To direct the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security to provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on challenges relating to information operations, and for other purposes.
Impact
If passed, HB 9293 would reinforce the integration of information operations across governmental agencies, promoting a coordinated approach to address the complexities of modern information warfare. This integration is aimed at improving the U.S. response capabilities in the dynamic global environment where information campaigns can influence public perception and operational outcomes. The bill highlights the necessity for a unified strategy that encompasses both military and intelligence aspects to effectively counter threats in the information domain.
Summary
House Bill 9293 aims to enhance the effectiveness of information operations within the United States by requiring the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security to provide a briefing to congressional defense committees on the challenges faced in this domain. The bill acknowledges the critical role information operations play in national security, emphasizing their importance for U.S. policymakers and military operators. It addresses persistent challenges such as a lack of situational awareness and understanding of the operational environment, which could hinder the effectiveness of U.S. efforts abroad.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for its intent to bolster national security, there are concerns among some stakeholders regarding the implications of increased government oversight on information operations. Critics may argue that enhanced military involvement in information operations could lead to overreach or misuse of information strategies, particularly concerning civil liberties. Additionally, there may be debates on the adequacy of the measures proposed to truly resolve the identified challenges and their practicality in implementation.
To direct the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense to provide a briefing to Congress on security options for the Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability program, and for other purposes.
To direct the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense and the Director of the Defense Information Systems Agency to jointly provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on the plan of the Department of Defense to transition away from the Joint Regional Security Stacks, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of the Army to provide a briefing to Congress on the future role and structure of Multi-Domain Task Forces, and for other purposes.
To require the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to increase membership in the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a working group to develop and coordinate an artificial intelligence initiative among the Five Eyes countries, and for other purposes.
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.
To prohibit the Secretary of Defense from entering into information technology contracts with entities that provide certain services to China, and for other purposes.
A bill to require the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs to provide a briefing on the status of establishing a course of education on authentication of digital content provenance and a briefing on a pilot program on authentication of digital content provenance, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of the Army to provide a briefing to Congress on the efforts of the Army to field passive multi-static radar detection technology for mobile counter-UAS systems, and for other purposes.