Defence

Veteran Suicide Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2016

Veteran Suicide Prevention Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to complete a publicly available review of the deaths of all covered veterans who died by suicide during the preceding five-year period. Such review shall include: the total number of veterans who died by suicide during the five-year period; a summary that includes age, gender, and race; a list of the medications prescribed to, and found in the systems of, such veterans at the time of their deaths, and a summary of medical diagnoses by VA physicians which led to the prescribing of such medications; the number of instances in which the veteran was concurrently on multiple medications prescribed by VA physicians; the percentage of veterans who were not taking any medication prescribed by a VA physician; the percentage of veterans with combat experience or trauma; Veterans Health Administration facilities with markedly high prescription and patient suicide rates; a description of VA policies governing the prescribing of medications; and recommendations to improve the safety and well-being of veterans. "Covered veteran" means any veteran who received VA hospital care or medical services during the five-year period preceding the veteran's death.

Servicemembers and Veterans Prescription Drug Safety Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2016

S ervicemembers and Veterans Prescription Drug Safety Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to carry out a joint program under which an eligible person who has lawfully obtained a covered controlled substance may deliver it for disposal at a facility to be specified by DOD and DOJ. An eligible person for this purpose shall be: a member of the Armed Forces, an individual receiving or entitled to military retired or retainer pay, a member's dependent-beneficiary who is receiving certain health care services, or any person lawfully entitled to dispose of the property of any of such individuals who dies in lawful possession of a controlled substance for personal use. DOD and DOJ shall develop guidelines and procedures to prevent the diversion, misuse, theft, or loss of such substances delivered under the program. DOJ and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall carry out a similar joint program covering any veteran, veteran's spouse or dependent, a person in receipt of medical services at a VA facility, or any person lawfully entitled to dispose of the property of any of such individuals who dies in lawful possession of a controlled substance for personal use. DOJ and the VA shall also develop guidelines and procedures to prevent the diversion, misuse, theft, or loss of such substances delivered under the program.

Sanctioned Iranian Entities Oversight Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2016

Sanctioned Iranian Entities Oversight Act of 2016 This bill amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 to extend through 2019 the annual report the President must submit to Congress regarding the use of certain Iranian seaports by foreign vessels and the use of foreign airports by sanctioned Iranian air carriers. Such report shall also include a description of Department of State efforts to encourage other countries to prohibit the use of air space and airports by sanctioned Iranian air carriers.

HOTLINE TRUTHS: ISSUES RAISED BY RECENT AUDITS OF DEFENSE CONTRACTING

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 February 2016

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2017

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 February 2016

[H.A.S.C. No. 114-99] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 February 2016

[H.A.S.C. No. 114-98]FULL SPECTRUM SECURITY CHALLENGES IN EUROPE AND THEIR EFFECTS ON DETERRENCE AND DEFENSE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 February 2016

A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Pakistan of F-16 Block 52 aircraft.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

This joint resolution prohibits the issuance of a letter of offer with respect to any of the following proposed sales to Pakistan in Transmittal Numbered 15-80, including related defense articles and defense services: 8 F-16 Block 52 aircraft (2 C and 6 D models) with the Fl00-PW-229 increased performance engine, 14 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems, 8 AN/APG-68(V)9 radars, and 8 ALQ-211(V)9 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites.

Recognizing the soldiers of the 14th Quartermaster Detachment of the United States Army Reserve, who were killed or wounded in their barracks by an Iraqi SCUD missile attack in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the attack.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

Recognizes the sacrifice and dedicated service of Pennsylvanians during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Honors: (1) the 13 soldiers of the 14th Quartermaster Detachment of the United States Army Reserve who were killed in action on February 25, 1991, in the attack on Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; and (2) the 43 soldiers of the 14th Quartermaster Detachment of the United States Army Reserve who were wounded during the attack. Pledges the support of the House of Representatives to the families of these soldiers. Encourages the people of the United States to commemorate the role and contribution of Pennsylvanians and Pennsylvania-based units of the Army National Guard, the Army Reserve, the Marine Corps Reserve, the Navy Reserve, the Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve who supported Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disclose certain information to State controlled substance monitoring programs.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (which currently is simply authorized) to disclose information about a veteran or dependent to a state controlled substance monitoring program to the extent necessary to prevent misuse and diversion of prescription medicines.

A bill to amend the Military Selective Service Act to provide that any modification to the duty to register for purposes of the Military Selective Service Act may be made only through an Act of Congress, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

This bill amends the Military Selective Service Act to declare that any modification or change to the persons subject to the duty to register may be made only through an Act of Congress. No court created by Act of Congress shall have any jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court shall have no appellate jurisdiction, to hear or decide any question or claim, whether filed before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act, pertaining to the interpretation of, or the validity under the Constitution of, the class of persons subject to the duty to register.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit veterans who have a service-connected, permanent disability rated as total to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces entitled to such travel.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide transportation on scheduled and unscheduled military flights within the continental United States and on scheduled overseas flights on a space-available basis for veterans with a service-connected, permanent disability rated as total. In establishing space-available transportation priorities under the travel program, DOD shall provide transportation on the same basis as such transportation is provided to members of the armed forces entitled to retired or retainer pay.

United States Call Center Worker and Consumer Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

United States Call Center Worker and Consumer Protection Act of 2016 This bill requires a business that employs 50 or more call center employees, excluding part-time employees, or 50 or more call center employees who in the aggregate work at least 1,500 hours per week, exclusive of overtime, to notify the Department of Labor at least 120 days before relocating such center outside of the United States. Violators are subject to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per day. Labor must make publicly available a list of all such employers that relocate a call center. It may remove from the list an employer that has relocated the call center from a location outside the United States to a location inside the United States. Employers must remain on the list for up to three years after each relocation. An employer is ineligible for federal grants or federal guaranteed loans for five years after being added to the list, except where the employer demonstrates that a lack of such loan or grant would threaten national security, result in substantial job loss in the United States, or harm the environment. Federal or state executive agencies or military departments, when awarding a civilian or defense-related contract, must give preference to a U.S. employer that does not appear on the list. Businesses that initiate or receive a customer service communication must require each of their employees or agents participating in the communication to disclose their physical location at the beginning of each such communication unless all involved employees or agents are located in the United States. The bill exempts any communication: (1) initiated by a consumer if the consumer knows or reasonably should know that the employee or agent is located outside the United States, or (2) related to the provision of emergency services. Upon request, businesses must transfer a customer to a customer service agent who is physically located in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) may exclude certain classes or types of business entities or customer service communications from the requirements of this Act under exceptionally compelling circumstances. The bill sets forth authority for the FTC to enforce against violations.

A concurrent resolution recognizing the soldiers of the 14th Quartermaster Detachment of the United States Army Reserve, who were killed or wounded in their barracks by an Iraqi SCUD missile attack in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the attack.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

Recognizes the sacrifice and dedicated service of Pennsylvanians during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Honors: (1) the 13 soldiers of the 14th Quartermaster Detachment of the United States Army Reserve who were killed in action on February 25, 1991, in the attack on Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; and (2) the 43 soldiers of the 14th Quartermaster Detachment of the United States Army Reserve who were wounded during the attack. Pledges the support of the House of Representatives to the families of these soldiers. Encourages the people of the United States to commemorate the role and contribution of Pennsylvanians and Pennsylvania-based units of the Army National Guard, the Army Reserve, the Marine Corps Reserve, the Navy Reserve, the Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve who supported Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

Relating to the disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Pakistan of F-16 Block 52 aircraft.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

This joint resolution prohibits the issuance of a letter of offer with respect to any of the following proposed sales to Pakistan in Transmittal Numbered 15-80, including related defense articles and defense services: 8 F-16 Block 52 aircraft with the Fl00-PW-229 increased performance engine, 14 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems, 8 AN/APG-68(V)9 radars, and 8 ALQ-211(V)9 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

United States · United States Senate · 24 February 2016

[H.A.S.C. No. 114-96] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 February 2016

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2017

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 February 2016

[H.A.S.C. No. 114-95] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 February 2016

[H.A.S.C. No. 114-97] DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY: BUDGETING AND STRUCTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 February 2016

United States Call Center Worker and Consumer Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2016

United States Call Center Worker and Consumer Protection Act of 2016 This bill requires a business that employs 50 or more call center employees, excluding part-time employees, or 50 or more call center employees who in the aggregate work at least 1,500 hours per week, exclusive of overtime, to notify the Department of Labor at least 120 days before relocating such center outside of the United States. Violators are subject to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per day. Labor must make publicly available a list of all such employers that relocate a call center. It may remove from the list an employer that has relocated the call center from a location outside the United States to a location inside the United States. Employers must remain on the list for up to three years after each relocation. An employer is ineligible for federal grants or federal guaranteed loans for five years after being added to the list, except where the employer demonstrates that a lack of such loan or grant would threaten national security, result in substantial job loss in the United States, or harm the environment. Federal or state executive agencies or military departments, when awarding a civilian or defense-related contract, must give preference to a U.S. employer that does not appear on the list. Businesses that initiate or receive a customer service communication must require each of their employees or agents participating in the communication to disclose their physical location at the beginning of each such communication unless all involved employees or agents are located in the United States. The bill exempts any communication: (1) initiated by a consumer if the consumer knows or reasonably should know that the employee or agent is located outside the United States, or (2) related to the provision of emergency services. Upon request, businesses must transfer a customer to a customer service agent who is physically located in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) may exclude certain classes or types of business entities or customer service communications from the requirements of this Act under exceptionally compelling circumstances. The bill sets forth authority for the FTC to enforce against violations.

Support and Defend Our Military Personnel and Their Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2016

Support and Defend Our Military Personnel and Their Families Act This bill states that any person who serves or has served under honorable conditions as a member of the Armed Forces in support of contingency operations shall be eligible for naturalization as if the person had served during a period of presidentially-designated military hostilities. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is amended to extend the period for filing a naturalization application to one year after completion of eligible military service. An alien who is eligible for a family-sponsored immigrant visa and is either the spouse or child of a permanent resident alien who is serving in the Armed Forces shall be exempt from worldwide immigrant visa numerical limitations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may adjust to permanent resident status an alien who is a parent, spouse, child, son or daughter, or minor sibling of a person who is serving or has served in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions. The bill permits posthumous benefits under specified circumstances. With respect to a removal proceeding under INA: a notice to appear shall not be issued against an alien who serves or has served under honorable conditions in the Armed Forces without prior DHS approval; DHS, in determining whether to issue a notice, shall consider the alien's eligibility for naturalization, military service record, grounds of deportability, and any hardship to the Armed Forces, the alien, and his or her family if the alien were to be placed in removal proceedings; and an alien who serves or has served under honorable conditions in the Armed Forces shall not be removed from the United States on specified grounds.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Mission Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2016

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Mission Protection Act of 2016 This bill bars the Department of Transportation from disapproving an airport development project grant application just because the airport enters into or renews a lease for the use, at a nominal rate, of airport property by a regular or reserve component of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard, without regard to whether that component operates aircraft at the airport.

A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Pakistan of F-16 Block 52 aircraft.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2016

This joint resolution prohibits the issuance of a letter of offer with respect to any of the following proposed sales to Pakistan in Transmittals Numbered 15-80 and 16-80, including related defense articles and defense services: 8 F-16 Block 52 aircraft with the Fl00-PW-229 increased performance engine, 2 F-16 Block 52 C models with the Fl00-PW-229 increased performance engine, 6 F-16 Block 52 D models with the Fl00-PW-229 increased performance engine, 14 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems, 8 AN/APG-68(V)9 radars, and 8 ALQ-211(V)9 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites.

DEFENSE HEALTH CARE REFORM

United States · United States Senate · 23 February 2016

Fiscal Year 2016 Department of Veterans Affairs Seismic Safety and Construction Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

Fiscal Year 2016 Department of Veterans Affairs Seismic Safety, Construction, and Leases Authorization Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out the following major medical facility projects (each with specified maximum authorized funds): seismic corrections to buildings, including retrofitting and replacement of high-risk buildings, in San Francisco, California; seismic corrections to facilities, including facilities to support homeless veterans, at the medical center in West Los Angeles, California; seismic corrections to the mental health and community living center in Long Beach, California; construction of an outpatient clinic, administrative space, cemetery, and columbarium in Alameda, California; realignment of medical facilities in Livermore, California; construction of a replacement community living center in Perry Point, Maryland; and seismic corrections and other renovations to several buildings and construction of a specialty care building in American Lake, Washington. A specified amount is authorized to be appropriated to the VA for such projects for FY2016 or the year in which funds are appropriated for the Construction, Major Projects, account. Such projects may only be carried out using specified funds. The VA shall submit to Congress the following information for each such project: line item accounting of construction management expenditures, future amounts budgeted for construction management, and any agreement entered into by the VA regarding the Army Corps of Engineers providing project services. The VA may carry out major medical facility leases (each with specified maximum authorized funds) for specified outpatient clinics and research spaces.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the necessity to publically exonerate the African American sailors of the United States Navy who were tried and convicted of mutiny in connection with their service at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in Concord, California, during World War II in order to further aid in healing the racial divide that continues to exist in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: the trial and conviction of 50 African-American sailors for mutiny in connection with their service at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in Concord, California, during World War II were wrongfully pursued because of racial prejudice; and Congress should publicly exonerate the 50 sailors to further aid in healing the racial divide that continues to exist in the United States.

Department of Veterans Affairs Purchased Health Care Streamlining and Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

Department of Veterans Affairs Purchased Health Care Streamlining and Modernization Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in addition to furnishing hospital care, medical services, or extended care at VA facilities or under contracts or sharing agreements, to furnish such care and services to eligible veterans through the use of Veterans Care Agreements with eligible providers. An eligible provider is: a provider whose income in the year preceding the year of entering into an agreement did not exceed $11 million; a provider who does not otherwise provide such care or services pursuant to a federal contract; and a physician or provider of Medicaid or Medicare services, an Aging and Disability Resource Center, an area agency on aging, or a center for independent living. The VA shall: (1) establish a certifying process for providers, (2) review agreements at least once every two years, and (3) use the quality of care standards set forth or used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The VA may enter into an agreement using non-competitive procedures.

Providing for authority to initiate litigation for actions by the President or other executive branch officials inconsistent with their duties under the Constitution of the United States with respect to the unlawful transfer of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives to initiate or intervene in civil actions on behalf of the House of Representatives in a federal court of competent jurisdiction to seek any appropriate relief regarding the failure of the President, the head of any department or agency, or any other executive branch officer or employee to act in a manner consistent with that official's duties under the Constitution and laws of the United States regarding the transfer of any individual detained at Guantanamo. Directs the Speaker to notify the House of a decision to initiate or intervene in any such civil action. States that the Office of the General Counsel of the House shall represent the House in any such civil action, and may employ outside counsel and other experts. Defines "individual detained at Guantanamo" as any individual located at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as of October 1, 2009, who: is not a U.S. citizen or a member of the Armed Forces; and is in the custody or under the control of the Department of Defense, or otherwise under detention at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

POSTURE Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2016

Protecting Our Security Through Utilizing Right-Sized End-Strengths Act of 2016 or the POSTURE Act of 2016 This bill expresses the sense of Congress that given the uncertain world and the need for trained and ready U.S. land forces, the planned drawdown of land forces should cease. The bill sets forth: Army, Marine Corps, and Selected Reserve strength levels as of September 30, 2016; and Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force permanent active duty end strength minimum levels.

Utah Test and Training Range Encroachment Prevention and Temporary Closure Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016

Utah Test and Training Range Encroachment Prevention and Temporary Closure Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior and the Air Force to enter into a memorandum of agreement for the continued management by Interior of approximately 625,643 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Utah in a manner that provides for its limited use by the Air Force. Under such Agreement the BLM shall continue to manage the BLM land, subject to use by the Air Force for: the preservation of the Utah Test and Training Range against encroachments incompatible with test and training requirements; the testing of advanced weapons systems, including hypersonic weapons, and the standoff distance for weapons; increased public safety for civilians accessing the BLM land; and other purposes related to meeting national security needs. If military operations, public safety, or national security require the temporary closure of the use of roads, trails, or other portions of the BLM land to the public, the Air Force may take necessary action to carry out such closure. The bill establishes the Utah Test and Training Range Community Resource Group to give input to Interior and the Air Force on matters involving public access to, use of, and management of the BLM land. Interior shall convey to the state of Utah, through the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration in Utah, BLM land in Box Elder, Millard, Juab, Tooele, and Beaver Counties, Utah, in exchange for non-federal land owned by Utah in Box Elder, Juab, and Tooele Counties. Upon conveyance, the non-federal land located: (1) within the Utah Test and Training Range shall be managed according to the memorandum of agreement, and (2) within the Cedar Mountains Wilderness shall be added to and administered as part of such Wilderness. Interior, respecting BLM land, and the Department of Agriculture, respecting Forest Service land, shall convey to Utah and to Box Elder, Juab, and Tooele Counties separate easements for motorized travel rights of way across the federal land for certain highways.

Expedited Hiring for VA Trained Psychiatrists Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016

Expedited Hiring for VA Trained Psychiatrists Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to appoint a psychiatrist who completes a residency at a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility to a VHA health care position immediately after such residency, without regard to civil service or classification laws, if: (1) the psychiatrist meets the qualifications established in regulations prescribed for the position, and (2) the position has been unfilled for at least 35 days.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that certain members of the National Guard serving on full-time National Guard duty and dependents remain eligible for the TRICARE program during periods in which the member is responding to a disaster.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016

This bill makes eligible for TRICARE health care benefits certain National Guard members (and dependents) who are performing disaster response duty, if the performance of such a duty immediately follows a period in which the member served on full-time additional National Guard duty. "Disaster response duty" means duty performed by a member of the National Guard in state status pursuant to an emergency declaration by the state governor (or, for the District of Columbia, by the mayor) in response to a disaster or in preparation for an imminent disaster.

United States Commission on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016

United States Commission on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Act of 2016 This bill establishes the United States Commission on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to investigate and address any practices on the part of OPEC that prevent or reduce competition in the global oil market. The Commission shall be composed of a bipartisan group of 16 experts on energy and related matters chosen by the leadership of both parties in Congress and appointed by the President. All members of the Commission must be U.S. citizens. The bill requires the Commission to: determine whether the anti-competitive behavior of OPEC is designed to disadvantage U.S. oil producers; assess the impact of OPEC's policies on U.S. economic and energy security interests; assess how federal agencies are working to alleviate the potential negative impacts of OPEC's behavior; and produce policy recommendations for tax, trade, defense, diplomacy, and other areas where OPEC's behavior is found to cause adverse impacts. The Commission must submit a report of its findings and recommendations to Congress and the President within 12 months. The Commission shall terminate within 90 days after submission of its report. On receipt of the Commission's report, the President will have 90 days to submit Congress a proposal to implement or respond to the recommendations.

[H.A.S.C. No. 114-90] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 February 2016

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 11 February 2016

POSTURE Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Protecting Our Security Through Utilizing Right-Sized End-Strength Act of 2016 or the POSTURE Act This bill expresses the sense of Congress that given the uncertain world and the need for trained and ready U.S. land force, the planned drawdown of land forces should be stopped. The bill sets forth: FY2016 Army, Marine Corps, and Selected Reserve strength levels; and Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force permanent active duty end strength minimum levels. Any proposal to lower the end strength levels established by this Act must first be approved by Congress through enactment of a law to that effect.

PASS Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Protect Against School Shootings Act or the PASS Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to permit active and retired law enforcement officers and persons who are legally allowed to carry a concealed firearm under state law to bring their firearms onto traditionally gun-free school grounds. Additionally, the bill permits such persons to discharge a firearm in defense of self or others, in a school zone.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the restoration of authority of the American people and the separation of powers.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to recovering all powers of the American people expressly delegated to the legislative branch in Article I of the Constitution. Reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the separation of powers through proper and thorough oversight of the executive branch and its departments and agencies. Declares its intent to reclaim legislative powers from executive departments and agencies, whether improperly claimed or previously granted. Reaffirms Congress's authority as delegated by the people to lay and collect taxes, pay debts, and provide for the common defense and general welfare. Reaffirms its authority on behalf of the people to make rules for the government and regulation of the armed forces.

Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to remove or demote a VA employee based on performance or misconduct. A determination that the performance or misconduct warrants removal or demotion may consist of any of the following: neglect of duty; malfeasance; failure to accept a directed reassignment or transfer of function; violation of VA policy; violation of law; insubordination; overprescription of medication; or purposeful omission, including by a supervisor, from an electronic wait list of the name of one or more veterans waiting for VA health care. The VA may also remove such individual from the civil service or demote the individual through a reduction in grade or annual pay rate. A demoted individual: (1) shall be paid at the demoted rate as of the date of demotion, (2) may not be placed on administrative leave or any other category of paid leave while an appeal is ongoing, and (3) may only receive pay and other benefits if the individual reports for duty. The VA shall notify Congress of, and the reason for, any removal or demotion. An employee shall have the right to an appeal before the Merit Systems Protection Board within seven days of removal or demotion. An administrative law judge shall have to make a final decision within 45 days of such appeal or the original decision becomes final. The Board or an administrative judge may not stay any removal or demotion. Between the date on which an individual appeals a removal from the civil service and the date on which the administrative judge issues a final decision on the appeal, the individual may not receive any pay, awards, bonuses, incentives, allowances, differentials, student loan repayments, special payments, or benefits. The VA may not remove or demote an employee without the approval of the Special Counsel if the individual seeks corrective action from the Office of Special Counsel based on an alleged prohibited personnel practice. The Special Counsel may terminate an investigation of a prohibited personnel practice alleged by a VA employee or former employee after it has given the individual a written statement of the reasons for the termination. The Director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network may contract with an entity specializing in civilian accreditation or health care evaluation to investigate any medical center within the Network to assess deficiencies at such medical center. The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress on VA implementation of the Veterans Choice Program.

Veterans Choice Card Prompt Payment Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Veterans Choice Card Prompt Payment Act This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), upon receipt of a request from a non-VA entity for reimbursement for health care services provided to a veteran under the Veterans Choice Program, to reimburse the entity even if the request does not include the veteran's medical records.

READI Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Resist Executive Amnesty on Defense Installations Act or the READI Act This bill prohibits the use of a military installation to house any alien unlawfully present in the United States.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

United States · United States Senate · 10 February 2016

[H.A.S.C. No. 114-89] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 February 2016

Military Retiree Employment Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016

Military Retiree Employment Act This bill permits, for a specified five-year period, retired members of the Armed Forces to be appointed to civil service positions in or under the Department of Defense (DOD) during the first 180 days after retirement without meeting current requirements regarding: (1) appointment authorization, (2) basic pay increase, or (3) existence of a state of national emergency. The Office of Personnel Management shall establish an oversight plan to monitor such appointments. DOD shall ensure that every DOD employee is informed, within one calendar day, of the publication of a vacancy within that employee's office that requires qualifications related to the employee's current duties. DOD shall ensure for 10 years that each employee who is a veteran and who is newly hired or appointed to a DOD position shall be informed of the effect of certain DOD guidelines for reduction in force protection.

To repeal the Military Selective Service Act, and thereby terminate the registration requirements of such Act and eliminate civilian local boards, civilian appeal boards, and similar local agencies of the Selective Service System.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016

This bill repeals the Military Selective Service Act. No person may be denied a right, privilege, benefit, or employment position under federal law on the grounds that the person failed to present himself for and submit to registration under the Military Selective Service Act before its repeal by this bill.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide a five-year extension of the special survivor indemnity allowance provided to widows and widowers of deceased members of the uniformed services affected by required Survivor Benefit Plan annuity offset for dependency and indemnity compensation received under section 1311(a) of title 38, United States Code.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016

This bill extends through FY2022 (at increasing monthly amounts for each fiscal year) the special survivor indemnity allowance for a surviving or former spouse of a deceased member of the Armed Forces whose annuity under the survivor benefit program is offset by the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation received from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Sergeant Daniel Somers Classified Veterans Access to Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016

Sergeant Daniel Somers Classified Veterans Access to Care Act This bill expresses the sense of Congress that veterans who experience combat-related mental health wounds should have immediate and consistent access to comprehensive mental health care. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall: establish standards and procedures to ensure that a veteran who participated in a classified mission or served in a sensitive unit while in the Armed Forces may access VA mental health care in a manner that fully accommodates the veteran's obligation to not improperly disclose classified information; disseminate guidance to employees of the Veterans Health Administration, including mental health professionals, on such standards and procedures and on how to best engage such veterans during the course of mental health treatment with respect to classified information; and ensure that an individual may elect to identify as such a veteran on an appropriate form.

A resolution recognizing that for nearly 40 years, the United States and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have worked toward stability, prosperity, and peace in Southeast Asia.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016

Welcomes the leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to the United States for the February 2016 U.S.-ASEAN summit meeting at Rancho Mirage, California. Supports the elevation of the United States-ASEAN relationship to a strategic partnership and recommits the United States to ASEAN centrality. Urges ASEAN to continue its efforts to foster greater integration and unity. Supports efforts by ASEAN nations to address maritime and territorial disputes through peaceful, diplomatic, and legitimate regional and international arbitration mechanisms. Urges all parties to maritime and territorial disputes in the Asia-Pacific region to: (1) respect the status quo; (2) cease land reclamation activities; and (3) refrain from inhabiting or garrisoning or otherwise militarizing uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, and other features. Opposes: (1) unilateral declarations of administrative and military districts in contested areas in the South China Sea, (2) the imposition of new fishing regulations covering disputed areas in the South China Sea, and (3) actions to prevent another country from exercising its sovereign rights to the resources of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Urges parties to refrain from unilateral actions that cause permanent physical change to the marine environment. Supports efforts by ASEAN and China to develop an effective Code of Conduct. Urges ASEAN to reaffirm the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague's ruling with respect to the case between the Philippines and China. Supports efforts by U.S. partners and allies in ASEAN to enhance the maritime capabilities of a country or regional organizations to respond to emerging maritime threats and illegal activities in the Asia-Pacific region. Reaffirms the enhancement of U.S.-ASEAN economic engagement, including the elimination of barriers to cross-border commerce. Supports: (1) the Lower Mekong Initiative, (2) the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, and (3) capacity building for the promotion of human rights. Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to continue joint efforts with ASEAN to halt human smuggling and trafficking of persons. Encourages the President to communicate to ASEAN leaders the importance of releasing political prisoners and ending politically motivated prosecutions.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 9 February 2016