Defence

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2685) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2393) to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to repeal country of origin labeling requirements with respect to beef, pork, and chicken, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2015

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2685) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2393) to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to repeal country of origin labeling requirements with respect to beef, pork, and chicken.

Treto Garza South Texas Veterans Inpatient Care Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2015

Treto Garza South Texas Veterans Inpatient Care Act of 2015 Designates the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) located in Harlingen, Texas, as the "Treto Garza South Texas Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Center." Directs the VA to: (1) ensure that such Center includes a full-service inpatient health care facility; (2) modify the existing facility to meet such requirement; and (3) include in the annual VA strategic capital investment plan a project to expand the Center's capabilities to provide increased inpatient capacity, an urgent care center, and a full range of services to meet the health care needs of women veterans.

Department of Defense Energy Security Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2015

Department of Defense Energy Security Act of 2015 This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out research to improve military vehicle technology to increase combat vehicle fuel economy or reduce fuel consumption. DOD shall: establish an online, centralized repository for all DOD operational energy-related research and development efforts; conduct a program to develop and support projects designed to foster secure and reliable energy sources for military installations, including incorporation of advanced energy metering, renewable energy, energy storage, and redundant power systems; and develop associated cost and benefit metrics. The DOD Alternative Fuel Vehicle Infrastructure Fund is established in the Treasury to support installing and operating alternative fuel dispensing stations for DOD's alternative fueled vehicles and other related infrastructure. DOD shall: report on the costs and benefits associated with requiring 25% of National Guard and Reserve facilities to have at least a 21-day on-site power storage capacity to assist civil authorities in case of man-made or natural disasters; and submit a plan for integrating energy storage, micro-grid technologies, and on-site power generation systems at military installations at risk of power interruptions due to geographic location, dependence on connections to the electric grid, or other factors.

To direct the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a study on cyber attack standards of measurement.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2015

Requires the Director of National Intelligence to carry out a study and report findings to Congress regarding appropriate standards to measure the damage of cyber incidents for purposes of determining the response to such incidents, including a method to quantify damage to affected computers, systems, and devices.

Construction Consensus Procurement Improvement Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2015

Construction Consensus Procurement Improvement Act of 2015 Modifies criteria for the use of design-build selection procedures for civilian and defense contracts for the design and construction of a public building, facility, or work. Requires the use of two-phase selection procedures (i.e., submission of qualifications and then the submission of price and technical proposals in response to a request for proposal) when a contracting officer determines that a contract has a value of $750,000 or greater. Allows a contracting officer to make a determination, based on specified criteria, whether the use of two-phase selection procedures is appropriate for a contract having a value of less than $750,000. Requires a contracting officer to provide written documentation of how a maximum number exceeding five finalists in a solicitation for a contract is consistent with the purposes and objectives of two-phase selection procedures. Requires federal agency heads to report, each year over a five-year period, on each instance in which: (1) the agency awarded a design-build contract in which more than five finalists were selected for phase-two requests for proposals, or (2) a contract was awarded without using two-phase selection procedures. Requires the Government Accountability Office to report on agency compliance with design-build contract procedures. Directs the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to prohibit the use of reverse auctions for awarding contracts for construction and design services. Defines "reverse auction," with respect to procurement by an agency, as: (1) a real-time auction conducted through an electronic medium between a group of offerors who compete against each other by submitting bids for a contract or task order with the ability to submit revised bids throughout the course of the auction, and (2) the award of the contract or task order to the offeror who submits the lowest bid. Provides for the acceptance of a bond from an individual surety that is not subject to existing requirements governing corporate sureties. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase from 70% to 90% the amount of loss resulting from a breach of the terms of a bid, payment, or performance bond that is covered by a guarantee by the Small Business Administration.

Securing Energy Critical Elements and American Jobs Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2015

Securing Energy Critical Elements and American Jobs Act of 2015 Authorizes within the Department of Energy (DOE) a research, development, and commercial application program to assure the long-term, secure, and sustainable supply of energy critical elements to satisfy the national security, economic well-being, and industrial production needs of the United States. ("Energy critical element" means any of a class of chemical elements that have a high risk of a supply disruption and are critical to one or more new, energy-related technologies so that a shortage of that element would significantly inhibit large-scale deployment of technologies that produce, transmit, store, or conserve energy.) Requires the program to focus upon areas the private sector by itself is not likely to undertake because of technical and financial uncertainty. Directs DOE to: (1) encourage multidisciplinary collaborations, including opportunities for students at institutions of higher education; (2) collaborate with agencies of foreign countries with interests relating to energy critical elements; and (3) submit biennially updated implementation plans to Congress. Authorizes DOE to maintain a Critical Materials Energy Innovation Hub to carry out the program established by this Act. Requires the Hub to establish and maintain a Critical Materials Information Center to collect, catalogue, disseminate, and archive information on energy critical elements in coordination with the DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information. Limits to a renewable period of five years any award made to operate the Hub. Directs the President, acting through the Critical Material Supply Chain Subcommittee of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainability of the National Science and Technology Council, to: (1) coordinate the actions of federal agencies to promote an adequate and stable supply of energy critical elements; (2) identify energy critical elements and establish scenario modeling systems for supply problems; (3) establish a mechanism for the coordination and evaluation of federal programs with energy critical element needs; and (4) encourage private enterprise in the development of an economically sound and stable domestic energy critical elements supply chain. Amends the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980 to: (1) instruct the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to coordinate federal materials research and development through the National Science and Technology Council (instead of, as currently required, the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology, which is now defunct); (2) modify the duties of the Secretary of Commerce regarding critical needs assessment; and (3) repeal specified duties of the Secretaries of Defense and of the Interior. Repeals the National Critical Materials Act of 1984.

A resolution welcoming the President of the Republic of Korea on her official visit to the United States and celebrating the United States-Republic of Korea relationship, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2015

Welcomes Her Excellency Park Geun-hye, the President of the Republic of Korea, on her official U.S. visit. Reaffirms the importance of the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea, as enshrined in the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953, and welcomes opportunities to strengthen security ties, including on space, cyber, and missile defense. Encourages the U.S. government and the government of the Republic of Korea to enhance cooperation in the security, economic, scientific, health, and cultural spheres.

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2016

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2015

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2016 Provides FY2016 appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military activities. Excludes military construction, military family housing, civil works projects of the Army Corps of Engineers, and nuclear warheads, which are all considered in other appropriations bills. Provides appropriations for Military Personnel. Provides appropriations for Operation and Maintenance, including: the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; Environmental Restoration; Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid; the Cooperative Threat Reduction Account; and the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund. Provides appropriations for Procurement, including for Aircraft, Missiles, Weapons, Tracked Combat Vehicles, Ammunition, Shipbuilding and Conversion, Space, Other Procurement, and Defense Production Act Purchases. Provides appropriations for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, including for Operational Test and Evaluation. Provides appropriations for Revolving and Management Funds, including Defense Working Capital Funds and the National Defense Sealift Fund. Provides appropriations for Other Department of Defense Programs, including the Defense Health Program, Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Drug-Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, and the Office of the Inspector General. Provides appropriations for Related Agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund and the Intelligence Community Management Account. Provides additional appropriations to specified DOD accounts for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism. Rescinds specified unobligated balances from prior appropriations to DOD. Sets forth permissible, restricted, and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

To require the Secretary of Education to verify that individuals have made a commitment to serve in the Armed Forces or in public service, or otherwise are a borrower on an eligible loan which has been submitted to a guaranty agency for default aversion or is already in default, before such individuals obtain a consolidation loan.

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2015

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, with respect to eligibility for consolidation loans, to require verification of a borrower's status by the Department of Education in the following cases: for obtaining income-contingent or -based repayment, and only if the loan has been submitted to the guaranty agency for default aversion or where the loan is already in default; for the purposes of using the public service loan forgiveness program; or for the purpose of using the no accrual of interest benefit for active duty service members.

Fallen Heroes Family Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2015

Fallen Heroes Family Assistance Act The Secretary of the military department concerned is required to provide transportation for the next of kin to attend the transfer ceremony of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who dies overseas in the line of duty in a combat or humanitarian relief operation or in combat zone designated by the Secretary of Defense.

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces deployed to Iraq or Syria on or after August 7, 2014, other than Armed Forces required to protect United States diplomatic facilities and personnel, from Iraq and Syria.

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2015

Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces deployed to Iraq or Syria on or after August 7, 2014, other than Armed Forces required to protect U.S. diplomatic facilities and personnel, from Iraq and Syria: (1) no later than 30 days after this concurrent resolution is adopted; or (2) if the President determines that it is not safe to remove the Armed Forces before that date, then no later than December 31, 2015, or such earlier date as the President determines that the Armed Forces can safely be removed.

American Steel First Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2015

American Steel First Act of 2015 Prohibits the Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, and Transportation (DOT) (covered federal agencies) from obligating or expending funds or providing financial assistance for a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work unless all of the iron and steel used in such project is produced in the United States. Waives such prohibition in cases where: (1) the prohibition would be inconsistent with the public interest, (2) iron and steel are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities of a satisfactory quality, or (3) inclusion of iron and steel produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall project contract by more than 25%. Prohibits waivers by a covered federal agency for products produced in a foreign country that is determined by the U.S. Trade Representative to have violated the terms of an agreement with the United States by discriminating against products produced in the United States that are covered by the agreement. Prohibits a covered federal agency from imposing financial assistance restrictions on: (1) states that impose more stringent requirements on the use of iron and steel in foreign countries in projects carried out with such assistance, or (2) recipients that comply with such state imposed requirements. Makes any person who intentionally mislabels or misrepresents a product used in a project under this Act as "Made in America" ineligible for another department contract for six years. Requires DOT to: (1) publish a justification for a waiver of the prohibition against obligating funds to carry out the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, highway projects, public transportation projects, or aviation programs unless the steel, iron, and manufactured products used are produced in the United States; and (2) provide for public notice and comment on such waiver.

Flexibility and Oversight Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2015

Flexibility and Oversight Act Authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to transfer funds from one covered program to another covered program if: (1) such transfer will improve the quality of service provided by the VA to veterans, (2) the VA notifies Congress of the justification for such transfer, and (3) a period of 30 days has elapsed following the date of such notification. Defines "covered program" to mean the VA's Health Professional Scholarship Program, Employee Incentive Scholarship Program, and education debt reduction programs. Requires the VA's annual report on its educational assistance programs to include, during the 10-year period beginning on March 1, 2016, an evaluation of the efficacy of the programs in increasing the quality of health care provided to veterans and opportunities for improvement.

Retain Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2015

Retain Act This bill expands the eligibility of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees to participate in the education debt reduction program. The VA must give participation priority to employees providing direct-patient care services or services incident to direct-patient care services for which recruitment or retention of qualified health-care personnel is difficult.

Train Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2015

Train Act This bill revises the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee incentive scholarship program to increase: (1) the scholarship program from one to four years, (2) the required term of a graduate's full-time VA health service to up to four years, and (3) the maximum scholarship for a full-time student to $25,000 per year. An individual who is enrolled in the program as of the day before the enactment of this Act may elect to be covered by this Act with respect to a quarter, semester, or term commencing on or after enactment.

Recruit Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2015

Recruit Act This bill specifies that a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health professional scholarship shall consist of up to the full amount of the tuition and other reasonable educational expenses for a school year. The period of obligated service may exceed one calendar year for each such school year or part thereof if the VA determines that such period is appropriate based on the scholarship's amount and duration. An individual who is enrolled in such program as of the day before the date of enactment of this Act may elect to be covered by the amendments made by this Act with respect to a quarter, semester, or term commencing on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

STORIS Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2015

Ships to be Recycled in the States Act or the STORIS Act This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT), in coordination with the Department of the Navy, to report to Congress on the program for disposal of government-owned merchant vessels as well as on any other disposal of obsolete government-owned vessels. The Government Accountability Office shall audit all excess federal government vessel sales contracts, including resulting receivables and expenditures, entered into by the Maritime Administration during a specified period. The bill repeals authority to scrap any vessel sold from the National Defense Reserve Fleet in an approved foreign market without obtaining additional separate DOT approval to transfer the vessel to a person not a U.S. citizen. The Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 is amended to revise requirements for the selection of qualified scrapping facilities. The Toxic Substances Control Act is amended to declare that nothing in the mandate for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) shall be construed to prohibit the dismantling of a vessel or marine structure in order to recycle recovered materials. If PCBs are found or suspected, the person dismantling the vessel or marine structure must comply with specified requirements for informing the EPA and disposing of the PCBs. The bill repeals authorization for any foreign country to apply for an obsolete vessel to be used for an artificial reef. The Maritime Administration shall make public on its website the full text of each memorandum of agreement and similar agreement between the Maritime Administration and any other agency, department, or person.

A bill to authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to James Megellas, formerly of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and currently of Colleyville, Texas, for acts of valor on January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2015

Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Megellas for acts of valor on January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2015

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2015 Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2015, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to require that military working dogs be retired in the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2015

This bill requires that a military working dog be retired in the United States, except when a U.S. citizen living abroad adopts the dog at the time of retirement. Amounts available to the military department concerned shall be available for such dog's transport to the United States for retirement.

Ensuring Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2015

Ensuring Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Accountability Act Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to retain in a VA employee's permanent record a copy of any reprimand or admonishment received by such an employee.

Cuban Military Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2015

Cuban Military Transparency Act This bill prohibits a U.S. person from engaging in any financial transaction with or transfer of funds to: the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba or the Ministry of the Interior of Cuba (or any of their subdivisions); a senior member of such Ministries; any agency, instrumentality, or other entity that is more than 25% owned, or that is operated or controlled by, such a Ministry; or any individual or entity for the purpose of avoiding a prohibited financial transaction or transfer of funds that is for the benefit of that individual or entity. Such prohibitions shall not apply to: the sale to Cuba of agricultural commodities, medicines, and medical devices; a remittance to an immediate family member; or assistance in furtherance of democracy-building efforts for Cuba. A person that violates or attempts to violate such prohibitions shall be subject to specified penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The Department of State rewards program under the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 shall include rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual responsible for or aiding in the February 1996 attack on the aircraft of U.S. persons in international waters by the Cuban military. The Attorney General shall seek to coordinate with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to pursue the location and arrest of U.S. fugitives in Cuba, including current and former members of the Cuban military.

Marriage and Family Therapists for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2015

Marriage and Family Therapists for Veterans Act Revises the eligibility criteria for appointment to a marriage and family therapist position with the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to require a person: (1) to hold a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, or a comparable degree in mental health, from an institution that is regionally accredited or approved by the VA Secretary (currently, approved by the Secretary); and (2) to have passed the Association of Marital and Family Therapy regulatory board examination in marital and family therapy or an examination for a marriage and family therapy license given by a state board of behavioral sciences (or its equivalent).

Veterans Fiduciary Reform Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2015

Veterans Fiduciary Reform Act of 2015 States that, when in the opinion of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a temporary fiduciary is needed to protect the benefits of a VA beneficiary while a determination of incompetency is being made or appealed or a fiduciary is appealing a determination of misuse, the VA may appoint one or more temporary fiduciaries for up to 120 days. Directs the VA to provide a written statement to a beneficiary determined by the VA to be mentally incompetent for purposes of appointing a fiduciary. Allows the beneficiary to appeal such determination. Allows a beneficiary for whom the VA appoints a fiduciary to, at any time, request the VA to remove such fiduciary and appoint a new one. Requires the VA to comply with any such request if made in good faith and if the fiduciary is not acting in the beneficiary's best interests. Prohibits any such removal or new appointment from delaying or interrupting the beneficiary's receipt of benefits. Requires a appointed fiduciary appointed by the VA to act independently of the VA and in the interest of the beneficiary. Provides for the predesignation of a fiduciary. Provides that, if a beneficiary does not designate a fiduciary, the VA shall appoint, to the extent possible, a fiduciary who is: (1) a relative, (2) a guardian, or (3) authorized to act on their behalf under a durable power of attorney. Provides for: (1) fiduciary commissions when necessary; and (2) the temporary payment of benefits to a person having custody and control of an incompetent or minor beneficiary, to be used solely for the benefit of the beneficiary. Directs the VA to: (1) maintain a list of state and local agencies and nonprofit social service agencies that are qualified to act as a fiduciary, and (2) provide an appointed fiduciary with assistance. Requires any certification of a fiduciary to be made on the basis of an inquiry or investigation of his or her fitness and qualifications. Requires the investigation to include a face-to-face interview and a background check. Allows a person convicted of a federal or state offense to serve as a fiduciary only when the VA finds such person to be appropriate under the circumstances. Requires each fiduciary to disclose the number of beneficiaries that the fiduciary acts on behalf of. Directs the VA to: (1) maintain records of any person who has previously served as a fiduciary and had such status revoked, and (2) notify the beneficiary within 14 days after learning that the fiduciary has been convicted of a crime. Directs the VA, when determining whether a proposed fiduciary shall be required to furnish a bond, to consider: (1) the existence of any familial or other personal relationship between the proposed fiduciary and the beneficiary, and (2) the care the proposed fiduciary has taken to protect the beneficiary's interests. Directs the VA, upon reason to believe that a fiduciary may be misusing all or part of a beneficiary benefit, to: (1) conduct a thorough investigation, and (2) report results to the Department of Justice and the head of each federal department or agency that pays a beneficiary benefit to such fiduciary. Requires each Veterans Benefits Administration regional office to maintain specified fiduciary information. Requires a fiduciary (who currently is merely permitted) to file an annual accounting of the administration of beneficiary benefits. Directs the VA to conduct annual random audits of fiduciaries who receive a commission for such service. Requires fiduciary repayment of misused benefits.

Handgun Trigger Safety Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2015

Handgun Trigger Safety Act of 2015 Requires the Director of the National Institute of Justice to make one-year grants to qualified entities (states or local governments, organizations, or institutions of higher education) to develop technology for personalized handguns (a handgun that is manufactured to enable only the authorized user to fire it). Provides that a recipient shall use at least 70% of the grant amount to develop technology for personalized handguns and may use not more than 20% to develop technology for retrofitted personalized handguns and not more than 10% for administrative costs. Prohibits any person: (1) beginning 5 years after enactment of this Act, from manufacturing in the United States a handgun that is not a personalized handgun; or (2) beginning 10 years after enactment of this Act, from distributing in commerce any handgun that is not a personalized handgun or a retrofitted personalized handgun. Exempts antique firearms and firearms distributed or sold to the Department of Defense. Provides for the enforcement of such prohibitions by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and by the states. Requires a handgun manufacturer, upon request of the owner of a handgun manufactured in the United States that is not a personalized handgun or a retrofitted personalized handgun, to retrofit the handgun and return it to the owner within a reasonable period of time as established by the CPSC. Makes the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund available to the Attorney General for payments to reimburse handgun manufacturers for the costs of retrofitting handguns. Amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to exclude from the definition of "qualified product" any handgun manufactured after five years after enactment of this Act that is not a personalized handgun or retrofitted personalized handgun.

Fort McClellan Health Registry Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2015

Fort McClellan Health Registry Act Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a special record to be known as the Fort McClellan Health Registry containing the name of each individual who, while serving in the Armed Forces, was stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, during the period beginning on January 1, 1935, and ending on May 20, 1999, and who: (1) applies for care or services from the VA; (2) files a claim for compensation on the basis of any disability which may be associated with such service; (3) dies and is survived by a spouse, child, or parent who files a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation on the basis of such service; (4) requests a health examination from the VA; or (5) receives such health examination and requests inclusion in the Registry. Requires the Secretary, upon request, to provide such health examination, as well as consultation and counseling with respect to examination results. Directs the Secretary to: (1) notify individuals in the Registry of significant developments in research on the health consequences of potential exposure to a toxic substance or environmental hazard related to service at Fort McClellan; and (2) carry out appropriate outreach activities with respect to such health examinations, consultation, and counseling.

Collectible Firearms Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2015

Collectible Firearms Protection Act Amends the Arms Export Control Act to allow the importation of certain firearms listed as curios or relics into the United States by a licensed importer without the requirement of an authorization from or payment to the Department of State or the Department of Defense upon certification to the Attorney General that such firearms are lawfully possessed under the laws of the exporting country.

Department of Defense Cyber Support to Civil Authorities Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2015

Department of Defense Cyber Support to Civil Authorities Act of 2015 Directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a comprehensive plan for the U.S. Cyber Command to support civil authorities in responding to cyber attacks by foreign powers against the United States or a U.S. person. Requires the plan to include: (1) a plan for internal DOD collective training activities to be integrated with exercises conducted with other federal agencies and state and local governments; (2) any historical frameworks used in the formulation of the plan; (3) descriptions of the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of federal, state, and local authorities, as well as the active and reserve components of the Armed Forces; and (4) any legislative and administrative actions necessary to carry out the plan. Directs the Government Accountability Office to review such plan.

Long Range Strike Aircraft Mix Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2015

Long Range Strike Aircraft Mix Act of 2015 This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the results of a to-be-performed independent study that determines a future mix for the Armed Forces of: (1) shorter range fighter-class strike aircraft and long-range strike aircraft platforms, and (2) manned aerial platforms and unmanned aerial platforms.

Handgun Trigger Safety Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2015

Handgun Trigger Safety Act of 2015 Requires the Director of the National Institute of Justice to make one-year grants to qualified entities (states or local governments, organizations, or institutions of higher education) to develop technology for personalized handguns (a handgun that is manufactured to enable only the authorized user to fire it). Provides that a recipient shall use at least 70% of the grant amount to develop technology for personalized handguns and may use not more than 20% to develop technology for retrofitted personalized handguns and not more than 10% for administrative costs. Prohibits any person: (1) beginning 5 years after enactment of this Act, from manufacturing in the United States a handgun that is not a personalized handgun; or (2) beginning 10 years after enactment of this Act, from distributing in commerce any handgun that is not a personalized handgun or a retrofitted personalized handgun. Exempts antique firearms and firearms distributed or sold to the Department of Defense. Provides for the enforcement of such prohibitions by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and by the states. Requires a handgun manufacturer, upon request of the owner of a handgun manufactured in the United States that is not a personalized handgun or a retrofitted personalized handgun, to retrofit the handgun and return it to the owner within a reasonable period of time as established by the CPSC. Makes the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund available to the Attorney General for payments to reimburse handgun manufacturers for the costs of retrofitting handguns. Amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to exclude from the definition of "qualified product" any handgun manufactured after five years after enactment of this Act that is not a personalized handgun or retrofitted personalized handgun.

To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require identification and description on the website of the Federal Communications Commission of items to be decided on authority delegated by the Commission.

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2015

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require identification and description on the website of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of items to be decided by commissioner panels, employee boards, or individual commissioners or employees to whom the FCC has delegated its functions, unless the publication is likely to lead to the disclosure of certain classified national defense or foreign policy matters, internal personnel practices, trade secrets, personal information, investigatory records for law enforcement, or other deliberation information exempt from disclosure under federal administrative procedure laws. Requires such identification and description to be published on the FCC website at least 48 hours before an order, decision, report, or action is made or taken pursuant to such a delegation of authority by the FCC. Makes this Act inapplicable to a decision that: (1) does not receive a delegated authority number, (2) is delegated to an administrative law judge, or (3) is taken to address an immediate threat to health or safety that constitutes an emergency requiring an expedited response from the FCC.

To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to publish on the website of the Commission documents to be voted on by the Commission.

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2015

Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from adopting orders, decisions, reports, or actions by vote of the FCC unless the chairman causes the text to be published on the FCC's website not later than: (1) 24 hours after such text is circulated for review by the commissioners, or (2) 21 days before the vote. Exempts from such text publication requirements a portion of a document likely to lead to the disclosure of certain classified national defense or foreign policy matters, internal personnel practices, trade secrets, personal information, investigatory records for law enforcement, or other deliberation information exempt from disclosure under federal administrative procedure laws.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2015

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Authorizes FY2016 appropriations for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI); (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency; (5) National Security Agency; (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Coast Guard; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (10) Drug Enforcement Administration; (11) National Reconnaissance Office; (12) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and (13) Department of Homeland Security. Allows the DNI, if it provides prior notification to Congress, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY2016 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Authorizes appropriations for FY2016 for: (1) the Intelligence Community Management Account, and (2) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Prohibits initiation of a new special access program imposing access requirements for an intelligence-related activity or covert action that exceed those normally required for information at the same classification level, or of a transfer of funds from the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund or the Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund to be used for intelligence activities, unless the DNI or DOD: (1) notifies Congress at least 30 days before initiating the program or transfer, or (2) waives such prohibition in an emergency situation and notifies Congress within 48 hours after initiation of the program or transfer. Requires the DNI to designate an official to manage intelligence regarding the tactical use of tunnels by state and non-state actors. Prohibits the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 from being construed to authorize the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board to gain access to information that an executive branch agency deems related to covert action. Requires the DNI to establish a formal internal reporting process for tracking requests for country clearance submitted to overseas DNI representatives by U.S. agencies. Prohibits funds from being used to respond to or share any non-public information related to intelligence activities carried out by the United States in response to a legislative or judicial inquiry from a foreign government into U.S. intelligence activities. Establishes a Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center within the Office of the DNI to: (1) serve as the primary organization within the federal government for analyzing and integrating all intelligence possessed or acquired by the United States pertaining to cyber threats; (2) ensure that appropriate federal agencies have access to and receive all-source intelligence support needed to execute cyber threat intelligence activities and perform independent, alternative analyses; (3) disseminate cyber threat analysis to the President and appropriate federal agencies and congressional committees; and (4) coordinate cyber threat intelligence activities and strategic planning for the federal government. Transfers from the DNI's Director of the Office of Business Transformation to the Chief Information Officer of the Intelligence Community the responsibility to make the certifications necessary to obligate funds for an intelligence community business system transformation that will have a total cost in excess of $3 million. Removes a requirement that the certifications for such a transformation be approved by a DNI governance board. Deems certified transformations to be in compliance with defense business system requirements. Includes the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community within the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency. Authorizes the CIA Inspector General to request information or assistance from state or local governmental agencies. Allows the Government Accountability Office, notwithstanding a DNI directive governing access to intelligence information, to obtain information necessary to carry out an audit or review at the request of the congressional intelligence committees or pursuant to an intelligence authorization Act or a committee report, joint explanatory statement, or classified annex accompanying such an intelligence authorization Act. Prohibits funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to an element of the intelligence community from being used during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2016, to: (1) transfer or release to or within the United States, its territories, or possessions, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed or any other individual detained at the U.S. Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as of October 1, 2009, who is not a U.S. citizen or a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and is in DOD custody or control or otherwise under detention; (2) construct or modify any facility in the United States, its territories, or possessions (except at the U.S. Naval Station in Guantanamo) to house a Guantanamo detainee for the purposes of detention or imprisonment in DOD custody or control; or (3) transfer or release a Guantanamo detainee in DOD custody or control to a combat zone.

Transparency for the Families of 9/11 Victims and Survivors Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2015

Transparency for the Families of 9/11 Victims and Survivors Act of 2015 This bill requires the President to declassify and release to the public the previously redacted portions of the report on the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of September 2001, filed in the Senate and the House of Representatives on December 20, 2002, including all the material under the heading "Part Four--Findings, Discussion and Narrative Regarding Certain Sensitive National Security Matters." The President is not required to declassify and release to the public the names and identifying information of individuals or specific methodologies described in such report if it would result in imminent lawless action or compromise presently ongoing national security operations.

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2015

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 Provides FY2016 appropriations to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several related agencies. Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2016 Provides appropriations to DOT for the Office of the Secretary, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, the Maritime Administration, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Office of Inspector General, and the Surface Transportation Board. Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2016 Provides appropriations to HUD for Management and Administration, Program Office Salaries and Expenses, Public and Indian Housing Programs, Community Planning and Development, Housing Programs, Housing Counseling Assistance, the Federal Housing Administration, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), Policy Development and Research, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, and the Office of Inspector General. Provides appropriations to related agencies, including the Access Board, the Federal Maritime Commission, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Office of Inspector General, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Rescinds specified unobligated balances from prior appropriations. Sets forth permissible, restricted, and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

Honoring American veterans disabled for life.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2015

Honors American veterans disabled for life. Expresses appreciation to the men and women left permanently wounded, ill, or injured as a result of service in the Armed Forces.

FISA Reform Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2015

FISA Reform Act of 2015 TITLE I--FISA BUSINESS RECORDS REFORMS Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to establish a new process to be followed when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) submits an application to a FISA court for an order requiring the production of business records or other tangible things for an investigation to obtain foreign intelligence information not concerning a U.S. person or to protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities. Prohibits the FBI from applying for a tangible thing production order, and prohibits a court from authorizing the collection of tangible things, unless a specific selection term is used as the basis for the production. Maintains limitations under current law that prohibit the FBI from applying for tangible thing production orders for threat assessments. Establishes two separate frameworks for the production of tangible things with different standards that apply based on whether the FBI's application seeks: production on an ongoing basis of call detail records created before, on, or after the date of the application relating to an authorized investigation to protect against international terrorism, in which case the specific selection term must specifically identify an individual, account, or personal device; or production of call detail records or other tangible things in any other manner, in which case the selection term must specifically identify a person, account, address, personal device, or any other specific identifier that limits, to the greatest extent reasonably practicable, the scope of tangible things sought by the government consistent with the purpose and need to obtain foreign intelligence information but is prohibited from permitting bulk or indiscriminate collection of tangible things, such as by solely identifying an electronic communication or remote computing service provider, unless the provider is itself a subject of an authorized investigation, or by solely identifying a broad domestic geographic region (including the United States, a state, city, county, zip code, or area code) when not used as part of a specific identifier. Defines "call detail record" as session identifying information (including an originating or terminating telephone number, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity number, or an International Mobile Station Equipment Identity number), a telephone calling card number, or the time or duration of a call. Excludes from such definition: (1) the contents of any communication; (2) the name, address, or financial information of a subscriber or customer; or (3) cell site or global position system location information. Requires the FBI, in applications for ongoing production of call detail records for investigations to protect against international terrorism, to show: (1) reasonable grounds to believe that the call detail records are relevant to such investigation; and (2) a reasonable, articulable suspicion that the specific selection term is associated with a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power or an individual engaged in international terrorism or activities in preparation for such terrorism. Allows the FBI to request the FISA court to require recipients of a tangible thing production order to retain call detail records for up to 24 months from the date the record was initially generated if: (1) the FBI certifies that the government has reason to believe the recipient is not retaining call records for such a duration and the absence of records for that period is resulting in, or is reasonably likely to result in, the loss of foreign intelligence information relevant to an authorized investigation; and (2) the call detail records retained solely for purposes of complying with such a requirement may only be produced pursuant to a tangible thing production order. Requires a judge approving such an ongoing release of call detail records for an investigation to protect against international terrorism to: limit such production to a period not to exceed 180 days but allow such orders to be extended upon application, with judicial approval; permit the government to require the production of an initial set of call records using the reasonable, articulable suspicion standard that the term is associated with a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power and then a subsequent set of call records using session-identifying information or a telephone calling card number identified by the specific selection term that was used to produce the initial set of records (thus limiting the government to what is commonly referred to as two "hops" of call records); and direct the government to adopt minimization procedures requiring prompt destruction of produced call records that are not foreign intelligence information. Allows a FISA court to approve other categories of FBI requests for the production of call detail records or tangible things (i.e., FBI call detail record and tangible thing applications that do not seek ongoing production of call detail records created before, on, or after the date of an application relating to an authorized investigation to protect against international terrorism) without subjecting the production to: (1) the reasonable, articulable suspicion standard for an association with a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power; (2) the 180-day or the two-hop limitation; or (3) the special minimization procedures that require prompt destruction of produced records only if the order approves an ongoing production of call detail records for investigations to protect against international terrorism. Authorizes the Attorney General to require the emergency production of tangible things without first obtaining a court order if the Attorney General: (1) reasonably determines that an emergency situation requires the production of tangible things before an order authorizing production can be obtained with due diligence, (2) reasonably determines that a factual basis exists for the issuance of such a production order, (3) informs a FISA judge of the decision to require such production at the time the emergency decision is made, and (4) makes an application to a FISA judge within seven days after the Attorney General requires such emergency production. Terminates the authority for such emergency production of tangible things when the information sought is obtained, when the application for the order is denied, or after the expiration of seven days from the time the Attorney General begins requiring such emergency production, whichever is earliest. Prohibits information obtained or evidence derived from such an emergency production from being received in evidence or disclosed in any proceeding in or before any court, grand jury, agency, legislative committee, or other authority of the United States, any state, or any political subdivision if: (1) the subsequent application for court approval is denied, or (2) the production is terminated and no order is issued approving the production. Bars information concerning any U.S. person acquired from such production from being used or disclosed in any other manner by federal officers or employees without the consent of such person, except with approval of the Attorney General if the information indicates a threat of death or serious bodily harm. Requires a FISA court, as a condition to approving an application for a tangible thing production order, to find that the minimization procedures submitted with the application meet applicable FISA standards. Authorizes the court to impose additional minimization procedures. Allows a nondisclosure order imposed in connection with a tangible thing production order to be challenged immediately by filing a petition for judicial review. Removes a requirement that a judge considering a petition to modify or set aside a nondisclosure order treat as conclusive a certification by the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, an Assistant Attorney General, or the FBI Director that disclosure may endanger national security or interfere with diplomatic relations. Extends liability protections to persons who retain call detail records under a tangible thing production order or provide information, facilities, or technical assistance for the production of tangible things. Requires the government to compensate a person for reasonable expenses incurred in producing tangible things or providing technical assistance to the government to implement production procedures. Requires this title to take effect 180 days after its enactment unless the President certifies that a longer transition period of up to one year is necessary to make the new procedures operational. Provides for FISA court orders in effect on May 31, 2015, to continue in effect until the expiration of such orders. Authorizes the FISA court to extend the order of February 26, 2015, in Docket No. BR 15-24, until the effective date of this title. Prohibits this Act from being construed to authorize the production of the contents of any electronic communication from an electronic communication service provider under such tangible thing requirements. TITLE II--FISA PEN REGISTER AND TRAP AND TRACE DEVICE REFORM Requires the government's FISA applications for orders approving pen registers or trap and trace devices to include a specific selection term as the basis for the use of the register or device. Directs the Attorney General to ensure that appropriate procedures are in place to safeguard nonpublicly available information concerning U.S. persons that is collected, retained, or used through a pen register or trap and trace device installed with FISA court approval. TITLE III--NATIONAL SECURITY LETTER REFORM Amends the federal criminal code, the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require the FBI and other government agencies to use a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies. Requires the government to identify: (1) a person, entity, telephone number, or account for requests for telephone toll and transactional records; (2) a customer, entity, or account when requesting financial records for certain intelligence or protective functions; or (3) a consumer or account when requesting consumer reports for counterintelligence or counterterrorism purposes. TITLE IV--FISA TRANSPARENCY AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Requires the Attorney General to expand an annual report to Congress regarding tangible thing applications to include a summary of compliance reviews and the total number of: (1) applications made for the daily production of call detail records created before, on, or after the date of an application relating to an authorized investigation to protect against international terrorism; and (2) orders approving such requests. Consolidates various FISA reporting requirements of the Attorney General into a combined semiannual report. Makes additional information about FISA activities and the decisions of FISA courts available to every Member of Congress. Requires unclassified reports to be made available to the public. Permits a person who is subject to a nondisclosure requirement accompanying a FISA order, directive, or national security letter to choose one of four methods to report publicly, on a semiannual or annual basis, the aggregate number of orders, directives, or letters with which the person was required to comply. Specifies the categories of orders, directives, and letters to be itemized or combined, the details authorized to be included with respect to contents or noncontents orders and the number of customer selectors targeted, and the ranges within which the number of orders, directives, or letters received may be reported aggregately in bands under each permitted method. Expands the categories of FISA court decisions, orders, or opinions that the Attorney General is required to submit to Congress within 45 days after issuance of the decision to include: (1) a denial or modification of an application under FISA; and (2) a change of the application, or a novel application, of any FISA provision. Revises reporting requirements regarding electronic surveillance, physical searches, and tangible things to include the House Judiciary Committee as a recipient of such reports. Requires the Attorney General to identify in an existing semiannual report each agency on behalf of which the government has applied for orders authorizing or approving the installation and use of pen registers or trap and trace devices under FISA. TITLE V--OTHER PROVISIONS Establishes criminal penalties to be imposed for unauthorized disclosure or removal of classified information by officers, employees, contractors, or consultants of: (1) the United States, or (2) a recipient of a tangible thing production order. Allows FISA courts to appoint amicus curiae to assist in the consideration of certain matters. Allows the FISA court of review to certify a question of law to be reviewed by the Supreme Court. Permits the Supreme Court to appoint FISA amicus curiae or other persons to provide briefings or other assistance upon such a certification. Establishes procedures for a lawfully authorized targeting of a non-U.S. person previously believed to be located outside the United States to continue for a period not to exceed 72 hours from the time that the non-U.S. person is reasonably believed to be located inside the United States. Requires an element of the intelligence community, as a condition to exercising such authority, to: (1) determine that the target of the acquisition has communicated or received, or will communicate or receive, foreign intelligence information relevant to an existing exigent circumstance; (2) notify the Attorney General; and (3) request, as soon as practicable, the employment of emergency electronic surveillance or emergency physical search under appropriate FISA standards. Directs each head of an element of the intelligence community to review, at least every five years, the Attorney General-approved procedures required by the intelligence collection provisions of Executive Order 12333. Requires the heads of such elements, in coordination with the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence, to propose any appropriate modifications to existing procedures and to provide any modified procedures to Congress. Expands the definition of "agent of a foreign power" to include a non-U.S. person who: (1) acts in the United States for or on behalf of a foreign power engaged in clandestine intelligence activities in the United States contrary to U.S. interests or as an officer, employee, or member of a foreign power, irrespective of whether the person is inside the United States; or (2) knowingly aids, abets, or conspires with any person engaging in an international proliferation of weapons of mass destruction on behalf of a foreign power or conducting activities in preparation for such proliferation. Amends the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to extend until December 15, 2019, FISA authorities concerning: (1) the production of business records, including call detail records and other tangible things; (2) roving electronic surveillance orders; and (3) a revised definition of "agent of a foreign power" that includes any non-U.S. persons who engage in international terrorism or preparatory activities (commonly referred to as the "lone wolf" provision). Provides for such authorities, upon the enactment of this Act, to read as they read on May 31, 2015.

Fry Scholarship Enhancement Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2015

Fry Scholarship Enhancement Act of 2015 Includes under the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program (public-private contributions for educational assistance in addition to post-9/11 educational assistance) the child or spouse of an individual who, on or after September 11, 2001, dies in the line of duty while serving on active duty.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish headstones and markers for the graves of dependents of veterans buried in county, private, or other cemeteries.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2015

This bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish headstones and markers for the graves of spouses and dependents of veterans buried in any cemetery in the United States if the spouses and dependents died on or after November 11, 1998.

Access to Community Care for Veterans Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2015

Access to Community Care for Veterans Act of 2015 This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 regarding the veterans choice program to allow a veteran to access a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility, including a community-based outpatient clinic, if the VA facility within 40 miles driving distance of the veteran's home does not offer the needed hospital or medical services.

A bill to designate the arboretum at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, as the "Phyllis E. Galanti Arboretum".

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2015

This bill designates the arboretum at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, as the Phyllis E. Galanti Arboretum.

Wounded Warrior Tax Equity Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2015

Wounded Warrior Tax Equity Act of 2015 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to prevent any suspension of the tax collection period after assessment for taxpayers who are members of the Armed Forces due to a continuous hospitalization for combat zone injuries or the next 180 days after such hospitalization.

Drone Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2015

Drone Reform Act Prohibits operations involving the use of an armed unmanned aerial vehicle from being carried out under the authority of federal agency other than the Department of Defense (DOD). Defines "unmanned aerial vehicle" (UAV) as an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft, including drones, unmanned aircraft or aerial systems, remotely piloted aircraft or vehicles, remotely operated aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicle systems. Authorizes only uniformed members of the Armed Forces to: (1) operate, or order the operation of, an armed UAV; or (2) operate or fire, or order the operation or firing of, any weapon or other munition carried on an armed UAV. Subjects the operation and use of armed UAVs to the requirements of laws applicable to the Armed Forces. Prohibits this Act from being construed to: (1) limit or expand the authority of a component of the federal government to provide intelligence to the DOD, or (2) create or expand any authority for the federal government to kill any person.

Honoring American veterans disabled for life.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2015

Honors American veterans disabled for life. Expresses appreciation to the men and women left permanently wounded, ill, or injured as a result of service in the Armed Forces.

Stephen C. Hedger, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Elizabeth Lee King, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 21 May 2015

Veterans' Entry to Apprenticeship Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2015

Veterans' Entry to Apprenticeship Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to treat a pre-apprenticeship program as a program of apprenticeship, for purposes of providing educational assistance: (1) if such pre-apprenticeship program is recognized under or compliant with relevant state standards for a postsecondary pre-apprenticeship program, or (2) in the case of a program for which a state does not require any such standards, if the curriculum of the pre-apprenticeship program is approved by a sponsor who certifies that the program will prepare an individual with skills and competencies needed to enroll in a registered apprenticeship program and the pre-apprenticeship program maintains conduct and attendance policies in accordance with such sponsor. A covered individual enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship program must receive the same amount and kind of educational assistance the individual would receive if the individual were enrolled in a program of apprenticeship, with an exception of specified housing assistance if the individual is not paid as part of such pre-apprenticeship program.

Veterans' Survivors Claims Processing Automation Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2015

Veterans' Survivors Claims Processing Automation Act of 2015 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay burial and funeral expenses, accrued benefits, dependency and indemnity compensation, and non-service connected disability or death pension amounts to a survivor of a veteran who has not filed a formal claim if the VA determines that the record contains sufficient evidence to establish the survivor's entitlement to such benefits.

Department of Veterans Affairs Emergency Medical Staffing Recruitment and Retention Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2015

Department of Veterans Affairs Emergency Medical Staffing Recruitment and Retention Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to modify the hours of employment for a physician or physician assistant appointed in the VA on a full-time basis to more or less than 80 hours in a biweekly pay period provided the employee's total hours of employment in a calendar year do not exceed 2,080.

Smart Building Acceleration Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2015

Smart Building Acceleration Act Directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to: (1) conduct a survey of privately owned smart buildings throughout the nation, select at least one building each from an appropriate range of building sizes and types, and evaluate the costs and benefits of such buildings using the guidelines of the Federal Energy Management Program relating to whole-building evaluation, measurement, and verification; and (2) establish a program to establish one or more smart buildings under the jurisdiction of the General Services Administration and the Departments of Defense, Energy, and Veterans Affairs to demonstrate and evaluate the costs and benefits of smart buildings. Requires such evaluations to include an identification of which advanced building technologies are most cost-effective and show the most promise for increasing building energy savings, increasing service performance to building occupants, and reducing environmental impacts. Defines a "smart building" to mean a building with an energy system that: is flexible and automated; has extensive operational monitoring and communication connectivity, allowing remote monitoring and analysis of all building functions; is integrated with the overall building operations for control of energy generation, consumption, and storage; and communicates with utilities and other third party commercial entities. Directs DOE: (1) as part of DOE's Better Building Challenge, to develop a smart building accelerator in consultation with major private sector property owners to demonstrate innovative policies and approaches that will accelerate the transition to smart buildings; and (2) to conduct research and development to address key barriers to the integration of advanced building technologies and to accelerate the transition to smart buildings.

Paul A. Smithhisler Medal of Honor Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2015

Paul A. Smithhisler Medal of Honor Act This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Sergeant Paul A. Smithhisler for the acts of valor during World War I for which Sergeant Smithhisler originally was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. It is the sense of Congress that should the President award the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Paul A. Smithhisler, November 11, 2018, the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended formal hostilities in western Europe during World War I, would be an appropriate occasion upon which to make the award.