To amend title 10, United States Code, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, and the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 to repeal certain reporting requirements related to unfunded priorities, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
- Committees
- Armed Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 30, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to streamline defense budgeting and reduce administrative burdens by eliminating requirements for military services and combatant commands to report unfunded priorities to Congress.
What it actually does
This bill repeals several statutory provisions that require various components of the Department of Defense (DoD), including military services and combatant commands, to submit lists of unfunded priorities to Congress. Specifically, it eliminates six sections from Title 10, United States Code, and two sections from previous National Defense Authorization Acts related to unfunded priorities for Small Business Innovation Research and Military Construction projects.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that unfunded priorities lists (UPLs) create an alternative budget process that undermines the President's budget request, encourages services to bypass established processes, and can lead to inefficient spending or political maneuvering. Eliminating them would restore discipline to the budget process and ensure a unified executive branch voice on defense spending.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that UPLs provide Congress with crucial transparency into critical needs not met by the President's budget, allowing for better oversight and ensuring that vital military capabilities or readiness gaps are addressed. They might contend that UPLs highlight genuine shortfalls and empower Congress to make informed decisions about national security priorities.
The bill text is extremely short and easy to read, allowing for quick comprehension of its direct effects.
Section 1(a)
Repeal of General Unfunded Priorities Reporting in Title 10
This provision eliminates several sections within Title 10 of the United States Code, specifically sections 222a, 222f, 240i, 4815, 5513, and 6288. These sections generally mandate various Department of Defense components, including military services and combatant commands, to submit lists of unfunded priorities to Congress. The repeal aims to remove these statutory requirements, thereby ending the practice of formal unfunded priority reporting from these entities.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that these repeals will streamline the defense budget process, prevent services from circumventing the President's budget, and ensure that resource allocation decisions are made through a more unified and disciplined executive branch process.
Critics contend
Critics contend that eliminating these reports removes a vital tool for congressional oversight, potentially obscuring critical readiness gaps or strategic needs that the executive budget might not fully address, thereby weakening Congress's ability to fulfill its constitutional role in funding the military.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the executive branch's desire for budget discipline and a unified voice against Congress's desire for detailed oversight and independent assessment of military needs.
Section 1(b)
Repeal of SBIR/STTR Unfunded Priorities Reporting
This section repeals Section 865 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. This specific section mandated reporting requirements related to unfunded priorities within the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which are crucial for fostering innovation within the defense industrial base. Its repeal removes this specific reporting obligation.
Section 1(c)
Repeal of Military Construction Unfunded Priorities Reporting
This section repeals Section 2806 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. This particular section required reporting on unfunded priorities specifically related to military construction projects, which are vital for maintaining and upgrading defense infrastructure. The repeal eliminates this specific reporting requirement for military construction needs.