Acquisition and operation of space systems for space warfighting and control

(a) In general The Secretary of Defense shall acquire and operate space systems to be used primarily for space warfighting and control to meet the requirements specified by one or more combatant commanders in carrying out the responsibilities set forth in section 164 of title 10, United States Code. (b) Role of commercial space systems One or more commercial space systems may be used to augment the space systems acquired and operated under subsection (a). (c) National security waiver (1) In general The Secretary may waive the application of subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that such a waiver is in the national security interest of the United States. (2) Notification Not later than 10 days after exercising the waiver authority under paragraph (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a notification of the use of such authority that includes— (A) a description of the national security interest upon which the exercise of such authority is based; (B) the anticipated vulnerabilities to national security posed by the use of such waiver; and (C) the anticipated duration of such waiver.