Defence

Protect Patriot Parents Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Protect Patriot Parents Act This bill makes certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who are parents of a veteran eligible for lawful permanent resident status (also known as a green card ). To be eligible for a green card, an individual must be a parent of a U.S. citizen who serves or served in the Armed Forces. If the U.S. citizen has been discharged from the Armed Forces, such discharge must be under honorable conditions. Certain factors that would otherwise make an individual inadmissible, such as having entered the United States without being admitted, shall not apply to a parent seeking a green card under this bill. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may also waive certain factors that would otherwise make an individual inadmissible, such as having misrepresented a material fact to secure a visa, if the individual does not pose a threat to the public and has not committed any crimes that are unrelated to immigration status. An eligible individual who was previously removed from (or permitted to leave) the United States before this bill's enactment may apply for a green card under this bill from abroad. DHS and the Department of State must also establish a program where an eligible individual who has applied for a green card under this bill may be admitted into the United States as a nonimmigrant while the application is pending, if DHS and the State Department determine that the individual does not pose a threat to the public or national security.

Gray Zone Defense Assessment Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2023

Gray Zone Defense Assessment Act This bill requires the President, the Department of State, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to each provide reports to Congress related to gray zone campaigns or assets. (Gray zone campaigns involve advancing a nation's interests through activities that fall between ordinary statecraft and open warfare without provoking a kinetic military conflict. Gray zone assets are entities or proxies used in gray zone activities.) Specifically, the bill requires the President to submit a report to Congress on the processes and capabilities by which the United States responds to gray zone campaigns and recommendations to enhance such processes and capabilities; requires the State Department to submit a report to Congress on the department's understanding of the gray zone threat environment and capacity to contribute to coordinated U.S. responses to adversary gray zone campaigns; and expands a required Intelligence Community Assessment regarding Russian gray zone assets to include the gray zone assets of China, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Syria. (ODNI must submit this expanded assessment to Congress annually.)

STOP CCP Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2023

Sanction Transactions Originating from Pernicious Chinese Companies and Policies Act of 2023 or the STOP CCP Act of 202 3  This bill prohibits U.S. persons (generally individuals and entities subject to U.S. jurisdiction) from trading in publicly traded securities with certain ties to China and expands the list of Chinese entities subject to sanctions. The bill prohibits the purchase or sale, or related transaction, of securities issued by any person that operates or has operated in the defense sector or the surveillance technology sector of the economy of China. Further, the Department of the Treasury must expand the Non-Specially Designated Nationals Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control to include any entity that supports the Chinese military-industrial complex. (This list identifies individuals and entities subject to U.S. sanctions.) 

HALT Our Adversaries Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2023

Halting Academic Liaisons To Our Adversaries Act or the HALT Our Adversaries Act This bill prohibits federal funding for institutions of higher education (IHEs) that have certain agreements with China or Russia. Specifically, the 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 IHE from receiving federal funds if it maintains a contract or other agreement with such an academic institution identified by DOD. Additionally, the bill prohibits an IHE from receiving funds made available for an element of the intelligence community for research, development, testing, and evaluation if it maintains a contract or other agreement with (1) any entity identified as a Chinese military company operating in the United States, or (2) an academic institution of China that maintains a relationship with such an entity. The bill also prohibits an IHE or other postsecondary educational institution from receiving federal funds (with exceptions for certain federal education funds) if it has a contractual partnership in effect with an entity that is (1) owned or controlled by the Chinese government, or (2) organized under the laws of China. The IHE or other postsecondary educational institution may regain eligibility for these funds upon termination of the partnership.

BEYOND THE BUDGET: ADDRESSING FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 13 July 2023

To authorize appropriations for the operation of the Southwest Montana Veterans' Home, located in Butte, Montana.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Amend the Code for Marriage Equality Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Amend the Code for Marriage Equality Act of 2023 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Social Security Act (SSA), and other federal laws to replace (1) references to wife or husband with references to spouse , and (2) references to husband and wife or husband or wife with references to married couple or married person. For purposes of federal laws or regulations, marriage is defined as a legal union between two people as spouses. The bill eliminates a definition of spouse that refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife. Requirements concerning compensation to a surviving wife after the disability or death of a person employed at a military, air, or naval base outside the United States are revised to make surviving spouses eligible for such compensation. The bill makes similar revisions to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, and other federal statutes. The bill revises title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the SSA to consolidate separate provisions for a wife's insurance benefits and a husband's insurance benefits into a single standard for a spouse's insurance benefits.

Providing for further consideration of the bill (H.R. 2670) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2024 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

This resolution sets forth the rule for further consideration of H.R. 2670 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which authorizes appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense programs and activities; military construction; the national security programs of the Department of Energy; the Maritime Administration; the Defense Nuclear Safety Board; and the Naval Petroleum Reserves).

Bring Our Heroes Home Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

MilTax Awareness Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

MilTax Awareness Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to ensure that each member of an Armed Force receives an annual written notice about the availability of the MilTax program and other tax preparation assistance programs furnished by DOD.

Don Young American Grown Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Don Young American Grown Act This bill prohibits the official display of a cut flower or green in any public area of a building of the Executive Office of the President, the Department of State, or the Department of Defense unless it is produced in the United States. The prohibition does not apply to any cut flower or green used by a federal officer or employee for personal display.

Afghan Adjustment Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Afghan Adjustment Act This bill provides lawful permanent resident status (also known as green cards ) to certain individuals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and addresses related issues. Generally, to be eligible for a green card under this bill, an Afghan national must be (1) lawfully admitted into the United States, or (2) paroled into the United States on or after July 30, 2021. Any individual who was admitted or paroled after this bill's enactment is eligible only if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that the individual provided support to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. DHS must provide a green card to an eligible individual who applies and meets certain requirements, including vetting requirements. The bill also authorizes special immigrant visas for certain Afghan nationals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan while serving in certain capacities, including an individual who (1) served in the Afghan Air Force or certain other branches of the Afghan armed forces, or (2) was a female member of certain entities in the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces. To be eligible, such an individual must receive a recommendation from the Department of Defense (DOD). DOD must review the applicant's relevant records, including service records, after receiving a recommendation request. (Special immigrant visa holders qualify for a green card after meeting certain criteria.) The bill also authorizes a special immigrant visa for an Afghan national who is the parent or sibling of a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to address the receipt of grant funds by employees of the United States Naval Academy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Rings of Fire Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Rings of Fire Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense to submit a strategy to Congress for deploying ground-based theater-range missiles in the Indo-Pacific region. Among other elements, the strategy must include an assessment of the gaps in conventional theater-range precision strike capabilities in the area of responsibility of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The strategy may be submitted in classified form but must include an unclassified summary.

New Mexico Veteran Burial Dignity and Honor Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Afghan Adjustment Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Afghan Adjustment Act This bill provides lawful permanent resident status (also known as green cards ) to certain individuals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and addresses related issues. Generally, to be eligible for a green card under this bill, an Afghan national must be (1) lawfully admitted into the United States, or (2) paroled into the United States on or after July 30, 2021. Any individual who was admitted or paroled after this bill's enactment is eligible only if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that the individual provided support to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. DHS must provide a green card to an eligible individual who applies and meets certain requirements, including vetting requirements. The bill also authorizes special immigrant visas for certain Afghan nationals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan while serving in certain capacities, including an individual who (1) served in the Afghan Air Force or certain other branches of the Afghan armed forces, or (2) was a female member of certain entities in the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces. To be eligible, such an individual must receive a recommendation from the Department of Defense (DOD). DOD must review the applicant's relevant records, including service records, after receiving a recommendation request. (Special immigrant visa holders qualify for a green card after meeting certain criteria.) The bill also authorizes a special immigrant visa for an Afghan national who is the parent or sibling of a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Ensuring American Security and Protecting Afghan Allies Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Ensuring American Security and Protecting Afghan Allies Act This bill provides conditional permanent resident status to certain individuals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and addresses related issues. (A conditional permanent resident becomes a lawful permanent resident, also known as a green card holder, if the conditions are removed.) Generally, to be eligible for a conditional green card under this bill, an Afghan national must be (1) lawfully admitted into the United States on or before this bill's enactment, or (2) paroled into the United States between July 30, 2021, and this bill's enactment. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must remove the conditions if, by a certain date, DHS determines that the individual (1) is not inadmissible under any statutory grounds, and (2) does not pose a national security concern. DHS may waive certain grounds of inadmissibility for humanitarian purposes or family unity. The bill also designates certain Afghan nationals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan as priority refugees of special humanitarian concern, including an individual who (1) served in certain branches of the Afghan armed forces, or (2) was a female member of certain entities in the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces. The Department of Defense must establish a process to review requests for such a designation. The bill also authorizes a special immigrant visa for an Afghan national who is the parent or sibling of a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. (Special immigrant visa holders qualify for a green card after meeting certain criteria.)

Parity for Public Health Service Ready Reserve Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Parity for Public Health Service Ready Reserve Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 the Ready Reserve Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS). It also extends educational assistance, medical benefits, leave allowances, and other benefits that apply to the reserve components of the armed forces to the Ready Reserve Corps. (The Ready Reserve Corps is comprised of trained health care and public health personnel that may be deployed alongside active-duty officers of the USPHS to respond to health emergencies and improve access to health services.)

VET PFAS Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act or the VET PFAS Act This bill provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital care and medical services to veterans and their family members (including those in utero) who have specified conditions and resided at a military installation where individuals were exposed to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. Hospital care and medical services may not be furnished for a condition that is found to have resulted from a cause other than the exposure to PFAS at a military installation. The VA may provide reimbursement for hospital care or medical services provided to a family member only after the family member or provider has exhausted all claims and remedies otherwise available for payment of such care. For disability compensation purposes, the bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified conditions in veterans who served at a military installation at which individuals were exposed to PFAS. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

Mitigating Foreign Influence in Classified Government Contracts

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2023 This bill establishes requirements related to the fighter aircraft capabilities of the Air National Guard. Specifically, the bill requires that the aircraft inventory of the Air National Guard must include at least 25 fighter aircraft squadrons, each of which must have a minimum of 18 primary aircraft authorized. Such requirement may be waived in extraordinary circumstances. Additionally, the Department of the Air Force must develop a fighter aircraft recapitalization plan that provides for (1) the replacement and modernization of Air National Guard fighter squadrons at a rate that ensures the full recapitalization of such fighter squadrons by the end of FY2034, and (2) the fielding of the Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems in the Air National Guard.

Patricia L. Lee, of South Carolina, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2027, vice Joseph Bruce Hamilton, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 12 July 2023

Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act This bill establishes two pilot programs to train individuals in cybersecurity: an apprenticeship program and a program for veterans and military spouses. First, the bill establishes an apprenticeship pilot program to train and prepare up to 25 participants per year for information technology, cybersecurity, or other cyber-related functions within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill authorizes DHS to implement the program via contracts with or grants to certain eligible entities (e.g., an education and training provider). Participants must agree to remain employed in a federal cyber workforce position for a specified period of time after the completion of the program. Next, the bill establishes a pilot program to provide cybersecurity training to veterans and military spouses. The program must include coursework and training that, if applicable, qualifies for postsecondary credit toward an associate or baccalaureate degree at an institution of higher education; virtual learning opportunities; hands-on learning and performance-based assessments; federal work-based learning opportunities and programs; and the provision of recognized postsecondary credentials to eligible individuals who complete the pilot program. When implementing the program for veterans and military spouses, DHS must coordinate with relevant agencies to (1) leverage existing education and training resources, (2) ensure that participants can use educational assistance while participating in the program, and (3) identify interagency opportunities that enable participants to acquire the competencies and capabilities necessary for federal employment. Each pilot program is authorized to last for five years.

Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites From Foreign Adversaries Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites From Foreign Adversaries Act This bill expands the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) related to agriculture and land transactions. (CFIUS reviews the national security implications of foreign investment in the United States.) Specifically, the bill requires parties to an elevated risk real estate transaction to submit a mandatory declaration to CFIUS. Generally, this requirement applies to a transaction for a purchase or lease of certain real estate (e.g., real estate that is in close proximity to a sensitive site, such as a military installation or airspace) by a foreign adversary entity (e.g., a foreign person subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign adversary, such as China or Russia). Additionally, the bill creates a presumption that an elevated risk real estate transaction presents a risk to national security that cannot be resolved through any agreement or condition unless CFIUS (1) determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the risk to national security of the transaction can be resolved in a manner other than by suspending or prohibiting the transaction; and (2) notifies Congress about this determination and its reasoning.  The bill authorizes CFIUS to consider U.S. food security as a factor in its national security reviews.  The bill also expands the membership of CFIUS to include the Secretary of Agriculture on all transactions related to the purchase of agriculture land, agriculture biotechnology, and any other transaction related to the agriculture industry in the United States.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2670) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2024 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2670) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2024 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year.

Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2023 This bill addresses immigration-related issues pertaining to noncitizen (or non-U.S. national) military veterans, including by authorizing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide lawful permanent resident status to a veteran who is subject to removal. If a noncitizen veteran appears to be eligible for lawful permanent resident status under this bill, that veteran must receive a reasonable opportunity to apply for such status and may not be removed until there is a final administrative decision on the veteran's eligibility. For the purposes of providing such status under this bill, DHS may waive any applicable grounds of inadmissibility, except for certain crime- or security-related grounds. The bill also extends certain deadlines relating to obtaining citizenship after serving in the Armed Forces. DHS must create a system for identifying noncitizens who are or may be veterans. Before initiating removal proceedings against a noncitizen, DHS must attempt to determine whether the noncitizen is a veteran. DHS must ensure that veteran status is considered in immigration proceedings. Additionally, the bill requires U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of Defense to take certain actions to facilitate opportunities for military recruits and veterans to obtain U.S. citizenship; establishes the Military Family Immigration Advisory Committee to provide recommendations on cases involving the removal of a servicemember, veteran, or certain family members of a servicemember or veteran; and waives certain grounds of inadmissibility for certain noncitizens applying for lawful permanent resident status as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen who has served at least two years in the Armed Forces.

AIRSHIP Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Asserting International Restrictions to Strategically Hinder Intelligence Programs Act of 2023 or the AIRSHIP Act of 2023 This bill imposes sanctions on specified Chinese companies and individuals. Specifically, the Department of the Treasury must add certain companies, such as the Beijing Nanjiang Aerospace Technology Company and the Dongguan Lingkong Remote Sensing Technology Company, to the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). (Companies on this list are subject to certain restrictions, including prohibitions on U.S. persons engaging in transactions involving the publicly traded securities of the company.) Treasury must also add certain individuals, such as Wu Zhe, professor of aeronautics at Beihang University, to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List maintained by OFAC. (Individuals and entities on this list are subject to asset- and transaction-blocking sanctions.)

The Rural Vital Emergency Transportation Services (VETS) Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

STEADFAST Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Speeding the Execution of Arms Deliveries for Allies and Securing Trust Act or the STEADFAST Act This bill addresses issues related to foreign military sales, including by establishing deadlines for responses to certain requests. Specifically, the bill requires responses to requests within a certain number of days, with different deadlines for different types of requests. For example, if an eligible foreign purchaser submits a letter of request for pricing and availability data, the Department of Defense (DOD) must ensure that the relevant agency responds within 45 days of receipt. If a defense industry provider applies for a license to release sensitive technology as part of foreign military sales negotiations, the Department of State must issue a decision within 120 days of receiving the completed application. DOD must modify the foreign military sales process to prioritize certain countries (e.g., Israel, Japan, and NATO members) for rapid technology release review and rapid acquisition of U.S. defense articles and services. Furthermore, the bill increases the value thresholds that a contract must exceed before that contract is subject certain contracts to congressional oversight. (Congress may block a proposed transaction for defense articles or services if the contract's value is above certain thresholds.) The bill also establishes the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Technology Cooperation and Security Review. The bill expands eligibility for certain assistance under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to include activities performed in any country, whereas currently the activities must be performed in the United States or Canada.

PFAS Community Engagement and Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

A resolution designating June 12, 2023, as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day".

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

This resolution designates June 12, 2023, as Women Veterans Appreciation Day to recognize the service and sacrifices of women veterans.

LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Ensuring Interagency Cooperation to Support Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Ensuring Interagency Cooperation to Support Veterans Act of 2023 This bill modifies the membership and certain purposes of the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee. The bill includes additional individuals in the membership of the committee, including relevant Department of Labor officers and employees. The bill also renames the subordinate Job Training and Post-Service Placement Executive Committee as the Transition Executive Committee and updates its purpose to include assisting members of the Armed Forces with the transition to civilian life.

Welcome Home Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

LINC VA Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Leveraging Integrated Networks in Communities for Veterans Act or the LINC VA Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a pilot program to establish community integration network infrastructure to provide services for veterans. Under the bill, community integration network infrastructure means infrastructure used to enable the coordination, alignment, and connection of specified entities for communication, service coordination, and referral management of services (e.g., transportation services). The pilot program must be conducted at not fewer than one VA facility in each Veterans Integrated Service Network (i.e., regional system of VA care). The Government Accountability Office must evaluate and report on the overall impact of the community integration network infrastructure established under the pilot program with respect to specified factors, such as the changes in access to health care or social services among veterans. The VA must collect, as part of routine screenings, information related to social determinants that may factor into the health of a veteran. The VA must consider data privacy and how to prevent data blocking and promote interoperability in the implementation of this bill.

Building Chips in America Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Building Chips in America Act of 2023 This bill modifies and limits the review of certain semiconductor (i.e., microchip) projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Specifically, the bill exempts from NEPA and NHPA specified semiconductor projects that receive financial assistance under the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. Next, the bill allows the Department of Commerce to serve as the lead agency for the review of a semiconductor project that receives such financial assistance but is not exempted from review under NEPA. A single environmental document and joint record of decision must be prepared for a semiconductor project. In completing the environmental review, Commerce may adopt a prior study or decision under certain circumstances. The bill also allows a state to assume the responsibility of an environmental review under NEPA for a semiconductor project. Finally, the bill sets a statute of limitations for certain claims under NEPA.

Providing Radiation Exposed Servicemembers Undisputed Medical Eligibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 This bill authorizes FY2024 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, military construction, and the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). The bill authorizes appropriations, but does not provide budget authority, which is provided by appropriations legislation.  DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS TITLE I--PROCUREMENT This title authorizes appropriations for the acquisition or modification of various military items (such as aircraft, ships, tracked combat vehicles, missiles, and ammunition) and sets policy for certain procurement programs. TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION This title authorizes appropriations for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) and sets policy for certain RDT&E activities, such as microelectronics and artificial intelligence. TITLE III--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE This title authorizes appropriations for operation and maintenance (O&M) and sets policy for certain O&M programs, such as sustainable aviation fuel and the treatment of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). TITLE IV--MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS This title authorizes appropriations for military personnel, sets active component and reserve component end-strength levels, and authorizes certain end-strength variations. TITLE V--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY This title sets policy regarding officer personnel, reserve component management, military records, military justice and other legal matters, servicemember education and training, family readiness and dependents' education, junior reserve officers' training corps, awards and decorations, and enhanced recruiting efforts. TITLE VI--COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS This title sets policy regarding various aspects of military compensation, including allowances, bonus and incentive pays, and other compensation matters. TITLE VII--HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS This title sets policy regarding military health care, including TRICARE. TITLE VIII--ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED MATTERS This title sets policy regarding acquisitions and acquisition management, general contracting authorities, industrial base matters, and small businesses. TITLE IX--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT This title sets policy regarding the Office of the Secretary of Defense and DOD organization and management. TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS This title sets policy in various areas, including financial matters, counterdrug activity, naval vessels, and counterterrorism. TITLE XI--CIVILIAN PERSONNEL MATTERS This title sets policy for various matters related to DOD civilian employees, such as direct hire authorities, premium pay, and certain limitations on dual pay. This title also establishes a Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve. TITLE XII--MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS This title sets policy for various matters related to DOD interactions with foreign nations, including security cooperation initiatives. It includes subtitles related to (1) Syria, Iraq, and Iran; (2) Europe and Russia; and (3) the Indo-Pacific region. TITLE XIII--COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION This title allocates amounts authorized for the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program for specified purposes. TITLE XIV--OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS This title authorizes appropriations for specified working capital and revolving funds and for other programs, including chemical agents and munitions destruction, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, and the defense health program. It also sets policy regarding national defense stockpile requirements. TITLE XV--SPACE ACTIVITIES, STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, AND INTELLIGENCE MATTERS This title sets policy for various matters related to space activities, nuclear forces, missile defense, and electronic warfare. TITLE XVI--CYBERSPACE-RELATED MATTERS This title sets policy on cyberspace-related matters, such as cyber incident reporting. TITLE XVII--SPACE FORCE PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT This title sets policy with regards to the management of Space Force military personnel, including (1) transitions between active, inactive, and retired status; (2) appointment and promotion of officers; (3) enlistment qualifications; and (4) separations. DIVISION B--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATIONS TITLE XXI--ARMY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title authorizes appropriations for (1) specified Army construction and land acquisition projects; and (2) new construction, improvements, and planning for Army family housing. This title also extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. TITLE XXII--NAVY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title authorizes appropriations for (1) specified Navy construction and land acquisition projects; and (2) new construction, improvements, and planning for Navy family housing. This title also extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. TITLE XXIII--AIR FORCE MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title authorizes appropriations for (1) specified Air Force construction and land acquisition projects, and (2) improvements and planning for Air Force family housing. This title also extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. TITLE XXIV--DEFENSE AGENCIES MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title authorizes appropriations for (1) specified Defense Agency construction and land acquisition projects, and (2) specified energy conservation and utility system projects. This title also extends or modifies the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. TITLE XXV--INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS This title authorizes DOD to make specified contributions to NATO for construction and land acquisition projects and to accept specified military construction projects from South Korea and Poland as in-kind contributions. TITLE XXVI--GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES FACILITIES This title authorizes appropriations for specified construction and land acquisition projects for the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve. This title also extends or modifies the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years. TITLE XXVII--BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ACTIVITIES This title authorizes appropriations for base realignment and closure activities as authorized by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. TITLE XXVIII--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION GENERAL PROVISIONS This title sets policy in such areas as military construction and military housing. This title also authorizes specified land conveyances. DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY AUTHORIZATIONS AND OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS TITLE XXXI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS This title authorizes appropriations for the activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), defense environmental cleanup, nuclear energy, and other defense activities. This title also sets policy for certain nuclear-related matters and authorizes new plant projects for the NNSA at specified locations. TITLE XXXII--DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD This title authorizes appropriations for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. DIVISION D--FUNDING TABLES TITLE XLI--PROCUREMENT This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for procurement. TITLE XLII--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for research, development, test, and evaluation. TITLE XLIII--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for operation and maintenance. TITLE XLIV--MILITARY PERSONNEL This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for military personnel. TITLE XLV--OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund, various working capital funds, chemical agents and munitions destruction, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, the Office of the Inspector General, and the Defense Health Program. TITLE XLVI--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for military construction. TITLE XLVII--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS This title sets forth amounts requested and authorized for DOE national security programs.

Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Building Chips in America Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Building Chips in America Act of 2023 This bill modifies and limits the review of certain semiconductor (i.e., microchip) projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Specifically, the bill exempts from NEPA and NHPA specified semiconductor projects that receive financial assistance under the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. Next, the bill allows the Department of Commerce to serve as the lead agency for the review of a semiconductor project that receives such financial assistance but is not exempted from review under NEPA. A single environmental document and joint record of decision must be prepared for a semiconductor project. In completing the environmental review, Commerce may adopt a prior study or decision under certain circumstances. The bill also allows a state to assume the responsibility of an environmental review under NEPA for a semiconductor project. Finally, the bill sets a statute of limitations for certain claims under NEPA.

Enhancing Spaceport Operations Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Enhancing Spaceport Operations Act This bill authorizes the military departments to support federal and commercial space launch capacities on any domestic real property under the departments’ control through the provision of space launch support services. The military departments are authorized to enter into a contract or other transaction with a commercial entity that intends to conduct space launch activities on a military installation.

Deterring Egregious State Infiltration of Schools’ Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Deterring Egregious State Infiltration of Schools' Training Act This bill prohibits the U.S. military departments from establishing or maintaining a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) unit at an educational institution that is owned, operated, or controlled by China, a member of the Chinese Community Party or the Chinese military, or a Chinese military company.

Ukraine Aid Oversight Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Ukraine Aid Oversight Act This bill requires the Offices of the Inspector General in the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of State, and the U.S. Agency for International Development to provide a quarterly report to Congress regarding international assistance to Ukraine. Among other things, the report must detail (1) the sufficiency of the oversight frameworks in place; (2) instances of fraud, waste, or misuse of assistance; (3) instances where DOD used sole source contracting authority; and (4) recommendations to improve assistance. The bill authorizes the specified offices to hire employees to prepare the report. The reporting requirement sunsets on January 1, 2030, or when the war and postwar reconstruction efforts in Ukraine end, whichever is later.

Cost of Wokeism in the Military Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Defund Extremism Working Group Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Defund Extremism Working Group Act This bill prohibits the use of funds authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 for the Department of Defense Countering Extremism Working Group.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that authorities under section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 should be allowed to expire.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

This resolution states that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the authorities under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 should be allowed to expire at the end of 2023. (Section 702 establishes procedures for collecting foreign intelligence when communications travel through the U.S. communications infrastructure.)   

CARE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

Smart Ship Repair Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

Ensuring Military Recruitment Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

Ensuring Military Recruitment Access Act This bill revises requirements for military recruitment access to secondary school students. Currently, each local educational agency that receives federal elementary and secondary education funds must provide military recruiters with the same access to secondary school students that is provided to institutions of higher education (IHEs) or prospective employers of those students. This bill further specifies that this access must include access to the campus of the secondary school and that such access must be for the same amount of time that is provided to IHEs and prospective employers. Further, the Department of Education must annually notify school leaders, school administrators, and other educators about (1) the requirement to allow for military recruitment access, and (2) the actions that may be taken to enforcement this requirement.  

Fort Gordon Cyber Center Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

Fort Gordon Cyber Center Enhancement Act This bill authorizes FY2024 appropriations for the Department of Defense to construct a cyber instructional facility, including classrooms, at Fort Gordon in Georgia.