Mark Kelly (D-AZ)
Ultimate Human Responsibility in Defense Systems Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes rules to ensure that human judgment remains involved when the Department of Defense uses autonomous weapon systems. It requires weapon designs to allow human commanders and operators to supervise, intervene in, or terminate the use of force. The legislation mandates senior-level reviews and independent testing before autonomous weapons can be fielded by the military. It also requires the creation of a centralized incident repository to track weapon failures and safety events. Additionally, the bill directs the establishment of specialized training pipelines and a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Office. Finally, it requires regular reporting to congressional defense committees regarding weapon systems and compliance.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill enhances government transparency by mandating regular reports to congressional defense committees and public testing standards.
- Scored +5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The establishment of specialized training, safety reporting mechanisms, and civilian harm mitigation offices benefits service members and veterans by prioritizing safe and ethical military operations.
- Scored +5
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill establishes formal training pipelines, safety reporting mechanisms, and operational safeguards that protect military personnel operating advanced defense systems.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 3(b)(2): This provision requires autonomous weapon systems to include mechanisms that allow human commanders or operators to intervene in or terminate the use of force during mission execution. This is a positive safeguard because it keeps humans in control and provides a way to stop attacks if circumstances change.
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Section 3(c)(2): This section establishes a reporting mechanism for operators to voice concerns about system reliability or human-machine interfaces without fear of reprisal. This is beneficial because it protects service members who speak up about dangerous technical flaws.
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Section 6(a): This provision directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a centralized repository for reporting, collecting, and analyzing incidents involving autonomous weapon systems. This helps people by promoting institutional learning and identifying systemic risks or software errors to prevent future accidents.
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Section 8(a): This creates the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Office within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. This is a positive step for protecting innocent civilians, as the office is tasked with developing policies to prevent, mitigate, and respond to civilian harm resulting from military operations.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 4(a): This section allows autonomous weapon systems to be fielded after passing a review and certification process by the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. Because these systems are designed to independently select and engage targets without human supervision once activated, individuals or groups in combat zones face the inherent risks and burdens associated with lethal autonomous military technology operating in the field.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill enhances government transparency by mandating regular reports to congressional defense committees and public testing standards. Does this give the federal government more power? — The legislation increases federal oversight by requiring the Department of Defense to adhere to strict statutory review, certification, and reporting guidelines for autonomous weapons.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The establishment of specialized training, safety reporting mechanisms, and civilian harm mitigation offices benefits service members and veterans by prioritizing safe and ethical military operations.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill establishes formal training pipelines, safety reporting mechanisms, and operational safeguards that protect military personnel operating advanced defense systems.
- 6/4/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Introduced in Senate