establishes in statute an ASD for International Industrial Base Development and Engagement, whose main duty is to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base through cooperation with security partners and allies, including Taiwan.
Next, the bill establishes in statute an ASD for Strategy, Plans, Capabilities, and Homeland Defense. The principal duty of such ASD is to advise the Secretary of Defense and others on national security issues and defense strategy, policy and planning oversight of various issues, and advancing and representing priority issues. This position replaces the DOD-specified ASD for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities.
The bill eliminates the DOD-specified ASD for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs.
Finally, the bill expands the responsibilities of the DOD-specified ASD for International Security Affairs to include Western Hemisphere affairs.
