S.Amdt. 3498

SA 3498, submitted by Mr. Van Hollen, aims to add Section 923 to bill S. 2296. The purpose of this addition is to help meet the requirements of section 936 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

The amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to add and assign specific personnel within 180 days of the Act's enactment:

• Combatant Commands: Not fewer than four personnel each for the United States Central, Africa, Special Operations, European, Southern, Indo-Pacific, and Northern Commands. These individuals will handle guidance, oversight, reporting, and analysis of civilian harm, as well as response functions like ex gratia payments and consultations with nongovernmental organizations.

• Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy: Not fewer than four personnel to oversee and implement Department of Defense policy on civilian harm mitigation and the protection of civilians, following the laws of war.

• Joint Staff: Not fewer than two personnel to communicate operational guidance and oversee how Department of Defense components implement policy on civilian harm mitigation and response.