DEFENSE COMMISSARY SYSTEM AND EXCHANGE SYSTEM: PATRONAGE; PRIVATIZATION.

SEC. 652. [10 U.S.C. 2481 note] DEFENSE COMMISSARY SYSTEM AND EXCHANGE SYSTEM: PATRONAGE; PRIVATIZATION. (a) Patronage.— (1) Interim authority.—Notwithstanding the limitations under section 2481(a) and chapter 54 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense— (A) may allow individuals authorized to use a commissary store or exchange store pursuant to a policy, memorandum, regulation, or pilot program of the Department of Defense in effect on October 1, 2025, to continue such use through December 31, 2026; and (B) may not authorize such use for any additional group of individuals. (2) Legislative proposal.—Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a written legislative proposal that— (A) specifies each category of individuals that the Secretary recommends Congress authorize to use a commissary store or exchange store; (B) explains the recommendation of the Secretary for such authorization; and (C) consolidates the authorities for such use into a single statute. (b) Privatization.—The Secretary may not take any action inconsistent with the restrictions in section 2485(a) of such title regarding private operation of the overall management of a commissary system or management of a commissary store.