Michael

From the Office of Katherine Emerson DOD: We are coming home RE: Afghanistan and Syria Troop Withdrawal FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C. — Secretary of Defense Katherine Emerson spoke to reporters today in the Pentagon Press Briefing Room on the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan. "Today I'm pleased to announce that military operations in Afghanistan have been concluded and that all U.S. Forces stationed in country are coming home. This conflict has been ongoing for over 20 years ever since Osama bin-Laden and his organization committed those horrific attacks against American's on American soil. To oversee the end of this war and to reunite our servicemen and women who were serving in Afghanistan is a profound honor." Secretary Emerson also spoke about the withdrawal of 400 service-members from Syria. "President Fitzgerald has also ordered the withdrawal of 400 service-members from Syria. Those service-members have arrived home. The United States will continue to maintain a presence in Syria in a mostly advisory role in order to secure our interests in the region." ### View full press release

From the Office of Katherine Emerson DoD Budget Release RE: FY2022-2025 Department Budget FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C. — This week the President of the United States released his FY2022-2025 budget to Congress. In this budget calls for $84 Billion annually for Department funding that will allow our Armed Forces to replace critical hardware, software and infrastructure. The budget specifies funding for the following: - Eight Gerald Ford-class Carriers to replace our aging Nimitz-class carriers that are nearing the end of their service life. - Six Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers to increase operational capabilities in strategic areas around the globe. - Next Generation Polar Icebreaker to allow our Navy to operate in critical locations that normally can only be accessed by submarines. - Eleven America-Class Amphibious Assault Ships to enhance our capabilities to protect Americans at every corner of the globe. - Twelve SSBN-X Submarines to replacing the aging Ohio-Class Nuclear Submarines. - Ground Based Strategic Deterrent Program to replace our decades old Minutemen Nuclear Missiles. - Trident III Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Program. - 400 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to give our pilots the best equipment from which to operate. - 100 Next Generation Stealth Drones to help keep our soldiers safe. - B-21 Raider Long Range Strike Bomber to be able to strike critical and strategic locations during conflicts around the globe. - The HUMVEE Replacement Program to replace the aging HUMVEE and to allow for greater protection for ground forces from IED and other explosive and small arms fire. - Several weapon replacement programs that will give our Armed Forces the edge in a variety of combats locations. - Funding for critical physical and cyber infrastructure. - Funding for continues research and development of critical projects to protect and sustain the live of our Service members. The Secretary of Defense Katherine Emerson made brief remarks to the press following the White Houses submission of the budget to Congress. "The President came to me and asked me what our Service members needed to get their jobs done safely. After consulting with the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I submitted a list of critical items that they required. The President gave me his immediate support. It is clear that President Fitzgerald has our nations security, out Armed Forces, our long term interest at the forefront of his mind." ### View full press release

Adrian Mikaelson 1. Fundraiser - California (2 hours) 2. Fundraiser - Texas (2 hours)

Mr. President, I move to pass this bill via unanimous consent. I yield

@AdrianMikaelson: It is time for the United States Space Operations to be unified under one branch that focuses on America's role in outer space. That is why today I introduced the United States Space Force Act.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES Mr. Mikaelson (for himself, with thanks to Mr. Inhofe) introduced the following bill; A BILL To Establish the United States Space Force. Section 1. Short title This subtitle may be cited as the United States Space Force Act. Sec. 2. The Space Force (a) Redesignation The Air Force Space Command is hereby redesignated as the United States Space Force (USSF). (b) Authority Title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) in chapter 907 of part I of subtitle D, by redesignating sections 9067, 9069, 9074, 9075, 9081, and 9084 as sections 9063, 9064, 9065, 9066, 9067, and 9068, respectively; (2)by adding at the end of such part the following new chapter: Chapter 908 The Space Force Sec. 9081. The United States Space Force. 9082. Chief of Space Operations. 9083. Officer career field for space. ; (3) by transferring section 2279c to chapter 908, as so added, and redesignating such section as section 9081; and (4) by amending such section 9081 to read as follows: Sec. 9081. The United States Space Force (a) Establishment There is established a United States Space Force as an armed force within the Department of the Air Force. (b) Composition The Space Force shall be composed of the following: (1) The Chief of Space Operations. (2)The space forces and such assets as may be organic therein. (c)Functions The Space Force shall be organized, trained, and equipped to provide— (1) freedom of operation for the United States in, from, and to space; and (2) prompt and sustained space operations. (d) Duties It shall be the duty of the Space Force to— (1) protect the interests of the United States in space; (2) deter aggression in, from, and to space; and (3) conduct space operations. . (c) Space Force as an Armed Force Section 101(a)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting Space Force, after Marine Corps,. (d) Members (1) In general Effective as of the date of the enactment of this Act, there shall be assigned to the Space Force such members of the Air Force as the Secretary of the Air Force shall specify. (2) No authorization of additional military billets The Secretary shall carry out this subsection within military personnel of the Air Force otherwise authorized by this Act. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize additional military billets for the purposes of, or in connection with, the establishment of the Space Force. (e) Officer career field for space Section 9068 of title 10, United States Code (as redesignated by subsection (b)(1)), is hereby transferred to the end of chapter 908 of such title (as added by subsection (b)(2)) and redesignated as section 9083. (f) Tables of chapters The tables of chapters at the beginning of subtitle D of title 10, United States Code, and part I of such subtitle are each amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 907 the following new item: 908.The Space Force9081. . (g) Conforming clerical amendment to chapter 907 The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 907 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the items relating to sections 9067, 9069, 9074, 9075, 9081, and 9084 and inserting the following new items: 9063. Designation: officers to perform certain professional functions. 9064. Air Force nurses: Chief; appointment. 9065. Commands: territorial organization. 9066. Regular Air Force: composition. 9067. Assistant Surgeon General for Dental Services. . Sec. 3. Chief of Space Operations (a) Chief Chapter 908 of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 952 of this Act), is amended by inserting after section 9081 the following new section: Sec. 9082. Chief of Space Operations (a) Appointment (1) There is a Chief of Space Operations, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from the general officers of the Air Force. The Chief serves at the pleasure of the President. (2) The Chief shall be appointed for a term of four years. In time of war or during a national emergency declared by Congress, the Chief may be reappointed for a term of not more than four years. (b) Grade The Chief, while so serving, has the grade of general without vacating the permanent grade of the officer. (c) Relationship to the Secretary of the Air Force Except as otherwise prescribed by law and subject to section 9013(f) of this title, the Chief performs the duties of such position under the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of the Air Force and is directly responsible to the Secretary. (d) Duties Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief shall— (1)preside over the Office of the Chief of Space Operations; (2) transmit the plans and recommendations of the Office of the Chief of Space Operations to the Secretary and advise the Secretary with regard to such plans and recommendations; (3) after approval of the plans or recommendations of the Office of the Chief of Space Operations by the Secretary, act as the agent of the Secretary in carrying them into effect; (4) exercise supervision, consistent with the authority assigned to commanders of unified or specified combatant commands under chapter 6 of this title, over such of the members and organizations of the Space Force as the Secretary determines; and (5) perform such other military duties, not otherwise assigned by law, as are assigned to the Chief by the President, the Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of the Air Force. (e) Joint Chiefs of Staff (1) Commencing one year after the date of the enactment of the United States Space Force Act, the Chief of Space Operations shall be a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (2) To the extent that such action does not impair the independence of the Chief in the performance of the duties of the Chief as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff pursuant to paragraph (1), the Chief shall inform the Secretary of the Air Force regarding military advice rendered by members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on matters affecting the Department of the Air Force. (3) Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense, the Chief shall keep the Secretary of the Air Force fully informed of significant military operations affecting the duties and responsibilities of the Secretary. . (b) Service (1) Incumbent The individual serving as Commander of the Air Force Space Command as of the day before the date of the enactment of this Act may serve as the Chief of Space Operations under subsection (a) of section 9082 of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of this section), after that date without further appointment as otherwise provided for by subsection (a) of such section 9082. (2) U.S. Space Command During the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense may authorize an officer serving as the Chief of Space Operations to serve concurrently as the Commander of the United States Space Command, without further appointment. (c)Joint Chiefs of Staff matters Effective on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, section 151(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (8) The Chief of Space Operations. . Sec. 4. Space Force Acquisition Council (a) In general Chapter 903 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating section 9021 as section 9021a; and (2) by inserting after section 9020 the following new section 9021: Sec. 9021. Space Force Acquisition Council (a) Establishment There is in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force a council to be known as the Space Force Acquisition Council (in this section referred to as the Council). (b) Members The members of the Council are as follows: (1) The Under Secretary of the Air Force. (2) The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, who shall act as chair of the Council. (3) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. (4) The Director of the National Reconnaissance Office. (5) The Chief of Space Operations. (6) The Commander of the United States Space Command. (c) Duties The Council shall oversee, direct, and manage acquisition and integration of the Air Force for space systems and programs in order to ensure integration across the national security space enterprise. (d) Meetings The Council shall meet not less frequently than monthly. (e) Reports Not later than 30 days after the end of each calendar year quarter through the first calendar year quarter of 2025, the Council shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the activities of the Council during the calendar year quarter preceding the calendar year quarter in which such report is submitted. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 903 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 9021 and inserting the following new items: 9021. Space Force Acquisition Council. 9021a. Air Force Reserve Forces Policy Committee. . Sec. 5. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy (a) In general Section 138(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) One of the Assistant Secretaries is the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. The principal duty of the Assistant Secretary shall be the overall supervision of policy of the Department of Defense for space warfighting. . (b) Elements of office (1)Development of recommendations The Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center on the development of recommendations as to the appropriate elements of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, including, in particular, whether the elements of the Office should include elements on space that are currently assigned to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence or the Military Intelligence Program. (2) Transmittal Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives the recommendations developed pursuant to paragraph (1), together with an assessment of such recommendations by the Secretary. Sec. 6. Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration (a) Redesignation of Principal Assistant for Space as Assistant Secretary for Space Acquisition and Integration (1) In general The Principal Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force for Space is hereby redesignated as the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration. (2) References Any reference to the Principal Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force for Space in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a reference to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration. (b) Codification of position and responsibilities (1) In general Section 9016 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subtitle B of this title, is further amended— (A) in subsection (a), by striking four and inserting five; and (B) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (6) (A) One of the Assistant Secretaries is the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration. (B) Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Assistant Secretary shall do as follows: (i) Be responsible for all architecture and integration of the Air Force for space systems and programs, including in support of the Chief of Space Operations under section 9082 of this title. (ii) Act as the chair of the Space Force Acquisition Council under section 9021 of this title. (iii) Advise the service acquisition executive of the Air Force with responsibility for space systems and programs (including for all major defense acquisition programs under chapter 144 of this title for space) on the acquisition of such systems and programs by the Air Force. (iv) Oversee and direct each of the following: (I) The Space Rapid Capabilities Office under section 2273a of this title. (II) The Space and Missile Systems Center. (III) The Space Development Agency. (v) Advise and synchronize acquisition projects for all space systems and programs of the Air Force, including projects for space systems and programs responsibility for which is transferred to the Assistant Secretary pursuant to section 956(b)(3) of the United States Space Force Act. (vi) Effective as of October 1, 2022, in accordance with section 957 of that Act, serve as the Service Acquisition Executive of the Department of the Air Force for Space Systems and Programs. . (2) Executive Schedule level IV Section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to the Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force and inserting the following new item: Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force (5). . (3) Transfer of acquisition projects for space systems and programs Effective October 1, 2022, the Secretary of the Air Force shall transfer to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration under paragraph (6) of section 9016(b) of title 10, United States Code (as added by this subsection), responsibility for architecture and integration of any acquisition projects for space systems and programs of the Air Force that are under the oversight or direction of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition as of September 30, 2022. Sec. 7. Service Acquisition Executive of the Department of the Air Force for Space Systems and Programs (a) In general Effective October 1, 2022, there shall be within the Department of the Air Force a Service Acquisition Executive of the Department of the Air Force for Space Systems and Programs. (b) Service (1) In general Effective as of October 1, 2022, and subject to paragraph (2), the individual serving as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration under paragraph (6) of section 9016(b) of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 1832(b) of this Act), shall also serve as the Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs. (2) Incumbent The individual serving as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration as of October 1, 2022, may also serve as the Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs pursuant to paragraph (1) only if appointed as the Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, pursuant to a nomination submitted to the Senate on or after that date. (c) Authorities and responsibilities (1) In general The Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs shall have within the Department of the Air Force all the authorities and responsibilities of a service acquisition executive under section 1704 of title 10, United States Code, and other applicable law, for the Department of the Air Force with respect to space systems and programs. (2) Separate SAE within the Air Force The Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs shall be in addition to the service acquisition executive in the Department of the Air Force for all acquisition matters of the Department of the Air Force other than with respect to space systems and programs. (3)Guidance on relationship among SAEs Not later than October 1, 2022, and from time to time thereafter, the Secretary of the Air Force shall issue guidance for the Department of the Air Force on the authorities and responsibilities of the Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs and the authorities and responsibilities of the service acquisition executive of the Department for all acquisition matters of the Department other than with respect to space systems and programs. Sec. 8. Conforming amendments and clarification of authorities (a) Conforming amendments Title 10, United States Code, is amended as follows: (1) In section 101(a)(9)(C), by inserting and the Space Force before the semicolon. (2) In section 2273a— (A) in subsection (a), by striking Air Force Space Command and inserting Space Force; and (B) in subsection (b), by striking Commander of the Air Force Space Command and inserting Chief of Space Operations. (b) Clarification of authorities (1) In general Except as specifically provided by this subtitle or the amendments made by this subtitle— (A) a member of the Space Force shall be treated as a member of the Air Force for the purpose of the application of any provision of law, including provisions of law relating to pay, benefits, and retirement; and (B) a civilian employee of the Space Force shall be treated as a civilian employee of the Air Force for the purpose of the application of any provision of law, including provisions of law relating to pay, benefits, and retirement. (2) Appointment and enlistment For purposes of the appointment or enlistment of individuals as members of the Space Force pending the integration of the Space Force into the laws providing for the appointment or enlistment of individuals as members of the Armed Forces, appointments and enlistments of individuals as members of the Armed Forces in the Space Force may be made in the same manner in which appointments and enlistments of individuals as members of the Armed Forces in the other Armed Forces may be made by law. Sec. 9. Effects on military installations Nothing in this subtitle, or the amendments made by this subtitle, shall be construed to authorize or require the relocation of any facility, infrastructure, or military installation of the Air Force. Sec. 10. Availability of funds (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), amounts authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2020 by this Act and available for the Air Force may be obligated and expended for programs, projects, and activities for space, including personnel and acquisition programs, projects, and activities, for and in connection with the establishment of the Space Force and the discharge of the other requirements of this title and the amendments made by this subtitle. (b) Limitation The total amount obligated and expended in fiscal year 2020 from amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act for and in connection with the establishment of the Space Force and the discharge of the requirements described in subsection (a) may not exceed the total amount requested for the Space Force in the budget of the President for fiscal year 2020, as submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 10, United States Code. Sec. 11. Implementation (a) Requirement Except as specifically provided by this subtitle, the Secretary of the Air Force shall implement this subtitle, and the amendments made by this subtitle, by not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Briefings Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 60 days thereafter until March 31, 2023, the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Space Operations shall jointly provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the status of the implementation of the Space Force pursuant to this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle. Each briefing shall address the current missions, operations and activities, manpower requirements and status, and budget and funding requirements and status of the Space Force, and such other matters with respect to the implementation and operation of the Space Force as the Secretary and the Chief jointly consider appropriate to keep Congress fully and currently informed on the status of the implementation of the Space Force.

Adrian Mikaelson 1. Fundraiser - Florida (2 hours) 2. Fundraiser - Texas (2 hours)

Senator, Thank you for asking questions as important as these. 1) When the agency was given authorization to use enhanced interrogation techniques, I was hesitant to use them. I knew how it would look from a political and public relations standpoint. But at the time it was a useful tool to gain intelligence that could prevent the killings of thousands of American's around the globe. Today I believe that those techniques would be better served if they remained in the past. There have been improvements to the way we gather intelligence. Technology has improved. Our intelligence sources have improved. I will work with the other department and agency heads to develop new methods that would better serve us. 2) If the President ordered the closure of the facility then I would follow that order. However, I would recommend to the President to keep the facility open and perform an audit to determine what is and isn't working. 3) I do.

Emerson: Mr. President, I'll waive my opening statement.

@AdrianMikaelson: Thank you Louisiana for believing in me. I will continue to represent your best interests in Washington!

Adrian Mikaelson 1. Fundraiser - Louisiana (2 hours) 2. Fundraiser - Texas (2 hours)