,i #aaeth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #bfba ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,may #bd1 #bjag,mr4 ,thornberry introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,armed ,services1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,foreign ,affairs1 and the ,budget1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to strengthen security in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title and table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,strengthening ,security in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title and table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,findings and sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #c4 ,congressional defense committees defined4 ,title ,i--,united ,states policy and strategy for the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region ,sec4 #aja4 ,report on strategy to prioritize ,united ,states defense interests in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,assessment of ,united ,states force posture and basing needs in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region4 ,title ,,ii--,matters relating to the ,department of ,defense ,sec4 #bja4 ,authorization of funds for critical munitions4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,procurement of ballistic missile interceptors and missile defense exercises4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,plan to maintain a forward-stationed combat aviation brigade in ,south ,korea4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,extended deterrence commitment to the ,asia-,pacific region4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,assessment of ability of the ,air ,force to employ bombers and associated weapons while forward deployed4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,plan to enhance imagery sharing with allies in the ,asia-,pacific region4 ,sec4 #bjg4 ,plan to increase cyber and information operations1 deterrence1 and defense4 ,sec4 #bjh4 ,establishment of joint training exercises and improving response capabilities for contingency scenarios4 ,title ,,iii--,matters relating to foreign nations ,sec4 #cja4 ,assessment of freedom of navigation operations in the ,south ,china ,sea4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,sense of ,congress reaffirming security commitments to the ,governments of ,japan and ,south ,korea and trilateral cooperation between the ,united ,states1 ,japan1 and ,south ,korea4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,sense of ,congress on the ,association of ,southeast ,asian ,nations4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,sense of ,congress on strengthening the defense of ,taiwan4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,sense of ,congress on reaffirming the importance of the ,united ,states-,australia defense alliance4 #b4 ,findings and sense of ,congress 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the ,united ,states has a national interest in maintaining the security and stability of the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region4 7#b7 ,the substantial forward presence of ,united ,states ,armed ,forces is instrumental to maintaining security and stability in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region and to deterring acts of aggression in the region4 7#c7 ,in ,april #bjag1 ,admiral ,harry ,harris1 ,jr41 ,commander of the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command1 testified that of the five global challenges that currently drive ,u4,s4 defense planning and budgeting--,,isis 7,islamic ,state of ,iraq and ,syria71 ,north ,korea1 ,china1 ,russia1 and ,iran--four are in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific4 ,he further testified3 7,a7 ,north ,korea continues to disregard ,united ,nations sanctions by developing1 and threatening to use intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons that will threaten the ,u4,s4 ,homeland44 7,b7 ,china is rapidly building a modern1 capable military that appears to far exceed its stated defensive purpose or potential regional needs4 ,china's military is modernization is focused on defeating the ,united ,states in ,asia by countering ,u4,s4 asymmetric advantages44 7,c7 ,russia is modernizing its military and once again exercising its conventional forces and nuclear strike capabilities in the ,pacific1 which also threaten the ,homeland44 7,d7 ,transnational terrorists1 inspired by and in some cases led by ,,isis1 have set their sights on the ,indo-,asia-,pacific by supporting and encouraging attacks in ,indonesia1 ,bangladesh1 ,philippines1 and ,malaysia while recruiting and fund-raising there and elsewhere44 7#d7 ,frank ,kendall1 former ,under ,secretary of ,defense for ,acquisition1 ,technology and ,logistics1 testified in ,january #bjae1 that ,u4,s4 superiority in some key warfare domains is at risk including ,united ,states surface fleet and forward bases in the ,pacific and the ,united ,states ability to maintain air dominance44 7#e7 ,continued ,united ,states engagement in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region is fundamental to maintaining security and stability in the region1 and the ,united ,states should expand and optimize cooperative relationships with and among allies and partners in the region1 including ,japan1 ,south ,korea1 ,australia1 the ,philippines1 ,thailand1 ,singapore1 ,taiwan1 ,new ,zealand1 ,india1 ,vietnam1 ,mongolia1 ,malaysia1 ,indonesia1 and ,burma4 7#f7 ,the ,united ,states ,armed ,forces continue to work closely with the militaries of these and other regional countries to promote peace1 uphold the rules-based order1 and deter acts of aggression4 7#g7 ,secretary of ,defense ,james ,mattis1 in his confirmation hearing in ,january #bjag1 stated that the ,pacific theater remains a priority4 ,in ,february #bjag1 ,secretary of ,defense ,mattis stated that in cooperation with our allies and partners1 the ,united ,states seeks to ensure a peaceful1 secure1 and free ,asia-,pacific region1 and reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral relationships of the ,united ,states with ,japan and ,south ,korea during his visit to ,tokyo and ,seoul4 7#h7 ,in ,march #bjag1 ,secretary of ,state ,rex ,tillerson emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationships of the ,united ,states with ,japan and ,south ,korea1 addressing ,north ,korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs through trilateral cooperation1 building a shared commitment to the rule of law and international norms1 and promoting stability and prosperity throughout the region4 7#i7 ,in ,june #bjaf1 then-,secretary of ,defense ,ash ,carter said at the ,shangri-,la ,dialogue that the ,united ,states will stand with regional partners to uphold core principles1 like freedom of navigation and overflight1 and the peaceful resolution of disputes through legal means and in accordance with international law ''' and that the ,united ,states remains committed to working with ,china to ensure a principled future44 7#aj7 ,admiral ,harris testified in ,april #bjag1 ,the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command requires a force posture that credibly communicates ,united ,states resolve1 strengthens alliances and partnerships1 prevents conflicts1 and in the event of crisis1 responds rapidly across the full range of military operations1 and the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command's force posture is supported by the deployment of rotational forces and the fielding of new capabilities and concepts that address operational shortfalls and critical gaps44 ,admiral ,harris also noted that threats in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region require ,united ,states military forces in the region maintain a high level of readiness to respond rapidly to a crisis ''' and the ability of the ,united ,states to surge and globally maneuver ready forces is an asymmetric advantage that must be maintained44 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the security1 stability1 and prosperity of the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region is vital to the national interests of the ,united ,states2 7#b7 the ,united ,states should maintain a military capability in the region that is able to project power1 deter acts of aggression1 and respond1 if necessary1 to regional threats2 7#c7 continuing efforts by the ,department of ,defense to realign forces1 commit additional assets1 and increase investments to the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region are necessary to maintain a robust ,united ,states commitment to the region2 7#d7 the ,department of ,defense should-- 7,a7 assess its current force posture in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region to ensure that the ,united ,states maintains an appropriate forward presence in the region2 7,b7 invest in critical munitions1 undersea warfare capabilities1 amphibious capabilities1 resilient space architectures1 missile defense1 offensive and defensive cyber capabilities1 and other capabilities conducive to operating effectively in contested environments2 and 7,c7 enhance regional force readiness through joint training and exercises1 considering contingencies ranging from grey zone to high-end near-peer conflict2 and 7#e7 the ,united ,states should continue to engage in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region by strengthening alliances and partnerships1 supporting regional institutions and bodies such as the ,association of ,southeast ,asian ,nations 7,,asean71 building cooperative security arrangements1 addressing shared challenges1 and reinforcing the role of international law4 #c4 ,congressional defense committees defined ,in this ,act1 the term congressional defense committees has the meaning given such term in section #aja7;a77#af7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,i ,united ,states policy and strategy for the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region #aja4 ,report on strategy to prioritize ,united ,states defense interests in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region 7a7 ,required report ,not later than ,february #a1 #bjah1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on ,united ,states defense priorities that addresses the following3 7#a7 ,the security challenges1 including threats1 emanating from the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region4 7#b7 ,the primary objectives and priorities in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region1 including-- 7,a7 the military missions necessary to address threats on the ,korean ,peninsula2 7,b7 the role of the ,department of ,defense in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region regarding security challenges posed by ,china2 and 7,c7 the primary objectives and priorities for combating terrorism in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region4 7#c7 ,department of ,defense plans1 force posture1 capabilities1 and resources to address any gaps4 7#d7 ,the roles of allies1 partners1 and other countries in achieving ,united ,states defense objectives and priorities4 7#e7 ,actions the ,department of ,defense could take1 in cooperation with other ,federal departments or agencies1 to advance ,united ,states national security interests in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region4 7#f7 ,any other matters the ,secretary of ,defense determines to be appropriate4 7b7 ,form ,the report required by subsection 7a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may contain a classified annex4 7c7 ,annual budget ,the ,president1 acting through the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 shall ensure that the annual budget submitted to ,congress under section #aaje of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 clearly highlights programs and projects that are being funded in the annual budget of the ,united ,states ,government that relate to the strategy referred to in subsection 7a74 7d7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the strategy referred to in subsection 7a7 should be informed by the overall strategy to promote ,united ,states interests in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region as required by section #abfa of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjaf 7,public ,law #aad-ib2 #abi ,stat4 #ajgb74 7e7 ,repeal ,section #abea of the ,carl ,levin and ,howard ,p4 ,buck ,mc,keon ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjae 7,public ,law #aac-bia2 #abh ,stat4 #cegj7 is hereby repealed4 #ajb4 ,assessment of ,united ,states force posture and basing needs in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,an enduring ,united ,states presence and engagement across the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region provides the critical access and infrastructure necessary to accomplish ,united ,states defense priorities1 expands the global reach of the ,united ,states across the ,pacific1 and facilitates a rapid ,united ,states response to complex crises and contingencies4 7#b7 ,forward-stationed active duty members of the ,armed ,forces1 forward-deployed rotational units1 and reserve forces assigned to the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command remains essential for ,united ,states planning1 logistics1 and operations1 as well as fulfilling commitments with ,united ,states treaty allies4 7#c7 ,admiral ,harry ,harris1 ,jr41 ,commander of the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command1 testified in ,february #bjaf that the tyranny of distance and short indications and warning timelines place a premium on robust1 modern1 and agile forward-stationed forces at high levels of readiness4 7b7 ,assessment required 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,defense shall conduct an assessment of ,united ,states force posture and basing needs in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region4 7#b7 ,elements ,the assessment required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,a review of military requirements based on operation and contingency plans1 scenarios1 capabilities of potential adversaries1 and any assessed gaps or shortfalls of the ,armed ,forces4 7,b7 ,a review of current ,united ,states military force posture and deployment plans of the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command4 7,c7 ,an analysis of potential future realignments of ,united ,states forces in the region1 including options for strengthening ,united ,states presence1 access1 readiness1 training1 exercises1 logistics1 and pre-positioning4 7,d7 ,a discussion of political1 diplomatic1 economic1 and military factors that may influence the ,united ,states posture4 7,e7 ,any recommended changes to the ,united ,states posture in the region4 7,f7 ,any other matters the ,secretary of ,defense determines to be appropriate4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than ,march #a1 #bjah1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the assessment required under subsection 7b74 7#b7 ,form ,the report required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may contain a classified annex4 ,,ii ,matters relating to the ,department of ,defense #bja4 ,authorization of funds for critical munitions 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,admiral ,harry ,harris1 ,jr41 ,commander of the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command1 testified in ,february #bjaf critical munitions shortfalls are a top priority and concern ''' munitions are a major component of combat pre-positioning1 but fiscal pressure places this at risk4 7#b7 ,admiral ,harris stated that ,weapons improvement priorities include long-range and stand-off strike weapons1 longer-range anti-ship weapons1 advanced air-to-air munitions1 theater ballistic_/cruise missile defense1 torpedoes1 naval mines1 and a cluster munitions replacement44 7#c7 ,admiral ,harris further indicated that if additional resources were to become available1 ,i would prioritize investment in the following areas ''' procure additional critical munitions 7,,aix-#i,x1 ,,aim-#abj;,d1 ,,sm-#f1 ,,mk-#dh74 7b7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,department of ,defense should address shortfalls in critical munitions inventories and make improvements in critical munitions capabilities2 7#b7 insufficient critical munition investments will limit the ability of the ,armed ,forces to perform required missions2 and 7#c7 improvements to critical munition capabilities should include pre-positioning arrangements1 infrastructure for munition storage and security1 and logistical requirements for critical munitions4 7c7 ,availability of funds 7#a7 ,authorization ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,department of ,defense for fiscal year #bjah #a1jjj1jjj1jjj to address shortfalls in critical munition inventories and to improve critical munition capabilities4 7#b7 ,capability and capacity areas ,paragraph 7#a7 shall apply with respect to the following3 7,a7 ,,aim-#abj4 7,b7 ,,aim-#i,x4 7,c7 ,precision-,guided ,anti-,ship ,missiles4 7,d7 ,standard missile-#b4 7,e7 ,standard missile-#f4 7,f7 ,evolved sea sparrow missiles4 7,g7 ,laser direct attack munition4 7,h7 ,miniature air launched decoy jammers4 7,i7 ,fuzes for hard target penetrators4 7,j7 ,massive ordnance penetrators4 7,k7 ,army tactical missile system4 7,l7 ,guided multiple launch rocket system4 7,m7 ,tomahawk land attack missiles4 7,n7 ,joint standoff weapon4 7,o7 ,joint air-to-surface standoff missile extended range4 7,p7 ,sonobuoys4 7,q7 ,,mk#dh heavy weight torpedos4 7,r7 ,,mk#dh torpedo modifications4 7,s7 ,,mk#ed light weight torpedos4 7,t7 ,any other weapon system determined appropriate by the ,secretary of ,defense4 7d7 ,notification ,not later than #cj days before taking any action to obligate funds authorized by subsection 7c77#a71 the ,secretary of ,defense shall notify the congressional defense committees of any proposed obligation and provide a detailed justification for such proposed obligations4 #bjb4 ,procurement of ballistic missile interceptors and missile defense exercises 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,in ,april #bjag1 ,admiral ,harry ,harris1 ,jr41 ,commander of the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command1 testified that ,pacific ,commands ,integrated ,air and ,missile ,defense priority is to establish a persistent1 credible1 and sustainable ballistic missile defense presence by forward deploying the latest advancements in missile defense technologies to the ,indo-,asia-,pacific4 ,accordingly1 ,,tpy-#b radars in ,japan1 the ,,thaad system on ,guam1 and the ,sea-,based ,x-band radar based in ,hawaii defend the ,u4,s4 homeland and our allies44 7#b7 ,in ,february #bjaf1 ,general ,curtis ,scaparrotti1 former ,commander of the ,united ,states ,forces1 ,korea1 testified that ,north ,korea's missile program continues to develop1 so it is critical for the ,alliance to continue to build a layered and interoperable ,,bmd capability ''' and consider a high-altitude missile defense capability44 7b7 ,procurement ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,department of ,defense for fiscal year #bjah #a1jjj1jjj1jjj to procure terminal high altitude area defense interceptors or lower-tier air and missile defense interceptors1 including standard missile-#c1 ,patriot ,advanced ,capability 7,,pac-#c7 missile segment enhancement1 and ,patriot guidance enhanced missile ,,tbm4 7c7 ,exercises ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,department of ,defense for fiscal year #bjah #ae1jjj1jjj for exercises to be conducted by the ,chairman of the ,joint ,chiefs of ,staff1 the ,commander of the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command1 and the ,commander of the ,united ,states ,northern ,command for joint and other exercises with the armed forces of the ,governments of ,japan1 ,south ,korea1 ,australia1 and the ,united ,states for the defense against and defeat of ballistic missile forces of ,north ,korea4 7d7 ,notification ,not later than #cj days before taking any action to obligate funds authorized by subsection 7b7 or 7c71 the ,secretary of ,defense shall notify the congressional defense committees of any proposed obligation and provide a detailed justification for such proposed obligations4 #bjc4 ,plan to maintain a forward-stationed combat aviation brigade in ,south ,korea 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the ,national ,commission on the ,future of the ,army established by the ,national ,commission on the ,future of the ,army ,act of #bjad 7title ,,xvii of ,public ,law #aac-bia7 found that the ,army is incurring unacceptable risk in capabilities that would be required early for major contingencies1 and that retaining an eleventh combat aviation brigade in the regular ,army would help meet these demands4 7#b7 ,the ,commission also found that with an eleventh combat aviation brigade1 the ,army would be better postured to retain a forward stationed aviation brigade in ,south ,korea1 a major advantage over rotating forces as currently planned1 and shortfalls in capabilities would decline significantly4 7#c7 ,the ,army of the ,united ,states currently plans to begin rotational sourcing in #bjai to meet the ,combat ,aviation ,brigade requirement in ,south ,korea4 7#d7 ,the ,commission expressed concern that this rotational approach may present unacceptable risk1 given terrain and aviation mission complexities in ,south ,korea4 7#e7 ,the ,commission found that forward stationing of the combat aviation brigade in ,south ,korea would provide air crews greater familiarity with the demanding environment and enable greater interoperability with ,u4,s4 allies and partners for fight-tonight readiness4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,secretary of ,defense1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,army and the ,chief of ,staff of the ,army1 should retain an eleventh combat aviation brigade of the regular ,army in ,south ,korea4 7c7 ,plan ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,army and the ,chief of ,staff of the ,army1 shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan that includes an assessment of the actions necessary1 and additional resources required1 to retain an eleventh combat aviation brigade in ,south ,korea4 7d7 ,form ,the plan required under subsection 7c7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may contain a classified annex4 #bjd4 ,extended deterrence commitment to the ,asia-,pacific region 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the #bjaj ,nuclear ,posture ,review reaffirmed the commitment of the ,united ,states to extended deterrence and continued protection of the treaty allies of the ,united ,states under the ,united ,states nuclear umbrella4 7#b7 ,the ,united ,states-,republic of ,korea ,deterrence ,strategy ,committee and the ,united ,states-,japan ,extended ,deterrence ,dialogue provide valuable communication channels for ensuring the commitment of the ,united ,states to the policy of extended nuclear deterrence and allow for bilateral discussions on how the range of ,united ,states capabilities--including the ,united ,states nuclear umbrella--can be leveraged to credibly deter1 and if necessary1 defeat1 ,north ,korean nuclear weapons1 weapons of mass destruction1 and missile threats and aggression4 7#c7 ,statements by officials of the ,united ,states have consistently emphasized the ,united ,states commitment to providing extended deterrence and defense across the full spectrum of military capabilities1 including nuclear capabilities4 7#d7 ,on ,september #i1 #bjaf1 ,president ,obama responded to a ,north ,korean nuclear test by issuing the following statement1 ,i restated to ,president ,park and ,prime ,minister ,abe the unshakable ,u4,s4 commitment to take necessary steps to defend our allies in the region1 including through our deployment of a ,terminal ,high ,altitude ,area ,defense 7,,thaad7 battery to the ,,rok1 and the commitment to extended deterrence1 guaranteed by the full spectrum of ,u4,s4 defense capabilities44 7#e7 ,on ,october #ad1 #bjaf1 ,chairman of the ,joint ,chiefs of ,staff1 ,general ,joseph ,dunford1 reaffirmed the ironclad commitment of the ,u4,s4 to defend both the ,,rok and ,japan and provide extended deterrence guaranteed by the full spectrum of ,u4,s4 military capabilities1 including conventional1 nuclear1 and missile defense capabilities4 7#f7 ,on ,october #ai1 #bjaf1 ,secretary of ,defense ,ashton ,carter1 stated1 the ,u4,s4 commitment to the defense of ,south ,korea is unwavering4 ,this includes our commitment to provide extended deterrence1 guaranteed by the full spectrum of ,u4,s4 defense capabilities4 ,make no mistake3 ,any attack on ,america or our allies will not only be defeated1 but any use of nuclear weapons will be met with an overwhelming and effective response44 7#g7 ,on ,october #ai1 #bjaf1 ,secretary of ,state ,john ,kerry1 during a joint press conference with the ,south ,korean ,foreign ,minister1 confirmed the ,united ,states would defend ,south ,korea through a robust1 combined defense posture and through extended deterrence including the ,u4,s4 nuclear umbrella conventional strike and missile defense capabilities44 7#h7 ,on ,february #c1 #bjag1 ,secretary of ,defense ,james ,mattis1 during a visit to ,south ,korea1 stated1 ,america's commitments to defending our allies and to upholding our extended deterrence guarantees remain ironclad3 ,any attack on the ,united ,states1 or our allies1 will be defeated1 and any use of nuclear weapons would be met with a response that would be effective and overwhelming44 7#i7 ,in conjunction with the sea- and land-based legs of the triad1 nuclear-capable ,b-#b1 ,b-#ba1 and ,b-#eb bombers and dual-capable aircraft1 including ,f-#ce ,block #d aircraft1 are vital to ensuring the credibility and flexibility of ,united ,states extended deterrence to ,japan and ,south ,korea4 7b7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the defense of ,south ,korea and ,japan must remain a top priority for the administration2 7#b7 the ,united ,states maintains an unwavering and steadfast commitment to the policy of extended deterrence1 especially with respect to ,south ,korea and ,japan2 7#c7 bilateral extended deterrence dialogues and discussions with ,south ,korea and ,japan are of great value to the ,united ,states and its partners and must remain a central component of these relationships2 7#d7 the ,united ,states must maintain a robust nuclear triad1 including nuclear-capable bombers1 consisting of the current and planned ,air ,force fleet of nuclear-capable ,b-#b1 ,b-#ba1 and ,b-#eb bombers and dual-capable aircraft including ,f-#ce ,block #d aircraft1 to ensure that the full spectrum of military options associated with the extended deterrence commitments of the ,united ,states remains credible and executable2 7#e7 the fielding of long-range stand-off weapons in order to replace the current fleet of air-launched cruise missiles before such cruise missiles are retired at the end of the service life of the missiles is absolutely vital to ensuring the ,united ,states remains capable of meeting extended deterrence commitments in the ,asia-,pacific region in the years to come2 and 7#f7 the timely development1 production1 and deployment of the ,b-#ba bomber and ,f-#ce ,block #d dual-capable aircraft are fundamental to ensure that the ,united ,states remains able to meet extended deterrence requirements in the ,asia-,pacific region far into the future4 #bje4 ,assessment of ability of the ,air ,force to employ bombers and associated weapons while forward deployed 7a7 ,assessment required ,the ,secretary of ,defense shall conduct an assessment of the ability of the ,air ,force to employ the full range of bombers of the ,air ,force and the associated weapons of such bombers while forward deployed in support of operational plans1 contingency plans1 and warfighting scenarios throughout the ,indo-,asia-,pacific area of operations4 7b7 ,elements ,the assessment under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,an assessment of the capabilities and limitations of infrastructure and weapons loading equipment required to support weapons ground transportation and activities for ,b-#a and ,b-#eb bombers of the ,air ,force1 when forward deployed to airfields controlled by the ,united ,states allies of the ,united ,states in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region4 7#b7 ,an identification and assessment of any such assessed limitation that would materially affect operational and contingency plans and warfighting scenarios in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region4 7#c7 ,recommendations to mitigate any such infrastructure and weapon loading equipment support limitations needed to ensure full employment of bombers and associated weapons in support of operational plans1 contingency plans1 and warfighting scenarios in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region4 7c7 ,report required ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that contains a report that includes the assessment required under subsection 7a74 7d7 ,form ,the report required under subsection 7c7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may contain a classified annex4 #bjf4 ,plan to enhance imagery sharing with allies in the ,asia-,pacific region 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,department of ,defense should enhance critical intelligence1 surveillance1 and reconnaissance capabilities because such capabilities are a top readiness challenge and resourcing priority2 and 7#b7 persistent intelligence1 surveillance1 and reconnaissance capabilities with enhanced detection and indications and warning are necessary to maintain situational awareness and provide adequate decisions space for the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command and ,united ,states ,forces ,korea4 7b7 ,plan 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,defense1 in consultation with the ,director of ,national ,intelligence1 shall develop and implement a plan for enhancing the sharing of commercial imagery and national technical means with the ,governments of ,south ,korea and ,japan1 consistent with the national security of the ,united ,states and with the protection of sources and methods4 ,the ,secretary shall implement such plan with the goal of enhancing detection1 indications1 and warning1 in order to improve joint non-proliferation1 counterproliferation1 and ballistic missile detection and defense capabilities4 7#b7 ,briefing ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 in coordination with the ,director of ,national ,intelligence1 shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the plan under paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,appropriate congressional committees ,in this subsection1 the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7,b7 the ,select ,committee on ,intelligence of the ,senate and the ,permanent ,select ,committee on ,intelligence of the ,house of ,representatives4 #bjg4 ,plan to increase cyber and information operations1 deterrence1 and defense 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,cyber threats originating from the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region targeting the ,united ,states and the allies of the ,united ,states have increased1 including the use of cyber intrusions1 the exfiltration of data in the national interest of the ,united ,states1 and espionage4 7#b7 ,in ,february #bjaf1 ,admiral ,harry ,harris1 ,jr41 ,commander of the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command1 in his testimony noted increased cyber capacity and nefarious activity1 especially by ,china1 ,north ,korea1 and ,russia underscore the growing requirement to evolve command1 control1 and operational authorities4 7#c7 ,admiral ,harris stated that in order to fully leverage the cyber domain1 ,,pacom requires an enduring theater cyber capability able to provide cyber planning1 integration1 synchronization1 and direction of cyber forces44 7b7 ,plan ,the ,secretary of ,defense shall develop a plan to-- 7#a7 incorporate cyber planning within joint planning exercises pertaining to the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region2 7#b7 enhance joint1 regional1 and combined information operations and strategic communication strategies to counter ,chinese1 ,north ,korean1 and ,russian information warfare1 malign influence1 and propaganda activities2 and 7#c7 identify potential areas of cybersecurity collaboration and partnership capabilities with ,asian allies and partners of the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,briefing ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the plan required under subsection 7b74 #bjh4 ,establishment of joint training exercises and improving response capabilities for contingency scenarios 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,chairman of the ,joint ,chiefs of ,staff should conduct enhanced joint force training and exercises that specifically address full-spectrum threats across combatant commands2 and 7#b7 the ,chairman of the ,joint ,chiefs of ,staff should also consider training and exercises that enhance the effectiveness of the joint force1 and partnered forces1 to deter and respond to operational activities conducted below the threshold of conventional war4 7b7 ,availability of funds ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,department of ,defense for fiscal year #bjah #ajj1jjj1jjj for the enhancement of joint training and exercises through the ,combatant ,commanders ,exercise ,engagement and ,training ,transformation ,program4 ,,iii ,matters relating to foreign nations #cja4 ,assessment of freedom of navigation operations in the ,south ,china ,sea 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the ,united ,states has a national interest in maintaining freedom of navigation1 freedom of the seas1 respect for international law1 and unimpeded lawful commerce1 in the ,south ,china ,sea4 7#b7 ,on ,february #d1 #bjag1 ,secretary of ,defense ,james ,mattis stated1 ,freedom of navigation is absolute1 and whether it be commercial shipping of our ,u4,s4 ,navy1 we will practice in international waters and transit international waters as appropriate44 7#c7 ,in ,february #bd1 #bjaf1 ,admiral ,harry ,harris1 ,jr41 ,commander of the ,united ,states ,pacific ,command1 stated that ,chinese coercion1 artificial island construction1 and militarization in the ,south ,china ,sea threaten the most fundamental aspect of global prosperity--freedom of navigation44 7#d7 ,in ,july #bjaf1 the ,permanent ,court of ,arbitration of the ,hague ruled that ,china's claims to historic rights across a vast expanse of the ,south ,china ,sea were not valid under the ,united ,nations ,convention on the ,law of the ,sea4 7#e7 ,the ,permanent ,court also said that none of the land formations in the ,spratly ,islands in the ,south ,china ,sea--regardless of the party in control--are large enough to warrant an extension of the exclusive maritime zones beyond the existing boundary of #ab miles from disputed features in the ,south ,china ,sea4 7#f7 ,the ,united ,states ,navy has routinely conducted freedom of navigation operations within #ab miles of disputed features in the ,south ,china ,sea4 7#g7 ,on ,february #bd1 #bjaf1 ,admiral ,harris stated that these operations freedom of navigation operations are an important military tool to demonstrate ,america's commitment to the rule of law1 including the fundamental concept of freedom of navigation4 7b7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states should condemn any assertion that limits the right to freedom of navigation and overflight2 and 7#b7 the ,united ,states should keep to a regular and routine schedule for ,freedom of ,navigation ,operations in the sea and air4 7c7 ,assessment required 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,defense1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 shall conduct an assessment of ,united ,states policy on conducting ,freedom of ,navigation ,operation patrols in the ,south ,china ,sea4 7#b7 ,elements ,the assessment required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,a review of ,united ,states policy regarding freedom of navigation in the global commons1 including in the ,south ,china ,sea4 7,b7 ,a plan for conducting freedom of navigation operations in the ,south ,china ,sea with regularity and frequency4 7d7 ,report required 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than ,september #cj1 #bjag1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate a report that includes the assessment required under subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,form ,the report required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form and may include a classified annex4 #cjb4 ,sense of ,congress reaffirming security commitments to the ,governments of ,japan and ,south ,korea and trilateral cooperation between the ,united ,states1 ,japan1 and ,south ,korea ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states values its alliances with the ,governments of ,japan and ,south ,korea1 based on shared values of democracy1 the rule of law1 free and open markets1 and respect for human rights2 7#b7 the ,united ,states reaffirms its commitment to these alliances with ,japan and ,south ,korea1 which are critical for the preservation of peace and stability in the ,asia-,pacific region and throughout the world2 7#c7 the ,united ,states reaffirms its commitment to ,article ,v of the ,treaty of ,mutual ,cooperation and ,security between the ,united ,states of ,america and ,japan1 which applies to the ,japanese-administered ,senkaku ,islands2 7#d7 the ,united ,states supports continued implementation and expansion of defense cooperation with ,japan in accordance with the #bjae ,u4,s4-,japan ,defense ,guidelines and additional measures to strengthen this defense cooperation1 including by expanding foreign military sales1 establishing new cooperative technology development programs1 increasing military exercises1 or other actions as appropriate2 7#e7 the ,united ,states and ,south ,korea share deep concerns that the nuclear and ballistic missile programs of ,north ,korea and its repeated provocations pose great threats to peace and stability on the ,korean ,peninsula1 and the ,united ,states recognizes that ,south ,korea has made important commitments to the bilateral security alliance1 including by hosting a ,terminal ,high ,altitude ,area ,defense 7,,thaad7 system2 7#f7 the ,united ,states and ,south ,korea should continue further defense cooperation1 by enhancing mutual security based on the ,mutual ,defense ,treaty ,between the ,united ,states and the ,republic of ,korea and investing in capabilities critical to the combined defense2 7#g7 the ,united ,states welcomes greater security cooperation with1 and among1 ,japan and ,south ,korea to promote mutual interests and to address shared concerns1 including the bilateral military intelligence-sharing pact between ,japan and ,south ,korea1 signed on ,november #bc1 #bjaf1 and the trilateral intelligence sharing agreement between the ,united ,states1 ,japan1 and ,south ,korea1 signed on ,december #bi1 #bjae2 and 7#h7 recognizing that ,north ,korea poses a threat to the ,united ,states1 ,japan1 and ,south ,korea1 and that the security of the three countries is intertwined1 the ,united ,states welcomes and encourages deeper trilateral defense cooperation1 including through expanded exercises1 training1 and information sharing that strengthens integration4 #cjc4 ,sense of ,congress on the ,association of ,southeast ,asian ,nations 7a7 ,finding ,congress finds that #bjag is the #ejth anniversary of the formation of the ,association of ,southeast ,asian ,nations 7,,asean71 which includes ,indonesia1 ,malaysia1 the ,philippines1 ,singapore1 ,thailand1 ,brunei1 ,vietnam1 ,laos1 ,burma1 and ,cambodia4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states supports the development of regional institutions and bodies1 including the ,,asean ,regional ,forum1 the ,,asean ,defense ,ministers ,meeting ,plus1 the ,east ,asia ,summit1 and the expanded ,,asean ,maritime ,forum1 to increase regional cooperation and ensure that disputes are managed without intimidation1 coercion1 or force2 7#b7 the ,united ,states recognizes ,,asean efforts to promote peace1 stability1 and prosperity in the region1 including the steps taken to highlight the importance of peaceful dispute resolution and the need for adherence to international rules and standards4 7#c7 ,united ,states defense engagement with ,,asean and the ,,asean ,defense ,ministers ,meeting ,plus should continue to be forums to discuss shared challenges in the maritime domain and the need for greater information sharing among ,,asean nations2 and 7#d7 the ,united ,states welcomes continued work with ,,asean and other regional partners to establish more reliable and routine crisis communication mechanisms4 #cjd4 ,sense of ,congress on strengthening the defense of ,taiwan ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,taiwan ,relations ,act 7,public ,law #if-h2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #ccja et seq47 codified the basis for commercial1 cultural1 and other relations between the ,united ,states and ,taiwan1 and the ,six ,assurances are an important aspect in guiding bilateral relations2 7#b7 section #c7;a7 of that ,act states that the ,united ,states will make available to ,taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable ,taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability2 7#c7 the ,united ,states1 in accordance with such section1 should make available and provide timely review of requests for defense articles and defense services that may be necessary for ,taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability2 7#d7 ,taiwan should significantly increase its defense budget to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability2 7#e7 the ,united ,states should support expanded exchanges focused on practical training for ,taiwan personnel by and with ,united ,states military units1 including exchanges between services1 to empower senior military officers to identify and develop asymmetric and innovative capabilities that strengthen ,taiwan's ability to deter aggression2 7#f7 the ,united ,states should seek opportunities for expanded training and exercises with ,taiwan2 7#g7 the ,united ,states should encourage ,taiwan's continued investments in asymmetric self-defense capabilities that are mobile1 survivable against threatening forces1 and able to take full advantage of ,taiwan's geography2 and 7#h7 the ,united ,states should continue to-- 7,a7 support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises that increase ,taiwan's resiliency and ability to respond to and recover from natural disasters2 and 7,b7 recognize ,taiwan's already valuable military contributions to such efforts4 #cje4 ,sense of ,congress on reaffirming the importance of the ,united ,states-,australia defense alliance 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the ,united ,states and ,australia maintain a critical strategic relationship underpinned by shared democratic values1 common interests1 and strong defense ties4 7#b7 ,in #bjag1 the ,united ,states and ,australia will mark the #geth anniversary of the ,battles of the ,coral ,sea1 ,midway1 and ,guadalcanal1 and ,australia has been a loyal ally through modern engagements1 particularly with respect to international efforts in ,afghanistan and against the ,islamic ,state of ,iraq and the ,levant 7,,isil74 7#c7 ,the ,united ,states and ,australia have been bound by the ,security ,treaty ,between ,australia1 ,new ,zealand and the ,united ,states of ,america1 signed at ,san ,francisco on ,september #a1 #aiea1 which codified military obligations for each party outside as well as within the ,pacific region for the preservation of peace and stability4 7#d7 ,the ,force ,posture ,agreement between the ,government of ,australia and the ,government of the ,united ,states of ,america1 signed at ,sydney on ,august #ab1 #bjad1 strengthened the relationship between the two countries1 a relationship that is an anchor for peace and security both in the ,asia-,pacific region and worldwide4 7#e7 ,vice ,president ,michael ,pence stated on ,april #bb1 #bjag1 that the historic ,alliance between the ,united ,states and ,australia is inviolate1 it is immutable1 and it is a beacon that shines throughout the ,asia ,pacific and inspires the wider world4 ,the ,vice ,president stated that the ,united ,states will continue to work closely with ,australia to secure peace in the ,asia-,pacific region4 7#f7 ,former ,secretary of ,defense ,ashton ,carter stated in #bjaf that the ,united ,states-,australia alliance continues to be essential in terms of accelerating the defeat of ,,isil together in ,iraq and ,syria4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states values its alliance with the ,government of ,australia1 and the shared values and interests between both countries are essential to promoting peace1 security1 stability1 and economic prosperity in the ,indo-,asia-,pacific region2 7#b7 the annual rotations of ,united ,states ,marine ,corps forces to ,darwin1 ,australia1 and enhanced rotations of ,united ,states ,air ,force aircraft to ,australia pave the way for even closer defense and security cooperation2 7#c7 the ,treaty ,between the ,government of the ,united ,states of ,america and the ,government of ,australia ,concerning ,defense ,trade ,cooperation1 done at ,sydney1 ,september #e1 #bjjg1 should continue to facilitate industry collaboration and innovation to meet shared security challenges and reinforce military ties2 7#d7 as described by ,australian ,prime ,minister ,malcolm ,turnbull1 ,north ,korea is a threat to the peace of the region and the ,united ,states and ,australia should continue to cooperate to defend against the threat of ,north ,korea's nuclear and missile capabilities2 and 7#e7 the ,united ,states and ,australia also should continue to address the threat of terrorism and strengthen information sharing4