Defence

SOS Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Stop Our Scourge Act of 2023 or the SOS Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to designate illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and requires the Office of National Drug Control Policy to conduct an assessment regarding that substance. Specifically, the office must assess foreign manufacturing of illicit fentanyl, the tools and capabilities across federal agencies to address trafficking of that substance, the capabilities of the Mexican military to conduct counterdrug missions with respect to that substance, the capacities and willingness of China to take specified actions with respect to that substance, and illicit fentanyl being trafficked into the United States from Mexico.

ACT for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

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

Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a five-year pilot program to furnish, under the Veterans Community Care Program, hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Love Lives On Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

Love Lives On Act of 2023 This bill extends entitlement for various benefit programs and services for surviving spouses of deceased members of the Armed Forces or veterans. First, the bill removes the expiration on a surviving spouses' entitlement to educational assistance through the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship). The bill also provides that the remarriage of a surviving spouse must not bar the furnishing of dependency and indemnity compensation to such spouse. Next, the Department of Defense may not terminate the payment of an annuity for a surviving spouse under the Survivor Benefit Plan solely because the surviving spouse remarries. Additionally, the bill provides commissary store and MWR retail facility (e.g., exchange store) access to surviving spouses regardless of the martial status of the spouse. Such spouses must be entitled to use such stores and facilities to the same extent and on the same basis as surviving spouses who did not remarry. The bill expands the definition of a dependent under TRICARE to include a remarried widow or widower whose subsequent marriage has ended due to death, divorce, or annulment. Finally, the bill modifies the definition of a surviving spouse for purposes of veterans benefits to include same sex marriages.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to rescind guidelines and ensure the removal of signs and guidance relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to immediately rescind all guidelines relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. The VA must also ensure all signs and posted guidance related to COVID-19 are removed from its facilities (e.g., signage related to masking and social distancing).

Veterans Right to Expediency Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

Veterans Right to Expediency Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to deliver notice of the denial of claims for VA benefits by certified mail.

Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act This bill provides disability pay and medical care for members of the National Guard who were physically disabled as a result of state active duty. State active duty includes training or other duty in service to the governor of a state for which the member is not entitled to federal pay, but excludes required drills and field exercises. The bill expands eligibility for Department of Defense retired pay to such members who are physically disabled as a result of state active duty after September 23, 1996. Such pay must be reduced if it is determined to duplicate any other federal or state benefit to such members based on disability. The bill also makes such members eligible for hospital care and medical services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to treat the disability and any illness or condition arising from the disability. The VA may provide reimbursement for hospital care or medical services provided to such members only after a member or the provider of care has exhausted (without success) all claims and remedies reasonably available against a third party.

READI Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

Resist Executive Amnesty on Defense Installations Act or the READI Act This bill prohibits the use of a military installation to house an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States or undergoing removal proceedings.

Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2023

Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a five-year pilot program to expand eligibility for the work-study allowance program to individuals who are pursuing programs of rehabilitation, education, or training at a rate equal to at least half of that required of a full-time student.

VA Work-Study Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2023

VA Work-Study Improvement Act This bill modifies certain pay and eligibility requirements under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work-study program, including minimum wage and timesheet requirements. The bill expands the list of qualifying work-study activities to include state government, local government, or nonprofit organization activities that would benefit veterans or members of the Armed Forces. The bill also modifies minimum wage requirements under the work-study program. Under the bill, the hourly minimum wage paid under the work-study program must be the higher of (1) the minimum rate of basic pay for any federal employee (under the general schedule or federal wage system pursuant to specified regulations), (2) the hourly minimum wage in the state where the services are to be performed, or (3) the hourly minimum wage of the local government with jurisdiction over the area in which the services are to be performed. Additionally, the VA must ensure that (1) an individual participating in a qualifying work-study activity may electronically record such hours, and (2) the supervisor may electronically approve such records. Finally, the VA must annually publish specified information regarding qualifying work-study activities carried out during the year, including the demographics of individuals participating in the program.

Doctors at the Ready Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2023

Doctors at the Ready Act This bill permanently authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to directly appoint candidates to positions within the National Disaster Medical System if HHS determines the number of personnel in the system is insufficient to address a public health emergency or potential public health emergency. Currently, the authorization expires on September 30, 2023. The National Disaster Medical System is a partnership between HHS, the Department of Defense, and other federal departments that responds to public health and other emergencies, including by deploying medical response teams.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the authority to provide a wig and treat traction alopecia under the TRICARE program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2023

This bill expands primary and preventative health care services for women under TRICARE to include health care services for traction alopecia. The bill also authorizes the provision of a wig for traction alopecia. (Under current law, wigs are only authorized for individuals with alopecia resulting from the treatment of a malignant disease). Additionally, the bill requires the implementation of regulations regarding grooming standards and training materials to ensure members of the Armed Forces are warned that the prolonged use of tightly gathered hairstyles, dyes, and chemical hair products may cause health issues, such as traction alopecia.

Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2023

Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2023 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.

Spectrum Auction Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2023

Spectrum Auction Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill addresses auctions of, and other matters related to, portions of the electromagnetic spectrum allocated for federal use. In particular, the bill extends various authorities granted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to auction spectrum and specifies the distribution of proceeds from auctions. Further, it increases funding available to the FCC for reimbursing communications services providers for replacing equipment or services that pose national security risks. It also expands permitted uses and other aspects of the Spectrum Relocation Fund (SRF), a funding mechanism through which federal agencies can recover certain costs for spectrum relocation or sharing. For example, it (1) provides SRF funding to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for implementing incumbent informing capabilities that enable federal spectrum users to alert nonfederal users about where and when federal systems are operating to manage harmful interference in shared spectrum, and (2) directs the Department of Defense to report more extensively about its use of SRF funding. Additionally, the bill requires activities to (1) expand nonfederal use, shared use, or a combination of those uses of spectrum currently allocated for federal use; and (2) update a memorandum of understanding and otherwise increase coordination to promote efficient and effective use of spectrum allocated for federal use. The bill also establishes grants for (1) next generation 9-1-1 systems (interoperable Internet Protocol-based systems for receiving 9-1-1 calls); and (2) expanding broadband access through historically Black colleges or universities, tribal colleges or universities, or other minority-serving institutions.

Veterans CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2023

Veterans Cannabis Analysis, Research, and Effectiveness Act or the Veterans CARE Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct and support research on the efficacy and safety of certain forms of cannabis and cannabis delivery for veterans enrolled in the VA health care system and diagnosed with conditions such as chronic pain or post-traumatic stress disorder. Collected data shall be preserved in a manner that facilitates further research.

COPE Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2023

Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement Act or the COPE Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to award grants to implement, coordinate, improve, or enhance mental health counseling, treatment, or support for family caregivers of veterans participating in the family caregiver program. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the provision of mental health support to caregivers of veterans.

Recognizing the historic significance of the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2023

This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program and its outsized influence in developing and supporting enduring relationships around the world. The resolution also expresses deep gratitude for the service of members of the National Guard to the program.

VA Medical Center Security Report Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

VA Medical Center Security Report Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to annually survey certain VA medical center employees (i.e., police chiefs, facility emergency management leaders, medical center directors, or a person carrying out the responsibilities of one of these positions in an acting capacity) to collect information regarding security at each VA medical center. The bill also requires the VA to submit an annual report to Congress on the security at VA medical centers. Among other elements, the report must include the results of the annual survey and a plan for addressing any security weaknesses identified in the results.

Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Protecting Veteran Community Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Protecting Veteran Community Care Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish residential mental health or substance-use services to certain veterans through the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP). Specifically, the VA must furnish such care if a veteran (1) meets VA criteria for priority admission to a VA Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program and the VA is unable to accommodate priority admission, or (2) has contacted the VA to request such mental health services and the VA is not able to furnish such services in a manner that complies with VA access standards for specialty care provided under the VCCP. The VA must ensure that a referral to an alternate Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program does not take precedence over timely access to mental health or substance-use services unless the referral is requested by the veteran. The VA is prohibited from determining a veteran is ineligible for VCCP care solely because VCCP providers are unable to comply with wait times or access standards. If multiple options for care or services are available, the VA must permit a veteran to elect the option the veteran prefers. Additionally, the bill provides minimum standards for residential mental health or substance-use services provided under the VCCP (e.g., treatment programs or facilities must be licensed and accredited for the specified services).

Restore Veterans’ Compensation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

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.

Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights Act of 2023 This bill requires each military department to maintain authority over and responsibility for any of member of the Armed Forces under its jurisdiction while a medical evaluation board is considering the member or during any other part of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). The Department of Defense (DOD) must also modify its policies and procedures for the IDES to ensure appeals made by wounded warriors (i.e., members of the Armed Forces being processed for potential medical separation at any point in the IDES) include, at the demand of the member, a full and fair hearing on the determination conducted in a timely manner by the military department concerned. DOD must brief Congress on the implementation of the modified responsibilities related to the IDES and medical evaluations.

Chemical and Biological Defense Program Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Chemical and Biological Defense Program Improvement Act of 2023 This bill allows the Department of Defense to include funding requests for the chemical and biological defense program within the budget accounts of the military departments.

Reinstate Our Troops Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Reinstate Our Troops Act This bill addresses the reinstatement of members of the Armed Forces who requested an exemption from an order to receive a COVID-19 vaccination and were involuntarily separated solely on the basis of the refusal to receive such vaccination. Specifically, at the election of the separated individual, the bill requires the military department concerned to reinstate the individual, in the same rank and grade the individual held at the time of separation. An individual must elect to be reinstated within the one-year period following the enactment of this bill. Additionally, such individuals (enlisted members and officers) are not required to repay a bonus for failure to complete a period of service solely because such service was incomplete due to the exemption request and involuntary separation. The military department concerned must return a bonus repaid by an individual if the individual elects to be reinstated. If an individual does not elect reinstatement, the military department concerned must ensure the discharge of the individual is characterized as honorable. The military department concerned must also expunge from an individual's military service record any reference to adverse action related to the refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Ritchie Boys Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Ritchie Boys Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the military intelligence professionals at Camp Ritchie, commonly known as the "Ritchie Boys," in recognition of their contributions to the field of human intelligence and their service during World War II.

A resolution expressing the approval of Congress for the 50th anniversary celebration of the homecoming of United States prisoners of war from Vietnam and in recognition of the extraordinary service and sacrifices of such prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

This resolution expresses approval for the 50th anniversary celebration of the homecoming of U.S. prisoners of war from Vietnam and recognizes the service and sacrifices of such prisoners of war.

TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Military Facilities Upgrades Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Chemical and Biological Defense Program Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Chemical and Biological Defense Program Improvement Act of 2023 This bill allows the Department of Defense to include funding requests for the chemical and biological defense program within the budget accounts of the military departments. 

A resolution recognizing the historic significance of the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program and its outsized influence in developing and supporting enduring relationships around the world. The resolution also expresses deep gratitude for the service of members of the National Guard to the program.

VET–TEC Authorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement through FY2028 a program under which it provides up to 6,000 covered individuals per year the opportunity to enroll in high technology programs of education that provide non-degree training or skills related to computer programming, media application, data processing, or information sciences. A covered individual is a veteran who (1) the VA determines is under the age of 62, served an aggregate of at least 36 months on active duty, and was discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable; or (2) will satisfy such requirements in fewer than 180 days after the VA's determination. In administering the program, the VA must provide assistance to covered individuals in amounts equal to those provided to Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients who are pursuing a degree on more than a half-time basis. The VA must seek to enter into contracts with any number of qualified providers of high technology programs of education and pay such providers a specified percentage of the tuition and other fees for each enrolled individual. If a covered individual has remaining entitlement to other VA educational assistance, entitlement under this program must be charged at the rate of one month of that remaining entitlement for each month of assistance under this program. Finally, the bill extends certain loan fee rates through March 31, 2032, under the VA's home loan program.

Protecting Veteran Community Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

THE ROLE OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES IN SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE STRATEGY, INCLUDING ACTIVITIES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO LONG-TERM STRATEGIC COMPETITION WITH CHINA AND RUSSIA

United States · United States Senate · 17 May 2023

Fire Department Repayment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Fire Department Repayment Act of 202 3 This bill requires standard operating procedures for reciprocal fire suppression cost share agreements. The Departments of Agriculture, the Interior, Homeland Security, and Defense shall establish standard operating procedures relating to fire suppression cost share agreements established under the Reciprocal Fire Protection Act; and with respect to each agreement in operation on one year after enactment of this bill, review each agreement and modify it as necessary to comply with the standard operating procedures. The standard operating procedures shall include a requirement that each fire suppression cost share agreement be aligned with each of the cooperative fire protection agreements applicable to the entity subject to such fire suppression cost share agreement. The standard operating procedures shall also include a requirement that the departments, to the maximum extent practicable, complete reviews, including second-level reviews of a fire suppression cost share agreement, as soon as practicable after a wildfire related to the area covered by such cost share agreement is contained; and a requirement that in completing such reviews, the department concerned consults with state and local fire suppression organizations.

Veterans Administration Backlog Accountability Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Veterans Administration Backlog Accountability Act of 2023 This bill requires the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on the backlog of VA disability compensation claims that are pending before the Veterans Benefits Administration or the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

Veterans’ True Choice Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Veterans' True Choice Act of 2023 This bill allows covered veterans to receive coverage under TRICARE Select, a health care program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Veterans covered by this bill include those with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, those discharged from service due to disability, and those entitled to disability compensation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must reimburse DOD's costs of enrolling eligible veteran beneficiaries in the program. A covered veteran may not concurrently receive hospital care or medical services from DOD and the VA.

MINDS Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

B–2 to B–21 Cost Analysis Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

B-2 to B-21 Cost Analysis Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to coordinate with the Department of the Air Force and the Government Accountability Office to study and report on infrastructure used for B-2 aircraft at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The report must include recommendations relating to how the infrastructure could be repurposed to produce cost savings and accommodate B-21 aircraft.

Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2023 This bill establishes requirements related to the fighter aircraft capabilities of the Air National Guard. Specifically, the bill requires that the aircraft inventory of the Air National Guard must include at least 25 fighter aircraft squadrons, each of which must have a minimum of 18 primary aircraft authorized. Such requirement may be waived in extraordinary circumstances. Additionally, the Department of the Air Force must develop a fighter aircraft recapitalization plan that provides for (1) the replacement and modernization of Air National Guard fighter squadrons at a rate that ensures the full recapitalization of such fighter squadrons by the end of FY2034, and (2) the fielding of the Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems in the Air National Guard.

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2023 This bill recognizes service as a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 31, 1948, as active duty service. The active duty designation entitles qualifying individuals to certain benefits afforded to veterans, such as burial benefits (not including interment or inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery) and honorary veteran status. Under the bill, the Department of Defense (DOD) must issue individuals who served in the corps during the specified period a discharge from their service under honorable conditions if such a discharge is warranted based on the duration and nature of the service. Such individuals are not entitled to Department of Veterans Affairs benefits aside from those related to burials and memorials. The bill also authorizes DOD to produce a service medal or other commendation, memorial plaque, or grave marker to honor the individuals.

Condemning the acts of terrorism committed by Iranian military proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, against the people of the State of Israel.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

This resolution expresses support for Israel's efforts of self-determination and collective security against external forces, recognizes Jerusalem as the legitimate capital city of Israel, and condemns actions by Hamas against the people of Israel.

Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2023 This bill imposes sanctions targeting Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and any affiliate or successor groups. The President must impose sanctions on foreign persons and on agencies or instrumentalities of foreign states that knowingly provide significant support or services to or are involved in a significant transaction with a senior member or supporter of the targeted groups. The President must impose property-blocking restrictions on such persons and must impose two or more sanctions on such agencies or instrumentalities. Specifically, the agency or instrumentality 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, or (5) prohibited from receiving financing of more than $10 million from any U.S. financial institution. The President must 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 the Treasury must instruct U.S. leadership of international financial institutions to oppose providing 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 must report to Congress and periodically provide briefings on other specified topics related to the targeted groups, such as the disposition of assets and group activities.

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2023 This bill recognizes service as a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 31, 1948, as active duty service. The active duty designation entitles qualifying individuals to certain benefits afforded to veterans, such as burial benefits (not including interment at Arlington National Cemetery) and honorary veteran status. Under the bill, the Department of Defense (DOD) must issue individuals who served in the corps during the specified period a discharge from their service under honorable conditions if such a discharge is warranted based on the duration and nature of the service. Such individuals are not entitled to Department of Veterans Affairs benefits aside from those related to burials and memorials. The bill also authorizes DOD to produce a service medal or other commendation, memorial plaque, or grave marker to honor the individuals.

Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Processing Claims Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Processing Claims Improvement Act of 2023 This bill requires the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update an ongoing, national training program for claims processors who review compensation claims for service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Such claims processors will be required to participate in the training at least once a year starting in their second year of being a VA claims processor. The training program must be standardized at regional offices of the VBA and include instruction on stressor development and verification. The VBA must establish a formal process to annually analyze training needs based on identified processing error trends. Additionally, the VBA must establish a formal process to conduct annual studies to help guide the national training program for claims processors. Finally, the VBA must evaluate the guidance relating to PTSD to determine if updates are warranted to provide claims processors with better resources regarding best practices for claims processing, including specific guidance regarding development of claims involving compensation for service-connected PTSD.

Reimburse Veterans for Domiciliary Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Reimburse Veterans for Domiciliary Care Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prescribe a rule related to the waiver of certain requirements for the payment of per diem for domiciliary care in a state home. (A state home is a home established by a state for veterans who are disabled by age, disease, or otherwise and are 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 prescribe a rule that authorizes the waiver of certain requirements for a veteran to be eligible for per diem payments for domiciliary care at a state home if the veteran has met at least four of the current requirements or the waiver would be in the best interest of the veteran. In prescribing the rule, the VA must ensure its authority to provide payments to state homes is retroactive to January 5, 2021.

VA Canine Reporting Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

VA Canine Reporting Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on the average time it took to provide a veteran with a service or guide dog in the prior year. The report must also include legislative recommendations to reduce such wait time.

Sailor Standard of Care Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Sailor Standard of Care Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of the Navy (DON) to implement policies and procedures related to mental health and quality of life for members of the Navy. Specifically, the DON must provide additional resources to any unit with greater than 15 members designated for limited duty at a given time. (Generally, limited duty status is designated for medical reasons and can be permanent or temporary.) The DON must require that members who are designated for limited duty receive a mental health screening upon such designation and once every 60 days for the duration of the designation. The DON must establish a framework to ensure (1) centralized leadership for the management of members of the Navy who are designated for limited duty, and (2) members who have suicidal ideations or other mental health care needs have smooth transitions during transfers between units or while designated for limited duty. The DON must brief Congress on the average number of days for the medical separation of a member previously designated for limited duty and recommendations for steps the DON may take to streamline and expedite timely separation. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs must establish and maintain a dashboard to track quality of life programs (e.g., childcare programs) of the DON and the rate of usage of each program. The DON must study recent cases in which multiple suicides occurred within 30 days of each other among members assigned to the same unit or command.

Reclamation of War Powers Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Reclamation of War Powers Act This bill prohibits Armed Forces funding from being obligated or expended for the introduction of the Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, in the absence of a declaration of war, specific statutory authorization, or a national emergency created by an attack or imminent threat of attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or the Armed Forces. In the case of a national emergency created by an attack (or threat of attack), funds may be used for only 60 days. The House of Representatives or the Senate may not consider a bill or joint resolution that makes funds available in violation of these provisions. The President shall, in the case of such introduction of the Armed Forces, submit to Congress a report that includes an analysis of the threat to be countered by the use of the Armed Forces; the specific objectives and justification for those objectives; and a description of the scope, duration, cost, and likelihood of success.

To require the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to counter fentanyl trafficking in the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop and submit a strategy to use existing authorities to target, disrupt, or degrade threats to national security that are caused or exacerbated by fentanyl trafficking. The strategy must be submitted in an unclassified form, but it may include a classified index. Additionally, DOD must seek to enhance cooperation with defense officials of Mexico to target, disrupt, and degrade transnational criminal organizations within Mexico that traffic fentanyl.