[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4485 Introduced in House (IH)]
112th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4485
To further the preparedness of the United States Armed Forces, in
cooperation with regional allies, to prevent the Government of Iran
from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 24, 2012
Mr. Conaway introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To further the preparedness of the United States Armed Forces, in
cooperation with regional allies, to prevent the Government of Iran
from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Credible Military
Option to Counter Iran Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Declaration of policy.
Sec. 3. United States military preparedness in the Middle East.
Sec. 4. United States military capabilities in the Central Command Area
of Responsibility.
Sec. 5. Enhancing the defense of Israel and United States interests in
the Middle East.
Sec. 6. Plan to enhance military capabilities of Persian Gulf allies.
Sec. 7. Plan to increase strategic regional partnerships.
Sec. 8. Definitions.
SEC. 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Iran, which has long sought to foment instability and
promote extremism in the Middle East, is now seeking to exploit
the dramatic political transition underway in the region to
undermine governments traditionally aligned with the United
States and support extremist political movements in these
countries.
(2) At the same time, Iran may soon attain a nuclear
weapons capability, a development that would fundamentally
threaten vital United States interests, destabilize the region,
encourage regional nuclear proliferation, further empower and
embolden Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism,
and provide it the tools to threaten its neighbors, including
Israel.
(3) With the assistance of Iran over the past several
years, Syria, Hezbollah, and Hamas have increased their
stockpiles of rockets, with more than 60,000 rockets now ready
to be fired at Israel. Iran continues to add to its arsenal of
ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, which threaten Iran's
neighbors, Israel, and United States Armed Forces in the
region.
(4) Preventing Iran from achieving nuclear weapons
capability is among the most urgent national security
challenges facing the United States.
(5) Successive United States administrations have stated
that a nuclear weapons-possessing Iran is unacceptable.
(6) President Obama stated on January 24, 2012, ``Let there
be no doubt: America is determined to prevent Iran from getting
a nuclear weapon, and I will take no options off the table to
achieve that goal.''.
(7) In order to prevent Iran from developing nuclear
weapons, the United States, in cooperation with its allies,
must utilize all elements of national power including
diplomacy, robust economic sanctions, and credible, visible
preparations for a military option.
(8) Nevertheless, to date, diplomatic overtures, sanctions,
and other non-kinetic actions toward Iran have not caused the
Government of Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
(9) With the impact of additional sanctions uncertain,
additional pressure on the Government of Iran could come from
the credible threat of military action against Iran's nuclear
program.
(b) Declaration of Policy.--It shall be the policy of the United
States to take all necessary measures, including military action if
required, to prevent Iran from threatening the United States, its
allies, or Iran's neighbors with a nuclear weapon.
SEC. 3. UNITED STATES MILITARY PREPAREDNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) military exercises conducted in the Persian Gulf and
Gulf of Oman emphasize the United States resolve and the policy
of the United States described in section 2(b) by enhancing the
readiness of the United States military and allied forces, as
well as signaling to the Government of Iran the commitment of
the United States to defend its vital national security
interests; and
(2) the President, as Commander in Chief, should require
the United States military to develop a comprehensive plan to
augment the presence of the United States Fifth Fleet in the
Middle East and to conduct military deployments, exercises, or
other visible, concrete military readiness activities to
underscore the policy of the United States described in section
2(b).
(b) Plan.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall prepare a
plan to augment the presence of the United States Fifth Fleet
in the Middle East and to conduct military deployments,
exercises, or other visible, concrete military readiness
activities to underscore the policy of the United States
described in section 2(b).
(2) Matters to be included.--The plan required under
paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, steps necessary to
support the policy of the United States described in section
2(b), including--
(A) pre-positioning sufficient supplies of
aircraft, munitions, fuel, and other materials for both
air- and sea-based missions at key forward locations in
the Middle East and Indian Ocean;
(B) maintaining sufficient naval assets in the
region necessary to signal United States resolve and to
bolster United States capabilities to launch a
sustained sea and air campaign against a range of
Iranian nuclear and military targets, to protect
seaborne shipping, and to deny Iranian retaliation
against United States interests in the region;
(C) discussing the viability of deploying at least
two United States aircraft carriers, an additional
large deck amphibious ship, and a Mine Countermeasures
Squadron in the region on a continual basis, in support
of the actions described in subparagraph (B); and
(D) conducting naval fleet exercises similar to the
United States Fifth Fleet's major exercise in the
region in March 2007 to demonstrate ability to keep the
Strait of Hormuz open and to counter the use of anti-
ship missiles and swarming high-speed boats.
(3) Submission to congress.--The plan required under
paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the congressional defense
committees not later than 120 days after the date of enactment
of this Act.
SEC. 4. UNITED STATES MILITARY CAPABILITIES IN THE CENTRAL COMMAND AREA
OF RESPONSIBILITY.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012.--In order
to enhance United States military capabilities in the Central Command
Area of Responsibility, funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated
for fiscal year 2012 as follows:
(1) $80,000,000 for Other Procurement, Navy to be available
for MK 38 Mod 2 machine gun system for Coastal Patrol Craft.
(2) $44,600,000 for Weapons Procurement, Navy to be
available for--
(A) Griffin missile for Coastal Patrol Craft; and
(B) Spike shoulder-fired electro-optic weapon.
(3) $72,481,000 for Research, Development, Test and
Evaluation, Navy to be available for--
(A) Program Element 0205601N for digital rocket
launchers;
(B) Beyond line of sight command and control
architecture; and
(C) MAGIC VIEW.
(4) $134,552,000 for Research, Development, Test and
Evaluation, Air Force to be available for Hard and Deeply
Buried Target Defeat System Program, Program Element 0604327F.
(5) $7,000,000 for Research, Development, Test and
Evaluation, Defense-Wide to be available for--
(A) Indications and Warning; and
(B) Systems Performance.
(6) $14,000,000 for Operation and Maintenance, Navy to be
available for Scan Eagle.
(7) $2,000,000 for Operation and Maintenance, Air Force to
be available for tactics development and evaluation.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013.--In order
to enhance United States military capabilities in the Central Command
Area of Responsibility, funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated
for fiscal year 2013 as follows:
(1) $22,654,000 for Other Procurement, Navy to be available
for--
(A) Underwater Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Programs;
(B) Naval Military Intelligence Program Support
Equipment; and
(C) MK 38 Mod 2 machine gun system for Coastal
Patrol Craft.
(2) $31,000,000 for Weapons Procurement, Navy to be
available for--
(A) Griffin missile for Coastal Patrol Craft; and
(B) Spike shoulder-fired electro-optic weapon.
(3) $72,481,000 for Research, Development, Test and
Evaluation, Army to be available for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Detection and Tracking.
(4) $72,481,000 for Research, Development, Test and
Evaluation, Navy to be available for--
(A) Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Development,
Program Element 0603654N;
(B) Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile in
Program Element 0205601N; and
(C) Integrated, Fixed Surveillance System, Program
Element 0204311N.
(5) $72,481,000 for Research, Development, Test and
Evaluation, Air Force to be available for Cyber Command
Activities within Program Element 0208059F.
SEC. 5. ENHANCING THE DEFENSE OF ISRAEL AND UNITED STATES INTERESTS IN
THE MIDDLE EAST.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the United
States should take the following actions to assist in the defense of
Israel:
(1) Provide Israel such support as may be necessary to
increase development and production of joint missile defense
systems, particularly such systems that defend the urgent
threat posed to Israel and United States forces in the region.
(2) Provide Israel defense articles, intelligence, and
defense services through such mechanisms as appropriate, to
include air refueling tankers, missile defense capabilities,
and specialized munitions.
(3) Allocate additional weaponry and munitions for the
forward-deployed United States stockpile in Israel.
(4) Provide Israel additional surplus defense articles and
defense services, as appropriate, in the wake of the withdrawal
of United States forces from Iraq.
(5) Offer the Israeli Air Force additional training and
exercise opportunities in the United States to compensate for
Israel's limited air space.
(6) Expand Israel's authority to make purchases under
section 23 of the Arms Export Control Act (relating to the
``Foreign Military Financing'' program) on a commercial basis.
(7) Seek to enhance the capabilities of the United States
and Israel to address emerging common threats, increase
security cooperation, and expand joint military exercises.
(8) Encourage an expanded role for Israel within the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), including an enhanced
presence at NATO headquarters and exercises.
(9) Support extension of the long-standing loan guarantee
program for Israel, recognizing Israel's unbroken record of
repaying its loans on time and in full.
(10) Expand already-close intelligence cooperation,
including satellite intelligence, with Israel.
(b) Report on Israel's Qualitative Military Edge.--
(1) Statement of policy.--It is the policy of the United
States--
(A) to help Israel preserve its qualitative
military edge amid rapid and uncertain regional
political transformation; and
(B) to encourage further development of advanced
technology programs between the United States and
Israel in light of current trends and instability in
the region.
(2) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees a report on the status of
Israel's qualitative military edge in light of current trends
and instability in the region.
(c) Report on Other Matters.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees a report on each of the following:
(1) Taking into account Israel's urgent requirement for F-
35 aircraft, actions to improve the process relating to
Israel's purchase of F-35 aircraft to improve cost efficiency
and timely delivery.
(2) Efforts to expand cooperation between the United States
and Israel in homeland defense, counter-terrorism, maritime
security, cybersecurity, and other appropriate areas.
(3) Actions to integrate Israel into the defense of the
Eastern Mediterranean.
SEC. 6. PLAN TO ENHANCE MILITARY CAPABILITIES OF PERSIAN GULF ALLIES.
(a) Plan.--The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the
Secretary of State, shall develop a plan to enhance the military
capabilities of Persian Gulf allies to bolster the posture of such
allies in relation to Iran.
(b) Matters To Be Included.--The plan required under subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) A description of the means to augment the offensive
strike capabilities of key Gulf Cooperation Council allies,
including the potential sale or upgrades of strike attack
aircraft and bunker buster munitions, to augment the viability
of a credible military option and to strengthen such allies'
self-defense capabilities against retaliation or military
aggression by Iran.
(2) A needs-based assessment, or an update to an existing
needs-based assessment, of the military requirements of Persian
Gulf allies to support a credible military option and to defend
against potential military aggression by Iran.
(3) A detailed summary of any arms sales and training
requests by Persian Gulf allies and a description and
justification for United States actions taken.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in the plan required under
subsection (a) shall be construed to alter Israel's qualitative
military edge.
(d) Submission to Congress.--The plan required under subsection (a)
shall be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees not
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(e) Form.--The plan required under subsection (a) shall be
submitted in an unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
SEC. 7. PLAN TO INCREASE STRATEGIC REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) The United States should ensure that it has the
broadest set of geographic approaches to militarily access
Iran.
(2) United States Armed Forces and support staff currently
have access from the eastern, southern, and western borders of
Iran.
(3) Azerbaijan borders the northern frontier of Iran
closest to nuclear sites near Tehran and the Government of
Azerbaijan cooperates with the United States on Caspian Sea
security and energy issues.
(b) Policy.--It shall be the policy of the United States to--
(1) increase pressure on Iran by providing United States
Armed Forces with the broadest set of geographic approaches to
militarily access Iran; and
(2) explore means to enhance access to military facilities
on the northern border of Iran.
(c) Plan.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense, in consultation
with the Secretary of State, shall develop a plan to increase
the strategic partnership with regional allies to provide
United States Armed Forces with the broadest set of geographic
approaches to militarily access Iran.
(2) Matters to be included.--The plan required under
paragraph (1) shall include the following information:
(A) Mechanisms to broaden the geographical
approaches to militarily access Iran.
(B) The need, if any, to strengthen the self-
defense capabilities of regional allies as a result of
such partnerships.
(C) The viability of increasing access for United
States Armed Forces to bases in Azerbaijan to augment
the viability of a credible military option.
(3) Submission to congress.--The plan required under
paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the appropriate
congressional committees not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee
on Armed Services, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs
of the House of Representatives; and
(B) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee
on Armed Services, and the Committee on Foreign
Relations of the Senate.
(2) Congressional defense committees.--The term
``congressional defense committees'' has the meaning given that
term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code.
(3) Qualitative military edge.--The term ``qualitative
military edge'' has the meaning given the term in section
36(h)(2) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2776(h)(2)).
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