Defence

To require the Secretary of Defense to require members of the Armed Forces, before being deployed, to be trained in management of contracts and contractors.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2009

Directs the Secretary of Defense to require that, before the deployment of any member of the Armed Forces, the member shall be provided training in the management of defense contracts and contractors. Requires specified additional training for members with direct responsibility for decisions regarding contracting.

Fulfilling America's Promise to Our Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2009

Fulfilling America's Promise to Our Veterans Act - Prohibits, in any case in which a veteran is furnished care or services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a service-connected disability, the United States from recovering or collecting for such care or services from any third party.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2009

Revises TRICARE (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) to authorize treatment of autism spectrum disorders, if a health care professional determines that such treatment is medically necessary.

To authorize the Secretary of the Navy to convey, without consideration, to Piasecki Aircraft Corporation the right, title, and interest of the United States in and to Navy aircraft N40VT, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2009

Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey, without consideration, to Piasecki Aircraft Corporation of Essington, Pennsylvania, all U.S. rights and interest to Navy aircraft N40VT, and associated components and test equipment.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to guarantee a pay increase for members of the uniformed services for fiscal years 2011 through 2014 of one-half of one percentage point higher than the Employment Cost Index.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2009

Guarantees a pay increase for uniformed services members for FY2011-FY2014 of 0.5% higher than the Employment Cost Index.

Expressing the gratitude and appreciation of the House of Representatives for the acts of heroism and military achievement by the members of the United States Armed Forces who participated in the June 6, 1944, amphibious landing at Normandy, France, and commending them for leadership and valor in an operation that helped bring an end to World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2009

Recognizes the 65th anniversary of the Allied amphibious landing on D-Day, June 6, 1944, at Normandy, France, during World War II. Expresses gratitude and appreciation to the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in the D-day operations.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Department of Veterans Affairs should not retreat from its responsibility to support those veterans with combat wounds or service-connected disabilities.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2009

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should not formally propose a change in policy as significant as the proposal to authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to charge a veteran's private health insurance provider for hospital care and medical services provided by the VA for a service-connected disability; and (2) the VA should acknowledge its responsibility for financing the health care of veterans with service-connected disabilities and combat wounds.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 17 March 2009

A bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots ("WASP").

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to make appropriate arrangements for the award of a single gold medal in honor of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) collectively, in honor of their pioneering military service and exemplary record, which forged revolutionary reform in the U.S. Armed Forces. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Smithsonian Institution shall make the medal available for display elsewhere, particularly at other locations associated with the WASP.

A bill to provide additional personnel authorities for the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to authorize the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction to exercise certain employment and employment-related authorities currently permitted for the heads of temporary organizations established by law or executive order.

A bill to amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to establish a Veterans Corps program.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to include as an authorized national service program a Veteran Corps program that meets specified unmet needs of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, as well as their families.

Veterans Mental Health Accessibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Veterans Mental Health Accessibility Act - Makes any veteran who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam era, the Persian Gulf War, Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, or any other period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities, eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for any mental illness through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the mental illness is attributable to such service.

To authorize the conveyance of a portion of the campus of the Illiana Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs to Danville Area Community College of Vermilion County, Illinois.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to convey to the Danville Area Community College of Vermilion County, Illinois, specified real property of the Illiana Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) the Committee on Care of Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury to continually assess VHA capability to meet the treatment and rehabilitation needs of veterans with traumatic brain injury.

To prohibit the use of funds to transfer individuals detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to facilities in Minnesota or to house such individuals at such facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any individual detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any military installation or federal detention center in Minnesota; or (2) house any such individual at a Minnesota installation or detention center.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all Americans should participate in a moment of silence to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces both at home and abroad.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all Americans should participate in a moment of silence (on March 26, 2009, National Support Our Troops Day) to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of members of the U.S. Armed Forces both at home and abroad.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Department of Veterans Affairs should take full responsibility for financing the health care benefits earned by veterans with service-connected disabilities.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should take full responsibility for financing the health-care benefits earned by veterans with service-connected disabilities; (2) the purchase of supplemental health insurance by a veteran should not be grounds for reducing the federal government's obligation to such veteran; and (3) the VA should not implement policies that discourage disabled veterans from purchasing supplemental health insurance coverage for themselves and their families.

Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) report on barriers to the receipt of comprehensive health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) encountered by women veterans, especially those of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) provide for an independent study on health consequences for women veterans serving on active duty in deployments in such Operations; and (3) report on the employment of full-time managers for women veterans programs at VA medical centers. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a plan to improve the provision of VA health care services to women veterans; (2) carry out a program of education, training, certification, and continuing medical education for mental health professionals providing care for veterans suffering from sexual trauma; (3) carry out a pilot program of providing reintegration and readjustment services in group retreat settings to women veterans recently separated from service after a prolonged deployment; and (4) carry out a pilot program on subsidies for child care for certain women veterans receiving health care from VA facilities. Requires women veterans recently separated from service to be included on the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans and the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish care to a newborn child of a woman veteran receiving VA maternity care for up to seven days after the birth of the child.

Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act - Deems the resumption of underground nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site or the use of any other location for such testing to be a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment for which a separate environmental impact statement is required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Outlines information required to be included in such statement, including: (1) the possibility of radiation containment failure and the effects of such failure; (2) possible long-term effects on the water table from underground radiation leakage; and (3) information with respect to categories of weapons subject to testing. Prohibits the United States from resuming any such testing unless authorized by a law enacted after the enactment of this Act. Requires: (1) advance (seven days) public notice of each test; (2) prompt notice of each release of radiation resulting from a test; and (3) a study by the National Academy of Sciences on the safety and health of citizens in the vicinity of the Site. Establishes a Nevada Test Site Citizens Review Board to address environmental, health, and safety issues related to nuclear testing at the Site. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to institutions of higher education to acquire and operate for ten years radiation detection equipment and sensors. Directs the Secretary of Energy, through the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to monitor any radiation released into the atmosphere as a result of such testing. Requires: (1) DOE radiation containment assessment; and (2) public notice of monitoring data. Requires the: (1) Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to make a grant to establish the National Center for the Study of Radiation and Human Health; and (2) Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of individuals exposed to nuclear weapons tests.

To amend title 40, United States Code, to add certain Armed Forces organizations that are exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to the list of organizations eligible for donations of personal property through State agencies.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Adds certain tax-exempt organizations consisting of past and present members of the Armed Forces to the list of organizations eligible for donations of personal property through state agencies.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study evaluating and comparing the effectiveness of programs designed to diagnose, treat, and prevent post-traumatic stress disorder.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study evaluating and comparing the effectiveness of programs designed to diagnose, treat, and prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

To direct the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to jointly carry out a study on the use of thorium-liquid fueled nuclear reactors for naval power needs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to jointly carry out a study on the use of thorium-liquid fueled nuclear reactors for naval power needs under a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 which requires any new major combatant vessels for the U.S. strike force to be constructed with an integrated nuclear power system.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to specify the minimum rank requirement for officer serving as Chief of the Navy Dental Corps to correspond to Army and Air Force requirements for the heads of their dental corps.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Removes the requirement that the person detailed as Chief of the Navy Dental Corps be of a rank not less than rear admiral (lower half) at the time of the detail. Requires an appointee to such position holding a lower grade to be appointed in the regular grade of rear admiral.

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2009, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct studies regarding alternative models for acquisition and funding of technologies supporting network-centric operations.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Directs the Secretary of Defense to contract with a federally funded research and development center to carry out a comprehensive study of policies, procedures, organization, and regulatory constraints affecting the acquisition of technologies supporting network-centric operations. Requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to carry out an independent study of the same subject.

To authorize the Secretary of Defense to establish a fellowship program regarding neuroscience.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish the Visiting NIH Senior Neuroscience Fellowship Program at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Defense Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (Center). Requires the Program to provide for partnerships between the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and DARPA, and between NIH and the Center, for clinical and experimental neuroscience studies for the benefit of members of the Armed Forces.

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act - Deems service of a person as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 15, 1945 (qualified service), to be active military service for purposes of all laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Defense to issue an honorable discharge to each person whose qualified service warrants one; and (2) the discharge to be issued before the end of the one-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act. Prohibits benefits from being paid to persons as a result of such enactment for any period before the enactment date.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to eliminate the statute of limitations on the award of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Eliminates the statute of limitations on the award of the Medal of Honor. (Under current law, the Medal must be awarded within three years after the date of the act justifying the award.)

[H.A.S.C. No. 111-21]THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AT HIGH RISK: RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL FOR IMPROVING DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 March 2009

Alexander Vershbow, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Mary Beth Long, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 12 March 2009

Military Family Nutrition Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Military Family Nutrition Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to exclude combat pay from household income in calculating a child's eligibility for free or reduced price meals under the school lunch program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require states to exclude combat pay from family income in making eligibility determinations under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children.

Defense Communities Assistance Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Defense Communities Assistance Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress on the necessity of assisting local communities coping with the impact of base closures and realignments and other military actions. Extends permanently (under current law, terminated at the end of FY2008) the authority of the Secretary of the military department concerned to convey, for certain purposes, real property on a military installation determined to be excess to the needs of the Department of Defense (DOD). Authorizes the Secretary concerned to contract for the procurement of municipal services for a U.S. military installation from a county, municipal government, or other local governmental unit in the area. Authorizes such Secretary to so contract using procedures other than competitive procedures, under certain conditions and after congressional notification. Amends the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 to extend through FY2020 a pilot program for the purchase of certain municipal services for military installations. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to broaden the indemnification provided to transferees of military properties. Reinstates provisions of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 which allow military departments to transfer surplus real and personal property at closed or realigned military installations without consideration to local redevelopment authorities when used for economic development purposes, without the requirement to assess the property's value.

Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009 - Waives a state's sovereign immunity with respect to the enforcement of uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). Makes unenforceable agreements between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of disputes arising under USERRA. Provides exceptions. Requires the validity and enforceability of such an agreement to be determined by a court (as opposed to the arbitrator). Provides increased liquidated damages, and authorizes punitive damages, against state or private employer violations of USERRA. Provides a right to a jury trial in such cases. Requires (under current law, authorizes) the award of attorney fees in actions to enforce USERRA. Defines "successor in interest" for USERRA purposes. Prohibits wage discrimination against members covered under USERRA. Requires (under current law, authorizes) a court to use equitable relief, including injunctions and restraining orders when appropriate, for USERRA violations. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require federal procurement contracts to include a notice that the contractor may have USERRA obligations. Requires a Comptroller General study on the effectiveness of federal education and outreach programs on employer obligations under USERRA.

Safe and Secure America Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Safe and Secure America Act of 2009 - Amends the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 to extend through 2019 provisions which: (1) authorize the use of multipoint or roving wiretaps for national security and intelligence investigations; and (2) allow the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to apply to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to grant government access to tangible items (books, records, etc.) in foreign intelligence, international terrorism, and clandestine intelligence cases. Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to extend through 2019 the inclusion of "lone wolf" terrorists as agents of a foreign power, for purposes of the authority to obtain intelligence on non-U.S. persons engaged in international terrorism.

Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to allow claims for damages to be brought against the United States for personal injury or death of a member of the Armed Forces arising out of a negligent or wrongful act or omission in the performance of medical, dental, or related health care functions that is provided by persons acting within the scope of their office or employment by or at the direction of the government inside the United States. Requires a reduction of claims under this Act by the present value of other benefits attributable to such death or injury received by the member and by that member's estate, survivors, and beneficiaries pursuant to other federal law. Prohibits a claim under this Act from being reduced by the amount of any benefit received under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance. Makes this Act inapplicable to any claim arising out of the combatant activities of the Armed Forces during the time of armed conflict.

Teri Zenner Social Worker Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Teri Zenner Social Worker Safety Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants to states to provide safety measures to social workers and other professionals working with violent, drug-using, or other at-risk populations. Authorizes such grants to be used to provide or support: (1) the procurement and installation of safety equipment, including communications systems to assist agencies in locating staff, and technical assistance and training for safety communications; (2) training exercises for self-defense and crisis management; (3) facility safety improvements; (4) provision of pepper spray for self-defense; (5) training in cultural competency and on strategies for de-escalating a situation that could turn volatile; (6) training to help workers who work with mentally ill communities and who need help coping; and (7) educational resources and materials to train staff on safety and awareness measures. Directs the Secretary to establish guidelines for assuring the cost-effectiveness and quality of the safety measures funded.

To restrict United States military assistance to the Government of Pakistan.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Prohibits, with a national interest waiver, U.S. military assistance to be provided to Pakistan unless the President certifies to Congress that the government of Pakistan is: (1) making Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan available for U.S. questioning; and (2) providing adequate assurances that it will monitor Khan's activities in order to prevent his participation in any efforts to disseminate nuclear technology.

Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2009

Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act - Directs the Postmaster General to provide for the issuance of a forever stamp (a stamp that meets first-class postage requirements even if postage rates increase) to honor the sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide wartime disability compensation for certain veterans with Parkinson's disease.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2009

Adds Parkinson's disease (manifested to a degree of disability of 10% or more) to the list of diseases presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by military service in Vietnam (and therefore compensable under veterans' disability compensation), notwithstanding that there is no evidence of the disease during the period of service, provided a veteran served between specified dates and was exposed to a herbicide used in military operations during that period.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2010

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 March 2009

James N. Miller, Jr., of Virginia, to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, vice Christopher Ryan Henry.

United States · United States Senate · 10 March 2009

Wartime Treatment Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Wartime Treatment Study Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of European Americans to review U.S. government wartime treatment (from September 1, 1939, through December 31, 1948) of European Americans and European Latin Americans. Requires the Commission to review: (1) government actions with respect to European Americans and European Latin Americans pursuant to United States laws and directives, including the Alien Enemies Acts, Presidential Proclamations 2526, 2527, 2655, 2662, 2685, Executive Orders 9066 and 9095, and related directives pursuant to these and other pertinent laws, proclamations, or executive orders; (2) registration requirements, travel and property restrictions, internment, and forced abandonment of property; (3) participation by European Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces; and (4) appropriate remedies, including public education programs and the creation of a comprehensive online database by the National Archives and Records Administration of documents related to the government's wartime treatment of European Americans and European Latin Americans during World War II. Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of Jewish Refugees to review the U.S. government's refusal to allow entry into the United States of Jewish and other refugees fleeing persecution or genocide in Europe. Directs the Commission to include reviews of: (1) the rationale for such refusal, its perceived benefit, and its impact on refugees; and (2) federal refugee policy concerning those fleeing persecution or genocide.

A bill to provide benefits under the Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence program for certain periods before the implementation of the program.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide uncharged leave or a monetary benefit to any member or former member of the Armed Forces who, on any day beginning on January 19, 2007, and ending on the date of implementation of the Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence program, would have qualified for a day of administrative absence under such program had it been in effect. Makes such benefit: (1) an amount not to exceed $200 for each day, in the case of a former member; and (2) either one day of administrative absence or an amount not to exceed $200, in the case of a current member. Excludes from such benefit any members discharged or released under other than honorable conditions. Sets at 40 the maximum number of days for which such benefit may be provided.

Wartime Treatment Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Wartime Treatment Study Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of European Americans to review U.S. government wartime treatment (from September 1, 1939, through December 31, 1948) of European Americans and European Latin Americans. Requires the Commission to review: (1) government actions with respect to European Americans and European Latin Americans pursuant to United States laws and directives, including the Alien Enemies Acts, Presidential Proclamations 2526, 2527, 2655, 2662, 2685, Executive Orders 9066 and 9095, and related directives pursuant to these and other pertinent laws, proclamations, or executive orders; (2) registration requirements, travel and property restrictions, internment, and forced abandonment of property; (3) participation by European Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces; and (4) appropriate remedies, including public education programs and the creation of a comprehensive online database by the National Archives and Records Administration of documents related to the government's wartime treatment of European Americans and European Latin Americans during World War II. Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of Jewish Refugees to review the U.S. government's refusal to allow entry into the United States of Jewish and other refugees fleeing persecution or genocide in Europe. Directs the Commission to include reviews of: (1) the rationale for such refusal, its perceived benefit, and its impact on refugees; and (2) federal refugee policy concerning those fleeing persecution or genocide.

Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act - Deems each of the following actions undertaken by a federal agency to be a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment for which a detailed environmental impact statement is required in conformance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969: (1) any action having as a purpose the resumption of testing of one or more nuclear weapons (including other nuclear explosive devices producing a nuclear yield) at the Nevada Test Site; or (2) use of any other location for such testing. Outlines information required to be included in such statement, including: (1) the possibility of radiation containment failure and the effects of such failure; (2) possible long-term effects on the water table from underground radiation leakage; and (3) information with respect to certain kiloton categories of weapons. Prohibits the United States from resuming any such testing unless authorized by a law enacted after the enactment of this Act. Requires: (1) advance public notice of each test by the President; (2) notice of each release of radiation beyond the boundaries of the Nevada Test Site by the Secretary of Energy within one hour of detection of such radiation; and (3) public meetings in southern Utah, Arizona, and Nevada after each test to discuss test results. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the safety and health of citizens in the vicinity of the Nevada Test Site. Directs the Secretary to establish a Nevada Test Site Citizens Review Board. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to institutions of higher education to acquire and operate, for ten years, radiation detection equipment and sensors. Directs the Secretary of Energy, through the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to monitor the nature and extent of any radiation released into the atmosphere as a result of such testing. Requires: (1) DOE radiation containment assessment; and (2) public notice of monitoring data. Requires the: (1) Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to make a grant to establish the National Center for the Study of Radiation and Human Health; and (2) Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of individuals exposed to nuclear weapons tests.

Southern New Jersey Veterans Comprehensive Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Southern New Jersey Veterans Comprehensive Health Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine, and notify Congress, whether the needs of veterans in southern New Jersey (the counties of Ocean, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May) for full-service medical care shall be met through a project for: (1) inpatient and outpatient services and long-term care to veterans at an existing facility in southern New Jersey; or (2) construction of a new full-service, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center to provide inpatient and outpatient services and long-term care to veterans in southern New Jersey. Directs the Secretary: (1) if the existing facility option is chosen, to enter into an appropriate agreement for the provision of such care and services; or (2) if the new construction option is chosen, to carry out an appropriate major medical facility construction project for such purpose.

To name the front circle drive in front of the Oscar G. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility in Iron Mountain, Michigan, as "Sergeant First Class James D. Priestap Drive".

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Designates the circle drive in front of the main entrance of the Oscar G. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility in Iron Mountain, Michigan, as "Sergeant First Class James D. Priestap Drive."

Justice Integrity Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Justice Integrity Act of 2009 - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish a pilot program in 10 U.S. districts to promote fairness and the perception of fairness in the federal criminal justice system and to determine whether legislation is required; and (2) designate a U.S. attorney in each of the districts to implement a plan for carrying out such pilot program. Requires each U.S. attorney designated to implement a pilot program to appoint an advisory group consisting of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other individuals and entities who play an important role in the criminal justice system. Requires each advisory group to: (1) collect and analyze data on the race and ethnicity of defendants at each stage of a criminal proceeding; (2) seek to determine causes of racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice process; and (3) submit to the U.S. attorney a report and proposed plan for addressing such disparities. Requires each U.S. attorney to annually evaluate the efficacy of a plan submitted by an advisory group. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) prepare a comprehensive report on all advisory group plans and submit such report and plans to Congress; and (2) exercise continuing oversight of the criminal justice system to reduce unwarranted racial and ethnic disparities and improve such system.

Expressing support for designation of a "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day".

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Honors and recognizes the contributions of veterans who served in Vietnam. Encourages the people of the United States to observe "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Raising a question of the privileges of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Requires the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, or a designated investigative subcommittee, to begin immediately an investigation and report to the House on the relationship between: (1) FY2009 earmark requests on behalf of clients of the raided top defense-lobbying firm already made by Members; and (2) the source and timing of past campaign contributions related to such requests.