; and (B) violent extremist organizations, criminal networks, and piracy activities that threaten lawful commerce in the waterways of the Middle East. (2) Element The study required by paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of funds that could be contributed by ally and partner countries of the United States. (3) Report Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1). (d) Protection of sensitive information Any activity carried out under this section shall be conducted in a manner that appropriately protects sensitive information and the national security interests of the United States. (e) Appropriate committees of Congress defined In this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— (1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and (2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.