Defence

North Korea Sanctions and Diplomatic Nonrecognition Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2009

North Korea Sanctions and Diplomatic Nonrecognition Act of 2009 - Continues diplomatic, economic, and military sanctions against the government of North Korea as a supporter of international terrorism until the President certifies to Congress that North Korea: (1) is no longer engaged in the illegal transfer of missile or nuclear technology, particularly to Iran and Syria; (2) is not assisting foreign terrorist organizations, engaged in counterfeiting U.S. currency, or engaged in illicit narcotics traffic; (3) has released specified U.S. citizens, Japanese nationals, and surviving Korean War prisoners of war; (4) has undertaken specified family reunification actions; and (5) has undertaken specified penal reforms. Continues diplomatic nonrecognition of North Korea until such benchmarks have been met. Directs the President, in the case of a North Korean missile or rocket launch in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1695 and 1718, to instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use U.S. influence to secure adoption of a Security Council resolution condemning North Korea's action and requiring implementation of comprehensive sanctions against North Korea.

Expressing the sense of the United States House of Represensatives regarding the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, the kidnapping of Captain Richard Phillips by Somali pirates, the rescue of Captain Phillips by United States Navy SEALs and the crews of the USS Bainbridge, USS Boxer, USS Halyburton and Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2009

Commends the crew of the Maersk Alabama and Captain Richard Phillips, who selflessly placed himself in harm's way to protect his crew. Recognizes the U.S. Navy, the crews of the USS Bainbridge, Boxer, Halyburton, and Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 for their role in the rescue. Congratulates the Navy SEALs on the scene for their decisive action that resulted in the rescue of Captain Phillips. Joins all Americans in expressing great relief that the crew has returned home safely.

Michael Nacht, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Joseph A. Benkert.

United States · United States Senate · 20 April 2009

Elizabeth Lee King, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Robert L. Wilkie, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 20 April 2009

Wallace C. Gregson, of Colorado, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice James Shinn.

United States · United States Senate · 20 April 2009

National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2009

National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2009 - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to back-date to September 11, 2001, the period of active duty or performed active service, in support of a contingency operation or in other emergency situations, for which members of Ready Reserve components of the Armed Forces shall receive credit in determining eligibility for early receipt of non-regular service retired pay.

A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2009

Grants a federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America (a nonprofit corporation and incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia).

Caregiver and Veterans Health Services Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Family Caregiver Program Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to waive charges for care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in emergency cases to attendants accompanying veterans severely injured while on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, while such veterans are receiving VA care for such injuries. Directs the Secretary, as part of authorized VA home health services for veterans, to furnish family caregiver assistance to family members of veterans in need of personal care services due to a serious injury incurred or aggravated during active duty. Requires the Secretary to: (1) evaluate the services needed by each veteran; (2) provide training and certification to the caregivers; (3) designate a primary personal care attendant for each eligible veteran; (4) provide ongoing family caregiver assistance to such family members; (5) provide respite care, in appropriate cases; (6) pay monthly caregiver stipends; (7) conduct oversight of the caregiver assistance program; (8) provide program outreach; and (9) report on program implementation and evaluation. Authorizes the provision of VA health care to primary personal care attendants. Directs the Secretary to reimburse attendants for travel expenses, including lodging and subsistence, in connection with authorized VA treatment for veterans.

Veterans Mobility Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Veterans Mobility Enhancement Act of 2009 - Increases from $11,000 to $22,500 the amount authorized to be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to certain disabled veterans for the purchase of an automobile and any necessary adaptive equipment.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Prohibits the collection by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of copayments or other fees for hospital or nursing home care in the case of catastrophically disabled veterans.

Department of Veterans Affairs Vision Scholars Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Department of Veterans Affairs Vision Scholars Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and carry out a scholarship program of financial assistance for individuals who: (1) are accepted for, or currently enrolled in, a program of study leading to a degree or certificate in visual impairment or orientation and mobility, or both; and (2) enter into an agreement to serve, after program completion, as a full-time Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee for three years within the first six years after program completion. Sets maximum assistance amounts of $15,000 per academic year and $45,000 total. Requires prorated repayment for failure to satisfy education or service requirements, while allowing the Secretary to waive or suspend such repayment whenever noncompliance is due to circumstances beyond the control of the participant, or when waiver or suspension is in the best interests of the United States.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to modify certain retirement pay and grade authorities for service performed after eligibility for retirement, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Authorizes reserve personnel who serve in an active reserve status in the Selected Reserve for at least two years after becoming eligible for active-duty retirement to elect a non-regular retirement for which they are qualified. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to reduce the two-year service requirement in certain cases. Provides for the recomputation of retired pay and, if appropriate, the adjustment of the retired grade of reserve retirees to reflect the successful completion of at least two years of post-retirement service in an active reserve status.

National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2009 - Provides employment and reemployment rights for certain individuals ordered to full-time National Guard duty.

PEACE Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2009 or the PEACE Act of 2009 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance for Pakistan to enhance: (1) democratic institutions in order to strengthen civilian rule and long-term stability; (2) the judicial system and law enforcement; (3) economic development; (4) national, provincial, and local governmental and nongovernmental institutions; (5) public education; (6) human rights, including establishment of an independent National Human Rights Commission; (7) health care; and (8) cultural and educational programs. Expresses the sense of Congress in favor of efforts to assist refugees and displaced persons in Pakistan. States that to the extent that Pakistan continues to evolve toward civilian control of the government and to implement economic reform programs, the President should mobilize multilateral support for Pakistan. Establishes in the Treasury the Pakistan Democracy and Prosperity Fund. Obligates funding for Pakistan for: (1) international military education and training; and (2) the foreign military financing program. Restricts the use of funding for the purchase of, or upgrade to, F-16 fighter aircraft and munitions. Authorizes the President, subject to congressional notification, to direct the drawdown of Department of Defense (DOD) articles, services, and military education and training and make such articles, services, and education and training available to Pakistan. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish the Pakistan military transition program to foster the principle of civilian rule through exchanges between military and civilian personnel of Pakistan and similar personnel from countries in transition to democracy and from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries. Prohibits military assistance from being provided to Pakistan if: (1) the President fails to determine that Pakistan is taking actions to dismantle nuclear weapons-material supply networks and to combat terrorist groups; or (2) a joint resolution disapproving any such determination is enacted into law. Excludes from such prohibition assistance to counter terrorism along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Requires that authorizations of appropriations for counterterrorism assistance to Pakistan be made available only with the concurrence of the Secretary of State. Directs the President to: (1) develop a regional security strategy to work with the government of Pakistan and other relevant governments and organizations to implement counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border areas; and (2) implement a system to evaluate the effectiveness of democratic, economic, and social development assistance provided to Pakistan under this Act. Requires that any direct U.S. assistance made on or after January 1, 2010, to the government of Pakistan be provided to, or received from, civilian authorities of a freely elected government of Pakistan. Terminates the authority of this Act after September 30, 2013.

Birthright Citizenship Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Birthright Citizenship Act of 2009 - 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 U.S. Armed Forces.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that members of the Armed Forces who are being separated from active duty receive comprehensive employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services, to require that such members receive a psychological evaluation in addition to the physical examination they receive as part of their separation from active duty, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Modifies the requirement that the Secretary concerned provide preseparation counseling to members of the Armed Forces whose discharge or release from active duty is anticipated as of a specific date. Directs the Secretary concerned, including the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, to require such members to receive, as part of their preseparation counseling, employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services under a specified program established by the Secretary of Labor. Directs the Secretary concerned to require separating Armed Forces members to undergo a psychological evaluation (as well as a physical examination, as under current law).

Defense Communities Redevelopment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Defense Communities Redevelopment Act of 2009 - Reinstates provisions of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 which allow military departments to transfer surplus real and personal property at closed or realigned military installations without consideration to local redevelopment authorities when used for economic development purposes, without the requirement to assess the property's value.

To amend the Military Construction Authorization Act, 1974 to repeal the limitation on the authorized uses of the former bombardment area on the island of Culebra and the prohibition on Federal Government responsibility for decontamination of the area.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Amends the Military Construction Act, 1974 to repeal the prohibition against use of the former bombardment area on the island of Culebra (Puerto Rico) for any purpose that would require decontamination of the area at U.S. expense.

Military LEEDs Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Military LEEDs Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Defense, for each military construction or housing project authorized after FY2009, to incorporate the design criteria promulgated in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, as developed by the United States Green Building Council, to achieve not less than the silver standard. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, in designing any new facilities, to consider the use of sustainable construction materials. Requires military construction renewable energy goals to include specific goals to increase the use of renewable energy sources on all military installations in the United States and overseas.

PRO-VETS Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Providing Real Outreach for Veterans Act of 2009 or PRO-VETS Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for the transfer of data to the Secretary for providing members of the Armed Forces and veterans with individualized information concerning veterans' benefits that each member and veteran may be eligible for. Requires the Secretary, after receiving such data, to: (1) compile a list of all benefits for which each member or veteran may be eligible; (2) notify the member or veteran (or their legal representative) of such benefits; and (3) provide a second notification if the member or veteran does not apply for a listed benefit within 60 days, as well as annual notifications thereafter. Requires additional notifications based on changed circumstances. Allows each member or veteran the option to decline further notifications. Directs the Secretary to use transferred data to reduce the amount of information that a member or veteran must provide when applying for benefits. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a member or veteran the opportunity to decline authorization for the transfer of information under this Act.

Secure Electronic Military Separation Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Secure Electronic Military Separation Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to direct the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a secure electronic method of forwarding DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to the appropriate office of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in which the former member of the Armed Forces will first reside.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should take all necessary steps to expeditiously deploy a missile defense system in Europe that will help provide such a defense to United States allies in Europe while enhancing United States defenses against missile attacks.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Expresses: (1) concern over the threat posed by nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and related delivery systems in the hands of states that sponsor terrorism, such as Iran; and (2) support for the deployment of U.S. missile defense assets in Europe to address the growing missile threat posed by rogue regimes. Urges the President to expedite the deployment of components of an operational U.S. missile defense system in Europe. Requests the President to report annually to Congress on steps taken to move forward with such deployment. States that the United States shall continue its support for the missile defense of key allies against attacks by rogue regimes.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of the Navy should name an appropriate Navy ship in honor of Marine Corps General Clifton B. Cates of Tiptonville, Tennessee.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of the Navy should name an appropriate Navy ship in honor of Marine Corps General Clifton B. Cates of Tiptonville, Tennessee.

Recognizing the anniversary of the tragic accident of the steamboat ship SS Sultana.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Recognizes the 144-year anniversary of the explosion of the steamboat ship SS Sultana on the Mississippi River on April 27, 1865. Honors the memory of the Union soldiers and other passengers who lost their lives in the disaster. Regrets the lack of military and civilian oversight that led to the explosion and tremendous loss of life. Rededicates the honoring of all of our veterans and military families with the highest level of support in quality resources, equipment, and services.

Recognizing non-proliferation options for nuclear understanding to keep everyone safe (NO NUKES).

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Requests the President to inform Congress and the Secretary General of the United Nations regarding U.S. efforts and measures taken with respect to implementation and observance of Article VI of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and certain U.N. resolutions calling for U.S. and world nuclear disarmament. Calls on the President to implement and observe all NPT obligations and commitments and to revise national policies on nuclear weapons accordingly. Urges the President, in the interests of protecting and advancing human, national, and global security, to: (1) declare that the United States will not use nuclear weapons first, and that pending their elimination, such weapons serve only to deter a nuclear attack by a hostile state or other entity; (2) initiate and conclude multilateral negotiations on verifiable steps nuclear states shall take to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons; (3) cooperate with the Russian Federation to remove from deployment nuclear weapons that are operational; (4) reaffirm the moratorium on nuclear testing and work for ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; (5) terminate all efforts to enhance U.S. military capabilities of the U.S. nuclear arsenal and to develop ballistic missile defenses; and (6) support initiatives to ban weapons in outer space.

Expressing the sense of Congress that all Americans should recognize National Military Appreciation Month with appropriate programs and activities.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all Americans should recognize National Military Appreciation Month (May 2009) with appropriate programs and activities.

[H.A.S.C. No. 111-38]DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE NATIONAL SECURITY PERSONNEL SYSTEM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 April 2009

[H.A.S.C. No. 111-37]COORDINATING CONTRACT SUPPORT ON THE BATTLEFIELD: DEFENSE, STATE, AND USAID

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 April 2009

[H.A.S.C. No. 111-36]MEASURING VALUE AND EFFICIENCY: HOW TO ASSESS THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DEFENSE ACQUISITION SYSTEM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 April 2009

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the availability of appropriated funds for international partnership contact activities conducted by the National Guard, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009

Makes funds appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) available for costs incurred by the National Guard in conducting international military-to-civilian contacts, civilian-to-civilian contacts, and comparable activities in order to: (1) support objectives of the commander of the combatant command for the theater of operations in which the contacts occur; (2) build international civil-military partnerships and capacity; (3) strengthen cooperation between U.S. and foreign departments and agencies; (4) facilitate intergovernmental collaboration between the U.S. government and foreign governments; and (5) facilitate the exchange of information between the U.S. government and foreign governments on matters relating to defense and security.

NESA of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009

National Energy Security Act of 2009 or the NESA of 2009 - Amends the Federal Power Act to revise requirements concerning the siting of interstate electric transmission facilities, including requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to oversee planning for the development of a Clean Energy Superhighway. Sets forth provisions concerning plug-in electric drive vehicles, including requiring: (1) a specified percentage of vehicles acquired for the federal fleet to be such vehicles; and (2) the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to provide grants and loans to local governments for the installation of recharging facilities for such vehicles. Amends the Energy and Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the DOE Secretary to guarantee loans for the aggregate purchase of at least 5,000 batteries that use advanced battery technology within a year. Requires the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to investigate whether oil savings goals can be achieved in the trucking industry without adverse safety consequences by determining the safety impacts and other effects of increasing the maximum allowable gross weight for vehicles using the Interstate System to allow for larger, more fuel-efficient tractor-trailers. Requires each automobile manufacturer to ensure that a specified percentage of the automobiles it manufactures are flexible fuel automobiles. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise credits concerning renewable energy, alternative fuels, and electric and hybrid vehicles. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand the list of innovative technology projects that are eligible for loan guarantees to include low-carbon technology projects. Authorizes appropriations for advanced biofuels research, development, and demonstration that will create fuels that are fungible in existing infrastructure. Sets forth provisions concerning the production of offshore oil or gas resources, including authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to make potential producing areas in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) available for oil and gas leasing. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to revise a moratorium on oil and gas leasing by changing the areas in the Gulf of Mexico affected by the prohibition on leasing. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) require the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to review whether areas of the OCS should be restricted from exploration and operation and to offer for lease those areas that shouldn't remain under restriction; and (2) establish the Renewable Energy Reserve Account, which shall receive amounts from bonus bids, royalties, or rentals from any qualified lease on submerged land and which shall be used for the cost of carrying out this Act. Authorizes U.S. persons to: (1) engage in transactions necessary for the exploration for and extraction of hydrocarbon resources from portions of foreign exclusive economic zones that are contiguous to the U.S. exclusive economic zone; and (2) export, without license authority, equipment necessary for such exploration and extraction. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to require the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize under a general license specified travel-related transactions for travel to, from, or within Cuba in connection with such exploration and extraction. Provides for the establishment of a regional joint OCS lease and permit processing office for the Alaska OCS region. Amends the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act to raise the limitation on the amount of loans and other debt obligations guaranteed for such pipeline. Authorizes the DOE Secretary to: (1) award grants for the establishment of training and education programs for vocational workforce development through centers of excellence for a broad range of clean energy sector needs; (2) establish a national merit scholarship program for training and education for a clean energy workforce; and (3) study the impact of foreign fuel subsidies on global energy supplies, global energy demand, and the global economy.

A bill to grant the Congressional Gold Medal to the soldiers from the United States who were prisoners of war at Bataan during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009

Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the American soldiers who were prisoners of war in Bataan, Philippines, during World War II, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country. Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the prisoners of war at Bataan.

Honor Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009

Honor Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to provide scholarships for the pursuit of a graduate or postgraduate degree in behavioral health sciences to veterans who performed active-duty service in a theater of combat or during a contingency operation overseas. Requires the veteran, following completion of the degree requirements, to serve for an agreed-upon period with either the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or Department of Defense (DOD) furnishing mental health services to veterans or to members of the Armed Forces (members). Directs the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to employ and train former members who performed service described above as DOD psychiatric technicians and nurses providing mental health counseling and related services to members deployed to a combat zone. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, upon request, to provide: (1) referral and related assistance to former members not otherwise authorized for counseling through the VA; and (2) readjustment counseling and mental health services to former members through Vet Centers. Requires the suicide of a former member with a medical history of a combat-related mental health condition, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs within a two-year period after separation or retirement to be treated as a death in the line of active duty for purposes of eligibility for active-duty survivors' benefits provided through the VA. Requires the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, jointly and annually, to: (1) review and assess their respective programs for the reintegration of members and veterans into civilian life following their retirement, discharge, or release; and (2) report review and assessment results to Congress.

To provide a pay increase of 3.4 percent for members of the uniformed services for fiscal year 2010.

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009

Waives, during FY2010, the basic military pay adjustment tied to increases in the Employment Cost Index. Increases, effective January 1, 2010, such basic pay by 3.4%.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require that certain members of the Armed Forces receive employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services provided by the Secretary of Labor before separating from active duty service.

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009

Modifies the requirement that the Secretary of Labor provide employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services to members of the Armed Forces who are being separated from active duty (and the member's spouse). Directs the Secretary concerned (the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs), where such services are available on a routine basis, to require such members to receive them if they have been deployed for 180 days or more.

Raising a question of the privileges of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009

Requires the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, or a designated subcommittee, to investigate immediately, for a report to the House within two months on, the relationship between: (1) the source and timing of past campaign contributions to Members of the House related to a certain raided defense-lobbying firm; and (2) earmark requests made by Members on behalf of the firm's clients.

A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in the Sarpy County region to serve veterans in eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, and northwest Missouri.

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in the Sarpy County, Nebraska, region to serve the needs of veterans and their families in Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri.

A bill to amend title 37, United States Code, to authorize travel and transportation allowances for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces on leave for suspension of training.

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009

Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse or provide transportation to a member of the reserves on active duty for more than 30 days who is performing duty at a temporary duty station for travel between the member's temporary and permanent duty station in connection with authorized leave pursuant to a suspension of training. Sets minimum distance requirements and reimbursement limits. Allows such reimbursement or transportation only in connection with a suspension of training of five days or longer.

A concurrent resolution commending the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Arkansas National Guard upon its completion of a second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009

Commends the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Team) of the Arkansas National Guard for their exemplary service to the United States and the completion of their second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Recognizes the service and sacrifice of the Team members and their families.

Veterans Business Center Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009

Veterans Business Center Act of 2009 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish within the SBA a Veterans Business Center program (program), headed by a Director, to provide entrepreneurial training and counseling to veterans. Authorizes the Director to make grants to each entity designated as a veterans business center. Requires each center to use such funds on veteran entrepreneurial development, counseling of veteran-owned small businesses through one-on-one instruction and classes, and providing government procurement assistance to veterans. Targets populations where veterans and veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom exceed the national median. Requires the Director to establish, with respect to veteran-owned small businesses, grant programs for: (1) access to capital; (2) procurement assistance; and (3) service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Authorizes the Director to carry out, every two years, a veterans entrepreneurial development summit. Requires an annual report from the Administrator to Congress on appointments made to, and activities of, the interagency task force on veteran-owned small businesses.

Equity for Injured Veterans Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009

Equity for Injured Veterans Act of 2009 - Extends the period of eligibility for training and rehabilitation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans with service-connected disabilities until the end of the 15 (under current law, 12) year period after the veteran's discharge from active-duty service. Allows a service-disabled veteran a subsistence allowance for six (under current law, two) months of full-time employment training following completion of a vocational rehabilitation program. Allows such a veteran who has unused VA educational assistance entitlement to use such assistance to pursue a program of education as part of a vocational rehabilitation program, as long as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs approves the educational, professional, or vocational objective chosen by the veteran. Directs the Secretary to provide reimbursement for child care to a veteran who is participating in a vocational rehabilitation program and is the sole caretaker of a child. Requires the Secretary to include in annual budget materials submitted to Congress information on veterans receiving vocational rehabilitation assistance who: (1) became employed; and (2) achieved independence in daily living.

Federal Retirement Reform Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009

Federal Retirement Reform Act of 2009 - Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009 - Requires the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to provide for: (1) automatic enrollment in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) at a specified default percentage (between 2% and 5%) of basic pay of anyone appointed, transferred, or reappointed to a position in which that individual is eligible to contribute to TSP; (2) the inclusion in TSP of a qualified Roth contribution program; and (3) the addition of a self-directed investment window under TSP, if it would be in the best interests of participants, limited to low-cost, passively-managed index funds that offer diversification. Requires the total service of an employee who retires eligible for an annuity under the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), or who dies leaving a survivor entitled to benefits, to include the employee's days of unused sick leave for annuity computation purposes. Exempts: (1) repayments of Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) refunds made between October 1, 1990, and February 28, 1991, from the requirement that they include interest in order to receive retirement credit for the service covered; and (2) a federal employee's part-time service performed before April 7, 1986, from proration requirements for purposes of annuity computation under CSRS. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the cost, and the effect on recruitment and retention, of providing a matching payment for TSP contributions by members of the Armed Forces. Authorizes the repayment of refunds of retirement deductions under FERS in order to receive retirement credit for the service covered. Entitles any individual who is treated as a federal employee under CSRS or FERS to have certain qualifying District of Columbia service included in calculating that individual's creditable federal service for specified purposes, including annuity eligibility. Increases the monthly indemnity allowance for surviving spouses of deceased members of the Armed Forces affected by the required survivor benefit plan annuity offset for dependency and indemnity compensation.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the geographical coverage of TRICARE Prime to include Puerto Rico and Guam.

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009

Includes Puerto Rico and Guam within the coverage area of TRICARE Prime (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program).

Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009

Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act - Permits a veteran with any compensable service-connected disability (and the veteran's dependents) to use commissary and exchange stores on the same basis as a member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired or retainer pay.

Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009

Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 - Requires, with respect to Department of Defense (DOD) weapon systems acquisition organization: (1) a report on systems engineering capabilities; (2) the establishment of a Director of Developmental Test and Evaluation; (3) an assessment of the technological maturity of critical technologies of major defense acquisition programs (MDAPS); (4) the establishment of a Director of Independent Cost Assessment; and (5) the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to seek and consider input from commanders of combatant commands in identifying joint military requirements. Requires, with respect to DOD weapon systems acquisition policy: (1) the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement mechanisms to ensure the consideration of tradeoffs between system cost, schedule, and performance; (2) the milestone decision authority for an MDAP to have received a preliminary design review and conducted a formal post-preliminary design review assessment before an MDAP may receive Milestone B or Key Decision Point B approval; (3) the Secretary to ensure that each MDAP acquisition plan includes measures to maximize competition at both the prime contract and subcontract level throughout the MDAP's life cycle; (4) the Secretary to undertake specified actions in the event of MDAP critical cost growth; (5) addressing organizational conflicts of interest by contractors in the acquisition of major weapon systems; (6) the establishment of an Organizational Conflict of Interest Review Board; and (7) the Secretary to award DOD military and civilian personnel for performance excellence in the acquisition of DOD products and services.

Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2009

Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009 - Removes the $44,000-per-individual limit on authorized payments by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health professionals education debt reduction program. Requires notice to potential employees of their eligibility and selection for participation in such program. Includes VA facilities in the list of medical facilities eligible for the assignment of participants under the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program. Requires the Director of the VA's Office of Rural Health to develop an Office five-year strategic plan. Authorizes the use of volunteer counselors as part of the Vet Center program. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of teleconsultation for the provision of remote mental health and traumatic brain injury assessments in VA facilities not otherwise able to provide such assessments without contracting out or reimbursing other providers for such services. Requires the Secretary, for each Veterans Integrated Services Network, to negotiate with each party that has contracts to provide services at more than one community-based outpatient clinic in that Network to consolidate such contracts. Directs the Secretary to designate a rural outreach coordinator at each such clinic at which not less than 50% of the veterans enrolled reside in a highly rural area. Provides for peer review of health care services and patient records within the Network. Authorizes reimbursement for veterans' beneficiaries for air travel when it is the only practical way to reach a VA health care facility. Directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program on incentives for physicians who assume responsibilities of primary care and mental health services to veterans at community hospitals in health professional shortage areas.

A resolution expressing support for designation of a "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day".

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2009

Honors and recognizes the contributions of veterans who served in Vietnam. Encourages the people of the United States to observe "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

To make technical corrections to the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2009

Makes miscellaneous and technical amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (the Act). Amends the Higher Education Opportunity Act to make the date of such Act's enactment August 14, 2008, the effective date of its revisions to the general definition of institutions of higher education (IHEs). Amends the Act to consider foreign public or private nonprofit nursing schools which were participating in the Act's Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program on August 13, 2008, as continuing to be eligible to participate in such program. Excludes Howard University, which receives assistance under the Act of March 2, 1867, from eligibility for capacity-building grants to Predominantly Black Institutions under title III of the Act. Increases amounts authorized and appropriated in FY2013 and FY2015 for increases in the maximum Pell Grant award. Revises the FFEL default reduction program to allow guaranty agencies to assign rehabilitated loans to the Secretary of Education until October 2011, if they have not been able to sell the loans to eligible lenders and the Secretary determines that market conditions unduly limit their ability to do so. Requires the removal of adverse information concerning such rehabilitated loans from a borrower's credit history. Prohibits eligible FFEL lenders from offering inducements to any individuals or entities in order to secure FFEL applicants. (Currently, IHEs and their employees may not be offered such inducements.) Authorizes the Secretary to purchase, or enter into forward commitments to purchase, rehabilitated FFELs that eligible lenders purchased under the FFEL default reduction program from October 2003 through June 2010, provided such purchase does not result in any net cost to the federal government. Conditions the purchase of such loans on the agreement of lenders to use the funds from such purchases to originate new federal loans to students or to purchase rehabilitated loans under the default reduction program. States that, beginning with the 20009-2010 school year, the expected family contribution, used in determining a student's eligibility for federal student aid, shall be zero for students who are eligible for Pell grants and whose parent or guardian was killed while performing military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. Delays the implementation of the EZ FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), a simplified format for use in applying for federal student aid, until the 2010-2011 school year. Delays from July 1, 2009, to July 1, 2010, the implementation of the Competitive Loan Auction Pilot program, under which biennial auctions are to be held in each state allowing prequalified lenders to compete for the exclusive right to make FFEL program PLUS loans at all IHEs within the state.

False Claims Act Correction Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2009

False Claims Act Correction Act of 2009 - Amends the False Claims Act to revise requirements and procedures governing civil actions for false claims (qui tam actions) brought by private persons. Repeals the requirement that a false or fraudulent claim for payment must be presented directly to a federal employee or member of the Armed Forces (thus tying liability for such claims directly to federal money and property, regardless of whom the claim is presented to). Revises requirements for alternate remedies affecting qui tam actions and related qui tam plaintiff awards. Allows dismissal of a private action based upon prior public disclosures only upon timely motion to dismiss by the Attorney General. Revises the prohibition of retaliatory action against whistleblowers to include materially hindering the person in obtaining new employment or other business opportunities. Requires the government to pay from the proceeds of an action for financial losses suffered by administrative beneficiaries (thus permitting actions for fraud instituted against nontaxpayer funds under federal trust and administration). Extends from six years to eight years the statute of limitations for bringing a civil action. Requires the government, if it elects to intervene and proceed with an action, to file its own complaint, or amend the complaint of a person who brought a civil action, but in any event to relate the pleading back to the filing date of the original qui tam complaint to the extent that such claim arises out of the same set of facts. Declares that a person bringing a private qui tam action shall not be required to identify specific claims that result from an alleged course of misconduct if: (1) the facts alleged in the complaint, if ultimately proven true, would provide a reasonable indication that one or more false claims are likely to have occurred; and (2) the allegations in the pleading provide adequate notice of the specific nature of the alleged misconduct to permit the government effectively to investigate and defendants fairly to defend such allegations. Declares void any contracts, agreements, or private terms or conditions of employment that limit or circumvent the rights of a person to bring a qui tam action. Declares further that no court-ordered seal on a qui tam action shall prevent the government or the person bringing the action from serving the complaint or related documents upon state or local law enforcement authorities. Modifies procedures for civil investigative demands. Cites circumstances in which the government may move to dismiss a qui tam action by a federal employee (who has, in effect, not exhausted administrative procedures for addressing the allegations in the false claim complaint).

Raising a question of the privileges of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2009

Requires the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, or a designated investigative subcommittee, to begin immediately an investigation and report to the House on the relationship between: (1) the source and timing of past campaign contributions to Members of the House related to the raided prominent defense-lobbying firm; and (2) earmark requests made by Members on behalf of the firm's clients.