Defence

Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020

Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 This bill addresses education programs and assistance for veterans during emergency situations. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue paying work-study allowances during emergency periods. The VA is also authorized to continue paying educational assistance and subsistence allowances for a specified amount of time for programs of education that are suspended due to an emergency situation. An educational assistance payment shall not be charged against an individual's entitlement to educational assistance if an individual was unable to complete a course or program due to the temporary closure of an educational institution or the temporary termination of a program by reason of an emergency situation. This includes assistance related to training and rehabilitation programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill extends the time limitation for using educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill when institutions are closed due to an emergency situation or executive order. The bill also extends the time limitation for participation in a vocational rehabilitation program when such participation is prevented due to an emergency situation or executive order. The bill authorizes the VA to pay a subsistence allowance for two additional months to a veteran following a program of employment services from March 1-December 21, 2020, for full-time training for the type of program the veteran was pursuing.

To increase the amount available under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to respond to the coronavirus epidemic, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020

This bill authorizes additional funds for FY2020 and FY2021 for expenditures under the Defense Production Act of 1950 for medical ventilators, personal protection equipment, and other medical supplies to respond to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The Department of Commerce must report every three months on such expenditures.

Calling on the President to invoke the Defense Production Act to respond to COVID-19.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020

This resolution calls on the President to (1) use all relevant authorities of the Defense Production Act to direct the domestic production of supplies to address COVID-19 (i.e., the coronavirus disease 2019), and (2) share specified information regarding the use of such authorities with Congress. (The Defense Production Act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.) The resolution also states that Congress stands ready to make additional appropriations available for this effort.

A bill to provide for the expedited procurement of equipment needed to combat COVID-19 under the Defense Production Act of 1950.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020

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

Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020

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

Small Business and Consumer Emergency Credit Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2020

Small Business and Consumer Emergency Credit Act This bill applies certain military consumer credit protections to all consumers, tax-exempt charitable organizations, and small businesses for credit extended during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period. Specifically, the bill caps the interest rate on an extension of consumer credit at 36%.

Relating to House Resolution 891.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020

This resolution amends H.Res.891 that sets forth the rule for consideration of S.J.Res. 68 (demanding the removal of unauthorized Armed Forces from hostilities in Iran), the Senate amendment to H.R. 2486 (Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education Act), and H.R. 6172 (USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act of 2020 ). The resolution extends through the legislative day of March 29, 2020, by which certain proceedings may take place in the House; the calendar day of March 29, 2020, the authority of the Speaker of the House to suspend the rules; and the legislative day of March 30, 2020, provisions waiving a specified requirement of Rule XIII (Calendar and Committee Reports) to allow consideration of resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules through such legislative day, on the same day they are presented to the House.

To require the Secretary of Defense to make testing for the coronavirus disease 19 available to all members of the Armed Forces deployed to an area in which the United States Central Command has responsibility.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to make available, to specified servicemembers, testing for the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19). The bill requires that testing be made available to all members of the Armed Forces deployed to an area in which the United States Central Command has responsibility (presently including 20 nations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia). DOD shall report on policies or protocols provided to members of the Armed Forces regarding testing.

Strengthening America’s Supply Chain and National Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020

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

Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2020

Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act of 2020 This bill revises and establishes voting procedures for federal elections. Specifically, the bill requires each state and jurisdiction to, within 30 days, establish and publish a contingency plan to enable voters to vote in federal elections during an emergency. Such plan must (1) include initiatives related to the safety and recruitment of poll workers, and (2) permit registered voters to submit online requests for absentee ballots and vote by mail or by drop-off location. Additionally, for all federal elections, a state must ensure that voters have 20 days to vote through early in-person voting or by mail; begin processing ballots cast during early voting or by mail at least 14 days before the date of the election; provide self-sealing return envelopes with prepaid postage for voter registration applications, absentee-ballot applications, and blank absentee ballots; allow voters to cure certain signature discrepancies; accept voter registration applications at least 21 days before the date of the election; and provide certain accommodations to voters residing on Indian lands. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must create a uniform domestic downloadable and printable absentee ballot for use in federal elections. Until the EAC creates such a ballot, states must permit certain voters to use those ballots provided to overseas and military voters. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency must create an update service to inform voters of their voter registration applications, absentee-ballot applications, and absentee ballots. States must be reimbursed for implementing the provisions of the bill.

A resolution encouraging the President to use authorities provided by the Defense Production Act of 1950 to scale up the national response to the coronavirus crisis.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2020

This resolution calls upon the President to use existing authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to increase production of medical supplies, including personal protective equipment, to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus disease). The resolution supports the use of such authorities to distribute medical materials, including by directing suppliers to prioritize and accept contracts to restock the Strategic National Stockpile; and establish voluntary agreements and provide financial incentives to manufacturers and suppliers of critical medical equipment.

A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to make testing for the coronavirus disease 19 available to all members of the Armed Forces deployed to an area in which the United States Central Command has responsibility.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2020

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to make available, to specified servicemembers, testing for the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19). The bill requires that testing be made available to all members of the Armed Forces deployed to an area in which the United States Central Command has responsibility (presently including 20 nations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia). DOD shall report on policies or protocols provided to members of the Armed Forces regarding testing.

James H. Anderson, of Virginia, to be a Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, vice David Joel Trachtenberg, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 16 March 2020

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to treat certain programs of education converted to distance learning by reason of emergencies and health-related situations in the same manner as programs of education pursued at educational institutions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2020

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue to provide educational assistance through December 21, 2020, for programs of education that have been converted to distance learning due to an emergency or health-related situation. Such assistance includes monthly housing stipends or subsistence allowances.

A bill to provide a 77-day extension of certain authorities for foreign intelligence and international terrorism investigations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2020

This bill extends through May 30, 2020, certain authorities related to foreign intelligence gathering, such as those relating to accessing certain business records and treating individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers for intelligence purposes.

Veterans’ True Choice Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2020

Veterans' True Choice Act of 2020 This bill allows covered veterans to receive coverage under TRICARE Select, a health care program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Veterans covered by this bill include those with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, those discharged from service due to disability, and those entitled to disability compensation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must reimburse DOD's costs of enrolling eligible veteran beneficiaries in the program. A covered veteran may not concurrently receive medical care from DOD and the VA.

Fairness for Families of Fallen Sailors Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2020

Fairness for Families of Fallen Sailors Act This bill allows the personal representative of a military service member to bring a civil action against those responsible for the service member's death if the service member was killed in an accident while serving aboard a U.S. military vessel on the high seas.

Taiwan Symbols of Sovereignty (SOS) Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2020

Taiwan Symbols of Sovereignty (SOS) Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of State and the Department of Defense to permit representatives from Taiwan's government and armed forces to display Taiwan's flags and military insignia at U.S. government-hosted functions. (China considers Taiwan a province of China and, as a result, the United States has an unofficial relationship with Taiwan.)

[H.A.S.C. No. 116-82] FISCAL YEAR 2021 PRIORITIES FOR MISSILE DEFENSE AND MISSILE DEFEAT PROGRAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 March 2020

[H.A.S.C. No. 116-81] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 March 2020

Reducing High Risk to Veterans and Veterans Services Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

Reducing High Risk to Veterans and Veterans Services Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit a report outlining the actions taken and plan to address the areas of concern identified in the 2019 High-Risk List of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) regarding acquisition management, risk management, and health care improvement. The VA must also report annually on the implementation of priority recommendations of the GAO that pertain to the VA.

PRC for Native Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

Proper and Reimbursed Care for Native Veterans Act or the PRC for Native Veterans Act This bill specifies that the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense must reimburse the Indian Health Service (IHS), tribes, or tribal organizations for health care services provided to American Indian and Alaska Native veterans, regardless of whether such services are provided directly by the IHS, tribes, or tribal organizations, or through certain contracts for services.

Veteran Access to Direct Primary Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

Veteran Access to Direct Primary Care Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a five-year pilot program to provide eligible veterans with the option to receive primary care services from a non-VA health care provider under a direct primary care service arrangement through the use of a veteran health savings account. Eligible veterans are those enrolled in the VA health care system.

Disabled Veterans Education Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

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

A resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

This resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp during World War II. The resolution recognizes the military units responsible for the liberation of individuals imprisoned at Dachau and calls on the people of the United States to remember the lives lost during the Holocaust.

Veterans Court of Appeals Support Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

Veterans Court of Appeals Support Act of 2020 This bill permanently increases the maximum number of judges presiding over the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to nine judges.

Protect Our Military Families’ 2nd Amendment Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

Protect Our Military Families' 2nd Amendment Rights Act This bill broadens the scope of allowable firearm transactions involving active duty service members and their spouses. Specifically, the bill allows a licensed gun dealer, importer, or manufacturer to sell or ship a firearm or ammunition to the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty outside the United States. (Current law already allows a licensed dealer, importer, or manufacturer to sell or ship a firearm or ammunition to a member of the Armed Forces on active duty outside the United States.) The bill also specifies that, for purposes of federal firearms laws, a member of the Armed Forces on active duty, or his or her spouse, is a resident of the state in which (1) the member or spouse maintains legal residence, (2) the permanent duty station of the member is located, and (3) the member maintains a home from which he or she commutes to the permanent duty station.

Free COVID–19 Testing Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

Free COVID–19 Testing Act This bill requires specified public health care programs and private health insurance to cover testing for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) without imposing cost-sharing (e.g., deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments) for the duration of the public health emergency declared on January 31, 2020. This coverage includes the cost of administering such approved tests and related visits to health care providers. Specifically, these requirements apply to COVID-19 testing and office visits for individuals covered through (1) Medicare, (2) Medicare Advantage, (3) Medicaid, (4) the Children's Health Insurance Program, (5) the Department of Defense (i.e., TRICARE), (6) the Department of Veterans Affairs, (7) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, or (8) the Indian Health Service. Additionally, state Medicaid programs may cover COVID-19 testing and related visits for uninsured individuals during the emergency, and the Department of Health and Human Services must reimburse laboratories for the cost of such tests.

To direct the Mayor of the District of Columbia to establish a District of Columbia National Guard Educational Assistance Program to encourage the enlistment and retention of persons in the District of Columbia National Guard by providing financial assistance to enable members of the National Guard of the District of Columbia to attend undergraduate, vocational, or technical courses.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

This bill directs the Mayor of the District of Columbia to establish a program to provide financial assistance to members of the District of Columbia National Guard who are pursuing their first undergraduate, masters, doctoral, vocational, or technical degrees.

Protecting Collective Bargaining and Official Time for Federal Workers Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

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

To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the National Disaster Medical System, to provide for certain laboratory reimbursement for diagnostic testing for COVID-19 in uninsured individuals.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

This bill provides appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reimburse, through the National Disaster Medical System, the costs of providing COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) diagnostic testing and services to individuals without health insurance. This system is a coordinated effort by HHS, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, working in collaboration with states and other appropriate public or private entities, that provides health services, health-related social services, and other appropriate services to respond to the needs of victims of a public health emergency.

Air Force Budget Transparency Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

Air Force Budget Transparency Act of 2020 This bill requires the President's annual budget to include any funds for an Air Force pass-through item in the Defense-wide budget of the Department of Defense (DOD) rather than in the Air Force budget. An Air Force pass-through item is a program, project, or activity for which (1) funds would otherwise be requested for the Air Force; and (2) funds made available for execution will be executed by another department, agency, or element of DOD.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 11 March 2020

[H.A.S.C. No. 116-80] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 March 2020

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021

United States · United States Senate · 11 March 2020

[H.A.S.C. No. 116-79] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 March 2020

To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to treat certain programs of education converted to distance learning by reason of emergencies and health-related situations in the same manner as programs of education pursued at educational institutions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue to provide educational assistance through December 21, 2020, for programs of education that have been converted to distance learning due to an emergency or health-related situation. Such assistance includes monthly housing stipends or certain subsistence allowances.

To provide for the continuation of Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance benefits during emergency situations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue to provide educational assistance during the 180-day period after the enactment of this bill for programs of education that are offered by distance learning or have been converted to distance learning due to an emergency or health-related situation. The VA is authorized to continue paying educational assistance and subsistence allowances for up to eight weeks to eligible veterans or persons enrolled in specified programs of education or training during periods when educational institutions are temporarily closed due to an emergency situation or based on an executive order. The bill defines emergency situation as a public health crisis, a declared state of emergency, or other situations as determined by the VA.

Protecting American Space Assets Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020

Protecting American Space Assets Act This bill requires a strategy and reports concerning U.S. assets in space. The President shall develop a strategy to ensure that the United States strengthens military and commercial capabilities in space, increases protections for military and commercial operations with respect to space, and increases protections for space manufacturing programs and launch sites, including military launch sites. The Department of Defense (DOD) must include the strategy in the national defense strategy. The Department of State shall submit to Congress a report setting forth a strategy to (1) protect the space assets of the United States, including the supply chain related to such assets and manufacturing process of such assets, from threats from China and Russia; and (2) strengthen relations with the allies of the United States with respect to space. DOD shall submit to Congress a report that includes an assessment of its capabilities to protect (1) commercial communication and navigation systems in space, (2) military launch sites, and (3) launch sites operated by individuals or entities in the private sector. The report shall also contain recommendations to improve the capabilities assessed, including recommendations with respect to (1) the electronic warfare capabilities of China and Russia, and (2) the use of counterspace weapons and cyberattacks by China and Russia.

Support Our Military Working Dogs Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020

Support Our Military Working Dogs Act This bill modifies veterinary care for retired military working dogs, including by authorizing the Department of Defense to accept donations to support the long-term care of such dogs. It also prohibits military departments from charging fees for the transfer or adoption of military animals, including dogs.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to treat certain programs of education converted to distance learning by reason of emergencies and health-related situations in the same manner as programs of education pursued at educational institutions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue to provide educational assistance through December 21, 2020, for programs of education that have been converted to distance learning due to an emergency or health-related situation. Such assistance includes monthly housing stipends or subsistence allowances.

Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020

Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2020 This bill provides a presumption of service-connection for Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism for veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

Expedite Agent Orange Coverage Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020

Expedite Agent Orange Coverage Act of 2020 This bill reinstates and extends through September 30, 2025, the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine and regulate diseases that warrant a presumption of service-connection after exposure to an herbicide agent. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific diseases diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits may then be awarded.

Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020

Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Act of 20 20 This bill requires executive agencies to represent compliance with specified labor and other laws in the solicitation of contracts and subcontracts for property and services in excess of $500,000. Each executive agency entering into such a contract or subcontract must provide employees with information concerning hours worked and overtime and additions to or subtractions from pay. Further, each executive agency must designate a senior official to act as the agency's Labor Compliance Advisor. Additionally, the Department of Defense, the General Services Administration (GSA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) must reissue the final rule titled Federal Acquisition Regulation; Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces dated August 25, 2016. The GSA also must establish a website for federal contractors to use for all federal contract reporting requirements.

[H.A.S.C. No. 116-77] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 March 2020

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FISCAL YEAR 2021 BUDGET

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 March 2020

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2020

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2020, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. The percentage increase in benefits shall be the same as the cost-of-living increase for Social Security recipients.

USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2020

USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act of 2020 This bill reauthorizes through December 1, 2023, provisions related to intelligence gathering under the Foreign Intelligence and Surveillance Act (FISA) and amends FISA-related provisions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation may not seek certain FISA-authorized orders to obtain (1) call detail records on an ongoing basis, (2) a tangible thing where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy and a warrant would typically be required, or (3) cellular or GPS location information. In applications for certain FISA-authorized orders to obtain information or conduct surveillance, the applicant must certify that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has received any information that might raise doubts about the application. The bill imposes additional requirements on FISA-authorized orders targeting a (1) U.S. person, or (2) federal elected official or candidate. The bill increases criminal penalties for violations related to electronic surveillance conducted under color of law or false statements made to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA court). The bill broadens the criteria for when a FISA court decision shall be declassified and requires the declassification review and release of such opinions within 180 days of an opinion being issued. The bill broadens the FISA court's authority to appoint an amicus curiae (an outside party that assists in consideration of a case) and expands such amici's powers, such as the power to ask the court to review a decision. Each agency that submits applications to the FISA court shall appoint an officer responsible for compliance with FISA requirements.

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 68) to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress; providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2486) to reauthorize mandatory funding programs for historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6172) to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to prohibit the production of certain business records, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2020

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 68) to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress; providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2486) to reauthorize mandatory funding programs for historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6172) to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to prohibit the production of certain business records, and for other purposes.

Solar VETS Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2020

Solar Vocational Education and Training for our Servicemembers Act or the Solar VETS Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a training course for careers in solar-related occupations to be (1) made available at military installations and to eligible members of the Armed Forces, and (2) administered by institutions of higher education pursuant to an agreement with DOE.