Defence

Keep Infant Formula Safe and On the Shelves Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2022

Keep Infant Formula Safe and On the Shelves Act of 2022 This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to periodically inspect infant formula manufacturing facilities and addresses related issues. The FDA must periodically conduct inspections, including unannounced inspections, of infant formula manufacturer facilities. If the FDA makes a notable regulatory finding at such a facility, the manufacturer must undergo a comprehensive food safety audit that includes a root cause analysis, enhanced testing, and comprehensive environmental samples. A manufacturer of infant formula or essential medical food must notify the FDA no later than five business days after becoming aware of circumstances that could lead to a shortage of the relevant product in the United States. Further, the FDA must create and annually update a list of U.S. manufacturing facilities that could be converted to manufacture infant formula during a shortage. In the event of a shortage, the FDA may require infant formula manufacturers to provide certain information, such as the quantity of formula in a manufacturer's inventory. The bill also establishes under statute that food, including infant formula, is a critical material essential to the national defense and therefore subject to authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950. (Such authorities authorize the President to take various actions, such as requiring businesses to prioritize certain government contracts and incentivizing the domestic industrial base to expand the production of critical materials.) The Occupational Safety and Health Administration must issue a fact sheet and provide technical assistance to infant formula manufacturers to promote compliance with occupational health and safety standards.

MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2022

Military Access to Reproductive Care and Health for Military Servicemembers Act or the MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act This bill repeals the restriction on utilizing Department of Defense funds and facilities for performing abortions. The restriction only allows such funds and facilities to be used for abortions in cases of rape, incest, or where the mother's life is endangered.

To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic located in Palm Desert, California, as the "Sy Kaplan VA Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2022

This bill designates the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Palm Desert, California, as the Sy Kaplan Veterans Center.

Bobby Moran Soldier’s Medal Retirement Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2022

Bobby Moran Soldier's Medal Retirement Act This bill removes the cap on additional retired pay for extraordinary heroism in the line of duty (during active duty service) for members of the Army and Air Force who served during the Vietnam Era (i.e., the period beginning August 5, 1964, and ending on March 27, 1973).

Directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2022

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against the Houthis in Yemen within 30 days of the enactment of this joint resolution unless Congress authorizes a later withdrawal date, issues a declaration of war, or specifically authorizes the use of the Armed Forces. Prohibited activities include sharing intelligence or providing logistical support to enable offensive strikes by the coalition led by Saudi Arabia. This joint resolution shall not affect any military operations directed at Al Qaeda or associated forces.

To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic located in Canton, Michigan, as the "Major General Oliver W. Dillard VA Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2022

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Canton, Michigan, as the Major General Oliver W. Dillard VA Outpatient Clinic.

Finding that the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol Complex and the corresponding attempt to bypass constitutional order and obstruct through corrupt means the counting of certified electoral votes of the several States under section 15 of title 3, United States Code, on January 6, 2021, with intent to displace the lawfully elected President of the United States or thwart the will of the majority of electors, constitute an insurrection against the United States, and that any person who participated in the attack, or conspired or attempted to bypass constitutional order and obstruct through corrupt means the counting of certified electoral votes of the several States under section 15 of title 3, United States Code, on January 6, 2021, with intent to displace the lawfully elected President of the United States or thwart the will of the majority of electors, is deemed to have engaged in an insurrection in violation of section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2022

This concurrent resolution declares that any person who participated in the attack on the U.S. Capitol Complex on January 6, 2021, is deemed to have engaged in an insurrection in violation of the 14th Amendment; any person who conspired or attempted to bypass constitutional order and obstruct through corrupt means the counting of certified electoral votes of the several states on January 6, 2021, with intent to displace the lawfully elected President of the United States or thwart the will of the majority of electors, is deemed to have engaged in insurrection in violation of the 14th Amendment; and any individuals who engaged in the above activities shall be disqualified from being a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or holding any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2022

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 This bill authorizes FY2023 appropriations for military activities and programs of the Department of Defense (e.g., personnel; research, development, test, and evaluation; and procurement of items such as aircraft, missiles, and ammunition). It also prescribes military personnel strengths for FY2023.

Protect Veteran Students, Job Seekers, and Entrepreneurs Housing Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2022

Protect Veteran Students, Job Seekers, and Entrepreneurs Housing Act This bill amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to treat educational assistance received by a servicemember (or an entitled spouse or child of a servicemember) as income for purposes of determining whether such an individual has a sufficient income to enter into a lease of a residential premises.

Expressing support for the designation of October 23, 2022, as a national day of remembrance of the tragic 1983 terrorist bombing of the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2022

This resolution expresses support for the designation of a national day of remembrance for members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were killed or injured by the terrorist attack on the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983.

Defending Freedom of Conscience for Cadets and Midshipmen Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2022

Defending Freedom of Conscience for Cadets and Midshipmen Act of 2022 This bill provides that a cadet or midshipman at a federal service academy (e.g., the U.S. Naval Academy) may not be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition for graduation and may not be dismissed from the academy as a result of refusing to be vaccinated. Cadets and midshipmen who are prohibited from fulfilling their service agreement due to their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination may not be subjected to repayment provisions (e.g., bonus repayment) or specified debt repayment collections.

Military Fitness Incentive Tuition Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2022

Military Fitness Incentive Tuition Act or the Military FIT Act This bill requires the military departments to pay a monthly allowance for a gym membership to members of the Armed Forces who reside more than 10 miles from a military installation. The amount of the allowance must be determined based on the average cost of a gym membership in the military housing area in which a member resides.

Bahrain Security Cooperation Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2022

Bahrain Security Cooperation Improvement Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report to Congress on (1) the upgrades necessary to enable the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet to address emerging threats in its area of responsibility, and (2) DOD efforts to increase defense and law enforcement exchanges between the United States and Bahrain. (Bahrain hosts the Fifth Fleet.)

Depend on Domestic Clean Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2022

Depend on Domestic Clean Energy Act or the DOD Clean Energy Act This bill addresses energy policy and climate resilience efforts of the Department of Defense (DOD), including by establishing in statute specified DOD clean energy targets, providing direct hire authority for DOD to appoint qualified candidates in positions that support the energy independence and climate resilience efforts, and authorizing DOD to develop charging or refueling stations for alternative fuel vehicles on its installations.

TIER Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2022

Transition Improvement by Estimating Risk Act or the TIER Act This bill adds additional factors for the design of the counseling pathways to address the needs of members of the Armed Forces under the Transition Assistance Program.

Federal Firefighters Workforce Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2022

Federal Firefighters Workforce Support Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to ensure that members of the Armed Forces and employees of defense agencies who provide fire protection services to military installations comply with the National Consensus Standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association. DOD must also ensure the minimum staffing requirement for any firefighting vehicle responding to a structural building emergency at a military installation is not less than four firefighters per vehicle and the minimum requirement for such vehicle responding to an aircraft or airfield incident is not less than three firefighters per vehicle.

Recognizing the service of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine, the USS Oklahoma City, and the crew of the USS Oklahoma City, who served the United States with valor and bravery.

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2022

This resolution recognizes the USS Oklahoma City and its crew for serving the country bravely.

Laura Taylor-Kale, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense. (New Position)

United States · United States Senate · 26 May 2022

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023

United States · United States Senate · 26 May 2022

Military Spouse Employment Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2022

Military Spouse Employment Act This bill authorizes federal agencies to make noncompetitive appointments of spouses of members of the Armed Forces on active duty, or spouses of disabled or deceased members of the Armed Forces, to positions in which the spouses engage in remote work.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Egypt of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2022

This joint resolution disapproves of the proposed foreign military sale of specified defense articles and services to Egypt.

DOD Clean Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2022

Depend On Domestic Clean Energy Act or the DOD Clean Energy Act This bill addresses energy policy and climate resilience efforts of the Department of Defense (DOD), including by establishing in statute specified DOD clean energy targets, providing direct hire authority for DOD to appoint qualified candidates in positions that support the energy independence and climate resilience efforts, and authorizing DOD to develop charging or refueling stations for alternative fuel vehicles on its installations.

Strengthen Taiwan's Security Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2022

Strengthen Taiwan's Security Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop, with close consultation with Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, a plan for the United States to use existing authorities to expedite military assistance to Taiwan as necessary for Taiwan to defend itself against certain military actions, such as an amphibious assault, a missile attack, or a blockade. The bill also requires DOD to report annually on the ability of the United States to support Taiwan's defense capabilities.

PANIC Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2022

Protecting America from Narcotics and Illicit Chemicals Act of 2022 or the PANIC Act of 2022 This bill expands the definition of major illicit drug producing country to include a country that is a direct source of certain drugs (or precursor chemicals for producing such drugs) that are significantly affecting the United States. (Under current law, a country designated a major illicit drug producing country may be eligible for certain U.S. foreign assistance, including transfers of excess defense articles. However, a designated country that fails to adhere to commitments related to drug control measures may be barred from receiving other forms of foreign assistance and may also be subject to trade restrictions.)

A resolution recognizing May 28 as "World Hunger Day", that the 90th anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine of 1932-1933, known as the Holodomor, should serve as a reminder of repressive Soviet policies against the people of Ukraine, and that Vladimir Putin's illegal war against Ukraine has diminished Ukraine's agricultural output and threatens to exacerbate the problems of global hunger on World Hunger Day.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2022

This resolution expresses that the Senate condemns Vladimir Putin's illegal war in Ukraine and his weaponization of hunger; calls upon Vladimir Putin and the Russian Armed Forces to immediately cease their blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports to allow all Ukrainian food exports to resume; calls attention to the impending global food crisis by observing May 28, 2022, as World Hunger Day; remembers the 90th anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine (Holodomor) of 1932-1933 and extends its deepest sympathies to the victims, survivors, and families of this tragedy; condemns the systematic violations of human rights of the Ukrainian people by the Soviet Union; and supports the continuing efforts of the people of Ukraine to defend themselves against Russian aggression.

Informing VETS Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2022

Informing Veterans on Education for Transitioning Servicemembers Act of 2022 or the Informing VETS Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to regularly promote the Veteran Readiness and Employment program by (1) sending a letter to each veteran entitled to the program that explains the educational benefits of the program, and (2) providing in each letter and online a side-by-side comparison of benefits between the program and Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance.

DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2022

DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act This bill authorizes for FY2023 and FY2024 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activities to identify and remediate illicit cross-border tunnels. CBP shall also develop and report to Congress a strategic plan to guide and improve such operations.

Veterans Marriage Recognition Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2022

Veterans Marriage Recognition Act of 2022 This bill revises the definition of a spouse and surviving spouse for purposes related to veterans' benefits, health care, and other matters. Specifically, the bill includes persons who are in same sex marriages as spouses and surviving spouses.

Defending Freedom of Conscience for Cadets and Midshipmen Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2022

Defending Freedom of Conscience for Cadets and Midshipmen Act of 2022 This bill provides that a cadet or midshipman at a federal service academy (e.g., the U.S. Naval Academy) may not be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition for graduation and may not be dismissed from the academy as a result of refusing to be vaccinated. Cadets and midshipmen who are prohibited from fulfilling their service agreement due to their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination may not be subjected to repayment provisions (e.g., bonus repayment) or specified debt repayment collections.

Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the VetFran program at the International Franchise Association and IFA Foundation.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2022

This resolution commemorates VetFran for 30 years of service to veterans and the franchise community.

Bahrain Security Cooperation Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2022

Bahrain Security Cooperation Improvement Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report to Congress on (1) the upgrades necessary to enable the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet to address emerging threats in its area of responsibility, and (2) DOD efforts to increase defense and law enforcement exchanges between the United States and Bahrain. (Bahrain hosts the Fifth Fleet.)

Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2022

Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022 This bill repeals the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review Act of 2018, which established the independent Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission and prescribes directives related to the development and assessment of recommendations for modernizing or realigning Veterans Health Administration facilities.

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-95] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 May 2022

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2022

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase the amounts payable for wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Specifically, the VA must increase the amounts by the same percentage as the cost-of-living increase in benefits for Social Security recipients that is effective on December 1, 2022. The bill requires the VA to publish the amounts payable, as increased, in the Federal Register. The VA is authorized to make a similar adjustment to the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who have not received compensation for service-connected disability or death.

Military Family Leave Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2022

Military Family Leave Act of 2022 This bill entitles an employed family member of a member of the Armed Forces who receives notification of a call or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation, or who is deployed in connection with a contingency operation, to two workweeks of leave per year for each family member who is so called or deployed. Such leave may (1) be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule; and (2) consist of paid or unpaid leave, as the employer considers appropriate. Additionally, the bill (1) allows an employer to require certification of entitlement to such leave within a leave request, (2) provides employment and benefits protection for employees upon their return from such leave, and (3) prohibits an employer from interfering with or otherwise denying the exercise of such leave rights.

To make permanent the authority to reimburse members for spouse relicensing costs pursuant to a permanent change of station.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2022

This bill makes permanent the authority for the military departments to reimburse a member of the uniformed services for qualified relicensing costs for the profession of the spouse of the member when the member is reassigned and the movement of the member's dependents is authorized at the expense of the United States. Under current law, such reimbursement may not exceed $1,000 in connection with each reassignment.

HALT Our Adversaries Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2022

Halting Academic Liaisons To Our Adversaries Act or the HALT Our Adversaries Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to identify academic institutions of China, Russia, and other countries that are known to provide support to China's People's Liberation Army or Russia's armed forces. Further, the bill prohibits an institution of higher education from receiving federal funds if it maintains a contract or other agreement with such an academic institution identified by DOD.

National Guard Promotion Improvement Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2022

National Guard Promotion Improvement Act of 2022 This bill addresses the promotion process for members of the National Guard.

Helping Heroes Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2022

Helping Heroes Act of 2022 This bill implements programs and procedures related to the provision of support services for veterans and their families. First, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must place at least one Family Coordinator at each of its medical centers and ensure adequate staffing and resources at each such medical center so the coordinators are able to carry out their duties. Family Coordinators must, among other duties, assess the needs of the families of veterans using evidence-based strategies and refer veterans to support resources. The VA must also establish the Family Support Program to provide and coordinate the provision of supportive services to veterans who have a service-connected disability rated at 70% or more and eligible children (i.e., individuals who are under 18 years of age and are wards, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, or siblings of the eligible veteran). Next, the VA must coordinate with the Department of Education to award competitive grants to local educational agencies to better meet academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of students whose parent or guardian previously served in the Armed Forces (including reserve components) or the National Guard. The VA must include information regarding supportive services available in the transition assistance curriculum for members of the Armed Forces who are being separated from active duty (and their families). Finally, the VA must conduct an annual survey of disabled veterans and their families to identify and better understand the needs of such persons.

National Guard Promotion Improvement Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2022

National Guard Promotion Improvement Act of 2022 This bill addresses the promotion process for members of the National Guard.

Protecting Military Servicemembers' Data Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2022

Protecting Military Servicemembers' Data Act of 2022 This bill prohibits businesses that collect consumer personal information from selling lists containing the personal information of members of the Armed Forces to North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran.

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-93] Department of Defense Information Technology, Digital Developments, and Artificial Intelligence for Fiscal Year 2023

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 May 2022

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-94] PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION AND THE NATIONAL DEFENSE STRATEGY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 May 2022

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2023

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 May 2022

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-92] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 May 2022

Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2022

Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act This bill broadens the scope of individuals who are subject to federal prosecution for war crime offenses. Currently, the federal war crimes statute provides federal jurisdiction over war crime offenses committed anywhere (i.e., inside or outside the United States) if the victim or offender is a member of the Armed Forces or a U.S. national. First, this bill extends federal jurisdiction over war crime offenses committed anywhere to offenses where (1) the victim or offender is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence; or (2) the offender is present in the United States, regardless of the nationality of the victim or the offender. Second, the bill expands federal jurisdiction over war crime offenses to include offenses that occur in whole or in part within the United States, regardless of whether the victim or offender is a member of the Armed Forces, a U.S. national, or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2022

Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act This bill broadens the scope of individuals who are subject to federal prosecution for war crime offenses. Currently, the federal war crimes statute provides federal jurisdiction over war crime offenses committed anywhere (i.e., inside or outside the United States) if the victim or offender is a member of the Armed Forces or a U.S. national. First, this bill extends federal jurisdiction over war crime offenses committed anywhere to offenses where (1) the victim or offender is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence; or (2) the offender is present in the United States, regardless of the nationality of the victim or the offender. Second, the bill expands federal jurisdiction over war crime offenses to include offenses that occur in whole or in part within the United States, regardless of whether the victim or offender is a member of the Armed Forces, a U.S. national, or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

AI for National Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2022

AI for National Security Act This bill modifies policy related to the Department of Defense enterprise-wide procurement of cyber data products and services, including by providing for the use of artificial intelligence-based endpoint security that prevents cyber-attacks and does not require constant internet connectivity to function.

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-91] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 May 2022

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023

United States · United States Senate · 17 May 2022