National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

S.2943
Introduced: 
May 18, 2016
114
Second
December 23, 2016
Became Public Law

This annual must-pass bill authorizes defense spending for the fiscal year ending on 9/30/17.Relevant provisions deal with military aid for Israel, Egyptian border security, and congressional oversight of the Obama administration’s Iran policy.

After the Senate passed its version of this bill on 6/14, the House replaced it with its own version, H.R. 4909 of 4/12/16, on 7/7. House and Senate leaders reached a compromise in 12/2016, and the summary below reflects their agreement.

Israeli Missile Defense

As in previous years, Congress authorized support for the various U.S.-Israeli joint missile defense programs. No more than $62 m. is authorized for Israel to procure Tamir receptors for the Iron Dome system, so long as any disbursal comports with existing U.S.-Israeli agreements on the Iron Dome. The bill also authorizes no more than $150 m. for Israel to procure the David’s Sling Weapon System and $120 m. for the Arrow 3 Upper Tier Interceptor Program, which includes funding for coproduction in the U.S. and requires Israel to match U.S. contributions on a one-for-one basis.

Furthermore, the secretary of defense is required to submit to Congress a report on the potential for the U.S. and Israel to cooperatively develop a “directed energy capability,” or laser, that could shoot down ballistic and other missiles.

Joint U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Program

Doubled from FY 2016, $50 m. is authorized for U.S.-Israel anti-tunnel activities. No less than 50% of the authorized sum is required to be spent on research, development, testing, and evaluation in the U.S.

Egyptian Border Security

The secretary of state is authorized to provide an unspecified amount to the government of Egypt for border security. This authorization extends through 12/31/19, and the money would either come from the funding authorized for Defense Dept. operations and maintenance or that which was designated to combat ISIS.

Managing Relations with Iran

The bill modifies the requirements for the annual report on Iran’s military power, adding a new section on Iran’s cyber capabilities, including its use of persons or entities operating on behalf of Iran, and information related to Iranian military or security groups interfering in U.S. military activities or detaining members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The director of national intelligence is required to report on a quarterly basis on any confirmed ballistic missile launches by Iran. At the same time, the secretaries of state and the Treasury are directed to submit to Congress a report on any sanctions imposed on Iran in response to reported ballistic missile launches and diplomatic efforts to impose multilateral sanctions.

Furthermore, $4 m. is earmarked for “monitoring [Iran’s] proliferation pathways” under the JCPOA.

See also: H.R. 4909 of 4/12/16.

Last major action: 12/23/16 became public law (12/8/16 Senate agreed to conference report, 92–7; 12/2/16 House agreed to conference report, 375–34; 7/7/16 amended and passed in the House without objection; 6/14/16 passed in Senate by yea/nay vote, 85–13).

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For more information, Click Here to visit this measure’s page at congress.gov.