; (2) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (b) Affirmation of authority (1) Congress affirms that the Secretary of Defense may conduct military activities or operations in cyberspace, including clandestine military activities or operations in cyberspace, to defend the United States and allies and interests of the United States, including in response to malicious cyber activity carried out against the United States or a United States person by a foreign power. (2) Congress affirms that the authority referred to in paragraph (1) includes the conduct of military activities or operations in cyberspace short of war and in areas outside of named areas of conflict for the purpose of preparation of the environment, influence, force protection, and deterrence of hostilities, or counterterrorism operations involving the armed forces of the United States. (c) Clandestine activities or operations A clandestine military activity or operation in cyberspace shall be considered a traditional military activity for the purposes of section 503(e)(2) of the National Security Act of 1947 ( 50 U.S.C. 3093(e)(2) ). (d) Congressional oversight The Secretary shall brief the congressional defense committees about any military activities or operations in cyberspace, including clandestine military activities or operations in cyberspace, occurring during the previous quarter during the quarterly briefing required by section 484 of this title. (e) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary to conduct military activities or operations in cyberspace, including clandestine activities or operations in cyberspace, or to alter or otherwise affect the War Powers Resolution ( 50 U.S.C. 1541–1548 ), the Authorization for Use of Military Force ( Public Law 107–40