# Summary of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Excerpt)
This document is a section of the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, focusing primarily on research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) programs.
## Key Provisions:
1. **AI and Machine Learning Modernization**:
- Clarifies the role of the senior official with principal responsibility for AI/ML (replacing the former "Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center" designation)
- Expands personnel management authority to attract science and engineering experts
- Establishes a Board of Advisors for the AI office
2. **Bioindustrial Manufacturing Support**:
- Authorizes development of a network of bioindustrial manufacturing facilities
- Focuses on improving national security supply chains through bio-based manufacturing
- Requires an initial concept plan within 180 days
3. **Microelectronics Security**:
- Mandates development of a "quantifiable assurance capability" for microelectronics security
- Requires assessment of regulatory changes needed for unprogrammed custom-designed integrated circuits
- Establishes a Government-Industry-Academia Working Group on Microelectronics
4. **Hypersonic Weapons Development**:
- Requires air-breathing and rocket booster testing capacity upgrades
- Sets a 24-month timeline for completing facility upgrades
5. **Electromagnetic Warfare Technology**:
- Mandates competitively awarded demonstrations of commercial electronics technology
- Focuses on capabilities like simultaneous emitter/receiver operation without interference
- Requires specific briefings to Congress on outcomes
6. **Advanced Sensor Applications Program**:
- Establishes a new program with specific resource sponsors
- Includes provisions for quarterly briefings to Congress
- Sets a termination date of September 30, 2027
The document represents a comprehensive approach to modernizing U.S. defense technology capabilities, with particular emphasis on emerging technologies like AI, microelectronics, and hypersonics, while also addressing supply chain security through bioindustrial manufacturing initiatives.
Clear and Concise Content Act of 2022 This bill requires the use of plain writing when the federal government provides information about benefits and services. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must rescind outdated guidance and issue new guidance for the creation, maintenance, and use of covered content at agencies. Covered content means any content that is necessary for obtaining a federal benefit or service or for filing taxes or that provides information about such benefit or service; federal agency operations, policies, or guidance of material importance to, and posted publicly by, the agency; how to interact with or provide feedback to an agency regarding its operations, policies, or guidance; or how to navigate or interact with an agency website, digital service, or office. The OMB must report annually to Congress on this bill's implementation and may make such reports available on a public website. Each agency must ensure compliance. The bill incorporates plain writing requirements into statutory provisions pertaining to new websites and digital services.
Anti-Money Laundering Whistleblower Improvement Act This bill revises the management of whistleblower incentive awards for individuals providing original information relating to illegal monetary transactions, money laundering, or other financial crimes. Specifically, the bill establishes a minimum award for whistleblowers of not less than 10 percent of the collected monetary sanctions. Further, the bill establishes the Financial Integrity Fund for the payment of such awards. The fund is comprised of collected monetary sanctions and investments of the fund.
This symbolic resolution designates November 2022 as "National Lung Cancer Awareness Month" and urges efforts to increase public awareness of lung cancer. It does not create new laws or funding but encourages educational activities, screening access, and research support to promote early detection. The resolution aims to raise general awareness among the public and healthcare providers about lung cancer risks and prevention.
SRES 851 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus, established in 1977 by Jackie Parker and Ralph Everett. It honors the Caucus for its role in improving working conditions for Black Senate staff, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting Black Senators since its founding. The resolution recognizes the Caucus's ongoing work advancing justice and equality within the Senate, but it contains no policy changes or binding requirements. As a commemorative resolution, it does not affect legislation or create new obligations.
This resolution designates November 13, 2022, as National Warrior Call Day to encourage individuals to talk with members of the Armed Forces and veterans to connect them with support.
HRES 1510 is a procedural resolution that sets the rules for the House of Representatives to vote on the Senate's amendment to H.R. 8404, the bill that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). DOMA was the federal law defining marriage as between one man and one woman for federal benefits and recognition. This resolution allows the House to consider concurring with the Senate amendment without procedural objections, with one hour of debate equally divided between parties. It does not change marriage law but enables the legislative process to advance the repeal bill.
This bill directs U.S. Customs Border and Protection (CBP) to establish procedures for performing repairs and maintenance projects below a certain cost threshold at federally owned ports of entry where certain activities are conducted, such as entry inspections and activities to prevent the entry of illicit drugs, agricultural pests, and contraband. CBP may perform such repair and maintenance projects in accordance with the procedures established under this bill.
Registration for Index-Linked Annuities Act This bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to create a new form for the registration of index-linked annuities to ensure that a purchaser can make a knowledgeable decision. The bill defines a registered index-linked annuity as an annuity that is deemed a security, that is registered with the SEC, and that is issued by an insurance company subject to state supervision. Furthermore, the returns of these annuities (1) are based on the performance of a specified benchmark index or rate, and (2) may be subject to a market value adjustment if amounts are withdrawn early.
Unleashing American Innovators Act of 2022 This bill modifies the responsibilities of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) satellite offices and addresses related issues. The bill increases the discount on patent-related fees for small and micro entities. An entity that falsely claims such a discount shall be subject to a fine, in addition to any other existing penalties. The bill also modifies the statutory purpose of PTO satellite offices to include (1) outreach activities targeting certain groups, such as low-income populations, veterans, and geographic groups that are underrepresented in patent filings; and (2) targeting patent examiners and administrative patent judges from economically, geographically, and demographically diverse backgrounds in the PTO's retention activities. For each satellite office established after January 1, 2023, the PTO must consider the office's proximity to anchor institutions (e.g., hospitals primarily serving veterans and institutions of higher education) and certain groups, such as low-income populations, veterans, and geographic groups that are underrepresented in patent filings. The PTO must establish (1) a satellite office in the southeastern United States within three years of this bill's enactment, (2) at least four community outreach offices throughout the United States within five years of this bill's enactment, and (3) a pilot program to help prospective first-time patent applicants assess the strengths and weaknesses of a potential patent application. The PTO must also (1) conduct and report to Congress a study on patent pro bono programs, including whether such programs are sufficiently serving prospective and existing participants; and (2) use the study's findings to update such pro bono programs.
STEP Improvement Act of 202 2 This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 the Small Business Administration's (SBA) State Trade Expansion Program, which provides foreign trade assistance to small businesses, and it revises provisions related to the administration of the program. Specifically, the SBA must establish a time frame for, and provide certain information related to, the application process, and it must conduct an annual survey to solicit feedback on the program. The SBA must collect data on certain performance metrics such as the (1) total number of small businesses assisted by the program, (2) total dollar amount of export sales by participating small businesses, and (3) number of small businesses that have created new jobs through their participation in the program. The bill also requires applicants for participation to include a budget plan that outlines their intended use of funds awarded under the program.
Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2022 This bill addresses immigration-related issues pertaining to noncitizen (or non-U.S. national) military veterans, including by authorizing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide lawful permanent resident status to a veteran subject to removal. If a noncitizen veteran appears to be eligible for lawful permanent resident status under this bill, that veteran must receive a reasonable opportunity to apply for such status and may not be removed until there is a final administrative decision on the veteran's eligibility. For the purposes of providing such status under this bill, DHS may waive any applicable grounds of inadmissibility, except for certain crime- or security-related grounds. The bill also extends certain deadlines relating to obtaining citizenship after serving in the Armed Forces. DHS must create a system for identifying noncitizens who are or may be veterans. Before initiating removal proceedings against a noncitizen, DHS must attempt to determine whether the noncitizen is a veteran. DHS must ensure that veteran status is considered in immigration proceedings. The bill also requires U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Defense to take certain actions to facilitate opportunities for military recruits and veterans to obtain U.S. citizenship, such as by training Judge Advocate General Corps members to act as liaisons between the Armed Forces and USCIS on servicemember citizenship applications. The bill also establishes the Military Family Immigration Advisory Committee to provide recommendations on cases involving the removal of a servicemember, veteran, or certain family members of a servicemember or veteran. Such an individual may not be removed until the committee has provided a recommendation to DHS about the individual's case, unless the individual is inadmissible due to a conviction for an aggravated felony. The bill also waives certain grounds of inadmissibility (e.g., being unlawfully present in the United States) for certain noncitizens applying for lawful permanent resident status as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen who has served at least two years in the Armed Forces.
