RECOGNITION OF SUPERIOR NONCOMBAT ACHIEVEMENTS OR PERFORMANCE BY MEMBERS OF FRIENDLY FOREIGN FORCES AND OTHER FOREIGN NATIONALS.

SEC. 1222. RECOGNITION OF SUPERIOR NONCOMBAT ACHIEVEMENTS OR PERFORMANCE BY MEMBERS OF FRIENDLY FOREIGN FORCES AND OTHER FOREIGN NATIONALS.(a) Authority.—Chapter 53 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1051a the following new section:“§ 1051b. Bilateral or regional cooperation programs: awards and mementos to recognize superior noncombat achievements or performance“(a) General Authority.—The Secretary of Defense may present awards and mementos purchased with funds appropriated for operation and maintenance of the armed forces to recognize superior noncombat achievements or performance by members of friendly foreign forces and other foreign nationals that significantly enhance or support the National Security Strategy of the United States.“(b) Activities That May Be Recognized.—Activities that may be recognized under subsection (a) include superior achievement or performance that—“(1) plays a crucial role in shaping the international security environment in ways that protect and promote United States interests;“(2) supports or enhances United States overseas presence and peacetime engagement activities, including defense cooperation initiatives, security assistance training and programs, and training and exercises with the armed forces;“(3) helps to deter aggression and coercion, build coalitions, and promote regional stability; or“(4) serves as a role model for appropriate conduct by military forces in emerging democracies.“(c) Limitation.—Expenditures for the purchase or production of mementos for award under this section may not exceed the minimal value in effect under section 7342(a)(5) of title 5.” .(b) Clerical Amendment.—The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1051a the following new item: “1051b. Bilateral or regional cooperation programs: awards and mementos to recognize superior noncombat achievements or performance.”.