### Question
Can you define what national defense means?


### Answer
**National defense** is defined as the following in *50 U.S.C. § 4552*:

> programs for military and energy production or construction, military or critical infrastructure assistance to any foreign nation, homeland security, stockpiling, space, and any directly related activity

#### Citation:
  - *50 U.S.C. § 4552*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 55-DEFENSE PRODUCTION > SUBCHAPTER III-GENERAL PROVISIONS**

