S.Amdt. 3809

SA 3809, submitted by Mr. Markey, aims to add a limitation on how funds are used for the "Golden Dome" (the next-generation air and missile defense architecture) for fiscal year 2026.

The purpose of this amendment is to stop funds from being used to design or develop a space-based interceptor capability until the Secretary of Defense provides the congressional defense committees with the following:

• A full architecture plan and lifecycle system costs for the required satellite constellation.
• A certification from the President stating that deploying this capability would not negatively impact strategic stability with China and Russia.
• A written commitment that the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation has the resources for effective oversight and that the interceptors will have realistic operational testing before they are deployed.
• An independent technical review from the National Academy of Sciences regarding the cost and military effectiveness of using space-based interceptors against intercontinental ballistic missiles.

These submissions must be unclassified, though they can include a classified annex.