Language in the Senate-passed National Defense Authorization Act would revive the position of chief management officer, which was for a short time the number three position at DOD, before Congress abolished the office three years ago.

“While it may not be beneficial to reinstate the CMO in its most recent form, there must be a senior position with the necessary authority and autonomy that can push the department to increase accountability and meet necessary business transformation goals,” Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) said, according to Federal Times.

The White House said in a policy position on the NDAA that it “strongly opposes” the provision because it would “structurally result in the same outcomes” as before, when the addition of the role was not seen as effective.

The House-passed NDAA does not include similar language.

Air National Guard photo by Maj. Holli Nelson