Defence

PRICE Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020

Pandemic Response and Interstate Cost Equity Act or the PRICE Act This bill establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the sole buyer, vendor, owner, and distributor of certain medical equipment obtained by the federal government in the event of a national health emergency and establishes a process for the pricing and distribution of such equipment. Specifically, in the event of such an emergency, the Department of Health and Human Services shall assess available medical equipment and FEMA shall (1) become the sole owner and distributor of medical equipment obtained by the federal government for which the prevailing market price exceeds the fair market price by more than 15%, (2) contract with all persons capable of producing such equipment to produce such equipment, and (3) establish a price for such equipment and sell or otherwise distribute the equipment to the states or to persons that request it. The bill establishes in Congress a Joint Committee on Defense Production.

PROMOTES Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020

Providing Resources and Organization to Maximize Opportunities for Training and Education in STEM Act of 2020 or the PROMOTES Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out a grant program to assist high schools in providing education to students in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps in subjects including science, technology, math, engineering, computer science, and related areas. Local educational agencies may use grant funds for purposes including training and other support for instructors, acquisition of instructional materials, travel opportunities, mentoring programs, and certifications for students. In making the grants, DOD must give preference to schools with high percentages of children from low-income families.

End Military-Connected Child Abuse and Neglect Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 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 .

No Unconstitutional War Against North Korea Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2020

No Unconstitutional War Against North Korea Act of 2020 This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for military force in or against North Korea unless (1) Congress has declared war, (2) Congress has enacted specific statutory authority for such military force, or (3) the President is exercising powers as Commander-in-Chief in a national emergency stemming from an attack against the United States or the Armed Forces.

Recognizing the 45th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2020

This resolution recognizes the significance of the 45th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. The resolution honors the contributions of Vietnamese Americans and honors the service of members of the U.S. Armed Forces and the South Vietnamese forces who fought in Vietnam, including those who gave their lives.

Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Chain Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2020

Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Chain Act This bill allows a new tax deduction for 10% of the cost of specified domestically-produced materials if such materials are acquired directly from the domestic smelter or processor of the materials. The bill defines specified domestically-produced materials as materials that are smelted or processed in the United States by direct smelting of ore, from a mine product, by a taxpayer in the trade or business of smelting or processing such materials. The term specified material includes minerals necessary for national defense and security, for U.S. energy infrastructure, for community resiliency, to support domestic manufacturing, agriculture, housing, telecommunications, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure, or for U.S. economic security and balance of trade. The term does not include fuel minerals, water, ice, or snow, or sand, stone, gravel, pumice, pumicite, cinders, or clay.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe the technical qualifications for licensed hearing aid specialists of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2020

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prescribe specified technical qualifications necessary for appointment as a licensed hearing aid specialist in the Veterans Health Administration. Under the bill, at least one licensed hearing aid specialist must be appointed at each VA medical center.

Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2020

Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative. The bill also authorizes various related programs. The initiative shall seek to (1) enhance U.S. presence in the region by positioning U.S. capabilities to allow timely response to adversarial threats, (2) strengthen the capability of U.S. forces and regional allies and partners, and (3) meet objectives under the National Defense Strategy. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command may carry out social media-related activities to counter misinformation and propaganda in the region. The bill also authorizes for FY2021 various activities and projects, including a permanent and persistent land-based air and missile defense system in Guam; a homeland defense radar in Hawaii; Missile Defense Agency activities in the region; intelligence, reconnaissance, and related capabilities for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; a Marine Unit Deployment Program and Marine Corps rotational presence in the region; Air Force and Navy unit pre-positioning for regional activities; DOD procurement of key munitions for the Indo-Pacific Command; military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions; a program to enhance communications capabilities with allies and partners in the region; and various training activities, such as joint training through the Combatant Commanders Exercise Engagement and Training Transformation Program.

Immediate COVID Testing Procurement Act.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2020

Immediate COVID Testing Procurement Act This bill requires the President, within 24 hours of this bill's enactment, to issue purchase orders for a program of the highest national urgency (commonly known as a DX purchase order) to procure under the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) supplies to conduct COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) medical testing nationwide. The supplies must have received prior approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or have received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration for the detection of COVID-19. The bill waives certain DPA requirements relating to industrial resource and critical technology shortfalls and notification to Congress.

To realign the nuclear forensics and attribution activities of the Federal Government from the Department of Homeland Security to the National Nuclear Security Administration.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2020

This bill reorganizes nuclear forensics and attribution activities of the federal government. Specifically, the bill transfers nuclear forensics activities currently performed by the Department of Homeland Security to the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) within the Department of Energy (DOE). Nuclear forensics is the examination of nuclear and other radioactive materials to determine the origin and history of the material for purposes of law enforcement investigations or assessment of nuclear security vulnerabilities. The bill also establishes the National Nuclear Forensics Center within the NNSA. The center must coordinate stewardship, planning, assessment, and other functions for all federal nuclear forensics and attribution activities. Additionally, the NNSA must develop and implement a plan to modify its university-based research collaboration program to include the development of expertise in nuclear forensics in supporting scientific and engineering advancement in DOE defense and national security program areas.

To defer action regarding certain debts arising from benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for a period of time including the COVID-19 emergency period.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020

This bill defers certain debts arising from benefits under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during the covered period, which is the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period plus the 60 days following the end of such period. Specifically, the bill prohibits the VA from doing the following during the covered period: collecting or recording certain debts, issuing notice of certain debts to a person or consumer reporting agency, allowing any interest to accrue on certain debts, or applying any administrative fee to certain debts. The VA may collect a payment from a person who elects to make such payment during the covered period.

To ensure that veterans receive timely and effective health care under the Veterans Community Care Program and Veterans Care Agreements during the COVID-19 emergency, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020

This bill sets forth policies and procedures related to medical care for veterans covered under the Veterans Community Care Program and Veterans Care Agreements during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period. Specifically, the bill authorizes covered veterans to receive care for COVID-19 diagnosis or treatment under the Veterans Community Care Program and Veterans Care Agreements during the COVID-19 emergency period, regardless of whether such care is for a service-connected disability. Emergency medical care and COVID-19 care shall not require Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) preauthorization during the emergency period. The bill prescribes how the VA shall administer claims for payments relating to emergency COVID-19 care, depending on whether the community care provider is (1) an eligible provider under the Veterans Community Care Program, (2) party to a Veterans Care Agreement, or (3) not eligible under the Veterans Community Care Program or part of a Veterans Care Agreement. The bill classifies emergency treatment for COVID-19 as emergency treatment eligible for coverage by the VA. The VA shall determine whether a veteran who receives emergency care for COVID-19 is an active VA health care participant without regard to whether the veteran has received VA medical care in the two years preceding such emergency care. Finally, the bill specifies that, during the emergency period, community care providers that furnish emergency COVID-19 care are required to submit a claim for payment to the VA within 180 days of such care.

Department of Veterans Affairs Chief Financial Officer Authority and Collaboration Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020

CFO Authority and Collaboration Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a plan that includes steps and timelines to address the material weakness of the VA and the recommendations of the auditor related to entity level controls (including the organizational structure of the office of the VA's Chief Financial Officer).

TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020

Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act or the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act The bill revises the administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregiver programs. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to formally recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying any caregiver in the health record of the veteran. Such caregivers covered by the bill include those participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and those participating in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. The bill requires the VA to notify veterans and their caregivers regarding any clinical determinations made relating to claims, tier reduction, or termination of assistance under, or eligibility for, the specified caregiver programs. The notifications must be standardized and contain specified details regarding the decisions. The bill also requires the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for at least 90 days after the receipt of notice that a veteran is no longer clinically eligible for the program. Such an extension shall not apply to the termination of caregiver benefits (1) if the VA determines the caregiver committed fraud or abused or neglected the veteran, (2) if another primary provider or individual caregiver is designated within 90 days after the termination, (3) if the terminated individual moves out or abandons their relationship with the veteran, or (4) upon request of the caregiver or veteran.

PANORAMA Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020

Public Accountability on Nominations Offered that Result in Admissions to Military Academies Act of 2020 or the PANORAMA Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to create a uniform online portal for congressional nominations to military service academies. DOD must (1) establish standard classifications that cadets, midshipmen, and academy applicants may use to self-identify gender, race, ethnicity, and other demographic information; and (2) annually report such demographics.

Help Our Heroes Access Medicine Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020

Help Our Heroes Access Medicine Act of 2020 This bill allows the Department of Defense to waive cost-sharing requirements under the TRICARE pharmacy benefits program during a declared national or public health emergency.

VA RAISES Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

VA Recruitment Assistance to Improve Senior Executive Service Act or the VA RAISES Act This bill excludes certain appointed positions within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from current executive schedule salary caps. Specifically, the current salary caps do not apply for (1) appointed directors of VA medical centers, (2) appointed directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks, and (3) appointees of the Office of the Under Secretary for Health. The bill authorizes the VA to waive the salary limitations on such employees who were appointed during the period beginning on November 1, 2010, and ending on the day before the enactment of this bill.

Emergency Supply Chain Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

Emergency Supply Chain Transparency Act This bill requires the President to report to Congress on certain authorities used under the Defense Production Act of 1950 and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act). Specifically, the bill requires the President or each federal agency to which the President delegates authority under the Defense Production Act, within 14 days of exercising authority provided under such Act, to report to Congress disclosing (1) the production, transport, distribution, sale, delivery, and construction of all materials, services, and facilities related to the exercise of such authority; and (2) any private entity in receipt or possession of such materials, services, and facilities. The bill requires the President or each federal agency to which the President delegates authority under the Stafford Act's federal emergency disaster relief assistance provision, within 14 days of exercising such authority, to report to Congress disclosing all equipment, supplies, facilities, personnel, services, and other resources provided to federal agencies, private organizations, and state and local governments related to such exercise of authority. Such reports shall be updated periodically, not less than every 14 days, while such authority is in use.

Defeat Infant and Maternal Mortality Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

Defeat Infant and Maternal Mortality Act This bill authorizes the Department of Defense to enter into memoranda of understanding with state and local health authorities to share the practices of, and lessons learned by, the military health system concerning the prevention of infant and maternal mortality.

STEM Corps Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

STEM Corps Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a STEM Corps program to enhance the STEM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and computer science workforce of DOD and the defense industry. Under the program, DOD must provide financial assistance to qualified students who pursue a bachelor's or graduate degree in a STEM or computer science discipline in exchange for their commitment to work within DOD in a STEM-related position for a period of not less than four years.

Reopen America Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

Reopen America Act of 2020 This bill provides appropriations to support efforts to resume social and economic activity impacted by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and otherwise requires actions to support those efforts. For example, the bill provides appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review state reopening plans and reimburse states for related expenses. States may submit plans that maximize economic and social activity while meeting certain public health goals, such as sufficient capacity in the health care system to treat patients without resorting to crisis standards of care. HHS must (1) approve plans, in consultation with the Treasury Department, that meet specified criteria; and (2) reimburse states for certain expenses related to implementing approved plans. HHS shall provide guidance on certain public health safeguards to assist states with developing reopening plans, and states shall provide HHS with information to evaluate implementation efforts. The federal government must ensure an adequate national supply of testing, protective gear, and other supplies to assist states with reopening plans. Additionally, the bill provides appropriations for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to carry out a program to evaluate various issues with respect to COVID-19 testing, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bill also establishes in the Defense Logistics Agency (1) the Coronavirus Health Equipment Production Board, and (2) the Coronavirus Reopening Advisory Panel. The board has certain responsibilities over procuring and distributing supplies and may, if necessary, use certain authorities granted to the President under the Defense Production Act of 1950. The panel must advise HHS and the agency concerning reopening plans and must regularly provide a public summary of such advice.

PPE Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

Providing Protective Equipment Act of 2020 or the PPE Act of 2020 This bill modifies requirements concerning the Strategic National Stockpile and makes changes to the treatment of funds related to the Defense Production Act of 1950. (That act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.) The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in consultation with specified entities, must annually determine the minimum level of relevant supplies to be maintained in the stockpile and include the expenditures necessary to maintain that level in its budget submission to Congress. If the minimum level of supplies cannot be maintained due to production or other issues, HHS shall request that the President use appropriate authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950. The bill also (1) permits HHS to transfer supplies from the stockpile to any federal department or agency on a reimbursable basis, subject to certain limitations; and (2) eliminates the cap on the amount of funds that may remain available at the close of a fiscal year to carry out activities related to the supply or production of essential materials and goods. (Under current law, funds in excess of $750 million revert to the general fund).

Veterans Benefits Fairness and Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2020

Veterans Benefits Fairness and Transparency Act This bill updates the placement and treatment of the disability benefit questionnaire form of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill requires the VA to publish the disability benefit questionnaire form in a central location on a VA website. Such a form relates to the submission of evidence by private medical providers regarding the disability of a claimant. If the VA modifies the disability benefit questionnaire form, the VA must accept the previous version of the form filed by a claimant if (1) the claimant files such form during the one-year period following the modification, and (2) the form is signed and dated by the medical provider and is otherwise complete and valid.

To improve military family readiness.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2020

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to address military family readiness and resiliency. Specifically, DOD must establish and implement a strategy regarding communication with military families; develop an Exceptional Family Member Program case-management model; if feasible, provide child care to service members or DOD employees working on rotating shifts at military installations; develop a policy and tracking mechanism for monitoring and prohibiting the overprescribing of opioids; conduct a pilot program to recruit military spouses into paid internships; and comply with various requirements for studies and reports. The Government Accountability Office must report on disputes between military families and schools.

Global Pandemic Planning Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2020

Global Pandemic Planning Act This bill requires the President report to Congress within two weeks of a global pandemic declared by the World Health Organization concerning the status of federal planning for the response to the pandemic, including with respect to (1) planning and logistics for the delivery of health care, and (2) the use of authorities provided under the Defense Production Act of 1950. (This act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.)

Recognizing the heroism of our Nation's health care workers and first responders, including doctors, nurses, emergency medical services (EMS) professionals, medical staff, pharmacists, law enforcement personnel, and military personnel, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2020

This resolution recognizes health care workers and first responders for their bravery and contributions during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.

Patriot Retention Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2020

Patriot Retention Act This bill allows a retired service member who has more than 20 years of service, and who possesses a skill for which a critical shortage exists, to serve as paid member of the Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces and to concurrently receive retired pay.

Integrated Disability Evaluation System Accountability Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2020

Integrated Disability Evaluation System Accountability Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report on the implementation and application of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (a joint DOD and Department of Veterans Affairs process to determine disability benefits for servicemembers).

Jason Abend, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Department of Defense, vice Jon T. Rymer, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 6 April 2020

National Commission on COVID-19 Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020

National Commission on COVID-19 Act This bill establishes the National Commission on COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) in the legislative branch to assess the emergence, spread, and response to the disease in the United States and sets forth its powers, duties, funding, and membership. The commission must issue a report with findings and recommendations concerning, among other topics, surveillance, testing, treatment, and vaccines; medical devices, drugs, and other supplies, including personal protective equipment; preparedness and capacity of the U.S. health care system; certain federal laws and programs such as the Defense Production Act, the Strategic National Stockpile, and others; public health measures such as social distancing; and roles and responsibilities among federal departments, as well as coordination and communication between those departments and other entities, including state, territorial, tribal, and local governments. The commission terminates 60 days after the submission of the final report.

Protecting Civil Employment for Our National Guard Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020

Protecting Civil Employment for Our National Guard Act This bill allows federal employees and employees of the District of Columbia who are ordered to National Guard service the option of taking leave without pay in lieu of utilizing accrued annual or sick leave.

Hazard Pay Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020

Hazard Pay Expansion Act This bill permits the uniformed services to pay hazardous duty pay to a servicemember who, during a declared national public health emergency, performs duty deemed hazardous based upon frequent exposure to the cause of that public health emergency.

Inspire to Serve Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2020

Inspire to Serve Act of 2020 This bill establishes new and expands existing military and national service programs, and revises federal personnel provisions. The bill establishes programs relating to civic education and service learning, including by providing grants supporting these programs for grades K-12 and at institutions of higher education. The bill also establishes the Council on Military, National, and Public Service which must coordinate executive branch policies to promote and expand opportunities for military service, national service, and public service. The Office of Management and Budget must create an online recruitment portal for service organizations. Additionally, the bill expands military service programs, including by expanding the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, establishing pre-service tuition grants in exchange for enlisted service commitments, and creating a pilot program for military departments to partner with community colleges and vocational schools to provide service members with access to technical education programs. Service programs are expanded by increasing the number of specified national service positions, increasing certain living allowances and stipends, and creating new fellowship programs. Federal personnel provisions are revised to, among other things, provide certain national service alumni with noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment.

To direct the President to use authority under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to ensure an adequate supply of equipment necessary for limiting the spread of COVID-19.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2020

This bill directs the President to use existing authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to ensure the supply of ventilators, N-95 respirator masks, and other personal protective equipment to address COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). (That act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.) The President must (1) make a determination that the ventilators and protective equipment are essential for the national defense; (2) identify private-sector capacity to produce such equipment; and (3) exercise authorities under the act to mitigate, where possible, the dependency of the United States on overseas sources and to ensure the supply of such equipment. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the agency coordinating the response shall submit weekly reports to Congress on the status and distribution of such equipment.

Expressing support for the designation of March 29, 2020, as "Vietnam Veterans Day".

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2020

This resolution expresses support for the designation of Vietnam Veterans Day. The resolution also recognizes the contributions of veterans who served in Vietnam during war and peace.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to extend certain morale, welfare, and recreation privileges to recipients of the gold star lapel button.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2020

This bill allows an individual who received a gold star lapel button (signifying that the individual is a family member of a service member who died in combat) to use military commissary stores and morale, welfare, and recreation retail facilities.

William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2020

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 This bill authorizes FY2021 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation. The bill authorizes appropriations to DOD for Procurement, including aircraft, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, missiles, and ammunition; Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation; Operation and Maintenance; Working Capital Funds; Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction; Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities; the Defense Inspector General; the Defense Health Program; the Armed Forces Retirement Home; the Space Force; Overseas Contingency Operations; and Military Construction. The bill also authorizes the FY2021 personnel strength for active duty and reserve forces.

Department of Veterans Affairs Website Accessibility Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2020

Department of Veterans Affairs Website Accessibility Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report to Congress regarding the accessibility of VA websites (including attached files and web-based applications) to individuals with disabilities. The report shall identify websites, files, and applications that are not accessible to such individuals and include the VA's plan to make each of them accessible.

Frontline Health Care Workers Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2020

Frontline Health Care Workers Assistance Act This bill directs certain actions to procure equipment necessary to prevent, identify, and mitigate cases of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The National Response Coordination Center of the Federal Emergency Management Agency must, within seven days, submit a report to Congress and the President that (1) assesses the need for equipment, including personal protective equipment and ventilators, across the United States; and (2) identifies the industry sectors and manufacturers capable of fulfilling purchase orders for such equipment, as well as government-owned and privately owned stockpiles of such equipment that could be refurbished. Within 24 hours, the President must issue a purchase order with the highest priority rating under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) for a specified number of N-95 respirators and face masks. (DPAS is used to prioritize national defense-related contracts, subcontracts, and purchase orders.) Within seven days of receiving the center's report, the President must also issue priority purchase orders for the equipment identified in the report under authorities provided by the Defense Production Act of 1950. (That act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods for the national defense.) The bill waives certain requirements under the act related to congressional notification and authorization and makes specified funds available for these efforts.

SAVE Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 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.

Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020

Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act of 2020 This bill directs the President to use existing authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 with respect to the production of ventilators, N-95 respirator masks, and specified personal protective equipment to address COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). (That act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.) The President must (1) make a determination that such items are essential for the national defense, (2) identify private-sector capacity to produce these items, and (3) exercise authorities under the act to require emergency production of them at a reasonable price. In addition, the President shall coordinate the allocation of these items based on requests from governors and the needs of the states as determined by the number of COVID-19 cases and the proportion of the population at higher risk of the disease in a given state. The bill makes specified funds available for these efforts. Equipment produced under these authorities but unused at the termination of the COVID-19 emergency declared on March 13, 2020, shall be deposited into the Strategic National Stockpile.

Secure United States Bases Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020

Secure United States Bases Act This bill revises requirements related to U.S.-based foreign military training programs. Specifically, the bill creates a visa category for certain aliens who have been accepted into a U.S.-based military training program; adds application, vetting, and monitoring requirements for foreign military trainees; and requires the Department of Defense to develop a method for classifying the relative risk, by country, of accepting foreign personnel into U.S. military training programs.

Strengthening America’s Supply Chain and National Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020

Strengthening America's Supply Chain and National Security Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take specified actions concerning the importation of pharmaceutical products from China and any other countries selected by DOD. DOD must submit to Congress a classified report that addresses, among other issues, the percentage of pharmaceutical products used by DOD that are made by such countries and recommendations related to the domestic manufacturing capacity and the resiliency of the supply chain for such products. An unclassified summary of this report must be published on a DOD website. A manufacturer of a pharmaceutical product that has received market approval must annually submit to HHS specified information about the product's active and inactive pharmaceutical ingredients, including the sources of such ingredients and the percentage of the aggregate amount of such ingredients from China and other countries selected by DOD. HHS shall provide such information to DOD. In addition, the bill revises certain statutory tests used to determine the country of origin of a pharmaceutical product. Specifically, a pharmaceutical product shall be deemed to have the same country of origin as the product's active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). (A recent court case held that a drug manufactured in the United States using an API from India is considered a U.S.-made product for procurement purposes.)

Department of Defense Healthcare Billing Report Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020

Department of Defense Healthcare Billing Report Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the billing practices of the Department of Defense (DOD) for care received under the TRICARE program (a health care program operated by DOD for servicemembers, military retirees, and their dependents) or at military medical treatment facilities.

Examining Mental Health Services for the National Guard and Reserves Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020

Examining Mental Health Services for the National Guard and Reserves Act of 2020 This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to assess the mental health and resiliency services available to members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces (i.e., National Guard and Reserves).

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand eligibility for the health care tax credit to workers in certain critical industries.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020

This bill extends the tax credit for health insurance costs to eligible national defense or infrastructure workers. An eligible national defense or infrastructure worker is an individual who was employed in a critical industry as of January 31, 2020, filed for unemployment compensation after such date, and is covered by health insurance. A critical industry is an industry related to critical national infrastructure or national defense and is severely distressed due to COVID-19 (i.e., the coronavirus disease 2019). The bill also extends the tax credit through 2022.

Protecting Collective Bargaining and Official Time for Federal Workers Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020

Protecting Collective Bargaining and Official Time for Federal Workers Act This bill nullifies certain executive orders concerning federal-employee collective bargaining. Specifically, it rescinds orders and a memorandum that limit the use of unrestricted grants for union activity, specify objectives for agencies to negotiate collective-bargaining agreements and establish the Interagency Labor Relations Working Group, establish principles for the removal and discipline of federal employees and other personnel issues, and delegate authority to the Secretary of Defense to exclude the Department of Defense from certain labor-relations requirements.

Disabled Veterans Education Relief Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2020

Disabled Veterans Education Relief Act of 2020 This bill addresses Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assistance entitlements and subsistence allowances. Under the bill, an assistance payment for training and rehabilitation programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities shall not be charged against an individual's entitlement to such assistance if an individual was unable to complete a course or program due to the closure of an educational institution or disapproval of the course. The bill also authorizes the VA to continue to pay subsistence allowances for a specified amount of time during periods following the permanent closure of an institution or the disapproval of a course of study.

Strained Partnership Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2020

Strained Partnership Act This bill requires the removal of all U.S. Armed Forces and equipment from Saudi Arabia and the relocation of specified equipment to another location or locations in the Middle East.

Increasing Access for Veterans and Their Survivors Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020

Increasing Access for Veterans and Their Survivors Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include on its covered toll-free telephone number a Spanish prompt and the functionality of directing callers to a Spanish-speaking VA employee or a translation service. The VA must establish a fact sheet and protocol if it provides assistance through a translation service.