Defence

Surface Warfare Enhancement Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2018

Surface Warfare Enhancement Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of the Navy to: conduct a comprehensive review of its operational and administrative chains-of-command and functions; implement a training and readiness matrix for Navy surface ships; conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Navy standard workweek; require that watchstanders on Navy surface ships shall maintain a career record of watchstanding hours and specific operational evolutions; establish minimum at-sea and simulator time and evolution requirements for qualified Navy officers in certain positions; provide for the use of not fewer than six Navy Yard Patrol craft in total at the Surface Warfare Officer School Basic Division Officer Course in San Diego, California, and Norfolk, Virginia; and maintain manning fit and manning fill for ships assigned to the Forward Deployed Naval Forces at levels not less than the levels established for each ship class or type of unit deploying from the United States. Vessels listed in the Naval Vessel Register may not be homeported in a location other than in the United States or Guam for a period of more than 10 consecutive years. The bill imposes certain limitations on transition of enlisted training to Ready Relevant Learning block learning, modernized delivery, or similar approaches, and grants authority to treat military units as unavailable for deployment due to a significant readiness deficiency.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to enhanced relations with the Republic of Moldova and support for Moldova's territorial integrity.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2018

Reaffirms that it is U.S. policy to support the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Moldova. Supports the Strategic Dialogue as a means to strengthen U.S.-Moldova relations and enhance Moldova's democratic, economic, and security reforms. Encourages enhanced U.S. partnerships with Moldova's government, private sector, and civil society and a focus of U.S. assistance on strengthening democratic institutions, diversifying and securing energy supplies, and promoting rural economic growth, trade, and job creation. Encourages Moldova to continue implementing democratic reforms. Encourages the President to expedite the implementation of Public Law 113-96 providing for U.S. international broadcast programming to counter Russian disinformation. Supports efforts to counter disinformation campaigns in Eastern Europe. Affirms Moldova's right to: (1) determine its own partnerships free of external pressure, and (2) associate with the European Union or any regional organization. Calls upon the Russian Federation to withdraw its military forces from the internationally recognized territory of Moldova, refrain from economic threats against Moldova, and cease support of separatist movements within Moldova. Supports efforts to resolve the Transnistria issue through a comprehensive settlement that secures Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity while providing a special status for the Transnistrian region within Moldova. Urges all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that may undermine efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution or jeopardize existing agreements. Encourages Transnistrian leaders and the Moldovan government to continue negotiations toward a political settlement. Affirms that Moldova's stability and security is a U.S. priority that can only be achieved if the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Moldova and other European countries are respected.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 15 February 2018

[H.A.S.C. No. 115-73] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 February 2018

Service-Disabled Veterans Small Business Continuation Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Service-Disabled Veterans Small Business Continuation Act This bill provides that the surviving spouse of a veteran who died with less than a 100% disability rating maintains the same Department of Veterans Affairs contracting preference for a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business as the spouse of a 100% disabled veteran until: (1) three years after the veteran's death, (2) the surviving spouse remarries, or (3) the surviving spouse relinquishes ownership of the business.

A resolution honoring the dedication and courage of the Buffalo Soldiers.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Honors the dedication and courage of the Buffalo Soldiers and recognizes their legacy. Recognizes the contributions that the Buffalo Soldiers have made to the National Park System and to military history in the United States and throughout the world.

Confederate Commemorative Works Inventory and Joint Resource Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Confederate Commemorative Works Inventory and Joint Resource Study Act This bill directs the Departments of the Interior, Defense, and Veterans Affairs to each conduct a full inventory of specified Confederate commemorative works, including flags and other symbols or signage, on the public lands under their jurisdiction. Using such inventories, the National Park Service shall conduct a special resource study to examine the works commemorating and interpreting the Civil War and commemorating, with respect to such war, the soldiers, people on the home front and battle lines, and related locations in the United States from 1861-1865. Among contents required to be identified by the study are historical assessments of each work, the suitability and feasibility of retaining works, identification of properties that could meet the criteria for designation as national historic sites, and an evaluation of historical research.

Facilitating Veterans' Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Facilitating Veterans' Education Act This bill requires that at the same time a military department issues a certificate of release or discharge to a member of the Armed Forces who is being discharged or released from active duty, the department shall provide to such member a copy of the joint services transcript of the member, or a successor transcript.

Reserve Component Benefits Parity Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Reserve Component Benefits Parity Act of 2018 This bill makes reserve component members who are deployed to support pre-planned operations of a combatant command eligible for: (1) non-reduction in pay while serving in the uniformed services or National Guard, (2) consideration of active duty service to reduce the age for retired pay ; and (3) the high-deployment allowance for lengthy or numerous deployments and frequent mobilizations.

Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2018 This bill deems certain service performed before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts to be active military service for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA shall, in determining eligibility under this bill, take into account any relevant service documentation, including documentation other than the Missouri List (the list of all discharged and deceased veterans from the 20th century). The VA shall report to Congress annually regarding the number of individuals applying for benefits, and the number approved, during the previous year.

Protect America's Secrets Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Protect America's Secrets Act This bill amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to prevent a federal employee, including an employee in the Executive Office of the President, from being granted access to information on highly sensitive programs unless the employee: (1) has been determined to be eligible for access by the head of an agency or designated official based upon a full personnel security investigation and a favorable adjudication, (2) has a demonstrated need-to-know, and (3) has signed an approved nondisclosure agreement.

VA Community Care Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

VA Community Care Enhancement Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a demonstration program under which the VA shall furnish certain medical services through community care collaborative arrangements between VA medical centers and federally qualified health centers.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 14 February 2018

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 14 February 2018

Families of Fallen Servicemembers First Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2018

Families of Fallen Servicemembers First Act This bill provides a permanent appropriation for the payment of death gratuities and related benefits to survivors of deceased members of the uniformed services during a period of lapsed appropriations. The bill provides the appropriations at the rate and under the conditions provided for the most recent fiscal year for which an Act making appropriations for the uniformed services has been enacted. The appropriations are provided during a period of lapsed appropriations, in which appropriations are unavailable due to the absence of the timely enactment of an Act or joint resolution providing appropriations or continuing appropriations for the death gratuity and related benefits.

Brent K. Park, of Tennessee, to be Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, National Nuclear Security Administration, vice Anne M. Harrington.

United States · United States Senate · 13 February 2018

THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE'S ROLE IN PROTECTING DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS

United States · United States Senate · 13 February 2018

Free to Fly Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2018

Free to Fly Act The bill modifies definitions relating to aviation to permit a foreign air carrier to own U.S. domestic air routes. The foreign carrier may establish U.S.-based subsidiaries for such purpose. All foreign-owed air carriers that obtain a certificate to fly domestic routes may only hire U.S. citizens or nationals, or permanent legal residents. The Department of Transportation (DOT) may issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity to a foreign air carrier with a board of directors that is comprised of more than 49% non-U.S. citizens. The bill expands the scope of the President's review of DOT actions involving foreign air carriers. The Department of Defense may waive citizenship requirements for certain foreign air carriers participating in the civil reserve air fleet.

Expressing support for the designation of March 2, 2018, as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Day".

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2018

Supports the designation of Gold Star Families Remembrance Day. Honors and recognizes the sacrifices made by the families of members and veterans of the armed forces who gave their lives to defend freedom and protect America.

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain Federal land to facilitate scientific research supporting Federal space and defense programs.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2018

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to convey to the Utah State University Research Foundation, without consideration, approximately 80 acres of real property, including improvements, located outside of the boundaries of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Rich County, Utah, for use for scientific and educational purposes. The foundation shall pay or reimburse USDA for the costs of the conveyance, including any survey costs, costs for environmental documentation, and other related administrative costs, except that USDA shall pay for the costs of any environmental remediation of the real property.

National Guard and Reserves Benefits Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2018

National Guard and Reserves Benefits Parity Act This bill makes reserve component members who are deployed to support pre-planned operations of a combatant command eligible for: (1) non-reduction in pay while serving in the uniformed services or National Guard, (2) consideration of active duty service to reduce the age for retired pay , and (3) the high-deployment allowance for lengthy or numerous deployments and frequent mobilizations.

Preparedness Before Parades Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2018

Preparedness Before Parades Act This bill prohibits the President from directing the Department of Defense (DOD) from carrying out a large-scale military parade unless: (1) DOD certifies to Congress that the parade will have no effect on the military readiness or budgetary needs of the Armed Forces, (2) the government of any municipality where the parade will be conducted approves the parade not later than 90 days before the date of the parade, and (3 ) not less than 50% of the costs of the parade are paid for by funds appropriated to the Executive Office of the President.

PARADE Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2018

Preventing Allocation of Resources for Absurd Defense Expenditures Act or the PARADE Act. This bill prohibits the use of funds for a parade that is sponsored by the Department of Defense or the White House or the Executive Office of the President and is not a parade that has been held to commemorate a holiday or special event during the ten-year period preceding the enactment of this bill.

A bill to prohibit the use of funds for an exhibition or parade of military forces and hardware for review by the President outside of authorized military operations or activities.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2018

This bill prohibits funds available to the Department of Defense from being obligated or expended for any exhibition or parade of military forces and hardware for review by the President outside of authorized military operations or activities.

A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the number of peer-to-peer counselors providing counseling for women veterans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2018

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that the veterans peer counseling program includes a sufficient number of peer counselors for women veterans. Such counselors may be VA employees and may have expertise in: (1) gender-specific issues and services, (2) VA services and benefits, and (3) employment mentoring. The VA shall: (1) emphasize facilitating peer-to-peer counseling for women veterans who suffered sexual trauma while in the Armed Forces, have post-traumatic stress disorder or suffer from another mental health condition, or are otherwise at risk of becoming homeless; (2) conduct program outreach; and (3) coordinate with community organizations, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, local business organizations, and legal assistance organizations.

DEFENDING THE HOMELAND: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE'S ROLE IN COUNTERING WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

United States · United States Senate · 7 February 2018

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 7 February 2018

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2018

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2018, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Each such increase shall be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2018

Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act This bill directs the Department of Defense to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits through the TRICARE program to uniformed service members who are not on active duty, uniformed service retirees, and their dependents. (Active duty members of the uniformed services are currently eligible for chiropractic services and benefits through the Chiropractic Health Care Program.)

To make continuing appropriations for pay for certain training for members of the National Guard and of the reserve components of the Armed Forces in the event of a shutdown of the Federal Government, to prohibit the furlough of such members during such a shutdown, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2018

This bill makes continuing appropriations for FY2018 for any period during which a government shutdown is in effect for certain training for the National Guard and reserve components of the Armed Forces and for civilian personnel of the Department of Defense (DOD) (and the Department of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard). Military and DOD civilian personnel are exempt from any furlough order for any period during which a government shutdown is in effect.

A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to provide that activities relating to the training and readiness of the reserve components of the Armed Forces during a lapse in appropriations shall constitute voluntary services that may be accepted by the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2018

This bill treats activities relating to the training and readiness of the reserve components of the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and the Reserves) during a lapse in appropriations as constituting voluntary services that may be accepted by the United States.

[H.A.S.C. No. 115-67] THE NATIONAL DEFENSE STRATEGY AND THE NUCLEAR POSTURE REVIEW

United States · United States House of Representatives · 6 February 2018

IN DEFENSE OF SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY: EXAMINING THE IARC MONOGRAPH PROGRAMME AND GLYPHOSATE REVIEW

United States · United States House of Representatives · 6 February 2018

Civil Defense Accountability Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Civil Defense Accountability Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to report to Congress regarding current notification protocols for ballistic missile threats. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must conduct, and report on, a study to identify best practices of at least 13 states, including Hawaii, Alaska, California, Washington, and other states bordering or not bordering on an ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, regarding civil defense emergencies. The bill requires key officials (defined to include the heads of DOD, FEMA, and the FCC) to submit to Congress and make publicly available unclassified reports on the actions of their respective departments or agencies regarding the ballistic missile false alarm that occurred on January 13, 2018, in Hawaii. Each report shall include recommendations for corrective actions to diminish the possibility of another ballistic missile false alarm. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must submit to Congress and publish online a report regarding the ability of HHS and health care providers to respond to attacks in the United States with biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear weapons. HHS must (1) develop and implement a public outreach program in coordination with state and local governments regarding recommendations in such report for improving readiness in responding to such attacks, and (2) consider the report's recommendations when issuing grants under the Public Health Emergency Preparedness cooperative agreement and the Hospital Preparedness Program.

BATTLE for Servicemembers Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Better Access to Technical Training, Learning, and Entrepreneurship for Servicemembers Act or the BATTLE for Servicemembers Act This bill directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to waive additional training under the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) under certain circumstances. The TAP provides information and training to service members and their spouses to assist them in the transition to civilian life by pursuing additional education, finding a job in the public or private sector, or starting their own business. Under the bill, service members must participate in TAP training programs unless they choose to opt out of such programs.

Military Spouse Employment Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Military Spouse Employment Act of 2018 This bill expands authorities, programs, services, and benefits for military spouses and their families. Specifically, the bill: expands the authority for noncompetitive appointments of military spouses by federal agencies to include spouses of active duty military personnel or disabled or deceased personnel, requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to ensure that military spouses are aware of the My Career Advancement Account program and their eligibility to participate in it, facilitates child care services for military families, expands the period of availability of the Military OneSource Program for retired and discharged members of the Armed Forces and their immediate families, and provides transition assistance for military spouses. DOD must report to Congress on: methods to increase its participation in defense contracts that provide employment for military spouses; public-private partnerships to support and enhance the health, safety, welfare, and morale of military families; small businesses activities of military spouses on military installations; and an assessment of the effects of frequent changes of duty stations on employment stability of military spouses.

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of women serving in the United States Marine Corps.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Commemorates the service, dedication, and sacrifice of female Marines who have served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Veterans' Second Amendment Rights Restoration Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Veterans' Second Amendment Rights Restoration Act of 2018 This bill sets forth procedures and conditions for the adjudication of veterans as mentally incompetent. Specifically, the bill requires the federal government to prove by clear and convincing evidence that a person is a danger to himself, herself, or others in order for a person to be adjudicated as mentally defective. Veterans must be provided certain notice, including written notice of the effect the ruling may have on their ability to own and possess firearms. For an administrative competency proceeding to be initiated, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must first determine (1) that a veteran requires the assignment of a fiduciary due to a finding of mental incompetency, and (2) the VA has a reasonable basis that the person may be a danger to himself, herself, or others.

SEA Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Department of Veterans Affairs Senior Executive Accountability Act of 2018 or the SEA Act This bill prohibits an individual employed in a senior executive position at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from being reassigned to another such position unless such reassignment is approved in writing and signed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The VA shall report to Congress on such reassignments biannually.

VA MISSION Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2018

Veterans Cemetery Benefit Correction Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior to provide outer burial receptacles for veterans' remains buried in open cemeteries administered by the National Park Service. The use of outer burial receptacles in such cemeteries shall be in accordance with regulations or procedures approved by Interior.

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2018

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 DIVISION B -- FURTHER EXTENSION OF CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018 Further Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 This division amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 to provide continuing FY2018 appropriations to most federal agencies through March 23, 2018 (February 8, 2018, under current law). It prevents a partial government shutdown that would otherwise occur when the existing continuing resolution expires because the FY2018 appropriations bills have not been enacted. The division also: (1) authorizes the Department of Energy to drawdown and sell specified crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in FY2018; and (2) makes additional funding available for the 2020 Decennial Census Program, the Southeastern Power Administration, and juror fees. The division provides emergency funding for the Small Business Administration Disaster Loans Program Account. (Emergency spending is exempt from discretionary spending limits and other budget enforcement rules.) DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018 This division provides appropriations to the Department of Defense for the remainder of FY2018. DIVISION D--MISCELLANEOUS This division amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend the Department of Agriculture Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through FY2019. (EQIP provides financial and technical assistance for agricultural producers and land owners to implement certain conservation practices.) DIVISION E--BUDGETARY EFFECTS This division exempts the budgetary effects of division D from Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) rules and certain budget scorekeeping guidelines.

Veterans Cemetery Benefit Correction Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2018

Veterans Cemetery Benefit Correction Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior to provide outer burial receptacles for veterans' remains buried in open cemeteries under National Park Service control. The use of outer burial receptacles in such cemeteries shall be in accordance with regulations or procedures approved by Interior.

Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2018

Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2018 This bill extends through FY2019 authority for the following Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs: homeless veterans reintegration programs, the homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegration program, referral and counseling services for certain veterans at risk of homelessness, treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, and the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs. The bill extends through FY2020 authority for the following VA programs: housing assistance for homeless veterans, and financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing. The bill extends through 2019 authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans.

Accountability in Department of Veterans Affairs Scheduling and Consult Management Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2018

Accountability in Department of Veterans Affairs Scheduling and Consult Management Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to evaluate and monitor its processes of making health care appointments and scheduling at both VA facilities and non-VA facilities. The Government Accountability Office shall review such VA compliance and data veracity.

Stronger Medical Workforce for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2018

Stronger Medical Workforce for Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop criteria to designate VA medical centers, ambulatory care facilities, and community based outpatient clinics as underserved facilities. The VA must commence a pilot program to assess the feasibility of providing individuals with tuition and loan repayment incentives to work at underserved facilities. The VA must also ensure that clinical staff working at Vet Centers (community-based counseling centers that provide veterans with post-deployment social and psychological services) are eligible to participate in the VA education debt reduction program. The bill directs the VA and the Surgeon General to enter into a memorandum of understanding to assign at least 500 Public Health Service commissioned officers to the VA.

A resolution commemorating the commissioning of the USS Omaha.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2018

Commemorates the commissioning of the USS Omaha (LCS-12).

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the so-called "FISA memo", a document prepared by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and any ancillary information, should be released to the public.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2018

Release the Memo Resolution Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence should immediately hold a recorded vote on making public a memo alleging improper conduct in the use of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice that was prepared by members of the committee, as well as ancillary information. Urges the quick release of the memo and information to the public if the committee votes to make such documents available.

Preserving Teacher Loan Forgiveness for Military Spouses Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2018

Preserving Teacher Loan Forgiveness for Military Spouses Act of 2018 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify the qualifying service requirement of the teacher loan forgiveness program for certain military spouses who are borrowers under the Federal Family Education Loan program or the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program. Under current law, an otherwise qualified full-time teacher must complete five consecutive years of service to be eligible for the teacher loan forgiveness program. This bill permits a teacher who completes five full-time years of non-consecutive service to be eligible for loan forgiveness if the teacher was a qualified military spouse during a break in teaching service. A qualified military spouse is an individual who: (1) is a highly-qualified teacher at a high-need school, (2) is the spouse of a servicemember, (3) experienced a break in teaching service to relocate with servicemember spouse pursuant to military orders, and (4) resumed teaching the following year.

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2018

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 201 8 Provides FY2018 appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military activities. Excludes military construction, military family housing, civil works projects of the Army Corps of Engineers, and nuclear warheads, which are all considered in other appropriations bills. Provides appropriations to DOD for: Military Personnel; Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; and Revolving and Management Funds. Provides appropriations for Other Department of Defense Programs, including: the Defense Health Program, Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Drug-Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, and the Office of the Inspector General. Provides appropriations for Related Agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund and the Intelligence Community Management Account. Provides appropriations for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism. Rescinds specified unobligated balances from prior appropriations to DOD. Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

Veteran Debt Fairness Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2018

Veteran Debt Fairness Act of 2018 This bill limits the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs to recover overpayments of benefits from veterans.