James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023

James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023

This bill authorizes Department of Defense (DOD) activities for FY2023 and addresses other issues.

For example, the bill

• authorizes the procurement of various items, including Ship-to-Shore Connector craft and replenishment oiler ships;
• limits or prohibits the retirement or reduction of certain weapons systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and certain aircraft;
• reduces inventory requirements for certain air refueling aircraft;
• requires the Government Accountability Office to assess the efforts to modernize the propulsion systems of the F-35 aircraft;
• requires DOD to conduct a pilot program on the use of sustainable aviation fuel;
• prescribes end strengths for the branches of the Armed Forces;
• expands Selective Service registration requirements, which currently apply only to qualifying male citizens, to cover all qualifying citizens;
• prohibits inducting any person into the Armed Forces under certain authorities without an act of Congress;
• requires the Army to establish sex-neutral fitness standards for combat military occupational specialties that are higher than those for noncombat specialties;
• requires DOD to reissue and update certain instructions relating to the confidentiality of servicemembers receiving mental health care;
• establishes regional centers of excellence for providing military specialty care;
• requires DOD to develop and issue implementing guidance for risk management for DOD pharmaceutical materiel supply chains;
• extends the authorities for certain activities in Iraq and Syria, including assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria; and
• prohibits using funds authorized by this bill for DOD participation in Saudi Arabia's offensive operations against the Houthis in Yemen unless specifically authorized by statute.