Defence

To require the Director of National Intelligence to submit an annual report on investment by any Chinese entity in port infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2022

This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to report annually to Congress on investments by China's government (and affiliated entities) in port infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere. The reports must include assessments of whether such infrastructure may be leveraged for military purposes and any implications for the United States.

Restore Veterans’ Compensation Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2022

Restore Veterans' Compensation Act of 2022 This bill eliminates the recoupment of separation pay, special separation benefits, and voluntary separation incentive payments from members of the Armed Forces who subsequently receive disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, the bill limits recoupment of such pay from service members who subsequently receive military retired or retainer pay.

Drone Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2022

Drone Act of 2022 This bill creates a federal statutory framework to criminalize various conduct involving the misuse of drones. Among its provisions, the bill generally prohibits the operation of a drone that poses an imminent safety hazard to vessels or motor vehicles; weaponization of a drone (e.g., attaching a firearm or explosive); and operation of a drone that interferes with a law enforcement, emergency response, or military operation or activity of the federal government or of a state, local, or tribal government.

A resolution acknowledging and commemorating the World War II women in the Navy who served in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service ("WAVES").

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2022

This resolution honors and commends the women who served in the Navy Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II. Additionally, the resolution recognizes that the WAVES opened opportunities for women and contributed vitally to the victory of the United States and Allies in World War II.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Gary Andrew Cyr should be honored for heroism in Vietnam on February 23, 1971.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2022

This resolution honors the heroism of Corporal Gary Andrew Cyr to successfully insert troops and ammunition on time and on target and urges the Army to consider decorating and honoring the courage and leadership of Corporal Cyr.

STAND with Taiwan Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2022

Sanctions Targeting Aggressors of Neighboring Democracies with Taiwan Act of 2022 or the STAND with Taiwan Act of 2022 This bill requires the imposition of sanctions in the event of a military invasion of Taiwan by China and addresses related issues. If the President determines that China or any of its proxies has initiated a military invasion of Taiwan, or if a joint resolution making such a determination is enacted, the bill requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on any foreign person who is a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP); the Department of the Treasury to impose property-blocking sanctions on specified foreign financial institutions, including the People's Bank of China and the China Construction Bank; Treasury to impose property-blocking sanctions on any entity affiliated with the CCP; the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to prohibit the trading of the securities of an issuer affiliated with the CCP on a national securities exchange; Treasury to prohibit U.S. financial institutions from making certain investments, such as investments in an entity owned or controlled by the CCP or China's military; and the prohibition of the importation of certain goods, including goods produced wholly or in part in China or by certain entities owned or financed by the CCP. Furthermore, a depository institution or an SEC-registered securities broker or dealer may not process funds transfers (1) to or from China, or (2) for the benefit of CCP members. The bill provides various waivers and exceptions to the required sanctions and prohibitions, such as an exception for certain U.S. intelligence activities.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend honorary citizenship to otherwise qualified noncitizens who enlisted in the Philippines and died while serving on active duty with the United States Armed Forces during certain periods of hostilities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2022

This bill extends posthumous citizenship to an otherwise qualified noncitizen who enlisted, reenlisted, extended enlistment, or was inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces in the Philippines and died as a result of such active duty service during the period beginning September 1, 1939, and ending December 31, 1946. The executive department under which an individual served must determine whether the individual satisfied the requirements for posthumous citizenship under this bill. Specified naturalization and other posthumous benefit provisions shall not apply to the surviving spouse, child, or parent of such an individual.

Defending Ukraine Sovereignty Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2022

Defending Ukraine Sovereignty Act of 2022 This bill authorizes security assistance for Ukraine, requires sanctions against Russia if it escalates hostilities in or against Ukraine, and addresses related issues. The bill (1) authorizes the Department of Defense to use various authorities to provide and expedite the delivery of defense articles to support Ukraine's armed forces, (2) allows the President to exercise drawdown authority to provide defense articles to Ukraine, and (3) authorizes the Department of State to provide International Military Education and Training assistance to Ukraine. The President must periodically determine whether Russia's government is significantly escalating hostilities in or against Ukraine and whether such an escalation has the aim or effect of undermining Ukraine's government or interfering with Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity. If the President determines that Russia's government has engaged in such escalation, the President must impose sanctions on (1) certain government officials, including Russia's president and prime minister; (2) certain Russian financial institutions; (3) entities involved in certain transactions involving Russian debt; (4) entities (and corporate officers of such entities) involved in constructing or operating Russia's Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline; and (5) certain entities involved in Russian resource extraction industries. The President may terminate such sanctions after certifying to Congress that Russia's government has taken certain actions, such as entering into an agreed settlement with Ukraine's legitimate democratic government. The bill also authorizes Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to explore opening new bureaus to reach new audiences on Russia's periphery. The State Department must establish an initiative to deepen and foster ties with the Baltic states.

Domestic SUPPLY Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2022

Domestic Security Using Production Partnerships and Lessons from Yesterday Act of 2022 or the Domestic SUPPLY Act of 2022 This bill establishes a program and sets out other requirements to promote domestic manufacturing of personal protective equipment (PPE) for infectious diseases and other public health emergencies. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish a program to enter into purchasing agreements for PPE produced domestically by manufacturers that are majority-owned and -operated by U.S. citizens. HHS must coordinate with the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security on this program. In addition, the federal government must only procure, subject to limited exceptions, PPE that is produced domestically to prevent the transmission of an infectious disease. If using federal funds, states or localities must also procure PPE domestically. Further, the bill requires HHS to consult with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on a report about changes to federal requirements for PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of those changes on health care workers who cared for patients in 2020 and 2021.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the requirement to specify an effective period of a transfer of Post-9/11 educational assistance to a dependent.

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2022

This bill removes the requirement that an individual transferring a Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance entitlement must specify the period for which the transfer must be effective for each dependent who is designated to receive the transfer.

Hear our Heroes Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2022

Hear our Heroes Act of 2022 This bill provides a presumption of service-connection for hearing-related issues in certain veterans for purposes of wartime disability compensation. 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. Per the bill, certain veterans with diagnosed hearing loss, tinnitus, or both shall be presumed to have incurred or aggravated such conditions during active military, naval, or air service. This bill applies to veterans who (1) served in combat, or (2) were assigned to a military occupational specialty that likely exposed them to a sufficiently high level of acoustic trauma. The bill also requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to adjust the schedule of rating disabilities to establish a minimum disability rating for a veteran who requires a hearing aid because of a service-connected disability.

Arm Taiwan Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2022

Arm Taiwan Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Taiwan Security Assistance Initiative to accelerate Taiwan's deployment of asymmetric defense capabilities to the level required to deter or defeat an invasion by China. From FY2023 through FY2027, the bill requires DOD to use appropriations provided for the initiative to provide assistance to accelerate Taiwan's asymmetric defense capabilities so that Taiwan, with limited initial U.S. Armed Forces support, is able to (1) delay, degrade, and deny attempts by China's army to enter or transit the Taiwan Strait (and adjoining seas) or seize control of key territory in Taiwan; and (2) prevent China from neutralizing or rendering ineffective Taiwan's government. The bill imposes certain requirements related to such assistance, such as periodic certifications by DOD to Congress that Taiwan's government has committed to (and has made progress toward) increasing defense spending, including a target of spending at least 3% of Taiwan's national gross domestic product on defense on an annual basis by the end of FY2027.

Gathering and Reporting Assessments Yielding Zero Overlooked Nefarious Efforts Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2022

Gathering and Reporting Assessments Yielding Zero Overlooked Nefarious Efforts Act This bill requires the National Intelligence Council to produce a National Intelligence Estimate (a type of intelligence community assessment) on the gray zone activities of foreign adversaries and addresses other related issues. Under this bill, a gray zone activity is an activity to advance a foreign state's interests that (1) falls between ordinary statecraft and open warfare, (2) is designed to maximize the advancement of such interests without provoking a U.S. kinetic military response, and (3) falls on a spectrum ranging from covert adversary operations to open adversary operations. The National Intelligence Estimate must analyze (1) how foreign adversaries use gray zone activities to advance interests, (2) what responses from the United States (or U.S. allies and partners) would tend to result in the escalation or de-escalation of such gray zone activities, and (3) any opportunities for the United States to minimize the extent that foreign adversaries can use such activities in furtherance of great power competition. The council must submit the estimate to Congress and make an unclassified version of key findings publicly available on the website of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). The council must also develop a lexicon (with definitions) of common terms for concepts associated with gray zone activities. The ODNI must publish an unclassified report containing the lexicon.

REEShore Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2022

Restoring Essential Energy and Security Holdings Onshore for Rare Earths Act of 2022 or the REEShore Act of 2022 This bill establishes a strategic reserve of rare earth metals and rare earth metal products and sets out other requirements related to rare earth metals. Specifically, the bill requires defense contractors to disclose the provenance of rare earth metal permanent magnets and restricts the use of rare earth metals sourced from China in certain defense items and services. Additionally, the U.S. Trade Representative must investigate China for unfair trade practices related to the rare earth metals market, and the Department of Defense must report on efforts to reduce the dependence of U.S. allies on non-allied sources of rare earth metals.

VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2022

VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the scheduling for the appointment occurs during that telephone call.

Expressing the sense that the process behind Operation Warp Speed should be integrated within operations at the Food and Drug Administration.

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2022

This resolution states that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should, to the extent scientifically and legally possible, integrate the process behind Operation Warp Speed into FDA operations. (Operation Warp Speed was a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense to coordinate federal efforts to accelerate the development of COVID-19 medical countermeasures, including vaccines.) The resolution also states that the FDA should issue guidance identifying ways to accelerate drug and biological product development through clinical trials and the approval and licensure processes.

To establish certain protections for members of the Armed Forces who refuse to receive vaccinations against COVID-19, and to increase basic pay for members of the uniformed services.

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2022

This bill addresses the COVID-19 vaccine for members of the Armed Forces and basic pay for members of the uniformed services. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to require a member of the Armed Forces to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The bill also prohibits adverse action (e.g., punishment) being taken against a member of the Armed Forces because the member refuses to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The bill also increases the rate of monthly basic pay for members of the uniformed services by 2.7% starting on January 1, 2023. Uniformed services means members of the Armed Forces, the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transfer the name of property of the Department of Veterans Affairs designated by law to other property of the Department.

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2022

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to transfer the name of a facility, structure, real property, or a major part of such properties (e.g., a wing) to another VA facility under certain circumstances. Specifically, the VA may transfer the name if (1) the original property was designated with its name by law; and (2) the other property is located in a different location or a different address from the original property within the town, city, or other local government area specified in the designation.

Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2022

Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 This bill temporarily waives certain requirements related to the President's authority to lend or lease defense articles if the defense articles are intended for Ukraine's government and necessary to protect civilians in Ukraine from Russian military invasion. An agreement to lend or lease defense articles under this bill shall not be subject to certain requirements and provisions that typically apply to such lend-lease agreements, including (1) a requirement that prohibits a loan period from exceeding five years, (2) a requirement that the United States may recall the loaned defense article at any time, (3) a requirement that the receiving party has agreed to pay the United States all costs incurred in leasing the defense article, and (4) a provision that allows Congress to prohibit certain transfers of defense articles upon the enactment of a joint resolution. The waivers provided by this bill shall be in effect until (1) the conflict beginning with Russia's annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine in 2014 has ceased, and (2) Russia has reduced its military force on Ukraine's eastern border to the levels maintained prior to March 1, 2021. The President must establish expedited procedures to ensure the timely delivery of defense articles loaned or leased under this bill.

STAND with Taiwan Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2022

Sanctions Targeting Aggressors of Neighboring Democracies with Taiwan Act of 2022 or the STAND with Taiwan Act of 2022 This bill requires the imposition of sanctions in the event of a military invasion of Taiwan by China and addresses related issues. If the President determines that China or any of its proxies has initiated a military invasion of Taiwan, or if a joint resolution making such a determination is enacted, the bill requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on any foreign person who is a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP); the Department of the Treasury to impose property-blocking sanctions on specified foreign financial institutions, including the People's Bank of China and the China Construction Bank; Treasury to impose property-blocking sanctions on any entity affiliated with the CCP; the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to prohibit the trading of the securities of an issuer affiliated with the CCP on a national securities exchange; Treasury to prohibit U.S. financial institutions from making certain investments, such as investments in an entity owned or controlled by the CCP or China's military; and the prohibition of the importation of certain goods, including goods produced wholly or in part in China or by certain entities owned or financed by the CCP. Furthermore, a depository institution or an SEC-registered securities broker or dealer may not process funds transfers (1) to or from China, or (2) for the benefit of CCP members. The bill provides various waivers and exceptions to the required sanctions and prohibitions, such as an exception for certain U.S. intelligence activities.

REEShore Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2022

Restoring Essential Energy and Security Holdings Onshore for Rare Earths Act of 2022 or the REEShore Act of 2022 This bill establishes a strategic reserve of rare earth metals and rare earth metal products and sets out other requirements related to rare earth metals. Specifically, the bill requires defense contractors to disclose the provenance of rare earth metal permanent magnets and restricts the use of rare earth metals sourced from China in certain defense items and services. Additionally, the U.S. Trade Representative must investigate China for unfair trade practices related to the rare earth metals market, and the Department of Defense must report on efforts to reduce the dependence of U.S. allies on non-allied sources of rare earth metals.

STRONG Veterans Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2022

Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022 or the STRONG Veterans Act of 2022 This bill addresses mental health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including by requiring the VA to update training for the VA workforce and Veterans Crisis Line staff, implement pilot programs, expand access to mental health care, conduct studies and research, and provide outreach to veterans regarding mental health resources. Among other requirements, the VA must ensure its medical centers have at least one full-time minority veteran coordinator and that such coordinators receive training on culturally appropriate mental health and suicide prevention services for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans; increase the number of full-time equivalent employees at Vet Centers and paid mental health trainees in the VA's workforce; expand specified scholarships and loan repayment programs for mental health providers and students; review and update the training for Veterans Crisis Line responders and social service assistants; designate a Buddy Check Week to organize outreach events and educate veterans on conducting peer wellness checks; update the Veterans Justice Outreach Program, including by conducting program outreach to justice-involved veterans; make permanent and expand the Peer Specialist Support program; expand eligibility for Vet Center services; offer mental health consultations to certain veterans; improve the assessment and treatment of veterans with sleep disorders; and perform various studies and research related to mental health issues and care. Additionally, the bill permanently authorizes and expands the Solid Start program.

Fair Chance Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2022

Fair Chance Improvement Act This bill revises provisions regarding the prohibition on federal contractors, including defense contractors, inquiring about applicants' criminal histories prior to conditional offers of employment. The bill allows the Department of Labor to investigate compliance by a contractor by conducting a compliance evaluation. Currently, Labor investigates compliance pursuant to an applicant's complaint. The bill also expands the sanctions that Labor may impose on a contractor with more than one violation of the prohibition.

THE NOMINATIONS OF: DR. CELESTE ANN WALLANDER TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS; MS. MELISSA G. DALTON TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR HOMELAND DEFENSE AND HEMISPHERIC AFFAIRS; AND DR. JOHN F. PLUMB TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR SPACE POLICY

United States · United States Senate · 13 January 2022

Deterring Authoritarian Hostilities Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2022

Deterring Authoritarian Hostilities Act of 2022 This bill imposes sanctions pertaining to Russia and addresses related issues. The President must impose property-blocking sanctions with respect to Nord Stream 2 AG, the entity that operates the Nord Stream 2 pipeline designed to carry natural gas exports from Russia to Germany. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence must periodically report to Congress an assessment of whether Russia's government (or any foreign person acting on its behalf) has engaged in acts infringing on Ukraine's territorial integrity. If such an act has occurred, the President must impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on certain foreign persons, including (1) any person operating in certain sectors of Russia's economy, including energy and finance; and (2) the President of Russia and other senior Russian government leaders. If such sanctions are imposed, the Department of the Treasury must report to Congress on efforts to ensure that Russia's central bank and persons subject to the sanctions have been blocked from the SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) financial messaging system. After this report, the President may impose sanctions on any financial communications services provider that has not blocked Russia's central bank and persons sanctioned under this bill from its service. Treasury must prohibit transactions by a U.S. person in the debt of Russia's government issued on or after this bill's enactment. The President may terminate sanctions imposed under this bill if Russia withdraws its military forces from Ukraine and makes credible commitments to not engage in such hostile actions in the future.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2023

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 January 2022

Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2022

Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act This bill expands eligibility for a Department of Veterans Affairs work-study allowance to individuals who are pursuing programs of rehabilitation, education, or training on at least a half-time basis. Currently, an individual must be at least a three-quarter-time student in order to be eligible for a work-study allowance.

Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2022

Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State for the 21st Century Act This bill establishes in the legislative branch a commission to examine the changing nature of diplomacy in the 21st century and ways the Department of State can modernize to advance U.S. interests. The commission must offer recommendations related to topics such as (1) the State Department's organizational structure and infrastructure, (2) the link between diplomacy and other core U.S. interests such as defense, and (3) the core legislation that authorizes U.S. diplomacy. Within 18 months of this bill's enactment, the commission must provide to Congress and the President its final report of findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The commission shall terminate 60 days after the submission of the final report.

Defending Ukraine Sovereignty Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2022

Defending Ukraine Sovereignty Act of 2022 This bill authorizes security assistance for Ukraine, requires sanctions against Russia if it escalates hostilities in or against Ukraine, and addresses related issues. The bill (1) authorizes the Department of Defense to use various authorities to provide and expedite the delivery of defense articles to support Ukraine's armed forces, (2) allows the President to exercise drawdown authority to provide defense articles to Ukraine, and (3) authorizes the Department of State to provide International Military Education and Training assistance to Ukraine. The President must periodically determine whether Russia's government is significantly escalating hostilities in or against Ukraine and whether such an escalation has the aim or effect of undermining Ukraine's government or interfering with Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity. If the President determines that Russia's government has engaged in such escalation, the President must impose sanctions on (1) certain government officials, including Russia's president and prime minister; (2) certain Russian financial institutions; (3) entities involved in certain transactions involving Russian debt; (4) entities (and corporate officers of such entities) involved in constructing or operating Russia's Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline; and (5) certain entities involved in Russian resource extraction industries. The President may terminate such sanctions after certifying to Congress that Russia's government has taken certain actions, such as entering into an agreed settlement with Ukraine's legitimate democratic government. The bill also authorizes Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to explore opening new bureaus to reach new audiences on Russia's periphery. The State Department must establish an initiative to deepen and foster ties with the Baltic states.

Free At-Home Tests for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2022

Free At-Home Tests for All Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide free antigen diagnostic tests for COVID-19 (i.e., rapid tests) to U.S. residents. The bill also automatically grants emergency use authorization for rapid tests approved by certain foreign regulators. Specifically, HHS must purchase a sufficient quantity of rapid tests to provide two tests per week at no cost to each resident for the 12 months following the bill's enactment. The President may use authorities available under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to obtain the tests. That act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense. In addition, HHS must conduct outreach about the availability of free rapid tests to Medicare and Medicaid participants and make the tests available through those programs. The bill also automatically grants emergency use authorization during the public health emergency for rapid tests that are listed for emergency use by (1) the World Health Organization (WHO), or (2) a foreign regulator that is a stringent regulatory authority as defined by the WHO for purposes of medicine procurement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may rescind authority for, or otherwise regulate, a rapid test that was automatically authorized. Additionally, the FDA must establish a permanent advisory committee focused on diagnostic and serological testing for public health needs.

U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2022

U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2022 This bill authorizes funding for FY2021 to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), continues U.S. use of the International Space Station (ISS) through FY2030, and authorizes programs and activities. Among other requirements, NASA must maintain competitiveness within the human landing system program by funding no fewer than two entities, establish a plan for the manufacture of advanced spacesuits, establish a low-Earth orbit commercial development program to encourage commercial use and development of space by private entities in the United States, and update and improve the cybersecurity of NASA space assets and supporting infrastructure and maintain a Security Operations Center to respond to cybersecurity threats to NASA information technology systems. Additionally, the bill authorizes NASA to maintain two operational mobile launch platforms to enable multiple configurations of the Space Launch System and conduct missions to intermediate destinations, such as the Moon, in order to achieve human exploration of Mars. Further, the Department of Defense must review each of its planned, ongoing, and completed activities, programs, and projects on the ISS. The bill also (1) limits cooperation by NASA with China, and (2) provides for a designated invention to be the exclusive property of a user under specified conditions.

Strengthening Supply Chains for Servicemembers and Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2022

Strengthening Supply Chains for Servicemembers and Security Act This bill addresses Department of Defense (DOD) supply chain risk management, specifically risk management related to pharmaceuticals. The bill requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment within DOD to develop and issue implementing guidance for risk management for DOD supply chains for materiel (e.g., pharmaceuticals) and identify supply chain information gaps regarding reliance on foreign suppliers of drugs. After such guidance is issued, the Defense Health Agency must develop and publish implementing guidance for risk management for DOD's supply chain for pharmaceuticals and establish a working group to assess risks to the pharmaceutical supply chain, identify the pharmaceuticals most critical to beneficiary care at military treatment facilities, and establish policies for allocating scarce pharmaceutical resources. Finally, the Defense Logistics Agency must modify Defense Logistics Agency Instructions 5025.03 and 3110.01 to require Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support to coordinate annually with customers in the military departments to test responsiveness of the agency's contingency contracts for pharmaceuticals and to include the results of the testing in the annual Warstopper Program reports.

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2022

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2022 This bill extends increased dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving spouse of a veteran who dies from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) regardless of how long the veteran had such disease prior to death. Under current law, such compensation is paid for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death.

Marvin L. Adams, of Texas, to be Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs, National Nuclear Security Administration, vice Charles P. Verdon.

United States · United States Senate · 11 January 2022

A bill to prohibit the use of funds to reduce the nuclear forces of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2022

This bill prohibits the Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security Administration from using funds for FY2022-FY2027 to reduce the nuclear forces of the United States. Specifically, no such funds may be obligated or expended to reduce (1) the total quantity of strategic delivery systems below the quantity of such systems as of January 1, 2021, (2) the quantity of deployed or non-deployed strategic delivery systems below quantities described as the Final New START Treaty Force Structure , or (3) the size of the nuclear weapons stockpile below the size of the stockpile as of January 1, 2021. Such prohibition does not apply to reductions made to ensure the safety, security, reliability, and credibility of the nuclear weapons stockpile and strategic delivery systems; temporary reductions in the quantity of nuclear weapons or deployed strategic delivery systems to facilitate the fielding of modernized replacements; nuclear weapons that are retired or awaiting dismantlement as of January 1, 2021; or reductions made pursuant to a treaty with respect to which the Senate has provided its advice and consent.

Lester Martinez-Lopez, of Florida, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Thomas McCaffery.

United States · United States Senate · 10 January 2022

Guaranteeing Ukrainian Autonomy by Reinforcing its Defense (GUARD) Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2022

Guaranteeing Ukrainian Autonomy by Reinforcing its Defense (GUARD) Act of 2022 This bill provides support for Ukraine and imposes sanctions related to Nord Stream 2, the pipeline constructed to increase exports of natural gas from Russia. The Department of State must periodically report to Congress a determination as to whether Russia's government meets the criteria to be designated a state sponsor of terrorism. The bill authorizes the State Department to provide Foreign Military Financing assistance to Ukraine in FY2022. The bill also authorizes providing Ukraine with lethal assistance, such as anti-armor weapon systems and anti-aircraft weapons systems. From FY2022-FY2026, Ukraine shall have priority access to excess defense articles. During the same time period, the bill also authorizes providing Ukraine with assistance, including (1) International Military Education and Training assistance; (2) assistance to strengthen cybersecurity and intellectual property enforcement; (3) support and training for banking reform, subsidy reform, corporate governance, and the privatization of state-owned enterprises; and (4) assistance to combat corruption and improve the rule of law. Within 15 days of this bill's enactment, the President must impose sanctions on any entity responsible for planning, constructing, or operating Nord Stream 2, as well as any corporate officer of such an entity. The bill also subjects the President's authority to waive certain sanctions to congressional review. The U.S. Agency for Global Media may expand broadcasting in countries of the former Soviet Union to combat Russian disinformation. The bill requires reports to Congress on various topics, including a strategy on using U.S. diplomacy to support Ukraine.

COVID Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2022

Coronavirus Origin Validation, Investigation, and Determination Act of 2022 or the COVID Act of 2022 This bill requires the President to impose sanctions and take other actions related to COVID-19 if certain conditions are not met. Specifically, if the President is unable to certify within 90 days of this bill's enactment that China's government has allowed a transparent international forensic investigation into the origins of COVID-19 and certain laboratories in the city of Wuhan, the President must impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions against (1) individuals with leadership positions in the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); and (2) officials of the Chinese Communist Party, China's military, or China's State Council who were involved in concealing or restricting information about the initial COVID-19 outbreak in China. If the certification cannot be made, the President must also (1) prohibit federal funding for collaborative projects between U.S.-based researchers and CAS researchers in any academic field, and (2) prohibit U.S.-based researchers and institutions that receive federal funding from engaging in certain research on viruses with individuals or institutions based in China.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1836) to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the time during which members of the Armed Forces serve on active duty for training qualifies for educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4673) to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the automatic enrollment of eligible veterans in patient enrollment system of Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2022

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1836) to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the time during which members of the Armed Forces serve on active duty for training qualifies for educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4673) to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the automatic enrollment of eligible veterans in patient enrollment system of Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Musetta Tia Johnson, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces for a term of fifteen years to expire on the date prescribed by law, vice Scott Wallace Stucky, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 7 January 2022

District of Columbia National Guard Commanding General Residency Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2022

District of Columbia National Guard Commanding General Residency Act This bill requires the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard to reside in the District of Columbia.

MOVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2022

More Opportunities for Veterans to Exercise Act or the MOVE Act This bill requires the General Services Administration to delegate authority to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for leasing space for preventive health fitness programs and counseling. The bill also expands the definition of preventive health services (in relation to VA health care programs) to include (1) physical activity counseling, and (2) weight management services and physical activity programs.

COVID–19 Supply Chain Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2022

COVID-19 Supply Chain Relief Act This bill establishes in the Executive Office of the President an Office of Supply Chain Policy, headed by a Supply Chain Czar appointed by the President. Such office shall coordinate a national response to supply chain disruptions, shortages, and increased prices; serve as a resource for states as they deploy unused COVID-19 relief funds to address supply chain bottlenecks; and appoint, oversee, and coordinate among regional supply chain leaders. Unobligated COVID-19 relief funds may be made available to states, territories, or tribal governments to help address supply chain disruptions and labor shortages by undertaking one or more of the following: promoting employment in the trucking and logistics industries, implementing apprenticeship programs to recruit more women and military veterans to become licensed commercial motor vehicle drivers, undertaking port and shipping infrastructure projects, and providing relief from other detrimental economic impacts of supply chain disruptions. The Department of Commerce must issue guidance, as needed, to define the scope of the allowable activities listed above. Further, Commerce shall publish and submit to Congress a report on (1) supply chain points of congestion or blockages; (2) underlying causes of supply chain disruptions, shortages, and delays; and (3) other supply chain shortcomings which could be remedied with public or private investment.

Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2022

Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act This bill extends a tax benefit related to combat-related severance pay to veterans of the Coast Guard.

Brenda Sue Fulton, of New Jersey, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice James N. Stewart.

United States · United States Senate · 4 January 2022

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit the Federal Government from limiting State access to key therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, and from prioritizing Federal contracts over State contracts relating to purchasing supplies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2022

This bill restricts various presidential and federal authorities related to the acquisition of supplies to combat COVID-19. Specifically, the bill prohibits the President from exercising certain authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prioritize the performance of federal contracts or orders for COVID-19 supplies over the performance of state or territorial contracts or orders. In addition, states or territories may use federal COVID-19 relief funds for COVID-19 supplies that they had been unable to purchase because of prioritized performance of federal contracts or orders. (The Defense Production Act of 1950 confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.) Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration may not ration, limit, restrict access to, or otherwise control the quantity of a medical product authorized for use during an emergency, including by requiring products to be distributed through a state- or territorial-based system.

Climate Readiness Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 December 2021

Climate Readiness Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Defense to report on the national security implications associated with climate change and strategies and approaches for responding to climate change. The report must be submitted in an unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.

Military Spouse Entrepreneurs Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 23 December 2021

Military Spouse Entrepreneurs Act of 2021 This bill requires the Small Business Administration to conduct a pilot program to award federal contracts to small businesses owned and controlled by military spouses. It also generally authorizes federal contracting officers to limit contract awards to only small businesses owned and controlled by military spouses under certain circumstances.

Planning for Aging Veterans Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2021

Planning for Aging Veterans Act of 2021 This bill addresses the long-term care of veterans, including by implementing policies for the administration of state homes. First, the bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a strategy for the long-term care of veterans. The VA must develop a standardized process for entering into sharing agreements between state homes and VA medical centers. A state home is a home established by a state for veterans who are disabled by age, disease, or otherwise and incapable of earning a living because of such disability. The term also includes a home that furnishes nursing home care for veterans. Under the bill, the VA must furnish prescribed drugs and medicines to veterans who are catastrophically disabled and for whom the VA is paying a per diem for nursing home or domiciliary care in a state home. Generally, veterans are catastrophically disabled if they have a permanent severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease that compromises the ability to carry out the activities of daily living. The VA must monitor any contractor it uses to conduct inspections of state homes, including by reviewing inspections, reporting deficiencies, and publishing inspection results and any planned corrective actions on a public VA website. The VA must implement a two-year pilot program to provide geriatric psychiatry assistance to eligible veterans at state homes. Finally, the VA must work with public housing authorities and local organizations to assist aging homeless veterans in accessing existing housing and supportive services.

HUBS for Veterans Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2021

Helping Unleash Benefits and Services for Veterans Act of 2021 or the HUBS for Veterans Act of 2021 This bill establishes a grant program to assist the transition of military personnel to civilian life. It directs the Department of Labor to carry out a five-year program of grants to nonprofit organizations that assist the transition of the following persons from Armed Forces service to civilian life: members eligible for preseparation counseling, former members who are transitioning to civilian life, and spouses of such members or former members. Funds must be used for a broad range of supportive programs, such as job recruitment training.