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Extension and modification of oversight of United States military posture in Europe

Division A · Title XII: Matters relating to Foreign Nations · Subtitle D: Matters relating to Europe

Plain-language summaryAI

The section extends oversight of the U.S. military presence in Europe through fiscal year 2027 and delays the related deadline to the end of 2028. It requires that any proposed withdrawal of U.S. forces or equipment from Europe must include a certification that repositioning to certain NATO countries on the eastern flank was considered and found not feasible. Additionally, it mandates a detailed assessment analyzing the possibility of relocating personnel or equipment to specific NATO members that have made defense investments and infrastructure improvements.

AI-generated from this section’s text — a quick orientation, not a substitute for the full text below. Not legal advice.

Section Text · Sec. 1232.
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(a) Extension

Section 1249 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 ( Public Law 119–60 ) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a), by inserting or fiscal year 2027 after fiscal year 2026 ;

(2)

in subsection (e), by striking December 31, 2027 and inserting December 31, 2028. ; and

(3)

in subsection (f), by striking 2026 each place it appears and inserting 2027 .

(b) Modification of certain certifications and assessments

(1) Certifications

Section 1249(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 ( Public Law 119–60 ) is amended—

(A)

in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking The certification described and inserting following:

(1) In general

Except as provided under paragraph (2), the certification described

(B)

by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively; and

(C)

by adding at the end following new paragraph:

(2) Exception

With respect to a proposed action described in paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (a), the certification described in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall also include a certification that such action is being undertaken only after submission of the assessment described in subsection (c)(1)(A)(x) which determined it was not feasible to reposition members of the Armed Forces or Department of Defense equipment to a member of NATO located on NATO’s eastern flank, including Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, or Romania.

(2) Assessments

Section 1249(c)(A) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 ( Public Law 119–60 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:

(x)

with respect to an assessment under this subparagraph relating to a proposed action described in subsection (a)(1) or (a)(3), in cases involving the withdrawal of members of the Armed Forces or Department of Defense equipment from countries in the area of responsibility of the United States European Command, a detailed analysis of the feasibility of repositioning such personnel or equipment to a member of NATO located on NATO’s eastern flank, including Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, or Romania, that has demonstrated progress toward meeting the defense investment commitments agreed to in the Hague Summit Declaration of June 25, 2025, and has made substantial investments in infrastructure in support of United States Armed Forces personnel and allied defense objectives, as determined by the Commander of the United States European Command.