US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB2603

Introduced
 
Introduced
7/31/25  

Caption

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to designate the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy as principal staff assistant to the Secretary of Defense on matters within the responsibility of the Assistant Secretary, and for other purposes.

Summary

SB 2603 would amend Title 10 of the U.S. Code to elevate the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy within the Department of Defense’s internal reporting structure. The bill specifies that, subject to the Secretary of Defense’s authority, the Assistant Secretary for Cyber Policy would serve as a principal staff assistant to the Secretary on matters within that office’s jurisdiction. The measure also requires the Assistant Secretary to report directly to the Secretary of Defense without intervening authority and allows that official to communicate views on cyber policy matters directly to the Secretary without needing approval or concurrence from other Defense Department officials. In practical terms, the bill is aimed at strengthening the visibility, independence, and influence of the cyber policy office in Pentagon decision-making.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend section 138 of title 10, United States Code, to formally recognize the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy as a principal staff assistant and to clarify direct-reporting authority to the Secretary of Defense. The change would affect the internal chain of command and advisory structure within the Department of Defense, but it would not create new external benefits or regulatory requirements for the public. Its main legal effect is organizational, reshaping how cyber policy advice is elevated and communicated inside the Pentagon.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to gauge support or opposition. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears technical and administrative rather than controversial, with an apparent purpose of improving cyber policy coordination and ensuring direct access for the cyber policy office to senior leadership.

Contention

Because there are no recorded discussions or votes in the provided materials, no specific points of contention are documented. Potential areas of debate, if any arise later, would likely concern whether the bill unnecessarily alters Pentagon hierarchy, whether it duplicates existing authority, or whether it appropriately strengthens civilian oversight and cyber policy coordination within the Department of Defense.

Companion Bills

US SB2296

Related National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Previously Filed As

US SB436

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to modify the organization and authorities of the Assistant Secretaries of Defense with duties relating to industrial base policy and homeland defense.

US HB5400

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Defense to annually review the amount of financial assistance for child care and youth program services providers provided by the Secretary.

US SB2604

A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to establish the Artificial General Intelligence Steering Committee, and for other purposes.

US SB2605

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve recruitment and retention of the cyber workforce of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.

US HB6325

To require the Secretary of Defense to report on the use of other transaction authority, and for other purposes.

US SB3515

A bill to direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly select a joint uniform credentialing and privileging system for medical providers, and for other purposes.

US SB442

AIM HIGH Act Advancing Innovation and Maintenance through Headquarters for Instruction, Growth, and High-tech training Act

US SB2199

A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations requiring that optional combat boots worn by members of the Armed Forces wear be made in the United States, and for other purposes.

US SB79

Directing the secretary for children and families to request a waiver from supplemental nutrition assistance program rules that would allow the state to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks with food assistance.

US HB2015

Directing the secretary for children and families to request a waiver from supplemental nutrition assistance program rules that would allow the state to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks with food assistance.

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