Defence

Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2007

Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs (Secretaries) to jointly develop a comprehensive policy on the care and management of members of the Armed Forces (members) who are undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy for a serious injury or illness. Provides enhanced availability of medical care and related benefits for members and former members recovering from serious injuries or illnesses. Requires the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to submit plans for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities to prevent, diagnose, and treat traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder in members. Directs the Secretary to establish a Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of:: (1) Traumatic Brain Injury; and (2) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Requires the Secretaries to develop and implement a joint electronic health record for use by DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Directs the Secretary to establish a Physical Disability Board of Review to review findings of physical evaluation boards of members separated from the Armed Forces with disability ratings of 20% or less and found to be not eligible for retirement. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out pilot programs for a revised disability evaluation system for members. Requires reports on the implementation of corrective measures in response to deficiencies: (1) in the Army physical disability evaluation system; and (2) at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish standards for military medical treatment facilities, specialty care medical facilities, and military quarters housing patients; and (2) develop and maintain a handbook for members concerning compensation and benefits for serious injuries and illnesses.

WISE Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2007

Weighing Intelligence for Smarter Energy Act of 2007 or WISE Act of 2007 - Requires the Director of National Intelligence to report to Congress on the long-term energy security of the United States, including assessments of: (1) key energy issues that have U.S. national security or foreign policy implications; and (2) the future of world energy supplies.

International Emergency Economic Powers Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2007

International Emergency Economic Powers Enhancement Act - Amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to increase the civil and criminal penalties for violations of such Act.

Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2007

Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to revise provisions concerning presidential authority to review certain, mergers, acquisitions, and takeovers (transactions) which could result in foreign control of any person engaged in interstate commerce (covered transaction) to direct the President, acting through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), to review such transaction to determine its effects on national security. Authorizes the review of certain previously-reviewed or investigated transactions. Directs the President to conduct an investigation of the effects of certain covered transactions on national security and to take any necessary steps to protect national security. Includes within such investigations transactions which may impair national security, will result in control of any U.S. critical infrastructure by a foreign person, or are foreign government-controlled. Requires the Director of National Intelligence to conduct an analysis of any threat to national security posed by a covered transaction. Establishes: (1) CFIUS as a multi-agency statutory committee and revises its membership; and (2) an additional Assistant Secretary of the Treasury to perform CFIUS-related duties. Adds several factors to be considered by the President in evaluating a covered transaction, including whether the proposed transaction: (1) has national security-related effects on U.S. critical technologies; and (2) is a foreign government-controlled transaction. Authorizes CFIUS or a lead agency to enter into agreements with parties to a covered transaction to mitigate any threat to national security. Authorizes the President to suspend or prohibit any covered transaction that threatens to impair national security. Requires the President to consider specified factors (including those added in this Act) when determining whether to suspend or prohibit a covered transaction. Requires: (1) upon request, CFIUS to brief certain Members of Congress of covered transactions for which action has concluded; and (2) CFIUS annual reports to Congress after completed investigations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to annually study foreign direct investments in the United States, especially investments in critical infrastructure and industries affecting national security by foreign governments which comply with any boycott of Israel or do not ban terrorist organizations. Requires the certification of information submitted by a party to a covered transaction.

Veterans' Dignified Burial Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2007

Veterans' Dignified Burial Assistance Act of 2007 - Increases from $300 to $400 the burial plot allowance paid for veterans interred in cemeteries other than national cemeteries. Waives the requirement that, for a state to receive such allowance for the reimbursement of burial costs, it must file for such within two years after the burial or cremation of the veteran. Authorizes the use of up to $5 million per year under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) state cemetery grant program for operating and maintaining state cemeteries.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal authority for adjustments to per diem payments to homeless veterans service centers for receipt of other sources of income, to extend authorities for certain programs to benefit homeless veterans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2007

Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs adjust the per diem payments made to veterans under the homeless veterans' comprehensive services program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to exclude sources of income from other federal, state, or local governments, departments, agencies, or entities. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program to prevent veterans who are at risk of homelessness after discharge or release from active military duty from becoming homeless. Amends a demonstration program of referral and counseling for veterans transitioning from certain institutions who are at risk of homelessness to: (1) remove the "demonstration" designation of the program; (2) require the program to be carried out in 12 (under current law, at least six) locations; and (3) extend the program through FY2012. Allows homeless veterans' comprehensive services grant funds to be used to provide funding for service center staff. Repeals a provision limiting to FY2003 and FY2004 the funding for VA domiciliary care programs for homeless veterans. Requires the Secretary to ensure that such programs are adequate, with respect to capacity and safety, to meet the needs of women veterans.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for veterans' mortgage life insurance to include members of the Armed Forces receiving specially adapted housing assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2007

Makes eligible for veterans' mortgage life insurance members of the Armed Forces receiving specially adapted housing assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

To repeal and modify certain provisions of law relating to the review of the detention of enemy combatants.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2007

Amends federal law concerning the detention of suspected enemy combatants to: (1) repeal a provision that denies any court or judge jurisdiction to consider a writ of habeas corpus filed on behalf of an alien detained by the United States who has been determined to have been properly detained as an enemy combatant or is awaiting such determination; (2) repeal provisions of the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 concerning limitations on the review of decisions of combatant status review tribunals on the propriety of detention of suspected enemy combatants; and (3) revise generally provisions concerning the limited review of military commission procedures and actions.

Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2007

Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill certain individuals who serve on active duty in the Armed Forces (including the reserves) on or after September 11, 2001. Requires such individuals to complete the requirements of a secondary school diploma (or its equivalent) before applying for such assistance. Establishes the duration of such assistance (in most cases 36 months) and assistance amounts. Requires programs of education pursued with such assistance to be approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Allows for the pursuit of an approved program of education while on active duty. Allows, under such assistance, for the pursuit of: (1) programs on less than a half-time basis; (2) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (3) correspondence courses; (4) flight training; (5) tutorial assistance; and (6) licensure and certification tests. Requires such educational assistance to be used within 15 years of the individual's discharge or release from active duty (with exceptions). Allows individuals currently under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect to participate in the post-9/11 educational assistance program with respect to any unused entitlement.

Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2007

Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to military personnel to: (1) extend the limitation period for filing tax refund claims resulting from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability determinations; (2) make permanent the taxpayer election to treat combat zone compensation as earned income for purposes of the earned income tax credit; (3) treat differential wage payments made to active duty members of the uniformed services as wages for retirement plan purposes; (4) make permanent the exemption from the 10% penalty for premature retirement plan distributions made by active duty military personnel; (5) treat state payments to members of the uniformed services as qualified military benefits for purposes of the tax exclusion of such benefits; (6) make permanent the authority of the Social Security Administration to disclose tax return information to the VA for purposes of determining eligibility for certain veterans benefit programs; (7) extend through 2010 mortgage bond financing exemption rules for certain veterans; (8) make permanent the tax exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence by certain members of the Intelligence Community; (9) allow unlimited tax-free rollovers of military death gratuities to Roth individual retirement accounts (Roth IRAs); (10) allow employers a tax credit for differential wage payments made to active duty military personnel; and (11) set forth tax rules for U.S. citizens and certain permanent residents (expatriates) who relinquish their citizenship or residency to avoid U.S taxation.

Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2007

Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act - Amends port security provisions to direct the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to: (1) establish an international committee for the safe and secure handling and transportation of especially hazardous cargo to the United States; (2) develop and implement a voluntary program under which foreign ports and facilities can certify their compliance with International Ship and Port Facility Code (ISPFC) standards (including a program under which independent, third-party entities are certified to validate such ports' and facilities' compliance with such standards); and (3) establish a strategic plan (under current law, program) to utilize assistance programs to assist foreign ports and facilities that lack effective antiterrorism measures in implementing port security antiterrorism measures. Authorizes the Coast Guard (CG) to lend, lease, or otherwise provide equipment and technical training and support to foreign ports and facilities to assist them in complying, and validating such compliance, with ISPFC standards. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a security cost-share plan to assist the CG in providing security for the transportation of especially hazardous cargo to facilities located on or adjacent to U.S. navigable waters. Includes the establishing of regional response and recovery protocols to prepare for, respond to, mitigate against, and recover from a transportation security incident in area maritime transportation security plans. Directs the CG Commandant to develop a CG national resource allocation plan to meet safety and security requirements associated with the handling of especially hazardous cargo at U.S. ports and facilities. Directs the Secretary to ensure that federal, state, and local personnel responsible for the safety and security of vessels in port carrying especially hazardous cargo complete CG incident command system training. Authorizes the Secretary to convey (with or without compensation) national defense reserve fleet vessels to owners or operators of U.S. or foreign ports for use in port safety or security operations. Directs the Secretary to ensure that interoperable communications technology is deployed at all interagency operational centers for port security located at high-priority ports.

Clean, Reliable, Efficient and Secure Energy Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2007

Clean, Reliable, Efficient and Secure Energy Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish the Appliance Efficiency Standards Commission. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to: (1) require an electric utility to demonstrate that alternative investments in advanced grid technologies have been considered before undertaking investments in nonadvanced grid technologies; and (2) prescribe a Clean Energy Portfolio Standard, including a credit program. Establishes the Clean Energy Technology Trust Fund. Transfers to the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) specified lands for use for high-level radioactive waste disposal and spent nuclear fuel. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to require the Secretary to apply to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a license to construct and operate facilities to receive and store spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at the Yucca Mountain (Nevada) site. Instructs the Secretary to construct the FutureGen Facility to demonstrate integrating commercial-scale gasification combined cycle power plant technologies with advanced clean coal energy technologies. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) prescribe average fuel economy standards for automobiles; and (2) implement a traffic signal coordination program. Amends the Clean Air Act to instruct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to ensure that diesel fuel contains a certain volume of biodiesel fuel. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) authorize appropriations for coal-to-liquid and gas-to-liquid projects; (2) establish the Appliance Efficiency Standards Commission [ sic ]; and (3) revise requirements for the national greenhouse gas emissions registry. Requires the total amount of fuel utilized by the Department of Defense in a calendar year to be coal-to-liquid fuel, gas-to-liquid fuel, or both. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to revise requirements about the availability of certain areas of the Outer Continental Shelf for leasing. Prescribes requirements governing energy efficiency in federal buildings and public schools. Instructs the Secretary of Interior to develop a methodology for conducting a national assessment of the geological storage capacity for carbon dioxide. Establishes the Regulatory Reform for Carbon Sequestration Commission. Requires studies and reports to Congress on: (1) replacement of residential HVCAR equipment that does not meet minimum efficiency requirements; (2) fuel economy standards for heavy trucks; (3) synthetic fuel in commercial aircraft; (4) infrastructure needs for renewable fuels; and (5) strategic natural gas reserve. Directs the Secretary to implement an education program to increase public awareness of measures that consumers can take to increase energy efficiency. Reestablishes the Office of Technology Assessment in the legislative branch.

To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program for the provision of readjustment and mental health services to veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to provide to veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, particularly veterans who served in such Operations while in the National Guard and reserves: (1) peer outreach and support services; (2) readjustment counseling and related services; and (3) mental health services. Directs the Secretary to also provide to immediate family members of such veterans, during the three-year period following the return of the veterans from such a deployment, education, support, counseling, and mental health services to assist in: (1) readjustment to civilian life; (2) recovery from an injury or illness incurred during such deployment; and (3) readjustment of the family following the veteran's return. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with community health centers and other qualified entities to provide such services in areas not adequately served by health care facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires the Secretary to: (1) contract for a program to train veterans to provide the peer outreach and support services; and (2) conduct a training program for clinicians of community health centers and entities contracted to provide such services. Extends the eligibility for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations from two to five years after their discharge or release from such duty.

Fiscal Honesty and Accountability Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2007

Fiscal Honesty and Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to extend Pay-As-You-Go requirements through FY2012 and enforcement mechanisms through FY2016. Requires the Directors of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) each to report to the House Committee on the Budget on how to broaden the Pay-As-You-Go sequestration base and make it more fair and equitable. Extends through FY2011 the spending limits (spending caps) for the discretionary categories in new budget authority and outlays. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to address issues of emergency spending by requiring: (1) Committee on the Budget guidelines; (2) a separate House vote on an emergency designation; and (3) detailed reserve funds for emergencies in the President's budget request to Congress. Prescribes a procedure for adjustments in committee allocations resulting from such spending in joint budget resolutions. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to prohibit floor amendments to amendments reported by the Committee on the Budget (or from the consideration of which the Committee has been discharged) with respect to legislation for emergency reserve funds for certain military operations. Prohibits consideration of an amendment to a joint budget resolution which changes the amount of budget authority and outlays set forth in the CBA for the emergency reserve fund. Requires reports on legislation which provide new budget, spending, or credit authority, or otherwise provide an increase or decrease in revenues or tax expenditures, to include a CBO projection of the cost of debt servicing (interest). Amends the CBA concerning: (1) CBO cost analysis (scoring) for conference reports; (2) legislation which evades specified budget enforcement mechanisms; and (3) legislation which is unreported by committee (for purposes of budget point of order rules). Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives concerning: (1) budget compliance statements (permitting inclusion of budgetary implications); (2) requirements for budget act waivers (inclusion mandatory for bill consideration); and (3) a separate vote to waive a major budget act point of order.

Military Spouses Employment Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2007

Military Spouses Employment Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include spouses of members of the Armed Forces on extended active duty (more than 90 days or for an indefinite period) as members of a targeted group for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit (thus giving employers a tax incentive for hiring military spouses). Repeals certain restrictions on disposals to foreign nations of naval vessels in excess of 3,000 tons or less than 20 years of age.

To provide for the maintenance, management, and availability for research of assets of the Air Force Health Study.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2007

Directs the Medical Follow-Up Agency of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences (Agency) to maintain and manage the assets (including electronic data files and biological specimens of study participants) transferred to the Agency from the Air Force Health Study. Authorizes the Agency, during FY2007-FY2011, to conduct additional research on such assets toward the goal of understanding the determinants of health, and promoting wellness, in veterans. Requires an Agency report to Congress assessing the feasibility and advisability of conducting additional research on such assets after the end of FY2011.

Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict. Requires the appropriate congressional committees to report implementing legislation to achieve a balanced budget without reducing the disbursements of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund to achieve that goal.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2642) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2007

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2642) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008.

To require the Federal Government to reimburse a State or local government for financial losses incurred when an employee of the State or local government who performs public safety or first responder duties and who is also a member of a reserve component of the uniformed services is called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 days.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2007

Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned, at the request of a state or local government that has one or more first responder employees who are also members of a reserve component and absent from their employment as first responders under a call or order to serve on active duty for more than 30 days, to reimburse the state or local government by the amount actually paid by the state or local government to such employees during their absence.

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2007

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2008 - Appropriates funds for FY2008 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) DOD chemical demilitarization construction; and (6) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration; (2) readjustment benefits; (3) veterans insurance and indemnities; (4) the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund; (5) the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program; (6) the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program; (7) guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans; (8) the Veterans Health Administration; (9) the National Cemetery Administration; (10) the Office of Inspector General; (11) construction for major and minor projects; and (12) grants for the construction of extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries. Appropriates funds for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (3) cemeterial expenses, Army; and (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Specifies restrictions and authorities regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act.

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2007

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, for: (1) energy and water development; and (2) civil functions pertaining to rivers and harbors, flood and storm damage reduction, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project Completion Account and for the Bureau of Reclamation for: (1) water and related natural resources; (2) the Central Valley Project Restoration Fund; and (3) the California Bay-Delta Restoration. Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Department of Energy (DOE) for energy and science programs, among them: (1) energy efficiency and renewable energy; (2) electricity delivery and energy reliability; (3) nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal; (4) fossil energy research; (5) Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves; (6) the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve; (7) the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund; (8) environment, safety and health activities; (9) the innovative technology loan guarantee loan program; and (6) specified atomic energy defense activities. Rescinds the availability from prior years of certain funds for clean coal technology. Approves specified expenditures from the Bonneville Power Administration Fund. Makes FY2008 appropriations for operation and maintenance of: (1) the Southeastern Power Administration; (2) the Southwestern Power Administration; (3) the Western Area Power Administration; (4) the Falcon and Amistad Operating and Maintenance Fund; (5) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and (6) designated activities of DOE. Makes FY2008 appropriations to: (1) the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; (3) the Delta Regional Authority; (4) the Denali Commission; (5) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; (6) the Office of Inspector General; (7) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board; and (8) the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects.

Greenhouse Gas Accountability Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2007

Greenhouse Gas Accountability Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to require specified entities (including any significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter and any entity with annual revenues exceeding $10 million that is engaged in the business of automobiles, aerospace and defense, chemicals, construction materials, electric utilities, energy equipment and services, oil, gas, and consumable fuels, metals and mining, paper and forest products, or transportation) to report annually to the Administrator on their GHG emissions. Sets forth program design requirements, including that it be consistent with the standards, protocols, and principles of the Climate Registry and the California Climate Registry. Authorizes an entity to report offsets and sequestration projects to mitigate its GHG emissions. Requires the Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) to report on entities' compliance and on whether the regulations are effective in inventorying GHGs. Provides for penalties for noncompliance. Requires the Administrator to establish a public website containing a national GHG emissions database. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to: (1) revise its regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require that certain annual reports filed by issuers of securities contain specified information concerning GHG emissions; and (2) issue an interpretive release clarifying, for purposes of specified regulations, that U.S. commitments to reduce emissions of global warming pollution under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, May 9, 1992, are considered to be a material effect and that global warming constitutes a known trend.

Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2007

Naval Vessels Transfer Act of 2007 - Authorizes the President to transfer on a grant basis to: (1) Turkey, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigates GEORGE PHILIP and SIDES; and (2) Lithuania, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ships CORMORANT and KINGFISHER. Authorizes the President to transfer on a sale basis to: (1) Taiwan, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ships ORIOLE and FALCON; and (2) Turkey, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ship SHRIKE. States that: (1) the value of such vessels transferred on a grant basis shall not be counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred to countries in any fiscal year under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) transfer costs shall be charged to the recipient; and (3) to the maximum extent practicable, the country to which a vessel is transferred shall have necessary vessel repair and refurbishment carried out at U.S. shipyards (including U.S. Navy shipyards). Terminates transfer authority two years after enactment of this Act.

Veterans Advocacy Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2007

Veterans Advocacy Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of utilizing legal entities to provide legal services to assist veterans and members of the Armed Forces in applying for and receiving health care, benefits, and services. Requires the Secretary to award ten grants to legal entities to provide such services. Limits grant duration to one year.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the collection of copayments for all hospice care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2007

Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting a copayment from a veteran being furnished inpatient or outpatient hospice care by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mental Health Care for Our Wounded Warriors Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2007

Mental Health Care for Our Wounded Warriors Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) members of the Armed Forces (members) deserve the best possible treatment for mental and physical illnesses and injuries sustained while in military service; (2) members should have access to mental health providers; (3) mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) should be treated with an urgency similar to physical ailments incurred by members; (4) there is a need to recruit, train, and retain more mental health care professionals to diagnose and treat members; and (5) there is a continued need for research, new treatments, and best practices for treating PTSD, as well as a long-term strategy for recruiting, training, and retaining the mental health workforce of the Department of Defense (DOD). Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish at least two centers of excellence in military mental health for, among other things, the development and implementation of DOD strategy for the prevention, identification, and treatment of combat-related mental health conditions, with an emphasis on PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Requires a report from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees on appropriate actions to address current personnel shortages in the DOD mental health workforce.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal the limitation on the authority of the Department of Defense to issue security clearances for certain persons.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2007

Repeals a provision prohibiting the Department of Defense (DOD), after October 30, 2000, from granting or renewing a security clearance for a person who: (1) was convicted of a crime and served a sentence of not less than one year; (2) is an unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance; (3) is determined mentally incompetent; or (4) has been discharged or dismissed from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions.

Sunset of Public Law 107-243 Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2007

Sunset of Public Law 107-243 Act of 2007 - Amends the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243) to terminate such Act 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent or prohibit Congress, during the 180-day period, from: (1) reauthorizing Public Law 107-243; or (2) passing a new authorization for the use of military force against Iraq or a declaration of war against Iraq.

Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2007

Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2007 - Defines "child soldier." Prohibits, with a national interest waiver, funds appropriated or otherwise made available for specified military and related areas from being obligated or otherwise made available to the government of a country identified by the Department of State as having governmental armed forces or government supported armed groups, including paramilitaries, militias, or civil defense forces, that recruit or use child soldiers. Directs the Secretary of State to notify any government so identified. Authorizes the President to reinstate assistance upon certifying to Congress that a government is implementing: (1) compliance measures; and (2) mechanisms to prohibit future use of child soldiers and to ensure that no children are recruited, conscripted, or otherwise compelled to serve as child soldiers. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to a country for international military education and training otherwise prohibited under this Act upon certifying to Congress that such assistance is for programs that implement measures to demobilize child soldiers and for programs to support professionalization of the military.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BODY ARMOR PROGRAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 6 June 2007

A resolution recognizing the efforts and contributions of the members of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program under the Civil Affairs and Military Government Sections of the United States Armed Forces during and following World War II who were responsible for the preservation, protection, and restitution of artistic and cultural treasures in countries occupied by the Allied armies.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

Recognizes the men and women who served in the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program under the Civil Affairs and Military Government Sections of the U.S. Armed Forces for their heroic role in the preservation, protection, and restitution of monuments, works of art, and other artifacts of inestimable cultural importance in Europe and Asia during and following World War II.

A concurrent resolution declaring June 6 a national day of prayer and rededication for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their mission.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

Designates every June 6 as a national day of prayer and rededication for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their mission. Declares that, in encouraging Americans to join in this national day of prayer and rededication, the Senate and the House of Representatives will each designate one member to read aloud in the Senate and House chambers each June 6th, in its entirety, President Roosevelt's D-Day radio prayer.

High Threat Helicopter Flight Area Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

High Threat Helicopter Flight Area Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to designate an area at high risk for an attack by one or more terrorists as a high threat helicopter flight area. Directs the Secretary to provide screening of all passengers and property transported from a high threat flight helicopter area on a passenger helicopter equivalent to that provided for passengers and property carried aboard a domestic passenger aircraft. Requires the Secretary to develop a plan for acquiring and training personnel, including acquiring equipment, to provide such screening. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to take necessary action to ensure that: (1) no passenger helicopter flies in a high threat flight area, except on approach for landing, or departure after takeoff, in such area; (2) a passenger helicopter when flying in such area, to the maximum extent practicable, flies over water; and (3) a helicopter pilot when in flight over such area remains in contact with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding its flight path, irrespective of its altitude. Exempts from such requirement helicopters carrying out military, police, medical, or other operations as the Secretary of Transportation deems appropriate.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the use of funds in the Department of Veterans Affairs readjustment benefits accounts and funds appropriated for such purpose to provide funding for State approving agencies.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make payments to state and local approving agencies (agencies that approve educational courses for veterans) out of amounts in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) readjustment benefits account (under current law, out of amounts available for the payment of readjustment benefits) and out of amounts appropriated to the Secretary for such purpose. Makes $13 million the fiscal year amount to be paid from the readjustment benefits account.

Inactive Reservists Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

Inactive Reservists Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to implement a mortgage assistance program through grants and loans for direct mortgage payments for the primary residential property of designated eligible households. Requires such mortgage assistance to be paid monthly directly to the mortgage servicer during the period that a member of the eligible household is serving on active duty for a period of more than 30 days in the Armed Forces, including extensions in the period of such active duty. Sets forth requirements governing: (1) grant assistance, repayment, and repayment in cases of foreclosure; and (2) application procedures.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that officials of local governments who are also members of the National Guard or Reserves and are deployed as part of their service in the Armed Forces should be granted reasonable accommodation to fulfill their governmental duties while so deployed.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

Declares that officials of local governments who are deployed as members of the National Guard or Reserves maintain their rights while deployed and that local governments should make reasonable accommodations to protect the right of such officials to participate in governmental proceedings while deployed.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Iraqi National Assembly should cancel or postpone its planned two-month recess scheduled to begin in July 2007 and work toward meeting political, social, and military benchmarks.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Iraqi National Assembly should cancel or postpone its planned two-month recess scheduled to begin in July 2007, and work toward meeting political, social, and military benchmarks.

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2008. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) the Rapid Acquisition Fund; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation, including ballistic missile defense; (4) operation and maintenance, including environmental restoration; (5) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (6) working capital funds; (7) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (8) the Defense Health Program; (9) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (10) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (11) the Defense Inspector General; (12) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (13) increased costs due to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel, including officer and enlisted personnel policy; (2) military education and training, including defense dependents' education and military justice matters; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) retired pay and survivor benefits; (5) military health care; (6) acquisition policy and management; (7) DOD organization and management, including space matters; (8) financial and counter-drug matters; (9) civilian personnel matters; (10) matters relating to other nations; (11) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union; (12) the National Defense Stockpile; and (13) chemical demilitarization matters.

Iraq Study Group Recommendations Implementation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

Iraq Study Group Recommendations Implementation Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) that the President should formulate a comprehensive plan to implement the Iraq Study Group recommendations; (2) respecting diplomatic efforts in Iraq; and (3) respecting redeployment of U.S. combat brigades not necessary for force protection and other specified duties by the first quarter of 2008. States U.S. policy respecting: (1) security and military forces in Iraq; (2) strengthening the U.S. military; (3) police and criminal justice in Iraq; (4) the oil sector in Iraq; (5) improving assistance programs in Iraq; (6) budgetary preparation; and (7) conditions for continued U.S. assistance to Iraq based upon the government of Iraq meeting specified milestones. Requires the President to report to Congress every 90 days respecting such policies' implementation.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD), military construction, and national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY2008. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) the Rapid Acquisition Fund; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation, including ballistic missile defense; (4) operation and maintenance, including environmental restoration; (5) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (6) working capital funds; (7) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (8) the Defense Health Program; (9) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (10) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (11) the Defense Inspector General; (12) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (13) increased costs due to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (14) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program; (15) Guard and reserve forces facilities; and (16) war-related military construction. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel, including officer and enlisted personnel policy; (2) military education and training, including defense dependents' education and military justice matters; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) retired pay and survivor benefits; (5) military health care; (6) acquisition policy and management; (7) DOD organization and management, including space matters; (8) financial and counter-drug matters; (9) civilian personnel matters; (10) matters relating to other nations; (11) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union; (12) the National Defense Stockpile; (13) chemical demilitarization matters; and (14) base closure and realignment activities. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies.

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) and the Secretaries of each military department to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes each department Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and each military department for fiscal years after 2007 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions. Limits the total cost of authorized construction projects. Modifies certain prior-year construction projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2007 for such Program. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2007 for: (1) National Guard and reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities; (2) base closure and realignment activities funded through the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005; and (3) war-related military construction. Terminates all authorizations contained in this Act on October 1, 2010, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY2011, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Authorizes specified military land conveyances.

Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY2008 for: (1) activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration in carrying out programs necessary for national security, with specified allocations for weapons activities, defense nuclear nonproliferation, naval reactors, the Office of the Administrator for Nuclear Security, and the International Atomic Energy Agency Nuclear Fuel Bank; and (2) environmental management activities in carrying out national security programs, with specified allocations for defense environmental cleanup, other defense activities, and defense nuclear waste disposal. Earmarks funds for the Reliable Replacement Warhead program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.

Iraq Study Group Recommendations Implementation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

Iraq Study Group Recommendations Implementation Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) that the President should formulate a comprehensive plan to implement the Iraq Study Group recommendations; (2) respecting diplomatic efforts in Iraq; and (3) respecting redeployment of U.S. combat brigades not necessary for force protection and other specified duties by the first quarter of 2008. States U.S. policy respecting: (1) security and military forces in Iraq; (2) strengthening the U.S. military; (3) police and criminal justice in Iraq; (4) the oil sector in Iraq; (5) improving assistance programs in Iraq; (6) budgetary preparation; and (7) conditions for continued U.S. assistance to Iraq based upon the government of Iraq meeting specified milestones. Requires the President to report to Congress every 90 days respecting such policies' implementation.

Calling on the Russian Federation to withdraw its military forces, armaments, and ammunition stockpiles from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Moldova.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

Calls upon the Russian Federation to fulfill its commitments and withdraw its military forces and remove its military stockpiles from the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova. Declares that the present armed forces stationed in the Security Zone of Moldova should be replaced with a multinational peacekeeping contingent.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2007

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (8) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (9) National Reconnaissance Office; (10) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; (11) Coast Guard; (12) Department of Homeland Security; and (13) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2008, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. Allows the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY2008 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification of the congressional intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY2008, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) intelligence community (IC) compliance with the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 and related provisions of the Military Commissions Act of 2006; (2) IC business systems architecture, accountability, and modernization; (3) the control of excessive cost growth of major systems; (4) a national intelligence estimate on anticipated geopolitical effects of global climate change; (5) DNI authority for flexible IC personnel management; and (6) the protection of certain operational files within the Office of the DNI. Establishes: (1) an Office of the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community; (2) a National Space Intelligence Office; and (3) a Deputy Director of the CIA.

United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2007

United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007 - Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (P.L. 107-243). Authorizes the President to continue participation by U.S. Armed Forces in Multi-National Force--Iraq, or as part of a successor force, for the purposes of: (1) protecting U.S. and coalition personnel and infrastructure; (2) training, equipping, and providing logistical support to Iraqi security forces; (3) conducting targeted counter-terrorism operations; and (4) assisting the government of Iraq maintain border security. States that such authorization shall expire 12 months after the date of enactment of this joint resolution unless extended by Congress. Directs the President to: (1) promptly transition the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq to such purposes; and (2) begin the phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this joint resolution, with the goal of redeploying by March 31, 2008, all U.S. combat forces from Iraq except for those essential for such purposes. Prohibits anything in this joint resolution from being construed to: (1) limit measures to provide for the security of the MultiNational Force-Iraq, including U.S. Armed Forces; and (2) authorize offensive combat activities by U.S. Armed Forces in Iran, Syria, or any other state in the Middle East.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that Congress and the President should increase basic pay for members of the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress and the President should: (1) increase basic pay for members of all military components by 3.5%, effective January 1, 2008; and (2) provide a special survivor indemnity allowance for persons affected by required Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity offsets for dependency and indemnity compensation.

Ballot Integrity Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Ballot Integrity Act of 2007 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit a state or jurisdiction from purchasing or otherwise acquiring for use in a federal election a direct recording electronic voting system or other electronic voting system that does not produce a voter-verified paper record. Directs the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to make grants for: (1) replacing or retrofitting direct recording electronic and certain other voting systems; and (2) research on voting technology improvements for the development of completely accessible voting systems. Requires the voting system to: (1) require the use of or produce an individual, durable, voter-verified paper record of the voter's vote for inspection and verification before the voter's vote is cast and counted; and (2) provide the voter with an opportunity to correct any error before the paper record is preserved. Outlines durability and readability requirements. Directs the EAC to study, test, and develop best practices to enhance the accessibility of vote verification mechanisms for individuals with disabilities, for language minorities, and for individuals with difficulties in literacy. Modifies alternative language accessibility requirements. Bans voting systems from at any time: (1) containing or using any software which has not been certified; or (2) containing, using, or being accessible by any wireless, power-line, or concealed communication device. Prohibits any Internet connection for components of any voting device. Requires security standards for voting systems used in federal elections. Requires laboratories to meet standards prohibiting conflicts of interest as a condition of accreditation for testing of voting system hardware and software. Requires each state to establish standards for local jurisdictions to use in conducting election audits. Requires the Commission to establish an Audit Guidelines Development Task Force. Adds federal election requirements pertaining, among other things, to absentee voting and third-party registration. Requires the EAC to study the equitable distribution of voting systems, poll workers, and election resources. Prohibits campaign activities by Chief State Election Officials. Outlines standards for purging voters from voter registration lists, including restoration of erroneously purged voters. Requires each state to promulgate uniform, nondiscriminatory procedures allowing polling place access to international and domestic election observers. Provides for early voting. Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act regarding absentee ballots for military and overseas voters.

Gold Star Parents Annuity Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Gold Star Parents Annuity Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to pay a special pension to each person who has received a Gold Star lapel button as a parent of a member of the Armed Forces who died while serving.

President Gerald R. Ford Iraqi Ally and Refugee Responsibility Memorial Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

President Gerald R. Ford Iraqi Ally and Refugee Responsibility Memorial Act of 2007 - States that the United States: (1) accepts responsibility for the welfare and safety of Iraqis and their immediate family members who, as a consequence of working for or assisting the U.S. government or the U.S. Armed Forces, have become internally displaced or refugees or have a well-grounded fear of persecution or physical harm; and (2) will assist all Iraq refugees, including internally displaced Iraqis, and acknowledges that U.S. actions contributed to the refugee problem that developed subsequent to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees respecting: (1) the number of Iraqis who have been employed in Iraq by the U.S. government, the U.S. Armed Forces, coalition forces, contractors, and international organizations; and (2) plans to accelerate U.S. assistance to Iraqi refugees. Directs the President to submit to Congress legislative proposals to facilitate the resettlement in the United States of Iraqis who have a well-founded fear of persecution because of their employment by or assistance to the United States or a coalition country in Iraq.