Western Hemisphere strategy

(a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General, shall develop and submit to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive strategy for advancing United States interests in the Western Hemisphere. (b) Elements The strategy required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An assessment of current and emerging threats to the national security of the United States in the Western Hemisphere, including regional threats and threats from countries of concern (within the meaning of the term covered nation under section 4872(f) of title 10, United States Code) across all domains (including the space and cyberspace domains). (2) An assessment of current security and economic security objectives of the United States in the Western Hemisphere. (3) A description of any current or proposed Department of Defense programs or activities to achieve such objectives. (4) A description of the roles and responsibilities of the Department in supporting broader United States Government objectives in the region. (5) A description of the role of allied and partner countries in achieving United States security objectives in the Western Hemisphere. (6) An evaluation of current security cooperation activities with partner countries, including capacity-building efforts, training exercises, and intelligence sharing, to achieve United States objectives in the Western Hemisphere. (7) A plan to strengthen partnerships with allied and partner countries in the Western Hemisphere to counter shared threats. (8) A description of the efforts of the Department to improve interagency coordination and unity of effort across the United States Government. (9) A plan for providing military support to the diplomatic, economic, and law enforcement functions of the United States Government to achieve the strategy. (10) An identification of capability gaps, resource constraints, and authorities required to effectively implement the strategy. (11) Any recommendations of the Secretary of Defense for additional capabilities, resources, and authorities needed for the purpose of implementing the strategy. (12) Metrics and benchmarks for assessing progress in achieving the objectives of the strategy. (c) Form The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex. (d) Classified briefing Not later than 180 days after the date on which the strategy required by subsection (a) is submitted, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the congressional defense committees with a classified briefing on the strategy.