Defence

To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Lance Corporal Jordan C. Haerter and Corporal Jonathan Yale of the Marine Corps for acts of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom in April 2008.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2014

Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Lance Corporal Jordan C. Haerter and Corporal Jonathan Yale of the Marine Corps for acts of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom on April 22, 2008, for which they were originally awarded the Navy Cross.

To limit the retirement of KC-10 aircraft.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2014

Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of Department of Defense (DOD) funds to retire, prepare to retire, or place in storage any KC-10 aircraft until: (1) the Secretary of the Air Force certifies that the four KC-46A test aircraft are all built and fully operational, the initial 18 KC-46A aircraft have been delivered to the Air Force in a fully operational capacity by 2017, the KC-46A aircraft has achieved full operational capability, and a sufficient number of KC-46A aircraft exists in the Air Force's inventory to fully meet the air refueling and cargo support capability and mission requirements of the combatant commands; and (2) the Comptroller General (GAO) submits a report setting forth an assessment of whether each such certification is comprehensive, fully supported, and sufficiently detailed and an identification of any shortcomings, limitations, or other reportable matters that affect the quality or findings of any such certification.

Veterans Higher Education Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2014

Veterans Higher Education Opportunity Act - Amend title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish what is to be considered a year of service for determining the percentage of an individual's Federal Perkins Loan that is to be cancelled for military service that qualifies for special pay for occurring in an area of hostilities. Defines such individual's "year of service" as a qualified tour of duty that: (1) lasted at least six months, or (2) lasted less than six months because the member was discharged or released from active duty due to an injury or disability incurred in or aggravated by the member's military service.

Transparency in Government Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2014

Transparency in Government Act of 2014 - Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and the Rules of the House of Representatives to expand disclosure requirements for the personal financial information of Members of Congress and for foreign travel, gifts, earmarks, and representational allowances. Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to study the effect of written requests by Members of Congress to executive agencies to carry out and provide funding for projects and activities. Requires each congressional committee to: (1)  post on its website the schedule for public hearings and markups conducted by each committee, and (2) submit to the Clerk of the House of Representatives a complete list of all public hearings and markup schedules of the committee and its subcommittees for posting on the House website. Requires the Clerk and the Secretary of the Senate to post on their respective websites voting record information for each Member of Congress. Public Access to Congressional Research Service Reports Resolution of 2014 or the Congressional Research Service Electronic Accessibility Resolution of 2014 - Requires the Clerk of the House of Representatives, in consultation with the Congressional Research Service (CRS), to establish and maintain a centralized, searchable, bulk downloadable, electronic database consisting of CRS issue briefs, reports, authorization of appropriation products and appropriation products, and similar material intended or available for general congressional distribution. Exempts from public disclosure information that is determined to be confidential or any document that is the product of a confidential research request made by a Member, officer, employee, or office of the House of Representatives and that is not intended for distribution. Lobbyist Disclosure Enhancement Act - Directs the Attorney General to establish the Lobbying Disclosure Act Enforcement Task Force, which shall have primary responsibility for investigating and prosecuting each case referred to the Attorney General under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require: (1) expedited online registration of lobbyists, (2) more frequent disclosure of contributions made by lobbyists, and (3) a system for assigning an identification number to each lobbyist who is required to register or report under such Act. Requires lobbyists registered under such Act to complete an ethics training program. Amends the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 to require the USAspending.gov website to provide specified information on federal awards. Requires each agency Inspector General to conduct an annual audit of the data used on USAspending.gov and report on such audit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Requires OMB to: (1) revise its guidance to federal agencies on reporting federal awards, and (2) ensure that the unique identifier used to link information about an award recipient is also used to link information about that recipient on the Federal Awardee Performance Integrity Information System. Amends the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 to require information about individuals receiving awards or grants to be maintained on the Federal Awardee Performance Integrity Information System for 10 years. Requires: (1) every advertisement or other communication paid for by a federal agency to include a prominent notice that the agency has paid for such advertisement or communication, (2) disclosure of White House visitor logs with personal information redacted, (3) online disclosure of OMB budget justifications, (4) disclosure of draft proposed or final rules by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, and (4) online disclosure of tax information of nonprofit organizations and registration information of foreign agents. Requires each federal agency to: (1) make available in an electronic format its completed responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and (2) use FOAIonline to log, track, and publish all FOIA requests received by the agency. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) conduct a study of the effect on the U.S. Supreme Court of video recording oral arguments and making those recordings publicly available on the website of the Court, and (2) conduct an audit of the public access to court electronic records system (Pacer) maintained by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Requires the Chief Justice of the United States to ensure that the audio of an oral argument made before the Supreme Court is recorded and made publicly available on the website of the Court at the same time that it is recorded. Requires the U.S. Judicial Conference to post on its website any report filed by a judicial officer.

Taylor Morris Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2014

Taylor Morris Act - Makes the $100,000 payment limit for qualified losses under the traumatic injury protection coverage of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance inapplicable to any loss directly caused by: (1) armed conflict, (2) training under conditions simulating armed conflict, (3) hazardous service, or (4) a traumatic event caused through an instrumentality of war.

Ensuring Veterans' Resiliency Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2014

Ensuring Veterans' Resiliency Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a three-year pilot program to repay loans used to finance education regarding psychiatric medicine that are obtained from a governmental entity, private financial institution, school, or other authorized entity. Requires an individual, to be eligible to obtain such a loan repayment, to: (1) be either licensed (or eligible for licensure) to practice psychiatric medicine in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or enrolled in the final year of a residency program leading to a specialty qualification in psychiatric medicine that is approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; and (2) demonstrate a commitment to a long-term career as a psychiatrist in the VHA, including through a period of obligated service. Directs the Secretary to select at least 10 individuals to participate in each year of the program. Allows a loan repayment to consist of payment of the principal, interest, and related expenses of such a loan. Prohibits the Secretary from paying more than $60,000 on behalf of the individual for each year of obligated service the individual agrees to serve. Makes an individual who participates in the pilot program who fails to satisfy the service commitment liable for prorated loan repayment. Prohibits an individual who is participating in any other federal program that repays his or her educational loans from participating in the program under this Act. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct a study of pay disparities among VHA psychiatrists.

[H.A.S.C. No. 113-85] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 March 2014

Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2014

Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014 - Makes available to Ukraine for loan guarantees specified funds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 and funds under prior Acts for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs. States that such amounts shall not be considered "assistance" for the purposes of law limiting assistance to Ukraine. Directs the Secretary of State to assist: (1) the government of Ukraine to recover assets linked to acts of corruption by Viktor Yanukovych, members of his family, or other former or current Ukrainian government officials in any jurisdiction through appropriate programs, including the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative of the Department of Justice (DOJ); and (2) the government of Ukraine, the European Union (EU), and other appropriate countries with related investigative assistance and training. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure that the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network provides related assistance. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) improve democratic governance and anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine, (2) support Ukrainian government efforts to foster national unity, (3) assist in diversifying Ukraine's economy and energy supplies, (4) strengthen democratic institutions and political and civil society organizations in Ukraine, (5) expand free access to independent media in Ukraine and assist with the protection of journalists and civil society activists, and (6) support efforts to enhance the economic and political empowerment of women in Ukraine and to address violence against women and girls in Ukraine. Authorizes FY2015 appropriations for such activities. Directs the President to: (1) enhance security cooperation efforts and relationships amongst countries in Central and Eastern Europe and among the United States, the EU, and countries in Central and Eastern Europe; (2) provide additional security assistance, including defense articles, services, and military training, to countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including Ukraine; and (3) support reform and capacity-building efforts within the military, intelligence, and security services in Central and Eastern Europe, including Ukraine. Authorizes FY2015-FY2017 appropriations for such activities. Directs the President to impose asset blocking and U.S. exclusion sanctions against: (1) any person, including a current or former official of the government of Ukraine or a person acting on behalf of that government, who has perpetrated or is responsible for directing significant acts of violence or gross human rights abuses against persons associated with the anti-government protests in Ukraine that began on November 21, 2013; (2) any person who has perpetrated or is responsible for directing significant acts intended to undermine Ukraine's peace, sovereignty, or territorial integrity, including acts of economic extortion; (3) any official of the government of the Russian Federation, or a close associate or family member of such an official, who is responsible for or complicit in directing acts of significant corruption in Ukraine; and (4) any individual who has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for such acts. Authorizes and encourages the President to impose asset blocking and U.S. exclusion sanctions against: (1) any government official of the Russian Federation, or a close associate or family member of such an official, who is responsible for or complicit in directing acts of significant corruption in the Russian Federation, including the expropriation of private or public assets for personal gain, corruption related to government contracts or the extraction of natural resources, bribery, or the facilitation or transfer of the proceeds of corruption to foreign jurisdictions; and (2) any individual who has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for such acts. Sets forth related penalty requirements. States that U.S. exclusion sanctions shall not apply if necessary to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations or other applicable international obligations. Authorizes the President to waive sanctions if in the U.S. national security interests, and with prior congressional notification. Appropriates funds for an increase in the U.S. quota in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) equal to a specified amount of Special Drawing Rights. Rescinds a similar amount of funds from amounts available for loans to the IMF. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to report to Congress each year through 2020 on the current and probable future course of military-technological development of the Russian military, the probable development of the security strategy and military strategy of the government of Russia, and military organizations and operational concepts. Rescinds specified amounts from appropriations for: (1) international narcotics control and law enforcement, (2) the International Development Association, (3) the Asian Development Fund, (4) the African Development Fund, (5) the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and (6) DOD procurement accounts.

American Cures Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2014

American Cures Act - Establishes a Biomedical Research Fund to be administered by the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for an expanded and sustained national investment in biomedical research. Requires amounts to be transferred from the Fund for each fiscal year to accounts related to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Defense (DOD) health program, and the medical and prosthetics research program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that funding for such programs and agencies does not fall below 105% of the level of funding provided for the preceding fiscal year and an additional amount to account for any increases in the Gross Domestic Product for the year involved. Requires that amounts appropriated for each of such programs and agencies for a fiscal year be not be less than the amounts appropriated for FY2014. Authorizes and appropriates to the Fund such sums as necessary in each fiscal year to enable such transfers. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act to exempt the Fund from any sequestration order issued under such Act.

Military Commissary Sustainment Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2014

Military Commissary Sustainment Act - Prohibits reducing the monthly amount of funds made available by the Department of Defense (DOD) for the defense commissary system during FY2015 below the average monthly amount made available during FY2014 until the date of the report of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 11 March 2014

Government Reports Elimination Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2014

Government Reports Elimination Act of 2014 - Eliminates, modifies, or consolidates reporting requirements for the: (1) Department of Agriculture, (2) Department of Commerce, (3) Department of Defense (DOD), (4) Department of Education, (5) Department of Energy (DOE), (6) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), (7) Department of Homeland Security (DHS), (8) Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUD), (9) Department of Justice (DOJ), (10) Department of Labor, (11) Department of the Interior, (12) Department of State, (13) Department of the Treasury, (14) Department of Transportation (DOT), (15) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), (16) Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), (17) Corporation for National and Community Service (18) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), (19) Federal Trade Commission (FTC), (20) General Services Administration (GSA), (21) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), (22) National Science Foundation (NSF), (23) Office of Personnel Management (OPM), (24) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), (25) Small Business Administration (SBA), (26) Social Security Administration (SSA), (27) Army Corps of Engineers, and (28) Executive Office of the President. Repeals or modifies reports relating to activities conducted by the intelligence community.

A resolution condemning illegal Russian aggression in Ukraine.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2014

Condemns the Russian military seizure of the Ukrainian Crimea and demands the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces except as allowed for by treaty. Demands the release of besieged Ukrainian security forces in Crimea, and warns that failure to do so or any additional military action against other areas of Ukraine will lead to significant consequences in the Russian Federation's relations with the United States and those nations who share our views. Urges the President to use all appropriate economic elements of U.S. national power in coordination with U.S. allies to protect Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and economic integrity. Urges the President to use economic and diplomatic measures, including calibrated sanctions, against those responsible for the seizure of Crimea. Urges the President to propose to G-8 nations to suspend the Russian Federation, and to propose to our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies to suspend operation of the NATO-Russia Council and suspend the Russian Federation's military and diplomatic representation at NATO. Condemns the economic coercion pursued by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, Moldova, Lithuania, and other countries in the region in order to obstruct closer ties between the European Union (EU) and the countries of the Eastern Partnership. Supports assisting Ukraine and U.S. allies in the region in gaining energy security. Encourages governments in Europe to take similar and coordinated actions to make it clear to the government of the Russian Federation that violating the territorial integrity of sovereign nations will have significant consequences. Calls for the acceptance of a credible international observer mission in Crimea and other parts of Ukraine. Calls on the Russian Federation to engage in a political dialogue with Ukraine on a political and diplomatic path that respects Ukrainian sovereignty and the Crimea's historic and ethnic makeup. Supports efforts by the government of Ukraine to: (1) bring to justice those responsible for the acts of violence related to the anti-government protests that began on November 2013, and (2) recover Ukrainian state funds stolen by former President Yanukovych and others. Calls upon the leadership of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to reconsider its decision to place World Cup 2018 matches in Russia.

To name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Waco, Texas, as the "Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center".

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2014

Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center in Waco, Texas, as the "Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center."

Government Reports Elimination Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2014

Government Reports Elimination Act of 2014 - Eliminates or modifies reporting requirements for the: (1) Department of Agriculture, (2) Department of Commerce, (3) Corporation for National and Community Service, (4) Department of Defense (DOD), (5) Department of Education, (6) Department of Energy (DOE), (7) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), (8) Executive Office of the President, (9) Government Accountability Office (GAO), (10) Department of Homeland Security (DHS), (11) Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), (12) Department of the Interior, (13) Department of Labor, (14) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), (15) Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), (16) Department of State, (17) Department of Transportation (DOT), (18) Department of the Treasury, and (19) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

CPI-E Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2014

CPI-E Act of 2014 - Bases cost-of -living increases in benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System, the Federal Employees Retirement System, military retirement and survivor benefit programs, and specified veterans benefits programs on increases in the Consumer Price Index for the elderly.

Appropriate Care for Disabled Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2014

Appropriate Care for Disabled Veterans Act - Repeals the termination date of (thus, reinstates) the requirement for an annual report from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) on the Secretary's compliance, by facility and by service-network, with requirements for managing the provision of hospital care and medical services furnished to veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2014

Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act - Requires (current law authorizes) the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to accept, for purposes of establishing a claim for veterans disability benefits, a report of a medical examination administered by a private physician without requiring confirmation by a Veterans Health Administration physician if the report is sufficiently complete. Defines "sufficiently complete" as competent, credible, probative, and containing such information as required to make a decision on the claim for which the report is provided. Requires the Secretary to submit: (1) a report on the progress of the VA's Acceptable Clinical Evidence initiative in reducing the necessity for in-person disability examinations, and (2) an annual report for each VA regional office regarding claims for which private medical evidence was determined to be unacceptable.

[H.A.S.C. No. 113-84]FISCAL YEAR 2015 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 6 March 2014

Reliable Home Heating Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2014

Reliable Home Heating Act - Directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to recognize any 30-day emergency period declared by a state governor due to a shortage of residential heating fuel (and up to two additional 30-day periods) as one during which FMCSA federal motor carrier safety regulations shall not apply to any motor carrier or driver operating a commercial motor vehicle providing residential heating fuel in a geographic area designated as under a state of emergency. Defines the term "residential heating fuel" to include heating oil, natural gas, and propane. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, using data compiled from the Administration's Weekly Petroleum Status Reports, to notify the governor of each state in a Petroleum Administration for Defense District if that district's inventory of residential heating fuel has been below the most recent five-year average for more than three consecutive weeks. Declares that a covered emergency exemption from FMCSA federal motor carrier safety regulations shall remain in effect until May 31, 2014, unless the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) determines that the emergency for which the exemption was provided ends before that date. Defines "covered emergency exemption" as one issued or extended between February 5, 2014, and the date of enactment of this Act to effect regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations directly assisting the delivery of propane and home heating fuels. States that nothing in this Act may be construed to prohibit the FMCSA from issuing or extending a covered emergency exemption beyond May 31, 2014, under other federal law.

Veterans Health Care Access Received Closer to Home Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2014

Veterans Health Care Access Received Closer to Home Act of 2014 - Expresses the sense of Congress in support of veteran-centric health care coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and community providers, as well as cost-effective VA purchase of veterans' care from the private sector. Amends the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 to reauthorize a VA pilot program of contract care authority within specified Veterans Integrated Service Networks for the health care needs of veterans in highly rural areas who are enrolled in the VA annual patient enrollment system. Requires: (1) that medical appointments for veterans, under the pilot program, occur during the 30-day period beginning on the date that is 15 days after the appointment is requested, and (2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that eligible veterans are informed of the program.

Civil Liberties Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2014

Civil Liberties Protection Act - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to modify the purposes for which the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is authorized to apply to a FISA court for an order requiring the production of tangible things (commonly referred to as "business records"). Authorizes the FBI to apply for such a production order for an investigation to protect against international terrorism, clandestine intelligence activities, or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (thus removes the FBI's authority to apply for such an order for an investigation to obtain foreign intelligence information not concerning a U.S. person and adds authority with respect to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction). Authorizes such production order applications for certain related preparation activities. Requires applications for such production orders to include specific and articulable facts showing that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the tangible things sought are relevant to an authorized investigation of a specific individual. (Currently, a general statement of facts must only show that the tangible things are relevant to an authorized investigation without specifying whether the investigation is limited to a specific individual.) Directs the National Security Agency (NSA) to report to Congress regarding its plans for: (1) purging the NSA telephony metadata database of information that does not comply with such revised FISA production order standards, and (2) retaining information relating to ongoing lawsuits. Prohibits tangible things received by the FBI in response to a production order, or any database of such tangible things, from being stored by a private entity or transferred to a private entity for storage. Prohibits officers or employees of the United States from issuing a national security letter (a request to access certain communication service provider records or to obtain specified information from financial institutions or consumer reports) unless the FISA court, a U.S. district court, or a U.S. magistrate judge issues an order approving an application for such a letter with a finding of specific and articulable facts that the information sought is relevant and material to an authorized investigation to protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities. Sets forth an exception under which the requirement to obtain an order approving an application for a national security letter (as a prerequisite to the issuance of such a letter) is inapplicable if the Attorney General (DOJ): (1) reasonably determines that the factual basis exists for the issuance of the letter, (2) reasonably determines that an emergency situation exists with respect to the issuance of the letter before an order approving an application for such letter can be obtained with due diligence, (3) informs the court or judge of the decision to issue the letter at the time such decision is made, and (4) makes an application to the court or judge for approval of the issuance within seven days after the Attorney General's decision to issue such letter. Revises minimization procedures and nondisclosure requirements with respect to orders approving the production of tangible things and the issuance of national security letters. Limits the period of time during which certain orders and related requirements may remain in effect.

21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2014

21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act - Revises or adds provisions concerning the submission of veterans' claims for benefits administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including by: modifying the Transition Assistance Program to enable online participation; adding a requirement to encourage claimants to use appropriate forms; requiring specified communications to users of the eBenefits website; extending through FY2020 VA authority for the retroactive dating of awards upon the filing of fully developed claims; requiring claim decisions to explain the benefits of filing claim appeals within 180 days; requiring the use of a specified VA form in regional offices for filing notices of disagreement with claim decisions; and requiring hearings before the Board of Veterans' Appeals to be conducted, as the Board considers appropriate or, upon request by an appellant, as the appellant considers appropriate, in person or through picture and voice transmission by electronic or other means. Revises or adds provisions concerning the practices of VA regional offices, including by: requiring the Comptroller General to complete an audit of Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) regional offices, requiring the VA Secretary to complete a study on service-connected disabilities that worsen with age, extending the authority for the performance of medical disability examinations by contract physicians, requiring the Secretary to develop and implement a plan to establish a uniform mail processing and scanning system throughout the regional offices, requiring the VA Inspector General to conduct a review of the practices of regional offices regarding the use of suspense dates during the disability claim assessment process, requiring the Secretary to submit semiannual reports on progress in implementing the Veterans Benefits Management System, requiring the Secretary to submit an annual report on VBA capacity to process benefits claims, requiring the Secretary to include in each Monday Morning Workload Report the number of claims for benefits that have been received by a regional office and that are pending a decision, and requiring the Secretary to make the VA reports entitled "Appeals Pending" and "Appeals Workload By Station" available to the public on a VA website. Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD), the Commissioner of Social Security, and the Archivist of the United States to appoint individuals to act as liaisons with the VA to expedite the timely provision to the VA Secretary of information required to process veterans benefits claims. Requires the DOD and VA Secretaries to jointly submit a report that sets forth a time line with milestones for achieving interoperability between DOD's and VA's electronic health records systems.

American Entrepreneurship and Investment Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2014

American Entrepreneurship and Investment Act of 2014 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make the EB-5 immigrant investor program permanent. Increases the targeted employment area set-aside. Includes in the definition of targeted employment area (TEA): (1) a military installation closed pursuant to a base closure law; (2) a county with a 20% or greater population decline since 1970; and (3) an area within a federal, state, county, or city economic development incentive program. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to defer to state TEA designations. Provides for five-year Consumer Price Index-based adjustments to the required EB-5 investment amount beginning on January 1, 2016. Permits job creation requirements to include employment measured in full-time equivalents, such as intermittent or seasonal employment opportunities and construction jobs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a preapproval procedure for commercial enterprises that allows a regional center to apply for preapproval of a new commercial enterprise before an alien files a petition for classification by reason of investment in such enterprise; and (2) defer to certain prior favorable EB-5 determinations except in the case of fraud, material change, or legal deficiency. Prohibits a person who has been found liable for specified criminal or civil activities from serving as an owner, director, or officer of a regional center. Requires EB-5 petitions to be adjudicated within 180 days unless additional information is required. Revises the criteria under which a immigrant investor or entrepreneur shall have his or her conditional permanent resident status terminated. Provides that the child of an alien investor whose conditional permanent resident status is terminated shall continue to be considered a child of the alien investor for purposes of a subsequent immigrant petition by the alien investor if the child remains unmarried and the alien investor's subsequent petition is filed within one year after termination of status. Provides for: (1) a consolidated petition by an alien investor and his or her spouse and children, and (2) premium petition processing for a $5,000 fee. Prescribes criteria for national interest waivers for: (1) physicians working in shortage areas or veterans facilities, and (2) entrepreneurs and job creators who have engaged in a new commercial enterprise in the United States that has benefitted the U.S. economy and who have satisfied certain employment creation requirements. Exempts spouses and children of EB-5 immigrants from EB-5 admissions limits. Authorizes concurrent filing of EB-5 petitions and applications for status adjustment to conditional lawful permanent resident. Eliminates the per-country limit for employment-based immigrants and increases the per-country limit for family-based immigrants. Amends the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 to eliminate the requirement that the annual Chinese immigrant visas be reduced by a specified amount to offset status adjustments under that Act. Subjects EB-5 petitions to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the manner in which an advance payment of initial educational assistance paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is charged against the entitlement of a veteran to such assistance.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2014

Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to charge an advance payment of veterans' educational assistance against the final and, if necessary, penultimate month of the recipient's entitlement to such assistance. Prohibits an individual from receiving more than one advance payment of veterans' educational assistance during any academic year.

[H.A.S.C. No. 113-83] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 5 March 2014

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 5 March 2014

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015

United States · United States Senate · 5 March 2014

A resolution recognizing the importance of biosecurity and agro-defense in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2014

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) as the United States combats terrorism in all forms the safety, security, and health of our livestock and agriculture commodities must not be forgotten; (2) research and investment in biosecurity and agro-defense should be supported by Congress; (3) providing the resources for the advancement of vaccines and cures for deadly pathogens and emerging zoonotic diseases is an integral part of homeland defense; (4) the world depends on U.S. agriculture and on U.S. leadership in science and technology; and (5) the United States must remain a leader in the fight against bioterrorism.

A resolution supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine and condemning Russian military aggression in Ukraine.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2014

Condemns Russia's military incursion into Crimea, in clear violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity and in contravention of international law. Calls on Russia to withdraw all unauthorized military personnel from Crimea. Pledges to work with the President to identify a package of economic sanctions and other measures to compel President Putin to remove his armed forces from Ukrainian territory. Calls upon the President to seek to reschedule a meeting of the G-8 nations where the participating nations should consider a U.S. proposal to expel Russia. Urges the United States to: (1) propose to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that it suspend operation of the Russia-NATO Council and expel Russia's military and diplomatic representation in NATO, and (2) work with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to deploy monitors in Ukraine to help confirm the Russian-speaking population's security. Calls on the President to expand the list of sanctioned individuals and officials. Urges the President to consider: (1) downgrading U.S. diplomatic representation with Russia, and (2) implementing additional sanctions. Urges the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to reconsider its decision to place World Cup 2018 matches in Russia.

Russia Visa Sanctions Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2014

Russia Visa Sanctions Act - Directs the Secretary of State, except to meet treaty obligations regarding United Nations (U.N.) headquarters, to deny a visa to, and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to deny U.S. admission to, all government officials and employees of the Russian Federation until the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that: (1) Russian military intervention into Ukraine has ceased; and (2) the Russian Federation respects the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine in accordance with the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances. States that this certification requirement shall not apply to military bases of the Russian Federation in Ukraine's Crimean peninsula operating in accordance with the 1997 agreement on the Status and Conditions of the Black Sea Fleet Stationing on the Territory of Ukraine.

Veterans Education Survey Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2014

Veterans Education Survey Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into a contract with a non-government entity to conduct a survey of a statistically valid sample of individuals who have used or are using their entitlement to veterans educational assistance to pursue a program of education or training. Requires: (1) the survey to be submitted to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees not later than one month before the collection of data begins, and (2) the entity to conduct the survey electronically or by other appropriate means and to complete the survey and submit the results to the Secretary not later than 180 days after entering into the contract. Requires the survey to be designed to collect specified types of information about each individual surveyed, including: (1) demographic information, including the highest level of education completed, military occupational specialties while serving in the Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserves, and whether the individual has a service-connected disability; (2) the individual's opinion regarding participation in the transition assistance program and the effectiveness of the program; (3) the nature of the individual's experience with the VA's education benefits processing system; and (4) the individual's employment status and whether such status differs from the individual's status prior to enrolling in the program of education or training. Directs the Secretary to report to the Committees on the results of the survey, including an unedited version of the results submitted, and any recommendations.

Veterans Employment and Training Service Longitudinal Study Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2014

Veterans Employment and Training Service Longitudinal Study Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into a contract with a non-governmental entity to conduct a longitudinal study of a statistically valid sample of each of the following groups of individuals over a period of at least five years: (1) veterans who have received intensive job counseling, training, and placement services; (2) veterans who did not receive intensive services but who otherwise received services; and (3) veterans who did not seek or receive services. Requires the study to include the collection of specified information for each individual who participates in the study, including: (1) the average number of months served on active duty, (2) the distribution of disability ratings, (3) unemployment benefits received, (4) the average number of months employed and average individual and household annual income, (5) employment status, (6) whether the individual believes that any service received helped the individual to become employed, (7) use of educational assistance, (8) participation in a vocational rehabilitation program, (9) conditions of discharge or release from the Armed Forces, and (10) demographic information. Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports on the outcomes of the study that include any information the Secretary determines is necessary to determine long-term outcomes of the individuals in such groups. Amends the Social Security Act to grant the Secretary access to new hire information reported by employers.

Help Hire our Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2014

Help Hire our Heroes Act - Amends the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to extend through September 30, 2014, the veterans retraining assistance program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to transfer funds for such program from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.

Condemning the violation of Ukrainian sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity by military forces of the Russian Federation.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2014

Condemns Russia's military violation of Ukrainian sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. States that Russia's military intervention: (1) is in breach of its United Nations (U.N.) obligations, and of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances in which it pledged to respect Ukraine's independence and existing borders; and (2) poses a threat to international peace and security. Calls on Russia to remove its military forces from Ukraine's Crimean peninsula, other than those operating in accordance with its 1997 agreement on the Status and Conditions of the Black Sea Fleet Stationing on the Territory of Ukraine, and to refrain from interference in all regions of Ukraine. Declares that the Ukrainian people have the right to determine their own future free from outside interference. Commends the Ukrainian government for its restraint and avoidance of military provocations. Calls on the Ukrainian government to continue to protect the rights of minority populations within Ukraine. Calls for the deployment of independent monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Crimea and other areas of Ukraine. Calls upon the President and the leaders of the other democratic states to not attend the G8 summit in Sochi, Russia, and to consider expelling Russia from the group. Calls on the Administration to work with our European allies and other countries to impose visa, financial, trade, and other sanctions on senior Russian officials and on appropriate Russian entities. States that the United States should participate with its European allies and other countries to provide the Ukrainian government with financial, economic, and technical assistance. Calls on the United States, its European allies, and other countries and international organizations to provide assistance to ensure that new elections scheduled for May 2014 are free and in full accordance with international standards. Supports Ukrainian efforts to achieve energy independence. Affirms the right of all countries in the region to exercise their sovereign rights within their internationally recognized borders free from outside intervention and to conduct their foreign policy in accordance with their determination of the best interests of their peoples.

Military Commissary Sustainment Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2014

Military Commissary Sustainment Act - Prohibits reducing the monthly amount of funds made available by the Department of Defense (DOD) for the defense commissary system during FY2015 below the average monthly amount made available during FY2014 until the date of the report of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission.

Student Veterans IT Upgrade Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2014

Student Veterans IT Upgrade Act - Directs the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in coordination with the Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity, to submit to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees a report on the VA's information technology system that is used in connection with the administration of educational benefits by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Requires such report to include: (1) the status of such system, (2) the system plan submitted to Congress, (3) an action plan describing how the CIO and the Deputy Under Secretary intend to finalize such system, and (4) the anticipated cost of upgrading such system. Directs the CIO and the Deputy Under Secretary to update the Committees at least annually on any progress made in upgrading the system.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into enhanced-use leases for excess property of the National Cemetery Administration that is unsuitable for burial purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2014

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into enhanced-use leases for excess property of the National Cemetery Administration that is unsuitable for burial purposes.

Homeless Veterans with Children Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2014

Homeless Veterans with Children Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide per diem payments to eligible entities that assist homeless veterans to furnish care for dependents of such veterans. Conditions the receipt of a VA grant for a program to assist an eligible entity in providing services to homeless veterans on the recipient agreeing to meet the physical, privacy, safety, and security needs of such veterans.

America First Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2014

America First Act - Repeals the provision of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 that reduces the cost-of-living adjustment to the retirement pay of members of the Armed Forces under age 62. Offsets the cost of such repeal by reducing amounts authorized to be appropriated for foreign aid (including non-military and military assistance) for FY2015-FY2024.

Firearm Importation Fairness Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2014

Firearm Importation Fairness Act of 2014 - Amends the federal criminal code to eliminate the requirement that a firearm or ammunition be particularly suitable for sporting purposes in order for such firearm or ammunition to be authorized to be: (1) imported into the United States; or (2) shipped to a member of the Armed Forces on active duty outside the United States, to a club composed of such members, or to the U.S. residence of such a member. Prohibits the Attorney General from authorizing the importation of armor piercing ammunition, incendiary ammunition, or tracer ammunition.

Laura Junor, of Virginia, to be a Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, vice Jo Ann Rooney, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 27 February 2014

[H.A.S.C. No. 113-81] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 February 2014

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 27 February 2014

Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2014

Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures Act - Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2014-FY2023: (1) for the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) or procurement of a long-range penetrating bomber aircraft; (2) to procure an SSBN-X submarine (and prohibits the use of such funds for FY2024 and thereafter to procure more than eight such submarines); or (3) for the RDT&E or procurement of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds authorized to be appropriated for FY2014 or thereafter for DOD or the Department of Energy (DOE): (1) to make the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons; (2) until the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy jointly certify that the total cost of the B61 life extension program has been reduced to not more than $5 billion; (3) for the W78 life extension program; (4) for the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility project; (5) to replace the chemistry and metallurgy research building at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico; or (6) for the uranium processing facility at the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Prohibits Navy forces, beginning in FY2020, from including more than eight operational ballistic-missile submarines available for deployment. Prohibits the use of DOD funds for FY2014 or thereafter: (1) to maintain more than 250 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, or (2) for the medium extended air defense system. Requires initial and annual reports from the Secretaries of Defense and Energy outlining their respective plans to carry out the requirements of this Act. Directs the President to submit to Congress an annual report containing a comprehensive accounting by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the amounts obligated or expended by the federal government for each nuclear weapon and related nuclear program during the fiscal year covered by the report for the life cycle of such weapon or program.

Handgun Trigger Safety Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2014

Handgun Trigger Safety Act of 2014 - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Justice to make one-year grants to qualified entities (states or local governments, organizations, or institutions of higher education) to develop technology for personalized handguns (a handgun that is manufactured to enable only the authorized user to fire it). Provides that a recipient shall use at least 70% of the grant amount to develop technology for personalized handguns and may use not more than 20% to develop technology for retrofitted personalized handguns and not more than 10% for administrative costs. Prohibits any person: (1) beginning two years after enactment of this Act, from manufacturing in the United States a handgun that is not a personalized handgun; or (2) beginning three years after enactment of this Act, from distributing in commerce any handgun that is not a personalized handgun or a retrofitted personalized handgun. Exempts antique firearms and firearms distributed or sold to the Department of Defense (DOD). Provides for the enforcement of such prohibitions by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and by the states. Requires a handgun manufacturer, upon request of the owner of a handgun manufactured in the United States that is not a personalized handgun or a retrofitted personalized handgun, to retrofit the handgun and return it to the owner within a reasonable period of time as established by the CPSC. Makes the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund available to the Attorney General for payments to reimburse handgun manufacturers for the costs of retrofitting handguns. Amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to exclude from the definition of "qualified product" any handgun manufactured after two years after enactment of this Act that is not a personalized handgun or retrofitted personalized handgun.

HERO Transition from Battlespace to Workplace Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2014

Helping to Encourage Real Opportunity for Veterans Transitioning from Battlespace to Workplace Act of 2014 or the HERO Transition from Battlespace to Workplace Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business-related tax credit for $1,000 times the number of veterans (not more than 25 in a taxable year) who begin work resulting from the efforts of a military relations manager. Deems as a reasonable effort of an employer to employ veterans, for purposes of veteran employment and reemployment programs, the designation of an employee as a military relations manager and the use of the military skills translator database (database for assisting veterans in relating military skills, experience, and training to civilian skills, experience, and training). Defines "military relations manager" as an expert in the process of transitioning from being a member of the Armed Forces to being a civilian and in translating the skills, experience, and training gained in the Armed Forces to skills, experience, and training needed in the private sector. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that the military skills translator database may be used by civilian employers and conduct outreach to inform civilian employers of such database.

Equal Rights and Access for the Women of South Sudan Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2014

Equal Rights and Access for the Women of South Sudan Act - Requires that activities carried out by the United States in South Sudan relating to governance, post-conflict reconstruction and development, police and military training, and refugee relief and assistance support the human rights of women and their full political, social, and economic participation.

REIN-IN Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2014

Reduce Expenditures in Nuclear Infrastructure Now Act or the REIN-IN Act - Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2014-FY2023: (1) for the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) or procurement of a long-range penetrating bomber aircraft; (2) to procure an SSBN-X submarine (and prohibits the use of such funds for FY2024 and thereafter to procure more than eight such submarines); or (3) for the RDT&E or procurement of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds authorized to be appropriated for FY2014 or thereafter for DOD or the Department of Energy (DOE): (1) to make the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons; (2) until the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy jointly certify that the total cost of the B61 life extension program has been reduced to not more than $5 billion; (3) for the W78 life extension program; (4) for the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility project; (5) to replace the chemistry and metallurgy research building at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico; or (6) for the uranium processing facility at the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Prohibits Navy forces, beginning in FY2020, from including more than eight operational ballistic-missile submarines available for deployment. Prohibits the use of DOD funds for FY2014 or thereafter: (1) to maintain more than 250 submarine-launched ballistic missiles; (2) to maintain more than 150 intercontiental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) on a 24-hour, high alert status; or (3) for the medium extended air defense system. Requires initial and annual reports from the Secretaries of Defense and Energy outlining their respective plans to carry out the requirements of this Act. Directs the President to submit to Congress an annual report containing a comprehensive accounting by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the amounts obligated or expended by the federal government for each nuclear weapon and related nuclear program during the fiscal year covered by the report for the life cycle of such weapon or program.

[H.A.S.C. No. 113-80] DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 February 2014