Defence

To limit the availability of funds for the Office of the Secretary of Defense pending action on certain amphibious shipbuilding programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2021

This bill limits the availability of funds available for FY2022 for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation until the Department of the Navy enters into a contract for certain amphibious shipbuilding programs.

Department of Veterans Affairs Provider Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2021

Department of Veterans Affairs Provider Accountability Act This bill prescribes oversight requirements for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding health care professionals at VA medical centers. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to ensure each VA medical center consistently compiles, verifies, and reviews specified documentation for each VA health care professional (including contractors). The VA shall ensure that specified health care professionals hold an active Drug Enforcement Administration registration. Each VA medical center must implement (1) monitoring of the performance and quality of the health care delivered by each health care professional at the center, and (2) reviews of such care if an individual notifies the VA of any potential concerns relating to a failure to meet generally accepted standards of clinical practice. The bill imposes notification requirements in situations where the VA substantiates a concern relating to the clinical competency of, or quality of care delivered by, a current or former VA health care professional. The VA is prohibited from entering into a settlement agreement relating to an adverse action against a VA health care professional if such agreement includes terms that require the VA to conceal certain information from the employee's personnel file. Such prohibition does not apply to adverse actions determined to be prohibited personnel practices. The VA must provide mandatory training, at least annually, to employees who are responsible for specified tasks (e.g., those who are responsible for compiling, validating, or reviewing the credentials of VA health care professionals).

Compensation for Americans Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2021

Compensation for Americans Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of State to negotiate with China to secure compensation for China's distortion of information related to the spread of COVID-19. The bill also contains other China-related provisions, such as those imposing sanctions on certain Chinese individuals and entities. As part of such negotiations, the President shall (1) freeze Chinese assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction; (2) suspend the required review of any proposed acquisition of a U.S. entity by a Chinese entity; (3) impose sanctions on Chinese entities in certain industries, such as artificial intelligence and pharmaceuticals; (4) impose sanctions on various individuals, including Chinese government officials and Chinese citizens responsible for stealing intellectual property from U.S. entities; and (5) prohibit using federal funds to procure goods manufactured or sourced from a Chinese company, if such goods pose a supply chain risk to U.S. national security. The President may terminate such prohibitions and sanctions if China and the United States come to an agreement regarding compensation related to COVID-19. The Department of the Treasury shall establish a public repository with information about entities that are owned, financed, or controlled by the Chinese government. Other provisions in this bill include (1) imposing export controls on telecommunications equipment that would help China carry out censorship or surveillance, (2) banning researchers affiliated with China's military from obtaining visas, and (3) requiring U.S. World Bank representatives to end China's eligibility for World Bank assistance.

A bill 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.

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-43] FISCAL YEAR 2022 DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE ENTERPRISE POSTURE HEARING

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 June 2021

To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2021

This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study to assess whether there are disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to (1) compensation benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), (2) disability ratings determined by the VA, and (3) the rejection of fully developed claims for VA benefits. Additionally, the study must assess whether there is any relationship between such disparities associated with race and ethnicity and other demographic characteristics such as gender and age. The GAO must also develop recommendations to facilitate better data collection on such disparities associated with race and ethnicity. Within one year, the GAO must brief Congress on the initial results of the study. The GAO must also submit a final report on the study following the briefing.

William Collins Jet Fuel Exposure Recognition Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2021

William Collins Jet Fuel Exposure Recognition Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), for purposes of wartime disability compensation and VA health care, to presume that covered veterans were exposed to toxic substances, chemicals, and airborne hazards during military service, unless there is affirmative evidence that the veterans were not exposed to such substances in connection with their service. Under the bill, covered veterans are those who worked for a cumulative period of at least two years in active service in a military occupational specialty that involved consistent exposure to jet fuel. In adjudicating claims for compensation for a service-connected disability related to jet fuel exposure with evidence of a disability and a presumption of toxic exposure during active service, the VA must (1) provide a medical examination and request a medical opinion for service-connection; and (2) direct the medical provider to consider the exposure of the veteran to toxic substances during all military deployments and the synergistic effect of all combined toxic substances through inhalation, dermal exposure, and ingestion. Every other year for a period of eight years, the VA must make publicly available a report related to the effect of jet fuel used by the Armed Forces on the health of individuals. In evaluating claims for compensation for service-connected disabilities, the VA must take into consideration the findings of such reports.

Major Medical Facility Authorization Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2021

Major Medical Facility Authorization Act of 2021 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out specified major medical facility projects during FY2021. The bill also indicates the maximum amount that can be spent on each project.

Expressing support for the designation of June 12, 2021, as ''Women Veterans Appreciation Day''.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2021

This resolution expresses support for the designation of Women Veterans Appreciation Day to recognize the service and sacrifices of women veterans.

Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2021

Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2021 This bill prohibits the use of corporal punishment in schools that receive federal funding. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to take specified actions (e.g., withholding funds and issuing cease-and-desist orders) for schools that allow school personnel, law enforcement officers, or school security guards to subject students to corporal punishment. The bill also establishes enforcement provisions, including a private right of action for a student who has been subjected to corporal punishment. Each state educational agency (SEA) that receives federal funding must submit specified information to ED, including a school climate report that describes the SEA's policies and procedures related to exclusionary and aversive discipline practices in schools. Additionally, the bill authorizes ED to award three-year grants to SEAs and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies to implement positive behavioral interventions and supports to address student behavior and reduce exclusionary and aversive discipline practices. ED must promulgate regulations as necessary to ensure compliance with the bill. The Department of Defense and the Department of the Interior must ensure that the schools they operate or fund also comply with these regulations.

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-42] FISCAL YEAR 2022 BUDGET REQUEST FOR NUCLEAR FORCES AND ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 June 2021

A resolution designating June 12, 2021, as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day".

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2021

This resolution designates June 12, 2021, as Women Veterans Appreciation Day to recognize the service and sacrifices of women veterans.

Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2021

Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2021 This bill prohibits the use of corporal punishment in schools that receive federal funding. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to take specified actions (e.g., withholding funds and issuing cease-and-desist orders) for schools that allow school personnel, law enforcement officers, or school security guards to subject students to corporal punishment. The bill also establishes enforcement provisions, including a private right of action for a student who has been subjected to corporal punishment. Each state educational agency (SEA) that receives federal funding must submit specified information to ED, including a school climate report that describes the SEA's policies and procedures related to exclusionary and aversive discipline practices in schools. Additionally, the bill authorizes ED to award three-year grants to SEAs and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies to implement positive behavioral interventions and supports to address student behavior and reduce exclusionary and aversive discipline practices. ED must promulgate regulations as necessary to ensure compliance with the bill. The Department of Defense and the Department of the Interior must ensure that the schools they operate or fund also comply with these regulations.

U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2021

U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021 This bill authorizes programs to provide defense-related assistance to Greece and addresses related issues. The bill authorizes providing to Greece from FY2022-FY2026 (1) assistance through the European Recapitalization Incentive Program to help Greece meet its defense needs and transition away from Russian-produced military equipment; and (2) International Military Education and Training assistance for various purposes, including to train future leaders and to establish rapport between the U.S. Armed Forces and Greece's military. The bill also provides Greece with priority access to excess defense articles from FY2022-FY2026. The President may expedite the delivery of future purchases of F-35 aircraft by Greece. The bill also establishes a group of Senators to meet annually with representatives from Cyprus, Greece, and Israel to discuss various issues such as maritime security, defense cooperation, and energy.

TSP Fiduciary Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2021

TSP Fiduciary Security Act This bill incorporates national security interests into management of the Thrift Savings Fund. Specifically, the bill requires fiduciaries that are responsible for managing the fund (i.e., the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board) to prevent fund investments and associated votes that harm the national security of the United States, including investments in entities on certain lists maintained by the Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce (e.g., Chinese military companies). The Department of Labor must issue implementing regulations that include these and other standards for compliance. Beginning January 1, 2025, fiduciaries may be held personally liable for monetary damages and may be assessed civil penalties for failing to meet these requirements.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022

United States · United States Senate · 8 June 2021

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

United States · United States Senate · 8 June 2021

Supporting Families of the Fallen Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021

Supporting Families of the Fallen Act This bill increases from $400,000 to $500,000 the maximum coverage amount for members (or former members) of a uniformed service under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program and the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program.

To make permanent the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants for the transportation of highly rural veterans to medical care.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021

This bill permanently extends the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs to make grants for the transportation of highly rural veterans to health care facilities.

Planning for Aging Veterans Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021

Planning for Aging Veterans Act of 2021 This bill addresses the long-term care of veterans, including by implementing policies for the administration of state homes. First, the bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a strategy for the long-term care of veterans. The VA must develop a standardized process for entering into sharing agreements between state homes and VA medical centers. A state home is a home established by a state for veterans who are disabled by age, disease, or otherwise and incapable of earning a living because of such disability. The term also includes a home that furnishes nursing home care for veterans. Under the bill, the VA must ensure that veterans who are catastrophically disabled are not required to pay a co-payment for medication received at a state home. Generally, veterans are catastrophically disabled if they have a permanent severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease that compromises the ability to carry out the activities of daily living. The VA must monitor any contractor it uses to conduct inspections of state homes, including by reviewing inspections, reporting deficiencies, and publishing inspection results on a public VA website. The VA must implement a two-year pilot program to provide geriatric psychiatry assistance to eligible veterans at state homes. Finally, the VA must work with public housing authorities and local organizations to assist aging homeless veterans in accessing existing housing and supportive services, even if a veteran is not eligible for such services from the VA.

Protecting American Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021

Protecting American Innovation Act This bill establishes certain limitations on modifying trade agreements, including those related to the TRIPS Agreement (i.e., the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights). The TRIPS Agreement contains obligations for World Trade Organization members to protect patents and other intellectual property rights. Specifically, the bill prohibits the President (or any U.S. official, employee, or agent) from negotiating or concluding any withdrawal, suspension, or modification to a trade agreement that adversely affects the rights of the United States or U.S. persons under a trade agreement with China or Russia. Additionally, the bill states that a TRIPS waiver to address the COVID-19 pandemic shall not take effect if (1) the President does not submit required reports from the Department of Commerce and the Department of Defense (DOD), (2) the Commerce report concludes that the TRIPS waiver will not result in an increase in global vaccine access, or (3) the DOD report concludes that the TRIPS waiver would adversely impact U.S. national security. Prior to entering into a negotiation with a trading partner concerning a suspension of or modification to a trade agreement, the bill requires (1) the U.S. Trade Representative to publish certain information in the Federal Register and allow for public comment, and (2) the President to provide written notice and consult with Congress. Further, the President shall not enter into any suspension of or modification to a trade agreement unless the President has complied with such consultation requirements and receives congressional approval.

Servicemember Safety and Security Improvement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021

Servicemember Safety and Security Improvement 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.

Military Education and Values Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021

Military Education and Values Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to issue guidance prohibiting the use of any education or training methodology within DOD and the Armed Forces that promotes or causes a racial divide or lack of equality. Such guidance must also reiterate that members of the Armed Forces of all races will be treated equally and update service members on the core tenets of the U.S. military. DOD must report on the status of critical race-theory and other race-based training education methodologies in the Armed Forces.

Childcare Expansion for Military Families Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021

Childcare Expansion for Military Families Act of 2021 This bill addresses the provision of child care and development services by the Department of Defense (DOD) for children of members of the Armed Forces (military children). First, the bill requires DOD to establish a program to carry out minor military construction projects to construct child development centers, in amounts up to $15 million per project. DOD must establish procedures for the review and approval of requests from the military departments to implement construction projects for child development centers. DOD must conduct a comprehensive assessment of the availability of government-provided early childhood education and infant and early childhood mental health consultation services on and in the vicinity of certain military installations to identify and address the needs of military children. DOD is authorized to conduct one or more demonstration projects to evaluate improved approaches to the provision of educational and infant and early childhood mental health services to military children to evaluate the efficacy of such services to improve social-emotional development outcomes. DOD may authorize the development of a comprehensive professional development curricula for specified purposes. Finally, DOD must evaluate each demonstration project to assess the (1) extent of positive outcomes for military children, (2) improvements in services and continuity of care for such children, and (3) improved military family readiness and enhanced military retention.

Clean Water For Military Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021

Clean Water For Military Families Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct investigations into releases of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at or surrounding DOD installations located in the United States, formerly used defense sites, and state-owned facilities of the National Guard. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. DOD must also conduct response actions relating to PFAS contamination at the mentioned locations if any detection of PFAS exceeds specified standards for contamination or DOD finds remediation to be appropriate to protect human health or the environment.

Filthy Fifty Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021

Filthy Fifty Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to complete testing for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at all military installations, formerly used defense sites, and state-owned facilities of the National Guard in the United States. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. Not later than 60 days following the detection of PFAS at a military installation, formerly used defense site, or state-owned facility of the National Guard, DOD must take removal actions to ensure that all individuals served by a drinking water source contaminated by PFAS have access to drinking water that meets the applicable standard, regardless of whether DOD is the drinking water purveyor. Additionally, DOD must complete all physical construction required for the remediation of PFAS at such sites not later than 10 years after the enactment of this bill. DOD must report to Congress identifying the status of remediation efforts at 50 specified sites, such as England Air Force Base, Louisiana. DOD must complete all physical construction required for the remediation of PFAS at the 50 specified sites not later than five years after the enactment of this bill.

Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021

Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2021 This bill modifies the extension of dependent coverage under TRICARE by allowing a dependent under the age of 26 to be covered without an additional premium. Additionally, the bill authorizes such coverage of dependents without a premium regardless of whether they are eligible to enroll in an employer sponsored plan.

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-39] 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 · 7 June 2021

Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2021

Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act This bill requires reports relating to the Indian Ocean region. The Department of State must report to Congress a multiyear strategy for supporting U.S. interests in the Indian Ocean region. Among other things, the strategy must (1) outline U.S. political, economic, and security interests in the region and challenges to such interests; (2) outline efforts to engage with countries and intergovernmental organizations in the region; and (3) include a security assistance strategy. The bill also requires the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission to include in its annual report to Congress a full discussion of China's military deployment in the region.

VA CPE Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2021

Department of Veterans Affairs Continuing Professional Education Modernization Act or the VA CPE Modernization Act This bill modifies the program under which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses specified full-time health care professionals for continuing professional education expenses. Under current law, only board-certified physicians and dentists are eligible for such reimbursement. The bill expands the program to require reimbursement for various specified full-time health care professionals (e.g., registered nurses) and increases the amount available for a physician or dentist. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement that an individual be board-certified to receive reimbursement. The VA may adjust the amounts available based on inflation.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs an Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2021

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States to provide advice and guidance to the VA on matters relating to veterans residing in American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Among other duties, the committee must advise the VA on how to improve its programs and services to better serve veterans living in the listed areas.

Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2021

Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act This bill extends the provisions of the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016 to the Department of Homeland Security, with respect to the U.S. Coast Guard when it is not operating in the Department of the Navy. That act directed the Department of Defense to identify (1) certain disability severance payments paid after January 17, 1991, to veterans with combat-related injuries, from which it withheld amounts for tax purposes; and (2) the individuals to whom such severance payments were made.

COVID–19 Warrior Dogs Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2021

COVID-19 Warrior Dogs Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to commence a four-year pilot program to determine the effectiveness of using scent detection working dogs to detect the early stages of diseases, including COVID-19.

Expressing support for the designation of July 16 as "National Atomic Veterans Day".

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2021

This resolution acknowledges the important role of atomic veterans (i.e., veterans who participated in nuclear testing, were part of the military forces in Hiroshima or Nagasaki, or were held as prisoners of war near Hiroshima or Nagasaki). The resolution also supports the designation of National Atomic Veterans Day.

Emergency Resupply for IRON DOME Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2021

Emergency Resupply for IRON DOME Act of 2021 This bill requires the President to make all unexpended funding for assistance to Gaza available instead for grants to Israel for its Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system.

Hamas International Financing Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2021

Hamas International Financing Prevention Act This bill imposes sanctions targeting Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and any affiliate or successor groups. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of each foreign person or instrumentality that knowingly assists, provides significant support or services to, or is involved in a significant transaction with a senior member or supporter of any of the targeted groups. The President shall impose two or more sanctions on the named persons. Specifically, the person may be (1) denied credit and services from the Export-Import Bank, (2) barred from purchasing certain controlled defense articles, (3) denied exports of items on the U.S. Munitions List, (4) prevented from receiving exports of certain goods or technology controlled for national security reasons, (5) prohibited from receiving financing of more than $10 million from any U.S. financial institution, or (6) subject to property-blocking restrictions. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of foreign governments that have repeatedly provided material support for the targeted groups' terrorist activities. The President shall bar these governments from receiving for one year (1) U.S. assistance, or (2) exports of controlled munitions. The Department of Treasury shall instruct U.S. leadership of international financial institutions to oppose the provision of assistance to an identified government for one year. The bill provides for certain exceptions and waivers, such as for transactions that would serve U.S. national interests. The President shall report to Congress and periodically provide briefings on other specified topics related to the targeted groups, such as where these groups secure financing and surveillance equipment.

Justice for Warriors Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2021

Justice for Warriors Act This bill modifies various policies and procedures related to the military justice system, including by amending the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

To designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Diego, California, as the Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and to support the designation of a component of such medical center in honor of Kathleen Bruyere.

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2021

This bill designates the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in San Diego, California, as the Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that the VA should designate a prominent physical space within the Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center to honor Kathleen Mae Bruyere.

Vet Center Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2021

Vet Center Support Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on the mental health care furnished by the VA to veterans in states and territories of the United States that have a ratio of one Vet Center per 100,000 or more veterans.

Armed Forces Trans­gen­der Dependent Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2021

Armed Forces Transgender Dependent Protection Act This bill expands the policy of the Office of Special Needs within the Department of Defense to address transgender dependents. Specifically, the bill codifies the definition of a medical or educational special need to include gender dysphoria. Under the bill, the policy of the office must prohibit the assignment of a military family with special needs to a permanent duty location where the law restricts medically necessary treatment for a medical or educational special need. A member who is serving at a location when such a law is established may elect to be reassigned.

To authorize the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Marcelino Serna for acts of valor as a private in the Army during World War I.

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2021

This bill authorizes the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Marcelino Serna for acts of valor during his service in the Army during World War I, for which he was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2021

Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act This bill imposes prohibitions and limitations on funding for various Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Energy (DOE) weapons programs. Weapons subjected to prohibitions or limitations under this bill include Columbia-class submarines, intercontinental ballistic missiles, low-yield nuclear warheads, and space-based missile defense systems. The bill also requires various reports to Congress, including a joint report from DOD and DOE outlining the estimated cost savings resulting from this bill.

Fully Informed Veteran Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

Fully Informed Veteran Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to authorize physicians and other health care providers of the Veterans Health Administration to provide veterans with information about participating in state-approved marijuana programs if their state has such a program available. Under the bill, the term state includes the District of Columbia, federally recognized tribes, and U.S. territories and possessions.

Condemning all violence and human rights abuses in Ethiopia, and calling on the Government of Ethiopia and the Government of the State of Eritrea to remove all Eritrean troops from Ethiopia, and for all belligerents in the conflict, including the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, the Tigray People's Liberation Front, and Amhara regional forces, and other armed groups to cease all hostilities, protect human rights, allow unfettered humanitarian access, and cooperate with independent investigations of credible atrocity allegations.

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

This resolution strongly disapproves of the escalation of political tensions between the government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front into armed conflict, and it calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities in the Tigray region as well as an end to violence throughout Ethiopia. Further, the resolution urges all parties to work to protect human rights, and it calls on relevant U.S. agencies to take specified actions that encourage an end to the conflict and that provide humanitarian support.

ACE Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

Access to Contraception Expansion for Veterans Act or the ACE Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to authorize veterans to fill prescriptions for a year's supply of contraceptive pills, transdermal patches, vaginal rings, or other hormonal contraceptive products.

William Becker Promoting Careers in Aviation for America’s Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

William Becker Promoting Careers in Aviation for America's Veterans Act This bill modifies the treatment of reimbursed flight training expenses for tax deduction purposes and in relation to educational assistance benefits for veterans. In taxable years before January 1, 1980, the determination of whether a deduction for flight training expenses is authorized as a trade or business expense must be made without regard to whether the taxpayer was reimbursed for any portion of such expenses by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill removes the requirement that an individual must possess a valid private pilot certificate and meet certain medical requirements to utilize VA educational assistance for flight training purposes. The VA, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Labor must develop a national strategy for providing assistance to veterans in pursuing careers in aviation.

Lawrence J. Hackett, Jr., Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

Lawrence J. Hackett, Jr., Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Fairness Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a task force to make recommendations about the care and compensation that should be provided to veterans who have been exposed to Agent Orange, their spouses, and multiple generations of their offspring.

Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the 369th Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the Harlem Hellfighters, in recognition of their bravery and outstanding service during World War I.

Vet Center Improvement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

Vet Center Improvement Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to evaluate productivity expectations for readjustment counselors of Vet Centers, including by obtaining feedback from counselors that must be audited annually for five years by the Government Accountability Office. The VA must also (1) develop and implement a staffing model for Vet Centers, (2) standardize descriptions of position responsibilities at Vet Centers, and (3) award grants to address food insecurity among veterans and family members of veterans who receive services through Vet Centers or other VA facilities.

Honoring the men and women who paid the ultimate price for the Nation's freedom and recommitting the people of the United States to remember and renew the legacy of Memorial Day.

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

This concurrent resolution urges all Americans to continue to observe the National Moment of Remembrance to honor the approximately 1.3 million members of the Armed Forces who have lost their lives in war from 1775 to 2021. The concurrent resolution also recognizes (1) that Memorial Day is a day to commemorate and honor military personnel who never returned home, and (2) that representative governance of the people of the United States would not be possible without the bravery of those members of the Armed Forces who are honored on Memorial Day.