Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB3168

Introduced
5/9/23  

Caption

To establish a Joint Autonomy Office in the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, this bill is expected to significantly affect the Department of Defense's approach to military technology and operational capabilities. The formation of the Joint Autonomy Office will centralize efforts related to the development of autonomous systems, focusing on software integration that can operate effectively even in challenging environments devoid of GPS or communications. It will facilitate a structured framework for evaluating and enhancing the use of autonomous technology within military operations, potentially streamlining processes that have historically been fragmented across branches of the military.

Summary

House Bill 3168 proposes the establishment of a Joint Autonomy Office within the Department of Defense tasked with the coordination, acceleration, and integration of all-domain autonomous systems. The Office aims to implement best practices from both commercial and defense sectors to enhance the delivery of these technological systems to operational military users. The proposal reflects an increasing emphasis on incorporating advanced autonomous capabilities across various military platforms to ensure preparedness in an evolving technological landscape.

Contention

The establishment of the Joint Autonomy Office raises questions regarding the balance of technological advancement versus accountability and ethical considerations in combat scenarios. Critics may argue that as the military integrates more autonomous systems, it must carefully evaluate the implications of reducing human oversight in decision-making processes. Additionally, concerns could potentially arise related to the security of data used by these autonomous systems, as well as implications for existing military personnel roles as these technologies evolve.

Companion Bills

US HB2670

Related Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Black Sea Security Act of 2023 Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023 Department of Veterans Affairs Minor Construction Threshold Adjustment Act of 2023 Ensuring Interagency Cooperation to Support Veterans Act of 2023 Nuclear Fuel Security Act of 2023 Beryllium Testing Fairness Act International Port Security Enforcement Act Ending China's Developing Nation Status Act Radiation Exposure Compensation Expansion Act U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day Act of 2023 Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Processing Claims Improvement Act of 2023 Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023 Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2023 Sensible Classification Act of 2023 Classification Reform Act of 2023 Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Act GRATEFUL Act Granting Recognition to Accomplished Talented Employees for Unwavering Loyalty Act Western Hemisphere Partnership Act of 2023 International Children with Disabilities Protection Act of 2023 Combating Global Corruption Act Securing Maritime Data from China Act of 2023 Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2023 American Security Drone Act of 2023 Military Service Promotion Act of 2023 FEND Off Fentanyl Act Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence Off Fentanyl Act Space Force Personnel Management Act CONVENE Act of 2023 Connecting Oceania’s Nations with Vanguard Exercises and National Empowerment Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2023 Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2023 Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act of 2023 UAP Disclosure Act of 2023 Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act of 2023 Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 ADVANCE Act of 2023 Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US HB5330

To amend title 10, United States Code, to establish a Department of Defense Military Housing Readiness Council, and for other purposes.

US HB4952

To amend title 10, United States Code, to establish the Office of Strategic Capital in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and for other purposes.

US HB2740

To establish an Office of Colonia Affairs within the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes.

US HB4444

To establish in the Executive Office of the President an Office of Young Americans, and for other purposes.

US HB3011

To establish a task force of the Department of Defense on mental health.

US HB4365

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024

US HB97

Armed Forces Endangered Species Exemption Act This bill establishes exemptions from the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) for defense-related purposes. Specifically, the bill establishes exemptions from the ESA for (1) operations related to national defense, and (2) military personnel engaged in such operations. For example, the bill allows such personnel to take (e.g., harm or kill) endangered or threatened species. In addition, the bill expands restrictions on the Department of the Interior designating defense-related areas as critical habitat. It also exempts the Department of Defense from certain requirements to consult with Interior about critical habitats.

US HB5425

To amend the Small Business Act to enhance the Office of Rural Affairs, and for other purposes.

US SB2226

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Securing Maritime Data from China Act of 2023 Military Service Promotion Act of 2023 Space Force Personnel Management Act Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023

US SB3004

A bill to specify control and management of Department of Defense data and to establish the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Governing Council, and for other purposes.

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Protect Sexual and Reproductive Health Act of 2023

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US SB490

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act

US HB4538

BLUE Pacific Act Boosting Long-term U.S. Engagement in the Pacific Act

US SR106

A resolution condemning Beijing's destruction of Hong Kong's democracy and rule of law.

US HB4047

Autonomy for All Disabled Veterans Act

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