Bill > S2486

This bill, the Electronic Warfare Capabilities Enhancement Act of 2016, aims to bolster the United States' capabilities in electronic warfare, which involves using electromagnetic energy and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or attack adversaries. It permits the use of authorized funds for developing and deploying these systems and capabilities. The bill also amends the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 to include electronic warfare programs in a rapid acquisition authority program, allowing for faster procurement of urgently needed electronic warfare supplies and services to prevent critical mission failures, loss of life, or destruction of property. Furthermore, it designates a senior electronic warfare executive within the Department of Defense to review and approve documents for electronic warfare acquisition programs, bypassing the usual Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) process in certain circumstances, though the JROC can still appeal for review. Finally, an Electronic Warfare Executive Committee is established to report to Congress on a strategic plan with measurable objectives for improving electronic warfare interoperability, acquisition processes, training, identifying capability gaps, and developing innovative warfighting methods.