CHAPTER 153—EXCHANGE OF MATERIAL AND DISPOSAL OF OBSOLETE, SURPLUS, OR UNCLAIMED PROPERTY

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1061(19)(B), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1584, struck out item 2582 "Military equipment identified on United States munitions list: annual report of public sales".

Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1072(c)(2), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4366, substituted "Surplus military equipment: sale to State and local law enforcement, firefighting, homeland security, and emergency management agencies" for "Surplus military equipment: sale to State and local law enforcement and firefighting agencies" in item 2576.

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title III, §352(b), div. B, title XXVIII, §2825(d)(1)(B), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2161, 2477, substituted "supplies" for "property" in item 2571 and "animals" for "working dogs" in item 2583.

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §599(d), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3284, struck out "at end of useful working life" after "adoption" in item 2583.

2001—Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(a)(25), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1224, redesignated item 2582 relating to military working dogs as item 2583.

2000—Pub. L. 106–446, §1(b), Nov. 6, 2000, 114 Stat. 1933, added item 2582 relating to military working dogs.

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title III, §381(b), title XVII, §1706(b)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-85, 1654A-367, added items 2576b and 2582 relating to military equipment identified on United States munitions list.

1998—Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title XII, §1234(b), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2157, added item 2581.

1997—Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1063(b), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1893, added item 2580.

1996—Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title X, §1033(a)(2), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2640, added item 2576a.

1993—Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title XI, §1171(a)(2), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1766, added item 2579.

1988—Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title III, §324(b), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1954, substituted "Documents, historical artifacts, and condemned or obsolete combat materiel: loan, gift, or exchange" for "Condemned or obsolete material: loan or gift to certain organizations" in item 2572.

Pub. L. 100–370, §1(k)(2), July 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 848, added item 2578.

1982—Pub. L. 97–214, §6(b)(2), July 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 172, added item 2577.

1980—Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(83)(B), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2927, struck out item 2573 "Excess property: transfers to Canal Zone Government".

1968—Pub. L. 90–500, title IV, §403(b), Sept. 20, 1968, 82 Stat. 851, added item 2576.

1958—Pub. L. 85–861, §1(50), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1459, substituted "property" for "supplies" in item 2571.

Identification and Replacement of Obsolete Electronic Parts

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title VIII, §803, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 805, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013], the Secretary of Defense shall implement a process for the expedited identification and replacement of obsolete electronic parts included in acquisition programs of the Department of Defense.

"(b) Issues To Be Addressed.—At a minimum, the expedited process established pursuant to subsection (a) shall—

"(1) include a mechanism pursuant to which contractors, or other sources of supply, may provide to appropriate Department of Defense officials information that identifies—

"(A) obsolete electronic parts that are included in the specifications for an acquisition program of the Department of Defense; and

"(B) suitable replacements for such electronic parts;

"(2) specify timelines for the expedited review and validation of information submitted by contractors, or other sources of supply, pursuant to paragraph (1);

"(3) specify procedures and timelines for the rapid submission and approval of engineering change proposals needed to accomplish the substitution of replacement parts that have been validated pursuant to paragraph (2);

"(4) provide for any incentives for contractor participation in the expedited process that the Secretary may determine to be appropriate; and

"(5) provide that, in addition to the responsibilities under section 2337 of title 10, United States Code [now 10 U.S.C. 4324], a product support manager for a major weapon system shall work to identify obsolete electronic parts that are included in the specifications for an aquisition program of the Department of Defense and approve suitable replacements for such electronic parts.

"(c) Additional Matters.—For the purposes of this section—

"(1) an electronic part is obsolete if—

"(A) the part is no longer in production; and

"(B) the original manufacturer of the part and its authorized dealers do not have sufficient parts in stock to meet the requirements of such an acquisition program; and

"(2) an electronic part is a suitable replacement for an obsolete electronic part if—

"(A) the part could be substituted for an obsolete part without incurring unreasonable expense and without degrading system performance; and

"(B) the part is or will be available in sufficient quantity to meet the requirements of such an acquisition program."

§2571. Interchange of supplies and services

(a) If either of the Secretaries concerned requests it and the other approves, supplies may be transferred, without compensation, from one armed force to another.

(b)(1) If its head approves, a department or organization within the Department of Defense may, upon request, perform work and services for, or furnish supplies to, any other of those departments or organizations, with or without reimbursement or transfer of funds.

(2) Use of the authority under this section for reimbursable support is limited to support for the purpose of providing assistance to a foreign partner pursuant to section 333 and section 345 of this title.

(c) If military or civilian personnel of a department or organization within the Department of Defense are assigned or detailed to another of those departments or organizations, and if the head of the department or organization to which they are transferred approves, their pay and allowances and the cost of transporting their dependents and household goods may be charged to an appropriation that is otherwise available for those purposes to that department or organization.

(d) No agency or official of the executive branch of the Federal Government may establish any regulation, program, or policy or take any other action which precludes, directly or indirectly, the Secretaries concerned from exercising the authority provided in this section.

(e)(1) An order placed by a department or organization on a reimbursable basis pursuant to subsection (b) shall be considered to be an obligation in the same manner as an order placed under section 6307 of title 41.

(2) Amounts received as reimbursement shall be credited in accordance with section 2205 of this title to the appropriation of the supporting department or organization used in incurring the obligation in the year or years that support is provided.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 143; Pub. L. 85–861, §1(49), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1459; Pub. L. 99–167, title VIII, §821, Dec. 3, 1985, 99 Stat. 991; Pub. L. 109–364, div. B, title XXVIII, §2825(c)(1), (d)(1)(A), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2477; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XII, §1202, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1958.)

Historical and Revision Notes
1956 Act

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
2571(a) [now (b)]	5:171t (less clause (2)).	Oct. 29, 1949, ch. 787, §621, 63 Stat. 1020.
2571(b) [now (c)]	5:171t (clause 2)).

In subsection (a), the words "After June 30, 1949" are omitted as executed. The words "may perform work and services for, or furnish supplies to" are substituted for the words "services, work, supplies, materials, and equipment may be rendered or supplied", since the word "supplies", as defined in section 101(26) of this title, includes "equipment" and "material". The words "upon request" are inserted for clarity.

In subsection (b), the words "on a reimbursable or other basis as authorized by law", "to duty", and "naval" are omitted as surplusage.

1958 Act

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
2571(a)	14:640.	June 15, 1955, ch. 142, 69 Stat. 134.

In subsection (a), the first 12 words are substituted for 14:640 (last 20 words). The words "may be transferred" are substituted for the words "The interchange . . . is authorized", since the words "without compensation" authorize a simple one-way transfer, while the word "interchange" normally means a mutual exchange. The words "military stores . . . and equipment of every character" are omitted as covered by the word "supplies" as defined in section 101(26) of this title. The words "armed force" are substituted for the enumeration of the armed forces.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–81, §1202(1), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "If its head approves, a department or organization within the Department of Defense may, upon request, perform work and services for, or furnish supplies to, any other of those departments or organizations, without reimbursement or transfer of funds."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–81, §1202(2), added subsec. (e).

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, §2825(d)(1)(A), substituted "supplies" for "property" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–364, §2825(c)(1), struck out "and real estate" after "supplies".

1985—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–167 added subsec. (d).

1958—Pub. L. 85–861, §1(49)(A), substituted "property" for "supplies" in section catchline.

Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 85–861, §1(49)(B), (C), added subsec. (a) and redesignated former subsecs. (a) and (b) as (b) and (c), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Distribution to Indian Health Service Facilities and Certain Health Centers; Property Disposal Priority

Pub. L. 110–329, div. C, title VIII, §8075, Sept. 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 3638, provided that:

"(a) During the current fiscal year and hereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, may carry out a program to distribute surplus dental and medical equipment of the Department of Defense, at no cost to the Department of Defense, to Indian Health Service facilities and to federally-qualified health centers (within the meaning of section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B))).

"(b) In carrying out this provision, the Secretary of Defense shall give the Indian Health Service a property disposal priority equal to the priority given to the Department of Defense and its twelve special screening programs in distribution of surplus dental and medical supplies and equipment."

§2572. Documents, historical artifacts, and condemned or obsolete combat materiel: loan, gift, or exchange

(a) The Secretary concerned may lend or give items described in subsection (c) that are not needed by the military department concerned (or by the Coast Guard, in the case of the Secretary of Homeland Security), to any of the following:

(1) A municipal corporation, county, or other political subdivision of a State.

(2) A servicemen's monument association.

(3) A museum, historical society, or historical institution of a State or a foreign nation or a nonprofit military aviation heritage foundation or association incorporated in a State.

(4) An incorporated museum or memorial that is operated and maintained for educational purposes only and the charter of which denies it the right to operate for profit.

(5) A post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States or of the American Legion or a unit of any other recognized war veterans' association.

(6) A local or national unit of any war veterans' association of a foreign nation which is recognized by the national government of that nation (or by the government of one of the principal political subdivisions of that nation).

(7) A post of the Sons of Veterans Reserve.

(b)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary concerned may exchange items described in subsection (c) that are not needed by the armed forces for any of the following items or services if such items or services directly benefit the historical collection of the armed forces:

(A) Similar items held by any individual, organization, institution, agency, or nation.

(B) Conservation supplies, equipment, facilities, or systems.

(C) Search, salvage, or transportation services.

(D) Restoration, conservation, or preservation services.

(E) Educational programs.

(2) The Secretary concerned may not make an exchange under paragraph (1) unless the monetary value of property transferred, or services provided, to the United States under the exchange is not less than the value of the property transferred by the United States. The Secretary concerned may waive the limitation in the preceding sentence in the case of an exchange of property for property in any case in which the Secretary determines that the item to be received by the United States in the exchange will significantly enhance the historical collection of the property administered by the Secretary.

(c) This section applies to the following types of property held by a military department or the Coast Guard: books, manuscripts, works of art, historical artifacts, drawings, plans, models, and condemned or obsolete combat materiel.

(d)(1) A loan or gift made under this section shall be subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned and to regulations under section 121 of title 40. The Secretary concerned shall ensure that an item authorized to be donated under this section is demilitarized in the interest of public safety, as determined necessary by the Secretary or the Secretary's delegee.

(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the United States may not incur any expense in connection with a loan or gift under subsection (a), including any expense associated with demilitarizing an item under paragraph (1), for which the recipient of the item shall be responsible.

(B) The Secretary concerned may, without cost to the recipient, demilitarize, prepare, and transport in the continental United States for donation to a recognized war veterans' association an item authorized to be donated under this section if the Secretary determines the demilitarization, preparation, and transportation can be accomplished as a training mission without additional budgetary requirements for the unit involved.

(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (3), and notwithstanding this section or any other provision of law, the President may not transfer a veterans memorial object to a foreign country or an entity controlled by a foreign government, or otherwise transfer or convey such an object to any person or entity for purposes of the ultimate transfer or conveyance of the object to a foreign country or entity controlled by a foreign government.

(2) In this subsection:

(A) The term "entity controlled by a foreign government" has the meaning given that term in section 4874(c)(1) of this title.

(B) The term "veterans memorial object" means any object, including a physical structure or portion thereof, that—

(i) is located at a cemetery of the National Cemetery System, war memorial, or military installation in the United States;

(ii) is dedicated to, or otherwise memorializes, the death in combat or combat-related duties of members of the armed forces; and

(iii) was brought to the United States from abroad before 1907 as a memorial of combat abroad.

(3) The prohibition imposed by paragraph (1) does not apply to a transfer of a veterans memorial object if—

(A) the transfer of that veterans memorial object is specifically authorized by law; or

(B) the transfer is made after September 30, 2022.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 143; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(82), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2927; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title III, §324(a), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1954; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title III, §325, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1531; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title III, §373, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2385; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, §1071, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2859; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title III, §372, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 280; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1043(d), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1219; Pub. L. 107–217, §3(b)(9), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1296; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title III, §369, Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2524; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title III, §352, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4425; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title III, §355(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1702; Pub. L. 115–91, div. B, title XXVIII, §2864(a), (b), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1869; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XVIII, §1870(d)(4), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4286; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVII, §1701(t)(4), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2150.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
2572	5:150p.	May 22, 1896, ch. 231; restated May 26, 1928, ch. 785; restated Feb. 28, 1933, ch. 137; restated June 19, 1940, ch. 398; July 31, 1947, ch. 421; restated Feb. 27, 1948, ch. 76, §1, 62 Stat. 37; Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, §2(2), 65 Stat. 706.

The word "may" is substituted for the words "are each authorized, in their discretion". The reference to posts of the Grand Army of the Republic is omitted, since that organization disbanded in 1950. The words "under regulations to be prescribed by him" are substituted for the words "subject to rules and regulations covering the same in each department". The words "without expense to the United States" are substituted for the words "and the Government shall be at no expense in connection with any such loan or gift". The words "local unit" are inserted in clause (7) to conform to clauses (5), (6), and (8).

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (e)(2)(A). Pub. L. 116–283, §1870(d)(4), as amended by Pub. L. 117–81, §1701(t)(4), substituted "section 4874(c)(1)" for "section 2536(c)(1)".

2017—Subsec. (e)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 115–91, §2864(a), substituted "from abroad before 1907" for "from abroad".

Subsec. (e)(3)(B). Pub. L. 115–91, §2864(b), substituted "September 30, 2022" for "September 30, 2017".

2013—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–239 added subsec. (e).

2008—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 110–417, §352(1), inserted at end "The Secretary concerned shall ensure that an item authorized to be donated under this section is demilitarized in the interest of public safety, as determined necessary by the Secretary or the Secretary's delegee."

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 110–417, §352(2), inserted ", including any expense associated with demilitarizing an item under paragraph (1), for which the recipient of the item shall be responsible" before period at end.

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 107–314 inserted before period at end "or a nonprofit military aviation heritage foundation or association incorporated in a State".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 107–217 substituted "section 121 of title 40" for "section 205 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 486)".

2001—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–107, §1043(d)(1), inserted ", county, or other political subdivision of a State" before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 107–107, §1043(d)(2), substituted "servicemen's monument" for "soldiers' monument".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 107–107, §1043(d)(3), inserted "or memorial" after "An incorporated museum".

1996—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "not needed by the armed forces for any of the following items or services if such items or services directly benefit the historical collection of the armed forces:" for "not needed by the armed forces for similar items held by any individual, organization, institution, agency, or nation or for search, salvage, transportation, and restoration services which directly benefit the historical collection of the armed forces." and added subpars. (A) to (E).

1994—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 103–337 inserted "transportation," after "salvage,".

1992—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 102–484 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted "Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the" for "The", and added subpar. (B).

1990—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–510, §325(1), inserted before period at end "or for search, salvage, and restoration services which directly benefit the historical collection of the armed forces".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 101–510, §325(2), inserted ", or services provided," after "monetary value of property transferred" in first sentence and "in the case of an exchange of property for property" after "preceding sentence" in second sentence.

1988—Pub. L. 100–456 substituted "Documents, historical artifacts, and condemned or obsolete combat materiel: loan, gift, or exchange" for "Condemned or obsolete material: loan or gift to certain organizations" in section catchline, and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Subject to regulations under section 205 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 486), the Secretary of a military department, or the Secretary of Transportation, under regulations to be prescribed by him, may lend or give, without expense to the United States, books, manuscripts, works of art, drawings, plans, models, and condemned or obsolete combat material that are not needed by that department to—

"(1) a municipal corporation;

"(2) a soldiers' monument association;

"(3) a State museum;

"(4) an incorporated museum, operated and maintained for educational purposes only, whose charter denies it the right to operate for profit;

"(5) a post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States;

"(6) a post of the American Legion;

"(7) a local unit of any other recognized war veterans' association; or

"(8) a post of the Sons of Veterans Reserve."

1980—Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "section 205 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 486), the Secretary of a military department or the Secretary of Transportation" for "section 486 of title 40, the Secretary of a military department or the Secretary of the Treasury".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–81 applicable as if included in the enactment of title XVIII of Pub. L. 116–283 as enacted, see section 1701(a)(2) of Pub. L. 117–81, set out in a note preceding section 3001 of this title and note below.

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–283 effective Jan. 1, 2022, with additional provisions for delayed implementation and applicability of existing law, see section 1801(d) of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–91, div. B, title XXVIII, §2864(d), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1869, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect October 1, 2017."

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Acquisition of Historical Artifacts Through Exchange of Obsolete or Surplus Property

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title X, §1052, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1614, provided that, during fiscal years 2004 and 2005, the Secretary of a military department could use the authority provided by this section to acquire an historical artifact that directly benefitted the historical collection of the Armed Forces in exchange for any obsolete or surplus property held by that military department, without regard to whether the property was described in subsec. (c) of this section.

Moratorium on the Return of Veterans Memorial Objects to Foreign Nations Without Specific Authorization in Law

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1051, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 763, as amended by Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title X, §1061, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3445, established a moratorium period during which the President was prohibited from transferring a veterans memorial object to a foreign country or an entity controlled by a foreign government unless specifically authorized by law, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title III, §355(b), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1702.

[§2573. Repealed. Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(83)(A), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2927]

Section, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 143, related to transfer of excess property to the Canal Zone Government.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

§2574. Armament: sale of individual pieces

A piece of armament that can be advantageously replaced, and that is not needed for its historical value, may be sold by the military department having jurisdiction over it for not less than cost, if the Secretary concerned considers that there are adequate sentimental reasons for the sale.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 144.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
2574	10:1262b. 34:545. 50:69.	Mar. 2, 1905, ch. 1307 (last 55 words of last par. under "Ordnance Department"), 33 Stat. 841.

The words "by the military department having jurisdiction over it" are inserted for clarity. The words "if the Secretary concerned considers" are substituted for the words "when there exist * * * in the judgment of the Secretary".

§2575. Disposition of unclaimed property

(a) The Secretary of any military department, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, under such regulations as they may respectively prescribe, may each by public or private sale or otherwise, dispose of all lost, abandoned, or unclaimed personal property that comes into the custody or control of the Secretary's department, other than property subject to section 7712, 8392, or 9712 of this title or subject to subsection (c). However, property may not be disposed of until diligent effort has been made to find the owner (or the heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the owner). The diligent effort to find the owner (or the heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the owner) shall begin, to the maximum extent practicable, not later than seven days after the date on which the property comes into the custody or control of the Secretary. The period for which that effort is continued may not exceed 45 days. If the owner (or the heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the owner) is determined but not found, the property may not be disposed of until the expiration of 45 days after the date when notice, giving the time and place of the intended sale or other disposition, has been sent by certified or registered mail to that person at his last known address. When diligent effort to determine the owner (or heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the owner) is unsuccessful, the property may be disposed of without delay, except that if it has a fair market value of more than $300, the Secretary may not dispose of the property until 45 days after the date it is received at a storage point designated by the Secretary.

(b)(1) In the case of lost, abandoned, or unclaimed personal property found on a military installation, the proceeds from the sale of the property under this section shall be credited to the operation and maintenance account of that installation and used—

(A) to reimburse the installation for any costs incurred by the installation to collect, transport, store, protect, or sell the property; and

(B) to the extent that the amount of the proceeds exceeds the amount necessary for reimbursing all such costs, to support morale, welfare, and recreation activities under the jurisdiction of the armed forces that are conducted for the comfort, pleasure, contentment, or physical or mental improvement of members of the armed forces at such installation.

(2) The net proceeds from the sale of other property under this section shall be covered into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

(c) No property covered by this section may be delivered to the Armed Forces Retirement Home by the Secretary of a military department, except papers of value, sabers, insignia, decorations, medals, watches, trinkets, manuscripts, and other articles valuable chiefly as keepsakes.

(d)(1) The owner (or heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the owner) of personal property the proceeds of which are credited to a military installation under subsection (b)(1) may file a claim with the Secretary of Defense for the amount equal to the proceeds (less costs referred to in subparagraph (A) of such subsection). Amounts to pay the claim shall be drawn from the morale, welfare, and recreation account for the installation that received the proceeds.

(2) The owner (or heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the owner) may file a claim with the Secretary of Defense for proceeds covered into the Treasury under subsection (b)(2).

(3) Unless a claim is filed under this subsection within 5 years after the date of the disposal of the property to which the claim relates, the claim may not be considered by a court, the Secretary of Defense (in the case of a claim filed under paragraph (1)), or the Secretary of Defense (in the case of a claim filed under paragraph (2)).

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 144; Pub. L. 89–143, Aug. 28, 1965, 79 Stat. 581; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(84), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2927; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title III, §322(a), (b), title XVI, §1622(f)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1413, 1605; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XV, §1533(a)(2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1733; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title III, §374(a), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 281; Pub. L. 104–316, title II, §202(d), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3842; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
2575(a)	5:150e. 5:150h.	Apr. 14, 1949, ch. 50, 63 Stat. 45.
	[Uncodified: Apr. 14, 1949, ch. 50, §6, 63 Stat. 45].
2575(b)	5:150f.
	5:150g.
2575(c)	5:150i.

In subsection (a), the words "under such regulations as they may respectively prescribe" are substituted for 5:150h. The words "other than property * * * subject to subsection (c)" of this section are substituted for the words "subject to the provisions of section 150i of this title". The words "other than property subject to sections 4712, 4713, 6522, 9712, or 9713 of this title" are inserted, since uncodified section 6 of the source statute provided that the source statute for this revised section did not repeal or amend the source statutes for those revised sections. The words "that comes into" are substituted for the words "which is now or may hereafter come into". The word "possession" is omitted as covered by the words "custody or control". The words "However, property may not be disposed of until" are inserted for clarity. The word "find" is substituted for the words "determine and locate". The words "until the expiration" are substituted for the words "prior to the expiration of a period". The words "determined but not found" are substituted for the words "have or has been determined". The words "or owners", "or representatives", and "sold or otherwise" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (b), the words "may file * * * within five years" are substituted for the words "may be filed * * * at any time prior to the expiration of five years", in 5:150g, since the claim must be disallowed if not filed within that period. The words "If not filed within that period" are substituted for the words "If claims are not filed prior to the expiration of five years from the date of the disposal of the property", in 5:150g. The words "such a claim may not be considered" are substituted for the words "they shall be barred from being acted on", in 5:150g.

In subsection (c), the words "No property * * * may * * * except" are substituted for the words "Any property * * * shall be limited". The last sentence is substituted for 5:150i (proviso).

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 7712, 8392, or 9712" for "section 4712, 6522, or 9712".

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–106, §374(a)(1), added subsec. (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: "The net proceeds from the sale of property under this section shall be covered into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. The owner (or the heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the owner) may file a claim for those proceeds with the General Accounting Office within five years after the date of the disposal of the property. If not filed within that period, such a claim may not be considered by a court or the General Accounting Office."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–106, §374(a)(2), added subsec. (d).

Subsec. (d)(2), (3). Pub. L. 104–316 substituted "Secretary of Defense" for "Comptroller General of the United States".

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–510, §1533(a)(2)(A), substituted "section 4712, 6522, or 9712" for "section 4712, 4713, 6522, 9712, or 9713".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–510, §1533(a)(2)(B), substituted "Armed Forces Retirement Home" for "United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home" and "Secretary of a military department" for "Secretary of the Army or the Secretary of the Air Force" and struck out at end "The Home shall deliver the property to the owner (or the heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the owner), if that person establishes a right to it within two years after its receipt by the Home."

1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–189, §1622(f)(1), struck out "of this section" after "subsection (c)".

Pub. L. 101–189, §322(b)(2)(A), substituted "the Secretary's department" for "his department".

Pub. L. 101–189, §322(b)(1), substituted "owner (or the heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the owner)" for "owner, his heirs or next of kin, or his legal representative" in two places.

Pub. L. 101–189, §322(a)(3), inserted after second sentence: "The diligent effort to find the owner (or the heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the owner) shall begin, to the maximum extent practicable, not later than seven days after the date on which the property comes into the custody or control of the Secretary. The period for which that effort is continued may not exceed 45 days."

Pub. L. 101–189, §322(a)(1), substituted "45 days" for "120 days".

Pub. L. 101–189, §322(b)(2)(B), substituted "owner (or heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the owner)" for "owner, his heirs or next of kin, or his legal representatives" after "When diligent effort to determine the".

Pub. L. 101–189, §322(a)(2), substituted "more than $300, the Secretary may not dispose of the property until 45 days" for "$25 or more the property may not be disposed of until three months".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–189, §322(b)(1), substituted "owner (or the heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the owner)" for "owner, his heirs or next of kin, or his legal representative".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–189, §322(b)(1), (3), substituted "owner (or the heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the owner)" for "owner, his heirs or next of kin, or his legal representative", and "that person" for "he" before "establishes a right".

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(84)(A), substituted "Secretary of Transportation" for "Secretary of the Treasury".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(84)(B), substituted "United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home" for "Soldiers' Home".

1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–143 provided for notice by certified mail and substituted provision for disposition of property without delay when diligent effort to determine ownership is unsuccessful and after three months following receipt at designated storage point of property with fair market value of $25 or more, for former provision for disposition of property one year after receipt at designated storage point.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–510 effective one year after Nov. 5, 1990, see section 1541 of Pub. L. 101–510, formerly set out as an Effective Date note under section 401 of Title 24, Hospitals and Asylums.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title III, §322(c), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1414, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to property that comes into the custody or control of the Secretary of a military department or the Secretary of Transportation after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1989]."

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

§2576. Surplus military equipment: sale to State and local law enforcement, firefighting, homeland security, and emergency management agencies

(a) The Secretary of Defense, under regulations prescribed by him, may sell to State and local law enforcement, firefighting, homeland security, and emergency management agencies, at fair market value, pistols, revolvers, shotguns, rifles of a caliber not exceeding .30, ammunition for such firearms, gas masks, personal protective equipment, and other appropriate equipment which (1) are suitable for use by such agencies in carrying out law enforcement, firefighting, homeland security, and emergency management activities, and (2) have been determined to be surplus property under subtitle I of title 40 and division C (except sections 3302, 3501(b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41.

(b) Such surplus military equipment shall not be sold under the provisions of this section to a State or local law enforcement, firefighting, homeland security, or emergency management agency unless request therefor is made by such agency, in such form and manner as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe, and such request, with respect to the type and amount of equipment so requested, is certified as being necessary and suitable for the operation of such agency by the Governor (or such State official as he may designate) of the State in which such agency is located. Equipment sold to a State or local law enforcement, firefighting, homeland security, or emergency management agency under this section shall not exceed, in quantity, the amount requested and certified for such agency and shall be for the exclusive use of such agency. Such equipment may not be sold, or otherwise transferred, by such agency to any individual or public or private organization or agency.

(Added Pub. L. 90–500, title IV, §403(a) Sept. 20, 1968, 82 Stat. 851; amended Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(85), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2927; Pub. L. 107–217, §3(b)(10), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1296; Pub. L. 111–350, §5(b)(42), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3846; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1072(a)–(c)(1), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4366.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Pub. L. 111–383, §1072(c)(1), substituted "Surplus military equipment: sale to State and local law enforcement, firefighting, homeland security, and emergency management agencies" for "Surplus military equipment: sale to State and local law enforcement and firefighting agencies" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–383, §1072(a)(1), (b), substituted "State and local law enforcement, firefighting, homeland security, and emergency management agencies" for "State and local law enforcement and firefighting agencies", "personal protective equipment, and other appropriate equipment" for "and protective body armor", and "in carrying out law enforcement, firefighting, homeland security, and emergency management activities" for "in carrying out law enforcement and firefighting activities".

Pub. L. 111–350 substituted "division C (except sections 3302, 3501(b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41" for "title III of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 251 et seq.)".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–383, §1072(a)(2), substituted "State or local law enforcement, firefighting, homeland security, or emergency management agency" for "State or local law enforcement or firefighting agency" in two places.

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–217 inserted "subtitle I of title 40 and title III of" before "the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949" and substituted "(41 U.S.C. 251 et seq.)" for "(40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.)".

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "under" for "pursuant to", and "(40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.)" for "(68 Stat. 377), as amended".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Transfer of Excess Aircraft to Other Departments of the Federal Government and to States

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1091, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1971, as amended by Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title X, §1060, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2781, provided that:

"(a) Transfer.—The Secretary of Defense may transfer excess aircraft specified in subsection (b) to the Secretary of Agriculture for use by the Forest Service, to the Secretary of Homeland Security for use by the United States Coast Guard, and to the Governor of a State. The transfer of any excess aircraft under this subsection shall be without reimbursement.

"(b) Aircraft.—The aircraft transferred under subsection (a) are aircraft of the Department of Defense that are—

"(1) identified by the Forest Service, the United States Coast Guard, or the Governor of a State, as the case may be, as a suitable platform to carry out wildfire suppression, search and rescue, or emergency operations pertaining to wildfires;

"(2) excess to the needs of the Department of Defense, as determined by the Secretary of Defense;

"(3) in the case of aircraft to be transferred to the Secretary of Agriculture, acceptable for use by the Forest Service, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture;

"(4) in the case of aircraft to be transferred to the Secretary of Homeland Security, acceptable for use by the United States Coast Guard, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security; and

"(5) in the case of aircraft to be transferred to the Governor of a State, acceptable for use by the State, as determined by the Governor.

"(c) Order of Transfers.—

"(1) Rights of refusal.—In implementing the transfers authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall afford the Secretary of Agriculture the right of first refusal and the Secretary of Homeland Security the second right of refusal in the transfer to each department by the Secretary of Defense of excess aircraft specified in subsection (b) before the transfer of such excess aircraft is offered to the Governor of a State or to any other department or agency of the Federal Government.

"(2) Expiration of right of refusal.—A right of refusal afforded the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of Homeland Security under paragraph (1) with regards to an aircraft shall expire upon official notice of such Secretary to the Secretary of Defense that such Secretary declines such aircraft.

"(d) Conditions of Certain Transfers.—Excess aircraft transferred to the Secretary of Agriculture or to the Governor of a State under subsection (a)—

"(1) may be used only for purposes of wildfire suppression, search and rescue, or emergency operations pertaining to wildfires; and

"(2) may not be flown or otherwise removed from the United States unless dispatched by the National Interagency Fire Center in support of an international agreement to assist in wildfire suppression efforts, search and rescue, emergency operations pertaining to wildfires, or for other purposes approved by the Secretary of Agriculture or Governor of the State, as the case may be, in writing in advance.

"(e) Additional Limitation.—Excess aircraft transferred under subsection (a) may not be sold by the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Governor of a State after transfer.

"(f) Costs After Transfer.—Any costs of operation, maintenance, sustainment, and disposal of excess aircraft transferred under subsection (a) after the date of transfer shall be borne by the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Governor of the State to which such aircraft is transferred using only State funds, as applicable.

"(g) Reporting.—Not later than December 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on aircraft transferred, during the fiscal year preceding the date of such report, to—

"(1) the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Governor of a State under this section;

"(2) the chief executive officer of a State under section 112 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 125 Stat. 1318); or

"(3) the Secretary of the Air Force or the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1098 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113–66; 127 Stat. 881)."

Commercial Sale of Small Arms Ammunition and Small Arms Ammunition Components in Excess of Military Requirements, and Fired Cartridge Cases

Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title III, §346, Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4191, as amended by Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title III, §361, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1377, provided that:

"(a) Commercial Sale of Small Arms Ammunition, Small [Arms] Ammunition Components, and Fired Cartridge Cases.—Small arms ammunition and small [arms] ammunition components which are in excess of military requirements, and intact fired small arms cartridge cases shall be made available for commercial sale. Such small arms ammunition, small arms ammunition components, and intact fired cartridge cases shall not be demilitarized, destroyed, or disposed of, unless in excess of commercial demands or certified by the Secretary of Defense as unserviceable or unsafe. This provision shall not apply to ammunition, ammunition components, or fired cartridge cases stored or expended outside the continental United States (OCONUS).

"(b) Deadline for Guidance.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 [Dec. 31, 2011], the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to ensure compliance with subsection (a). Not later than 15 days after issuing such guidance, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a letter of compliance providing notice of such guidance.

"(c) Preference.—No small arms ammunition or small arms ammunition components in excess of military requirements, or fired small arms cartridge cases may be made available for commercial sale under this section before such ammunition and ammunition components are offered for transfer or purchase, as authorized by law, to another Federal department or agency or for sale to State and local law enforcement, firefighting, homeland security, and emergency management agencies pursuant to section 2576 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by this Act.

"(d) Sales Controls.—All small arms ammunition and small arms ammunition components, and fired small arms cartridge cases made available for commercial sale under this section shall be subject to all explosives safety and trade security controls in effect at the time of sale.

"(e) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Small arms ammunition.—The term 'small arms ammunition' means ammunition or ordnance for firearms up to and including .50 caliber and for shotguns.

"(2) Small arms ammunition components.—The term 'small arms ammunition components' means components, parts, accessories, and attachments associated with small arms ammunition.

"(3) Fired cartridge cases.—The term 'fired cartridge cases' means expended small arms cartridge cases (ESACC)."

Authority To Sell Aircraft and Aircraft Parts for Use in Responding to Oil Spills

Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, §740, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 173, as amended by Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(e)(6), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2315; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title X, §§1051, 1062(i), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2648, 2651, provided that:

"(a) Authority.—

"(1) Sale of aircraft and aircraft parts.—Notwithstanding subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 40, United States Code, and subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of Defense may sell aircraft and aircraft parts referred to in paragraph (2) to a person or entity that provides oil spill response services (including the application of oil dispersants by air) pursuant to an oil spill response plan that has been approved by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

"(2) Aircraft and aircraft parts that may be sold.—The aircraft and aircraft parts that may be sold under paragraph (1) are aircraft and aircraft parts of the Department of Defense that are determined by the Secretary of Defense to be—

"(A) excess to the needs of the Department; and

"(B) acceptable for commercial sale.

"(b) Conditions of Sale.—Aircraft and aircraft parts sold under subsection (a)—

"(1) shall have as their primary purpose usage for oil spill spotting, observation, and dispersant delivery and may not have any secondary purpose that would interfere with oil spill response efforts under an oil spill response plan; and

"(2) may not be flown outside of or removed from the United States except for the purpose of fulfilling an international agreement to assist in oil spill dispersing efforts, for immediate response efforts for an oil spill outside United States waters that has the potential to threaten United States waters, or for other purposes that are jointly approved by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security.

"(c) Certification of Persons and Entities.—The Secretary of Defense may sell aircraft and aircraft parts to a person or entity under subsection (a) only if the Secretary of Homeland Security certifies to the Secretary of Defense, in writing, before the sale, that the person or entity is capable of meeting the terms and conditions of a contract to deliver oil spill dispersants by air, and that the overall system to be employed by that person or entity for the delivery and application of oil spill dispersants has been sufficiently tested to ensure that the person or entity is capable of being included in an oil spill response plan that has been approved by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

"(d) Regulations.—

"(1) Issuance.—As soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 5, 2000], the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Administrator of General Services, shall prescribe regulations relating to the sale of aircraft and aircraft parts under this section.

"(2) Contents.—The regulations shall—

"(A) ensure that the sale of the aircraft and aircraft parts is made at a fair market value, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, and, to the extent practicable, on a competitive basis;

"(B) require a certification by the purchaser that the aircraft and aircraft parts will be used only in accordance with the conditions set forth in subsection (b);

"(C) establish appropriate means of verifying and enforcing the use of the aircraft and aircraft parts by the purchaser and other operators in accordance with the conditions set forth in subsection (b) or pursuant to subsection (e); and

"(D) ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the Secretary of Defense consults with the Administrator of General Services and with the heads of appropriate departments and agencies of the Federal Government regarding alternative requirements for such aircraft and aircraft parts before the sale of such aircraft and aircraft parts under this section.

"(e) Additional Terms and Conditions.—The Secretary of Defense may require such other terms and conditions in connection with each sale of aircraft and aircraft parts under this section as the Secretary considers appropriate for such sale. Such terms and conditions shall meet the requirements of regulations prescribed under subsection (d).

"(f) Report.—Not later than March 31, 2006, the Secretary of Defense shall transmit to the Committees on Armed Services and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committees on National Security and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the Secretary's exercise of authority under this section. The report shall set forth—

"(1) the number and types of aircraft sold under the authority, and the terms and conditions under which the aircraft were sold;

"(2) the persons or entities to which the aircraft were sold; and

"(3) an accounting of the current use of the aircraft sold.

"(g) Statutory Construction.—

"(1) Authority of administrator.—Nothing in this section may be construed as affecting the authority of the Administrator under any other provision of law.

"(2) Certification requirements.—Nothing in this section may be construed to waive, with respect to an aircraft sold under the authority of this section, any requirement to obtain a certificate from the Administrator to operate the aircraft for any purpose (other than oil spill spotting, observation, and dispersant delivery) for which such a certificate is required.

"(h) Proceeds From Sale.—The net proceeds of any amounts received by the Secretary of Defense from the sale of aircraft and aircraft parts under this section shall be covered into the general fund of the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

"(i) Expiration of Authority.—The authority to sell aircraft and aircraft parts under this section expires on September 30, 2006."

[For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.]

Sale of Aircraft for Wildfire Suppression Purposes

Pub. L. 104–307, Oct. 14, 1996, 110 Stat. 3811, as amended by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1067(23), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 775; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title III, §388], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-89; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title X, §1062(k), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2651; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1090, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1971, provided that:

"SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

"This Act may be cited as the 'Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996'.

"SEC. 2. AUTHORITY TO SELL AIRCRAFT AND PARTS FOR WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION PURPOSES.

"(a) Authority.—(1) Notwithstanding subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 40, United States Code, and subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of Defense may, during a period specified in subsection (g), sell the aircraft and aircraft parts referred to in paragraph (2) to persons or entities that contract with the Federal Government for the delivery of fire retardant by air in order to suppress wildfire.

"(2) Paragraph (1) applies to aircraft and aircraft parts of the Department of Defense that are determined by the Secretary to be—

"(A) excess to the needs of the Department; and

"(B) acceptable for commercial sale.

"(b) Conditions of Sale.—Aircraft and aircraft parts sold under subsection (a)—

"(1) may be used only for the provision of airtanker services for wildfire suppression purposes; and

"(2) may not be flown or otherwise removed from the United States unless dispatched by the National Interagency Fire Center in support of an international agreement to assist in wildfire suppression efforts or for other purposes jointly approved by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Agriculture in writing in advance.

"(c) Certification of Persons and Entities.—The Secretary of Defense may sell aircraft and aircraft parts to a person or entity under subsection (a) only if the Secretary of Agriculture certifies to the Secretary of Defense, in writing, before the sale that the person or entity is capable of meeting the terms and conditions of a contract to deliver fire retardant by air.

"(d) Regulations.—(1) As soon as practicable after October 14, 1996, the Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator of General Services, prescribe regulations relating to the sale of aircraft and aircraft parts under this section. The regulations prescribed under this paragraph shall be effective until the end of the period specified in subsection (a)(1).

"(2) The regulations shall—

"(A) ensure that the sale of the aircraft and aircraft parts is made at fair market value (as determined by the Secretary of Defense) and, to the extent practicable, on a competitive basis;

"(B) require a certification by the purchaser that the aircraft and aircraft parts will be used only in accordance with the conditions set forth in subsection (b);

"(C) establish appropriate means of verifying and enforcing the use of the aircraft and aircraft parts by the purchaser and other end users in accordance with the conditions set forth in subsections (b) and (e); and

"(D) ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the Secretary consults with the Administrator of General Services and with the heads of appropriate departments and agencies of the Federal Government regarding alternative requirements for such aircraft and aircraft parts before the sale of such aircraft and aircraft parts under this section.

"(e) Additional Terms and Conditions.—The Secretary of Defense may require such other terms and conditions in connection with each sale of aircraft and aircraft parts under this section as the Secretary considers appropriate for such sale. Such terms and conditions shall meet the requirements of the regulations prescribed under subsection (d).

"(f) Report.—Not later than March 31, 2005, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the Secretary's exercise of authority under this section. The report shall set forth—

"(1) the number and type of aircraft sold under the authority, and the terms and conditions under which the aircraft were sold;

"(2) the persons or entities to which the aircraft were sold; and

"(3) an accounting of the current use of the aircraft sold.

"(g) Periods for Exercise of Authority.—The periods specified in this subsection are the following:

"(1) The period beginning on October 1, 1996, and ending on September 30, 2005.

"(2) The period beginning on October 1, 2012, and ending on September 30, 2017.

"(h) Construction.—Nothing in this section may be construed as affecting the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration under any other provision of law."

§2576a. Excess personal property: sale or donation for law enforcement activities

(a) Transfer Authorized.—(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense may transfer to Federal and State agencies personal property of the Department of Defense, including small arms and ammunition, that the Secretary determines is—

(A) suitable for use by the agencies in law enforcement activities, including counterdrug, counterterrorism, disaster-related emergency preparedness, and border security activities; and

(B) excess to the needs of the Department of Defense.

(2) The Secretary shall carry out this section in consultation with the Attorney General, the Director of National Drug Control Policy, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, as appropriate.

(b) Conditions for Transfer.—The Secretary of Defense may transfer personal property under this section only if—

(1) the property is drawn from existing stocks of the Department of Defense;

(2) the recipient accepts the property on an as-is, where-is basis;

(3) the transfer is made without the expenditure of any funds available to the Department of Defense for the procurement of defense equipment;

(4) all costs incurred subsequent to the transfer of the property are borne or reimbursed by the recipient;

(5) the recipient, on an annual basis, and with the authorization of the relevant local governing body or authority, certifies that it has adopted publicly available protocols for the appropriate use of controlled property, the supervision of such use, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of such use, including auditing and accountability policies; and

(6) after the completion of the assessment required by section 1051(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, the recipient, on an annual basis, certifies that it provides annual training to relevant personnel on the maintenance, sustainment, and appropriate use of controlled property, including respect for the rights of citizens under the Constitution of the United States and de-escalation of force.

(c) Consideration.—Subject to subsection (b)(4), the Secretary may transfer personal property under this section without charge to the recipient agency.

(d) Preference for Certain Transfers.—In considering applications for the transfer of personal property under this section, the Secretary shall give a preference to applications indicating that the transferred property will be used in the counterdrug, counterterrorism, disaster-related emergency preparedness, or border security activities of the recipient agency. Applications that request vehicles used for disaster-related emergency preparedness, such as high-water rescue vehicles, should receive the highest preference.

(e) Property Not Transferrable.—The Secretary may not transfer to a Tribal, State, or local law enforcement agency under this section the following:

(1) Bayonets.

(2) Grenades (other than stun and flash-bang grenades).

(3) Weaponized tracked combat vehicles.

(4) Weaponized drones.

(f) Publicly Accessible Website.—(1) The Secretary shall create and maintain a publicly available Internet website that provides information on the controlled property transferred under this section and the recipients of such property.

(2) The contents of the Internet website required under paragraph (1) shall include all publicly accessible unclassified information pertaining to the request, transfer, denial, and repossession of controlled property under this section, including—

(A) a current inventory of all controlled property transferred to Federal and State agencies under this section, listed by the name of the recipient and the year of the transfer;

(B) all pending requests for transfers of controlled property under this section, including the information submitted by the Federal and State agencies requesting such transfers; and

(C) all reports required to be submitted to the Secretary under this section by Federal and State agencies that receive controlled property under this section.

(g) Controlled Property.—In this section, the term "controlled property" means any item assigned a demilitarization code of B, C, D, E, G, or Q under Department of Defense Manual 4160.21–M, "Defense Materiel Disposition Manual", or any successor document.

(Added Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title X, §1033(a)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2639; amended Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title X, §§1051(a)–(c), 1052, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 979–981; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(43), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1596; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1053, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3850.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1051(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, referred to in subsec. (b)(6), is section 1051(e) of Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title X, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 980, which is not classified to the Code.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XII, §1208, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1566, as amended, which was set out as a note under section 372 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–201, §1033(b)(1). Section 372 of this title was renumbered section 272 of this title by Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XII, §1241(a)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2497.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 116–283, §1053(a)(1), inserted "disaster-related emergency preparedness," after "counterterrorism,".

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 116–283, §1053(b)(1), inserted ", including respect for the rights of citizens under the Constitution of the United States and de-escalation of force" before period at end.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–283, §1053(a)(2), amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In considering applications for the transfer of personal property under this section, the Secretary shall give a preference to those applications indicating that the transferred property will be used in the counterdrug, counterterrorism, or border security activities of the recipient agency."

Subsecs. (e) to (g). Pub. L. 116–283, §1053(b)(2), added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsecs. (e) and (f) as (f) and (g), respectively.

2017—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 115–91 struck out "and" at end.

2015—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 114–92, §1052(1)(A), substituted "counterdrug, counterterrorism, and border security activities" for "counter-drug and counter-terrorism activities".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 114–92, §1052(1)(B), substituted "the Attorney General, the Director of National Drug Control Policy, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, as appropriate" for "the Attorney General and the Director of National Drug Control Policy".

Subsec. (b)(5), (6). Pub. L. 114–92, §1051(b), added pars. (5) and (6).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–92, §1052(2), substituted "counterdrug, counterterrorism, or border security activities" for "counter-drug or counter-terrorism activities".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–92, §1051(a), added subsec. (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–92, §1051(c), added subsec. (f).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Plan for Use of Excess Construction Materials on Southwest Border

Pub. L. 118–31, div. B, title XXVIII, §2890, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 785, provided that:

"(a) Plan.—Not later than 75 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2023], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a plan to use, transfer, or donate to States on the southern border of the United States all covered materials, with prioritization given to the refurbishment and or maintenance of ports of entry along the southwest border and construction projects aimed at stopping illicit human and vehicle traffic along the border of the United States with Mexico.

"(b) Elements.—The plan required by subsection (a) shall include the following:

"(1) A detailed proposal for the disposition of such covered materials, including a timeline for disposition and the authorities under which such disposition shall occur.

"(2) An assessment of the condition of such materials being stored, including (if applicable) a description of materials that have depreciated in value, become damaged, or been lost.

"(c) Requirements of Requesting States.—Any State requesting the covered materials made available under this section must certify, in writing, that the materials it accepts will be exclusively used for the refurbishment or maintenance of ports of entry along the southwest border or construction projects aimed at stopping illicit human and vehicle traffic along the border of the United States with Mexico.

"(d) Execution of Plan.—Not later than 100 days after the date of submission of the plan required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall commence execution of such plan until the date on which the Department of Defense is no longer incurring any costs to maintain, store, or protect the covered materials.

"(e) Report.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report containing the following:

"(1) A detailed description of the decision process of the Secretary to forgo the excess property disposal process of the Department of Defense and instead pay to store the covered materials.

"(2) A list of entities the Department is paying for use of their privately owned land to store the covered materials, with appropriate action taken to protect personally identifiable information, such as by making the list of entities available in an annex that is labeled as controlled unclassified information.

"(3) An explanation of the process through which the Department contracted with private landowners to store the covered materials, including whether there was a competitive contracting process and whether the landowners have instituted an inventory review system.

"(4) A description of any investigations by the Inspector General of the Department that have been opened related to storing the covered materials.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section, the term 'covered material' means all remaining construction materials currently possessed by the United States Government that were purchased under section [sic] 2808 and [sic] 284 of title 10, United States Code, from fiscal years 2017 through 2021, including bollards and Nucor tubular square structural tubes."

Process for Communicating Availability of Surplus Ammunition

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title III, §344, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2084, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall implement a formal process to provide Federal Government agencies outside the Department of Defense with information on the availability of surplus, serviceable ammunition from the Department of Defense for the purpose of reducing costs relating to the storage and disposal of such ammunition.

"(b) Implementation Deadline.—The Secretary shall implement the process described in subsection (a) beginning not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016]."

§2576b. Excess personal property: sale or donation to assist firefighting agencies

(a) Transfer Authorized.—Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall transfer to a firefighting agency in a State any personal property of the Department of Defense that the Secretary determines is—

(1) excess to the needs of the Department of Defense; and

(2) suitable for use in providing fire and emergency medical services, including personal protective equipment and equipment for communication and monitoring.

(b) Conditions for Transfer.—The Secretary of Defense shall transfer personal property under this section only if—

(1) the property is drawn from existing stocks of the Department of Defense;

(2) the recipient firefighting agency accepts the property on an as-is, where-is basis;

(3) the transfer is made without the expenditure of any funds available to the Department of Defense for the procurement of defense equipment; and

(4) all costs incurred subsequent to the transfer of the property are borne or reimbursed by the recipient.

(c) Consideration.—Subject to subsection (b)(4), the Secretary may transfer personal property under this section without charge to the recipient firefighting agency.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) State.—The term "State" includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any territory or possession of the United States.

(2) Firefighting agency.—The term "firefighting agency" means any volunteer, paid, or combined departments that provide fire and emergency medical services.

(Added Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title XVII, §1706(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-367; amended Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title III, §354, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1861.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 108–375 substituted "shall" for "may" in introductory provisions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Identification of Defense Technologies Suitable for Use, or Conversion for Use, in Providing Fire and Emergency Medical Services

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title XVII, §1707], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-367, provided that:

"(a) Appointment of Task Force; Purpose.—The Secretary of Defense shall appoint a task force consisting of representatives from the Department of Defense and each of the seven major fire organizations identified in subsection (b) to identify defense technologies and equipment that—

"(1) can be readily put to civilian use by fire service and the emergency response agencies; and

"(2) can be transferred to these agencies using the authority provided by section 2576b of title 10, United States Code, as added by section 1706 of this Act.

"(b) Participating Major Fire Organizations.—Members of the task force shall be appointed from each of the following:

"(1) The International Association of Fire Chiefs.

"(2) The International Association of Fire Fighters.

"(3) The National Volunteer Fire Council.

"(4) The International Association of Arson Investigators.

"(5) The International Society of Fire Service Instructors.

"(6) The National Association of State Fire Marshals.

"(7) The National Fire Protection Association.

"(c) Authorization of Appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Defense for activities of the task force $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2001."

§2577. Disposal of recyclable materials

(a)(1) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to provide for the sale of recyclable materials held by a military department or defense agency and for the operation of recycling programs at military installations. Such regulations shall include procedures for the designation by the Secretary of a military department (or by the Secretary of Defense with respect to facilities of a defense agency) of military installations that have established a qualifying recycling program for the purposes of subsection (b)(2).

(2) Any sale of recyclable materials by the Secretary of Defense or Secretary of a military department shall be in accordance with the procedures in sections 541–555 of title 40 for the sale of surplus property.

(3) In this section, the term "recyclable materials" may include any quality recyclable material provided to the Department by a State or local government entity, if such material is authorized by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and identified in the regulations prescribed under paragraph (1).

(b)(1) Proceeds from the sale of recyclable materials at an installation shall be credited to funds available for operations and maintenance at that installation in amounts sufficient to cover the costs of operations, maintenance, and overhead for processing recyclable materials at the installation (including the cost of any equipment purchased for recycling purposes).

(2) If after such funds are credited a balance remains available to a military installation and such installation has a qualifying recycling program (as determined by the Secretary of the military department concerned or the Secretary of Defense), not more than 50 percent of that balance may be used at the installation for projects for pollution abatement, energy conservation, and occupational safety and health activities. A project may not be carried out under the preceding sentence for an amount greater than 50 percent of the amount established by law as the maximum amount for a minor construction project.

(3) The remaining balance available to a military installation may be transferred to the nonappropriated morale and welfare account of the installation to be used for any morale or welfare activity.

(c) If the balance available to a military installation under this section at the end of any fiscal year is in excess of $10,000,000, the amount of that excess shall be covered into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

(Added Pub. L. 97–214, §6(b)(1), July 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 172; amended Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1405(37), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2624; Pub. L. 107–217, §3(b)(11), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1296; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title III, §§313, 314, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1303.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 116–92, §314, added par. (3).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–92, §313, substituted "$10,000,000" for "$2,000,000".

2002—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 107–217 substituted "sections 541–555 of title 40" for "section 203 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 484)".

1984—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 98–525 substituted "purposes" for "puposes".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1982, and applicable to military construction projects, and to construction and acquisition of military family housing authorized before, on, or after such date, see section 12(a) of Pub. L. 97–214, set out as a note under section 2801 of this title.

Policy To Increase Disposition of Spent Advanced Batteries Through Recycling

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title III, §325, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2518, provided that:

"(a) Policy Required.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, in coordination with the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, shall establish a policy to increase the disposition of spent advanced batteries of the Department of Defense through recycling (including by updating the Department of Defense Manual 4160.21, titled 'Defense Material Disposition: Disposal Guidance and Procedures', or such successor document, accordingly), for the purpose of supporting the reclamation and return of precious metals, rare earth metals, and elements of strategic importance (such as cobalt and lithium) into the supply chain or strategic reserves of the United States.

"(b) Considerations.—In developing the policy under subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary shall consider, at a minimum, the following recycling methods:

"(1) Pyroprocessing.

"(2) Hydroprocessing.

"(3) Direct cathode recycling, relithiation, and upcycling."

§2578. Vessels: transfer between departments

A vessel under the jurisdiction of a military department may be transferred or otherwise made available without reimbursement to another military department or to the Department of Homeland Security, and a vessel under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security may be transferred or otherwise made available without reimbursement to a military department. Any such transfer may be made only upon the request of the Secretary of the military department concerned or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as the case may be, and with the approval of the Secretary of the department having jurisdiction of the vessel.

(Added Pub. L. 100–370, §1(k)(1), July 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 848; amended Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Section is based on Pub. L. 99–190, §101(b) [title VIII, §8012], Dec. 19, 1985, 99 Stat. 1185, 1204.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation" wherever appearing.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

§2579. War booty: procedures for handling and retaining battlefield objects

(a) Policy.—The United States recognizes that battlefield souvenirs have traditionally provided military personnel with a valued memento of service in a national cause. At the same time, it is the policy and tradition of the United States that the desire for souvenirs in a combat theater not blemish the conduct of combat operations or result in the mistreatment of enemy personnel, the dishonoring of the dead, distraction from the conduct of operations, or other unbecoming activities.

(b) Regulations.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations for the handling of battlefield objects that are consistent with the policies expressed in subsection (a) and the requirements of this section.

(2) When forces of the United States are operating in a theater of operations, enemy material captured or found abandoned shall be turned over to appropriate United States or allied military personnel except as otherwise provided in such regulations. A member of the armed forces (or other person under the authority of the armed forces in a theater of operations) may not (except in accordance with such regulations) take from a theater of operations as a souvenir an object formerly in the possession of the enemy.

(3) Such regulations shall provide that a member of the armed forces who wishes to retain as a souvenir an object covered by paragraph (2) may so request at the time the object is turned over pursuant to paragraph (2).

(4) Such regulations shall provide for an officer to be designated to review requests under paragraph (3). If the officer determines that the object may be appropriately retained as a war souvenir, the object shall be turned over to the member who requested the right to retain it.

(5) Such regulations shall provide for captured weaponry to be retained as souvenirs, as follows:

(A) The only weapons that may be retained are those in categories to be agreed upon jointly by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Treasury.

(B) Before a weapon is turned over to a member, the weapon shall be rendered unserviceable.

(C) A charge may be assessed in connection with each weapon in an amount sufficient to cover the full cost of rendering the weapon unserviceable.

(Added Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title XI, §1171(a)(1), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1765.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Regulations

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title XI, §1171(b), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1766, provided that: "The initial regulations required by section 2579 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall be prescribed not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 30, 1993]. Such regulations shall specifically address the following, consistent with section 2579 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a):

"(1) The general procedures for collection and disposition of weapons and other enemy material.

"(2) The criteria and procedures for evaluation and disposition of enemy material for intelligence, testing, or other military purposes.

"(3) The criteria and procedures for determining when retention of enemy material by an individual or a unit in the theater of operations may be appropriate.

"(4) The criteria and procedures for disposition of enemy material to a unit or other Department of Defense entity as a souvenir.

"(5) The criteria and procedures for disposition of enemy material to an individual as an individual souvenir.

"(6) The criteria and procedures for determining when demilitarization or the rendering unserviceable of firearms is appropriate.

"(7) The criteria and procedures necessary to ensure that servicemembers who have obtained battlefield souvenirs in a manner consistent with military customs, traditions, and regulations have a reasonable opportunity to obtain possession of such souvenirs, consistent with the needs of the service."

§2580. Donation of excess chapel property

(a) Authority To Donate.—The Secretary of a military department may donate personal property specified in subsection (b) to an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is a religious organization in order to assist the organization in restoring or replacing property of the organization that has been damaged or destroyed as a result of an act of arson or terrorism, as determined pursuant to procedures prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(b) Property Covered.—(1) The property authorized to be donated under subsection (a) is furniture and other personal property that—

(A) is in, or was formerly in, a chapel under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of a military department and closed or being closed; and

(B) is determined by the Secretary to be excess to the requirements of the armed forces.

(2) No real property may be donated under this section.

(c) Donees Not To Be Charged.—No charge may be imposed by the Secretary of a military department on a donee of property under this section in connection with the donation. However, the donee shall agree to defray any expense for shipping or other transportation of property donated under this section from the location of the property when donated to any other location.

(Added Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1063(a), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1892.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (a), is classified to section 501(c)(3) of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

§2581. Excess UH–1 Huey and AH–1 Cobra helicopters: requirements for transfer to foreign countries

(a) Requirements.—(1) Before an excess UH–1 Huey helicopter or AH–1 Cobra helicopter is transferred on a grant or sales basis to a foreign country for the purpose of flight operations by that country, the Secretary of Defense shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the helicopter receives, to the extent necessary, maintenance and repair equivalent to the depot-level maintenance and repair (as defined in section 2460 of this title) that the helicopter would need were the helicopter to remain in operational use with the armed forces. Any such maintenance and repair work shall be performed at no cost to the Department of Defense.

(2) The Secretary shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that maintenance and repair work described in paragraph (1) is performed in the United States.

(b) Exception.—Subsection (a) does not apply with respect to salvage helicopters provided to the foreign country solely as a source for spare parts.

(Added Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title XII, §1234(a), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2156.)

[§2582. Repealed. Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1061(19)(A), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1584]

Section, added Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title III, §381(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-84, related to annual report of public sales of military equipment identified on United States munitions list.

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 2582 was renumbered section 2583 of this title.

§2583. Military animals: transfer and adoption

(a) Availability for Transfer or Adoption.—The Secretary of the military department concerned shall make a military animal of such military department available for transfer or adoption by a person or entity referred to in subsection (c), unless the animal has been determined to be unsuitable for transfer or adoption under subsection (b), under circumstances as follows:

(1) At the end of the animal's useful life.

(2) Before the end of the animal's useful life, if such Secretary, in such Secretary's discretion, determines that unusual or extraordinary circumstances, including circumstances under which the handler of a military working dog is killed in action, dies of wounds received in action, or is medically retired as a result of injuries received in action, justify making the animal available for transfer or adoption before that time.

(3) When the animal is otherwise excess to the needs of such military department.

(b) Suitability for Transfer or Adoption.—The decision whether a particular military animal is suitable or unsuitable for transfer or adoption under this section shall be made by the commander of the last unit to which the animal is assigned before being declared excess. The unit commander shall consider the recommendations of the unit's veterinarian in making the decision regarding the transferability or adoptability of the animal.

(c) Authorized Recipients.—(1) A military animal shall be made available for transfer or adoption under this section, in order of recommended priority, by—

(A) adoption by former handlers of the animal;

(B) adoption by other persons or organizations capable of humanely caring for the animal; and

(C) transfer to law enforcement agencies.

(2) If the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that an adoption is justified under subsection (a)(2) under circumstances under which the handler of a military working dog is wounded in action, the dog shall be made available for adoption only by the handler. If the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that such an adoption is justified under circumstances under which the handler of a military working dog is killed in action or dies of wounds received in action, the military working dog shall be made available for adoption only by a parent, child, spouse, or sibling of the deceased handler.

(d) Consideration.—The transfer of a military animal under this section shall be without charge to the recipient.

(e) Limitations on Liability for Transferred or Adopted Animals.—(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United States shall not be subject to any suit, claim, demand or action, liability, judgment, cost, or other fee arising out of any claim for personal injury or property damage (including death, illness, or loss of or damage to property or other economic loss) that results from, or is in any manner predicated upon, the act or omission of a former military animal transferred or adopted under this section, including any training provided to the animal while a military animal.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United States shall not be liable for any veterinary expense associated with a military animal transferred or adopted under this section for a condition of the military animal before transfer or adoption under this section, whether or not such condition is known at the time of transfer or adoption under this section.

(f) Veterinary Screening and Care for Military Working Dogs To Be Retired.—(1)(A) If the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that a military working dog should be retired, such Secretary shall transport the dog to the Veterinary Treatment Facility at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

(B) In the case of a contract working dog to be retired, transportation required by subparagraph (A) is satisfied by the transfer of the dog to the 341st Training Squadron at the end of the dog's service life as required by section 2387 of this title and assignment of the dog to the Veterinary Treatment Facility referred to in that subparagraph.

(2)(A) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each dog transported as described in paragraph (1) to the Veterinary Treatment Facility referred to in that paragraph is provided with a full veterinary screening, and necessary veterinary care (including surgery for any mental, dental, or stress-related illness), before transportation of the dog in accordance with subsection (g).

(B) For purposes of this paragraph, stress-related illness includes illness in connection with post-traumatic stress, anxiety that manifests in a physical ailment, obsessive compulsive behavior, and any other stress-related ailment.

(3) Transportation is not required under paragraph (1), and screening and care is not required under paragraph (2), for a military working dog located outside the United States if the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that transportation of the dog to the United States would not be in the best interests of the dog for medical reasons.

(g) Transportation of Retiring Military Working Dogs.—Upon completion of veterinary screening and care for a military working dog to be retired pursuant to subsection (f), the Secretary of the military department concerned shall—

(1) if the dog was at a location outside the United States immediately prior to transportation for such screening and care and a United States citizen or member of the armed forces living abroad agrees to adopt the dog, transport the dog to such location for adoption; or

(2) for any other dog, transport the dog—

(A) to the 341st Training Squadron; or

(B) to another location within the United States for transfer or adoption under this section.

(h) Preference in Adoption of Retired Military Working Dogs for Former Handlers.—(1) In providing for the adoption under this section of a retired military working dog described in paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (a), the Secretary of the military department concerned shall accord a preference to the former handler of the dog unless the Secretary determines that adoption of the dog by the former handler would not be in the best interests of the dog.

(2) In the case of a dog covered by paragraph (1) with more than one former handler seeking adoption of the dog at the time of adoption, the Secretary shall provide for the adoption of the dog by such former handler whose adoption of the dog will best serve the interests of the dog and such former handlers. The Secretary shall make any determination required by this paragraph with respect to a dog following consultation with the kennel master of the unit at which the dog was last located before adoption under this section.

(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as altering, revising, or overriding any policy of a military department for the transfer of military working dogs to law enforcement agencies before the end of the dogs' useful working lives.

(i) Military Animal Defined.—In this section, the term "military animal" means the following:

(1) A military working dog, which may include a contract working dog (as such term is defined in section 2387) that has been transferred to the 341st Training Squadron.

(2) An equid (horse, mule, or donkey) owned by the Department of Defense.

(Added Pub. L. 106–446, §1(a), Nov. 6, 2000, 114 Stat. 1932, §2582; renumbered §2583, Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(a)(25), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1224; amended Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §599, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3284; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title III, §352(a), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2160; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, §1063(a)(13), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 322; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title III, §351, title X, §1061(20), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1375, 1584; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title III, §371(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1706; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1091(b)(2), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 876; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title III, §342, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 793; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title III, §342(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2082; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title III, §352, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1731; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title III, §372(a)–(e), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1330, 1331; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(42), title XVIII, §1883(b)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3873, 4294; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title III, §373(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1667.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–81 substituted "shall" for "may".

Subsec. (f)(1)(B). Pub. L. 116–283, §1883(b)(2), substituted "section 2387" for "section 2410r".

Subsec. (g)(2)(A). Pub. L. 116–283, §1081(a)(42), inserted "or" after semicolon at end.

Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §1883(b)(2), substituted "section 2387" for "section 2410r".

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92, §372(a)(1), inserted "Transfer or" before "Adoption" in heading and substituted "transfer or adoption" for "adoption" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–92, §372(a)(2), inserted "Transfer or" before "Adoption" in heading and substituted "transfer or adoption" for "adoption" in first sentence and "transferability or adoptability" for "adoptability" in second sentence.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 116–92, §372(a)(3)(A), inserted "transfer or" before "adoption" and ", by" after "recommended priority" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 116–92, §372(a)(3)(B), inserted "adoption" before "by".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 116–92, §372(a)(3)(B), (C), inserted "adoption" before "by" and "or organizations" after "persons".

Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 116–92, §372(a)(3)(D), substituted "transfer to" for "by".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 116–92, §372(a)(4), inserted "or Adopted" after "Transferred" in heading and substituted "transferred or adopted" for "transferred" in pars. (1) and (2), and "transfer or adoption" for "transfer" in two places in par. (2).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 116–92, §372(b)(2), added subsec. (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 116–92, §372(b)(1), (c), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g) and amended it generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. consisted of pars. (1) to (3) relating to transfer of retired military working dogs. Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 116–92, §372(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (g) as (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).

Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 116–92, §372(d), substituted "transfer of military working dogs to law enforcement agencies before the end of the dogs' useful working lives." for "adoption of military working dogs by law enforcement agencies before the end of the dogs' useful lives."

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 116–92, §372(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (h) as (i).

Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 116–92, §372(e), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "A horse owned by the Department of Defense."

2018—Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 115–232 added par. (3).

2016—Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 114–328 amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "A military working dog."

2015—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–92, §342(a), substituted "shall make" for "may make" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–92, §342(b), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Military animals may be adopted under this section by law enforcement agencies, former handlers of these animals, and other persons capable of humanely caring for these animals. If the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that an adoption is justified under subsection (a)(2) under circumstances under which the handler of a military working dog is wounded in action, the dog may be made available for adoption only by the handler. If the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that such an adoption is justified under circumstances under which the handler of a military working dog is killed in action or dies of wounds received in action, the military working dog shall be made available for adoption only by a parent, child, spouse, or sibling of the deceased handler."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–92, §342(d)(1), (2), (4), designated existing provisions as par. (1), redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as subpars. (A) and (B), respectively, of par. (1), and added par. (2).

Pub. L. 114–92, §342(c), substituted "shall transfer" for "may transfer" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 114–92, §342(d)(3)(A), struck out ", and no suitable adoption is available at the military facility where the dog is located," after "should be retired" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f)(1)(B). Pub. L. 114–92, §342(d)(3)(B), inserted "within the United States" after "to another location".

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 114–92, §342(e), added subsec. (g) and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (h).

2013—Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 112–239, §371(a), as amended by Pub. L. 113–66, §1091(b)(2), added subsec. (f) and redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g).

2011—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 112–81, §351(1), inserted ", including circumstances under which the handler of a military working dog is killed in action, dies of wounds received in action, or is medically retired as a result of injuries received in action," after "extraordinary circumstances".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–81, §351(2), inserted at end "If the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that an adoption is justified under subsection (a)(2) under circumstances under which the handler of a military working dog is wounded in action, the dog may be made available for adoption only by the handler. If the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that such an adoption is justified under circumstances under which the handler of a military working dog is killed in action or dies of wounds received in action, the military working dog shall be made available for adoption only by a parent, child, spouse, or sibling of the deceased handler.".

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 112–81, §1061(20), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f) and struck out former subsec. (f). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (f) read as follows: "The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress an annual report specifying the number of military animals adopted under this section during the preceding year, the number of these animals currently awaiting adoption, and the number of these animals euthanized during the preceding year. With respect to each euthanized military animal, the report shall contain an explanation of the reasons why the animal was euthanized rather than retained for adoption under this section."

2008—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–181 substituted "Animals" for "Dogs" in heading.

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, §352(a)(1), substituted "animals" for "working dogs" in section catchline.

Pub. L. 109–163, §599(d), struck out "at end of useful working life" after "adoption" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–364, §352(a)(2)–(4), substituted "animal's" for "dog's" in pars. (1) and (2) and "animal" for "dog" wherever appearing, and struck out "working" after "may make a military" in introductory provisions and after "useful" in pars. (1) and (2).

Pub. L. 109–163, §599(a), (b), substituted "Secretary of the military department concerned may" for "Secretary of Defense may", "such military department" for "the Department of Defense", and ", unless the dog has been determined to be unsuitable for adoption under subsection (b), under circumstances as follows:" and pars. (1) to (3) for "at the end of the dog's useful working life or when the dog is otherwise excess to the needs of the Department, unless the dog has been determined to be unsuitable for adoption under subsection (b)."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–364, §352(a)(2), (3), (5), substituted "the adoptability of the animal" for "a dog's adoptability" and "animal" for "dog" in two places and struck out "working" after "military".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–364, §352(a)(2), (3), substituted "animals" for "dogs" wherever appearing and struck out "working" after "Military".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–364, §352(a)(2), (3), substituted "animal" for "dog" and struck out "working" after "military".

2006—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–364, §352(a)(3), substituted "animal" for "dog" wherever appearing in text.

Pub. L. 109–364, §352(a)(2), struck out "working" after "military" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–364, §352(a)(2), (3), substituted "animal" for "dog" in two places and "animals" for "dogs" wherever appearing and struck out "working" after "military" in two places.

Pub. L. 109–163, §599(c), inserted "of Defense" after "Secretary".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–364, §352(a)(6), added subsec. (g).

2001—Pub. L. 107–107 renumbered section 2582 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by section 1883(b)(2) of Pub. L. 116–283 effective Jan. 1, 2022, with additional provisions for delayed implementation and applicability of existing law, see section 1801(d) of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1091(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 876, provided in part that the amendment made by section 1091(b)(2) is effective as of Jan. 2, 2013, and as if included in Pub. L. 112–239 as enacted.