Defence

Department of Defense Climate Resiliency and Readiness Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2019

Department of Defense Climate Resiliency and Readiness Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide a strategy to achieve aggregate net zero energy by non-operational sources by no later than December 31, 2029. The term "net zero energy" means a reduction in overall energy use, maximized energy efficiency, implementation of energy recovery and cogeneration capabilities, and an offset of the remaining demand for energy with production of energy from onsite renewable energy sources. Annual DOD budget submissions must include an item for climate-related adaptation and mitigation, as well as an estimate of adverse impacts to readiness and costs. Regarding DOD procurement (1) contracts must contain an estimate of total projected energy consumption and a statement concerning renewable energy and energy efficiency investments; (2) contractors must evaluate climate change risks, including by describing relevant corporate governance processes; and (3) a contractor will be assessed a fee if it consumes more energy than it produces. DOD must develop a vulnerability and risk assessment tool to measure risks to systems, installations, and operational capabilities. Strategic decisions regarding an installation must consider risks associated with climate change, and DOD shall incorporate these into the National Defense Strategy, the National Military Strategy, and operational plans. DOD shall conduct a research and development program concerning hybrid microgrid systems and electric grid energy storage. With respect to base realignment and closure activities, DOD shall consider current and potential vulnerabilities to military installations and operations resulting from climate change and their resilience. The bill establishes the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense of Energy and Climate Resiliency.

Combating Military Sexual Assault Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2019

Combating Military Sexual Assault Act This bill addresses the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of sexual assault and related offenses in the Armed Forces. For example, the bill (1) expands training for, and responsibilities of, commanders of the Armed Forces with respect to such assaults; (2) extends the Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces; (3) increases the number of digital forensic examiners in each military criminal investigation organization; (4) expands the authority of military judges with respect to certain pretrial matters; (5) makes sexual harassment a specific offense in the Uniform Code of Military Justice; and (6) and requires a pilot program on defense investigators within the military justice system.

Developing the National Security Workforce Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2019

Developing the National Security Workforce Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Defense to develop incentives for a contractor to implement a qualified training program to enhance the workforce of the defense industrial base, as well as standards for such incentives.

Armed Forces Digital Advantage Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2019

Armed Forces Digital Advantage Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to promote and maintain digital engineering as a core competency of the Armed Forces. In addition, DOD must (1) create the position of Chief Digital Engineering Recruitment and Management Officer, which shall expire on September 30, 2029; (2) develop and enhance recruitment and training programs for digital engineering talent; and (3) annually report on the readiness of digital forces and progress toward achieving digital engineering policies.

Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2019 This bill addresses the storage and disposal of nuclear waste. Among other things, the bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to initiate a program to consolidate and temporarily store commercial spent nuclear fuel during the development, construction, and operation of a permanent nuclear waste repository; addresses federal land withdrawal and related management issues, including the permanent withdrawal of specific federal land for repository use by DOE; updates the Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing process and conditions for the permanent repository; limits activities relating to developing a separate defense waste repository used for storing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel derived from the atomic energy defense activities of DOE; authorizes DOE to enter into agreements to provide benefits to state, local, and tribal governments that might host or be affected by facilities related to storing nuclear waste; revises the method by which DOE funds its nuclear waste management activities though the collection and usage of the Nuclear Waste Fund; creates an Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel within DOE; and requires DOE to establish a Stranded Nuclear Waste Task Force to study existing resources and funding for communities that contain stranded nuclear waste and develop economic adjustment plans for such communities.

People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Visa Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

People's Liberation Army (PLA) 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 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.

A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the proposed sale to the Government of Qatar of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

This joint resolution prohibits the proposed sale of various weapons, ammunition, and related support services to the government of Qatar, as described in Transmittal No. 19-14 sent to Congress on May 13, 2019.

Veterans Estate Transfer to Survivors Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

Veterans Estate Transfer to Survivors Act This bill provides for the payment of certain accrued benefits (e.g., pension) to the estate of a deceased veteran upon the veteran's death.

Sergeant Daniel Somers Network of Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

Sergeant Daniel Somers Network of Support Act This bill provides a means of disseminating information to personal contacts of Armed Forces members about the experiences and challenges of military service. Specifically, it requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to seek an agreement with the American Red Cross for the conduct of a pilot program to encourage new Armed Forces members to designate up to 15 persons with whom certain information regarding their military service would be shared. This includes information concerning aspects of daily life in the military and its challenges, particularly during and after deployment in a contingency operation; availability of services to help members and dependents to cope with experiences; and benefits provided by DOD. The bill provides privacy protections and mechanisms to modify the contact information or opt out of the program.

Intelligence Budget Transparency Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

Intelligence Budget Transparency Act of 2019 This bill requires the President's annual budget to include the total amount proposed for intelligence or intelligence related activities of each element of the government engaged in these activities in the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted. The budget must also include the estimated appropriation required for these activities for each of the next four fiscal years.

Protecting Gold Star Children Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

Protecting Gold Star Children Act of 2019 This bill treats certain military survivor benefits that are received by children as earned income of the child for the purposes of the kiddie tax (the tax on the unearned income of children). This has the effect of exempting the benefits from such tax.

Corporal Ronil Singh and Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

Corporal Ronil Singh and Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act This bill eliminates the expected family contribution (EFC) used to determine financial need in the case of a Pell Grant-eligible student whose spouse died as a result of performing military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, or while in the line of duty as a police officer, firefighter, or other public safety officer. Such a student is eligible to receive an automatic zero EFC and qualifies for the maximum Pell Grant award if the student was younger than 24 years old or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of the spouse's death. Currently, the automatic zero EFC provision applies only to a Pell Grant-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty. The bill also modifies the calculation of the increased Pell Grant award for these students.

Sergeant Daniel Somers Network of Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

Sergeant Daniel Somers Network of Support Act This bill provides a means of disseminating information to personal contacts of Armed Forces members about the experiences and challenges of military service. Specifically, it requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to seek an agreement with the American Red Cross for the conduct of a pilot program to encourage new Armed Forces members to designate up to 15 persons with whom certain information regarding their military service would be shared. This includes information concerning aspects of daily life in the military and its challenges, particularly during and after deployment in a contingency operation; availability of services to help members and dependents to cope with experiences; and benefits provided by DOD. The bill provides privacy protections and mechanisms to modify the contact information or opt out of the program.

Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover (1) specified infertility treatments (e.g., in vitro fertilization), if the plan also covers obstetrical services; and (2) fertility preservation services for individuals who undergo medically necessary treatment that may cause impairment of fertility. Private health insurance plans must apply cost sharing for such services that does not exceed the amount for similar services covered by the plan. Further, plans are prohibited from (1) providing incentives for plan holders to forego infertility treatment, or (2) reducing the reimbursement rate to providers of such treatments. The bill also extends infertility treatment and fertility preservation coverage to Medicaid enrollees, federal employees, members of the military, and veterans.

China Technology Transfer Control Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

China Technology Transfer Control Act of 2019 This bill controls exports of certain national interest technology and intellectual property to China. Specifically, covered technology or intellectual property includes items that (1) would contribute significantly to the Chinese military to the detriment of U.S. national security, (2) are necessary to protect the U.S. economy from the drain of scarce materials by demand from China, (3) are included in a designated list of product components compiled by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), or (4) are used by China to violate human rights or religious liberties. The bill requires the President to control exports to China of any covered technology or intellectual property. Additionally, the President must sanction (1) any foreign person who sells to, or purchases from, China any covered item; and (2) any Chinese person who knowingly uses a covered item provided to them in violation of U.S. export control law. In addition to a specified list of industries subject to the bill, the USTR must identify products manufactured or produced in, or exported from, China that either receive certain support from China or are used by China to violate human rights or religious liberties.

People's Liberation Army (PLA) Visa Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

People's Liberation Army (PLA) 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 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.

A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the proposed sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

This joint resolution prohibits the sale of certain missiles, tools and test equipment, support equipment, and other related elements of program support to the United Arab Emirates.

A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the proposed sale to the Government of the Czech Republic of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

This joint resolution prohibits the proposed sale of various weapons and related support services to the government of Czechia, as described in Transmittal No. 19-17 sent to Congress on May 6, 2019.

A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the proposed sale to the Government of the Czech Republic of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

This joint resolution prohibits the proposed sale of various weapons and related support services to the government of Czechia, as described in Transmittal No. 19-34 sent to Congress on May 6, 2019.

A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the proposed sale to the Government of Bahrain of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019

This joint resolution prohibits the proposed sale of various defense articles and related support services to the government of Bahrain, as described in Transmittal No. 19-06 sent to Congress on May 6, 2019.

A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the proposed sale to the Government of Bahrain of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2019

This joint resolution prohibits the proposed sale of various weapons, ammunition, and related support services to the government of Bahrain, as described in Transmittal No. 18-20 sent to Congress on May 6, 2019.

Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2019

Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Services Company in recognition of their service during World War II.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a report on the availability of prosthetic items for women veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2019

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on the availability of prosthetic items made for women veterans, including an assessment of the availability of such items at VA medical facilities.

Customer Non-Discrimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2019

Customer Non-Discrimination Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity with respect to public accommodations and facilities. Specifically, the bill defines and includes sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity among the prohibited categories of discrimination or segregation. The bill expands the definition of public accommodations to include places or establishments that provide (1) exhibitions, recreation, exercise, amusement, gatherings, or displays; (2) goods, services, or programs; and (3) transportation services. Protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin shall include protections against discrimination based on (1) an association with another person who is a member of such a protected class; or (2) a perception or belief, even if inaccurate, that an individual is a member of such a protected class. The bill prohibits the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 from providing a claim, defense, or basis for challenging such protections. The bill prohibits an individual from being denied access to a shared facility, including a restroom, a locker room, and a dressing room, that is in accordance with the individual's gender identity. The bill also prohibits the provision of less favorable treatment with respect to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions as compared to other physical conditions.

To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide training in the use of medical cannabis for all Department of Veterans Affairs primary care providers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2019

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide its primary care providers with training in the use of medical cannabis. For purposes of developing the training, the bill instructs the VA to partner with medical schools that have incorporated medical cannabis into their curricula.

VA Survey of Cannabis Use Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2019

VA Survey of Cannabis Use Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide for a survey of veterans and VA health care providers regarding cannabis use by veterans.

Department of Veterans Affairs Policy for Medicinal Cannabis Use Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2019

Department of Veterans Affairs Policy for Medicinal Cannabis Use Act of 2019 This bill establishes the policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on medical cannabis. Among other elements, the policy provides that veterans may not be denied VA benefits by reason of cannabis use. Additionally, VA medical providers may discuss cannabis use as part of comprehensive care planning, and clinicians shall follow federal laws and regulations relating to medicinal cannabis.

Expressing concern for the United States-Turkey alliance.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2019

This resolution condemns the government of Turkey's stated plan to acquire a missile defense system from Russia and expresses support for a U.S. government offer to sell an alternative system to Turkey instead. The resolution also calls for terminating Turkey's participation in the industrial program supporting the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter if it acquires the Russian missile system.

Military Spouses Employment Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2019

Military Spouses Employment Act This bill expands the work opportunity tax credit to include the hiring of a qualified military spouse. (The credit permits employers who hire individuals who are members of a targeted group such as qualified veterans, ex-felons, or long-term unemployment recipients to claim a tax credit equal to a portion of the wages paid to those individuals.) A "qualified military spouse" is any individual who is certified by the designated local agency as being (as of the hiring date) a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who is serving on a period of extended active duty (in excess of 90 days or for an indefinite period) which includes the hiring date.

[H.A.S.C. No. 116-39]HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 9 May 2019

Newborn Care Improvement Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2019

Newborn Care Improvement Act of 2019 This bill increases from 7 to 14 the number of days that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may furnish health care services, including post-delivery care, to the newborn child of a woman veteran who delivered the child in a VA facility or another facility pursuant to a VA contract for such services.

VET CARE Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2019

Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations Act of 2019 or the VET CARE Act of 2019 This bill addresses dental care programs for veterans. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish administrative support to a dental care provider that provides services to a veteran that would not be covered by VA benefits. The bill also requires the VA to implement a pilot program to provide free outpatient dental services and treatment, and related dental appliances, to eligible veterans. Eligible veterans are those who are (1) enrolled in the VA health care system but are not eligible for VA dental care, (2) not receiving regular periodontal care, (3) between 40 and 70 years old, and (4) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

PFAS Accountability Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2019

PFAS Accountability Act of 2019 This bill addresses the remediation of water or land that is contaminated from certain perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) originating from federal facilities or sites, including the Department of Defense's sites or facilities. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain PFAS, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. Upon state request, federal departments or agencies must expedite cooperative agreements with states to address the contamination—or suspected contamination—of drinking water, surface water, groundwater, land surface, or subsurface strata (e.g., rock or soil). The cooperative agreements must meet or exceed the most stringent of the standards enumerated in the bill. If cooperative agreements are not finalized a year after requests are made by states, then the President must provide to Congress reports that include (1) explanations of why cooperative agreements have not been finalized or amended, and (2) projected timelines for finalizing the agreements.

CARE for Reservists Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2019

Care And Readiness Enhancement for Reservists Act of 2019 or the CARE for Reservists Act of 2019 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide counseling without referral to any member of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who has a behavioral health condition or psychological trauma. Such counseling may include a comprehensive individual assessment, and outpatient services shall also be available. The bill authorizes the VA to furnish mental health services to reservists. The bill also expands specified VA programs to include reservists for the provision of (1) comprehensive suicide prevention, and (2) mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified missions.

To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide a guarantee of residency for registration of businesses of spouses of members of the uniformed services, to improve occupational license portability for military spouses through interstate compacts, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2019

This bill addresses the process of business registration by a spouse accompanying a service member deployed away from the state of residence. The accompanying spouse shall not be deemed to have (1) lost a residence or domicile in the state, (2) acquired a residence or domicile in another state, or (3) become a resident in or of any other state. The spouse may elect to use the same residence as the member regardless of the date of marriage. The bill authorizes the Department of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Council of State Governments to assist with funding for interstate compacts on licensed occupations in order to alleviate burdens associated with relicensing when members make a permanent change of duty station to another state.

OATH Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2019

Service Member's Occupational and Environmental Transparency Health Act or the OATH Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to (1) record service members' exposure to occupational and environmental health hazards while deployed overseas, and (2) make such information available for post-deployment medical examinations and health reassessments. DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs must update electronic health records with information from the Burn Pit Registry (i.e., a registry designed to track certain airborne hazards). The Government Accountability Office must submit a report evaluating implementation of the above requirements.

END Network Abuse Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2019

End National Defense Network Abuse Act of 2019 or the END Network Abuse Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Defense to establish (1) an initiative to improve the capacity of military criminal-investigative organizations to prevent child sexual exploitation, and (2) partnerships with various governmental and outside entities to improve practices and outcomes related to the prevention of child sexual exploitation.

Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2019

Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the responsibilities, workload, training, and vacancy rates of suicide prevention coordinators at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Creig Sharp Funeral Honors for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2019

Creig Sharp Funeral Honors for Veterans Act This bill requires the commander of each military installation, at or through which a funeral honors detail for a veteran is provided, to maintain and implement a plan for the requested provision of full military funeral honors at funerals of qualifying veterans.

A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide a guarantee of residency for registration of businesses of spouses of members of the uniformed services, to improve occupational license portability for military spouses through interstate compacts, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2019

This bill addresses the process of business registration by a spouse accompanying a service member deployed away from the state of residence. The accompanying spouse shall not be deemed to have (1) lost a residence or domicile in the state, (2) acquired a residence or domicile in another state, or (3) become a resident in or of any other state. The spouse may elect to use the same residence as the member regardless of the date of marriage. The bill authorizes the Department of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Council of State Governments to assist with funding for interstate compacts on licensed occupations in order to alleviate burdens associated with relicensing when members make a permanent change of duty station to another state.

A bill to modify the presumption of service connection for veterans who were exposed to herbicide agents while serving in the Armed Forces in Thailand during the Vietnam era, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2019

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that, if it creates a presumption of service-connection between the occurrence of a disease and exposure to an herbicide agent while serving in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam era at a military base in Thailand, such presumption must also apply to exposure at any military base in Thailand, regardless of where on the base the veteran was located or what military job specialty the veteran performed. Additionally, the bill extends eligibility for VA health care, vocational training and rehabilitation, and monetary allowance to children with spina bifida who have at least one veteran parent who may have been exposed to an herbicide agent while serving in Thailand between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020

United States · United States Senate · 8 May 2019

[H.A.S.C. No. 116-38] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 May 2019

Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019

Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes, revises, and establishes several programs and entities relating to public-health emergency preparedness and response. Among other programs, the bill reauthorizes through FY2023 and revises the Public Health Emergency Preparedness cooperative-agreement program administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Hospital Preparedness Program administered by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, the CDC situational-awareness and biosurveillance program, the Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals, the National Disaster Medical System, the Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps, the National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters, the Strategic National Stockpile, and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. In addition, the bill provides statutory authority for several existing programs, including the Children's Preparedness Unit within the CDC and the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise. The bill also establishes new programs and entities, including a trauma-center grant program to support military trauma teams. Finally, the bill institutes a series of reporting requirements for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including a report regarding efforts to reunify children in HHS facilities with their parents after separation at the U.S.-Mexico border under a specified immigration enforcement policy.

Gold Star Family Tax Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019

Gold Star Family Tax Relief Act This bill treats certain military survivor benefits that are received by children as earned income of the child for the purposes of the kiddie tax (the tax on the unearned income of children). This has the effect of exempting the benefits from such tax.

DELTA Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019

Developing Education by Leveraging Tuition Assistance Act or the DELTA Act This bill allows members of the Armed Forces to use Department of Defense tuition assistance for education or training at a degree level equal to or lower than a level previously attained if (1) it is relevant to the member's professional duties, and (2) the content is not substantially similar to that of education or training previously received.

Recognizing the importance of paying tribute to those individuals who have faithfully served and retired from the Armed Forces of the United States, supporting the goals and ideals of Military Retiree Appreciation Day, and encouraging the people of the United States to honor the past and continued service of military retirees to their local communities and the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019

This resolution urges designation of a Military Retiree Appreciation Day.

EQUAL Defense Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019

Ensuring Quality Access to Legal Defense Act of 2019 or the EQUAL Defense Act of 2019 This bill establishes and modifies certain programs that support the delivery of public defense services (i.e., legal services for criminal defendants who cannot afford counsel). Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award grants to state and local governments, tribal organizations, and public defender offices for public defense. A grant recipient must use the grant to establish a data collection process, develop workload limits, and satisfy specified compensation requirements (e.g., pay parity between public defenders and prosecutors). The bill also directs DOJ to award grants to nonprofits and government organizations to train public defenders, court-appointed attorneys, and contract attorneys. Additionally, a state that receives Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program funds must annually submit to DOJ information related to the legal representation of defendants in criminal cases. It also reauthorizes through FY2022 the student loan repayment program for prosecutors and public defenders and otherwise revises the program, including by increasing the maximum benefit amount.

PFAS Accountability Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019

PFAS Accountability Act of 2019 This bill addresses the remediation of water or land that is contaminated from certain perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) originating from federal facilities or sites, including the Department of Defense's sites or facilities. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain PFAS, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. Upon state request, federal departments or agencies must expedite cooperative agreements with states to address the contamination—or suspected contamination—of drinking water, surface water, groundwater, land surface, or subsurface strata (e.g., rock or soil). The cooperative agreements must meet or exceed the most stringent of the standards enumerated in the bill. If cooperative agreements are not finalized a year after requests are made by states, then the President must provide to Congress reports that include (1) explanations of why cooperative agreements have not been finalized or amended, and (2) projected timelines for finalizing the agreements.

Early Pell Promise Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019

Early Pell Promise Act This bill authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to carry out an Early Federal Pell Grant Commitment Program under which ED must make a commitment to award Pell Grants to certain students. To be eligible to receive such a commitment, the student must be in grades 8 through 12 and a member of a household receiving assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Pursuant to such a commitment, the student shall receive a Pell Grant during the first two academic years of attendance at an institution of higher education (IHE) as an undergraduate if the student files the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form for the award year in which the student will be in attendance at the IHE, and enrolls at the IHE not later than one year after receiving a secondary school diploma or not later than three years after release from the Armed Forces.