Expressing support for the designation of a "Prisoners of Conscience Day".
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2018
Calls for the designation of a Prisoners of Conscience Day.
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United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2018
Calls for the designation of a Prisoners of Conscience Day.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2018
Reaffirms that it is U.S. policy to support the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Moldova. Supports the Strategic Dialogue as a means to strengthen U.S.-Moldova relations and enhance Moldova's democratic, economic, and security reforms. Encourages enhanced U.S. partnerships with Moldova's government, private sector, and civil society and a focus of U.S. assistance on strengthening democratic institutions, diversifying and securing energy supplies, and promoting rural economic growth, trade, and job creation. Encourages Moldova to continue implementing democratic reforms. Encourages the President to expedite the implementation of Public Law 113-96 providing for U.S. international broadcast programming to counter Russian disinformation. Supports efforts to counter disinformation campaigns in Eastern Europe. Affirms Moldova's right to: (1) determine its own partnerships free of external pressure, and (2) associate with the European Union or any regional organization. Calls upon the Russian Federation to withdraw its military forces from the internationally recognized territory of Moldova, refrain from economic threats against Moldova, and cease support of separatist movements within Moldova. Supports efforts to resolve the Transnistria issue through a comprehensive settlement that secures Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity while providing a special status for the Transnistrian region within Moldova. Urges all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that may undermine efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution or jeopardize existing agreements. Encourages Transnistrian leaders and the Moldovan government to continue negotiations toward a political settlement. Affirms that Moldova's stability and security is a U.S. priority that can only be achieved if the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Moldova and other European countries are respected.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2018
This bill prohibits Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds from being made available as assistance to the government of Pakistan. The State Department and USAID shall transfer specified FY2018 funds, upon receipt, to the Highway Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2018
Improve Data on Sexual Violence Act This bill directs the Office of Management and Budget to establish an interagency working group to study federal efforts to collect data on sexual violence and to make recommendations on efforts to coordinate sexual violence data collection to produce complementary information, without compromising programmatic needs. The working group shall consider: what activity constitutes different acts of sexual violence, whether reports that use the same terms for acts of sexual violence are collecting the same data on these acts, whether the context which led to such an act should impact how that act is accounted for in reports, whether the data collected is presented in a way that allows the general public to understand what acts of sexual violence are included in each measurement, and steps that agencies that compile reports relating to sexual violence can take to avoid double counting incidents.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2018
Release the Memo Resolution Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence should immediately hold a recorded vote on making public a memo alleging improper conduct in the use of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice that was prepared by members of the committee, as well as ancillary information. Urges the quick release of the memo and information to the public if the committee votes to make such documents available.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2018
Justice Served Act of 2018 This bill amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to add, as a purpose area under the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program, increasing the capacity of prosecutors to address the backlog of violent crime cases involving suspects identified through DNA evidence. The Department of Justice (DOJ) must allocate a specified percentage of grant funds for such purpose, subject to limitations. Additionally, of amounts made available over FY2019-FY2022 for a DNA analysis and capacity enhancement program and for other forensic activities, DOJ must allocate at least 5% for grants to prosecute cold cases involving violent crime, where suspects have been identified through DNA evidence.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2018
Pay Our Protectors Not Our Politicians Act of 2018 This bill provides FY2018 appropriations for military pay during any period in which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2018 are not in effect. The appropriations provided by this bill are available until the earlier of: (1) the enactment into law of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) January 1, 2019. The bill provides continuing appropriations for pay and allowances of: members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, who perform active service; members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who perform inactive-duty training; civilian personnel or contractors of the Department of Defense (and the Department of Homeland Security [DHS] in the case of the Coast Guard) who are providing support to members of the Armed Forces; and DHS employees who are performing national security activities. It also provides continuing appropriations for payments related to: death gratuities, funeral and burial expenses, authorized funeral travel and travel related to the dignified transfer of remains and unit memorial services, and the temporary continuation of a basic allowance of housing for dependents of members dying on active duty. The bill also prohibits Members of Congress from being paid when a government shutdown is in effect during the 116th and succeeding Congresses. During the 115th Congress, congressional pay must be withheld during a government shutdown and released at the end of the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2018
Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals Act or the DELTA Act This bill directs the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to work with Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, and in partnership with donors, the private sector, and local, regional, and nongovernmental entities, to develop a strategy to: (1) promote sustainable natural resource and wildlife management practices in the greater Okavango River Basin, (2) protect migration routes of elephants and other threatened wildlife species, (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking, (4) address local health needs, and (5) catalyze economic growth.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2018
Job Training through Off-Base Opportunities and Local Support for Veterans Act or the Job TOOLS for Veterans Act This bill amends the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 to extend and expand the pilot program to provide transition training to veterans and their spouses off base.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2018
Visa Transparency Anti-Trafficking Act of 2018 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) expand nonimmigrant employer annual data reporting requirements to include all nonimmigrant worker categories and compensated cultural exchange, training, and business classifications; and (2) require that such information be made public. (Employment means employment in the United States and includes cultural exchanges, training, or business activities for which the nonimmigrant receives any form of compensation.) Expanded reporting requirements shall include information regarding: (1) age and gender of admitted nonimmigrants, (2) categories and numbers of visas issued and numbers of persons admitted under each visa, (4) blanket petitions, (5) nonimmigrant worker employers, and (6) citizens of nations with Compacts of Free Association with the United States who are authorized to reside permanently in the United States as nonimmigrants. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of State, and the Department of Labor may revise forms or databases used to regulate nonimmigrant visas or grant nonimmigrant status. The State Department and Labor shall share report-related information with DHS.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2018
Securing America's Future Act of 2018 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise immigrant visa allocation provisions, including family-related visas. A nonimmigrant classification for parents of adult U.S. citizens is created. The diversity visa program is eliminated. Annual immigration levels are revised. The limit on the worldwide level of employment-based immigrants is increased. The H-2C visa temporary agricultural worker program is revised. A trust fund is established to provide incentives for such workers to return to their country of origin. DNA testing to establish family relationships is authorized. Employment eligibility verification provisions are revised. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall establish an employment verification system. No federal, state, or local government entity or individual may prohibit or restrict a federal, state, or local government entity or official from complying with the immigration laws or assisting related federal law enforcement activities. The bill revises provisions regarding: (1) detention of aliens in removal proceedings; (2) illegal entry and reentry; (3) inadmissibility and deportability of criminal aliens, gang members, drunk drivers, and sex offenders; (4) repatriation; (5) asylum and asylum fraud; (6) unaccompanied alien children; (7) foreign students; and (8) visa fraud. The bill: (1) transfers authority for strengthening the southern border from the Department of Justice to DHS; (2) revises border security provisions; (3) provides for additional border security personnel; (4) authorizes new ports of entry along the northern border and southern borders; (5) authorizes National Guard border security activities; (6) provides contingent nonimmigrant status for certain aliens who entered the United States as minors; (7) authorizes appropriations for specified border barriers and infrastructure; and (8) establishes Operation Stonegarden to make border security grants to law enforcement agencies. DHS shall: (1) submit a southern border threat analysis, (2) establish the Integrated Border Enforcement Team program, (3) implement the Border Security Deployment Program, (4) review social media activities of visa applicants, and (5) establish a biometric exit data system.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2018
Iran Human Rights and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act This bill directs the President to identify and impose sanctions against senior members of the government of Iran and other persons who are responsible for or complicit in committing serious human rights violations, or engaging in censorship, the diversion of goods intended for the people of Iran, or public corruption. The President shall identify and impose U.S. entry and financial sanctions against persons who are responsible for or complicit in the politically-motivated intimidation, detention, or trial of: (1) U.S. citizens or legal permanent resident aliens in Iran; or (2) Iranians, Iranian residents, or persons of Iranian origin outside of Iran. The President shall impose U.S. entry sanctions against specified family members of identified persons. The Department of State shall submit to Congress a strategy to prevent elements of the Iranian regime from engaging in hostage-taking or the prolonged arbitrary detention of U.S. citizens or legal permanent resident aliens. The bill authorizes the consolidation of certain Iran-related reports.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2018
Emancipation National Historic Trail Act This bill designates the Emancipation National Historic Trail, which extends approximately 51 miles and follows the migration route taken by newly freed slaves and other persons of African descent from Galveston, Texas, to Houston, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2018
Stands with the people of Iran who are engaged in legitimate and peaceful protests against an oppressive, corrupt regime. Condemns the Iranian regime's human rights abuses, corruption, and destabilizing activities abroad. Notes the statements of support for the protestors from key allies and calls on all democratic governments and institutions to support the Iranian people's right to live in a free society. Demands that the Iranian regime abide by its international obligations with respect to human rights and civil liberties. Urges the Administration to use targeted sanctions and work to convene United Nations Security Council and United Nations Human Rights Council emergency sessions to condemn the Iranian regime's human rights violations and establish a mechanism by which the Security Council can monitor such violations. Encourages the Administration to expedite the license of communications technology to Iran to improve the Iranian people's ability to speak freely. Calls on companies to reject regime requests to cut off the Iranian people from social media and other communications platforms. Supports efforts by the people of Iran to promote the establishment of basic freedoms that build a freely elected and democratic political system. Urges the President and the Department of State to work with the international community to ensure that human rights violations are part of all multilateral or bilateral discussions with and regarding Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017
Acknowledges: (1) the importance of the U.S.-Egypt partnership in advancing common interests, and (2) Egypt's regional role as a partner in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Recognizes the necessity for Egypt's leaders to take steps toward education reform that prioritizes impartial instruction of all religions and political reform that prioritizes human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. Urges the government of Egypt to: (1) enact reforms to ensure that Coptic Christians are given the same rights and opportunities as all other Egyptian citizens; (2) end the culture of impunity for attacks on Christians; and (3) arrest, prosecute, and convict individuals who carry out such attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017
This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Don and Deyon Stephens, founders of Mercy Ships.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017
Music Modernization Act of 2017 This bill amends the copyright law to create a statutory blanket license for making and distributing nondramatic musical sound recordings, including through digital delivery. The blanket license allows digital music services to distribute sound recordings covered by the license without negotiating for the rights for each individual recording, as long as the music service complies with the license's requirements, such as paying the required royalties.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2017
No Assistance for Assad Act This bill prohibits FY2018-FY2022 reconstruction or stabilization assistance from being provided for any area of Syria controlled by the Syrian government or associated forces unless the President certifies that the Syrian government has stopped attacking civilians and is making progress in areas such as human rights, complying with international obligations, ending missile development and deployment, and refugee repatriation. The President shall recertify whether such conditions are being met every 90 days. Such prohibition shall not apply to assistance for locally administered projects and humanitarian needs. The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development shall report to Congress regarding the delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance to Syria.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2017
Houthis and Iran Sanctions Accountability Act of 2017 This bill continues certain sanctions blocking the property of persons threatening the peace or stability of Yemen. The President shall: determine and report to Congress whether certain Iranian persons are threatening Yemen's peace or stability, and if so, impose property blocking sanctions against each identified person; and impose property blocking and visa sanctions on foreign persons or entities that knowingly provide significant financial, material, or technological support for Ansar Allah in Yemen (also known as the Houthis) and certain other persons and entities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2017
Saudi Educational Transparency and Reform Act This bill directs the Department of State to report to Congress annually on educational materials published by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education. The report shall detail whether such educational materials include content that could be seen as encouraging violence and intolerance toward religious groups, including Muslims who hold dissenting views. The report shall also discuss related subjects, including the extent to which such materials are exported and efforts by the Saudi government to remove the intolerant content. The State Department shall issue such reports for 10 years, unless the State Department determines that the intolerant content has been completely removed. If such content is still included in Saudi Arabia's educational materials after 10 years, the State Department shall continue reporting to Congress for another 5 years.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2017
REIT Parity Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the taxation of rent received by a real estate investment trust (REIT) from real property leased to a taxable REIT subsidiary, to apply the current rules for lodging facilities and health care property to parking facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2017
Condemns slave auctions of migrants and refugees in Libya. Calls on the government of Libya to: investigate the existence of slave auctions and forced labor involving migrants and refugees; hold smugglers, traffickers, detention center guards, and anyone else involved accountable; manage migration flows in a humane manner; end the violent and inhumane conditions of official migrant detention centers; and register asylum seekers swiftly and process their refugee claims fairly. Calls on the United Nations (U.N.) to investigate allegations of forced labor in Libya, encourage Libya to allow the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights to regularly monitor and publicly report on the situation of refugees and migrants in Libya, and impose sanctions against Libya if the country fails to end forced labor. Calls on the African Union to conduct its own investigation, work to assist migrants in Libya who wish to return home, and impose sanctions against Libya if the forced labor does not end. Calls on the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to use funds appropriated for: (1) humanitarian assistance for migrants and refugees in detention centers in Libya, and (2) the development of a holistic strategy for Libya to address the political and security situation that includes issues related to migrants and refugees in detention centers. Calls on the President to ensure that the State Department and the USAID are adequately staffed.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2017
Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the aggregate amount of a partner's annual tax deductions for qualified conservation contributions of a partnership to 2.5 times the partner's adjusted basis in the partnership. (Under current law, a "qualified conservation contribution" is the contribution of a qualified real property interest to a qualified organization exclusively for conservation purposes.) The limitation applies for the first five years after the individual becomes a partner in the partnership. It does not apply to certain family partnerships.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2017
Ravi Thackurdeen Safe Students Study Abroad Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify campus security reporting requirements to include a study abroad program for an institution of higher education that participates in federal student aid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2017
Celebrates the 99th anniversary of Polish independence as an opportunity to remember the historic events and courageous individuals that brought about reconstitution of Poland's sovereignty. Honors the resolve and sacrifice of the people of Poland. Reaffirms the close bonds between Poland and the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2017
Honoring World War I Memorials Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to make grants to rehabilitate World War I memorials. Grant priority shall be given to memorials listed on the National Register of Historic Places and then to memorials listed on a state register of historic places.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2017
Fallen Warrior Battlefield Cross Memorial Act This bill states that the Department of Veterans Affairs may not prohibit the display of a Battlefield Cross in any national cemetery. "Battlefield Cross" means a memorial monument in honor of fallen members of the Armed Forces that may include a replica of an inverted rifle, boots, helmets, and identification tag.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2017
Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act or the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award cooperative agreements to state and local health departments to expand activities related to Alzheimer's disease, including activities involving early detection, support for caregivers, and public awareness.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2017
Iranian Proxies Terrorist Sanctions Act of 2017 This bill directs the President to block the assets of foreign persons or entities and prohibit transactions with persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism with respect to As-Saib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) and Harakat Hizballah al-Nujaba (Nujaba) and foreign persons who are officials, agents, or affiliates of AAH or Nujaba. The Department of State shall annually establish and publish as part of its Annual Country Reports on Terrorism a global list of armed groups, militias, or proxy forces receiving logistical, military, or financial assistance from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or from groups over which the IRGC exerts control or influence.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2017
Congratulates the Houston Astros on on winning the 2017 Major League Baseball World Series Championship. Recognizes the Astros for their distinguished history, contributions to the baseball world, and their drive to help the Houston community heal after Hurricane Harvey.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2017
Burma Unified through Rigorous Military Accountability Act of 2017 or the BURMA Act of 2017 This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the government of Burma (Myanmar) should ensure the safe and voluntary return of displaced people and fully implement the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. The U.S. Executive Director of each international financial institution shall use U.S. influence to support only projects in Burma that do not partner or contract with or otherwise benefit any enterprise owned or controlled by the Burmese military. The United States may not supply security assistance or engage in military programs with the Burmese armed forces or security forces until the Department of Defense certifies that such armed forces have demonstrated significant progress in abiding by international human rights standards and are undertaking significant security sector reform. U.S. import restrictions on Burmese jadeite and rubies shall remain in effect until the President certifies that Burma has taken substantial measures to reform its gemstone industry. The President shall: (1) submit a list of each senior Burmese military or security official who has played a substantial role in the commission of human rights abuses or who has failed to investigate human rights abuses, and (2) exclude any such individual from U.S. entry. The President shall determine whether specified individuals should be included in the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. The Department of State, Treasury, and the U.S. Agency for International Development shall jointly submit to Congress an assistance strategy to promote broad-based economic development in Burma.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2017
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2017
Uniting and Strengthening America by Reforming and Improving the Government's High-Tech Surveillance Act or the USA RIGHTS Act This bill amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to: require a warrant to collect communications of or about a U.S. person or a person inside the United States; require a warrant when a significant purpose of targeting foreigners is to collect communications of persons in the United States; prohibit the use of communications to or from, or information about, U.S. persons or persons in the United States in any criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding or investigation, with the exception of national security-related crimes; allow individuals who have a reasonable basis to believe their communications will be acquired and who have taken reasonable steps to avoid surveillance to challenge the constitutionality of surveillance in court; and require that all forms of technical assistance demanded by the government of electronic communications service providers be approved by a FISA court. The bill expands the mandate of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board to include review of all foreign intelligence activities and whistle-blower complaints. The bill extends the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to September 30, 2021.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2017
Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships as corporations, to expand the definition of "qualifying income" for such partnerships (known as master limited partnerships) to include income and gains from renewable and alternative energy generation projects (in addition to fossil fuel-based energy generation projects) and related infrastructure for transportation or storage, including energy derived from thermal resources, waste, renewable fuels and chemicals, energy efficient buildings, gasification, and carbon capture in secure geological storage.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2017
Reaffirms U.S. support for the government of Georgia, its people, and its membership in NATO. Honors the sacrifices of Georgian servicemembers and their families in the cause of freedom. Supports Georgia's commitment to: (1) a peaceful resolution to the dispute with Russia; and (2) institutional reforms, freedom, territorial independence, and integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions. Calls for the end of Russia's occupation of Georgian sovereign territory. Supports increased economic cooperation and bilateral trade between the United States and Georgia. Calls for the Georgian government to: (1) strengthen and enforce the rule of law with regard to adhering to contractual obligations and protecting intellectual property rights, and (2) demonstrate its commitment to welcome and respect freely negotiated conditions of business investment. Stands by Georgia and its people and the shared vision of a free and independent Georgia.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2017
Reach Every Mother and Child Act of 2017 This bill directs the President to establish a five-year strategy to accelerate progress toward ending preventable child and maternal deaths within a generation and ensure healthy and productive lives for women and children. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) shall: (1) identify target countries with the greatest need and the highest burden of preventable child and maternal deaths, and (2) designate a current USAID employee serving in the Senior Executive Service or at the level of a Deputy Assistant Administrator or higher to serve concurrently as the Senior Coordinator for Child and Maternal Survival.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2017
NIE on Iranian Proxy Forces Act This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to produce a National Intelligence Estimate on Iranian support of proxy forces in Syria and Lebanon and the threat such support poses to Israel, other U.S. regional allies, and specified U.S. interests. Not later than 60 days after the National Intelligence Estimate is completed, the President shall provide to Congress a strategy to prevent Iran from expanding its power in Syria and Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2017
This bill amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to revise the quorum requirement for the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States to require the lesser of three members or the number of members holding office on the board (currently, at least three members) for there to be a quorum.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2017
Universal Charitable Giving Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from gross income (above-the-line deduction) for charitable contributions of individuals who do not elect to itemize deductions for the taxable year. The deduction may not exceed one-third of the standard deduction of the individual.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2017
Access to Marketplace Insurance Act This bill requires health insurers to accept, on behalf of individuals enrolled in qualified health plans, cost-sharing payments made by certain third parties (e.g., state and federal government programs) and count such payments toward annual cost-sharing limitations. (Qualified health plans are eligible for subsidies and fulfill an individual's requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage.)
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2017
Veterans Education Disaster Assistance Act This bill increases Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 educational assistance for veterans pursuing a course of education at an institute of higher education that is closed for at least four weeks because of natural disasters and who pursue such course, or an alternative course, solely by distance learning. The duration of monthly stipends is extended from four months to the shorter of four months or the period necessary to complete the quarter, semester, term, or academic period during the institute's closure. Such stipend is increased from 50% to the full amount that a veteran would be entitled to if pursuing such course of at an institution of higher education. An additional lump sum is made available for books and other educational costs made necessary by such distance learning.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2017
Waiving Hindrances to Economic Enterprise and Labor Act or the WHEEL Act This bill amends the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) to modify the definition of "covered driver" for purposes of a commercial driver pilot program to mean an individual between the ages of 18 and 21 who: (1) holds a valid commercial driver's license; (2) has a driving record without citations, violations, or other safety infractions; and (3) has received a certification of completion of a training program or similar qualification demonstrating skill and aptitude with respect to the operation of a commercial motor vehicle. (Current law limits participation to individuals between such ages who are members or former members of the Armed Forces or reserve components, and who are qualified in a Military Occupational Specialty to operate a commercial motor vehicle or similar vehicle.)
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2017
Expresses support for the designation of United States Missing Persons Day to bring awareness to the issue of missing persons.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2017
War Crimes Rewards Expansion Act This bill amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Department of State to offer awards under its war crimes rewards program for the arrest or conviction in any country of a foreign national accused of a war crime, a crime against humanity, or genocide as such crime is defined under: (1) U.S. law, or (2) the statutes of such country or an international criminal tribunal. (Currently, the reference to such crime is as defined only by an international criminal tribunal.)
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2017
Texas Flood Accountability Act of 2017 This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to submit to Congress and make publicly available a report with respect to dams, reservoirs, lakes, and other water retention facilities in Texas. The report shall include: for each such facility, the maximum water capacity that would necessitate an unplanned release of water, the water level at which the facility and each spillway of the facility will overflow, and plans to notify first responders, local officials, and communities of flood emergencies and the projected water levels during such emergencies; a description of steps taken by the Corps of Engineers to limit or prevent unplanned releases of water or overflows from such facilities; recommendations of the Corps for infrastructure improvements and dredging of existing facilities needed to limit or prevent such releases or overflows; plans to coordinate among such facilities during a flood emergency; and a list identifying the such facilities under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's jurisdiction, which shall include a description of the process for lowering water levels at each facility. The Corps may exclude information from the report for national security purposes. Upon the Corps' request, a non-federal entity that owns, operates, or has jurisdiction over a covered facility shall provide the maximum water capacity that would necessitate an unplanned release of water, the water level at which the facility and each spillway of the facility will overflow, and plans to notify first responders, local officials, and communities of flood emergencies and the projected water levels during such emergencies. An entity shall not be eligible for federal financial assistance until it complies with such request.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2017
Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2017 This bill sets forth U.S. international cyberspace policy, in furtherance specifically of the promotion of an open, interoperable, reliable, unfettered, and secure Internet governed by a model that promotes human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, while respecting privacy and guarding against deception, fraud, and theft. The bill includes the establishment of an Office of Cyber Issues in the Department of State. The President is encouraged to enter into executive arrangements with foreign governments that support the cyberspace policy.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2017
Condemns North Korea's threats against Guam. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Guam's security and its U.S. territorial waters. Supports evaluating needed investments in defensive capabilities to further safeguard Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Alaska, and Hawaii. Reaffirms U.S. support for forward deployment of missile defense systems to protect the territorial integrity of the United States and its Asia-Pacific allies. Urges enhanced strategic diplomatic engagement and military cooperation by the United States to address the growing North Korean threat. Demands that the international community fully enforce sanctions against the North Korean regime. Condemns any further escalation that endangers Guam and our citizenry or that could lead to a military conflict with North Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017
Fairness for Korean DMZ Veterans Act of 2017 This bill provides a presumption of herbicide exposure as the service-connected cause of certain diseases notwithstanding that there is no evidentiary record of any such disease during a veteran's service period. The bill defines a "veteran" for purposes of this bill as an individual who, during active military, naval, or air service, served in or near the Korean demilitarized zone during the period beginning on September 1, 1967, and ending on August 31, 1971. The bill specifies such a disease as: (1) a listed disease that becomes manifest, or (2) any additional disease that the Department of Veterans Affairs determines warrants a presumption of service-connection by reason of a positive association with herbicide exposure and that manifests itself within a prescribed period.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017
Border Security for America Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) construct and operate infrastructure and technology to deter and detect illegal border activity in high traffic areas, (2) deploy the most practical and effective technology to achieve situational awareness and operational control of the border, (3) deploy additional capabilities to specified border sectors or regions, (4) submit a plan for evaluating and using independent verification and validation resources for border security technology, (5) establish a National Border Security Advisory Committee, (6) submit a southern border threat analysis, (7) implement the Border Security Deployment Program, (8) establish a biometric exit data system, and (9) begin eradicating the carrizo cane plant and any salt cedar along the Rio Grande River. The bill provides for: (1) U.S. Border Patrol personnel increases and infrastructure improvements, including forward base upgrades along the southern border; and (2) National Guard and Department of Defense border assistance. The bill: (1) prohibits federal agency restrictions on U.S. Customs and Border Protection activities on federal land within 100 miles of the border, (2) requires increases in immigration and law enforcement personnel and agricultural specialists, (3) authorizes appropriations for specified immigration purposes, and (4) requires electronic passport screening and biometric matching at airports of entry. The Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010 is amended to provide for hiring flexibility. Operation Stonegarden is established as a DHS program to provide border security grants. This bill authorizes DHS to construct new ports of entry along the northern and southern borders.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017
Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act This bill states that it is U.S. policy to: (1) condemn the use of human shields by Hamas as an act of terrorism and a violation of human rights and international humanitarian law, and (2) act against those engaging in or supporting the use of human shields. The President is urged to direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (U.N.) to use U.S. influence at the U.N. Security Council to secure support for a resolution imposing multilateral sanctions against Hamas's use of human shields. The President shall prohibit property transactions and U.S. entry with respect to: (1) each foreign person or entity that is a member of or acting on behalf of Hamas and that is responsible for or complicit in Hamas' use of human shields; and (2) each foreign person or entity and each agency or instrumentality of a foreign state that has significantly facilitated any act with respect to such use of human shields, provided material support to a listed person or entity, or attempted to facilitate or support such acts or persons. The President may waive a sanction for 120 days with prior congressional certification that such waiver is vital to U.S. national security interests.