S. 1605 is a bill titled "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022", introduced in the 117th Congress by Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL].
What does S. 1605 propose?
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
This bill authorizes Department of Defense (DOD) activities and programs for FY2022 and addresses various other issues.
For example, the bill
provides or extends procurement authority for certain helicopters and amphibious shipbuilding programs; imposes various cost and operational limits on the F-35 aircraft program; provides statutory authority related to DOD Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories, including direct hire authority with respect to advanced degree holders for positions at such laboratories; authorizes DOD to establish a consortium of institutions of higher education to study irregular warfare; establishes pilot programs for using private-sector partnerships to promote technology transition, deploying fifth-generation wireless telecommunications services on military installations, and digitally optimizing organic industrial base maintenance and repair operations; extends and modifies authorities to assist vetted Syrian groups and individuals, provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, and support the activities of the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq; extends and modifies the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative and the Pacific Deterrence Initiative; extends a pilot program providing regional cybersecurity training for members of the Army National Guard; establishes a program within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to continuously monitor cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure entities that support national critical functions; authorizes a Department of Energy program to improve defense environmental cleanup processes; authorizes the establishment of an Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs within the Department of State; and imposes limits on when the State Department may use a nonstandard design when constructing an embassy or consulate compound.
Who sponsored S. 1605 and when?
Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL] sponsored this measure. It was introduced on 2021-05-13. Its primary policy area is Armed Forces and National Security.
Where does S. 1605 stand?
Latest action (2021-12-27): Became Public Law No: 117-81.
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force?
The law required a new office to be set up within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, or as a joint DOD and intelligence community organization. Once that office was established, the Task Force was shut down.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence, shall establish an office within a component of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, or within a joint organization of the Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, to carry out the duties of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, and such other duties as are required by this section.
How does the law define unidentified aerial phenomena?
The law uses a broad definition. UAP includes airborne objects that are not immediately identifiable, objects that move between space and the atmosphere or between the atmosphere and bodies of water, and submerged objects with behavior suggesting a link to those other objects.
The term ``unidentified aerial phenomena'' means-- (A) airborne objects that are not immediately identifiable; (B) transmedium objects or devices; and (C) submerged objects or devices that are not immediately identifiable and that display behavior or performance characteristics suggesting that the objects or devices may be related to the objects or devices described in subparagraph (A) or (B).
Does the law require reports on UAP near nuclear sites?
Yes. Annual reports must include the number of UAP incidents near military nuclear assets, nuclear-powered ships and submarines, nuclear weapons production and storage facilities, and nuclear power plants regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Can the UAP office use experts from outside the government?
Yes. The law gives the Secretary and the Director authority to issue directives so that designated organizations can draw on the expertise of people outside the federal government who hold appropriate security clearances.
The Secretary and the Director shall each issue such directives as are necessary to ensure that the each line organization designated under paragraph (1) has authority to draw on the special expertise of persons outside the Federal Government with appropriate security clearances.
When did this law take effect?
The bill was signed into law on December 27, 2021, becoming Public Law 117-81.
What is the science plan the UAP office must develop?
The office must create and carry out a plan to develop and test scientific theories about UAP. The plan focuses on UAP that show performance beyond what current science or technology can explain, and it is meant to lay the groundwork for possible future investments to replicate those capabilities.
The head of the Office established under subsection (a), on behalf of the Secretary and the Director, shall supervise the development and execution of a science plan to develop and test, as practicable, scientific theories to-- (1) account for characteristics and performance of unidentified aerial phenomena that exceed the known state of the art in science or technology, including in the areas of propulsion, aerodynamic control, signatures, structures, materials, sensors, countermeasures, weapons, electronics, and power generation; and (2) provide the foundation for potential future investments to replicate any such advanced characteristics and performance.
Related Intelligence
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
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Open fileNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
The 2022 defense bill establishes a new Pentagon office to track unidentified aerial phenomena and requires annual reports to Congress.
Open fileTrans-Medium UAP
Objects observed transitioning between air, water, and space without visible propulsion or structural change.
Open fileUnidentified Aerial Phenomena
Unidentified aerial phenomena are airborne objects that can't be immediately identified, plus related objects in water or that cross between environments.
Open file