HR3219 Make America Secure Appropriations Act Analysis

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/3219

I've been reading the provisions in the bill, lots of interesting things. Much of what's in this bill has to do with refining the integrity and strength of our military, but there's also a lot of closing abusable/abused loopholes & plugging $$$ leaks (mostly regarding the DOD, but also the C_A)

There's a ton to go thru, I'll link this post to future ones I'll make as I go through the bill. I'm hoping to go through it by Friday latest. I don't claim to be an expert in any of these matters, but I'm not dumb. Here's my analysis so far

TITLE VIII–GENERAL PROVISIONS

(Sec. 8001) Prohibits appropriations provided by this division from being used for publicity or propaganda purposes not authorized by Congress.

> anti Obama pro-propaganda NDAA?

(Sec. 8002) Exempts DOD from laws prohibiting the compensation or employment of foreign nationals if specified conditions are met.

> Hope the conditions are tight. Otherwise this currently makes me uneasy.

(Sec. 8003) Prohibits funding provided by this division from remaining available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless this division expressly provides otherwise.

(Sec. 8004) Prohibits more than 20% of the appropriations provided by this division for the current fiscal year from being obligated during the last two months of the fiscal year, with an exception for support of active duty training of reserve components or summer camp training of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

> I'm guessing this is to help prevent the type of bad spending that comes with the hopes of having money left over for nonsense. Narrowing the opportunity for wasteful use of appropriated funds.

(Sec. 8005) Specifies authorities and restrictions for transferring specified funds provided by this division for other military functions.

> More narrowing, is good

(Sec. 8006) Requires tables included in the report accompanying this division to be treated as if they were included in the text of this division.

> Have tables & such not been technically considered part of such a legal document? Any lawfag to help clarify?

(Sec. 8007) Requires DOD to submit a report to Congress to establish the baseline for application of reprogramming and transfer authorities for FY2018. Prohibits funds provided by this division from being reprogrammed or transferred until the report is provided or DOD certifies to Congress that the reprogramming or transfer is necessary as an emergency requirement. Includes exceptions for: (1) the Environmental Restoration accounts, and (2) Drug Interdiction and Counter-drug activities.

> Looks like a big-time narrowing. I'm guessing it prevents the DOD from moving money around to ineligible hands without telling Congress.

(Sec. 8008) Prohibits cash balances in DOD Working Capital Funds from exceeding the level necessary for cash disbursements to be made from the funds. Sets forth requirements and limitations for transfers of balances in the funds to specified accounts.

> Putting a ceiling on the piggybank

(Sec. 8009) Prohibits the initiation of a special access program without notifying Congress in advance.

> So any use of an SAP must require Congress' being informed beforehand. That'll certainly make it easier to flag illicit access. (remember HRC illegally was in possession of, and was likely peddling, SAPs)

(Sec. 8010) Establishes limitations and conditions on the use of funds provided by this division to initiate or terminate certain multiyear procurement contracts.

>This looks to me like another narrowing of money moving opportunity, but specifically in the ways contracts for goods & services are established by the DOD. The procurement contract has been used by certain parties to move American $$$ towards Black Hat slush funds & projects. NOTE: Establishes limitations, so I'm assuming there were none to speak of prior.

>>3790601

HR3219 Make America Secure Appropriations Act Analysis pt2

Title VIII General Provisions Part 2

(Sec. 8011) Appropriates O&M funds for the costs of humanitarian and civic assistance provided in conjunction with military operations.

>Operation & Maintenance Appropriations for Mil<->Civ OPS & aid projects.

>https://acqnotes.com/acqnote/careerfields/operation-maintenance-appropriations

(Sec. 8012) Prohibits DOD from managing civilian personnel on the basis of any end-strength or subjecting civilian personnel to any end-strength limitations.

>I think this is the total # of heads in an army, usually used in reference to projected goals for such a #. I'm not sure what this Sec entails though.

(Sec. 8013) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to directly or indirectly influence congressional action on legislation or appropriation matters pending before Congress.

>This would make it actually illegal for this traceable money to be used in any way to influence the law or Congress?

(Sec. 8014) Prohibits compensation from being paid to any member of the Army participating as a full-time student and receiving benefits paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs from the DOD Education Benefits Fund if the time spent as a student is counted toward the member's service commitment. Applies the restriction only to active components of the Army and exempts members that have reenlisted with this option prior to October 1, 1987.

>forcing a choice? be student or be soldier? Plugging a $$$ leak?

(Sec. 8015) Permits funds appropriated in title III of this division for the Department of Defense Pilot Mentor-Protege Program to be transferred to any other account contained in this division to implement a developmental assistance agreement under the program.

>Pilots will be increasingly important. I'm guessing this will facilitate a smoothly operating program.

(Sec. 8016) Prohibits DOD from purchasing certain anchor and mooring chains unless they are manufactured in the United States.

>Kek no more shitty made in China for something so important. Also helps the country.

(Sec. 8017) Prohibits funds from being used to demilitarize or dispose of certain small firearms, small arms ammunition, or ammunition components that are not otherwise prohibited from commercial sale under federal law, unless the Army has certified that the small arms, ammunition, or components are unserviceable or unsafe for further use.

>Was the DOD using tax $$$ to destroy decommissioned arms that could have just as easily become a source of income if sold to responsible Americans? Wouldn't surprise me if the anti-gun crap was that deep, considering they've been trying to choke all of the avenues for civilian procurement.

(Sec. 8018) Limits funding for the relocation of any DOD entity into or within the National Capital Region. Permits DOD to waive the limitation by certifying to Congress that a relocation is required in the best interest of the government.

>This is a strange one. Does 'entity' include individuals? Or divisions? And only specific moves into the National Capital Region? There must be more to this one

(Sec. 8019) Provides specified funds for incentive payments for federal contracts involving contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers that are Indian organizations or Indian-owned economic enterprises.

>A nice bone with a bit of meat tossed to the Native Americans.

(Sec. 8020) Prohibits funds provided by this division for the Defense Media Activity from being used for national or international political or psychological activities.

>Can't use DOD appropriations $$$ to fund pol/psych activities? Pinching an artery to the Fake News (and by extension those entites within Hollywood & MSMusic conducting said psych activites). LAUREL CANYON's children

>>3790609

HR3219 Make America Secure Appropriations Act Analysis pt2

Title VIII General Provisions Part 2

(Sec. 8011) Appropriates O&M funds for the costs of humanitarian and civic assistance provided in conjunction with military operations.

>Operation & Maintenance Appropriations for Mil<->Civ OPS & aid projects.

>https://acqnotes.com/acqnote/careerfields/operation-maintenance-appropriations

(Sec. 8012) Prohibits DOD from managing civilian personnel on the basis of any end-strength or subjecting civilian personnel to any end-strength limitations.

>I think this is the total # of heads in an army, usually used in reference to projected goals for such a #. I'm not sure what this Sec entails though.

(Sec. 8013) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to directly or indirectly influence congressional action on legislation or appropriation matters pending before Congress.

>This would make it actually illegal for this traceable money to be used in any way to influence the law or Congress?

(Sec. 8014) Prohibits compensation from being paid to any member of the Army participating as a full-time student and receiving benefits paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs from the DOD Education Benefits Fund if the time spent as a student is counted toward the member's service commitment. Applies the restriction only to active components of the Army and exempts members that have reenlisted with this option prior to October 1, 1987.

>forcing a choice? be student or be soldier? Plugging a $$$ leak?

(Sec. 8015) Permits funds appropriated in title III of this division for the Department of Defense Pilot Mentor-Protege Program to be transferred to any other account contained in this division to implement a developmental assistance agreement under the program.

>Pilots will be increasingly important. I'm guessing this will facilitate a smoothly operating program.

(Sec. 8016) Prohibits DOD from purchasing certain anchor and mooring chains unless they are manufactured in the United States.

>Kek no more shitty made in China for something so important. Also helps the country.

(Sec. 8017) Prohibits funds from being used to demilitarize or dispose of certain small firearms, small arms ammunition, or ammunition components that are not otherwise prohibited from commercial sale under federal law, unless the Army has certified that the small arms, ammunition, or components are unserviceable or unsafe for further use.

>Was the DOD using tax $$$ to destroy decommissioned arms that could have just as easily become a source of income if sold to responsible Americans? Wouldn't surprise me if the anti-gun crap was that deep, considering they've been trying to choke all of the avenues for civilian procurement.

(Sec. 8018) Limits funding for the relocation of any DOD entity into or within the National Capital Region. Permits DOD to waive the limitation by certifying to Congress that a relocation is required in the best interest of the government.

>This is a strange one. Does 'entity' include individuals? Or divisions? And only specific moves into the National Capital Region? There must be more to this one

(Sec. 8019) Provides specified funds for incentive payments for federal contracts involving contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers that are Indian organizations or Indian-owned economic enterprises.

>A nice bone with a bit of meat tossed to the Native Americans.

(Sec. 8020) Prohibits funds provided by this division for the Defense Media Activity from being used for national or international political or psychological activities.

>Can't use DOD appropriations $$$ to fund pol/psych activities? Pinching an artery to the Fake News (and by extension those entites within Hollywood & MSMusic conducting said psych activites). LAUREL CANYON's children

>>3790609

HR3219 Make America Secure Appropriations Act Analysis pt3

Title VIII General Provisions Part 3

(Sec. 8021) Permits DOD to incur obligations of up to $350 million for DOD military compensation, construction projects, and supplies and services in anticipation of contributions from the government of Kuwait.

>Kuwait money incoming? Wha?

(Sec. 8022) Provides appropriations from specified Air Force accounts to support Civil Air Patrol Corporation operation and maintenance, procurement, readiness, counterdrug activities, drug demand reduction activities involving youth programs, and vehicle procurement.

>AF<->CIV cooperation V drug-trafficking? Linked to Sessions disclosure of operation V South America drug cartels?

(Sec. 8023) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to establish a new DOD federally-funded research and development center (FFRDC). Limits compensation for FFRDC members or consultants.

>Can't waste this money starting up new R&D centers

Prohibits a defense FFRDC from using FY2018 DOD funds for new building construction, cost-sharing payments for projects funded by government grants, absorption of contract overruns, or certain charitable contributions.

>Existing FFRDCs can't use this money to expand nor to cover their bad spending nor to shell out money to "charity"(slush funds artery choke?)

Limits the staff years that may be funded for FFRDCs from FY2018 funds, and requires DOD to submit a report on the allocation of staff years with the FY2019 budget request.

>Staff-Year reflects full-time/part-time of an authorized position (a 40hr/wk full-time position = 1 auth Staff-Year). This seems to put both a number limitation on DOD hires and requirement of some transparency in hiring.

Reduces the total amount appropriated by this division for FFRDCs.

>Less $$$ for FFRDCs. Taken in context with above, I have a feeling they were being used for money landering or something like it.

(Sec. 8024) Prohibits DOD from procuring carbon, alloy, or armor steel plating not melted and rolled in the United States or Canada. Permits DOD to waive the prohibition if adequate domestic supplies are not available and an acquisition is necessary for national security purposes.

>Bringing industry back to America + no more cheap below-par (or comp'd) materials for the military (or rather, much less chance for it)

(Sec. 8025) Specifies that "congressional defense committees" includes the Senate and House Armed Services Committees and Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense.

>??Not sure what changed??

(Sec. 8026) Permits DOD to acquire the modification, depot maintenance, and repair of aircraft, vehicles, and vessels; and production of components through competition between DOD activities and private firms.

>Upgrades (and probably removal of comp'd shit like Chinese Steel). Important for Military, hence America. Competition for components will help heighten quality of an outcome (one of Capitalism's greatest catalyzing gifts to humanity)

(Sec. 8027) Revokes blanket waivers of the Buy American Act if DOD determines that a country has violated the terms of a specified agreement by discriminating against products produced in the United States.

>Looks like an extension of the tariffs battles, which is great for America, however the use of the language 'discriminating' leaves an unsavory lot of room for interpretation.

>http://www.wingovernmentcontracts.com/buy-american-act.htm

(Sec. 8028) Permits funds in the Department of Defense Overseas Military Facility Investment Recovery Account to remain available until expended.

>funds will exist indefinitely for this specific account

(Sec. 8029) Permits the Air Force to convey to Indian tribes located in Nevada, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Oregon, Minnesota, and Washington relocatable military housing units currently located at Grand Forks, Malmstrom, Mountain Home, Ellsworth, and Minot Air Force Bases that are excess to the needs of the Air Force. Requires the Operation Walking Shield Program to resolve any housing unit conflicts arising among requests of Indian tribes for these conveyances.

>Offers 'relocatable' housing to Native American tribes in those states and a plan in case the tribes argue over numbers

(Sec. 8030) Permits O&M appropriations to be used to purchase items with an investment unit cost of not more than $250,000.

>changes the original limit? 'Permits' implies ceiling raised?

>>3790601

>>3790609

>>3790656

HR3219 Make America Secure Appropriations Act Analysis pt4

Title VIII General Provisions Part 4

(Sec. 8031) Prohibits the use of funds provided by this division to disestablish, close, downgrade from host to extension center, or place on probation a Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program.

>Not sure what this is, but it seems to prevent this money from being used towards the removal of this specific Training Corps program.

(Sec. 8032) Requires DOD to issue regulations to: (1) prohibit the sale of tobacco or tobacco-related products in military resale outlets in the United States, its territories, and possessions at a price below the most competitive price in the local community; and (2) require the prices in overseas military retail outlets to be within the range of prices established for military retail systems stores in the United States.

>No more cigarettes in military stores, which is good, the common fare only degrades the human body & mind. We need our soldiers in tippy top shape!

>Also ensures military retail pricing is the same WW

(Sec. 8033) Prohibits the use of DOD Working Capital Funds to purchase specified investment items.

>I wonder what those items are

(Sec. 8034) Prohibits funds provided for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from remaining available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year, except for funds provided for the Reserve for Contingencies, the Working Capital Fund, or other specified programs.

>puts a big limit on CIA $$$, now much of it can no longer be carried over year to year

(Sec. 8035) Permits funds made available by this division to the Defense Intelligence Agency to be used for the design, development, and deployment of General Defense Intelligence Program intelligence communication and intelligence information systems.

>Upgrade DIA intelligence systems?

(Sec. 8036) Requires specified Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide funds to be used for the mitigation of environmental impacts on Indian lands resulting from DOD activities.

>If DOD experiments/projects damage Native American land, money is available to help mitigate the impacts.

(Sec. 8037) Requires DOD to comply with the Buy American Act.

>DOD has no choice but to buy mostly American kek (keep in mind the opposite has been going on for years)

<That's all I got in me for now, need sleeps, will continue later.