IMPROVEMENTS TO COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH OPERATIONS.

SEC. 1606. IMPROVEMENTS TO COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH OPERATIONS. Section 1617 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 129 Stat. 1106; 51 U.S.C. 50918 note) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph (2): “(2) Streamlining.— “(A) In general.—With respect to any licensed activity under chapter 509 of title 51, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense may not impose any requirement on a licensee or transferee that is duplicative of, or overlaps in intent with, any requirement imposed by the Secretary of Transportation under that chapter. “(B) Waiver.—The Secretary of the Air Force may waive the limitation under subparagraph (A) if— “(i) the Secretary determines that imposing a requirement described in that subparagraph is necessary to avoid negative consequences for the national security space program; and “(ii) the Secretary notifies the Secretary of Transportation of such determination before making such waiver.” ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: “(d) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the ability of the Secretary of Defense to consult with the Secretary of Transportation with respect to requirements and approvals under chapter 509 of title 51, United States Code.” .