Advocacy Corner
FTCN Replay: EMSO Reform Gets a Foothold in New Defense Spending Bill
Why Read: In the latest episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller, AOC’s Director of Advocacy & Outreach, sat down with Katy Nazaretova of Forza DC for an update on the fiscal year 2027 defense budget process – and a closer look at a recent win for electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) policy on Capitol Hill. Read the full article on JEDOnline.com.
Senate Moves FY 2027 NDAA Forward Amid Larger Uncertainty
Why Read: The Senate Armed Services Committee reported its version of the FY 2027 NDAA on June 11, matching the House bill’s $1.15 trillion topline and including direct support language – sponsored by Sen. Mark Kelly (AZ) – directing DOD to survey existing EMSO courseware and report curriculum integration recommendations to Congress by December 31, 2027. Because the provision was included as DRL in both chambers’ bills, it does not need to survive conference committee negotiation. The House is scheduled to vote on H.R. 8800 on July 2, while the Senate has not yet set a timeline to take up its version. Read the full article on JEDOnline.com.
House Committee Advances FY 2027 Defense Appropriations Act
Why Read: The FY 2027 Defense Appropriations Act – not to be confused with the National Defense Authorization Act – saw its first progress as the House Appropriations Committee reported its version of the Defense Appropriations Act on June 24. Read the full article on JEDOnline.com.
The Congressional Path to EMSO Capability
Upcoming Webinar: Exploring the Legacy and Future of EW
Why Attend: As part of EW Awareness Week, join us July 22 for a fascinating journey through the past, present, and future of electromagnetic warfare (EW). From the earliest battles of radar deception and signal interception to today’s fight for dominance across the electromagnetic spectrum, EW has played a decisive role in shaping military operations for more than a century. This engaging webinar will explore the pivotal moments, technological breakthroughs, and operational lessons that transformed EW from a niche capability into a cornerstone of modern military power. Featuring a distinguished panel of AOC leaders and subject matter experts, the discussion will uncover how spectrum superiority influences decision-making, enables mission success, and remains critical to national security in an increasingly contested and connected world. Register for this upcoming webinar.
House Armed Services Committee Approves FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act
Why Read: The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) reported H.R. 8800, the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), on June 4. It authorizes $1.15 trillion in discretionary funds for Department of Defense and defense-related activities by other agencies. The bill brings defense spending up to 4.5% of our GDP with a goal to reach topline investment of $1.5 trillion in FY 2027, which includes funds previously allocated through reconciliation. AOC Director of Advocacy & Outreach Ken Miller outlines key EMSO provisions included in the bill. Read the full article on JEDOnline.com.
Collaboration as a Competitive Advantage
Why Listen: Joint ventures and teaming arrangements can be the fastest path to a defense contract win – and knowing which to use and how makes all the difference. In this new episode of From the Crows’ Nest, Ken Miller sits down with government contract advisor Jenna Girompini to break down the legal and strategic distinctions between the two. Together, they explore how top contractors build alliances and examine how rising defense budgets and an increasingly global market are reshaping the rules of collaboration.
Raven Whispers Weighs in on AOC JEMSO CSA Proposal
Why Read: Director of Advocacy and Outreach Ken Miller commends Raven Whispers’ analysis of AOC’s bold proposal to establish a new Joint EMSO Combat Support Agency (CSA). Over the past few months, the AOC has been advocating for this landmark reform in the US Congress and the Department of War. It is our hope our hope for Congress to include this proposal in the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act later this year. AOC welcomes any feedback and support for this effort. Read the full blog post.
FTCN Replay: From Iran to the Pacific, US Spectrum Gaps Are Coming Into Focus
Why Read: The current military operation against Iran and China’s sweeping military modernization program dominated the latest episode of From the Crow’s Nest. Host Ken Miller spoke with two guests: Col. (Ret.) Jeff Fischer and Dean Cheng. Together, they painted a picture of a United States still catching up on spectrum warfare, even as adversaries have made it the cornerstone of their war-fighting doctrine. Read the full article on JEDOnline.com.
Upcoming Webinar: Establishing a Combat Support Agency for EMSO
Why Attend: AOC has proposed creating a Joint EMSO Combat Support Agency (JEMSO CSA) for inclusion in the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act. This proposal could reshape how the US organizes and executes electromagnetic spectrum operations. Join AOC’s Director of Advocacy & Outreach Ken Miller for a free community briefing explaining the proposal, why momentum is building in Congress, and what it could mean for the EMSO mission. Register for this briefing webinar.