Defence

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-49] THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 29 June 2021

Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2021

Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish counseling, including counseling through a Vet Center, to veterans or members of the Armed Forces who are pursuing a course of education using specified Department of Defense or VA educational assistance benefits.

Women Veteran Report Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2021

Women Veteran Report Act This bill requires the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to report annually (currently biennially) on the programs and activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs that pertain to women veterans.

Strategic Lebanon Security Reporting Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2021

Strategic Lebanon Security Reporting Act This bill requires the Department of State to submit to Congress a strategy and report concerning the implementation of a United Nations (U.N.) Security Council resolution adopted on August 11, 2006, which calls for the disarming of armed groups along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Specifically, the State Department must develop a strategy for implementing the resolution. The strategy must address Lebanon's control of its southern border, cooperation between Lebanon and U.N. forces, and prevention of border tunnels. In addition, the State Department must report on the implementation of the resolution, including issues related to the Lebanese armed forces, U.S. security interests, and the extent of Hizballah's influence within Lebanon and its armed forces.

PFAS Filthy Fifty Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2021

PFAS Filthy Fifty Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to complete testing for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at all military installations, formerly used defense sites, and state-owned facilities of the National Guard in the United States. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. Not later than 60 days following the detection of PFAS at a military installation, formerly used defense site, or state-owned facility of the National Guard, DOD must take removal actions to ensure that all individuals served by a drinking water source contaminated by PFAS have access to drinking water that meets the applicable standard, regardless of whether DOD is the drinking water purveyor. Additionally, DOD must complete all physical construction required for the remediation of PFAS at such sites not later than 10 years after the enactment of this bill. DOD must report to Congress identifying the status of remediation efforts at 50 specified sites, such as England Air Force Base, Louisiana. DOD must complete all physical construction required for the remediation of PFAS at the 50 specified sites not later than five years after the enactment of this bill.

DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2021

DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act This bill authorizes for FY2022 and FY2023 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activities to identify and remediate illicit cross-border tunnels. CBP shall also develop and report to Congress a strategic plan to improve such operations.

Expressing support for the people of Afghanistan, condemning the Taliban's assault on human rights, and calling for the Federal Government to protect the Afghan citizens who bravely served alongside the Armed Forces of the United States by providing adequate resources for the special immigrant visa program established under the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2021

This resolution recognizes the sacrifices and bravery of the Afghan people in their struggle for democracy while enduring decades-long conflict and oppression by the Taliban. It also condemns the Taliban's continued human rights violations.

Expressing support for the designation of the month of June 2021 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month" and June 27, 2021, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2021

This resolution supports the designations of National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month and National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day. The resolution supports (1) the education of members of the Armed Forces, veterans, their families, and the public about post-traumatic stress; and (2) efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to foster cultural change around the issue of post-traumatic stress. The resolution also encourages the leadership of the Armed Forces to support treatment of members of the Armed Forces who suffer from post-traumatic stress.

Amend the Code for Marriage Equality Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2021

Amend the Code for Marriage Equality Act of 2021 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Social Security Act (SSAct), and other federal laws to replace (1) references to wife or husband with references to spouse , and (2) references to husband and wife or husband or wife with references to married couple or married person. For purposes of federal laws or regulations, marriage is defined as a legal union between two people as spouses. The bill eliminates a definition of spouse that refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife. Requirements concerning compensation to a surviving wife after the disability or death of a person employed at a military, air, or naval base outside the United States are revised to make surviving spouses eligible for such compensation. The bill makes similar revisions to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. The bill revises title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the SSAct to consolidate separate provisions for a wife's insurance benefits and a husband's insurance benefits into a single standard for a spouse's insurance benefits. Criminal penalties that currently apply to persons who threaten to kill, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon a former President's wife or widow are revised to apply to threats made to a former President's spouse or surviving spouse.

To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Aurora, Colorado, as the "Lieutenant Colonel John W. Mosley VA Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2021

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs to be located in Aurora, Colorado, as the Lieutenant Colonel John W. Mosley Clinic.

Gold Star Spouses Non-Monetary Benefits Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2021

Gold Star Spouses Non-Monetary Benefits Act This bill addresses certain federal benefits for surviving spouses of members of the Armed Forces, including those who have remarried. For purposes of noncompetitive appointment to government employment, a surviving spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who was married to such member at the time they died while on active duty may be appointed as a military spouse, regardless of remarriage. Additionally, widows or widowers of certain veterans who served on active duty must be considered preference eligible for purposes of government employment, regardless of remarriage. A surviving spouse who is eligible for the gold star lapel button is entitled to commissary and exchange privileges to the same extent and on the same basis as the surviving spouse of a retired member of the uniformed services. Such spouses are also entitled, upon request, to medical and dental care provided in facilities of the uniformed services. A surviving spouse who is eligible for a gold star lapel button must be permitted to use commissary stores and certain retail facilities on the same basis as a dependent of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty. In regard to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, the remarriage of a surviving spouse of a veteran does not bar the furnishing of non-monetary benefits to a surviving spouse who is eligible for a gold star lapel button. Such surviving spouses who are eligible for a gold star lapel button are also eligible for certain VA home loan programs.

Extinction Crisis Emergency Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2021

Extinction Crisis Emergency Act of 2021 This bill requires the President to declare the global wildlife extinction crisis a national emergency and to take certain actions to restore wildlife. Specifically, the President shall direct the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to review all species that are identified as critically imperiled, critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable, and to use all authorities to propose and finalize protections for all species that may warrant protection; and establish new national wildlife refuges and new marine protected areas. The Departments of Commerce and the Interior must, after accepting public comment, conduct annual reviews of every nation's compliance with any international fishery conservation program or international program for endangered or threatened species, and take specified actions. The President must enlist all federal agencies to help fight the wildlife extinction crisis by directing each federal agency to take specified actions to prioritize the recovery of endangered species and to rebuild healthy wildlife and plant populations, including by fully integrating climate change concerns into the conservation and recovery of endangered species. The President must direct the Department of Defense to prioritize the protection of endangered species and rare habitats on U.S. military installations around the world.

Escuadrón 201 Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2021

Escuadrón 201 Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the members of Escuadrón 201 in recognition of their valor and value to the Allied forces during World War II.

United States and Republic of Korea Alliance Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2021

United States and Republic of Korea Alliance Support Act This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from reducing below 22,000 the number of active-duty service members deployed to South Korea unless DOD makes specified reports and certifications, including that such a reduction is in the interest of national security.

Patriotic Corporations of America Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2021

Patriotic Corporations of America Act of 2021 This bill establishes new requirements for federal contracts, including Department of Defense contracts, with respect to issues of labor, environmental sustainability, taxes, and private equity firms. Specifically, the bill prohibits an executive agency from awarding a contract unless the offeror, among other requirements pays employees wages that meet certain minimums; agrees to sign a neutrality agreement with respect to efforts to form a labor organization and an agreement not to hire replacement workers in any strike; submits to the agency an actionable plan to address natural disasters and health crises, including policies and plans for paid family and medical leave and for whistleblower protections; and submits to the agency an actionable plan to recruit and promote people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and veterans. The bill sets forth additional provisions to assure that the offeror meets specified requirements with respect to the payment of environmental penalties, federal income tax liability and financial performance, and a controlling private equity firm meeting certain labor and environmental requirements. The bill establishes specified contract preferences (e.g., in favor of an offeror that does not outsource jobs outside the United States and that has a collective bargaining agreement with employees).

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE'S FISCAL YEAR 2022 BUDGET

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 June 2021

[ERRATA]U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE'S FISCAL YEAR 2022 BUDGET

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 June 2021

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022

United States · United States Senate · 24 June 2021

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2021 This bill provides permanent resident status and citizenship eligibility to certain noncitizen veterans and addresses related issues. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must establish a program that allows (1) eligible noncitizen veterans outside of the United States to be admitted as permanent residents, and (2) eligible noncitizen veterans in the United States to obtain permanent resident status.  Generally, an eligible noncitizen veteran under this bill is one who was not removed from the United States for certain crimes related to violence or national security. DHS may waive these eligibility requirements for humanitarian, family unity, public interest, or exceptional military service reasons. A noncitizen veteran who obtains permanent resident status under this bill shall be eligible for (1) naturalization through service in the Armed Forces, and (2) military and veterans benefits as if they had not been removed (or ordered removed) from the United States. For a noncitizen veteran in removal proceedings or subject to a final removal order, the Department of Justice (DOJ) must determine whether the veteran is eligible for permanent resident status under this bill. If the veteran is eligible, DOJ must adjust the veteran's status. The bill also protects noncitizen veterans or service members from being removed from the United States unless the veteran has been convicted of a crime of violence.

REACH for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Revising and Expediting Actions for the Crisis Hotline for Veterans Act or the REACH for Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update training and procedures for call responders of the Veterans Crisis Line. Specifically, the VA must enter into an agreement with an outside organization to review the training for crisis line call responders. The VA must update the training if any deficiencies are identified after the review. Among other requirements, the VA must develop guidelines on retraining and quality management for when a call responder has an adverse event or needs improvement, annually perform a common cause analysis for identified callers to the crisis line who died by suicide in situations where the crisis line was the last point of contact, develop enhanced guidance and procedures to respond to calls to the crisis line related to substance use and overdose risk, review the current emergency dispatch standard operating procedure of the crisis line, and solicit feedback from veterans service organizations on how to conduct outreach regarding the move to 988 as the new suicide and mental health crisis hotline. Each call responder must be subject to at least two calls per month that are silently monitored by a supervisor to check for quality of conduct. The Veterans Crisis Line, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention of the VA, and National Center for Patient Safety of the VA must establish quality management processes and expectations for staff of the crisis line.

Vaccine Passport Prevention Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Vaccine Passport Prevention Act of 2021 This bill generally prohibits governments from issuing vaccine passports (i.e., standard documentation other than health records to certify an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status to a third party) and discrimination based on an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status or post-transmission recovery. Specifically, the federal government may not issue any vaccine passport or discriminate based on an individual's COVID-19 vaccination or recovery status by requiring documentation of the status as a condition of receiving a benefit or service. In addition, the federal government (except for the Department of Defense) may not mandate COVID-19 vaccines as a condition of federal employment. Furthermore, the bill prohibits, as a condition of receiving certain COVID-19 relief funds, states, tribal nations, and localities from issuing vaccine passports or engaging in discrimination by requiring documentation of an individual's COVID-19 vaccination or recovery status. Additionally, the bill prohibits private entities that offer products or services affecting interstate commerce from requiring documentation of an individual's COVID-19 vaccination or recovery status in order to obtain a product or service. It also establishes a private right of action for individuals who experience such discrimination by private entities. The bill also provides an exception to allow kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education to mandate COVID-19 vaccines as a condition of enrollment. However, the Department of Education may not award financial assistance to any school that requires COVID-19 vaccines without also providing for exemptions based on (1) religious or conscientious beliefs, (2) medical reasons, and (3) natural immunity from COVID-19.

Restoring Unfairly Impaired Credit and Protecting Consumers Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Restoring Unfairly Impaired Credit and Protecting Consumers Act This bill revises requirements regarding consumer credit information included by a consumer reporting agency on a credit report, including by requiring removal of adverse information that resulted from specified fraudulent lending activity, shortening the time period adverse information stays on reports, and limiting the inclusion of certain medical debt on reports. The bill also requires a consumer reporting agency to provide free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to certain consumers, including victims of fraud, active duty military, and those 65 years of age and older.

U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021 This bill authorizes programs to provide defense-related assistance to Greece and addresses related issues. The bill authorizes providing to Greece from FY2022-FY2026 (1) assistance through the European Recapitalization Incentive Program to help Greece meet its defense needs and transition away from Russian-produced military equipment; and (2) International Military Education and Training assistance for various purposes, including to train future leaders and to establish rapport between the U.S. Armed Forces and Greece's military. The President may expedite the delivery of future purchases of F-35 aircraft by Greece. The bill also establishes a group consisting of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives to meet annually with representatives from Cyprus, Greece, and Israel to discuss various issues such as maritime security, defense cooperation, and energy.

Arctic Security Initiative Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Arctic Security Initiative Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct an assessment and implement a program related to national security interests in the Arctic region. Specifically, the Commander of the United States Northern Command of DOD must consult and coordinate with specified defense entities to conduct an independent assessment with respect to the activities and resources required for FY2023-FY2027 to achieve specified objectives related to national security interests in the Arctic region. The assessment must focus on the activities and resources required to achieve the following objectives: the implementation of the National Defense Strategy and military service-specific strategies with respect to the Arctic region; the maintenance or restoration of the comparative military advantage of the United States in response to great power competitors in the Arctic region; the reduction of the risk of executing operation and contingency plans of DOD; and to maximize execution of DOD operation and contingency plans, in the event deterrence fails. Additionally, DOD must establish the Arctic Security Initiative program to enhance security in the Arctic region, to be informed by the assessment required by this bill. DOD must annually submit an unclassified future years plan, which may include a classified annex, for the activities and resources of the program that includes specified elements (e.g., a detailed time line for achieving requirements). The plan must also be included in budget materials submitted by DOD in support of the budget of the President for FY2023.

Unity through Service Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Unity through Service Act of 2021 This bill establishes a Council on Military, National, and Public Service in the Executive Office of the President to, among other things, advise the President on promoting and expanding opportunities for military service, national service, and public service. The council shall establish an internet-based platform to serve as a centralized resource and database for people to learn about and connect with service organizations and opportunities, and assist in the recruiting needs of service organizations. The council may carry out a pilot program to focus on recruiting individuals from underserved markets and demographic populations, such as those defined by gender, geography, socioeconomic status, and critical skills. The Department of Defense, the corporation, and the Peace Corps shall establish a joint plan to provide an applicant who is ineligible, or otherwise not selected, for service in the Armed Forces, in a national service program administered by the corporation or in the Peace Corps, with information about forms of service for which the applicant has not applied.

A resolution urging the Biden Administration to work with Congress to ensure that the United States military has sufficient resources.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

This resolution urges the Biden Administration to ensure that the military has all the necessary resources to build and sustain the country's military strength.

A resolution recognizing the 125th Anniversary of the Indiana Veterans' Home.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the Indiana Veterans' Home is an example of Hoosiers' dedication to their veterans and should be recognized for its 125 years of care to the veterans of Indiana and their families.

Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act This bill establishes an apprenticeship program and a pilot program on cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency may establish one or more apprenticeship programs that leads directly to employment in a cybersecurity work role with the agency; or a position with a company or other entity, as prescribed by this bill. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall establish a pilot program under which the VA shall provide cyber-specific training for members of the Armed Forces transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to civilian life and veterans. The bill extends through FY2025 the submission of a report on an assessment that identifies information technology, cybersecurity, or other cyber-related work roles of critical need in the workforce of federal agencies.

A resolution designating June 2021 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month" and June 27, 2021, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

This resolution designates June 2021 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27, 2021, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day. The resolution supports (1) the education of members of the Armed Forces, veterans, their families, and the public about post-traumatic stress; and (2) efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to foster cultural change around the issue of post-traumatic stress. The resolution also encourages the leadership of the Armed Forces to support treatment of members of the Armed Forces who suffer from post-traumatic stress.

Save Our Afghan Allies Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Save Our Afghan Allies Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to report to Congress a plan for admitting and relocating to the United States citizens of Afghanistan under an existing program. (The program provides special immigrant visas to eligible individuals who worked for U.S. or NATO forces in Afghanistan on or after October 7, 2001.)

Protect American Power Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Protect American Power Infrastructure Act This bill prohibits certain transactions that involve using bulk-power equipment to provide power for defense critical electric infrastructure in the United States if a foreign adversary owns or exercises influence over the equipment, including transactions that (1) involve equipment designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the direction of a foreign adversary; and (2) pose an undue risk of catastrophic effects on the security or resiliency of such infrastructure. However, the Department of Energy may approve transactions if it designs or negotiates measures to mitigate such risks.

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2021 This bill provides permanent resident status and citizenship eligibility to certain noncitizen veterans and addresses related issues. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must establish a program that allows (1) eligible noncitizen veterans outside of the United States to be admitted as permanent residents, and (2) eligible noncitizen veterans in the United States to obtain permanent resident status.  Generally, an eligible noncitizen veteran under this bill is one who was not removed from the United States for certain crimes related to violence or national security. DHS may waive these eligibility requirements for humanitarian, family unity, public interest, or exceptional military service reasons. A noncitizen veteran who obtains permanent resident status under this bill shall be eligible for (1) naturalization through service in the Armed Forces, and (2) military and veterans benefits as if they had not been removed (or ordered removed) from the United States. For a noncitizen veteran in removal proceedings or subject to a final removal order, the Department of Justice (DOJ) must determine whether the veteran is eligible for permanent resident status under this bill. If the veteran is eligible, DOJ must adjust the veteran's status. The bill also protects noncitizen veterans or service members from being removed from the United States unless the veteran has been convicted of a crime of violence.

Arctic Security Initiative Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Arctic Security Initiative Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct an assessment and implement a program related to national security interests in the Arctic region. Specifically, the Commander of the United States Northern Command of DOD must consult and coordinate with specified defense entities to conduct an independent assessment with respect to the activities and resources required for FY2023-FY2027 to achieve specified objectives related to national security interests in the Arctic region. The assessment must focus on the activities and resources required to achieve the following objectives: the implementation of the National Defense Strategy and military service-specific strategies with respect to the Arctic region; the maintenance or restoration of the comparative military advantage of the United States in response to great power competitors in the Arctic region; the reduction of the risk of executing operation and contingency plans of DOD; and to maximize execution of DOD operation and contingency plans, in the event deterrence fails. Additionally, DOD must establish the Arctic Security Initiative program to enhance security in the Arctic region, to be informed by the assessment required by this bill. DOD must annually submit an unclassified future years plan, which may include a classified annex, for the activities and resources of the program that includes specified elements (e.g., a detailed time line for achieving requirements). The plan must also be included in budget materials submitted by DOD in support of the budget of the President for FY2023.

DISCOURSE Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Disincentivizing Internet Service Censorship of Online Users and Restrictions on Speech and Expression Act or the DISCOURSE Act This bill limits federal liability protections for a user or provider of an interactive computer service (e.g., a social media company) related to content provided by third parties. It also requires a provider that offers its service through a mass-market offering to the public to disclose information about its content moderation activities. The bill removes liability protections (sometimes referred to as section 230 protection) for a provider with a dominant market share if the provider promotes or suppresses a viewpoint through its content moderation, including by affecting a content creator's revenue; uses automated processes (e.g., algorithms) to target and amplify content provided to a user who has not requested or searched for the content; or solicits, funds, modifies, or otherwise contributes to content. Currently, a provider retains liability protections even when it restricts access to materials that it considers objectionable. Under this bill, a provider retains protections if restricted materials fall, based on an objectively reasonable belief, into a prescribed list of harmful or unlawful categories. Additionally, the liability protections shall not apply to providers that (1) restrict access to content in a manner that burdens the exercise of religion, or (2) fail to comply with an existing requirement to notify customers of options for limiting a minor's access to harmful online content (e.g., parental controls). The bill also changes legal procedures related to the liability protections, including by specifying that the protection serves as an affirmative defense.

I–VETS Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Immigrant Veterans Eligibility Tracking System Act or the I-VETS Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify aliens who are serving or have served in the Armed Forces when such an alien applies for an immigration benefit or is placed in an immigration enforcement proceeding. Such information shall be reflected in DHS records and may not be used to remove an alien from the United States.

Kathleen S. Miller, of Virginia, to be a Deputy Under Secretary of Defense. (New Position)

United States · United States Senate · 23 June 2021

Celeste Ann Wallander, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Robert Story Karem.

United States · United States Senate · 23 June 2021

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-48] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 June 2021

Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021

Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Act of 2021 This bill directs the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to jointly establish a commission to study and make recommendations to improve federal policies relating to wildland fire prevention, mitigation, suppression, management, and rehabilitation. The Department of Defense and other relevant federal departments and agencies must submit to the commission an inventory of surplus cargo and passenger aircraft and excess common-use aircraft parts that may be used for wildland firefighting purposes.

Vanessa Guillén Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021

Vanessa Guillén Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act This bill modifies the process and policy related to the disposition of charges and convening of courts-martial for certain sexual assault cases and other specified offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Among other elements, the bill provides that the determinations on the preferral, disposition, and referral of charges for specified offenses under the UCMJ must be made by a commissioned officer of the Armed Forces who is designated as a court-martial convening authority (in grade O-6 or higher) and who is available for detail as trial counsel, has significant trial experience, and is outside the chain of command of the member subject to the charges.

Veterans and Family Information Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021

Veterans and Family Information Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make all of its fact sheets available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and each of the 10 most commonly spoken languages not listed. The bill also requires the VA to establish a publicly available website that provides links to all VA fact sheets. Finally, the VA must report to Congress regarding the utilization of such fact sheets as well as the details of the Language Access Plan of the VA.

HBOT Access Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021

HBOT Access Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy through a provider authorized by the Veterans Community Care Program to veterans who have a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are at high risk of suicide or self-harm, and have used at least two evidence-based treatment options for their condition. Veterans who receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy due to the enactment of this bill must be included in a study on individuals receiving such treatment to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of the treatment for PTSD and traumatic brain injury.

Commission to Study the Stigmatization, Criminalization, and Ongoing Exclusion and Inequity for LGBTQ Servicemembers and Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021

Commission to Study the Stigmatization, Criminalization, and Ongoing Exclusion and Inequity for LGBTQ Servicemembers and Veterans Act This bill establishes the Commission to Study the Stigmatization, Criminalization, and Ongoing Exclusion and Inequity for LGBTQ Servicemembers and Veterans. The Commission must identify and compile information about the history of military policy regarding homosexuality from 1778 onward, including regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) sexual orientation and gender identity. The Commission must hold public hearings, gather public testimony, examine lasting and disparate impacts of the discriminatory policies on the physical and mental well-being of members of the Armed Forces, and make recommendations on appropriate remedies.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022

United States · United States Senate · 22 June 2021

A bill to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 400 College Drive, Middleburg, Florida, as the "Andrew K. Baker Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic", and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2021

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Middleburg, Florida, as the Andrew K. Baker Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic or the A.K. Baker VA Clinic.

Cutting Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2021

Cutting Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens Act This bill generally requires agencies to repeal at least two rules before promulgating a major rule (i.e., a rule with a significant economic impact, cost to consumers, or adverse effects on competition). Further, unless required by law, an agency may not issue a rule that exceeds the total cost of the rules to be repealed without approval by the Office of Management and Budget. These requirements do not apply to major rules related to agency procedures, the Armed Forces, national security, or foreign affairs.

Building Solutions for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2021

Building Solutions for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Act of 2021 This bill addresses various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grants, programs, and assistance related to services for homeless veterans. The bill removes certain funding limitations on grants that assist eligible entities in establishing or modifying programs to furnish outreach, rehabilitative services, vocational counseling and training, and transitional housing assistance to homeless veterans. Under the bill, grant recipients must not be subject to certain property disposition requirements. The bill increases the maximum rate of per diem payments provided to grant recipients furnishing services to homeless veterans. Under the Supportive Services for Veterans Families program, not less than 2% of the amounts available in any fiscal year may be available to provide technical assistance to entities providing supportive services to very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing. Among other requirements, the VA must provide training and technical assistance to grant recipients regarding the planning, development, and provision of services for which the grant is made; establish and carry out a program to provide services to assist veterans with navigating housing and health care resources; and implement three pilot programs to provide improved public transportation, nursing staff, and substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder treatment services to certain veterans. The bill (1) extends through FY2025 the authority for appropriations for homeless veterans reintegration programs, and (2) increases the amount authorized to be appropriated annually for such programs from $50 million to $75 million.

Defense Community Teacher Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2021

Defense Community Teacher Support Act This bill makes certain teachers who teach in military impacted communities eligible for student loan forgiveness. A school in a military impacted community is served by a local educational agency for which at least 20% of the students in average daily attendance in all schools served by the agency during the preceding school year had a parent on active duty. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Education to cancel up to $17,500 of federal student loans for a borrower who is an elementary or secondary school teacher employed for five consecutive years in a school in a military impacted community. In addition, a teacher who is required to move due to a permanent change in duty station of their spouse may meet the five-year teaching requirement by teaching in multiple schools in different military impacted communities.

Countering Hizballah in Lebanon’s Military Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2021

Countering Hizbollah in Lebanon's Military Act of 2021 This bill limits the use of security assistance funds for Lebanon until certain conditions are met. Specifically, 20% of funds appropriated or made available for such security assistance may not be obligated or expended until the President certifies to Congress that (1) the Lebanese Armed Forces have taken measurable steps to limit or expel Hezbollah-influenced military personnel that have significant influence over the Lebanese Armed Forces' policies or activities, (2) activities of the Lebanese Armed Forces to disarm Hezbollah demonstrate a serious commitment to fulfill United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 calling for such disarmament, and (3) the Lebanese Armed Forces have not cooperated or partnered with Hezbollah during the last year. The President may waive the first two requirements if it is in U.S. national security interest to do so.

Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2021.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2021

Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 20 21 This bill modifies the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Defense to report on the goals and incentives used to increase awards of SBIR and STTR contracts. It also prioritizes innovation in manufacturing and cybersecurity and directs federal agencies to issue Phase III awards to technology developers without requiring further competition. Further, the bill makes permanent (as the Civilian Agency Commercialization Readiness Program) the pilot program that a covered agency may establish for awarding SBIR and STTR Phase II and III funds for technology development and progression toward commercialization. The bill also extends the Commercialization Assistance Pilot Program though FY2026. The bill authorizes specified agencies to use a percentage of STTR funds for a Proof of Concept Partnership program to accelerate the creation of small businesses and the commercialization of research innovations. It also authorizes all agencies participating in the SBIR program, during FY2022-FY2026, to provide a SBIR Phase II award for a project to a small business concern without regard to whether such concern was provided a Phase I award for such project. The bill requires the SBA to conduct outreach efforts at minority institutions and Hispanic-serving institutions.