Defence

Military Spouse Student Loan Deferment Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

Military Spouse Student Loan Deferment Act This bill allows certain military spouses to defer payment on their federal student loans for 90 days. Specifically, borrowers are eligible to receive this deferment if (1) their spouse is an active duty service member of the Armed Forces, (2) they have lost their employment due to a permanent change in duty station of their spouse, and (3) they provide certain documentation to the Department of Education. Loan interest shall not accrue during the deferment period.

Guarding Readiness Resources Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

Guarding Readiness Resources Act of 2021 This bill modifies the treatment of funds received by the National Guard Bureau as a reimbursement from a state or other U.S. territory (e.g., Guam) for the use of military property. Specifically, the funds must be credited to (1) the appropriation, fund, or account used in incurring the obligation; or (2) an appropriation, fund, or account currently available for the purposes of which the expenditures were made. Such funds must be treated as a reprogramming request and may only be obligated or disbursed after the National Guard Bureau submits a written request and receives authorization from Congress. The National Guard Bureau must annually submit an account of the use of funds disaggregated by appropriation and subactivity group.

National Guard and Reserve Incentive Pay Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

National Guard and Reserve Incentive Pay Parity Act This bill requires the military department concerned to pay members of the reserve components a special bonus or incentive pay in the same monthly amount that is paid to members in the regular component of the service for performing comparable work requiring comparable skills.

World War II Pacific War Heroes Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

World War II Pacific War Heroes Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the men and women of the United States military and merchant marine, as well as citizen and noncitizen civilians who fought with the U.S. military and were surrendered, captured, or abandoned to become prisoners of war of Imperial Japan during World War II, in recognition of their dedicated and vital service during World War II.

Solar VETS Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

Solar Vocational Education and Training for our Servicemembers Act or the Solar VETS Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a training course for careers in solar-related occupations to be (1) made available at military installations and to eligible members of the Armed Forces, and (2) administered by institutions of higher education pursuant to an agreement with DOE.

Army Security Agency Monument Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

Army Security Agency Monument Act This bill directs the Department of the Army to place in Arlington National Cemetery a monument honoring Army Security Agency veterans if the National Army Security Agency Association agrees to certain requirements, including that the association pay the monument's site preparation, construction, and maintenance costs.

Calling upon all Americans on this Memorial Day, 2021, to honor the men and women of the Armed Forces who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace.

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

This resolution calls on the people of the United States to observe Memorial Day to honor the men and women who died in the pursuit of freedom and peace.

United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the U.S. Army Rangers Veterans of World War II in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.

Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the troops from the United States and the Philippines who defended Bataan and Corregidor, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service during World War II.

Veterans’ Entry to Apprenticeship Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

Veterans' Entry to Apprenticeship Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide the same amount and type of educational assistance to pre-apprenticeship programs as apprenticeship programs in certain circumstances. A pre-apprenticeship program is designed to prepare individuals to enter an apprenticeship program via education and training. Under the bill, a pre-apprenticeship program may be treated like an apprenticeship program for purposes of educational assistance if the program complies with state standards or meets other accepted criteria if state standards do not apply. If individuals are not paid as part of a pre-apprenticeship program, they are eligible for a specified amount of housing assistance.

Reducing Barriers for Military Voters Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

Reducing Barriers for Military Voters Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a plan for providing end-to-end electronic voting services (e.g., services for registering to vote and returning a ballot) in participating states for absent uniformed service members who are deployed or mobilized in locations with limited or no postal service. Specifically, DOD must develop the plan by consulting with state and local election officials. Further, the plan must include (1) methods to ensure that voters have the opportunity to verify that their ballots are received and tabulated, (2) methods to generate a verifiable and auditable vote trail, and (3) an assessment of whether commercially available technologies may be used to carry out the plan. DOD must implement the plan for a trial group of voters in participating states for the 2024 federal elections. The plan must be implemented for all voters in participating states for the 2026 federal elections and subsequent years.

Honoring women in the United States for their service in World War II and recognizing the role of Representative Edith Nourse Rogers in establishing the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and the Women's Army Corps.

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

This resolution honors, commends, and recognizes the women who served the United States in military capacities during World War II to aid the war effort. Additionally, the resolution honors the contributions of Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers for supporting the establishment of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and the Women's Army Corps.

Veteran Education Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2021

Veteran Education Empowerment Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and otherwise revises a Department of Education (ED) grant program for student veteran centers. Specifically, ED must make grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) or consortia of IHEs to establish, maintain, improve, or operate a student veteran center. A student veteran center is a dedicated space on a campus that provides students who are veterans or members of the Armed Forces with (1) a lounge or meeting space for themselves, their spouses or partners, their children, and veterans in the community; and (2) a centralized office for student veteran services that serves as a single point of contact to coordinate comprehensive support services for student veterans.

THE NOMINATIONS OF: MS. JILL M. HRUBY TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF ENERGY FOR NUCLEAR SECURITY AND ADMINISTRATOR, NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION; MR. FRANK A. ROSE TO BE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION; MS. DEBORAH G. ROSENBLUM TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR NUCLEAR, CHEMICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE PROGRAMS AND MR. CHRISTOPHER P. MAIER TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS AND LOW-INTENSITY CONFLICT

United States · United States Senate · 27 May 2021

Veterans' Emergency Care Claims Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

Veterans' Emergency Care Claims Parity Act This bill modifies certain deadlines for the submittal of claims by a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) individual or entity seeking reimbursement for the provision of emergency treatment to a veteran. Specifically, a non-VA individual or entity seeking such reimbursement must submit a claim not later than 180 days after the treatment was provided. (Under the VA's current policy, such claims for unauthorized emergency care must generally be submitted within 90 days for conditions that are not service-connected and within two years for conditions that are service-connected.) Veterans may not be held liable for payment if a claim was submitted by an individual or entity after the deadline due to an administrative error made by the individual or entity or by the VA. The VA must publish information regarding emergency care authorization for non-VA providers on a publicly available VA website.

GI Bill National Emergency Extended Deadline Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

GI Bill National Emergency Extended Deadline Act of 2021 This bill amends various provisions related to educational assistance benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). First, the bill extends the time limitation for using educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and for eligibility under the Veteran Readiness and Employment program, when educational institutions are temporarily or permanently closed due to an emergency situation, or there is another reason that prevents an individual from participating. Next, the bill requires the VA to disapprove courses of education provided by public institutions of higher learning that charge higher tuition and fees than in-state tuition for individuals who are entitled to educational assistance under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program. The bill also makes adjustments to the time limitation for using educational assistance under this program. The VA must implement an information technology service using one or more commercial software systems to process claims for VA educational assistance benefits. Finally, the bill requires the Veterans' Employment and Training Service within the Department of Labor to implement a pilot program under which states may use grants or contracts to carry out a short-term fellowship program to provide veterans with opportunities for long-term employment.

Vet Center Improvement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 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.

DOULA for VA Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act of 2021 or the DOULA for VA Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a five-year pilot program to furnish doula services to pregnant veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system. The program must furnish doula services through eligible entities by expanding the VA's Whole Health model to measure the impact that doula support services have on birth and mental health outcomes of pregnant veterans. The Whole Health model is a holistic approach that looks at the many areas of life that may affect health in order to make a health plan suited for each individual based on his or her health goals.

VR&E NEED Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

Veteran Readiness and Employment National Emergency Extended Deadline Act of 2021 or the VR&E NEED Act of 2021 This bill extends a veteran's eligibility for the Veteran Readiness and Employment program when educational institutions are temporarily or permanently closed due to an emergency situation, or there is another reason that prevents a veteran from participating. Specifically, the period of eligibility must not run during the period the veteran is prevented from participating in the program. The period must resume on a date, determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, that is not earlier than the first day after the veteran is able to resume participation and not later than 90 days after that day.

A bill to clarify the location of a clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs designated by law.

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

This bill updates the address for the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic (known as the David J. Thatcher VA Clinic) in Missoula, Montana.

Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2021 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.

Walter Reed Injury Recovery (WIRe) Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

Walter Reed Injury Recovery (WIRe) Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide government employees and their family members timely access to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for assessment if they are determined to be experiencing certain anomalous health conditions. DOD must furnish treatment for the anomalous health condition or related affliction at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. DOD must also develop a process to ensure that government employees and their family members are afforded timely access to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the U.S. Army Rangers Veterans of World War II in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.

Veteran Education Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

Veteran Education Empowerment Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and otherwise revises a Department of Education (ED) grant program for student veteran centers. Specifically, ED must make grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) or consortia of IHEs to establish, maintain, improve, or operate a student veteran center. A student veteran center is a dedicated space on a campus that provides students who are veterans or members of the Armed Forces with (1) a lounge or meeting space for themselves, their spouses or partners, their children, and veterans in the community; and (2) a centralized office for student veteran services that serves as a single point of contact to coordinate comprehensive support services for student veterans.

Major Medical Facility Authorization Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 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.

Gold Star Mothers Family Monument Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

Gold Star Mothers Family Monument Extension Act This bill extends through January 2, 2027, the authority of the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation to establish a commemorative work in honor of Gold Star families.

ACE Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 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.

A bill to provide for the issuance of a "Gold Star Families Forever Stamp" to honor the sacrifices of families who have lost a loved one who was a member of the Armed Forces in combat.

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to provide for the issuance of a forever stamp to honor the sacrifices of families who have lost a loved one who was a member of the Armed Forces in combat.

Alaska Native Vietnam Veteran Land Allotment Fulfillment Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

Alaska Native Vietnam Veteran Land Allotment Fulfillment Act of 2021 This bill makes additional federal land available for selection under the Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Program. The program makes Alaska Native veterans who served in the Armed Forces in Vietnam between August 5, 1964, and December 31, 1971, or their heirs eligible to receive up to 160 acres of federal land in Alaska. Specifically, the bill makes federal lands within units of the National Wildlife Refuge System in Alaska that were identified by the Department of the Interior in a November 2020 report as immediately available for allotment selection under the program. Interior identified over 3.6 million acres of land that should be made available for allotment selection by these veterans.

Gold Star Families Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

Gold Star Families Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021 This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to all Gold Star Families in recognition of their dedication, contributions, and sacrifice to the United States.

A resolution honoring women in the United States for their service in World War II and recognizing the role of Representative Edith Nourse Rogers in establishing the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and the Women's Army Corps.

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021

This resolution honors, commends, and recognizes the women who served the United States in military capacities during World War II to aid the war effort. Additionally, the resolution honors the contributions of Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers for supporting the establishment of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and the Women's Army Corps.

National Critical Capabilities Defense Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2021

National Critical Capabilities Defense Act of 2021 This bill establishes the Committee on National Critical Capabilities to review certain transactions by U.S. businesses, including those transactions that could result in an unacceptable risk to national critical capabilities. Further, the bill authorizes the President to suspend or prohibit transactions that pose an unacceptable risk to national critical capabilities.

Chaplains Memorial Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2021

Chaplains Memorial Preservation Act This bill authorizes the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF) to update and make corrections to certain memorials in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Specifically, NCMAF may update the memorial to Protestant chaplains with a granite, marble or other stone base to host the bronze plaque of the memorial; add another plaque to such base that includes the name of each chaplain who died while on active duty since the original memorial was placed; make updates and corrections to the memorials to Catholic chaplains and Jewish chaplains as needed; and make other updates as needed. Additionally, NCMAF is authorized to verify the names of chaplains with their respective military branch for memorialization in Arlington National Cemetery.

Building Credit Access for Veterans Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2021

Building Credit Access for Veterans Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using alternative credit scoring information or models to improve the determination of creditworthiness of certain individuals and to increase the number of such individuals who are able to obtain VA housing and small business loans. Specifically, the program is for veterans or members of the Armed Forces who are eligible for VA housing or small business loans and have insufficient credit history. Under the program, the VA must assess the feasibility and advisability of establishing criteria for acceptable commercially available credit scoring models to be used by lenders for the purpose of guaranteeing or insuring a VA housing or small business loan. Participation is voluntary on an opt-in basis for lenders, borrowers, and individuals. The VA must conduct outreach to lenders and individuals to inform them of the pilot program.

Guaranteeing Healthcare Access to Personnel Who Served Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2021

Guaranteeing Healthcare Access to Personnel Who Served Act This bill addresses the administration and provision of health care to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA providers. First, the bill provides statutory authority for the eligibility thresholds for when a veteran must receive non-VA care under the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) for primary care, mental health care, noninstitutional extended care services, specialty care, or specialty services. Additionally, the bill establishes access to care standards for non-VA care under the VCCP, meaning a veteran's appointment must be within specified distances and time frames. Among other requirements, the VA must also implement an 18-month pilot program to allow certain veterans to use a website or mobile application to request, schedule, and confirm medical appointments with VCCP providers; ensure that VCCP third party administrators and credentials verification organizations comply with specified requirements to help ensure that certain health care providers are excluded from providing non-VA health care services; develop a strategic plan to ensure the effectiveness of the telehealth technologies and modalities delivered by the VA; and establish an online health care education portal for veterans. The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on (1) the VA program under which third parties provide transportation for veterans who are seeking VA services or benefits, (2) VA telehealth services, and (3) the VA's Foreign Medical Program. Finally, the Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply to the voluntary collection of information during research conducted by the Veterans Health Administration.

A resolution recognizing and honoring the sacrifices and accomplishments of the Greatest Generation.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2021

This resolution recognizes and honors the sacrifices and accomplishments of the Greatest Generation during World War II.

COVID–19 Origin Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2021

COVID-19 Origin Act of 2021 This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to declassify all information relating to potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origin of COVID-19. The ODNI shall submit to Congress an unclassified report containing such information, with redactions only as necessary to protect sources and methods.

Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 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.

National Guard and Reserve Incentive Pay Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2021

National Guard and Reserve Incentive Pay Parity Act This bill requires the military department concerned to pay members of the reserve components a special bonus or incentive pay in the same monthly amount that is paid to members in the regular component of the service for performing comparable work requiring comparable skills.

THE NOMINATION OF FRANK KENDALL III TO BE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE, HEIDI SHYU TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING, AND SUSANNA BLUME TO BE DIRECTOR OF COST ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM EVALUATION, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

United States · United States Senate · 25 May 2021

EAGLE Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2021

Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act or the EAGLE Act This bill addresses various foreign relations issues, with a focus on China. Among other things, the bill authorizes the Department of State to establish a program to help U.S. companies address supply chain issues related to China, including by relocating production from China; authorizes the President to establish a program to expand internet access and digital infrastructure in emerging markets; establishes an interagency working group to enhance U.S. leadership in international bodies that set standards for telecommunications technologies; authorizes the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to provide financing to entities in less developed countries to increase vaccine manufacturing capacity; authorizes U.S. Agency for Global Media activities to support activities in foreign countries to build independent media, combat censorship, and invest in anti-censorship technology; requires the State Department to develop and implement a plan for increasing the U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific region; requires a strategy on engagement with countries in South and Central Asia on issues relating to China; authorizes military training assistance activities in Latin America and the Caribbean; establishes an interagency working group to counter Chinese cyber aggression in Africa; establishes the position of Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs; requires the development and implementation of a strategy to improve critical infrastructure in the Pacific Islands, with an emphasis on climate resiliency; authorizes activities to promote democracy in Hong Kong; and makes permanent the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which authorizes the President to impose sanctions for human rights violations.

National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2021

National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act of 202 1 This bill establishes the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation to serve as a national independent forum to facilitate collaboration and cooperation between aviation and aerospace stakeholders to support and promote civil and military aviation and aerospace. The center must perform the following duties support the development of aviation and aerospace education curricula; support the professional development of educators using such curricula; promote aviation and aerospace employment opportunities; support Armed Forces personnel seeking to transition to a career in civil aviation or an aerospace-related field through outreach, training, apprenticeships, or other means; serve as a central repository for publicly available economic data, safety data, and research efforts related to the aviation and aerospace sectors; and serve as a forum, through symposiums, conferences, and other means as appropriate, for cross-disciplinary collaboration among aviation and aerospace stakeholders. Additionally, the center may issue grants to organizations that have experience in, and knowledge of, creating, developing, and delivering or updating (1) high school aviation curricula; or (2) aviation curricula used at institutions of higher education, secondary educations institutions, or by technical training and vocational schools.

To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Columbus, Georgia, as the "Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2021

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Columbus, Georgia, as the Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic.

Victims of Agent Orange Relief Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2021

Victims of Agent Orange Relief Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of State, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide assistance to people in Vietnam in relation to Agent Orange exposure. Specifically, the State Department must provide assistance (1) to address the health care needs of certain residents of Vietnam affected by Agent Orange exposure, (2) to institutions in Vietnam that provide health care to such individuals, (3) to improve housing and reduce poverty for specified individuals and their families, and (4) to remediate areas of Vietnam that contain high levels of Agent Orange. HHS must (1) make grants to public health organizations and Vietnamese American organizations to conduct a broad health assessment of Vietnamese Americans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange and their descendants; and (2) establish centers in U.S. locations where large populations of Vietnamese Americans reside to provide assessment, counseling, and treatment for conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. Under the bill, certain benefits will be made available to the children of male Vietnam veterans who are affected by certain birth defects. Currently, these benefits are only available to the children of women Vietnam veterans. The VA shall require any health care provider with whom the VA enters into a contract for the provision of health care to such children to provide the VA access to their medical records for research into the intergenerational effects of Agent Orange exposure.

Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Poppy Day".

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2021

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Poppy Day to honor members of the Armed Forces.

Celebrating the opening of the new Lubbock, Texas, Veterans Affairs medical clinic, in partnership with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, University Medical Center, and Covenant Health, through the VA MISSION Act of 2018.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2021

This resolution celebrates the opening of the Department of Veterans Affairs medical clinic in Lubbock, Texas, in partnership with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, University Medical Center, and Covenant Health.

Stop Cancel Culture from Degrading Honor Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2021

Stop Cancel Culture from Degrading Honor Act This bill prohibits the rescission of a military decoration after 10 years have passed since it was awarded unless the award was based on fraud or other misinformation or the individual awarded the decoration is prohibited from interment memorialization in the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs or Arlington National Cemetery.

Expressing support for the designation of October 23, 2021, as a national day of remembrance of the tragic 1983 terrorist bombing of the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2021

This resolution expresses support for the designation of a national day of remembrance for members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were killed or injured by the terrorist attack on the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983.

Air National Guard Air Refueling Wing Center of Excellence Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2021

This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to designate the Illinois Air National Guard 126th Air Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base as a Center of Excellence for KC-135R maintenance operations.

Gold Star Families Benefits Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2021

Gold Star Families Benefits Protection Act This bill authorizes specified individuals to use commissary stores and MWR retail facilities (e.g., exchange stores) on the same basis as an active duty service member. Specifically, the bill authorizes an adult individual who (1) is the surviving child of a service member, and (2) who has received a Gold Star Lapel Button or Next of Kin Deceased Personnel Lapel Button.