S.Amdt. 3645

SA 3645, submitted by Mr. Wicker, aims to transfer the Foreign Languages Program from the Director of National Intelligence to the Secretary of Defense.

The purpose of this amendment is to authorize the Secretary of Defense to manage a program that advances skills in foreign languages critical to the Defense Intelligence Enterprise for national security activities.

Key Changes and Additions

• Transfer of Authority: The Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of Defense will move personnel, assets, and facilities to put the program under the Department of Defense.

• Education Partnerships: The head of a covered element of the Defense Intelligence Enterprise can partner with educational institutions in the U.S. to enhance the study of critical foreign languages. Support for these institutions may include:

  • Loaning equipment and instructional materials.
  • Transferring surplus computer or other equipment.
  • Providing personnel to teach courses or develop materials.
  • Involving faculty and students in research projects.
  • Creating programs where students earn academic credit for research projects.
  • Providing career advice, academic assistance, and cash awards.

• Voluntary Services: The program allows the Defense Intelligence Enterprise to accept voluntary services from "dedicated personnel" (which includes private citizens and certain former government or military members).

  • Volunteers cannot be paid or placed in policymaking positions.
  • The government may reimburse volunteers for incidental expenses.
  • The government may install and pay for telephone and telecommunication equipment in the private homes of these volunteers.

• Legal Updates: The amendment adds a new chapter to title 10 of the United States Code and repeals subtitle B of title X of the National Security Act of 1947.