Bill Blueprint

DoD Emergency Powers Approval-to-Spend Pilot Bill (2027) - Adam Neil Arafat for Congress

DoD Emergency Powers Approval-to-Spend Pilot Bill (2027). Clear standards, transparent steps, and quick enforcement with public results.

At a Glance

Why it matters

This bill sets clear standards. It reduces gamesmanship. It gives the public a fair, timely, and enforceable process.

Will this slow down urgent work?

No. Urgent safety work and court ordered compliance continue with narrow and renewable certifications.

Is there new bureaucracy?

No. The approach is simple. It uses short certifications and public notice backed by independent checks.

Does this change taxes?

No. The focus is on standards, fairness, and better execution. Any costs are covered by savings and recovery of waste.

TITLE I - PURPOSE, SCOPE, DEFINITIONS
Purpose.
Pilot an “approval-to-spend” rule at DoD during covered periods for actions initiated under National Emergencies Act/10 United StatesC./50 United StatesC. emergency authorities.
Covered period.
Same definition used across the project (Minibus-1).
Actions covered.
New obligations, reprogramming, or contract awards first initiated in a covered period and predicated on emergency authority.
TITLE II - APPROVAL-TO-SPEND MECHANIC
30-day temporary window:
DoD may obligate funds for urgent actions for up to 30 days post-initiation with an agency-head life-safety/operational certification to Congress and Office of Management and Budget.
Approval requirement:
Beyond 30 days, continued obligation requires a joint Congressional approval or explicit appropriation/authorization line-item.
Exclusions:
Force protection in active hostilities and statutory notifications already required under Title 10 remain unaffected but must carry an Office of Management and Budget Compliance ID for tracking.
Project history context:
This mirrors your “NDAA window” pilot to test the model before scaling government-wide in the Round-Two clean-up bill.
TITLE III - TRANSPARENCY & AUDIT
Office of Management and Budget:
Publish a dedicated pilot dashboard (IDs, authority cited, obligation timeline).
Government Accountability Office:
60-day post-period audit.
DoD inspector general:
hotline/advisories.
TITLE IV - ENFORCEMENT & REMEDIES
Withhold apportionment; de-obligation/clawbacks; knowing violations referred under ADA; injunctive relief available (no damages).
TITLE V - JUDICIAL REVIEW
Three-judge district court; direct appeal; rapid briefing; no automatic stay.
TITLE VI - SUNSET & REPORT
Two-year pilot sunset. DoD + Office of Management and Budget report to Congress with metrics (response times, approvals, mission impacts) to inform the Continuity Integrity Expansion Bill.
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  • Clear standards and faster resolution.
  • Lower waste and better outcomes.
  • Transparent processes that the public can see.
  • Enforceable duties with quick court review.
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