PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · May 12, 1998
Joint Forces Command Act of 1998 - Directs the President to establish a unified combatant command for joint forces which shall: (1) integrate elements of the various service branches into joint forces, prepare such forces for their assigned mission, and provide such forces as required by combatant commanders; and (2) design, develop, and carry out joint experimentation to assist in determining the future capabilities, organization, and operational concepts of the joint military force. Provides for: (1) joint forces command assignments; (2) authorities and responsibilities of the combatant commander; (3) the establishment within such command of a joint experimentation force; (4) annual reports from the joint commander to the Secretary of Defense describing joint experimentation activities conducted (requiring such reports to be transmitted to the Congress, along with the Secretary's comments); (5) the establishment by the Secretary of a separate major force program budget category for joint experimentation activities; (6) funding determinations for joint force experimentation; and (7) joint command staffing. Requires the: (1) joint force command to be established no later than October 1, 1999; and (2) Secretary to submit an implementation plan and initial budgeting request for such command.
People & committees
Rep. Thornberry, Mac [R-TX-13] · R–TX
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Executive Comment Requested from DOD.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E847-848)
Referred to the House Committee on National Security.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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