Defence

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the individual tax provisions of the tax reform law, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2018

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent several tax provisions that were enacted in 2017 and are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. The bill makes permanent provisions that reduce individual tax rates, modify the taxation of the unearned income of children, allow a deduction for qualified business income of pass-through entities, increase the standard deduction, increase and modify the child tax credit, increase the limitation for certain charitable contributions, allow additional contributions to ABLE accounts (tax-favored accounts designed to enable individuals with disabilities to save for and pay for disability-related expenses), allow certain members of the Armed Forces in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt to receive combat zone tax benefits, reduce the adjusted gross income threshold for the medical expense deduction, exclude from gross income discharges of student loan debt due to the death or disability of the student, repeal the deduction for personal exemptions, limit individual deductions for state and local taxes, limit the mortgage interest deduction, double the estate and gift tax exemption amount, increase the alternative minimum tax exemption amount for individuals, and repeal or limit several other deductions and exclusions. The bill also modifies (1) the capital gains tax brackets, and (2) the tax filing requirements for married taxpayers.

A resolution designating April 5, 2018, as "Gold Star Wives Day".

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2018

Designates April 5, 2018, as Gold Star Wives Day.

A resolution designating March 29, 2018, as "Vietnam Veterans Day".

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2018

Designates March 29, 2018, as Vietnam Veterans Day. Recognizes the contributions of veterans who served in Vietnam or in support of operations in Vietnam during war and peace.

First Division Monument Modification Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2018

First Division Monument Modification Act This bill authorizes the Society of the First Infantry Division to modify the First Division Monument located on federal land in Presidential Park, District of Columbia, to honor members of the First Infantry Division of the U.S. Army who died during U.S. operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The First Infantry Division must provide the society with a list of names to be added to the monument. The Commemorative Works Act, which prohibits monuments to military units, shall not apply to this authorization. Federal funds may not be used to pay for the activities authorized by this bill.

VA Hiring Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2018

VA Hiring Enhancement Act This bill negates enforcement of a noncompete agreement that an applicant for a physician's position in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has entered into with a non-Department of Veterans Affairs facility, entity, or individual. As a condition of terminating the noncompete agreement, the physician agrees to serve at the VHA for one year or until the expiration of the non-compete agreement.

Authorization for Use of Military Force of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2018

Authorization for Use of Military Force of 2018 This joint resolution authorizes the President to use all necessary and appropriate force against the Taliban, al Qaeda, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Al Shabaab, Al Qaeda in Syria (including Al Nusrah Front), the Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Mahgreb, and other non-state associated forces designated by the President. The joint resolution provides for related congressional review and oversight. The Authorization for Use of Military Force (P.L. 107-40) and the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (P.L. 107-243) are repealed.

VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2018

VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2018 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct and support research on the efficacy and safety of certain forms of cannabis and cannabis delivery for veterans enrolled in the VA health care system diagnosed with conditions such as chronic pain or post-traumatic stress disorder. Collected data shall be preserved in a manner that facilitates further research.

Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Readiness Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2018

Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Readiness Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop and implement a capability to conduct joint campaign modeling for joint electromagnetic spectrum operations. The term "joint electromagnetic spectrum operations" means those activities consisting of electronic warfare and joint electromagnetic spectrum management operations used to exploit, attack, protect, and manage the electromagnetic operational environment to achieve a military commander's objectives. DOD shall: (1) conduct an assessment of required joint electromagnetic spectrum operations capabilities and capacity based on a review of all level 3 and level 4 contingency plans, and (2) submit to the congressional defense committees reports on its readiness with respect to joint electromagnetic spectrum operations.

John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2018

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 201 9 This bill authorizes FY2019 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: (1) Procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and space procurement; (2) Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation; (3) Operation and Maintenance; (4) Working Capital Funds; (5) Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction; (6) Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities; (7) the Defense Inspector General; (8) the Defense Health Program; (9) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (10) Overseas Contingency Operations; and (11) Military Construction. The bill also authorizes the FY2019 personnel strength for active duty and reserve forces and sets forth policies regarding military personnel, acquisition policy and management, international programs, and National Guard and Reserve Forces facilities.

Noting the Baltic States of Estonia's, Latvia's, and Lithuania's 100th anniversary of independence.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2018

Recognizes Estonia's, Latvia's, and Lithuania's 100th anniversary of independence, the 27th anniversary of their independence from the Soviet Union, and their political, economic, social, and military progress. Reiterates support for the European Deterrence Initiative as a means to enhance deterrence and increase military capabilities on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's eastern flank.

Enhance Cybersecurity for Small Manufacturers Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2018

Enhance Cybersecurity for Small Manufacturers Act of 2018 This bill directs the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD), to address the lack of awareness of cybersecurity threats among small manufacturers in the defense industrial supply chain. The MEP shall help small manufacturers conduct voluntary self-assessments in order to understand operating environments, cybersecurity requirements, and existing vulnerabilities. NIST shall transfer its technology and techniques through MEP centers to small manufacturers to implement security measures to protect defense information. DOD shall establish a cyber counseling certification program, or approve a similar existing program, to certify small business professionals and DOD acquisition staff to furnish cyber planning assistance to small manufacturers in the defense industrial supply chain.

James H. Anderson, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Robert M. Scher, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 12 April 2018

[H.A.S.C. No. 115-98]NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 April 2018

Military Biodefense Readiness and Protection Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2018

This bill directs components of the Department of Defense to develop a plan for countering emerging and deliberate infectious disease threats to ensure joint force health protection and the ability of the Armed Forces to conduct operations in an area subject to an emerging infectious disease threat.

Veterans' Credit Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2018

Veterans' Credit Protection Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct outreach to inform veterans of how to resolve credit issues caused by a delayed payment of a claim for emergency hospital care, medical services, or other emergency health care furnished through a non-VA provider. The Government Accountability Office shall conduct a study that evaluates the effectiveness of the Office of Community Care in providing timely payment of a proper invoice for such care by the required payment date.

Veteran Employment and Child Care Access Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2018

Veteran Employment and Child Care Access Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide child care assistance to veterans: (1) who are receiving certain training or vocational rehabilitation, (2) who are the primary caretaker of a child or children, and (3) whose family's adjusted gross income does not exceed certain limits.

A bill to require a pilot program on the earning by special operations forces medics of credits towards a physician assistant degree.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2018

This bill requires the Department of Defense to conduct a pilot program for special operations forces medics to earn credits toward a master's degree of physician assistant.

Enhance Cybersecurity for Small Manufacturers Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2018

Enhance Cybersecurity for Small Manufacturers Act of 2018 This bill directs the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD), to address the lack of awareness of cybersecurity threats among small manufacturers in the defense industrial supply chain. The MEP shall help small manufacturers conduct voluntary self-assessments in order to understand operating environments, cybersecurity requirements, and existing vulnerabilities. NIST shall transfer its technology and techniques through MEP centers to small manufacturers to implement security measures to protect defense information. DOD shall establish a cyber counseling certification program, or approve a similar existing program, to certify small business professionals and DOD acquisition staff to furnish cyber planning assistance to small manufacturers in the defense industrial supply chain.

DRAIN Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2018

Decentralize Regulatory Agencies, Include the Nation Act of 2018 or the DRAIN Act This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget and the General Services Administration to jointly develop and implement a plan for relocating nonsecurity agencies outside the National Capital region by the later of October 1, 2029, or the expiration date of the lease for the building in which the nonsecurity agency's headquarters is located. The bill exempts security agencies and nonsecurity agencies specifically exempted by the President from the relocation requirement. A security agency is an agency that receives the majority of its funding from appropriations provided for the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, or for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs.

Department of Veterans Affairs Oversight Enhancement Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2018

Department of Veterans Affairs Oversight Enhancement Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on its corrective measures any year health care furnished by the VA appears on the high risk list published by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The high risk list is a list of programs that are vulnerable to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement or that need transformation. The VA is also required to report annually on the implementation of recommendations from GAO.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019

United States · United States Senate · 11 April 2018

[H.A.S.C. No. 115-97] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 April 2018

A joint resolution to require certifications regarding actions by Saudi Arabia in Yemen, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2018

This joint resolution requires the Department of State to periodically certify to Congress that Saudi Arabia is undertaking: (1) a good faith effort to conduct diplomatic negotiations to end the civil war in Yemen, (2) appropriate measures to increase access for Yemenis to food, fuel, and medicine, and (3) measures to reduce civilian casualties from its military operations in Yemen. If the State Department is unable to so certify, no federal funds may be obligated or expended for U.S. air refueling of non-U.S. aircraft conducting missions in Yemen other than missions related to: al Qaeda, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, and the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria; countering the transport or employment of ballistic missiles or components in Yemen; helping coalition aircraft return safely to base in emergency situations; or force protection of U.S. aircraft, ships, or personnel.

Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2018

Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 This bill extends access to Department of Defense commissaries and morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) facilities to Purple Heart recipients, veterans with a service-connected disability, Medal of Honor recipients, former prisoners of war, and veteran caregivers. (Commissaries are grocery/department stores on military installations that sell food and some household items. MWR facilities offer a range of services on bases including libraries, outdoor recreation, dining, golf courses, and sports and fitness centers.)

Recognizing the importance of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, its replica which travels in "The Wall That Heals" exhibit, and the distinguished servicemembers the memorials honor and commemorate.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2018

Recognizes the courage and honor of the service members who served during the Vietnam War. Commemorates the war's 50th anniversary. Commends the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and The Wall That Heals exhibit.

Military Taxpayer Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2018

Military Taxpayer Assistance Act This bill requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to establish a special unit within the IRS office of Stakeholder Partnership, Education and Communication to be responsible for outreach, education, and assistance concerning the tax issues applicable to members of the uniformed services and organizations that provide tax assistance to them. The IRS must: (1) staff the new unit with veterans, to the extent possible; and (2) ensure that ample funding is allocated to the unit to provide face-to-face training for the military volunteers providing income tax assistance in overseas locations. The IRS must also: (1) establish and maintain a toll-free telephone number to answer tax questions and resolve tax account and compliance issues for members of the uniformed services and their families, and (2) ensure that information relating to military taxpayers is current on the IRS website.

A resolution designating April 11, 2018, as the "Sesquicentennial of Connecticut's Navy Installation".

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2018

Designates April 11, 2018, as the Sesquicentennial of Connecticut's Navy Installation.

Reduce Unemployment for Veterans of All Ages Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2018

Reduce Unemployment for Veterans of All Ages Act of 2018 This bill makes all veterans with qualifying employment handicaps or service-connected disabilities eligible for the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs by eliminating the 12-year period of program eligibility.  

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that defense appropriations bills should be considered only as stand-alone measures.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2018

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that defense appropriations bills should be considered in the House only as standalone measures.

Intelligence Budget Transparency Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2018

Intelligence Budget Transparency Act of 2018 This bill requires the President's annual budget to include the total amount proposed for intelligence or intelligence-related activities of each element of the government engaged in these activities in the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted. The budget must also include the estimated appropriation required for these activities for each of the next four fiscal years.

A resolution designating April 11, 2018, as the "Sesquicentennial of Connecticut's Navy Installation".

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2018

Designates April 11, 2018, as the Sesquicentennial of Connecticut's Navy Installation.

Preventing Preemptive War in North Korea Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2018

Preventing Preemptive War in North Korea Act of 2018 This bill prohibits funds from being used without express congressional authorization for kinetic military operations in North Korea absent an imminent threat to the United States. The prohibition shall not apply to the introduction of the Armed Forces to: (1) repel an attack on the United States, its territories or possessions, the Armed Forces, or U.S. allies; or (2) rescue or remove U.S. personnel.

First Division Monument Modification Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2018

First Division Monument Modification Act This bill authorizes the Society of the First Infantry Division to modify the First Division Monument located on federal land in Presidential Park, District of Columbia, to honor members of the First Infantry Division of the U.S. Army who died during U.S. operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The First Infantry Division must provide the society with a list of names to be added to the monument. The Commemorative Works Act, which prohibits monuments to military units, shall not apply to this authorization. Federal funds may not be used to pay for the activities authorized by this bill.

Veterans Affairs Medical-Surgical Purchasing Stabilization Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2018

Veterans Affairs Medical-Surgical Purchasing Stabilization Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in procuring medical, surgical, dental, or laboratory items for VA medical facilities through the Medical Surgical Prime Vendor (MSPV) program, to: (1) award contracts to multiple regional prime vendors instead of a single nationwide prime vendor; and (2) prohibit a prime vendor from solely designing, or purchasing from, the formulary of items available for MSPV purchase. The VA shall: (1) ensure that each VA employee who conducts formulary analyses or makes decisions about including items on the formulary has relevant medical expertise, and (2) provide Congress with periodic lists of such individuals and their medical expertise listed by categories of formulary items.

To allow the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers to convey certain property to the City of Nashville, Tennessee.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2018

This bill authorizes the Department of the Army to convey, without consideration, to the City of Nashville, Tennessee, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the real property covered by Lease No. DACW62-1-84-149, including any improvements, at the Riverfront Park Recreational Development.

Recognizing the life and legacy of the first woman to achieve the rank of general in the United States Military, Anna Mae Hays.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2018

Recognizes the life and legacy of the first woman to achieve the rank of general in the U. S. military, Anna Mae Hays.

Expressing support for designation of a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2018

Expresses support for the designation of Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. Honors and recognizes the contributions of veterans who served in Vietnam.

Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2018

I mproving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to permit a Member of Congress to use a VA facility to meet with constituents during normal business hours.

[H.A.S.C. No. 115-93] Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request For Nuclear Forces and Atomic Energy Defense Activities

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 March 2018

[H.A.S.C. No. 115-94] Reviewing Department of Defense Strategy, Policy, and Programs for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction for Fiscal Year 2019

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 March 2018

Recognizing the contributions of the Montagnard indigenous tribespeople of the Central Highlands of Vietnam to the United States Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, and condemning the ongoing violation of human rights by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2018

Recognizes: (1) the contributions of the Montagnards who fought loyally and bravely with U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and who continue to suffer persecution in Vietnam as a result of this relationship, and (2) that eligible Montagnards should be provided access to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for resettlement in the United States and in other countries. Condemns actions taken by the government of Vietnam to suppress the basic human rights and civil liberties of its citizens. Calls on Vietnam to allow human rights groups access to all regions of the country and to end restrictions of basic human rights, including the right for Montagnards to practice their Christian faith freely, the right to land and property, freedom of movement, the right to retain ethnic identity and culture, and access to an adequate standard of living. Urges the President and Congress to develop policies that: (1) support Montagnards and other marginalized ethnic minority and indigenous populations, and (2) reflect U.S. interests and commitment to upholding human rights and democracy abroad.

Civil Defense Preparedness Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2018

Civil Defense Preparedness Act of 2018 This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the use of grants under the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) to assist high-risk urban areas and high-risk states, respectively, to increase preparedness against rocket-propelled or other forms of kinetically-delivered weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including nuclear, biological, and chemical attacks. The bill includes a rocket-propelled or other form of kinetically-delivered WMD among the types of threats to critical infrastructure sectors and to U.S. populations that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must assess. FEMA must permit a grant recipient under the UASI and the SHSGP to use grant funds for joint projects with governmental entities for the procurement of WMD protective equipment and nuclear weapons attack building reinforcement.

MINOR Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2018

Military Installation Non-Adult Offender Reform Act or the MINOR Act This bill directs the Department of Defense to enter into memoranda of understanding with state and local jurisdictions to allow a minor who commits a criminal offense on a federal military installation to be referred to the state or local prosecutor for adjudication.

A bill to require directors of medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit plans to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on how to improve such facilities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2018

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to require each director of a VA medical facility to submit a plan to improve such facility in such a fashion as would result in the facility obtaining a VA five-star rating.

Intelligence Budget Transparency Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2018

Intelligence Budget Transparency Act of 2018 This bill requires the President's annual budget to include the total amount proposed for intelligence or intelligence related activities of each element of the government engaged in these activities in the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted. The budget must also include the estimated appropriation required for these activities for each of the next four fiscal years.

Veterans Residential Care Choice Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2018

Veterans Residential Care Choice Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), at the request of an eligible veteran for whom the VA is required to provide domiciliary, nursing home, adult day health, or hospital care, or who is determined to be in need of such care, to place the veteran (at the expense of the United States) in a state licensed or certified residential care facility that meets VA standards if the cost of providing such care through the facility is less than the cost of providing the care through any other available option. An eligible veteran is a veteran who is eligible for hospital care or medical services based on: (1) specified service-related disabilities, (2) who is a former prisoner of war, who was awarded the medal of honor or who was awarded the Purple Heart; (3) who is a veteran of the Mexican border period or of World War I; (4) who was exposed to a toxic substance, radiation, or other conditions; or (5) who is unable to defray the expenses of necessary care.

National Security Commission Artificial Intelligence Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2018

National Security Commission Artificial Intelligence Act of 2018 This bill establishes, as an independent commission within the executive branch, the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence to review the advances in artificial intelligence, related machine learning developments, and associated technologies. Such commission shall consider the methods and means necessary to advance the development of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and associated technologies by the United States in order to comprehensively address national security needs, including economic risk, and any other needs of the Department of Defense or the common defense of the nation.

Military Career Intermission Program Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2018

Military Career Intermission Program Act of 2018 This bill codifies and makes permanent the Military Career Intermission Program.

Guam Land Return Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2018

Guam Land Return Act of 2018 This bill authorizes the General Services Administration to transfer to the government of Guam surplus property of federal agencies located on Guam as compensation for unreimbursed impact expenses claimed by Guam under the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003. The Department of Defense (DOD) shall maintain an inventory of all land parcels on Guam which are currently owned by the federal government and administered by DOD which it expects to transfer to Guam. The bill repeals the conditions on certain lands conveyed to Guam by the Department of the Navy pursuant to the Military Construction Authorization Act, 1981.

To make technical amendments to update statutory references to certain provisions that were formerly classified to title 50, Appendix, United States Code.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2018

This bill makes technical amendments to the U.S. Code to revise references to statutory provisions formerly classified to title 50, Appendix-War and National Defense