A resolution congratulating the University of Vermont men's soccer team on winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men's soccer national championship.

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Bill ID: 119/sres/56

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

A resolution congratulating the University of Vermont men's soccer team on winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men's soccer national championship.

SRES. 56, 119th Congress.

The sponsor

Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$38,800 raised

22 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

40% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Department of Education" section, p. 365-367 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S600; text: CR S599)

February 3, 2025

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

📍 Current Status

Next: The full Senate will vote on whether to pass the bill.

✅

Passed Senate

🏛️

House Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Summary Style:

*Sigh* Alright, let's break down this congressional resolution, shall we? As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, a bill is a proposed law that must go through a series of steps before it becomes an actual law. This particular bill, SRES 56, is a resolution congratulating the University of Vermont men's soccer team on winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men's soccer national championship.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of this resolution is to express congratulations and recognition from the Senate to the University of Vermont men's soccer team for their achievement. It's a feel-good, ceremonial bill that doesn't actually change any laws or policies.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** There are no key provisions or changes to existing law in this resolution. It's simply a statement of congratulations and recognition. Remember when we learned about the different types of bills in class? This one is an example of a ceremonial bill, which doesn't have any real legislative impact.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties in this case are the University of Vermont men's soccer team, their coaching staff, support staff, and fans. The stakeholders include the Senate, the Secretary of the Senate, and the individuals who will receive a copy of the enrolled resolution (the interim president of the University of Vermont, the director of athletics, and the head coach).

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact of this resolution is minimal to none. It's a symbolic gesture that doesn't have any real-world implications or consequences. However, it may serve as a morale boost for the team and their fans, and provide some positive publicity for the University of Vermont.

As I'm sure you recall from our 8th grade civics class, the legislative process is designed to be more complex and nuanced than this. Bills are supposed to go through committees, mark-ups, and debates before being voted on. But in this case, it seems like a straightforward expression of congratulations was all that was needed. Now, if only we could get back to discussing actual policy changes...

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (civics_teacher personality)

My fellow truth-seekers, gather 'round and behold the subtle machinations of our benevolent government! SRES 56, a seemingly innocuous resolution congratulating the University of Vermont men's soccer team on their national championship win, holds secrets beneath its surface. Let us peel back the layers and expose the hidden agenda.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** On the surface, this resolution appears to be a heartwarming gesture of recognition for the Catamounts' historic victory. However, I propose that its true purpose is to distract from more pressing issues while subtly promoting the interests of certain stakeholders. The resolution's language and structure reveal a cleverly crafted narrative designed to manipulate public opinion.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** This resolution does not explicitly change existing law, but it sets a precedent for future resolutions that may have far-reaching implications. Note the use of phrases like "the State of Vermont is, in fact, a soccer State." This language can be interpreted as a veiled attempt to promote Vermont's interests and potentially secure funding or resources for future sports-related initiatives.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The resolution explicitly mentions the University of Vermont, its interim president, director of athletics, and head coach. However, I suspect that other stakeholders are at play here. Consider the following:

* The NCAA, a powerful organization with significant influence over college athletics, may be using this resolution to further their own interests. * The State of Vermont, eager to boost tourism and local pride, may be leveraging this resolution to promote its sports infrastructure and attract new investments.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This resolution may seem trivial, but it has the potential to:

* Set a precedent for future resolutions that blur the lines between government recognition and subtle promotion of special interests. * Influence public opinion and shape the narrative around college athletics, potentially leading to increased funding or support for certain programs. * Create a ripple effect in the sports industry, as other teams and organizations may seek similar recognition and benefits.

In conclusion, my friends, SRES 56 is not just a harmless resolution. It's a cleverly crafted tool designed to advance the interests of select stakeholders while distracting from more pressing issues. Remember, nothing is as it seems in the world of politics. Always question the narrative, and never stop seeking the truth!

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (conspiracy_uncle personality)

(Deep breath) Folks, we've got a real doozy of a bill on our hands here. SRES 56, a resolution congratulating the University of Vermont men's soccer team on their national championship win. (Sarcastic tone) Oh boy, I can barely contain my excitement.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of this bill is to... wait for it... congratulate a college soccer team on winning a championship. That's right, folks, our esteemed lawmakers are using their valuable time and resources to pat themselves on the back for recognizing the achievements of a group of young athletes. I mean, who needs to address pressing national issues when you can celebrate a soccer game?

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** There aren't any changes to existing law here, folks. This is purely a ceremonial resolution. But let's be real, it's not like our lawmakers are actually doing anything meaningful with their time anyway. They're just going through the motions, pretending to care about the "little guy" while they line their pockets with special interest cash.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties here are the University of Vermont men's soccer team, their fans, and... (dramatic pause) ...the State of Vermont. Oh, and let's not forget the "elites" who will no doubt be thrilled to see our lawmakers wasting time on this nonsense instead of addressing real issues.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact of this bill? Zero. Zilch. Nada. It's a feel-good resolution that means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things. But hey, it's a great way for our lawmakers to pretend they're doing something meaningful while they continue to sell out to special interests.

(With a smirk) You know what this bill really is? A perfect example of how our government is more concerned with appearances than actual results. It's all about optics, folks. They want you to think they care about the "little guy" and are invested in your community, when in reality, they're just playing politics as usual.

But hey, who am I to rain on their parade? Congratulations, University of Vermont men's soccer team! You've earned the admiration of our lawmakers... for now. (Wink)

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (fox_host personality)

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, straight from the esteemed halls of Congress. SRES 56 is a resolution that congratulates the University of Vermont men's soccer team on their 2024 NCAA Division I national championship win. Wow, what a monumental achievement. I'm sure the fate of the nation depends on this.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of this bill is to stroke the egos of Senators Welch and Sanders, who sponsored this resolution. It's a feel-good, empty gesture that allows them to pretend they're doing something meaningful while actually wasting taxpayer time and money. The objective? To get their names in the press and curry favor with Vermont constituents.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** There are no key provisions or changes to existing law. This is a non-binding resolution, which means it's essentially a pointless exercise in self-congratulation. It's like giving yourself a participation trophy for showing up to work.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties include the University of Vermont men's soccer team (who will likely frame this resolution and hang it on their wall as a testament to their greatness), Senators Welch and Sanders (who get to bask in the glory of their own self-importance), and the taxpayers who foot the bill for this legislative farce.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact is zero. Zilch. Nada. This resolution will not create jobs, improve education, or address any pressing national issue. It's a meaningless gesture that will be forgotten in a week. The only implication is that our elected officials are more interested in grandstanding than actual governance.

Diagnosis: This bill suffers from a severe case of "Legislative Narcissism," where politicians prioritize their own self-aggrandizement over meaningful policy work. Symptoms include excessive use of congratulatory language, pointless resolutions, and a complete disregard for the legislative process. Treatment? A healthy dose of skepticism, a strong stomach, and a willingness to call out this nonsense for what it is: a waste of time and resources.

In conclusion, SRES 56 is a perfect example of how our government prioritizes style over substance. It's a resolution that says nothing, does nothing, and accomplishes nothing – except to further erode the public's trust in our elected officials. Bravo, Senators Welch and Sanders. You've truly earned your participation trophies.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

**Bill Summary: SRES 56**

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of Senate Resolution 56 (SRES 56) is to congratulate the University of Vermont men's soccer team on winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I men's soccer national championship. The resolution aims to recognize and celebrate the team's historic achievement, which marks the first-ever NCAA Division I national championship in the history of the Catamounts.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** SRES 56 is a non-binding resolution that does not change existing law or policy. It consists of a series of "whereas" clauses that highlight the team's achievements and notable moments during the 2024 NCAA Division I men's soccer national championship tournament. The resolution concludes with two main provisions:

1. Congratulates the University of Vermont men's soccer team on winning the 2024 NCAA Division I men's soccer national championship. 2. Requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the interim president of the University of Vermont, the director of athletics, and the head coach of the University of Vermont Catamounts men's soccer team.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties and stakeholders include:

* The University of Vermont men's soccer team (the Catamounts) * The University of Vermont administration, including the interim president and director of athletics * The head coach of the University of Vermont Catamounts men's soccer team * Fans and supporters of the Catamounts * The State of Vermont

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact of SRES 56 is largely symbolic, as it does not change existing law or policy. However, the resolution may have several implications:

* It provides a formal recognition of the University of Vermont men's soccer team's achievement, which can boost morale and pride among the team members, fans, and supporters. * It highlights the State of Vermont's growing reputation in soccer, potentially attracting more attention and investment in the sport within the state. * It may inspire future generations of student-athletes to pursue excellence in sports and academics.

Overall, SRES 56 is a celebratory resolution that acknowledges the University of Vermont men's soccer team's historic achievement and provides a formal recognition of their hard work and dedication.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (neutral personality)

Let me break down this congressional bill for you, bro.

**Main Purpose & Objectives** This resolution is all about giving props to the University of Vermont men's soccer team for winning the 2024 NCAA Division I national championship. It's like a big ol' high-five from Congress, congratulating the team on their historic win.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** There aren't any major changes to existing law here, bro. This is just a feel-good resolution that doesn't have any teeth. It's all about acknowledging the team's achievement and expressing admiration for their grit and determination. The Senate is basically saying, "Hey, Catamounts, you guys are awesome!"

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** The main parties affected by this resolution are:

* The University of Vermont men's soccer team (obviously) * The interim president of the University of Vermont, Patricia A. Prelock * The director of athletics at the University of Vermont, Jeff Schulman * The head coach of the University of Vermont Catamounts men's soccer team, Rob Dow

These folks will receive an enrolled copy of this resolution, which is like a fancy certificate saying "Congrats, you guys are champs!"

**Potential Impact & Implications** Honestly, bro, this resolution isn't gonna change the world. It's just a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the team's achievement. But, on a deeper level, it shows that Congress can come together and agree on something positive, even if it's not a major policy shift.

It also highlights the importance of sports in American culture and how they can bring people together. The fact that Vermonters and fans of the Catamounts are stoked about this win shows that sports have the power to unite us, bro.

In conclusion, SRES 56 is all about giving props to the University of Vermont men's soccer team for their historic win. It's a feel-good resolution that doesn't change any laws but shows Congress can come together and acknowledge something awesome.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (surfer personality)

**Bill Analysis: SRES 56**

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** SRES 56 is a congratulatory resolution honoring the University of Vermont men's soccer team for winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I men's soccer national championship. The resolution aims to recognize the team's achievement and express pride in their accomplishment.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** This resolution does not propose any changes to existing law or introduce new legislation. It is a ceremonial gesture, acknowledging the University of Vermont men's soccer team's historic win.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:**

* The University of Vermont men's soccer team and its coaching staff * The University of Vermont administration, including Interim President Patricia A. Prelock and Director of Athletics Jeff Schulman * Fans and supporters of the Catamounts * The State of Vermont

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This resolution has no significant policy implications or financial impact. Its primary purpose is to acknowledge the team's achievement and provide a symbolic gesture of recognition.

**Monied Interest Analysis:** No notable monied interests are directly involved in this resolution, as it does not propose any changes to existing law or introduce new legislation that would benefit specific industries or organizations. However, it is worth noting that Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is a cosponsor of the bill, and his campaign has received donations from labor unions and progressive organizations.

**Committee Capture:** This resolution was considered by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over sports-related matters. While there are no apparent conflicts of interest or committee capture issues related to this specific resolution, it is worth noting that the committee has received contributions from various industries, including telecommunications and technology companies.

**Hidden Motivations:** The primary motivation behind this resolution appears to be genuine recognition of the University of Vermont men's soccer team's achievement. However, it is possible that Senator Sanders' involvement may also serve as a way to boost his popularity in Vermont, where he has been a prominent figure for many years.

In summary, SRES 56 is a ceremonial resolution with no significant policy implications or financial impact. While there are no apparent monied interests directly involved, the bill's sponsors and cosponsors have received donations from various organizations that may be tangentially related to the sports industry.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (whistleblower personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions

$38,800

18 donors

PACs

Organizations

$2,000

Committees

Individuals

$36,800

No PAC contributions found

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

2 transactions

$2,000

No committee contributions found

RECHNITZ, JOAN

2 transactions

$6,600

STILLER, ROBERT

2 transactions

$6,600

FIELD, MARSHALL

1 transaction

$3,300

GORDON, PATRICIA

1 transaction

$3,300

KALKUT, CRAIG

1 transaction

$2,500

SCHWARTZ, MARTIN

1 transaction

$2,000

WELLS, TOM

1 transaction

$2,000

FRENCH, CLARK

2 transactions

$2,000

SOARES, NATE

1 transaction

$1,000

GABBERT, MARTHA

1 transaction

$1,000

EGELI, CAROLYN

1 transaction

$1,000

EHMANN CONTE, MARTHA

1 transaction

$1,000

BRUE, NORDAHL L

1 transaction

$1,000

FINDLATER, CHRISTOPHER

1 transaction

$1,000

WOLAVER, MORGAN L

1 transaction

$1,000

KYNCL, ROBERT

1 transaction

$750

ROBINSON, PAUL

1 transaction

$750

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 1 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]

ID: S000033

Top Contributors

FERNEYHOUGH, JAMES

TA INSTRUMENTS • MECHANICAL ENGINEER

IndividualNEWARK, DE

$6,600

Jan 14, 2024

FERNEYHOUGH, JAMES

IndividualNEWARK, DE

$6,600

Jan 28, 2024

RIDDER, KIM

NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED

IndividualCLAREMONT, CA

$5,000

Jan 28, 2024

RIDDER, KIM

IndividualCLAREMONT, CA

$5,000

Feb 4, 2024

LAMORTE, CHARLES

NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED

IndividualPALM SPRINGS, CA

$3,300

May 1, 2024

LAMORTE, CHARLES

NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED

IndividualPALM SPRINGS, CA

$3,300

May 1, 2024

SIMONS, NAT

MERITAGE GROUP LP • INVESTOR

IndividualBERKELEY, CA

$3,300

May 19, 2024

SIMONS, NAT

MERITAGE GROUP LP • INVESTOR

IndividualBERKELEY, CA

$3,300

May 19, 2024

YU, KAIWEN

GOOGLE • SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

IndividualSEATTLE, WA

$3,300

Dec 31, 2024

ROBY, DAVID

NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED

IndividualLYME, NH

$3,300

Feb 18, 2024

Donor Network - Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]

Show Also Donated To

PACs

Organizations

Individuals

Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Showing 51 nodes and 25 connections (57 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $57,000

Top Donors - Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]

Showing top 18 donors by contribution amount

1 Org17 Individuals

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Department of Education

Minimal

Vector: 54%

Pages: 365-367AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"SRES 56 is a purely symbolic congratulatory resolution with no policy substance, whereas the Project 2025 Department of Education section focuses on Title IX regulations, data collection, and sex categorization; they share no substantive goals or mechanisms."

Key themes:athleticssports

— 332 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise to create and collect data on a new “nonbinary” sex category (in addition to the current “male” or “female” sex categories) and to retire data collection that indi- cates the number of (1) high school–level interscholastic athletics sports in which only male and female students participate, (2) high school–level athletics teams in which only male or female students participate, and (3) participants on high school–level interscholastic athletics sports teams in which only male or only female students participate. These poorly conceived changes are contrary to law, fail to take account of student privacy interests and statutory protections favoring parental rights under the Protection of Pupils Rights Amendment, and jettison longstanding data collections that assist in the enforcement of Title IX. l The new Administration must quickly move to rescind these changes, which add a new “nonbinary” sex category to OCR’S data collection and issue a new CRDC that will collect data directly relevant to OCR’s statutory enforcement authority. Student Assistance General Provisions, Federal Perkins Loan Program, and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program Final Regulations Effective July 1, 2023, the department promulgated final regulations addressing loan forgiveness under the HEA’s provisions for borrower defense to repayment (“BDR”), closed school loan discharge (“CSLD”), and public service loan forgive- ness (“PSLF”). The regulations also included prohibitions against pre-dispute arbitration agreements and class action waivers for students enrolling in institu- tions participating in Title IV student loan programs. Acting outside of statutory authority, the current Administration has drastically expanded BDR, CSLD, and PSLF loan forgiveness without clear congressional authorization at a tremendous cost to the taxpayers, with estimates ranging from $85.1 to $120 billion. l The new Administration must quickly commence negotiated rulemaking and propose that the department rescind these regulations. l The next Administration should also rescind Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) GEN 22-11 and DCL GEN 22-10 and its letters to accreditation agencies dated July 19, 2022, which are attempts to undercut Florida’s SB 7044, providing universities more flexibility on accreditation. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance (Title IX) With its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published on July 12, 2022, the Biden Education Department seeks to gut the hard-earned rights of women with its changes to the department’s regulations implementing Title IX, which prohibits — 333 — Department of Education discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities. Instead, the Biden Administration has sought to trample women’s and girls’ athletic oppor- tunities and due process on campus, threaten free speech and religious liberty, and erode parental rights in elementary and secondary education regarding sensitive issues of sex. The new Administration should take the following steps: l Work with Congress to use the earliest available legislative vehicle to prohibit the department from using any appropriations or from otherwise enforcing any final regulations under Title IX promulgated by the department during the prior Administration. l Commence a new agency rulemaking process to rescind the current Administration’s Title IX regulations; restore the Title IX regulations promulgated by then-Secretary Betsy DeVos on May 19, 2020; and define “sex” under Title IX to mean only biological sex recognized at birth. l Work with Congress to amend Title IX to include due process requirements; define “sex” under Title IX to mean only biological sex recognized at birth; and strengthen protections for faith-based educational institutions, programs, and activities. The Trump Administration’s 2020 Title IX regulation protected the founda- tional right to due process for those who are accused of sexual misconduct. The Biden Administration’s proposed change to the interpretation of Title IX disposes of these rights. l The next Administration should move quickly to restore the rights of women and girls and restore due process protections for accused individuals. At the same time, there is no scientific or legal basis for redefining “sex” to “sexual orientation and gender identity” in Title IX. Such a change misrepresents the U.S. Supreme Court’s opinion in Bostock, threatens the American system of federalism, removes important due process protections for students in higher education, and puts girls and women in danger of physical harm. Facilitating social gender transition without parental consent increases the likelihood that children will seek hormone treatments, such as puberty blockers, which are experimental medical interventions. Research has not demonstrated positive effects and long- term outcomes of these treatments, and the unintended side effects are still not fully understood.

Department of Education

Minimal

Vector: 52%

Pages: 365-367AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"SRES 56 is a purely ceremonial resolution congratulating a sports team and contains no policy provisions related to education data collection, Title IX, or nonbinary sex categories, which are the focus of the Project 2025 Department of Education section."

Department of Agriculture

Minimal

Vector: 52%

Pages: 347-349AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"SRES 56 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating a university soccer team on a sports championship, with no connection to agricultural policy, food programs, or USDA initiatives outlined in the Project 2025 Department of Agriculture section."

— 315 — Department of Agriculture 79. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, “WIC Data Tables,” December 9, 2022, https:// www.fns.usda.gov/pd/wic-program (accessed December 16, 2022). 80. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Regulations and Information on the Manufacture and Distribution of Infant Formula,” May 16, 2022, https://www.fda.gov/food/infant-formula-guidance-documents-regulatory- information/regulations-and-information-manufacture-and-distribution-infant-formula (accessed December 14, 2022). 81. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, “History of the National School Lunch Program,” January 17, 2008, https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/program-history (accessed December 14, 2022). 82. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, “School Breakfast Program History,” July 24, 2013, https://www.fns.usda.gov/sbp/program-history (accessed December 14, 2022), and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, “History of the National School Lunch Program.” 83. Crystal FitzSimons, “Free School Meals for All Is the Key to Supporting Education and Health Outcomes,” Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Vol 41, No. 1 (2022), pp. 358–364, https://econpapers.repec.org/ article/wlyjpamgt/v_3a41_3ay_3a2022_3ai_3a1_3ap_3a358-364.htm (accessed December 14, 2022). 84. Jonathan Butcher and Vijay Menon, “Returning to the Intent of Government School Meals: Helping Students in Need,” Heritage Foundation Backgrounder No. 3399, March 22, 2019, https://www.heritage.org/sites/ default/files/2019-03/BG3399.pdf. 85. Daren Bakst and Jonathan Butcher, “A Critical Fix to the Federal Overreach on School Meals,” Heritage Foundation Issue Brief No. 4976, July 11, 2019, https://www.heritage.org/hunger-and-food-programs/report/ critical-fix-the-federal-overreach-school-meals. 86. Ibid., and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, “Community Eligibility Provision,” April 19, 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/community-eligibility-provision (accessed December 16, 2022). 87. See Payment Accuracy, https://www.paymentaccuracy.gov/ (accessed December 16, 2022). 88. Payment Accuracy, “Payment Integrity Scorecard,” https://www.cfo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/Q3/ FNS%20National%20School%20Lunch%20Program%20(NSLP)%20Payments%20Integrity%20Scorecard%20 FY%202022%20Q3.pdf (accessed December 14, 2022). 89. U.S. Government Accountability Office, “School Meals Programs: USDA Has Reported Taking Some Steps to Reduce Improper Payments But Should Comprehensively Assess Fraud Risks,” GAO–19–389, May 21, 2022, https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-19-389 (accessed December 14, 2022). 90. Payment Accuracy, “Payment Integrity Scorecard.” 91. White House, “Fact Sheet: The American Families Plan,” April 28, 2021, https://www.whitehouse.gov/ briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/28/fact-sheet-the-american-families-plan/ (accessed December 14, 2022). 92. Universal School Meals Program Act of 2021, S. 1530, 117th Cong., 1st Sess., https://www.congress.gov/ bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1530 (accessed December 14, 2022). 93. See, for example, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Find Meals for Kids When Schools Are Closed,” Food and Nutrition Service, September 22, 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids (accessed December 16, 2022), and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, “Seamless Summer and Other Options for School,” July 16, 2013, https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/seamless-summer-and-other-options-schools (accessed December 16, 2022). 94. Tom Driscoll, “From the Field: Farmers Are the Original Conservationists,” National Farmers Union, August 30, 2017, https://nfu.org/2017/08/30/from-the-field-farmers-are-the-original-conservationists/ (accessed December 16, 2022). 95. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, “Conservation Programs,” https://www.fsa.usda.gov/ programs-and-services/conservation-programs/index (accessed December 16, 2022), and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, “Programs and Initiatives,” https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ programs-initiatives (accessed December 16, 2022). 96. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, “Conservation Reserve Program: About the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP),” https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation- programs/conservation-reserve-program/ (accessed December 16, 2022). — 316 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise 97. American Bakers Association et al., letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, March 23, 2022, https://www.dropbox.com/s/yfyv04ilkom11zd/USDA%20Letter%20to%20Secretary%20Vilsack%20on%20 Tools%20to%20Address%20Global%20Commodity%20Supply%20Challenges%203.23.22_.pdf?dl=0 (accessed December 15, 2022). It is also necessary to increase food production to mitigate high food inflation. Approximately 25 percent of idled land is considered prime farmland. Therefore, one-quarter of idled land is merely idling, not producing food—and this does not include other land that may viably be used for food production. The Conservation Reserve Program should be eliminated. There are also two issues connected to property rights and fairness that should be addressed: challenging NRCS determinations and problems with USDA easements. To be eligible for many USDA programs, farmers must comply with certain conservation provisions enforced by NRCS. Conservation compliance of wetlands and highly erodible lands consist of federal restrictions that prevent farmers from using parts of their property. If farmers plant crops or modify the areas federal officials deem protected, farmers can lose all access to USDA programs and support. For farmers, there are real, practical concerns to challenging NRCS determinations, including the time and costs of challenging the federal bureaucracy. NRCS is empowered to declare areas wetlands and highly erodible areas, which are therefore off limits for farming. If these wetland-or-erodible-declared areas are used in a manner deemed unacceptable by federal officials, NRCS may revoke access to federal resources and subsidies by making technical determinations that carry potential penalties. There must be a fair and reasonable process for farmers to challenge such actions. See Daren Bakst, “Food Price Inflation Continues to Worsen. Here’s What Should Be Done About It,” The Daily Signal, April 25, 2022, https:// www.dailysignal.com/2022/04/25/food-price-inflation-continuing-to-worsen-heres-what-should-be-done- about-it/ (accessed December 15, 2022); American Bakers Association et.al., letter to Vilsack; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, “Conservation Compliance Appeals Process,” https://www. nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/compliance/conservation-compliance-appeals-process (accessed December 15, 2022); and Chris Bennett, “Regulatory Hell: Farmer and Veteran Wins 10-Year Wetlands Fight With Government,” AG Web, August 30, 2021, https://www.agweb.com/news/crops/crop-production/regulatory-hell-farmer-and- veteran-wins-10-year-wetlands-fight (accessed December 15, 2022). 98. Fortunately, there are already resources available to help states establish their own wetlands conservation programs. One particular example, the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Wetlands Mapping and Protection Act model policy, is available for states to define the procedures, guidelines, and administration of wetlands programs. American Legislative Exchange Council, “Wetlands Mapping and Protection Act,” November 16, 2017, https://alec.org/model-policy/wetlands-mapping-and-protection-act/ (accessed December 16, 2022). The new Administration should focus on best practices instead of imposing prescriptive federal practices. It should support the policies contained within the “NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act” and modify NRCS compliance rules to protect farmers and ranchers by adding protections against regulatory overreach—such as banning the practice of re-engaging farmers in new technical determinations appeals processes for the same areas of their farms. See NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act, S. 4931, 117th Cong., 2nd Sess., https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4931?s=1&r=8 (accessed December 15, 2022). 99. Ibid 100. See, for example, Daren Bakst and Jeremy Dalrymple, “Reducing Federal Barriers for the Sale of Meat,” Heritage Foundation Issue Brief No. 5078, June 1, 2020, https://www.heritage.org/agriculture/report/ reducing-federal-barriers-the-sale-meat, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, “State Inspection Programs,” updated January 12, 2023, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/state- inspection-programs (accessed December 15, 2022). 101. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, “Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program,” September 7, 2022, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/state-inspection-programs/cooperative- interstate-shipping-program (accessed December 15, 2022). 102. U.S. Department of Agriculture, “State Inspection Programs.” 103. The Senate bill removes obstacles for both meat and poultry. The House version does not appear to cover poultry. New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2021, S. 107, 117th Cong., 1st Sess., https:// www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/107#:~:text=This%20bill%20allows%20meat%20and,be%20 sold%20in%20interstate%20commerce (accessed December 15, 2022), and Expanding Markets for State- Inspected Meat Processors Act of 2021, H.R. 1998, 117th Cong., 1st Sess., https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th- congress/house-bill/1998 (accessed December 15, 2022).

Department of Health and Human Services

Minimal

Vector: 52%

Pages: 533-535AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill is a ceremonial sports resolution with no connection to HHS policy objectives concerning abortion, conscience protections, or nondiscrimination in health programs."

— 501 — Department of Health and Human Services 54. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of Civil Rights, and Office of the Secretary, “Special Responsibilities of Medicare Hospitals in Emergency Cases and Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Critical Health and Human Service Programs or Activities,” draft of Proposed Rule, January 14, 2021, https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/infants-nprm.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 55. H.R. 26, Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, 118th Congress, introduced January 9, 2023, https:// www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr26/BILLS-118hr26pcs.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 56. H.R. 7, No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2023, 118th Congress, introduced January 9, 2023, https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr7/BILLS-118hr7ih.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 57. S. 401, Conscience Protection Act of 2021, 117th Congress, introduced February 24, 2021, https://www.congress. gov/117/bills/s401/BILLS-117s401is.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 58. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Office of the Secretary, “Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities,” Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; Notice of Tribal Consultation, Federal Register, Vol. 87, No. 149 (August 4, 2022), pp. 47824–47920, https://www.govinfo. gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-08-04/pdf/2022-16217.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 59. Ibid., p. 47916. 60. The regulation was not finalized before the end of the Administration. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services, “Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),” Proposed Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 84, No. 142 (July 24, 2019), pp. 35570–55581, https:// www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/07/24/2019-15670/revision-of-categorical-eligibility-in-the- supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap (accessed March 17, 2023). 61. 45 Code of Federal Regulations § 75.300(c) and (d), https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/ subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR911e5e1a30bfbcb/section-75.300 (accessed March 17, 2023). 62. H.R. 1750, Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2021, 117th Congress, introduced March 10, 2021, https:// www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr1750/BILLS-117hr1750ih.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023), and S. 656, Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2021, 117th Congress, introduced March 10, 2021, https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/ s656/BILLS-117s656is.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 63. S. 3949, Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2022, Public Law No. 117-348, 117th Congress, January 25, 2023, https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ348/PLAW-117publ348.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 64. Kelsey Y. Santamaria, “Child Migrants at the Border: The Flores Settlement Agreement and Other Legal Developments,” Congressional Research Service In Focus No. IF11799, April 1, 2021, https://crsreports.congress. gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11799 (accessed March 17, 2023). 65. Report, Building a Happy Home: Marriage Education as a Tool to Strengthen Families, Social Capital Project Report No. 1-22, March 2022, p. 17, https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/3d102525-6f0d-48ed- 92f4-d71edd468ad6/building-a-happy-home.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). The cover of the report reflects that the Social Capital Project is “[a] project of the Joint Economic Committee – Republicans.” 66. See, for example, Alan J. Hawkins, “Are Federally Supported Relationship Education Programs for Lower-Income Individuals and Couples Working? A Review of Evaluation Research,” American Enterprise Institute, September 2019, https://www. congress.gov/117/plaws/publ228/PLAW-117publ228.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 67. H.R. 8404, Respect for Marriage Act, Public Law No. 117-228, 117th Congress, December 13, 2022, https://www. congress.gov/117/plaws/publ228/PLAW-117publ228.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 68. Madison Marino, “Over 1,000 Safety Violations Mar Head Start. Children Deserve Better,” Heritage Foundation Commentary, November 10, 2022, https://www.heritage.org/education/commentary/over-1000-safety- violations-mar-head-start-children-deserve-better. 69. American Hospital Association v. Becerra, 596 U.S. ___ (2022), https://www.supremecourt.gov/ opinions/21pdf/20-1114_09m1.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 70. U.S. Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service; U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration; and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, “Coverage of Certain Preventive Services Under the Affordable Care Act,” Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Federal Register, Vol. 88, No. 22 (February 2, 2023), pp. 7236–7281, https://www. govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-02-02/pdf/2023-01981.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). — 502 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise 71. 42 U.S. Code § 238n, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/238n (accessed March 17, 2023). 72. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, “Early Childhood Health,” last reviewed October 2022, https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/focus-areas/early- childhood-health (accessed March 17, 2023). 73. American Pregnancy Association, “Having a Doula—What Are the Benefits?” https://americanpregnancy. org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/#:~:text=Other%20studies%20have%20shown%20 that%20having%20a%20doula,massage%20to%20reduce%20stress%20and%20anxiety%20during%20labor (accessed March 17, 2023). 74. S. 2372, VA MISSION [Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks] Act of 2018, Public Law No. 115-182, 115th Congress, June 6, 2018, https://www.congress.gov/115/plaws/publ182/ PLAW-115publ182.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 75. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Securing Updated and Necessary Statutory Evaluations Timely,” Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 86, No. 11 (January 19, 2021), pp. 5694–5764, https://www.govinfo. gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-19/pdf/2021-00597.pdf (accessed March 22, 2023). 76. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, “Compliance with Statutory Program Integrity Requirements,” Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 84, No. 42 (March 4, 2029), pp. 7714–7791, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-03-04/pdf/2019-03461.pdf (accessed March 18, 2023). 77. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, “Ensuring Access to Equitable, Affordable, Client-Centered, Quality Family Planning Services,” Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 86, No. 192 (October 7, 2021), pp. 56144–56180, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/ pkg/FR-2021-10-07/pdf/2021-21542.pdf (accessed March 18, 2023). 78. S. 624, Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act, 118th Congress, introduced March 2, 2023, https://www. congress.gov/118/bills/s624/BILLS-118s624is.pdf (accessed March 18, 2023). 79. 50 U.S. Code Chapter 55, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/chapter-55 (accessed March 22, 2023). 80. 18 U.S. Code § 13, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/13 (accessed March 18, 2023). 81. Bowen v. American Hospital Association, 476 U.S. 610 (1986), https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/ll/ usrep/usrep476/usrep476610/usrep476610.pdf (accessed 22, 2023). 82. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Secretary, “Notification of Interpretation and Enforcement of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,” Federal Register, Vol. 86, No. 99 (May 25, 2021), pp. 27984–27985, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR- 2021-05-25/pdf/2021-10477.pdf (accessed March 18, 2023). 83. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, “HHS Notice and Guidance on Gender Affirming Care, Civil Rights, and Patient Privacy,” March 2, 2022, https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs- ocr-notice-and-guidance-gender-affirming-care.pdf (accessed March 18, 2023). 84. Heckler v. Chaney, 420 U.S. 821 (1985), https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/470/821.html (accessed March 18, 2022). 85. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, “Guidance to Nation’s Retail Pharmacies: Obligations Under Federal Civil Rights Laws to Ensure Access to Comprehensive Reproductive Health Care Services,” content last reviewed July 14, 2022, https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/ special-topics/reproductive-healthcare/pharmacies-guidance/index.html (accessed March 18, 2023). 86. H.R. 3103, “Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Public Law No. 104-191, 104th Congress, August 21, 1996, https://www.congress.gov/104/plaws/publ191/PLAW-104publ191.pdf (accessed March 18, 2023). 87. U.S. Department of Human Services, “HIPAA Privacy Rule and Disclosures of Information Relating to Reproductive Health Care,” content last reviewed June 29, 2022, (accessed March 18, 2023). See also “Protecting the Privacy and Security of Your Health Information When Using Your Personal Cell Phone or Tablet,” content last reviewed June 29, 2022, https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/ cell-phone-hipaa/index.html (accessed March 18, 2023).

Department of Defense

Minimal

Vector: 51%

Pages: 161-163AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill is a ceremonial resolution congratulating a college soccer team, while the Project 2025 DoD section focuses on defense policy, intelligence, and military operations; there is no substantive policy overlap."

— 128 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise ENDNOTES 1. U.S. Constitution, Preamble, https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/preamble/ (accessed February 16, 2023). 2. U.S. Constitution, Article I, § 8, https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-1/ (accessed February 16, 2023). 3. U.S. Constitution, Article II, § 2, https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-2/ (accessed February 16, 2023). 4. Established pursuant to S. 1605, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, Public Law No. 117-81, 117th Congress, December 27, 2021, Division A, Title X, § 1004, https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ81/ PLAW-117publ81.pdf (accessed February 16, 2023). 5. H.R. 3684, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law No. 117-58, 117th Congress, November 15, 2021, Division G, Title IX, §§ 70901–70953, https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ58/PLAW-117publ58.pdf (accessed February 16, 2023). 6. S. 2943, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, Public Law 114-328, 114th Congress, December 23, 2016, Division A, Title IX, § 901, https://www.congress.gov/114/statute/STATUTE-130/STATUTE-130-Pg2000. pdf (accessed February 16, 2023). 7. H.R. 3622, Goldwater–Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986, Public Law No. 99-433, 99th Congress, October 1, 1986, https://www.congress.gov/99/statute/STATUTE-100/STATUTE-100-Pg992.pdf (accessed February 16, 2023). 8. U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Historical Sales Book, Fiscal Years 1950–2021, p. 7, https://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files/dsca_historical_sales_book_FY21.pdf (accessed February 15, 2023). 9. Paul K. Kerr, “Arms Sales: Congressional Review Process,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. RL31675, updated June 10, 2022, p. 1, https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/ RL31675.pdf (accessed February 15, 2023). 10. Keith Webster, “How to Reform America’s Military Sales Process,” The Hill Congress Blog, October 6, 2022, https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/3675933-how-to-reform-americas-military-sales-process/ (accessed February 15, 2023). 11. See Thomas W. Spoehr, “The Administration and Congress Must Act Now to Counter the Worsening Military Recruiting Crisis, Heritage Foundation Issue Brief No. 5283, July 28, 2022, https://www.heritage.org/sites/ default/files/2022-07/IB5283.pdf. 12. Ibid. 13. Ronald Reagan Institute, “Reagan National Defense Survey,” conducted November 2021, p. 4, https://www. reaganfoundation.org/media/358085/rndf_survey_booklet.pdf (accessed February 16, 2023). 14. See Paul J. Larkin, “Protecting the Nation by Employing Military Spouses,” Heritage Foundation Commentary, June 6, 2019, https://www.heritage.org/jobs-and-labor/commentary/protecting-the-nation-employing- military-spouses. 15. See Jude Schwalbach, “Military Families Deserve Flexible Education Options,” Heritage Foundation Commentary, April 14, 2021, https://www.heritage.org/education/commentary/military-families-deserve- flexible-education-options. 16. See Chapter 7, “The Intelligence Community,” infra. 17. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); the National Security Agency (NSA); the National Geospatial- Intelligence Agency (NGA); the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); and the intelligence and counterintelligence elements of the military services: U.S. Air Force Intelligence, U.S. Navy Intelligence, U.S. Army Intelligence, and U.S. Marine Corps Intelligence, which also receive guidance and oversight from the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (USDI). 18. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). 19. The Department of Energy’s Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence; the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis and the intelligence and counterintelligence elements of the U.S. Coast Guard; the Department of Justice’s Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of National Security Intelligence; the Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research; and the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis. — 129 — Department of Defense 20. Staff Study, IC21: Intelligence Community in the 21st Century, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, U.S. House of Representatives, 104th Congress, 1996, p. 71, https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA315088.pdf (accessed February 15, 2023). 21. Ronald O’Rourke, “Great Power Competition: Implications for Defense—Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. R43838, updated November 8, 2022, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R43838/93 (accessed February 15, 2023). 22. U.S. Government Accountability Office, Defense Intelligence and Security: DOD Needs to Establish Oversight Expectations and to Develop Tools That Enhance Accountability, GAO-21-295, May 2021, https://www.gao.gov/ assets/gao-21-295.pdf (accessed February 15, 2023). 23. The U.S. military has a long history of providing support to civil authorities, particularly in response to disasters but for other purposes as well. The Defense Department currently defines defense support of civil authorities (DSCA) as “Support provided by U.S. Federal military forces, DoD civilians, DoD contract personnel, DoD Component assets, and National Guard forces (when the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Governors of the affected States, elects and requests to use those forces in Title 32, U.S.C., status) in response to requests for assistance from civil authorities for domestic emergencies, law enforcement support, and other domestic activities, or from qualifying entities for special events. Also known as civil support.” U.S. Department of Defense, Directive No. 3025.18, “Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA),” December 29, 2010, p. 16, https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/CG-5R/nsarc/DoDD%203025.18%20Defense%20Support%20 of%20Civil%20Authorities.pdf (accessed February 15, 2023). 24. U.S. Army, “Who We Are: The Army’s Vision and Strategy,” https://www.army.mil/about/ (accessed February 17, 2023). 25. “[T]he Army’s internal assessment must be balanced against its own statements that unit training is focused on company-level operations [reflective of counterintelligence requirements] rather than battalion or brigade operations [much less division or corps to meet large-scale ground combat operations against a peer competitor such as Russia or China]. Consequently, how these ‘ready’ brigade combat teams would perform in combat operations is an open question.” “Executive Summary” in 2023 Index of U.S. Military Strength, ed. Dakota L. Wood (Washington: The Heritage Foundation, 2023), p. 16, http://thf_media.s3.amazonaws. com/2022/Military_Index/2023_IndexOfUSMilitaryStrength.pdf (accessed February 15, 2023). 26. For background on the USN’s fleet size, see Brent D. Sadler, “Rebuilding America’s Military: The United States Navy,” Heritage Foundation Special Report No. 242, February 18, 2021, https://www.heritage.org/sites/default/ files/2021-02/SR242.pdf, and Ronald O’Rourke, “Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. RL32665, December 21, 2022, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL32665 (accessed February 15, 2023). 27. The Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) is the process by which the services develop and the Joint Staff approves the requirements for major defense acquisitions. See Defense Acquisition University, “Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDA),” https://www.dau. edu/acquipedia/pages/articledetails.aspx#!371 (accessed February 15, 2023). 28. The board would seek to balance a mix of active military and civilians with expertise in and responsibility for major acquisitions and former military and civilians with experience in strategy and acquisitions. The proposed composition would include the Vice Chief of Naval Operations as Chairman, with three-star level membership from the Joint Staff, the Navy and Defense Acquisition Executives, and the Naval Sea Systems Command. In addition, there would be four-star retired naval officers/Navy civil servants as members, one each named by the Chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Defense. Finally, there would be a member appointed by the Secretary of the Navy who had previous senior experience in the defense industry. 29. See James Mattis, Secretary of Defense, Summary of the 2018 National Defense Strategy of the United States of America: Sharpening the American Military’s Competitive Edge, U.S. Department of Defense, https:// dod.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf (accessed February 17, 2023), and U.S. Department of Defense, 2022 National Defense Strategy of the United States of America Including the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review and the 2022 Missile Defense Review, https://oldcc.gov/ resource/2022-national-defense-strategy (accessed February 17, 2023).

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About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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