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S 4615

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

119th Congress Introduced by Tom Cotton

Authorizes FY2027 funding for U.S. intelligence activities, the IC Management Account, CIA retirement/disability, and related purposes.

By Senator Cotton from Select Committee on Intelligence filed written report. Report No. 119-133. Additional and Minority views filed.
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Bill Summary · S 4615

Summary of Bill: S. 4615 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

  • S. 4615 is an original bill that authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for:
    • Intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the U.S. Government
    • The Intelligence Community Management Account
    • The Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System
    • Other related purposes as designated in the bill
  • The bill is introduced and reported by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (without a written report). Senator Tom Cotton is listed as a co-sponsor.

Key provisions and changes (highlights)

  • Annual funding authorization: Provides appropriations for FY 2027 for intelligence-related activities across the U.S. Government, aligning with ongoing annual intelligence budget processes.
  • Intelligence Community Management Account (ICMA): Allocates funds and outlines management authorities, potentially covering cross-agency coordination, policy implementation, and shared IC needs.
  • CIA Retirement and Disability System: Includes funding and governance related to the CIA’s retirement and disability programs, which may affect benefits administration and related personnel costs.
  • Other purposes: The bill is drafted to address additional related purposes associated with national security intelligence activities, which may include compliance, reporting, and oversight elements consistent with authorization bills for intelligence funding.

Affected entities and stakeholders

  • Executive branch intelligence agencies: Primary beneficiaries and implementers of the appropriations (e.g., CIA, NSA, DIA, NGA, ODNI components, and other IC members).
  • Intelligence Community Management Account administrations: Entities responsible for IC-wide programs, acquisition, personnel policies, and cross-agency support.
  • CIA Retirement and Disability System: Current and future retirees, active CIA personnel, and the Office of Employee Benefits managing the system.
  • Congress and oversight bodies: Senate and House committees with jurisdiction over intelligence funding and oversight will review and monitor the implementation in subsequent appropriations cycles and reports.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Calendar placement: As of May 20, 2026, the bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 420), indicating it is poised for consideration on the Senate floor.
  • Committee action: Reported by the Select Committee on Intelligence. The action note indicates “Without written report,” meaning the committee reported the bill but did not accompany a formal written committee report detailing its provisions and rationale.
  • Sponsor information: Co-sponsored by Sen. Tom Cotton, signaling leadership support within the Committee and Senate.
  • Next steps (typical process): If advanced, the bill would proceed to floor debate and potential amendments, followed by reconciliation with any companion House measures (if applicable) and final passage. After passage, it would proceed to the President for signature or veto and would become law upon enactment.

Potential impact and considerations

  • National security funding: The bill would shape the level and allocation of resources for intelligence activities in FY 2027, influencing capabilities, operations, and personnel across the IC.
  • Operational flexibility: By authorizing appropriations and managing accounts like the ICMA, the bill could affect cross-agency projects, procurement, and IC-wide priorities.
  • Benefits and personnel programs: Funding of the CIA Retirement and Disability System affects compensation, benefits administration, and long-term obligations for CIA personnel.
  • Oversight and transparency: As an authorization measure, it sets policy direction and budgetary authority, with potential reporting and compliance requirements in subsequent appropriations.

Note: Specific dollar figures, detailed program allocations, reporting requirements, and cross-cutting policy changes would be contained in the full text of the bill and any accompanying documents. This summary reflects the bill’s stated scope and procedural status based on the available summary information.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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