Full breakdown available
This pages provides a high-level overview of this law. For full list of provisions, line-item appropriations, and specific funding allocations, please view our detailed breakdown.
Summary
Sets the budget and policies for the U.S. military and other national defense programs for the 2024 fiscal year.
What problem does this solve?
The U.S. military requires annual approval from Congress to fund its operations, pay troops, and buy equipment. This law provides that approval and sets the rules for how the military will operate for the year.
What does this law do?
Authorizes sale of submarines to Australia under AUKUS
Allows the President to sell up to three Virginia-class submarines to Australia to implement the AUKUS security partnership, streamlining the transfer process.
Establishes a new personnel system for the Space Force
Creates a single personnel management system for the Space Force, moving away from the traditional active duty and reserve component structure to a more flexible model.
Extends security assistance to Ukraine
Extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through 2026, authorizing funds to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.
Creates a public records collection for UAPs
Establishes a collection of records about Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs) at the National Archives, with a process for government offices to review and publicly disclose these records.
Addresses service members separated over COVID-19 vaccine refusal
Allows former service members who were involuntarily separated for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine to request reinstatement in the military.
Provides parental leave for reserve and guard members
Grants members of the reserve components up to 12 inactive-duty training periods of parental leave after the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Prohibits procurement from certain Chinese companies
Bans the Department of Defense from buying goods or services from companies identified as Chinese military companies operating in the United States.
Limits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions
Freezes the hiring for any new or vacant positions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Department of Defense and caps the pay grade for these roles.
Authorizes studies on psychedelic substances for service members
Creates a program to study the use of certain psychedelic substances, such as MDMA and psilocybin, to treat post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries in active-duty service members.
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Limitation on retirement of F-15 aircraft and modification of related reporting requirement
Prohibits retirement of certain military aircraft
Places limitations or outright prohibitions on the Air Force and Navy retiring several types of aircraft, including certain F-15, F-16, KC-135, and A-10 aircraft, to maintain fleet sizes.
Authorizes efforts to disrupt fentanyl trafficking
Requires the Department of Defense to develop a strategy to counter fentanyl trafficking and authorizes cyber operations against Mexican transnational criminal organizations involved in trafficking.
Prohibits procurement of certain batteries from Chinese companies
Bans the Department of Defense from buying batteries from specific Chinese manufacturers, including CATL and BYD, starting in October 2027.
Who does this affect?
- U.S. military service members
- Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors
- Defense industry companies
What is the real world impact?
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Provides for the national defense
Fulfills Congress's constitutional duty to fund and oversee the armed forces, ensuring the military has the resources needed to protect the country and its interests for the upcoming fiscal year.
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Modernizes the military for future conflicts
Directs funding towards new technologies like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and space capabilities to prepare for potential conflicts with near-peer competitors like China and Russia.
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Supports military personnel and families
Includes provisions to improve the quality of life for service members and their families, such as pay raises, better housing standards, and expanded benefits like parental leave.
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Acts as a vehicle for other legislation
Serves as a large, "must-pass" bill, which can attract numerous unrelated amendments and provisions that might not pass on their own. This makes it a powerful tool for enacting a wide range of policies beyond just defense.
When does this start?
This law authorizes the military budget for Fiscal Year 2024, which began October 1, 2023. While many provisions take effect immediately, some have specific start dates or deadlines.
Parental leave for reserve members
The new parental leave policy for members of the reserve components takes effect on October 1, 2024.
Authorization for submarine sales to Australia
The President is authorized to begin the transfer of Virginia-class submarines to Australia one year after the date of this law's enactment (December 22, 2024).
Prohibition on certain Chinese batteries
The Department of Defense will be prohibited from procuring batteries from specified Chinese companies starting on October 1, 2027.
Prohibition on procurement from Chinese military companies
The ban on contracting directly with identified Chinese military companies takes effect on June 30, 2026. The ban on procuring goods that include products from these companies takes effect on June 30, 2027.