Cord Byrd: “Yes, the modification is at the desk. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the modification? Without objection…”

“Yes, the modification is at the desk. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the modification? Without objection, the amendment is so modified. The amendment, as modified, is as follows: At the end of subtitle A of title IX, add the following: SEC. __. REPORT ON ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR MANAGEMENT. (a) Not later than 15 days after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall select two Federally Funded Research and Development Centers to conduct independent studies of the feasibility and advisability of establishing a Deputy Secretary of Defense for Management. Each study under this section shall be delivered to the Secretary and the congressional defense committees not later than March 15, 2006. (b) Content of Studies.--Each study required by this section shall address-- (1) the extent to which the establishment of a Deputy Secretary of Defense for Management would: (A) improve the management of the Department of Defense; (B) expedite the process of management reform in the Department; and (C) enhance the implementation of business systems modernization in the Department; (2) the appropriate relationship of the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Management to other Department of Defense officials; (3) the appropriate term of service for a Deputy Secretary of Defense for Management; and (4) the experience of any other federal agencies that have instituted similar management positions.…”