The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000600_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
986 records where Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017
Declares that Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over the air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2017
This bill redesignates as the "Nancy Reagan Memorial Park" the Gravelly Point Park located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington County, Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017
Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now Act or the WINGMAN Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide each veteran who submits a claim for VA benefits with an opportunity to permit a covered congressional employee in the office of the veteran's Member of Congress to have read-only access to all of the veteran's records in the Veterans Benefits Administration databases. A Member may designate up to two such covered congressional employees. A covered congressional employee may not be recognized as an agent or attorney with respect to veterans' benefit claims. Funds under this bill may not be used to design or administer any training for covered congressional employees. The bill makes funds available for FY2018 through FY2021 for such congressional employee access program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017
This bill designates the U.S. exclusive economic zone (as established by Presidential Proclamation Numbered 5030, dated March 10, 1983) as the "Ronald Wilson Reagan Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States."
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017
Veterans Emergency Treatment Act or the VET Act This bill requires that a veteran enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care program who requests a medical examination or treatment at an emergency department of a VA medical facility be provided with a medical screening examination to determine whether an emergency medical condition exists and, if so, stabilizing medical treatment or a transfer to another VA or non-VA medical facility. If a non-stabilized emergency medical condition exists, the VA hospital may not transfer the veteran unless: (1) the veteran, after being made aware of the risks, makes a written transfer request; or (2) a physician (or a qualified medical person if a physician is not present) certifies that the medical benefits of a transfer outweigh the risks. The VA may not take adverse action against a VA employee because the employee refuses to authorize the transfer of an enrolled veteran with a non-stabilized emergency medical condition or because the employee reports a violation of a requirement of this bill. A VA or non-VA medical facility may not delay provision of an appropriate medical screening examination or further medical examination and treatment required in order to inquire about the payment method or insurance status of an enrolled veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017
Seniors Have Eyes, Ears, and Teeth Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to expand Medicare coverage to include eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dental care.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017
Military Spouse Job Continuity Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces (military spouse) who moves with such member to another state under a permanent change of station order a tax credit for up to $500 of qualified relicensing costs incurred by such spouse. The bill defines "qualified relicensing costs" as costs for a state license or certification to engage in the profession that such military spouse engaged in while residing in the former state.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2017
Honoring our Heroes Act This bill permits, where there is no living immediate next of kin of a deceased member of the Armed Forces, a covered relative to request the one-time free replacement of certain military decorations of such deceased member. "Covered relative" means a relative of a deceased recipient of a military decoration who is: (1) not the immediate next of kin; and (2) related within the fourth degree of consanguinity to the deceased recipient, or a more distant relative if determined appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2017
Veteran Suicide Prevention Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to complete a publicly available review of the deaths of all covered veterans who died by suicide during the preceding five-year period. Such review shall include: the total number of veterans who died by suicide during the five-year period; a summary that includes age, gender, and race; a list of the medications prescribed to, and found in the systems of, such veterans at the time of their deaths, and a summary of medical diagnoses by VA physicians which led to the prescribing of such medications; the number of instances in which the veteran was concurrently on multiple medications prescribed by VA physicians; the percentage of veterans who were not taking any medication prescribed by a VA physician; the percentage of veterans with combat experience or trauma; Veterans Health Administration facilities with markedly high prescription and patient suicide rates; a description of VA policies governing the prescribing of medications; and recommendations to improve the safety and well-being of veterans. "Covered veteran" means any veteran who received VA hospital care or medical services during the five-year period preceding the veteran's death.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2017
Email Privacy Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to revise provisions that limit an electronic communication service (ECS) or remote communication service (RCS) provider from disclosing the contents of a wire or electronic communication that is in electronic storage. Additionally, it revises the standards for the government to compel an ECS or RCS provider to disclose contents of a wire or electronic communication or noncontent records or information pertaining to a subscriber or customer. An ECS or RCS provider may notify a subscriber or customer of the receipt of a warrant, court order, subpoena, or request, unless the government obtains an order for delayed notification. The bill revises the process for obtaining a delayed notification order and lengthens the maximum duration of a delayed notification order.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2017
This bill amends the Expedited Funds Availability Act to apply the Act, which governs bank deposit holds, to American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Act's one-day extension for certain deposits in noncontiguous states or territories shall apply to both American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2017
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 This bill authorizes a number of programs to enhance weather forecasting and alerts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research must conduct a program to improve forecasting of weather events and their effects, with a special focus on high impact weather events. The National Weather Service must collect and utilize information to make reliable and timely foundational forecasts of subseasonal and seasonal temperature and precipitation. Subseasonal forecasting is forecasting weather between two weeks and three months and seasonal forecasting is between three months and two years. The bill provides for technology transfers between the National Weather Service and private sector weather companies and universities to improve forecasting. NOAA must complete and operationalize the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (a weather satellite program which develops observational techniques using global navigation systems). Additionally, NOAA may contract with the private sector to obtain data for weather forecasting. NOAA must continue its Environmental Information Services Working Group, which advises NOAA on weather research and opportunities to improve communications between weather stakeholders.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017
Improving Access to Maternity Care Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to identify maternity care health professional target areas, which are areas within health professional shortage areas that have a shortage of maternity care health professionals, for purposes of assigning maternity care health professionals to those areas. HRSA must collect and publish data comparing the availability of and need for maternity care health services in health professional shortage areas and areas within those areas.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017
Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017 This bill includes as part of the Republic of Vietnam its territorial seas for purposes of the presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure by veterans to certain herbicide agents while in Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017
Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act This bill directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to encourage women and girls to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), pursue careers in aerospace, and further advance the nation's space science and exploration efforts through support of the following initiatives: NASA GIRLS and NASA BOYS; Aspire to Inspire; and Summer Institute in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Research. NASA shall submit to Congress a specified plan on how NASA can best facilitate and support both current and retired astronauts, scientists, engineers, and innovators, including early career female astronauts, scientists, engineers, and innovators, to engage with K-12 female STEM students and inspire the next generation of women to consider participating in STEM fields and to pursue careers in aerospace.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017
National Clinical Care Commission Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a National Clinical Care Commission to evaluate and recommend solutions regarding better coordination and leveraging of federal programs that relate to supporting clinical care for individuals with complex metabolic or autoimmune disease, diabetes, or complications caused by such diseases. The duties of the commission include: evaluating HHS programs regarding the utilization of preventive health benefits, identifying current activities and gaps in federal efforts to support clinicians in providing integrated care, making recommendations regarding the development and coordination of federally funded clinical practice support tools, recommending clinical pathways for new technologies and treatments, evaluating and expanding education and awareness activities provided to health care professionals, and reviewing and recommending methods for outreach and dissemination of educational resources. The commission must submit an operating plan to HHS and Congress within 90 days of its first meeting. The commission is terminated after it submits a final report, but not later than the end of FY2021.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017
Peace Corps Stamp Act This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue a Peace Corps Semipostal Stamp for 10 years to afford the public with a convenient way to help fund the Peace Corps' Global Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a new tax credit for a taxpayer's employment-related expenses necessary to care for a dependent who has attained age 50. Employment-related expenses include: (1) expenses for household services; and (2) expenses for the care of the dependent, including respite care and hospice care. The expenses must be incurred to enable the taxpayer to be gainfully employed for any period for which there are one or more dependents that qualify for the credit. The bill limits the amount of such credit to $3,000 for the care of one dependent and $6,000 for the care of two or more dependents of the taxpayer in a taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017
Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 or the HIRE Vets Act This bill directs the Department of Labor to establish a HIRE Vets Medallion Program to solicit voluntary information from employers for purposes of recognizing, by the award of a HIRE Vets Medallion, verified efforts by these employers to: (1) recruit, employ, and retain veterans; and (2) provide community and charitable services supporting the veteran community. Labor shall annually: (1) solicit voluntary medallion applications from employers, and (2) review applications and present the President with a list of recipients. The President shall annually present the medallion and corresponding certificate to recipients at a time to coincide with the annual commemoration of Veterans Day. Labor shall begin soliciting applications by January 31, stop accepting applications not earlier than April 30, and finish application review by August 31. The President shall notify chosen applicants no later than October 11. Medallions shall be awarded in November. Labor shall establish two levels of medallions for large and small employers, to be designated the Gold HIRE Vets Medallion and the Platinum HIRE Vets Medallion. The bill prescribes awards criteria. A recipient: (1) may publicly display the medallion and certificate through the end of the calendar year, and (2) may not publicly display the award as part of any advertisement implying receipt of the award for any calendar year other than the one in which it was awarded. The bill establishes the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Fund. Labor may assess a reasonable medallion application fee and shall deposit such fees into the fund. Beginning two years after enactment of this bill, Labor shall submit annual reports on fees, program costs, the number of applications, and the medallions awarded, including the name and medallion level of each recipient. The bill excludes from the definition of "employer" the federal government, any state, or any foreign state.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017
Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act This bill amends the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act to authorize the National Science Foundation to encourage its entrepreneurial programs to recruit and support women to extend their focus beyond the laboratory and into the commercial world.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017
This bill declares that in order to provide and sustain air transportation in American Samoa between the islands of Tutuila and Manu'a, the Department of Transportation may renew a foreign air carrier's emergency air transportation exemption every 180 days (instead of the current 30-day renewal period that applies to other areas).
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017
This bill repeals a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that imposes an annual fee on a health insurance provider based on its net premium income.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017
Veterans' Education Equity Act This bill provides that the monthly housing allowance under the Department of Veterans Affairs Post-9/11 educational assistance program shall be based on the location of the campus where an individual physically participates in a majority of classes rather than the location of the institution of higher learning at which an individual is enrolled.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017
This bill amends the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 to require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to annually allocate, to each U.S. territory, at least as much Medicaid funding for primary care services as was allocated to the territory in 2017.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017
American Fisheries Advisory Committee Act This bill amends the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act to direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish the American Fisheries Advisory Committee. NOAA must establish five regions within the committee. The committee must consist of members chosen regionally and across all sectors of the fishing industry. Additionally, the committee must: (1) identify the needs of the fishing industry, (2) develop grant proposals to fund projects that address the industry needs, (3) review grant applications, and (4) provide NOAA with grant applicants for approval. NOAA must not approve a grant application unless the application is selected for funding by the committee.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017
Protect Medical Innovation Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on the sale of a medical device by the manufacturer, producer, or importer.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017
Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2017 This bill modifies the rulemaking requirements and procedures of federal agencies (excluding Congress, U.S. courts, U.S. territories and possessions, and the District of Columbia) under the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) and the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA). The definition of "rule" under the RFA is expanded to include all agency rules, except for: (1) rules that pertain to the protection of the rights of and benefits for veterans or that impose limitations on the cost and terms of consumer credit extended to service members and their dependents, or (2) rules of particular (and not general) applicability relating to rates, wages, and other financial indicators. Under a new definition of "economic impact," agencies are required to consider any direct economic effect of a proposed rule on small entities and any indirect economic effect on small entities that is reasonably foreseeable and that results from such rule. Under the bill, agencies are required to modify their rulemaking procedures to: include within initial and final regulatory flexibility analyses a detailed statement of information relating to a proposed rule; include in the agency regulatory flexibility agenda a description of the sector of the North American Industrial Classification System that is affected by a proposed agency rule that is likely to have a significant economic impact of a substantial number of small entities; require each initial regulatory flexibility analysis to contain detailed information about a proposed rule, including why agency action is being considered, the objectives and legal basis for the proposed rule, and an estimate of the number and types of small entities to which the proposed rule will apply; eliminate waivers or delays of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis; modify the procedures for participation of small entities in the promulgation of a proposed rule and the review panel advocacy process; and publish a plan for the periodic review of existing rules and new rules that have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities to determine whether such rules should be continued, changed, or rescinded. Judicial review of an agency final rule for compliance with RFA requirements is allowed after the publication of such rule, instead of after completion of the rulemaking process. The Small Business Act is amended to authorize the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make small business size-standard determinations for all purposes other than for the purposes of such Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. SBREFA is amended to require agencies, in preparing small entity compliance guides, to solicit input from affected small entities or associations of small entities. The Government Accountability Office must complete and publish a study that examines whether the SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy has the capacity and resources to carry out duties under this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017
Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017 Regulatory Accountability Act This bill amends the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) to revise and expand the requirements for federal agency rulemaking. Agencies must base all preliminary and final factual determinations on evidence and consider the legal authority under which the rule may be proposed, the specific nature and significance of the problem the agency may address with the rule, any reasonable alternatives for the rule, and the potential costs and benefits associated with such alternatives. The bill: requires agencies to publish advance notice of proposed rulemaking for major rules and for high-impact rules (rules having an annual cost on the economy of $100 million or $1 billion or more, respectively), for negative-impact-on-jobs-and-wages rules, and for rules that involve a novel legal or policy issue arising out of statutory mandates; sets forth criteria for issuing major guidance (agency guidance that is likely to lead to an annual cost on the economy of $100 million or more, a major increase in cost or prices, or significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or ability to compete) or guidance that involves a novel legal or policy issue arising out of statutory mandates; allows immediate judicial review of rulemaking not in compliance with notice requirements; and establishes a substantial evidence standard for courts to affirm agency rulemaking decisions. Separation of Powers Restoration Act The bill authorizes courts reviewing agency actions to decide de novo (without giving deference to the agency's interpretation) all relevant questions of law. Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act The bill revises rulemaking requirements and procedures under the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) and the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA). The definition of "rule" under the RFA is expanded to include all agency rules, except for: (1) rules that pertain to the protection of veterans' rights and benefits or that impose limitations on the cost and terms of consumer credit extended to service members and their dependents, or (2) rules of particular applicability relating to rates, wages, and other financial indicators. Under a new definition of "economic impact," agencies are required to consider any direct economic effect of a proposed rule on small entities and any indirect economic effect on small entities that is reasonably foreseeable and that results from such rule. Agencies must publish a plan for the periodic review of existing rules and new rules that have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. Judicial review of an agency final rule for compliance with RFA requirements is allowed after the publication of such rule, instead of after completion of the rulemaking process. The Small Business Act is amended to authorize the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to make small business size-standard determinations for all purposes other than for the purposes of such Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. The SBREFA is amended to require agencies, in preparing small entity compliance guides, to solicit input from affected small entities or associations of small entities. Require Evaluation before Implementing Executive Wishlists Act or the REVIEW Act The bill prohibits a final agency rule from being published or taking effect until the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) determines whether the rule is a high-impact rule that may impose an annual cost on the economy of at least $1 billion. The agency shall publish such determination with the final rule. An agency shall postpone the effective date of a high-impact rule until: (1) the final disposition of all actions seeking judicial review of the rule, or (2) the expiration of an applicable period for judicial review or a period after publication if no person seeks judicial review. All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act or the ALERT Act Federal agencies must submit a monthly report to OIRA for each rule such agency expects to propose or finalize during the following 12 months. For any rule expected to be finalized during the following 12 months for which the agency has issued a general notice of proposed rulemaking, the reports must include an approximate schedule for completing action on the rule and an estimate of its cost, economic effects, and any imposition of unfunded mandates. OIRA must: (1) make such monthly reports publicly available on the Internet; and (2) publish by October 1 each year information and analysis about such rules for the preceding year. The bill prohibits a rule from taking effect until the information required by this bill is posted on the Internet for not less than six months, unless: (1) the agency proposing the rule claims a "good cause" exemption from notice-and-comment rulemaking procedures under the APA; or (2) the President determines by executive order that such rule is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act The bill requires the general notice of proposed rulemaking by a federal agency to include the Internet address of a plain-language summary, not exceeding 100 words, of the proposed rule, which shall be posted on the regulations.gov website.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017
Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal, beginning with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the excise tax on employer-sponsored health care coverage for which there is an excess benefit (high-cost plans).
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017
TSA Loose Change Act This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to transfer annually, based on requests for proposals, unclaimed money recovered at airport security checkpoints to nonprofit organizations that operate multiple airport centers throughout the United States to provide places of rest and recuperation for Armed Forces members and their families. (Currently, such moneys are retained by the TSA for civil aviation security.) The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2005 is amended to replace the requirement that the TSA report annually to Congress on how unclaimed money is being used to provide civil aviation security with a requirement that the TSA report on the amount of money transferred to nonprofit organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017
Helping Angels Lead Our Startups Act or the HALOS Act This bill directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to revise Regulation D, which exempts certain offerings from SEC registration requirements but prohibits general solicitation or general advertising with respect to such offerings. Specifically, this prohibition shall not apply to events with specified kinds of sponsors—including "angel investor groups" unconnected to broker-dealers or investment advisers—where presentations or communications are made by or on behalf of an issuer, but: the advertising does not refer to any specific offering of securities by the issuer; the sponsor does not provide investment recommendation or advice to attendees, engage in investment negotiations with attendees, charge certain fees, or receive certain compensation; and no specific information regarding a securities offering is communicated beyond the type and amount of securities being offered, the amount of securities already subscribed for, and the intended use of proceeds from the offering.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017
Encourage New Legalized Immigrants to Start Training Act or the ENLIST Act This bill authorizes the enlistment in the Armed Forces of aliens unlawfully present in the United States on December 31, 2012, who: (1) have been continuously present in the United States since such date; (2) were younger than 15 years of age when they initially entered the United States; and (3) are otherwise eligible for original enlistment in a regular component of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. The Department of Homeland Security shall adjust the status of an alien enlisted under such authority to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act applicable to aliens who entered the United States prior to January 1, 1972. The bill rescinds such lawful permanent resident status if the alien is separated from the Armed Forces under other than honorable conditions before serving the term of enlistment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2016
Ensuring Access to Pacific Fisheries Act This bill authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to promulgate regulations to implement U.S. participation in the North Pacific Fisheries Convention and South Pacific Fisheries Resources Convention. These conventions are designed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources and marine ecosystems in the North Pacific and South Pacific Ocean of the United States. The North Pacific Fisheries Commission and the Commission of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization were established by the North and South Pacific fishery conventions, respectively. The United States must be represented by five commissioners on the North Pacific commission and not more than three on the South Pacific commission. Additionally, permanent advisory committees are established to represent groups concerned with the fishery resources covered by each convention. The Department of State has certain authority and responsibilities with respect to both commissions. NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are required to administer and enforce this bill. This bill lists fishing and shipping activities that are prohibited in the North and South Pacific Ocean. The bill amends the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act to include commercial fishing as practical experience the President must consider when selecting a commissioner for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Amendments Act The bill reauthorizes and amends the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995. The Convention on Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, which was adopted in Lisbon on September 28, 2007, is implemented as well. Additionally, the bill repeals provisions requiring NOAA to establish and report a new fishing quota allocation practice in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. The bill also eliminates the requirement that NOAA annually provide Congress with a report of findings developed under NOAA's Oceans and Human Health Initiative which is a series of programs designed to enhance understanding between the oceans and human health.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2016
Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 TITLE I--DISABILITY COMPENSATION MATTERS This bill revises specified Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation provisions, including provisions concerning: (1) payment of survivors benefits, (2) review of claims processing performance by regional offices of the Veterans Benefits Administration, (3) staffing levels at VA regional offices under the National Work Queue, (4) a report on the VA's progress in implementing the Veterans Benefits Management System, (5) contract physicians, and (6) traumatic brain injury assessments. TITLE II--UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS The bill extends the temporary expansion of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims until January 1, 2021. TITLE III--BURIAL BENEFITS AND OTHER MATTERS The bill: (1) authorizes the VA to furnish a headstone or marker, or a medallion or other device to be attached to a headstone or marker furnished at private expense to signify an individual's veteran status, including status as a medal of honor recipient, to a deceased individual who served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917, and who is eligible for a headstone or marker or who would be eligible but for his or her date of death; and (2) requires studies on interring unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries and on providing increased interments in veterans' cemeteries on Saturdays and Sundays. TITLE IV--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 is amended to deem any member of the Armed Forces who died between September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2005, to have died on January 1, 2006, in order to make that member's surviving spouse eligible for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry scholarship. The VA may prioritize vocational rehabilitation services based upon need. The bill: (1) revises the Post-9/11 education assistance program, and (2) extends the period for certain qualifying work-study activities. Specified education programs are deemed to be approved for veterans' education benefit purposes if a state approving agency determines that they qualify. Licensure or certification program requirements necessary for VA approval are revised. The VA shall contract with a non-government entity to conduct a survey of individuals who have used or are using their VA educational benefits. The authorities under which a Reservist may regain lost payments and lost entitlement for educational programs when ordered to active duty shall include disaster service and service for a pre-planned mission in support of a combatant command. TITLE V--SMALL BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS The bill revises ownership requirements for VA small business contracts and preferences. Each state director for veterans' employment and training shall coordinate activities with the state departments of labor and veterans affairs. TITLE VI--HEALTH CARE MATTERS The bill revises specified VA health care provisions, including provisions concerning: (1) advance funding for the Medical Community Care account, (2) access to adult immunizations, (3) priority access for medal of honor recipients, (4) mental health care for veterans who served in classified missions, (5) examination and treatment for emergency medical treatment and women in labor, and (6) VA physicians and graduate medical residency positions. The VA may carry out major medical facility projects in Reno, Nevada, and Long Beach, California. The VA shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Medicine for an assessment of scientific research relating to the descendants of individuals with toxic exposure to a hazardous agent. TITLE VII--HOMELESSNESS MATTERS The bill expands the definition of "homeless veteran" for purposes of VA benefits. The VA shall: (1) establish and operate the National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, (2) assess comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans, and (3) provide case management services to improve the housing retention by veterans who were previously homeless and are transitioning to permanent housing and by veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless. The bill eliminates the minimum continuous active duty service requirement for homeless veterans to receive certain VA benefits. TITLE VIII--OTHER MATTERS The bill requires the VA to: (1) use industry standards, standard designs, and best practices in carrying out medical facility construction; (2) provide for external forensic audits of certain medical facility construction projects; and (3) provide quarterly reports on super construction projects.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2016
Northern Mariana Islands Economic Expansion Act This bill: (1) requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase the supplemental education fee charged to a prospective employer for each CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands)-Only Transitional Worker who is issued a permit during the transition period to U.S. immigration law, (2) allows such a permit for construction occupations to be issued only to extend a permit first issued before October 1, 2015, and (3) caps the number of permits issued for such nonimmigrant workers for FY2017 at 15,000.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016
Declares that the House of Representatives supports the Arctic Council's work and remains committed to ensuring that the United States fulfills its responsibilities as an Arctic nation and asserts leadership on issues affecting the Arctic.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016
Recognizes and encourages the observance of Small Business Saturday. Supports efforts to: (1) encourage consumers to shop locally, and (2) increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses and their impact on the U.S. economy.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2016
Declares that the House of Representatives has heard with profound sorrow of the death of the Honorable Mark Takai, a Representative from Hawaii. Declares that when the House adjourns on September 14, 2016, it adjourn as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2016
Recognizes September 11 as a day of remembrance and extends sympathies to persons affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Honors the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the aftermath of such attacks. Honors the sacrifices made by military families and the support they provide to members of the Armed Forces. Expresses sorrow for those members who gave their lives in service to the United States and extends sympathies to their families. Extends gratitude to the armed forces of all nations who have served and fought alongside the U.S. Armed Forces since September 11, 2001. Reaffirms the duty to understand and honor our post-9/11 veterans and faithfully serve the needs of all veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016
This bill provides FY2016 supplemental appropriations to the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and State to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Zika virus. The bill specifies permissible uses for the funds and designates the funds as an emergency requirement. The emergency funding is exempt from discretionary spending limits and is only available if the President subsequently designates the funds as an emergency requirement. The bill provides appropriations to HHS for: the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund within the Office of the Secretary. For the State Department, the bill provides appropriations for: the Administration of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Bilateral Economic Assistance, International Security Assistance, and Multilateral Assistance. The bill sets forth congressional notification and reporting requirements that apply to the funds. It also provides funds to the Government Accountability Office for the oversight of activities funded by this bill. The bill also rescinds specified unobligated balances of funds that were previously provided to USAID to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Ebola virus.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2016
Conserving Our Reefs and Livelihoods Act of 2016 This bill amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to expand the coral reef conservation program by awarding remaining program grant funds to appropriate projects, including monitoring and assessment, research, and education necessary to protect and restore coral reefs. The Coral Reef Conservation Fund is renamed the Coral Reef Conservation and Restoration Fund. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must establish the Center of Excellence in Coral Reef Ecosystem Science Cooperative Institute. Additionally, the bill directs NOAA to submit to Congress a national coral reef action strategy. The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force is authorized to carry out prize competitions that promote coral reef research and conservation. The prize competitions must be designed to help the United States achieve its goal of developing new and effective ways to advance the understanding, monitoring, and sustainability of coral reef ecosystems. The Department of the Interior may provide coral reef conservation and restoration assistance. Interior must obtain approval from the relevant fish and wildlife management agency of a state or territory before restricting fishing access to state or territorial waters within its jurisdiction. The bill directs NOAA to award competitive grants for colleges, universities, and nonprofit research organizations to research lionfish and their impact on the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico ecosystems.
United States · United States Congress · 5 July 2016
VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to remove or demote a VA employee based on performance or misconduct and provides that specified federal employee performance appraisal provisions shall not apply to such removals or demotions. The VA may remove such individual from the civil service or demote the individual through a reduction in grade or annual pay rate. A demoted individual shall not be placed on administrative leave or any other category of paid leave during the appeals period and can receive pay only if he or she reports for duty. An expedited appeals process is established under which: (1) an employee shall have the right to an appeal before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) within seven days of removal or demotion, (2) the MSPB shall issue a decision within 60 days of the appeal or the removal or demotion becomes final, (3) an MSPB decision and any final removal or demotion may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals, and (4) the MSPB may not stay any removal or demotion. The VA may not remove or demote an employee: (1) without the approval of the Special Counsel if the individual seeks corrective action from the Office of Special Counsel based on an alleged prohibited personnel practice, and (2) until a final decision in the case of a whistle blower complaint. The VA shall reduce the federal annuity of an individual removed from the VA Senior Executive Service (SES) who is convicted of a felony that influenced his or her performance while employed in such position. The VA may reduce the federal annuity of an individual who was convicted of such a felony and was subject to removal or transfer from the SES but who left the VA before final action was taken. The VA may recoup an award, a bonus, or relocation expenses paid to a VA employee under specified circumstances. The VA may suspend, reprimand or admonish an SES employee for misconduct or performance that does not merit removal. The VA must notify an individual five days before taking such proposed action. Appeals may be made to the Senior Executive Disciplinary Appeals Board (as provided for by this bill) and may not be appealed to the MSPB. The bill establishes an additional whistle blower complaint process, which shall include suspension and removal actions against supervisory employees who commit prohibited personnel actions against a whistle blower. The bill amends the disability benefits appeals process. The bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to prohibit payment of an award or bonus to any VA SES employee during each of FY2017-FY2021.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2016
Shark Fin Trade Elimination Act of 2016 This bill makes it illegal to possess, buy, sell, transport, or trade shark fins or any product containing shark fins. A person may possess a shark fin that was lawfully taken consistent with a license or permit under certain circumstances. Penalties are imposed for violations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2016
This bill redesignates as the "Nancy Reagan Memorial Park" the Gravelly Point Park located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington County, Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2016
Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2016 This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should be a global leader in promoting the meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention, management, and resolution and post-conflict relief and recovery efforts. The President, not later than October 1 of 2017, 2022, and 2027, shall submit to Congress and make public a Women, Peace, and Security Strategy, which shall: be aligned with other nations' plans to improve the participation of women in peace and security processes, conflict prevention, peace building, and decision-making institutions in conflict-affected environments; and include goals and evaluation plans to ensure strategy effectiveness. The Foreign Service Act of 1980 is amended to direct the Department of State to ensure that personnel responsible for, or deploying to, countries or regions considered to be at risk of undergoing, or emerging from, violent conflict obtain training in the following areas, each of which shall include a focus on ensuring participation by women: conflict prevention, mitigation, and resolution; protecting civilians from violence, exploitation, and trafficking in persons; and international human rights law. The Department of Defense shall ensure that personnel responsible for, or deploying to, countries or regions considered to be at risk of undergoing, or emerging from, violent conflict obtain training in: conflict prevention, peace processes, mitigation, resolution, and security initiatives that addresses the importance of participation by women; and gender considerations and meaningful participation by women, including training regarding international human rights law and protecting civilians from violence, exploitation, and trafficking in persons. The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development shall establish guidelines for overseas U.S. personnel to consult with stakeholders regarding U.S. efforts to: prevent, mitigate, or resolve violent conflict; and enhance the success of mediation and negotiation processes by ensuring the meaningful participation of women.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2016
Supports designation of National Foster Care Month, and recognizes it as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges that children face in the foster-care system.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2016
Improving Transition Programs for All Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to study and report on programs to assist veterans in their transition to civilian life. Such study shall determine the effectiveness of current programs, especially concerning the challenges faced by women veterans and minority veterans, with regard to: (1) pursuing higher education, (2) entering the civilian workforce and translating military experience and skills to the job market, and (3) transitioning to civilian life for veterans families.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2016
Veterans Success on Campus Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) provide educational and vocational counseling services for veterans at VA-selected institutions of higher learning, and (2) select locations where the maximum number of veterans would have access to such services. Such counseling shall be provided by VA employees who provide educational and vocational counseling services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2016
Success in Transition for All Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Labor to carry out a research program to evaluate whether the transition assistance program addresses the differentiated needs, challenges, and post-military service aspirations of women veterans, veterans with disabilities, Native American veterans, veterans who are residents of a U.S. territory, veterans who are part of the indigenous population of a U.S. territory, and other groups of minority veterans. (The transition assistance program is a Labor program that assists members of the armed forces separating from active duty and their spouses in identifying and obtaining employment and training opportunities.) The research program shall address: whether and how employment barriers and employment aspirations facing such veterans are substantively different from other veteran populations; and whether the transition program is designed to address such differences and, if not, changes that could be made to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2016
Veterans Education Enhancement Act of 2016 This bill revises the fee that is deducted from a veteran's education entitlement under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 educational assistance program from a monthly to a prorated fee for: (1) certain license and certification tests, and (2) national tests. The Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education is extended through December 31, 2021. The VA shall, in consultation with state approving agencies, prescribe training requirements for a school certifying official (SCO) employed by a covered educational institution offering approved veterans education courses. The VA may disapprove any course of education offered by a covered educational institution that does not ensure that an SCO meets such requirements. (A covered educational institution is an institution that has enrolled 20 or more individuals using veterans educational assistance.) The bill extends the applicability of provisions requiring rounding down, and delays the applicability of provisions requiring rounding up, of veterans educational assistance increases for: (1) the All-Volunteer Force, and (2) survivors and dependents. The VA shall reduce the monthly housing stipend on a pro rata basis for a student who reduces his or her course load, effective for a month that begins on or after August 1, 2017. A reporting fee paid by the VA to an educational institution or joint apprenticeship training committee with respect to an institution that has 75 or more enrollees may not be used for or merged with amounts available for the general fund of the educational institution or joint apprenticeship training committee.