S.436 - To amend title 10, United States Code, to modify the organization and authorities of the Assistant Secretaries of Defense with duties relating to industrial base policy and homeland defense. (119th Congress)
Summary
S.436 aims to reorganize the Assistant Secretaries of Defense, focusing on industrial base policy and homeland defense. It establishes an Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Industrial Base Development and Engagement. This position will promote cooperation with security partners, including Taiwan, to strengthen the US defense industrial base. The bill also renames and expands the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities to include homeland defense, while eliminating the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to a restructuring of the Department of Defense's leadership and responsibilities related to industrial base policy and homeland defense. It will likely increase focus on international cooperation, particularly with Taiwan, regarding defense industrial matters. The changes will also consolidate homeland defense responsibilities under a single Assistant Secretary.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced cooperation with international partners, particularly Taiwan, on defense industrial base development.
- Streamlined homeland defense responsibilities under a single Assistant Secretary.
- Improved coordination between the Department of Defense and other federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector on homeland defense issues.
- Strengthened national security through a more focused approach to industrial base policy and homeland defense.
- Better alignment of defense strategy with capabilities and resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential disruption during the reorganization process.
- Possible overlap or confusion of responsibilities during the transition.
- Elimination of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs might reduce focus on hemispheric affairs.
- Increased focus on international cooperation with specific countries (e.g., Taiwan) could strain relations with other nations.
- The shift in responsibilities might create temporary gaps in expertise or attention to certain areas.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense. The reorganization of the Department of Defense and the focus on strengthening the industrial base are consistent with this constitutional mandate. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).