Defence

Mental Health Care for Our Wounded Warriors Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

Mental Health Care for Our Wounded Warriors Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) members of the Armed Forces (members) deserve the best possible treatment for mental and physical illnesses and injuries sustained while in military service; (2) members should have access to mental health providers; (3) mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) should be treated with an urgency similar to physical ailments incurred by members; (4) there is a need to recruit, train, and retain more mental health care professionals to diagnose and treat members; and (5) there is a continued need for research, new treatments, and best practices for treating PTSD, as well as a long-term strategy for recruiting, training, and retaining the mental health workforce of the Department of Defense (DOD). Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish at least two centers of excellence in military mental health for, among other things, the development and implementation of DOD strategy for the prevention, identification, and treatment of combat-related mental health conditions, with an emphasis on PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Requires a report from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees on appropriate actions to address current personnel shortages in the DOD mental health workforce.

Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity by covered entities (employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees). Prohibits preferential treatment or quotas. Allows only disparate treatment claims. Prohibits related retaliation. Makes this Act inapplicable to: (1) religious organizations; and (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the armed forces. States that this Act does not repeal or modify any federal, state, territorial, or local law creating a special right or preference concerning employment for a veteran. Provides for the construction of this Act with regard to: (1) enforcement by employers of rules and policies; (2) sexual harassment; (3) certain shared facilities such as showers or dressing facilities; (4) dress and grooming standards; and (5) certain matters relating to marriage. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from collecting statistics from covered entities on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or compelling the collection by covered entities of such statistics. Provides for enforcement, including giving the EEOC, the Librarian of Congress, the Attorney General, and U.S. courts the same enforcement powers as they have under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, and other specified laws. Allows actions and proceedings against state governments and, subject to limitation, the federal government.

Impeaching Richard B. Cheney, Vice President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

Impeaches Richard B. Cheney, Vice President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. Sets forth articles of impeachment stating that Vice President Cheney: (1) has purposely manipulated the intelligence process to deceive the citizens and Congress of the United States about a threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, and about an alleged relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda, to justify the use of the U.S. Armed Forces against Iraq in a manner damaging to U.S. national security interests; and (2) has openly threatened aggression against Iran absent any real threat to the United States, and has done so with the U.S. proven capability to carry out such threats, thus undermining U.S. national security.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to lung cancer as a public health priority and the recommendations of the Lung Cancer Progress Review Group of the National Cancer Institute.

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

Urges the President to: (1) declare lung cancer a public health priority and immediately lead a coordinated effort to reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer by 50% by 2015; (2) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase funding for lung cancer research; (3) direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a lung cancer screening and disease management program among members of the Armed Forces and veterans and diagnostic programs for the early detection of lung cancer; (4) appoint the Lung Cancer Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee; and (5) convene a National Lung Cancer Public Health Policy Board to oversee and coordinate all efforts to reduce the lung cancer mortality rate.

To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that the National Security Personnel System shall not apply with respect to certain laboratories within the Department of Defense.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2007

Amends federal law to provide that the National Security Personnel System shall not apply with respect to certain Department of Defense laboratories (under current law the system would have applied in specified circumstances on or after October 1, 2008.)

Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2007

Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay travel expenses for veterans receiving treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities at the rate provided to federal employees in connection with the performance of official duties. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and operate at least one and up to five centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities; (2) establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in remote rural areas; (3) carry out demonstration projects to examine alternatives for expanding care for veterans in rural areas; and (4) report annually to Congress on matters related to VA care for veterans residing in rural areas.

Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2007

Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the prohibition on importing convict-made goods into the United States to make it unlawful to: (1) import into, or export from, the United States any sweatshop good; or (2) introduce into commerce, sell, trade, or advertise in commerce, offer to sell, or transport or distribute in U.S. commerce, any sweatshop good. Grants the President, for reasons of national interest, authority to recommend waiver of the applications set forth in this Act in connection with the goods of any country with respect to one or more of the principles and rights defined in this Act as a core labor standard. Sets forth procedures for consideration of such a waiver. Makes it unlawful for persons to introduce into commerce, sell, trade, or advertise in commerce, offer to sell or transport or distribute in commerce any sweatshop good. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce this prohibition as if it were an unfair or deceptive act or practice proscribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Allows specified persons with standing to bring a civil action in U.S. district courts against sellers of goods, wares, articles, or merchandise on grounds of a violation of such prohibition. Prohibits executive agencies and the Armed Forces from entering into procurement contracts for sweatshop goods. Prohibits anything in this Act from being construed to preempt a state from regulating labor standards required in the mining, production, or manufacture of merchandise purchased by the state.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to authorize the payment of travel costs for members of the Selected Reserve occupying designated specialties when the members attend inactive duty training or a unit training assembly necessary for maintaining mission readiness when the training or assembly location is outside of the commuting limits of the members' duty stations.

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2007

Permits the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay up to $300 for travel expenses to a member of the Selected Reserve performing inactive duty training or attending a unit training assembly outside the commuting limits of the member's station for the purpose of maintaining mission readiness.

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2007

Honors the sacrifice of the men and women who lost their lives in service of the United States during the Vietnam War. Recognizes the service of all men and women who were members of the Armed Forces during such War. Commemorates the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-54]NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 April 2007

THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE'S MANAGEMENT OF COSTS UNDER THE LOGISTICS CIVIL AUGMENTATION PROGRAM (LOGCAP) CONTRACT IN IRAQ

United States · United States Senate · 19 April 2007

Blinded Veterans Paired Organ Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007

Blinded Veterans Paired Organ Act of 2007 - Modifies the standard for awarding disability compensation to veterans for loss of vision to require payment of compensation for impairment of vision (currently, blindness) involving both eyes due to a service-connected or non-service-connected disability. Defines such impairment as a visual acuity of 20/200 or less or of a peripheral field of vision of 20 degrees or less. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide the Secretary of Health and Human Services with information for comparison with the National Directory of New Hires to determine eligibility for certain veteran benefits' and services.

Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007

Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2007 - Defines "child soldier." Prohibits, with a national interest waiver, funds appropriated or otherwise made available for specified military and related areas from being obligated or otherwise made available to the government of a country identified by the Department of State as having governmental armed forces or government supported armed groups, including paramilitaries, militias, or civil defense forces, that recruit or use child soldiers. Directs the Secretary of State to notify any government so identified. Authorizes the President to reinstate assistance upon certifying to Congress that a government is implementing: (1) compliance measures; and (2) mechanisms to prohibit future use of child soldiers and to ensure that no children are recruited, conscripted, or otherwise compelled to serve as child soldiers. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to a country for international military education and training otherwise prohibited under this Act upon certifying to Congress that such assistance is for programs that implement measures to demobilize child soldiers and for programs to support professionalization of the military.

Montgomery G.I. Bill Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007

Montgomery G.I. Bill Improvement Act of 2007 - Exempts enlisted personnel in pay grade E-5 or below from the reduction in pay for contributions (premiums) under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program. Allows individuals serving on active duty a one-year opportunity to withdraw a previous election not to receive such educational assistance.

Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007

Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) establish a program to screen veterans eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, medical, and nursing home care for symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI); (2) develop and carry out a program of long-term care for post-acute TBI rehabilitation; (3) establish a TBI transition office at each VA polytrauma network site to coordinate the provision of health care and services to veterans who suffer from moderate to severe TBI and are in need of health care and services not immediately offered by the VA; and (4) establish and maintain the Traumatic Brain Injury Veterans' Health Registry.

Global Climate Change Security Oversight Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007

Global Climate Change Security Oversight Act - Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a National Intelligence Estimate on the anticipated geopolitical effects of global climate change and the implications of such effects on U.S. national security. Requires the Director to prepare the estimate using the mid-range projections of the fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to make assessments and recommendation concerning the risks posed by global warming and the security implications, opportunities, and consequences of global warming. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the projected impact on the military installations, capabilities, and operations of the effects of global climate change as assessed in the estimate and to recommend research and analysis needed to further assess the impacts on the military of global climate change as assessed in the estimate. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should address the findings of the estimate regarding the impact of global climate change and potential implications of such impact on the Armed Forces and for the size, composition, and capabilities of Armed Forces in the next Quadrennial Defense Review. Requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the potential for: (1) large migration flows in countries of strategic interest or humanitarian concern as a response to changes in climate and the implications for U.S. security interests; and (2) diplomatic opportunities and challenges facing U.S. policy makers as a result of social, economic, or political responses of groups or nations to global changing climate. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to research the impacts of global climate change on military operations, doctrine, organization, training, material, logistics, personnel, and facilities, and the actions needed to address those impacts.

Birthright Citizenship Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007

Birthright Citizenship Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to consider a person born in the United States "subject to the jurisdiction" of the United States for citizenship at birth purposes if the person is born in the United States of parents, one of whom is: (1) a U.S. citizen or national; (2) a lawful permanent resident alien whose residence is in the United States; or (3) an alien performing active service in the armed forces.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-53]NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 April 2007

Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007

Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay travel expenses for veterans receiving treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities at the rate provided to federal employees in connection with the performance of official duties. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and operate at least one and up to five centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities; (2) establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in remote rural areas; (3) carry out demonstration projects to examine alternatives for expanding care for veterans in rural areas; and (4) report annually to Congress on matters related to VA care for veterans residing in rural areas.

Patent Reform Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007

Patent Reform Act of 2007 - Modifies conditions under which a patent may be obtained for an invention or discovery, including by: (1) defining "inventor" to include a joint inventor and coinventor; (2) making the effective filing date of a claimed invention the filing date of the patent or the patent application; and (3) revising procedures for patent interference disputes. Revises requirements for an inventor's oath or declaration to allow substitute statements in specified circumstances (e.g., death or disability) and supplemental and corrected statements. Allows a third party assignee (other than the inventor) or a person with a proprietary interest to file a patent application. Modifies provisions relating to damages for patent infringement to: (1) require a court to conduct an analysis of a patent's specific contribution over prior art; (2) allow increased damages for willfull patent infringement; and (3) expand the prior user defense. Renames the Board of Patent Appeals as the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Revises provisions relating to the Board's composition, duties, and authorities. Allows a person who is not the patent owner to file a petition with the Board to cancel a patent as invalid (post-grant review). Sets forth procedures for the consideration of such petitions, including provisions to prevent harassment of patent owners and abuse of process. Allows third parties to submit documents relevant to the examination of a patent application. Revises venue requirements for civil patent actions against individuals and corporations to allow actions to be brought in the judicial district where either party resides (currently, where the defendant resides) or where the corporation has its principal place of business or was incorporated.

A bill to provide for an assessment of the achievements by the Government of Iraq of benchmarks for political settlement and national reconciliation in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress against any congressional action, including the elimination or reduction of funds, that will impair the mission of the U.S. military forces in the field, undermine their safety, or harm their effectiveness. Directs the Commander, Multi-National Forces-Iraq to report to Congress within 120 days respecting the status of the achievement of specified benchmarks and the Commander's assessment whether or not each such benchmark has been met.

Honor Our Commitment to Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007

Honor Our Commitment to Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to administer the health care enrollment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs so as to enroll any eligible veteran who applies. (This directive in effect terminates an administrative freeze on the enrollment of veterans in the lowest priority enrollment category.)

Patent Reform Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007

Patent Reform Act of 2007 - Modifies conditions under which a patent may be obtained for an invention or discovery, including by: (1) defining "inventor" to include a joint inventor and coinventor; (2) making the effective filing date of a claimed invention the filing date of the patent or the patent application; and (3) revising procedures for patent interference disputes. Revises requirements for an inventor's oath or declaration to allow substitute statements in specified circumstances (e.g., death or disability) and supplemental and corrected statements. Allows a third party assignee (other than the inventor) or a person with a proprietary interest to file a patent application. Modifies provisions relating to damages for patent infringement to: (1) require a court to conduct an analysis of a patent's specific contribution over prior art; (2) allow increased damages for willfull patent infringement; and (3) expand the prior user defense. Renames the Board of Patent Appeals as the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Revises provisions relating to the Board's composition, duties, and authorities. Allows a person who is not the patent owner to file a petition with the Board to cancel a patent as invalid (post-grant review). Sets forth procedures for the consideration of such petitions, including provisions to prevent harassment of patent owners and abuse of process. Allows third parties to submit documents relevant to the examination of a patent application. Revises venue requirements for civil patent actions against individuals and corporations to allow actions to be brought in the judicial district where either party resides (currently, where the defendant resides) or where the corporation has its principal place of business or was incorporated.

To repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan by veterans dependency and indemnity compensation, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007

Repeals certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military retired pay or would be entitled to such pay except for being under 60 years of age. Prohibits recoupment by the Secretary of Defense of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund. Repeals the optional authority of (and instead requires) the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to a member's dependent children when there is no eligible surviving spouse. Directs the Secretary concerned to restore annuity eligibility to a surviving spouse who earlier agreed to transfer such eligibility to a surviving child or children of a member. Changes to October 1, 2007 (previously October 1, 2008) the effective date for paid-up coverage provisions under the SBP and the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a separate Veterans Integrated Service Network for the Gulf Coast region of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a separate Veterans Affairs Service Network for the Gulf Coast region of the United States, which shall include specified counties in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007

Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the prohibition on importing convict-made goods into the United States to make it unlawful to: (1) import into, or export from, the United States any sweatshop good; or (2) introduce into commerce, sell, trade, or advertise in commerce, offer to sell, or transport or distribute in U.S. commerce, any sweatshop good. Grants the President, for reasons of national interest, authority to recommend waiver of the applications set forth in this Act in connection with the goods of any country with respect to one or more of the principles and rights defined in this Act as a core labor standard. Sets forth procedures for consideration of such a waiver. Makes it unlawful for persons to introduce into commerce, sell, trade, or advertise in commerce, offer to sell or transport or distribute in commerce any sweatshop good. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce this prohibition as if it were an unfair or deceptive act or practice proscribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Allows specified persons with standing to bring a civil action in U.S. district courts against sellers of goods, wares, articles, or merchandise on grounds of a violation of such prohibition. Lists those with standing. Prohibits executive agencies and the Armed Forces from entering into procurement contracts for sweatshop goods. Prohibits anything in this Act from being construed to preempt a state from regulating labor standards required in the mining, production, or manufacture of merchandise purchased by the state.

Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007

Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Treasury the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund for the deposit of income, gift, and estate taxes paid by or on behalf of taxpayers: (1) who are designated conscientious objectors opposed to participation in war in any form based upon their deeply held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs or training (within the meaning of the Military Selective Service Act); and (2) who have certified their beliefs in writing to the Secretary. Requires that: (1) amounts deposited in the Fund be allocated annually to any appropriation not for a military purpose; (2) the Secretary report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on the total amount transferred into the Fund during the preceding fiscal year and the purposes for which such amount was allocated; and (3) the privacy of individuals using the Fund be protected. Expresses the sense of Congress that any revenue increase resulting from the creation of the Fund be allocated in a manner consistent with its purposes.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to convey the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center located in Marlin, Texas, to the State of Texas.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to convey to the state of Texas the Thomas T. Conally Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marlin, Texas.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct at two-year pilot program to use a mobile processing unit to perform certain services of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a two-year pilot program in three states to use a mobile processing unit to conduct outreach, take applications from veterans for benefits, and determine the status of veterans' benefits claims.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide for the automated processing of veterans disability compensation claims.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a rules-based expert system to automate the adjudication of veterans' disability compensation claims. Requires such system to: (1) provide a disability rating recommendation based on the applicable rate of disability compensation; and (2) be implemented at no less than two regional offices of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) within four years after the enactment of this Act.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend eligibility for pension benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans who served during certain periods of time in specified locations.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2007

Amends the definition of "period of war" to extend eligibility for veterans' pension benefits to those veterans who served during specified time periods in the Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Granada, or Panama.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend eligibility for pension benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans who received an expeditionary medal during a period of military service other than a period of war.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2007

Redefines the term "period of war" for purposes of eligibility for veterans' pension benefits to include any period of active military, naval, or air service not specifically referenced for which a veteran received an expeditionary medal.

Recognizing and commending all of the volunteers and supporters of Our Military Kids, Inc., for their efforts in awarding grants to over 1,100 school-aged children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and Reserve personnel in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2007

Recognizes and commends the volunteers and supporters of Our Military Kids, Inc., for their efforts in supporting children of our military personnel and awarding grants to over 1,100 school-aged children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and Reserve personnel in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

Honoring the 53,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and civilians that comprise the Nation's special operations forces community.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2007

Honors the sacrifices and commitment of the 53,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and civilians that comprise the nation's special operations forces community. Honors the families of such forces. Recognizes that the U.S. military should seek to replicate the success that such forces has achieved throughout the War on Terror.

Recognizing the important contributions and tremendous potential of military ground robotics and expressing the support of the Congress for continued funding and development of Unmanned Ground Vehicles.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2007

Recognizes the significant and lifesaving contributions of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) to current combat operations. Notes the need for increased funding for development and deployment of UGVs.

Traumatic Brain Injury Access to Options Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2007

Traumatic Brain Injury Access to Options Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that each member of the Armed Forces who incurs a traumatic brain injury (where the member is unable to perform activities of daily living for at least five consecutive days from the date of a medical assessment) while on active duty shall be retained on active duty for one year after the date of the assessment. Prohibits such member from being evaluated during the one-year period by a physical evaluation board for determining eligibility for retirement or separation due to such disability. Allows a member (or his or her guardian or legal advocate) to choose to make such requirements inapplicable to the member. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to extend the one-year period as appropriate in light of medical progress. Requires annual Comptroller General assessments of traumatic brain injury care and services provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Improvement and Enhancement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2007

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Improvement and Enhancement Act of 2007 - Prescribes the federal law provisions governing domestic electronic surveillance. Amends title I (Electronic Surveillance) of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to prohibit any provision of law from being construed to repeal or modify any provision of such title in any manner unless such provision of law, if enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act, expressly amends or otherwise specifically cites such title. Directs the President to brief each member of the congressional intelligence committees on: (1) the Terrorist Surveillance Program of the National Security Agency (NSA); and (2) any program which involves the electronic surveillance of U.S. persons in the United States for foreign intelligence purposes which is conducted by any federal department or entity without fully complying with the prescribed federal law provisions. Requires the Supreme Court to review at least one pending case concerning the constitutionality of the surveillance program. Revises FISA provisions concerning electronic surveillance to: (1) extend the period for the application for orders for emergency electronic surveillance; and (2) authorize the AG to appoint personnel within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and NSA to authorize emergency surveillance. Provides for the implementation of a document management system for, and authorizes additional personnel for the preparation and consideration of, electronic surveillance applications. Authorizes the training of FBI and NSA personnel in foreign intelligence surveillance matters. Requires a FISA order authorizing electronic surveillance to be supported by a finding of probable cause that the surveillance target is a foreign power or agent thereof.

HEARING TO RECEIVE TESTIMONY ON THE DEPARTMENTS OF DEFENSE AND VETERANS AFFAIRS DISABILITY RATING SYSTEMS AND THE TRANSITION OF SERVICEMEMBERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

United States · United States Senate · 12 April 2007

Veterans' Housing Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2007

Veterans' Housing Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces determined to have a total disability permanent in nature which was incurred or aggravated in the line of active duty, to furnish home improvements and structural alterations for the member for the disability while the member is hospitalized or receiving outpatient care, medical services, or treatment, if the Secretary determines that the member is likely to be discharged or released from the Armed Forces for such disability. Authorizes the provision of specially adapted housing assistance for: (1) disabled veterans whose disability is due to a severe burn injury; and (2) disabled members residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member. Makes veterans and members with a severe burn disability eligible for automobile and automotive adaptive equipment assistance.

An act to increase the number of Iraqi and Afghani translators and interpreters who may be admitted to the United States as special immigrants, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2007

Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 to authorize special immigrant status for certain Afghan or Iraqi translators or interpreters working with the U.S. Armed Forces or federal agencies under the Chief of Mission in Afghanistan and Iraq. (Currently, such status is authorized for Afghan and Iraqi translators working with U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.) Authorizes: (1) additional FY2007-FY2009 entrants (up to 500 annually); and (2) adjustment to permanent resident status.

Cold War Medal Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2007

Cold War Medal Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, upon application, to issue Cold War service medals to military personnel who served honorably during the Cold War era (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991).

A concurrent resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and commending recipients of the Purple Heart for their courageous demonstrations of gallantry and heroism on behalf of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2007

Congratulates the Military Order of the Purple Heart on its 75th anniversary as a national organization whose goals are to preserve and sustain the honor of the Armed Forces. Commends all Purple Heart recipients for their gallantry and heroism on behalf of the United States. Encourages the people of the United States to learn about the Purple Heart and the honor, courage, and bravery it symbolizes.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 11 April 2007

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 11 April 2007

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 10 April 2007

Michael G. Vickers, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Thomas W. O'Connell.

United States · United States Senate · 10 April 2007

Homes for Heroes Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2007

Homes for Heroes Act of 2007 - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure veteran access to HUD housing and homeless assistance programs; (2) coordinate all HUD programs and activities relating to veterans; and (3) serve as a HUD liaison with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Directs the HUD Secretary to provide assistance to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of supportive housing for very low-income veteran families (that is, families with incomes not exceeding 50% of the area median income). Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) make housing rental vouchers available to homeless veterans; and (2) include veterans in public housing planning. Excludes veterans' benefits from income for purposes of HUD assisted housing rental determinations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make grants to nonprofit entities for technical assistance in sponsoring HUD housing projects for veterans; and (2) report annually to specified congressional committees and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on HUD activities relating to veterans.

A bill to safely redeploy United States troops from Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2007

Directs the President to transition the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq to the following purposes: (1) conducting limited scope and duration operations against al Qaeda and other international terrorist organizations; (2) providing security for U.S. infrastructure and personnel; and (3) training and equipping Iraqi security services. Exempts such activities from the funding and redeployment provisions of this Act. Directs the President to begin the phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Prohibits funds from being obligated or expended to continue the U.S. Armed Forces deployment in Iraq after March 31, 2008.

Strategic Refinery Reserve Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Strategic Refinery Reserve Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish and operate a Strategic Refinery Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for: (1) the construction or operation of new refineries; or (2) the acquisition or reopening of closed refineries. Instructs the Secretary to operate the Reserve to provide petroleum products to: (1) the federal government (including the Department of Defense); (2) any state governments and their political subdivisions that opt to purchase refined petroleum products from the Reserve; and (3) the general public during certain emergency periods. Directs the Secretary to ensure that refineries in the Reserve are designed to provide a rapid increase in production capacity during such emergency periods. Requires a refinery owner or operator to notify the Secretary, with an explanation, not later than 180 days before permanently closing a refinery in the United States. Requires the Secretary to report the notification and explanation to Congress, together with an analysis of the effects of the proposed closing.

Protecting Military Family Financial Benefits Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Protecting Military Family Financial Benefits Act of 2007 - Allows an unmarried member of the Armed Forces with one or more dependent children, upon becoming eligible to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), to elect to provide an SBP annuity to an individual who acts as a guardian or caretaker to the dependent child or children. Directs the Secretary of Defense to appoint a panel to review and identify best practices among pre-deployment counseling and services provided by the military departments to unmarried members of the Armed Forces with dependent children.