Defence

Retain Skilled Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2021

Retain Skilled Veterans Act This bill modifies the restriction related to the appointment of retired members of the Armed Forces to certain civil service positions in the Department of Defense. Under the bill, the 180-day waiting period before a retired member may be appointed to a position only applies to those positions in the excepted or competitive service classified at or above GS-14 of the General Schedule (or equivalent).

To direct the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress an intelligence assessment on threats to the United States associated with foreign violent White supremacist extremist organizations.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2021

This bill requires assessments and reports concerning foreign violent white supremacist extremist organizations. The National Counterterrorism Center within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence must report to Congress an intelligence assessment on threats to the United States associated with foreign violent white supremacist extremist organizations, including whether foreign governments provide any support for such white supremacist organizations. The center must share the assessment with (1) the appropriate federal departments and agencies; (2) state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials; and (2) the appropriate foreign governments. The center must also report to Congress on the use of federal laws, regulations, and policies to counter threats to the United States and U.S. persons associated with such white supremacist organizations. The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board must report to Congress an assessment of the impacts on privacy and civil liberties relating to the use of such federal laws, regulations, and policies, and recommendations to mitigate such impacts. Unclassified versions of the assessment and reports required by this bill must be publicly available.

A bill to prohibit Presidential appointees from subsequently acting on behalf of the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese Communist Party, and Chinese military companies.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2021

This bill establishes postemployment lobbying restrictions on former presidential appointees who represent, aid, or advise certain Chinese entities, including Chinese government entities, the Chinese Communist Party, and Chinese military companies.

Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2021

Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish a program to provide children with parents on active duty in the uniformed services with funds to pay educational expenses. Specifically, ED must establish a tax-exempt Military Education Savings Account for dependent children of parents in the uniformed services for the payment of the children's educational expenses. Funds in the savings account may be used for specified purposes, including the cost of attendance at a private elementary or secondary school or institution of higher education, private tutoring, or costs associated with an apprenticeship or other vocational training program.

VA FOIA Reform Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2021

VA FOIA Reform Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and implement a plan for reducing its backlog of requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The VA must request that the Office of Government Information Services of the National Archives and Records Administration conduct an assessment of the VA's compliance with FOIA. Finally, the VA must submit an annual report on its FOIA compliance efforts and make such reports available on its website.

Retain Skilled Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2021

Retain Skilled Veterans Act This bill modifies the restriction related to the appointment of retired members of the Armed Forces to certain civil service positions in the Department of Defense. Under the bill, the 180-day waiting period before a retired member may be appointed to a position only applies to those positions in the excepted or competitive service classified at or above GS-14 of the General Schedule (or equivalent).

Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2021

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

A REVIEW OF THE FY 2022 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST

United States · United States Senate · 17 June 2021

Vaccine TROL Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

Vaccine Targeting Rogue and Opaque Letters Act of 2021 or the Vaccine TROL Act of 2021 This bill prohibits sending bad faith patent demand letters concerning a product relating to COVID-19 during the declared public health emergency. A patent demand letter is a written communication claiming that the recipient may be liable for patent infringement. Bad faith means making knowingly false or misleading statements, making claims with reckless indifference for the truth, or omitting information with the intent to deceive. Bad faith representations shall include false or misleading claims about the sender's right to assert a patent and whether lawsuits have been filed. They also include making written demands for compensation for invalid patents or to demand compensation without identifying the ultimate parent entity of the letter sender. Under this bill, a patent demand letter related to COVID-19 is presumed to have been sent in bad faith if the sender fails to respond within 10 business days of receiving a request by the letter recipient for (1) certain information required by this bill, or (2) the patent claim that the sender reasonably believes is being infringed. The sender shall have an affirmative defense that it acted in good faith by proving that its misstatements or omissions were unintentional and that it made an error in spite of procedures to avoid such errors. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general may bring actions to enforce these provisions.

Iron Dome Reinforcement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

Iron Dome Reinforcement Act of 2021 This bill prohibits certain foreign assistance to the Palestinian Authority or the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) unless the Department of State certifies to Congress that the receiving entity (and its officials and agencies) has ceased paying compensation or benefits, other than benefits that are generally available to Palestinians, to the families of Palestinians killed in connection with committing an act of terrorism. The State Department shall periodically report to Congress on whether such requirements are being met. If they are not, foreign assistance that would have gone to the Palestinian Authority or the PLO shall be made available as assistance to Israel for its Iron Dome anti-rocket defense system.

American Business for American Companies Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

American Business for American Companies Act of 2021 This bill makes permanent and expands restrictions that prohibit federal agencies from awarding contracts to inverted domestic corporations. (Similar restrictions have historically been included in annual appropriations measures.) Specifically, an agency may not award a contract for the procurement of property or services (including a defense contract) to (1) any foreign incorporated entity determined to be an inverted domestic corporation or any subsidiary of such entity, or (2) any joint venture more than 10% of which is held by such an entity or subsidiary. An inverted domestic corporation is a company that was previously incorporated in the United States or was a partnership in the United States but is now incorporated in a foreign country despite (1) a majority of the company being owned by the owners of the former domestic entity, or (2) management of the company primarily occurring in the United States.

America Stands with Israel Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

America Stands with Israel Act This bill authorizes the President to introduce U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities or to direct immediate transfer of defense articles or services to ensure the survival of Israel and its people from an existing or imminent threat.

Responsible Practical Training Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

Responsible Practical Training Act of 2021 This bill imposes limits on the Optional Practical Training program and addresses related issues. (The program provides an F-1 student visa holder temporary employment authorization before or after completion of the student's studies, or both. Currently, an eligible alien may receive up to 12 months of employment authorization under the program, with a 24-month extension available to certain individuals with degrees in certain fields related to science, technology, engineering, or math.) Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to issue regulations to (1) limit the program to six months and eliminate any extensions; and (2) exclude from the program any alien with a degree or working in a sensitive field, such as military-related fields. The Department of Labor must conduct a wage analysis of the Optional Practical Training program and Curricular Practical Training program. The analysis must include a determination as to whether the aliens in the programs received wages appropriate for the type and location of employment.

Honoring our PACT Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021 or the Honoring our PACT Act of 2021 This bill addresses health care, presumption of service-connection, research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service. The bill provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care to veterans who (1) participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (a qualifying activity that requires a corresponding entry in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record), or (2) served in specified locations on specified dates. The bill establishes within the VA the Formal Advisory Committee on Toxic Exposure, the Science Review Board, and the Working Group to assist with the various procedures in establishing or removing presumptions of service-connection. The bill modifies or establishes the presumption of service-connection for certain conditions or purposes for various groups of veterans. Among other requirements, the VA must provide a veteran with a medical examination regarding the nexus between a disability and toxic exposure risk activity if a veteran submits a disability compensation claim for a service-connected disability with insufficient evidence, incorporate a clinical questionnaire to help determine potential toxic exposures as part of the initial screening conducted for veterans with a VA primary care provider, establish a registry for current or past members of the Armed Forces who may have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances due to the environmental release of aqueous film-forming foam at a Department of Defense location, and establish and maintain the Fort McClellan Health Registry.

Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans In Combat Environments Act of 2021 or the SERVICE Act of 2021 This bill expands eligibility for Veterans Health Administration mammography screenings to veterans who served in certain locations during specified periods, including those who were exposed to toxic substances at such locations. The specified locations and corresponding time periods include Iraq between August 2, 1990, and February 28, 1991, and from March 19, 2003, until burn pits (areas used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) are no longer used in Iraq; the Southwest Asia theater of operations, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, from August 2, 1990, until burn pits are no longer used in such locations; Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Yemen from September 11, 2001, until burn pits are no longer used in such locations; and other locations and time periods as determined by the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. The bill specifies that the listed locations do not include bodies of water around or airspace above such locations.

ACT for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

Addressing Care Timelines for Veterans Act or the ACT for Veterans Act This bill modifies the Veterans Community Care Program to extend the authorization period for emergency treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to deem as authorized emergency care or services provided by a non-VA health care provider to a covered veteran if such veteran applies for authorization within 96 hours (currently 72 hours under VA regulations) of admission for care. Covered veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system or those who are not enrolled but are eligible for care due to a service-connected disability.

ALLIES Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

Averting Loss of Life and Injury by Expediting SIVs Act of 2021 or the Allies Act of 2021 This bill increases the number of special immigrant visas available to qualified Afghan nationals who worked for the U.S. government or a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) mission in Afghanistan. The bill also relaxes certain qualifications for such visas. Specifically, this bill makes available an additional 8,000 visas for principal aliens under this special visa program, to be available until all such visas have been issued. (The numerical limitations in this program apply only to the principal alien who applies for the visa, not to any spouse or child who may accompany the principal alien.) The bill also eliminates a requirement for each applicant to submit a credible sworn statement describing the threat the applicant faces in Afghanistan due to their employment with the U.S. government or a NATO mission. Furthermore, for an applicant qualifying for a visa by performing duties for U.S. military personnel stationed with a NATO mission, this bill eliminates a requirement that the duties performed qualify as sensitive and trusted duties.

Recognizing the 125th Anniversary of the Indiana Veterans' Home.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

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

Representation for Exceptional Military Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

Representation for Exceptional Military Families Act This bill establishes the Exceptional Family Member Program Advisory Council in the Department of Defense to provide recommendations on how to improve the Exceptional Family Member Program. The program provides assistance, services, and support to military family members who have special needs.

Taiwan Peace and Stability Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

Taiwan Peace and Stability Act This bill requires various reports to Congress related to Taiwan. The Department of State must report on (1) a strategy to advance Taiwan's meaningful participation in certain international organizations, and (2) a plan for strengthening Taiwan's community of civilian defense professionals. (China has taken actions to block Taiwan's participation in certain international organizations, such as opposing Taiwan's attendance at World Health Assembly meetings as an observer.) The U.S. Agency for International Development must report on cooperation with Taiwan on trilateral and multilateral development initiatives. The U.S. Trade Representative must report a legal template for establishing trade and investment agreements with Taiwan that is consistent with U.S.-Taiwan relations. The President must report a whole-of-government strategy to enhance deterrence over a military conflict between China and Taiwan. Among other matters, the strategy must include an examination of the present and future capabilities of the United States and Taiwan to respond to potential actions by China's military, such as a naval blockade. The Department of Defense must report on options for (1) supporting Taiwan's defense budgeting and procurement process in a way that is consistent with Taiwan's asymmetric defense strategy, and (2) strengthening Taiwan's implementation of its territorial defense force concept.

Accountability for Federal Law Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

Accountability for Federal Law Enforcement Act This bill revises procedures regarding an individual's right to file civil actions for deprivation of rights under color of law. The bill (1) provides statutory authority for individuals to sue federal law enforcement officers (current law restricts the ability of an individual to file a lawsuit against a federal law enforcement officer in many cases); and (2) makes federal law enforcement agencies liable for the conduct of an officer, regardless of whether the officer has a qualified immunity defense.

A resolution acknowledging and apologizing for the mistreatment of, and discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served the United States in the Armed Forces, the Foreign Service, and the Federal civil service.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

This resolution acknowledges and condemns the discrimination against, wrongful termination of, and exclusion from the federal civil service, the Foreign Service, and the Armed Forces of the thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals who were affected by the anti-LGBT policies of the federal government. The resolution expresses that the Senate, on behalf of the United States, apologizes to the affected LGBT military service members, Foreign Service members, veterans, and federal civil service employees and their families. Finally, the resolution reaffirms the commitment of the federal government to treat all military service members, Foreign Service members, veterans, and federal civil service employees and retirees, including LGBT individuals, with equal respect and fairness.

American Business for American Companies Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021

American Business for American Companies Act of 2021 This bill makes permanent and expands restrictions that prohibit federal agencies from awarding contracts to inverted domestic corporations. (Similar restrictions have historically been included in annual appropriations measures.) Specifically, an agency may not award a contract for the procurement of property or services (including a defense contract) to (1) any foreign incorporated entity determined to be an inverted domestic corporation or any subsidiary of such entity, or (2) any joint venture more than 10% of which is held by such an entity or subsidiary. An inverted domestic corporation is a company that was previously incorporated in the United States or was a partnership in the United States but is now incorporated in a foreign country despite (1) a majority of the company being owned by the owners of the former domestic entity, or (2) management of the company primarily occurring in the United States.

TO CONSIDER THE NOMINATIONS OF: HON. CAROLINE KRASS, TO BE GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE; GINA ORTIZ JONES, TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE; DR. ELY RATNER, TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR INDO-PACIFIC SECURITY AFFAIRS; SHAWN SKELLY, TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR READINESS; AND MEREDITH BERGER, TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY FOR ENERGY, INSTALLATIONS, AND ENVIRONMENT

United States · United States Senate · 16 June 2021

Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2021

Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act of 2021 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from establishing a condition for a cemetery grant that restricts the ability of a state to inter certain reservists (or their spouses and children) at a state-owned veterans' cemetery solely because such individuals are ineligible for burial in an open national cemetery. Specifically, as a condition for grants, the VA cannot restrict the ability of a state to inter a member of a reserve component whose service was terminated under honorable conditions; member of the Army National Guard or Air National Guard whose service was terminated under honorable conditions; member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the Army, Navy, or Air Force who died under honorable conditions while a member; and spouse, minor child, or unmarried adult child of any member described above. The VA is prohibited from (1) denying an application for a grant solely on the basis that the recipient state may use funds to expand, improve, operate, or maintain a veterans' cemetery to allow for the internment of the specified individuals; and (2) enforcing certain conditions on grants for state veterans' cemeteries that were established before the date of enactment of this bill. The bill also provides for plot allowances for the individuals listed in the bill.

Voices for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2021

Voices for Veterans Act This bill expands the membership of the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans to include veterans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse, gender non-conforming, intersex, or queer. Among other responsibilities, the committee advises the Department of Veterans Affairs on the administration of benefits and provision of health care, benefits, and services to minority veterans.

Remembering Our Local Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2021

Remembering Our Local Heroes Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to establish a grant program to fund construction, restoration, renovation, and maintenance for memorials designed to perpetuate in a permanent manner the memory of individuals or groups, living or deceased, who are veterans of the Armed Forces who served on or after April 6, 1917; are members of the Armed Forces killed while on active duty as a result of injuries incurred in the line of duty on or after April 6, 1917; have served as law enforcement officers; or have served as firefighters. No grant awarded under the program may exceed $100,000.

Military Perimeter Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2021

Military Perimeter Transparency Act This bill requires the Department of Defense and each military department to monitor real property ownership and occupancy in the vicinity (within a 10-mile boundary) of military installations inside and outside of the United States to identify instances in which a foreign adversary owns or occupies (or is seeking to own or occupy) real property in the vicinity of a military installation. For purposes of this bill, a foreign adversary is any foreign government or foreign nongovernment person engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct significantly adverse to the national security of the United States or security and safety of United States persons.

Taiwan Defense Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2021

Taiwan Defense Act of 2021 This bill establishes that it shall be U.S. policy to maintain the ability of the U.S. Armed Forces to defeat attempts by China to invade and seize control of Taiwan before U.S. forces can respond effectively.

Brandon Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2021

Brandon Act This bill modifies the regulatory requirement for referrals by commanding officers and supervisors of members of the Armed Forces for mental health evaluations. Specifically, the regulations must (1) establish a phrase that enables the member to trigger a referral for a mental health evaluation, (2) require a commanding officer or supervisor to make such referrals as soon as practicable following disclosure by the member of the established phrase, and (3) ensure that the process protects the confidentiality of the member.

Voices for Veterans Act 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2021

Voices for Veterans Act 2021 This bill expands the membership of the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans to include veterans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse, gender non-conforming, intersex, or queer. Among other responsibilities, the committee advises the Department of Veterans Affairs on the administration of benefits and provision of health care, benefits, and services to minority veterans.

Taiwan Defense Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2021

Taiwan Defense Act of 2021 This bill establishes that it shall be U.S. policy to maintain the ability of the U.S. Armed Forces to defeat attempts by China to invade and seize control of Taiwan before U.S. forces can respond effectively.

Brandon Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2021

Brandon Act This bill modifies the regulatory requirement for referrals by commanding officers and supervisors of members of the Armed Forces for mental health evaluations. Specifically, the regulations must (1) establish a phrase that enables the member to trigger a referral for a mental health evaluation, (2) require a commanding officer or supervisor to make such referrals as soon as practicable following disclosure by the member of the established phrase, and (3) ensure that the process protects the confidentiality of the member.

People's Liberation Army Visa Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2021

People's Liberation Army Visa Security Act This bill bars individuals affiliated with the Chinese military from entering the United States on visas for students (F visa) or work-and-study exchange (J visa). The President shall publish a list identifying research, engineering, and scientific institutions affiliated with or funded by China's People's Liberation Army. Aliens who are or were previously employed, sponsored, or funded by any institution on the list shall be subject to the bar. When a Chinese national applies for an F or J visa for an academic field related to an item on the Commerce Control List (a list of items subject to export controls), the consular officer handling the application shall request a special background check on the applicant.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 15 June 2021

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-44] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 June 2021

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-45] FISCAL YEAR 2022 BUDGET REQUEST FOR MISSILE DEFENSE AND MISSILE DEFEAT PROGRAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 June 2021

CHIP IN for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2021

Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act or the CHIP IN for Veterans Act This bill extends from 5 to 10 years the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot program under which the VA may accept donations of property or facilities from specified entities (e.g., state or local authorities).

Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2021

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase the amounts payable for wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Specifically, the VA must increase the amounts by the same percentage as the cost-of-living increase in benefits for Social Security recipients that is effective on December 1, 2021. The bill requires the VA to publish the amounts payable, as increased, in the Federal Register. The VA is authorized to make a similar adjustment to the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who have not received compensation for service-connected disability or death.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding wasteful Pentagon spending and supporting cuts to the bloated defense budget.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2021

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress intends to reduce defense waste, increase transparency, and reduce or eliminate poor management practices at the Department of Defense (DOD). Additionally, the resolution encourages DOD to complete its full audit and supports the elimination of the Overseas Contingency Operations account.

Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2021

Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2021 This bill imposes limits on the use of biometric surveillance systems, such as facial recognition systems, by federal and state government entities. A federal agency or official may not in an official capacity acquire, possess, or use in the United States any such system or information obtained by such a system unless Congress passes an act that specifically authorizes such a use. Such an act of Congress must contain certain provisions, such as provisions naming the specific authorized entity and auditing requirements relating to the system. Information obtained in violation of this bill shall not be admissible by the federal government in any proceeding or investigation, except in a proceeding alleging a violation of this bill. An individual aggrieved by a violation of these restrictions shall have the right to sue. Any state officer authorized to sue on behalf of the state's residents shall also have the right to sue on behalf of the state's aggrieved residents. A state or local government unit shall not receive certain federal law enforcement grants unless the government unit complies with a law or policy that is substantially similar to this bill's restrictions on acquiring and using biometric surveillance systems.

Commending the men and women of the United States military, our NATO Allies, and our African allies who successfully planned, coordinated, deployed, and trained as part of the DEFENDER-EUROPE 2021 Exercise.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2021

This resolution reaffirms the commitment of the United States to the NATO alliance and states that the alliance allows the United States to better protect its shared economic and security interests throughout the world. The resolution also (1) commends the U.S. forces and allies that participated in the Defender-Europe 2021 exercise; and (2) urges allies in the strongest possible terms to recommit to NATO's founding principles by strengthening democratic institutions, respecting individual liberty, and reinforcing the rule of law.

CHIP IN for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2021

Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act or the CHIP IN for Veterans Act This bill extends from 5 to 10 years the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot program under which the VA may accept donations of property or facilities from specified entities (e.g., state or local authorities).

Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2021

Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2021 This bill imposes limits on the use of biometric surveillance systems, such as facial recognition systems, by federal and state government entities. A federal agency or official may not in an official capacity acquire, possess, or use in the United States any such system or information obtained by such a system unless Congress passes an act that specifically authorizes such a use. Such an act of Congress must contain certain provisions, such as provisions naming the specific authorized entity and auditing requirements relating to the system. Information obtained in violation of this bill shall not be admissible by the federal government in any proceeding or investigation, except in a proceeding alleging a violation of this bill. An individual aggrieved by a violation of these restrictions shall have the right to sue. Any state officer authorized to sue on behalf of the state's residents shall also have the right to sue on behalf of the state's aggrieved residents. A state or local government unit shall not receive certain federal law enforcement grants unless the government unit complies with a law or policy that is substantially similar to this bill's restrictions on acquiring and using biometric surveillance systems.

Servicemember Safety and Security Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2021

Servicemember Safety and Security Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Defense to instruct each military department to review its policies and procedures for reporting members of the Armed Forces who are absent without leave, on unauthorized absence, or missing. Military installations must update the policies and procedures related to absent or missing service members with a focus on force protection, enhanced security for members living on base, and prioritizing the reporting of missing service members to local and federal law enforcement at the earliest reasonable time. The commander of each military installation must establish a protocol for sharing information with local and federal law enforcement agencies about service members who are absent without leave, on unauthorized absence, or missing. Each military installation must submit the established protocol to the relevant installation command.

Support and Defend Our Military Personnel and Their Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2021

Support and Defend Our Military Personnel and Their Families Act This bill provides immigration-related benefits and protections for certain Armed Forces veterans. Any person who has served under honorable conditions as a member of the Armed Forces in support of contingency operations shall be eligible for naturalization as if the person had served during a period of presidentially designated military hostilities. (Contingency operations are operations where Armed Forces members are or may become involved in military actions, operations, or hostilities, or that result in the call to active duty.) The bill also extends the period for filing a naturalization application from six months to one year after completing eligible military service. An alien eligible for a family-sponsored visa and is either the spouse or child of a permanent resident alien serving in the Armed Forces shall be exempt from worldwide visa numerical limitations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may adjust to permanent resident status an alien who is a parent, spouse, adult or minor child, or minor sibling of a person who has served in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions. DHS must give prior approval before a notice to appear in a removal proceeding may be issued against an alien veteran who has served honorably. Before giving such approval, DHS shall consider factors such as the alien's record of service and any hardship to the Armed Forces or the alien or family members if placed in removal proceedings. Such an alien may not be removed based on certain grounds of inadmissibility or a prior order of removal.

To prohibit any requirement that a member of the Armed Forces receive a vaccination against COVID-19.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2021

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to require a member of the Armed Forces to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The bill also prohibits adverse action (e.g., punishment) being taken against a member of the Armed Forces because the member refuses to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit smoking on the premises of any facility of the Veterans Health Administration, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2021

This bill prohibits smoking on the premises of any Veterans Health Administration facility. The bill defines smoking as the use of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes (i.e., the heating or combustion of tobacco), as well as the use of any electronic nicotine delivery system.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 256) to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1187) to provide for disclosure of additional material information about public companies and establish a Sustainable Finance Advisory Committee, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2021

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 256) to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1187) to provide for disclosure of additional material information about public companies and establish a Sustainable Finance Advisory Committee, and for other purposes.

Philippine Human Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2021

Philippine Human Rights Act This bill imposes limitations on providing assistance to the police or military of the Philippines. No federal funds may be used to provide such assistance until the Philippines government has taken certain actions, including (1) investigating and successfully prosecuting members of its military and police forces who have violated human rights, (2) withdrawing the military from domestic policing activities, and (3) establishing that it effectively protects the rights of journalists and civil society activists. The President shall also direct U.S. representatives at multilateral development banks to vote against providing loans to the police or military of the Philippines.