Defence

Protecting Veterans' Educational Choice Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2016

Protecting Veterans' Educational Choice Act of 2016 This bill requires Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) counselors who provide specified educational or vocational counseling services to provide a requesting veteran or member of the Armed Forces with information about the articulation agreements (agreements governing the transferability of credits toward meeting specific degree or program requirements) of each institution of higher learning in which the individual is interested. The VA shall provide a veteran who is certified as eligible for VA educational assistance with information on education counseling services and articulation agreements.

Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Extension Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2016

Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Extension Act of 2016 This bill amends the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014 to extend through December 31, 2021, provisions requiring the President to impose sanctions against individuals in Venezuela who are responsible for human rights violations.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 1, 2016, as "Silver Star Service Banner Day".

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2016

Supports the designation of May 1, 2016, as Silver Star Service Banner Day.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

United States · United States Senate · 20 April 2016

Maritime Administration Authorization and Enhancement Act for Fiscal Year 2017

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2016

Maritime Administration Authorization and Enhancement Act for Fiscal Year 2017 This bill reauthorizes the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT) for FY2017. DOT must direct the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to prescribe a policy and develop a program to prevent and respond to the sexual harassment and sexual assault of Academy cadets and other Academy personnel. The bill codifies the legal status of National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) vessels. MARAD training ships which are part of the NDRF are public vessels. NDRF vessels shall remain ''vessels'' until they are delivered to a dismantling facility. DOT may implement a program requiring a state maritime academy to share its training vessel with another state maritime academy. (Currently, DOT is prohibited from implementing such a program, except with congressional approval.) The Department of Defense (DOD), in conjunction with DOT, may extend the 20- and 25-year age restrictions for vessels in the maritime security fleet for up to 5 years, when the departments jointly determine that it would be in the national interest. The bill increases from 40 to 50 the number of DOT non-competitive appointments of Merchant Marine Academy cadets with qualities of special value. The Department of the Navy may select a recognized classification society to provide a classification for high-speed vessels. (Currently, the American Bureau of Shipping a non-profit organization makes such classifications for government-owned vessels.) MARAD shall review its workforce plans and policies. The Department of Homeland Security shall make a prospective payment to DOD for medical treatment or care provided to members of the Coast Guard and their dependents at DOD facilities..

Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2016

Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to identify: certain severance payments to veterans with combat-related injuries paid after January 17, 1991, from which DOD withheld amounts for tax purposes, and the individuals to whom such severance payments were made. DOD shall provide each such veteran with: notice of the amount of improperly withheld severance payments, and instructions for filing amended tax returns to recover such amount. The period for filing a related claim with the Internal Revenue Service for a credit or refund is extended beyond the three-year limitation to the date that is one year after DOD provides the veteran with the information required by this Act. DOD shall ensure that amounts are not withheld for tax purposes from DOD severance payments to individuals when such payments are not considered gross income.

Restoring Respect for Immigrant Service in Uniform Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2016

Restoring Respect for Immigrant Service in Uniform Act This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Homeland Security should exercise its discretion (including through the use of exceptions to inadmissibility based upon family reunification, humanitarian, or public benefit grounds, temporary waiver of inadmissibility, or consent to reapply for admission) to admit to the United States an alien who is inadmissible, was previously subject to an order of removal or has been removed, is outside of the United States, and is seeking U.S. admission, if such alien: has been a member of the Armed Forces for at least 180 days and has not received an other-than honorable discharge; has not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors that are not significant misdemeanors and that each occurred on a different date and arose out of separate conduct; and is not otherwise a threat to national security or public safety. The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended to exempt from deportation an alien who has been a member of the Armed Forces for at least 180 days and has not received an other-than honorable discharge, except in the case of an alien who: has been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors that are not significant misdemeanors and that each occurred on a different date and arose out of separate conduct; and is otherwise a threat to national security or public safety. "Significant misdemeanor" means a misdemeanor: (1) that is a crime of domestic violence, (2) that is a sexual assault, (3) that involved the unlawful possession of a firearm, or (4) for which the alien was sentenced to prison for more than 90 days.

A bill to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs located in The Dalles, Oregon, as the "Loren R. Kaufman Memorial Veterans' Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2016

Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic located at 704 Veterans Drive, The Dalles, Oregon, as the "Loren R. Kaufman Memorial Veterans' Clinic."

Promoting Value Based Defense Procurement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2016

Promoting Value Based Defense Procurement Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to revise the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement to require that Lowest Price Technically Acceptable source selection criteria are used for new solicitations (solicitations issued starting 120 days after enactment of this bill) only in situations in which: DOD is able to clearly describe the minimum requirements expressed in terms of performance objectives, measures, and standards that will be used to determine offer acceptability; DOD would realize no, or minimal, value from a contract proposal exceeding minimum technical or performance requirements; the proposed technical approaches will require no, or minimal, subjective judgment of competing proposals; a review of technical proposals other than the lowest bidder's would result in no, or minimal, benefit to DOD; and the contracting officer has included a justification for the use of LPTA evaluation methodology if the contract is predominately for the acquisition of information technology services, systems engineering and technical assistance services, or other knowledge-based professional services. LPTA source selection criteria shall be avoided when the procurement is predominately for the acquisition of information technology services, systems engineering and technical assistance services, or other knowledge-based professional services.

Buy American Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2016

Buy American Act of 2016 This bill directs the the Department of Defense (DOD), in the case of athletic footwear needed by members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps upon their initial entry into the Armed Forces, to: (1) furnish such footwear directly instead of providing a cash allowance to the service members to purchase such footwear, and (2) comply with American source requirements in procuring such footwear. A cash allowance may be provided for the purchase of footwear that is medically required to meet a service member's unique physiological needs that cannot be met with footwear furnished by DOD.

Promoting Value Based Defense Procurement Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2016

Promoting Value Based Defense Procurement Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to use Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection criteria for new solicitations only in situations in which: DOD is able to clearly describe the minimum requirements expressed in terms of performance objectives, measures, and standards that will be used to determine offer acceptability; DOD would realize no, or minimal, value from a contract proposal exceeding minimum technical or performance requirements; the proposed technical approaches will require no, or minimal, subjective judgment of competing proposals; a review of technical proposals other than the lowest bidder's would result in no, or minimal, benefit to DOD; and the contracting officer has included a justification for the use of LPTA evaluation methodology if the contract is predominately for the acquisition of information technology services, systems engineering and technical assistance services, or other knowledge-based professional services. LPTA source selection criteria shall be avoided when the procurement is predominately for the acquisition of information technology services, systems engineering and technical assistance services, audit or audit readiness services, or other knowledge-based professional services.

To provide limitations on the transfer of certain United States munitions from the United States to Saudi Arabia.

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2016

This joint resolution expresses the sense of Congress that no transfer to Saudi Arabia of U.S. air-to-ground munitions should occur until the President certifies that Saudi Arabia: (1) demonstrates an ongoing effort to combat the mutual threat our nations face from foreign terrorist organizations, and (2) takes all feasible precautions to reduce the risk of civilian harm in the course of military actions. No transfer of U.S. air-to-ground munitions may occur until the President certifies to Congress that Saudi Arabia: is not providing funding, material support, or lethal aid to foreign terrorist organizations; is, with its coalition partners, taking all feasible precautions to reduce the risk of civilian harm and exercising proportional use of force in the course of military actions; is, with its coalition partners, making demonstrable efforts to facilitate the flow of critical humanitarian aid and commercial goods; and is taking necessary measures to target designated foreign terrorist organizations, including al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and affiliates of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, as part of its military operations in Yemen.

Space Weather Research and Forecasting Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2016

Space Weather Research and Forecasting Act This bill directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to: improve the nation's ability to prepare, avoid, mitigate, respond to, and recover from potentially devastating impacts of space weather events; coordinate the activities of the National Space Weather Program Council members; and develop an integrated strategy for solar and solar wind observations beyond the lifetime of current assets. The National Science and Technology Council shall establish an interagency working group on space weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shall: secure reliable secondary capability for near real-time coronal mass ejection imagery; and develop requirements and a plan for follow-on space-based observations for operational purposes. The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Air Force shall each: maintain ground-based observations of the sun; and provide space weather data by means of ground-based facilities, including solar observatories. NOAA and the Air Force shall conduct a survey to prioritize the needs of space weather forecast users. The NSF, NOAA, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shall pursue multidisciplinary research in subjects regarding solar physics, space physics, and space weather. NASA shall seek to implement missions meeting science objectives identified in National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Solar and Space Physics Decadal surveys. NASA, the NSF, NOAA, and the Air Force shall: develop a mechanism to transition NASA and NSF research findings, models, and capabilities to NOAA and the Department of Defense space weather operational forecasting centers; and enhance coordination between research modeling centers and forecasting centers. NASA and the NSF shall support the development of technologies and instrumentation to improve space weather forecasting lead-time and accuracy. NASA and the NSF shall: make space weather related data obtained for scientific research available to space weather forecasters and operations centers, and support model development and applications to space weather forecasting. The Space Weather Interagency Group shall develop benchmarks for measuring solar disturbances. NOAA shall inform the Department of Homeland Security about space weather hazards to protect national critical infrastructure from space weather events. The National Security Council shall develop mechanisms to protect national security assets from space weather threats.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2016

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 This bill authorizes FY2017 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation. The bill authorizes appropriations to DOD for: Procurement; Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation; Operation and Maintenance; Working Capital Funds; the Joint Urgent Operational Needs Fund; Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction; Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities; the Defense Inspector General; the Defense Health Program; the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and Overseas Contingency Operations. The bill also authorizes the FY2017 personnel strengths for active duty and reserve forces and sets forth policies regarding: military personnel, compensation and other personnel benefits, health care, acquisition policy and management, DOD organization and management, civilian personnel matters, and matters relating to foreign nations. Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2016 The bill establishes paid parental leave for certain federal and congressional employees. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 The bill authorizes FY2017 appropriations and sets forth policies for Military Construction, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program, and Base Realignment and Closure Activities. Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 2016 This bill establishes a process and an independent commission for considering the closure and realignment of certain U.S. military installations.

Preventing Iran's Access to United States Dollars Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2016

Preventing Iran's Access to United States Dollars Act of 2016 This bill prohibits the President from issuing a license that permits a person to: conduct an offshore U.S. dollar clearing system for transactions involving the government of Iran or an Iranian person, or provide U.S. dollars for any offshore U.S. dollar clearing system conducted by a foreign government or a foreign financial institution for transactions involving the government of Iran or an Iranian person. The Department of the Treasury shall report to Congress: a list of financial institutions operating or participating in an offshore U.S. dollar clearing system that conducts transactions involving the government of Iran or an Iranian person, and an assessment of Treasury efforts to prevent such transactions. The President shall block and prohibit all transactions in property and property interests of any listed institution if the property and interests: (1) are in the United States, (2) come within the United States, or (3) are or come within the possession or control of a U.S. person. The President may impose additional sanctions pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 is amended to subject to sanctions: (1) u-turn transactions (fund transfers from a foreign bank that pass through a U.S. financial institution and are then transferred to a second foreign bank), and (2) book transfers (fund transfers for the benefit of an Iranian financial institution made between accounts of the same financial institution).

Veterans Pensions Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2016

Veterans Pensions Protection Act of 2016 This bill exempts the following payments from annual income determinations with respect to pensions for veterans and surviving spouses and children of veterans: (1) reimbursements, including insurance settlement payments, for medical expenses related to an accident, theft, loss, or casualty, up to the costs of medical care provided to the victim of such event; and (2) payments for pain and suffering, including insurance settlement payments and general damages awarded by a court related to an accident, theft, loss, or casualty loss up to an amount determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs on a case-by-case basis.

SBIR and STTR Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2016

SBIR and STTR Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2016 This bill amends the Small Business Act to reauthorize and make permanent the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The bill specifies budget amounts for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies to obligate for expenditure with small business concerns under the SBIR and STTR programs. The Small Business Administration (SBA) shall modify certain policy directives to eliminate automatic annual inflation adjustments to awards under Phases I and II of the SBIR program. The bill makes the Commercialization Development Awards pilot program permanent. The national small business goal for federal agency research and development programs shall be at least 10% for FY2018 and ensuing fiscal years. Annual reports to Congress on the SBIR and STTR programs shall include information regarding awards under the Rapid Innovation Program under the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. An SBIR or STTR award may cover the indirect cost of seeking protection for intellectual property created through work performed under it. The Government Accountability Office shall audit annually federal government compliance with SBIR and STTR goals and incentives. Federal agencies and prime contractors shall issue Phase III awards relating to technology, including sole source awards, to the SBIR and STTR award recipients that developed the technology. The SBA shall establish a Regional SBIR State Collaborative Initiative Pilot Program. The bill reauthorizes the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program through FY2021. The bill establishes an SBIR and STTR Interagency Policy Committee to: determine how to collect data on achievements by small business concerns in each phase of the programs; and establish a uniform baseline for metrics that support improving the solicitation, contracting, funding, and execution of program management.

PROTECT Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2016

Prevent Retaliation and Open up Transparency to Expand Care for Troops Act of 2016 or the PROTECT Act This bill amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to establish the offense of retaliation. Retaliation provisions require that any person subject to the code who, with the intent to retaliate against any person for reporting or planning to report a criminal offense, or with the intent to discourage any person from reporting a criminal offense, wrongfully takes or threatens to take an adverse personnel action against any person, or wrongfully withholds or threatens to withhold a favorable personnel action with respect to any person, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. The Department of Defense (DOD) shall prescribe uniform standards for conduct of each of the following functions at all stages of the military justice system, including pretrial, trial, post-trial, and appellate processes: collection and analysis of data concerning substantive offenses and procedural matters in a manner that facilitates case management and decision making and enhances the quality of periodic reviews; case processing and management; timely and accurate production and distribution of trial records; and facilitation of access to docket information, filings, and records. Each military department shall ensure that any individual investigating an allegation of retaliation against a person who has made a protected communication must have training in the definition and characteristics of retaliation. If the investigation involves alleged retaliation in response to a communication regarding rape, sexual assault, or other sexual misconduct, the training shall include specific instruction regarding such violations. It is the sense of Congress that DOD should ensure that its medical and mental health providers are adequately trained to meet the needs of male survivors of military sexual trauma.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to permit the Secretary of the Army to produce, treat, manage, and use natural gas located under Fort Knox, Kentucky, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2016

This bill authorizes the Department of the Army to produce, treat, manage, and use natural gas located under Fort Knox, Kentucky. Natural gas produced may only be used to support activities and operations at Fort Knox, and may not be sold for use elsewhere. Army may also take ownership of any production and treatment equipment or facilities utilized by a contractor in accordance with the terms of an agreement for the production or use of natural gas.

VA Scheduling Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2016

VA Scheduling Accountability Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that the director of each VA medical facility annually certifies to the VA that the facility is in full compliance with all provisions of law and regulations relating to scheduling appointments for veterans hospital care and medical services, including pursuant to Veterans Health Administration Directive 2010-027 (regarding scheduling of outpatient clinic appointments and ensuring staff competency). The VA may not waive any applicable provision of such laws or regulations. If unable to make such certification, a director shall provide the VA with an explanation of noncompliance and a description of compliance actions being taken. The VA shall ensure that its directives and policies apply uniformly to each VA office or facility.

Expressing support for efforts to enhance Israeli security and create the conditions for progress toward a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2016

Condemns acts of terrorism against Israelis. Mourns all loss of innocent life on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Supports the Administration's efforts to ensure Israel's long-term security through military and intelligence cooperation. Encourages the United States to take further steps to enhance Israel's security, including: reconvening the Trilateral Commission on Incitement to address violence-inspiring rhetoric; maintaining U.S. assistance to train and help support the operational costs of Palestinian security forces cooperating with Israeli security forces to fight terrorism; and working with Israel on enhancing areas of cooperation that would facilitate greater freedom of movement, economic growth, access to water, and other elements of human security for Palestinians living in the West Bank. Encourages the United States to help create progress toward a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by: opposing Palestinian efforts to seek penalties and sanctions against Israel and Israelis before international tribunals such as the International Criminal Court, articulating opposition to settlement expansion, and articulating a non-binding vision of what a comprehensive final status agreement might entail.

A bill to authorize the award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Chaplain (First Lieutenant) Joseph Verbis LaFleur for acts of valor during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2016

This bill authorizes the Department of the Army to award the Distinguished Service Cross to Chaplain (First Lieutenant) Joseph Verbis LaFleur for acts of valor during World War II.

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

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2016

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 Provides FY2017 appropriations for Military Construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and related agencies. Provides appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for Military Construction for: the Army; the Navy and Marine Corps; the Air Force; Defense-wide agencies and activities; the Army and Air National Guard; and the Army, Navy, and Air Force Reserves. Provides appropriations to DOD for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program. Provides appropriations for the Department of Defense Base Closure Account. Provides appropriations to DOD for Construction and Operation and Maintenance of Family Housing for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Air Force, and Defense-wide agencies and activities. Provides appropriations to the VA for: the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Veterans Health Administration, the National Cemetery Administration, and Departmental Administration. Establishes additional procedures for filing whistle-blower complaints at the VA and for protecting whistle-blowers from retaliation. Provides appropriations for related agencies and programs, including: the American Battle Monuments Commission, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Cemeterial Expenses of the Army, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Sets forth permissible, restricted, and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

[H.A.S.C. No. 114-121] EVALUATING DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INVESTMENTS: CASE STUDIES IN AFGHANISTAN INITIATIVES AND U.S. WEAPONS SUSTAINMENT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 April 2016

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

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2016

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 Provides FY2017 appropriations for Military Construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and related agencies. Provides appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for Military Construction for: the Army; the Navy and Marine Corps; the Air Force; Defense-wide agencies and activities; the Army and Air National Guard; and the Army, Navy, and Air Force Reserves. Provides appropriations to DOD for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program. Provides appropriations to DOD for Construction and Operation and Maintenance of Family Housing for the Army, the Navy and Marine Corps, the Air Force, and Defense-wide agencies and activities. Provides appropriations for the Department of Defense Base Closure Account. Provides appropriations to the VA for: the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Veterans Health Administration, the National Cemetery Administration, and Departmental Administration. Provides appropriations for related agencies and programs, including: the American Battle Monuments Commission, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Cemeterial Expenses of the Army, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Provide appropriations to DOD for Overseas Contingency Operations Military Construction projects of: (1) the Army, and (2) the Navy and Marine Corps. Sets forth permissible, restricted, and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

Directed Energy Weapon Systems Acquisition Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2016

Directed Energy Weapon Systems Acquisition Act of 2016 This bill amends the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 to state that, if supplies or support services are urgently needed to eliminate a deficiency in directed energy weapon systems, the Department of Defense (DOD) may use specified rapid acquisition procedures to acquire and deploy needed offensive or defensive directed energy weapon systems capabilities, supplies, and associated support services. "Directed energy weapon system" means military action using highly focused sound, electromagnetic, or particle-beam energy to incapacitate, damage, or destroy enemy equipment, facilities, or personnel. The bill redesignates DOD's High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office as the Joint Directed Energy Program Office. The Office shall: (1) develop a strategic plan for development and transition of directed energy weapons capabilities, and (2) use new and revised DOD policies to accelerate the development and transition of directed energy capabilities toward fielding.

[H.A.S.C. No. 114-120] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 April 2016

American Space Renaissance Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2016

American Space Renaissance Act This bill directs the President to develop: a doctrine for the Armed Forces and the intelligence community governing the U.S. response to efforts by state and nonstate actors deliberately to deny the United States or its allies or partners access to space or space operations, or degrade or destroy any of their government or commercial space assets; and a doctrine for the Armed Forces with respect to the rules of engagement for space forces. The Department of Defense (DOD) shall designate a DOD official to be Principal Defense Space Advisor on all space matters. DOD shall: develop and implement a strategy to increase interoperability across DOD space and cyberspace enterprises between systems that electronically share cyberspace situational awareness and space situational awareness data, and assess desirable protection capabilities to enhance integration of commercial space systems into national security space architectures. The President shall establish a National Executive Committee on Weather. DOD shall: develop a follow-on geomagnetic storm warning capability, carry out a pilot program to assess the potential viability of using commercial weather data in DOD weather modeling and forecasting, and establish a program to award up to four launch services contracts for venture-class launch missions. The Air Force shall contract with a private entity to carry out Satellite Control Network operations. The bill requires U.S. aeronautical and space activities to contribute materially to: the expansion of the human sphere of influence throughout the Solar System, being among the first to arrive at a destination in space and open it for subsequent use and development, and creation of infrastructure precursors to support future use and development of space. The bill establishes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Leadership and Advising Commission. NASA shall develop: a 20-year plan that outlines broad goals, including a designated five-year range for American astronauts to land on Mars; a 10-year plan that in part addresses the efficacy of the Asteroid Redirect Mission; multi-year budgets beginning in FY2018. NASA shall: formulate a plan for the remaining life of the International Space Station and continued human presence in low-Earth orbit, and establish a Commercial Habitat Pilot Program to demonstrate the viability of using commercially built on-orbit habitats to meet NASA human exploration and science missions. The bill establishes an Office of Commercial Space Transportation within the Department of Transportation (DOT), which shall in turn establish within it an Office of Spaceports to support and establish domestic commercial spaceports. DOT shall also designate a lead government agency for space traffic management activities and services. The Department of State shall seek to convene a meeting of nations to develop a unified space traffic management regime. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce shall promulgate rules regarding its treatment of weather data acquired from commercial space-based systems. Commerce shall report on the feasibility and benefits of reorganizing the Department to better coordinate and support its space-related economic and regulatory activities. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business-related tax credit for 10% of the insured value of all payloads launched by a licensed domestic launch provider or on a launch vehicle meeting Buy American requirements Commerce shall make loan guarantees to a domestic commercial entity or a Federal Aviation Administation-licensed spaceport to promote job creation in the U.S. space sector and encourage startup companies. DOT shall establish a program to allow commercial entities to operate space training flights. The Internal Revenue Code is amended to allow an individual to elect to include in gross income gains from the sale or other disposal of stock or option-related compensation received for services rendered from a startup domestic commercial space company.

Honoring women who have served, and who are currently serving, as members of the Armed Forces and recognizing the recently expanded service opportunities available to female members of the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2016

Honors women who have served, and who are currently serving, as members of the Armed Forces. Commends female members of the Armed Forces who have sacrificed their lives in defense of the United States. Recognizes that female members of the Armed Forces are an integral part of the Armed Forces. Urges the Department of Defense (DOD) to ensure that female members of the Armed Forces: (1) receive adequate, well-fitted equipment; and (2) have access to health services that address their specific medical needs. Encourages DOD to develop new initiatives to recruit and retain more women in the officer corps.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the eligibility for monthly stipends paid under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for certain members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2016

This bill provides that the monthly stipend under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance program for a member of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who is pursuing a program of education using assistance under such program and performing certain active duty service shall be payable on a pro rata basis for the period of such month in which the individual is not performing active duty service.

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2016

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 Provides FY2017 appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy (DOE), and independent agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Provides appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, including for: Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Operation and Maintenance, the Regulatory Program, the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies, Expenses, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Provides appropriations to the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project and the Bureau of Reclamation. Provides appropriations to DOE for Energy Programs, including: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Nuclear Energy, Fossil Energy Research and Development, Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the Energy Information Administration, Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup, the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund, Science, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, the Office of Indian Energy, and the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program. Provides appropriations to DOE for: Atomic Energy Defense Activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration, Environmental and Other Defense Activities, and the Power Marketing Administrations. Provides appropriations to several independent agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Sets forth permissible, restricted, and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

A resolution supporting the designation of April 20, 2016, as "Cheyenne Mountain Day".

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2016

Expresses support for the designation of April 20, 2016, as Cheyenne Mountain Day. Recognizes the strategic importance of Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station to the defense of North America. Commends the efforts of the 21st Space Wing, the 721st Mission Support Group, and the 1,000 U.S. and Canadian military and civilian personnel working at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex.

JCPOA Intelligence Enforcement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2016

JCPOA Intelligence Enforcement Act of 2016 This bill directs the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to establish an integration cell among elements of the U.S. intelligence community to integrate intelligence for monitoring and enforcement of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which is the international agreement on Iran's nuclear program. The cell must coordinate intelligence collection, integrate early warning systems with respect to potential violations, and identify intelligence gaps in monitoring for the JCPOA. The cell must report to Congress annually regarding its awareness of, and its recommendations for better collection regarding, Iran's compliance. The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the intelligence community should establish a joint fusion cell with the Gulf Cooperation Council to: combat Iran's malevolent regional activities, including its support for terrorist proxies, such as Hezbollah; disrupt illicit transfers of weapons and material in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231; and protect the territorial integrity of key partner nations. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that the DNI should establish a United States-Israel intelligence working group focused specifically on the Iranian threat.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

United States · United States Senate · 13 April 2016

Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2016

Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act This bill includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands during the period January 1, 1977-December 31, 1980, as radiation exposed veterans for purposes of the Department of Veterans Affairs presumption of service-connection for specified cancers.

SBIR and STTR Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2016

SBIR and STTR Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2016 This bill amends the Small Business Act to reauthorize and make permanent the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The bill specifies budget amounts for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies to obligate for expenditure with small business concerns under the SBIR and STTR programs. The Small Business Administration (SBA) shall modify certain policy directives to eliminate automatic annual inflation adjustments to awards under Phases I and II of the SBIR program. The bill makes the Commercialization Development Awards pilot program permanent. The national small business goal for federal agency research and development programs shall be at least 10% for FY2018 and ensuing fiscal years. Annual reports to Congress on the SBIR and STTR programs shall include information regarding awards under the Rapid Innovation Program under the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. An SBIR or STTR award may cover the indirect cost of seeking protection for intellectual property created through work performed under it. The Government Accountability Office shall audit annually federal government compliance with SBIR and STTR goals and incentives. Federal agencies and prime contractors shall issue Phase III awards relating to technology, including sole source awards, to the SBIR and STTR award recipients that developed the technology. The SBA shall establish a Regional SBIR State Collaborative Initiative Pilot Program. The bill reauthorizes the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program through FY2021. The bill establishes an SBIR and STTR Interagency Policy Committee to: determine how to collect data on achievements by small business concerns in each phase of the programs; and establish a uniform baseline for metrics that support improving the solicitation, contracting, funding, and execution of program management.

Rapid Innovation Fund Enhancement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2016

Rapid Innovation Fund Enhancement Act of 2016 This bill amends the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 to require that the Defense Research and Development Rapid Innovation program be coordinated with the senior acquisition executives of the departments, agencies, and components of the Department of Defense (DOD). For FY2017 and each fiscal year thereafter, DOD shall obligate for eligible program technologies a minimum of 1% of the aggregate DOD research, development, test, and evaluation budget available for projects and activities at the level of Advanced Component Development Prototypes and above. DOD shall: (1) provide Congress with annual project briefings, and (2) issue additional program operations guidelines. "Eligible technology" means: a technology that has received a phase II award under the Small Business Innovation Research program or the Small Business Technology Transfer program, a technology developed by a nontraditional defense contractor, a technology developed by the defense laboratories, or any other innovative technology as determined by DOD.

A bill to prohibit closure of United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to prohibit the transfer or release of detainees at that Naval Station to the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2016

This bill prohibits the use of any amounts authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for any federal department or agency to: (1) close or abandon U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; (2) relinquish control of Guantanamo to Cuba; (3) implement a material modification to the 1934 Treaty Between the United States of America and Cuba that constructively closes Guantanamo; or (4) transfer, release, or assist in the transfer or release to or within the United States, its territories, or possessions of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed or any other detainee who is or was held by the Department of Defense (DOD) at Guantanamo on or after January 20, 2009, and who is not a U.S. citizen or a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. Prior to the transfer or release of any such individual, DOD shall make available to the public a specified notice of such intended action.

A joint resolution to provide limitations on the transfer of certain United States munitions from the United States to Saudi Arabia.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2016

This joint resolution expresses the sense of Congress that no transfer to Saudi Arabia of U.S. air-to-ground munitions should occur until the President certifies that Saudi Arabia: (1) demonstrates an ongoing effort to combat the mutual threat our nations face from foreign terrorist organizations, and (2) takes all feasible precautions to reduce the risk of civilian harm in the course of military actions. No transfer of U.S. air-to-ground munitions may occur until the President certifies to Congress that Saudi Arabia: is not providing funding, material support, or lethal aid to foreign terrorist organizations; and its coalition partners are taking all feasible precautions to reduce the risk of civilian harm and exercising proportional use of force in the course of military actions; and its coalition partners are making demonstrable efforts to facilitate the flow of critical humanitarian aid and commercial goods; and is taking necessary measures to target designated foreign terrorist organizations, including al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and affiliates of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, as part of its military operations in Yemen.

Stepping up for American Workers and Troops Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2016

Stepping up for American Workers and Troops Act This bill directs the the Department of Defense (DOD), in the case of athletic footwear needed by members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps upon their initial entry into the Armed Forces, to: (1) furnish such footwear directly instead of providing a cash allowance to the service members to purchase such footwear, and (2) comply with American source requirements in procuring such footwear. A cash allowance may be provided for the purchase of footwear that is medically required to meet a service member's unique physiological needs that cannot be met with footwear furnished by DOD.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 12 April 2016

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2016

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 This bill authorizes FY2017 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation. The bill authorizes appropriations to DOD for: Procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, space procurement, and other procurement; Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation; Operation and Maintenance; Working Capital Funds; the Joint Urgent Operational Needs Fund; Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction; Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities; the Defense Inspector General; the Defense Health Program; the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and Overseas Contingency Operations. The bill also authorizes the FY2017 personnel strengths for active duty and reserve forces and sets forth policies regarding: military personnel, compensation and other personnel benefits, acquisition policy and management, civilian personnel matters, and matters relating to foreign nations. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 The bill authorizes FY2017 appropriations and sets forth policies for Military Construction for the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, defense agencies, international programs, Guard and Reserve Forces, and Base Realignment and Closure Activities.

To amend title 36, United States Code, to require that the POW/MIA flag be displayed on all days that the flag of the United States is displayed on certain Federal property.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2016

The bill changes the days on which the POW/MIA flag is required to be displayed at specified locations to all days on which the U.S. flag is displayed. (Current law requires the POW/MIA flag to be displayed only on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Veterans Day.)

Protections Against Terrorist Transfer Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2016

Protections Against Terrorist Transfer Act of 2016 This bill amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 to prohibit the use of funds made available to the Department of Defense (DOD) or to any other U.S. government entity to transfer, release, or assist in the transfer or release of any individual detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the custody or control of any foreign country or other foreign entity unless DOD certifies to Congress that the individual no longer poses a threat to the security of the United States, its citizens, and its interests.

Directed Energy Weapon Systems Acquisition Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2016

Directed Energy Weapon Systems Acquisition Act of 2016 This bill amends the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 to state that, if supplies or support services are urgently needed to eliminate a deficiency in directed energy weapon systems, the Department of Defense (DOD) may use specified rapid acquisition procedures to acquire and deploy needed offensive or defensive directed energy weapon systems capabilities, supplies, and associated support services. "Directed energy weapon system" means military action using highly focused sound, electromagnetic, or particle-beam energy to incapacitate, damage, or destroy enemy equipment, facilities, or personnel. The bill redesignates DOD's High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office as the Joint Directed Energy Program Office. The Office shall: (1) develop a strategic plan for development and transition of directed energy weapons capabilities, and (2) use new and revised DOD policies to accelerate the development and transition of directed energy capabilities toward fielding.

To reauthorize the program of the Department of Veterans Affairs under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides health services to veterans through qualifying non-Department health care providers.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2016

This bill amends the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 to extend through August 7, 2021, the pilot program under which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides covered health services in highly rural areas to covered veterans through qualifying non-VA health care providers.

Expressing the sense of Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued in honor of the Buffalo Soldiers.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2016

Expresses the sense of Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued in honor of the Buffalo Soldiers.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to pay special compensation to certain veterans with the loss or loss of use of creative organs.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2016

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay additional compensation in the form of two $10,000 lump-sum payments to a veteran who is paid disability compensation for: (1) the anatomical loss of one or more creative organs, or (2) the permanent or static loss of use of one or more creative organs. (Creative organs are those involved in reproduction.)

A bill to eliminate the requirement that veterans pay a copayment to the Department of Veterans Affairs to receive opioid antagonists or education on the use of opioid antagonists.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2016

This bill exempts from the requirement that veterans pay a Department of Veterans Affairs copayment for: any opioid antagonists furnished to a veteran at high risk for overdose of a specific medication or substance in order to reverse the effect of such an overdose, and education on their use.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the qualifications for licensed mental health counselors of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2016

This bill provides that persons with a degree that is equivalent to a master's degree in mental health counseling shall be eligible for appointment to a Department of Veterans Affairs licensed professional mental health counselor position.