Defence

A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a report to Congress on proposed changes to the use of the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, California.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report to Congress on the master plan of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) relating to the use of VA lands of the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, California, as originally required under the Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998. Requires an alternative report, on the development of the master plan, if the master plan does not exist as of the date of enactment of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing any portion of the master plan until 120 days after its receipt by the congressional veterans' and appropriations committees.

Restoring Disability Benefits for Injured and Wounded Warriors Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Restoring Disability Benefits for Injured and Wounded Warriors Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to appoint a panel to review each case before a Department of Defense (DOD) Physical Evaluation Board in which: (1) the Board determined to discharge or release a member of the Armed Forces without assigning a rating of disability to the member; and (2) the member appealed a Board determination regarding the rating of disability. Requires the panel to report whether any additional or different action should be taken by the military department concerned with respect to such determinations. Directs the Secretary to appoint a panel to review, and take the same actions as above, cases in which a member was denied, or appealed the amount of, traumatic injury protection awarded under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance. Requires the: (1) Secretary to report to Congress on the adequacy of the number of judge advocates assigned to physical evaluation board cases; and (2) Comptroller General to report to Congress assessing and addressing deficiencies in the disability evaluation systems of the military departments.

Effective Care for the Armed Forces and Veterans Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Effective Care for the Armed Forces and Veterans Act of 2007 - Prohibits the Secretary of Defense, during a period of a U.S. major military conflict, from: (1) subjecting work performed by an employee of a Department of Defense (DOD) medical facility or an employee of a private contractor of such facility to public-private competition; or (2) converting such employee or the work performed to private contractor performance. Allows an exception to prevent a negative impact on the provision of services. Requires a study by the Comptroller General on competitive outsourcing activities at DOD medical facilities. Provides: (1) a minimum budget for DOD medical services during periods of major military conflicts; and (2) a limitation on the implementation of a recommendation for the closure of Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Requires the Secretary to: (1) assign at least one case manager for every 20 recovering servicemembers; (2) screen every servicemember returning from deployment in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom for traumatic brain injury (requiring two related studies); and (3) require DOD medical records management systems to communicate with such systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assess the VA's ability to meet the long-term care needs of veterans over the next 50 years.

Generating Opportunity by Forgiving Educational Debt for Service Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Generating Opportunity by Forgiving Educational Debt for Service Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income student loan repayments by the federal government on behalf of federal employees and members of the Armed Forces on active duty. Exempts such repayments from social security taxes.

Heroes at Home Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Heroes at Home Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a protocol for the assessment and documentation of the cognitive (including memory) functioning of each member of the Armed Forces deployed in Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom before such deployment in order to facilitate their cognitive functioning upon their return. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program on training and certification of family caregivers of veterans and members with traumatic brain injury. Authorizes such Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a demonstration project to assess the feasibility and advisability of using telehealth technology to assess cognitive functioning of members who have sustained head trauma in order to improve their diagnosis and treatment; and (2) conduct an ongoing study of all matters relating to the telehealth and telemental health services of the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, respectively.

Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion Act of 2007 - Requires the U.S. Government to: (1) disable and dismantle all its nuclear weapons and refrain from replacing them at any time with weapons of mass destruction; (2) undertake vigorous good faith efforts to eliminate war, armed conflict, and all military operations; (3) actively promote policies to induce all other countries to join in these commitments for world peace and security; and (4) redirect resources that are currently being used for nuclear weapons programs to constructive, ecologically beneficial peacetime activities and to address human and infrastructure needs such as housing, health care, education, agriculture, and environmental restoration. Makes this Act effective when the President certifies to Congress that all foreign countries possessing nuclear weapons have established legal requirements comparable to those set forth in this Act.

National Emergency Centers Establishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

National Emergency Centers Establishment Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish at least six national emergency centers on military installations to use existing infrastructure to provide: (1) temporary housing, medical, and humanitarian assistance to individuals and families dislocated due to an emergency or major disaster; and (2) centralized locations for the training of first responders and the coordination of preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Lists minimum requirements for sites for such centers, including that they be capable of: (1) meeting for an extended period the housing, health, transportation, education, public works, humanitarian, and other transition needs of a large number of individuals affected; (2) being scaled up or down to accommodate major disaster preparedness and response drills, operations, and procedures; (3) housing existing permanent structures necessary to meet training and first responders coordination requirements during non-disaster periods; and (4) hosting the infrastructure necessary to rapidly adjust to temporary housing, medical, and humanitarian assistance needs. Sets forth center location requirements, including requiring the Secretary to designate closed military installations as sites whenever possible and to designate portions of existing military installations as centers otherwise.

PLEA Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Protect Law Enforcement Armor Act or the PLEA Act - Amends the federal criminal code to expand the definition of "armor piercing ammunition" to include a projectile that: (1) may be used in a handgun; and (2) the Attorney General determines to be capable of penetrating body armor. Directs the Attorney General to promulgate standards for the uniform testing of projectiles against Body Armor Exemplar (i.e., body armor that the Attorney General determines meets minimum standards for the protection of law enforcement officers), taking into account variations in performance related to the type of handgun used, the length of the barrel, the amount and kind of powder used to propel the projectile, and the projectile's design. Prohibits the manufacture, sale, possession, or transfer of the Fabrique Nationale Herstal Five-SeveN Pistol, 5.7 x 28mm SS190 and SS192 cartridges, or any other handgun that uses armor piercing ammunition, except: (1) where manufactured and sold exclusively to U.S. military, law enforcement, or intelligence agencies; and (2) by a licensed manufacturer or contractor for the purpose of examining and testing to determine whether such prohibition applies.

To authorize and request the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Private George D. Wilson of Company B, 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment for his acts of valor as one of Andrews Raiders during the Civil War on April 12, 1862.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to George D. Wilson for acts of valor as one of the Andrews Raiders during the Civil War.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Permits accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to an individual enrolled in an approved program of education that leads to employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle. Excludes benefits payable under under the Montgomery GI Bill from consideration as income for purposes of determining eligibility for education grants or loans under any other provision of Federal law.

Jose Medina Veterans Affairs Police Training Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Jose Medina Veterans Affairs Police Training Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that while the United States is conducting combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should better prepare its police force to interact with patients and visitors at VA medical facilities who suffer from mental illness. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that all VA police officers receive training on such interaction.

To require the President to develop a plan containing dates certain for the commencement and completion of a phased redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Directs the President to transmit to Congress a plan for the commencement and completion by the Secretary of Defense of a phased redeployment of U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq, as well as an outline of how the redeployment process will take place, in accordance with specified factors. Encourages the government of Iraq to vote on the approval or disapproval of the plan. Prohibits the Secretary, after such redeployment, from deploying or maintaining U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq for any purpose other than: (1) protecting U.S. diplomatic facilities and U.S. citizens; (2) serving in roles consistent with customary diplomatic positions; (3) engaging in targeted special actions of killing or capturing members of al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations with global reach; and (4) training members of the Iraqi Security Forces. Requires the President to make and transmit to Congress certain determinations in connection with the phased redeployment.

To authorize and request the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Private Philip G. Shadrach of Company K, 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment for his acts of valor as one of Andrews Raiders during the Civil War on April 12, 1862.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Philip G. Shadrach for acts of valor as one of Andrews Raiders during the Civil War.

To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 to expand the provision of special immigrant status for certain aliens, including translators or interpreters, serving with Federal agencies in Iraq and Afghanistan.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 to authorize special immigrant status for certain Afghan or Iraqi translators or interpreters working with the U.S. Armed Forces or federal agencies in Afghanistan and Iraq. (Currently, such status is authorized for Afghan and Iraqi translators or interpreters working with U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.) Authorizes: (1) additional annual entrants; (2) adjustment to permanent resident status; and (3) eligibility for refugee assistance. Sunsets such special immigrant provisions.

Access to Language Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Access to Language Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to submit a plan to Congress for national distribution of two video programming channels, one providing instruction in English for non-English speaking individuals, the other providing instruction in languages that are not widely taught in U.S. educational institutions and that are likely to have significant value for the United States in global competitiveness, trade, international relations, national security, and defense.

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to waive the repayment of any Federal-aid highway funds expended on the construction of any high occupancy lanes on the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways in the Hampton Roads area of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to allow the commonwealth of Virginia to remove the high occupancy vehicle designation for one or more of Interstate Routes I-64, I-264, and I-564 in the Hampton Roads area. Requires the Secretary to waive the repayment of federal highway funds expended by the commonwealth of Virginia on the construction of any high occupancy lane or auxiliary lane on such routes due to the removal of the high occupancy designation on such lane.

Expressing the sense of Congress that a site in Arlington National Cemetery should be provided for a memorial marker to honor the memory of the 40 members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in the air crash at Bakers Creek, Australia, on June 14, 1943.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that an appropriate site in Arlington National Cemetery should be provided for a memorial marker to honor the memory of the 40 members of the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their lives in the air crash at Bakers Creek, Australia, on June 14, 1943.

Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 through 2012.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2009-FY2012. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2008-FY2012, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2012. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Education and Labor: (4) Energy and Commerce; (5) Financial Services; (6) Foreign Affairs; (7) the Judiciary; (8) Natural Resources; (9) Transportation and Infrastructure; and (10) Ways and Means. Requires the House Budget Committee to report a reconciliation bill providing for mandatory spending reform. Declares the policy in the resolution on: (1) taxation; (2) entitlement spending; and (3) the Bonneville Power Marketing Administration. Prohibits House legislation that would require advance appropriations, except certain FY2009 or FY2010 programs, projects, activities, or accounts. States that if legislation is reported that makes appropriations for FY2008 for contingency operations directly related to the global war on terrorism and other unanticipated defense-related operations, then the resulting new budget authority, new entitlement authority, outlays, or receipts shall not count for certain purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Provides for adjustments for tax legislation. Repeals the Gephardt Rule (relating to mandatory adjustment of the statutory limit on the public debt to conform to a budget resolution). Requires introduction of budget process reform legislation. Requires the Treasury Department to study the impact of the current federal tort system on global competition and gross domestic product (GDP) growth. Prescribes the budgetary treatment of the National Flood Insurance Program. Provides for a nondefense reserve fund for emergencies. Authorizes the President to propose the cancellation (line item veto) of any dollar amount of discretionary budget authority, item of direct spending, limited tariff benefit, or targeted tax benefit. Expresses the sense of Congress on: (1) deferral authority; and (2) abuse of proposed cancellations. Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives to consider any legislation unless: (1) the required list of congressional earmarks, limited tax and tariff benefits, and the name of the requesting Member is also set forth in the text of the measure; and (2) such list is made publicly available on the Internet in a searchable format at least 48 hours before a measure's consideration. Makes it out of order to consider in the House or Senate any direct spending legislation, excluding the impact of any revenue provisions, increasing the on-budget deficit or causing an on-budget deficit for any one of specified applicable time periods. Makes it out of order to consider in the House legislation that would cause the discretionary spending limits in this resolution to be exceeded. Establishes specified discretionary spending limits in the House. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives on: (1) child support enforcement; (2) state veterans cemeteries; and (3) the Internal Revenue Code. Expresses the sense of Congress on health insurance reform.

Expressing the sense of Congress that Iraq should vote to approve or disapprove the continued deployment of United States Armed Forces to Iraq and, unless Iraq votes to approve such continued deployment, the President of the United States should commence the phased redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq within 60 days of the Iraqi vote.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the government of Iraq should hold a vote in the Iraqi Council of Representatives or among the Iraqi public to approve or disapprove the continued deployment of U.S. Armed Forces to Iraq; and (2) unless 60% of the members of the Iraqi Council of Representatives or the Iraqi public approve such deployment the President of the United States should begin the phased redeployment of U.S. Armed Forces within 60 days of such vote.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-50]NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 March 2007

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 28 March 2007

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 28 March 2007

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 28 March 2007

Global Climate Change Security Oversight Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

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

Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to: (1) authorize grants of up to $25,000 for small business assistance for members of the reserves called or ordered to active duty (reservists); (2) allow the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make noncollateralized small business loans to such reservists; (3) direct the Administrator to establish a loan preapproval process for small business loans to such reservists; and (4) direct the Administrator to develop an outreach and technical assistance program with respect to loans and grants made to such reservists. National Reservist Enterprise Transition and Sustainability Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator to establish a program to provide business planning assistance to small businesses owned and operated by reservists. Authorizes SBA loans of up to $100,000 to new veteran entrepreneurs. Provides increased funding for FY2008-FY2010 for the SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development. Extends permanently the SBA's Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs.

Veterans' Care Advocate Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

Veterans' Care Advocate Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish within each Department of Defense (DOD) military medical treatment facility an Ombudsman for Recovering Servicemembers to act as a liaison for recovering servicemembers and their families with respect to their evaluation and care under the physical disability evaluation systems. Defines as "recovering servicemembers" those in a medical hold or holdover status due to an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active duty.

To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend from 90 days to one year the period after release of a member of the Armed Forces from active duty during which the member is protected from mortgage foreclosure under that Act.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 1940 to extend from 90 days to one year the period following release from active duty during which a member of the Armed Forces shall be protected from mortgage foreclosure.

Federal Land Avalanche Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

Federal Land Avalanche Protection Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to establish an avalanche protection program to: (1) identify the potential for avalanches on federal lands and inform the public about the probability of avalanches and their potential adverse effects; (2) carry out ongoing research to improve avalanche forecasting; and (3) reduce the risks of avalanches and mitigate their effects. Requires the Secretary: (1) to coordinate the program to ensure protection for recreational users of public land under the Secretary of the Interior's jurisdiction, using resources of the Forest Service's National Avalanche Center; (2) to establish an advisory committee to assist in program development and implementation; and (3) with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Army, to establish a central depository for weapons, ammunition, and parts for avalanche control purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to carry out projects and activities to: (1) assist in the prevention, forecasting, detection, and mitigation of avalanches; (2) maintain essential transportation, utilities, and communications; (3) assist avalanche artillery users to ensure the availability of adequate supplies of artillery and explosives required for avalanche control in specified areas; and (4) assist research and development activities for alternatives to minimize reliance on military weapons for avalanche control. Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects carried out in avalanche zones with a high frequency or severity of avalanches or in which deaths, injuries, or damage to public facilities and communities have occurred. Requires the Administrator of General Services to transfer specified property suitable for avalanche control purposes to a user of surplus ordnance.

Uniting America's Military Families Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

Uniting America's Military Families Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive inadmissibility grounds based on visa, document, or immigration benefit misrepresentation in the case of an immediate family member of an active duty or reserve member of the Armed Forces. Amends V-visa (permits nonimmigrant spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents who are beneficiaries of an immigrant petition to reside and work in the United States while waiting to obtain immigrant status) provisions to eliminate specified restrictions on a petition's filing date and length of pendency for a petition filed by an active duty or reserve member of the Armed Forces.

To provide alternative retired pay rates under title 10, United States Code, and alternative disability compensation rates under title 38, United States Code, for members of the Armed Forces with a combat-related disability, with such rates based on the average monthly salary for high school graduates in the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, in the case of a regular or reserve member of the Armed Forces with a combat-related disability who is entitled to monthly retired pay, to permit such member to elect an alternative retired pay rate based on $2,917, the average monthly salary for high school graduates in the United States. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with respect to veterans with service-connected disabilities, to permit such veterans to elect to receive a monthly compensation of $2,917 (in the case of a service-connected disability rated as total) or a percentage of such amount (depending on the percentage rating of the disability).

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-47]NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 March 2007

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-46]FISCAL YEAR 2008 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT--BUDGET REQUEST ON ARMY GROUND FORCE ACQUISITION PROGRAMS STATEMENTS PRESENTED BY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 March 2007

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-48]FISCAL YEAR 2008 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT--BUDGET REQUEST FOR MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 March 2007

Disabled Veterans Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2007

Disabled Veterans Fairness Act - Eliminates a $3 per round trip deductible charged by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in connection with the veterans beneficiary travel program (a program authorizing a travel allowance or reimbursement for beneficiaries providing transportation for veterans to obtain medical care). Directs the Secretary, in determining the amount of such allowance or reimbursement, to use the mileage reimbursement rates for the use of privately owned vehicles by government employees traveling on official business.

To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a National Bio and Agro-defense Facility.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2007

Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a National Bio and Agro-defense Facility, which shall: (1) be an integrated human, foreign-animal, and zoonotic disease research, development, testing, and evaluation facility supporting the defense against the threat of agroterrorism and certain naturally-occurring incidents related to agriculture; and (2) produce and share knowledge and technology for the purpose of reducing economic losses caused by diseases of livestock and poultry and preventing human suffering and death caused by diseases in the agricultural sector. Includes among the Facility Director's responsibilities: (1) directing research, development, testing, and evaluation relating to such diseases; (2) developing an emergency response plan; (3) providing training in biological and agricultural research facility operations; and (4) forming cooperative relationships with the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians to connect with the network of federal and state resources to enable an integrated, rapid, and sufficient response to animal health emergencies. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that the Facility consists of state-of-the-art biocontainment laboratories capable of performing research and activities at Biosafety Levels 3 and 4; (2) enable the study of live virus of foot and mouth disease at the Facility; and (3) enter into agreements with the heads of appropriate federal departments to define their roles and responsibilities in carrying out animal disease research and development at the Facility to protect public health and animal health.

Latin America Military Training Review Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2007

Latin America Military Training Review Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to suspend operation of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (Institute). Suspends the authority of the Secretary of Defense to operate such an education and training facility until submission of a report containing the results of an investigation in response to violations of human rights to which training at such Institute contributed. Establishes: (1) a joint congressional task force to assess appropriate education and training for DOD to provide to military personnel of Latin American nations; and (2) a commission to investigate activities of the United States Army School of the Americas and its successor institution, the Institute.

To modify the calculation of back pay for persons who were approved for promotion as members of the Navy and Marine Corps while interned as prisoners of war during World War II to take into account changes in the Consumer Price Index.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2007

Amends the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 to increase the amount of back pay received by members of the Navy and Marine Corps selected for promotion while interned as prisoners of war during World War II to reflect increases in the cost of living since basic pay was paid to or for that person.

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

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2007

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

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1538) to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the management of medical care, personnel actions, and quality of life issues for members of the Armed Forces who are receiving medical care in an outpatient status, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2007

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1538) to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the management of medical care, personnel actions, and quality of life issues for members of the Armed Forces who are receiving medical care in an outpatient status.

Combat-Related Special Compensation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2007

Combat-Related Special Compensation Act of 2007 - Authorizes monthly combat-related special compensation pay to any military retiree who is entitled to retired pay and has a combat-related disability. (Currently, a retiree must meet those requirements and also have completed at least 20 years of retirement-creditable military service.) Provides a special compensation rule with respect to retirees with less than 20 years of service.

Federal Land Avalanche Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2007

Federal Land Avalanche Protection Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to establish an avalanche protection program to: (1) identify the potential for avalanches on federal lands and inform the public about the probability of avalanches and their potential adverse effects; (2) carry out ongoing research to improve avalanche forecasting; and (3) reduce the risks of avalanches and mitigate their effects. Requires the Secretary: (1) to coordinate the program to ensure protection for recreational users of public land under the Secretary of the Interior's jurisdiction, using resources of the Forest Service's National Avalanche Center; (2) to establish an advisory committee to assist in program development and implementation; and (3) with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Army, to establish a central depository for weapons, ammunition, and parts for avalanche control purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to carry out projects and activities to: (1) assist in the prevention, forecasting, detection, and mitigation of avalanches; (2) maintain essential transportation, utilities, and communications; (3) assist avalanche artillery users to ensure the availability of adequate supplies of artillery and explosives required for avalanche control in specified areas; and (4) assist research and development activities for alternatives to minimize reliance on military weapons for avalanche control. Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects carried out in avalanche zones with a high frequency or severity of avalanches or in which deaths, injuries, or damage to public facilities and communities have occurred. Requires the Administrator of General Services to transfer specified property suitable for avalanche control purposes to a user of surplus ordnance.

COPS Improvements Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2007

COPS Improvements Act of 2007 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the authority of the Attorney General to make grants for public safety and community policing programs (COPS ON THE BEAT grant program). Authorizes grants to: (1) hire school resource officers and establish local partnerships to combat crime, gangs, drug activities, and other problems in elementary and secondary schools; (2) pay for officers hired to perform intelligence, anti-terror, or homeland security duties; (3) establish and implement programs to reduce and prevent illegal drug activities, including the manufacturing, distribution, and use of methamphetamine; and (4) meet emerging law enforcement needs, as warranted. Authorizes the use of COPS ON THE BEAT grants to hire former members of the Armed Forces to serve as career law enforcement officers. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants for: (1) assigning prosecutors to handle cases from specific geographic areas and to address counter-terrorism problems and violent crime in local communities; and (2) developing new technologies to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in crime prevention and training. Grants the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services exclusive authority to perform functions and activities under COPS ON THE BEAT grant program. Authorizes the Attorney General to extend grant periods and to renew grants if the grant recipient can demonstrate significant progress in achieving the objectives of the initial grant application.

Common Sense Budget Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2007

Common Sense Budget Act of 2007 - Requires certain reductions in amounts appropriated for FY2008 for specified Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Energy (DOE) programs. Makes amounts from such reductions available for: (1) modernization of school facilities; (2) the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act; (3) adult and dislocated worker employment and training activities; (4) programs to increase energy efficiency and conservation and increase investment in sustainable and renewable energy alternatives; (5) sustainable development and humanitarian assistance programs to alleviate global poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, disease, and disaster; (6) homeland security safeguard improvements; (7) deficit reduction; and (8) veterans health care.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-44]FISCAL YEAR 2008 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT--BUDGET REQUEST FOR MILITARY SPACE ACTIVITIES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 March 2007

A resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of the construction and dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2007

Expresses support and gratitude for the men and women of the Armed Forces in defense of freedom and democracy during the Vietnam War. Extends sympathies to all people in the United States who suffered the loss of friends and family in Vietnam. Encourages the people of the United States to remember the sacrifices of our veterans. Commemorates the 25th anniversary of the construction and dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require that advance notice of the results of any Department of Defense review of the circumstances surrounding the death of a member of the armed forces by friendly fire be given to the primary next of kin of the member before public release of the review.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2007

Requires that, in case of a review conducted by the Department of Defense (DOD) regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of a member of the Armed Forces who is killed in action by weapon fire other than as the result of an act of an enemy (friendly fire death), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that a summary of review results are provided to the primary next of kin at least 24 hours before such results are released to the public. Authorizes the primary next of kin to waive the notice requirement to expedite the public release of such results.

Honoring military children during "National Month of the Military Child".

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2007

Joins the Secretary of Defense in honoring the children of members of the Armed Forces and recognizes that they share in the burden of protecting the nation. Urges Americans to join the military community in observing April as National Month of the Military Child. Recognizes with great appreciation the contributions of private sector organizations in providing resources and assistance to military families and their communities.

Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2007, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 through 2012.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2007

Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2007. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2009-FY2012. Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2007-FY2012 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2007-FY2012. Authorizes certain reserve funds for: (1) the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); (2) alternative minimum tax revision; (3) middle-income tax relief and economic equity; (4) agriculture; (5) higher education; (6) Medicare improvements; (7) creation of long-term energy alternatives; (8) affordable housing; (9) equitable benefits for Filipino veterans of World War II; (10) reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act; (11) receipts from the Bonneville Power Administration; and (12) the Transitional Medical Assistance program extension. Provides for adjustments to discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for: (1) continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations by the Social Security Administration (SSA); (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax compliance; (3) the health care fraud and abuse control program; and (4) unemployment insurance improper payments reviews. Prohibits House legislation that would require advance appropriations, except certain FY2009 or FY2010 programs, projects, activities, or accounts. States that new budget authority, outlays, and receipts resulting from adoption of legislation making appropriations for FY2008-FY2009 for overseas deployments and related activities, or emergency appropriations for nondefense discretionary spending, shall not count for certain purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA). Declares the policy of this resolution on: (1) middle-income tax relief; (2) defense priorities; and (3) college affordability. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives on: (1) servicemembers' and veterans' health care and other priorities; (2) the Innovation Agenda: A Commitment to Competitiveness to Keep America #1; (3) homeland security; (4) the ongoing need to respond to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; (5) long-term sustainability of entitlements; (6) the need to maintain and build upon efforts to fight hunger; (7) affordable health coverage; (8) extension of the statutory Pay-As-You-Go rule; (9) long-term budgeting; (10) pay parity; (11) waste, fraud, and abuse; (12) child support enforcement; and (13) state veterans cemetaries. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the House Committee on Education and Labor.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-42]BUDGET REQUEST ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AIRCRAFT PROGRAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 March 2007

EDUCATION BENEFITS FOR NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. ARMED FORCES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 March 2007