Defence

United States-Israel Military Capability Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2020

United States-Israel Military Capability Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense, with the concurrence of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, to establish a United States-Israel Operations-Technology Working Group. The purposes of the working group shall be to (1) provide a standing forum for the United States and Israel to identify and share intelligence-informed military capability requirements; (2) assist defense suppliers in both countries to gain government approval for conducting joint science, technology, research, development, test, evaluation, and production efforts; and (3) develop combined U.S.-Israel plans to research, develop, procure, and field weapons systems and military capabilities to meet common capability requirements.

Elaine M. Checketts Military Families Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2020

Elaine M. Checketts Military Families Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Defense to amend regulations to provide that approved parental leave shall not terminate upon the death of the child for whom the leave is taken.

Louis W. Bremer, of Connecticut, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Owen West.

United States · United States Senate · 19 May 2020

Caring for Survivors Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020

Caring for Survivors Act of 2020 This bill increases the monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill also adjusts the amount payable to surviving spouses and children of veterans who were rated as totally disabled for a period of less than 10 years before their death. Finally, the bill authorizes the furnishing of dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses who remarry after the age of 55.

BASE Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020

Base Applications Sped Expeditiously Protection Act or the BASE Protection Act This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the review of applications for alterations to flood control projects that will provide a military installation with new or enhanced resilience.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to phase-in zero-emission non-tactical vehicles and reduce the petroleum consumption of the Department of Defense Federal fleet, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020

This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to phase in zero-emission non-tactical vehicles and reduce the petroleum consumption of the DOD federal fleet. DOD must replace non-tactical vehicles ending their service lives with vehicles that are zero-emission. DOD must report on the feasibility of this requirement and may request an exception. DOD must endeavor to reduce by October 1, 2030, its federal fleet annual petroleum consumption by 50% compared to FY2005 levels. If DOD cannot meet this goal, it must report on technical and practical constraints.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 1, 2020, as "Silver Star Service Banner Day".

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020

This resolution expresses support for the designation of May 1, 2020, as Silver Star Service Banner Day.

Veterans Claim Transparency Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020

Veterans Claim Transparency Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide an opportunity for a veteran's representative to review the veteran's disability rating determination before the rating is finalized. Under the bill, the VA must provide notice to such representative when the determination is ready to be reviewed. The period for review begins at the moment notice is submitted and ends at the earlier of (1) the moment the representative agrees with the determination, or (2) 48 hours after the notice. The VA may not finalize a determination until after the period for review has ended.

Veterans Cemetery Grants Improvement Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020

Veterans Cemetery Grants Improvement Act of 2020 This bill increases to $10 million (currently $5 million) the maximum amount the Department of Veterans Affairs may grant in a fiscal year to states and tribal organizations for operating and maintaining veterans' cemeteries.

VA Directly Returning Opioid Prescriptions Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2020

VA Directly Returning Opioid Prescriptions Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that each VA medical center with an on-site pharmacy or a law enforcement officer has a physical location where patients may dispose of controlled substances medications.

Northern Nevada Economic Development, Conservation and Military Modernization Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020

Northern Nevada Economic Development, Conservation and Military Modernization Act of 2020 This bill provides for the designation, withdrawal, conveyance, exchange, sale, or disposal of certain federal and nonfederal lands in Nevada, including land associated with the Fallon Range Training Complex. The bill designates the Stillwater and Grimes Point National Conservation Areas and specified parcels of federal land as wilderness and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture shall not issue an oil or gas lease within the area identified as National Forest System Lands as depicted on the map titled S. 258 Ruby Mountains Protective Act and dated December 5, 2019. The bill establishes a federal complex for specified Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bureau of Indian Affairs offices or headquarters in Nevada. The bill requires the issuance of corrective patents for private lands adjacent to public land in White Pine County when (1) a cloud on the title demonstrates that the private land had been patented before 1976, and (2) the correction is for five acres or less.

Cage the Paper Tiger Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020

Cage the Paper Tiger Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to take various actions related to counterintelligence activities, such as identifying academic fields that are sensitive for homeland security and counterintelligence purposes. The bill also requires a national securities exchange to prohibit the initial listing of a security if the issuer files with the Securities and Exchange Commission an audit report prepared by a foreign public accounting firm that the Public Accounting Oversight Board is unable to inspect or investigate. In addition, the bill allows an eligible taxpayer to expense certain costs associated with moving manufacturing capacity from China to the United States.

Buzz Off Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020

Buzz Off Act This bill prohibits federal enforcement from using unmanned aerial vehicles to intentionally conduct surveillance of a specifically targeted U.S. citizen or the property of such an individual, with certain exceptions. Specifically, this prohibition shall not apply if (1) the federal law enforcement agency in question first obtains a search warrant, (2) the Department of Homeland Security certifies that such surveillance is necessary to counter a high risk of a terrorist attack by a specified person or organization, or (3) the citizen gives written consent.

Afghanistan Security and Reconstruction Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020

Afghanistan Security and Reconstruction Transparency Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to make publicly available certain data and conduct assessments related to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). Specifically, DOD shall make publicly available all data related to ANDSF performance, including attrition rates and information about the operational readiness of Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police equipment. DOD shall also produce district-level stability assessments of Afghan government and insurgent control and influence and make such assessments publicly available.

Aid and Attendance Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020

Aid and Attendance Support Act This bill increases the amount of specified Department of Veterans Affairs benefit payments for veterans (or their survivors) who require aid at home or are in nursing homes. Specifically, the bill increases such benefits by 25% until 60 days after the end of the declared emergency period resulting from COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).

Dust Off Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020

Dust Off Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the Dust Off crews (helicopter air ambulance crews) of the Vietnam War in recognition of their heroic military service.

Coronavirus E-BD Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020

Coronavirus Emergency Borrower Defense Act of 2020 or the Coronavirus E-BD Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to discharge, within 30 days, the federal student loan debt of three categories of borrowers. Specifically, ED must discharge the federal student loan debt of a borrower (1) who is covered by ED findings against an institution of higher education (IHE) for job placement rate misrepresentation; (2) for whom a state attorney general has asserted a right to borrower defense discharge; or (3) who was subject to a misrepresentation made by the IHE related to guaranteed employment or transferability of credits, and who has asserted such misrepresentation in a borrower defense application. ED must reimburse a borrower for amounts paid toward the federal student loan. The bill also requires ED to (1) notify borrowers of loan relief and eligibility for financial aid, and (2) report loan discharge to consumer reporting agencies. Finally, ED must initiate a proceeding to require the IHE whose act or omission resulted in loan discharge to repay ED for such amounts.

Declassification Reform Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020

Declassification Reform Act of 2020 This bill establishes the position of Executive Agent for Declassification within the executive branch and contains other related provisions. The agent shall promote programs and systems relating to declassification of classified information, including the development of solutions for automating declassification review. The Director of National Intelligence shall serve as the agent. The bill also (1) establishes a committee to advise the agent on matters relating to declassification programs and technology; and (2) designates various existing bodies to advise the agent, including the Public Interest Declassification Board and the Office of the Historian of the Department of State.

COVID–19 Emergency Medical Supplies Enhancement Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020

COVID-19 Emergency Medical Supplies Enhancement Act of 2020 This bill expands certain authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 and directs the President and federal agencies to take specific actions to support the production of critical medical supplies during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency, including with respect to private-sector coordination, needs assessments, and overall strategies.

Allowing All to Serve Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020

Allowing All to Serve Act This bill establishes a program to recruit up to 10,000 aliens who have relevant medical training and are lawfully present in the United States to provide health care services in federal facilities during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The facilities are those owned or managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Support our National Guard Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020

Support our National Guard Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to provide a National Guard member separating from active service after full-time duty in support of the government response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) with the transitional health benefits provided to a separating active-duty reservist.

Critical Infrastructure Employee Protection Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020

Critical Infrastructure Employee Protection Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Transportation to support state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions in providing (1) priority COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) testing for essential critical infrastructure employees; and (2) priority access to personal protective equipment, sanitizers, face coverings, and health-related or protective supplies necessary to safely perform essential critical infrastructure work. ( Essential critical infrastructure employees include, but are not limited to, medical and health care, telecommunications, information technology systems, defense, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, energy, water and wastewater, law enforcement, and public works.)

No Coronavirus Copays for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020

No Coronavirus Copays for Veterans Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from requiring a co-payment or other cost sharing for qualifying preventive services related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). A qualifying preventive service is intended to prevent or mitigate COVID-19 and is either (1) an evidence-based item or service with an A or B rating in the current recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, or (2) an immunization that has in effect a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with respect to the individual involved. Such a prohibition shall take effect 15 business days after the date on which a recommendation is made regarding a qualifying preventive service related to COVID-19.

SAVE Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020

Securing America's Vaccines for Emergencies Act of 2020 or the SAVE Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the President to make payments to manufacturers to increase supply-chain security if doing so is important to the national defense. The President must submit a strategy to Congress that includes, among other elements (1) a plan to use authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to ensure the supply of medical articles essential to the national defense; and (2) plans to diversify, and address vulnerabilities in, supply chains for essential medical articles.

No Coronavirus Copays for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020

No Coronavirus Copays for Veterans Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from requiring a co-payment or other cost sharing for qualifying preventive services related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). A qualifying preventive service is intended to prevent or mitigate COVID-19 and is either (1) an evidence-based item or service with an A or B rating in the current recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, or (2) an immunization that has in effect a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with respect to the individual involved. Such a prohibition shall take effect 15 business days after the date on which a recommendation is made regarding a qualifying preventive service related to COVID-19.

Fourth Amendment Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020

Fourth Amendment Restoration Act This bill limits surveillance conducted for foreign intelligence purposes. Specifically, the bill repeals provisions authorizing without a court order various types of searches and surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes, including electronic surveillance and access to business records. An officer of the U.S. government must obtain a warrant for certain search and surveillance activities against a U.S. citizen, including (1) conducting electronic surveillance, (2) conducting physical searches of property under a U.S. citizen's exclusive control, or (3) targeting a U.S. citizen to acquire foreign intelligence information. The bill provides for criminal penalties for a person who knowingly violates these requirements or otherwise obtains such information under color of law without statutory authorization. Information about a U.S. citizen acquired under Executive Order 12333 (relating to intelligence gathering) or during surveillance of a non-U.S. citizen shall not be used against the U.S. citizen in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding or investigation.

A bill to take certain actions in response to Saudi Arabia's aggression towards the United States petroleum industry.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020

This bill directs the President to withdraw all U.S. Armed Forces from Saudi Arabia, prohibits the use of funds to maintain the presence of U.S. Armed Forces in Saudi Arabia, and requires the President to impose an import tariff on petroleum or any petroleum-related product or byproduct from Saudi Arabia to ensure that the price of such goods is not less than $40 per barrel.

ORE Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020

Onshoring Rare Earths Act of 2020 or the ORE Act This bill allows permanent expensing of property used in the extraction of certain critical minerals and metals within the United States and of nonresidential real property used in extracting such minerals and metals. Expensing is the treatment of expenditures as operating costs deductible in full in the current taxable year. The bill allows a new tax deduction for 200% of the cost of purchasing or acquiring such critical minerals and metals extracted from deposits in the United States. The bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a pilot project grant program for the development of critical minerals and metals in the United States. A grant awarded under such program may not exceed $10 million. In awarding grants, DOD must give priority to projects determined to be economically viable over the long term and must allot 30% of grants funds to the secondary recovery of critical minerals and metals.

End Military-Connected Child Abuse and Neglect Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020

End Military-Connected Child Abuse and Neglect Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out activities to improve the ability of DOD to effectively prevent, track, and respond to military-connected child abuse, consistent with the recommendations of the Government Accountability Office in the report titled Increased Guidance and Collaboration Needed to Improve DOD's Tracking and Response to Child Abuse .

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for payment of work-study allowances during a public health emergency relating to COVID-19 and for allowances to veterans enrolled in educational institutions closed for emergency situations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2020

This bill addresses education programs and assistance for veterans during emergency situations. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue paying work-study allowances during the COVID-19 public health emergency period. The VA is also authorized to continue paying educational assistance and subsistence allowances between March 1-December 21, 2020, for programs of education that are suspended due to an emergency situation or school closure. An educational assistance payment shall not be charged against an individual's entitlement to educational assistance if an individual was unable to complete a course or program due to the temporary closure of an educational institution or the temporary termination of a program by reason of an emergency situation occurring between March 1-December 21, 2020. This includes assistance related to training and rehabilitation programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill extends the time limitation for using educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill when institutions are closed due to an executive order or emergency situation occurring between March 1-December 21, 2020. It also extends the time limitation for participation in a vocational rehabilitation program when such participation is prevented due to an executive order or emergency situation occurring between March 1-December 21, 2020. The bill authorizes the VA to pay a subsistence allowance for two additional months to a veteran following a program of employment services from March 1-December 21, 2020, for full-time training for the type of program the veteran was pursuing.

SAVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020

Supporting At-risk Veterans in an Emergency Act or the SAVE Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to reallocate specified grant funds to provide food to homeless veterans during a covered public health emergency. Additionally, the bill authorizes grant recipients to use per diem payments to provide food and basic supplies for homeless veterans and formerly homeless veterans who experienced homelessness during the one-year period ending on the date of enactment of this bill. A covered public health emergency is defined to include (1) a public health emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, or (2) an emergency with respect to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) declared by a governmental authority.

To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for an extension of lease protections for servicemembers under stop movement orders in response to a local, national, or global emergency.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020

This bill provides certain lease protections for service members under stop movement orders in response to a local, national, or global emergency. A service member may terminate a lease for premises or for a motor vehicle, and may not be charged an early termination fee for doing so, if the service member (1) enters into the lease upon receipt of certain military orders for permanent change of station, deployment with a military unit, or individual support of military operations; and (2) subsequently receives, in response to a local, national, or global emergency, a stop movement order for an indefinite period or at least 30 days. For the bill to apply in the case of a lease for premises, the stop movement order must prevent the service member or the service member's dependents from occupying the premises.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa in the definition of "State" for purposes of the Department of Defense STARBASE Program.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020

This bill includes the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa in the Department of Defense's STARBASE Program (an educational program conducted on military bases).

Put Our Neighbors to Work Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020

Put Our Neighbors to Work Act of 2020 This bill expands public reporting requirements regarding contract awards for certain military construction projects and establishes a local-hire preference with respect to such projects. In addition, the bill establishes an incentive for contractors to subcontract with small businesses that are local.

VA Mission Telehealth Clarification Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020

VA Mission Telehealth Clarification Act This bill authorizes additional individuals to provide treatment to veterans via telemedicine. Specifically, the bill authorizes the following individuals to provide treatment to veterans via telemedicine: specified health care professionals who have the qualifications set forth by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); appointed postgraduate health care employees who are under clinical supervision and must obtain an active, current, full, and unrestricted certification or meet qualification standards set forth by the VA in a specified time frame; and VA health professional trainees who are under the supervision of a VA health care professional who is authorized to provide health care via telemedicine.

A resolution commemorating May 8, 2020, the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, the day on which the Allies achieved victory in Europe during World War II, and honoring Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force for the invasion of Europe in 1944 and the 34th President of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020

This resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of Allied victory to end World War II in Europe and honors the contributions of the U.S. Armed Forces.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SPECTRUM POLICY AND THE IMPACT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION'S LIGADO DECISION ON NATIONAL SECURITY

United States · United States Senate · 6 May 2020

A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend lease protections for servicemembers under stop movement orders in response to a local, national, or global emergency, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020

This bill provides certain lease protections for service members under stop movement orders in response to a local, national, or global emergency. A service member may terminate a lease for premises or for a motor vehicle, and may not be charged an early termination fee for doing so, if the service member (1) enters into the lease upon receipt of certain military orders for permanent change of station, deployment with a military unit, or individual support of military operations; and (2) subsequently receives, in response to a local, national, or global emergency, a stop movement order for an indefinite period or at least 30 days. For the bill to apply in the case of a lease for premises, the stop movement order must prevent the service member or the service member's dependents from occupying the premises.

A bill to require payment of hazardous duty pay for members of the Armed Forces performing duty in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020

This bill requires the Department of Defense to pay hazardous duty pay during 2020 to active-duty regular or reserve servicemembers for duty related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Such pay shall be not less than $150 a month, retroactively applied, provided in addition to any other pay and allowances to which the member is entitled, and excluded as gross income for purposes of federal income taxation.

Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020

Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act This bill provides for the procurement and distribution of equipment and supplies needed to combat COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill sets forth responsibilities for the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including that the NRCC must (1) direct the national production and distribution of critical medical equipment and supplies; (2) communicate with states, local governments, and Native American tribes regarding the availability and delivery schedule of equipment and supplies; and (3) make specified information publicly available. The Department of Defense may detail members of the armed forces on active duty or civilian employees to support the NRCC. The President, using authorities provided under the Defense Production Act of 1950, must establish a fair and reasonable price for and procure needed equipment and supplies. The Government Accountability Office must annually submit a report to Congress assessing the Strategic National Stockpile. The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency shall designate an inspector general to oversee this bill's implementation.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the inclusion of certain emblems on headstones and markers furnished for veterans by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020

This bill provides statutory authority for the inclusion of certain emblems on headstones or markers furnished for veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Such headstones or markers may include an emblem from a list established by the Department of Defense and the VA (e.g., skill or combat badges), an emblem of belief, or no emblem.

ReWIND Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Resources for Workforce Investments, Not Drilling Act or the ReWIND Act This bill limits the financial assistance that fossil fuel companies may receive from programs that provide relief to businesses affected by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak, the Department of Interior's authority with respect to fossil fuels, the types and amount of oil that may be placed in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), and the issuance or modification of rules until the COVID-19 national emergency terminates. Specifically, it prohibits fossil fuel businesses from receiving financial assistance, loans, and loan guarantees under specified provisions of the Defense Production Act of 1950 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act. Further, certain financial institutions (e.g., banks) that receive funding under the CARES Act may not operate or invest in such businesses for two years. In addition, Interior may not (1) conduct lease sales for oil or natural gas; (2) issue leases for oil, natural gas, or coal; (3) modify regulations related to fossil fuel; or (4) reduce or eliminate royalty rates for fossil fuel leases on federal lands and in federal waters. The bill decreases the storage cap on the SPR and declares that privately-owned oil may not be stored in the SPR. Finally, the bill suspends the issuance of new rules until the national emergency terminates unless the rules are specifically required to respond to, or recover from, COVID-19.

Emergency Medical Supplies Procurement Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Emergency Medical Supplies Procurement Act This bill provides emergency funding, subject to certain limitations, for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to fulfill requests from states, territories, and tribes for critical health care resources to address COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). FEMA and the Department of Health and Human Services must report specified information related to these requests to Congress on a weekly basis until the end of the COVID-19 emergency. In addition, the bill directs the President to use specified authorities, including authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950, to fulfill these requests.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives to recognize the resettlement of Southeast Asian refugees, commemorate the contributions of Southeast Asian Americans to the United States, urge the President to halt the deportation of Southeast Asian refugees, and advance equitable policies for Southeast-Asian-American communities.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

This resolution commemorates the 45 years since Southeast Asian refugees began resettling in the United States and honors the sacrifices made by Southeast-Asian-American communities on behalf of the United States. The resolution recognizes the contributions of Southeast Asian Americans to the economic, educational, military, political, and social culture of the United States. The resolution opposes the deportation of Southeast Asian Americans who resettled to the United States as refugees from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The resolution urges President Trump and his administration to place an immediate moratorium on the deportation of thousands of Southeast Asian Americans whose crimes occurred more than 10 years ago. Finally, the resolution calls for continued pursuit of comprehensive policies that ensure equity and justice for Southeast-Asian-American communities.

Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act This bill provides for the procurement and distribution of equipment and supplies needed to combat COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill sets forth responsibilities for the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including that the NRCC must (1) direct the national production and distribution of critical medical equipment and supplies; (2) communicate with states, local governments, and Native American tribes regarding the availability and delivery schedule of equipment and supplies; and (3) make specified information publicly available. The Department of Defense may detail members of the Armed Forces on active duty or civilian employees to support the NRCC. The President, using authorities provided under the Defense Production Act of 1950, must establish a fair and reasonable price for and procure needed equipment and supplies. The Government Accountability Office must annually submit a report to Congress assessing the Strategic National Stockpile. The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency shall designate an inspector general to oversee this bill's implementation.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen existing benefits for certain descendants of veterans exposed to herbicide agents, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

This bill makes modifications to Department of Veterans Affairs benefits available to certain descendants of veterans who were exposed to herbicide agents, including descendants born with spina bifida or other birth defects.

ReWIND Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Resources for Workforce Investments, Not Drilling Act or the ReWIND Act This bill limits the financial assistance that fossil fuel companies may receive from programs that provide relief to businesses affected by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak, the Department of Interior's authority with respect to fossil fuels, the types and amount of oil that may be placed in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), and the issuance or modification of rules until the COVID-19 national emergency terminates. Specifically, it prohibits fossil fuel businesses from receiving financial assistance, loans, and loan guarantees under specified provisions of the Defense Production Act of 1950 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act. Further, certain financial institutions (e.g., banks) that receive funding under the CARES Act may not operate or invest in such businesses for two years. In addition, Interior may not (1) conduct lease sales for oil or natural gas; (2) issue leases for oil, natural gas, or coal; (3) modify regulations related to fossil fuel; or (4) reduce or eliminate royalty rates for fossil fuel leases on federal lands and in federal waters. The bill decreases the storage cap on the SPR and declares that privately-owned oil may not be stored in the SPR. Finally, the bill suspends the issuance of new rules until the national emergency terminates unless the rules are specifically required to respond to, or recover from, COVID-19.

Joyce Louise Connery, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2024. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 4 May 2020

Thomas A. Summers, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2025. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 4 May 2020

John E. Whitley, of Virginia, to be Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Department of Defense, vice Robert Daigle, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 4 May 2020