Defence

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.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the continuing operation of national cemeteries during periods of certain funding restrictions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Military Mental Health Professionals Support Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Military Mental Health Professionals Support Act of 2023 This bill exempts licensed behavioral health providers from the computation and determination of authorized strengths (i.e., the largest number of members authorized to be in an armed force, a component, a branch, a grade, or any other category of the armed forces) for commissioned officers on active duty in certain grades. The bill adds licensed behavioral health providers to an existing exemption for medical officers.  

Fort Gordon Child Development Center Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Fort Gordon Child Development Center Expansion Act This bill extends the funding authority for the military construction project related to a child development center at Fort Gordon, Georgia, until October 1, 2024, or the date on which military construction funds are authorized for FY2025, whichever is later.

Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023

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.

Protecting Service Members and Military Families’ Access to Reproductive Care Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Protecting Service Members and Military Families' Access to Reproductive Care Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for a Department of Defense (DOD) policy that provides for the granting of an administrative absence at the request of a member of the Armed Forces for purposes of receiving non-covered reproductive health care or to accompany a spouse or other dependent who receives non-covered reproductive health care. Under the bill, non-covered reproductive health care means care not authorized to be performed at a DOD facility, including an abortion or assisted reproductive technology (e.g., in vitro fertilization). An administrative absence granted for such purposes may not exceed 21 days. DOD is authorized to prescribe regulations under this bill, which must provide that (1) no additional requirements may be imposed on a member requesting an administrative absence for non-covered reproductive health care, and (2) DOD and the approval authority of a member must prioritize the privacy of the member (or dependent). The bill also authorizes DOD to provide an allowance for travel expenses in connection with a member's or dependent's travel to receive non-covered reproductive health care.

Fort Gillem Defense Forensics Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Fort Gillem Defense Forensics Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill extends the funding authority for the military construction project at Fort Gillem, Georgia, until October 1, 2024, or the date on which military construction funds are authorized for FY2025, whichever is later.

STOP CCP Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Sanctioning Tyrannical and Oppressive People within the Chinese Communist Party Act or the STOP CCP Act This bill imposes visa- and property-blocking sanctions on any person who is a member of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, as well as any adult family member of such a person. The President may waive the sanctions for renewable periods of 30 days by certifying to Congress that China's government and the Chinese Communist Party have ceased (1) any acts of genocide against the Uyghur Muslim population; (2) all threats, military exercises, and aggression toward Taiwan; (3) undermining the autonomy of Hong Kong; and (4) any efforts to steal the intellectual property of U.S. persons. The certification must also be publicly available on a federal government website.

Maternal Health for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Maternal Health for Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report annually through FY2028 on its activities relating to the coordination of maternity health care. The reports must also include (1) data on the maternal health outcomes of veterans who receive medical care or services from the VA or a non-VA provider that is authorized to provide care or services under VA programs, and (2) VA recommendations to improve the maternal health outcomes of veterans. The reports must be made publicly available. The bill also authorizes funding through FY2028 for VA programs relating to the coordination of maternity health care.

National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2023 This bill extends for an additional four years the exemption from the presumption of abuse means test under Chapter 7 (liquidation) bankruptcy for qualifying members of an Armed Forces reserve component or the National Guard. Specifically, members who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for not less than 90 days qualify for this exemption. Currently, the exemption expires on December 19, 2023.

Protect Lifesaving Anesthesia Care for Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Protect Lifesaving Anesthesia Care for Veterans Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from modifying its policy relating to anesthesia care in a manner that would provide any medical professional other than a physician anesthesiologist with full practice authority for the furnishment of anesthesia care to veterans under VA health care laws. The VA is also prohibited from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the provisions relating to anesthesia care of the proposed rule titled Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (81 Fed. Reg. 33155), or any substantially similar rule.

HAVENS Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Housing America's Veterans and Ensuring they have Needed Services Act or the HAVENS Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a six-year pilot program to provide grants for the creation of five villages of tiny homes for homeless veterans. Under the bill, the villages must have associated supportive services to allow veterans to live in energy efficient homes, maintain social connections with each other, learn skills, and receive critical counseling. Under the bill, a tiny home is an individual housing unit that is approximately 240 square feet for one person or approximately 340 square feet if the home is for a family.

Commending United States Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards for her commitment, determination, and heroic service in defense of American democracy during the January 6, 2021, assault on the United States Capitol.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

This resolution commends U.S. Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards for protecting Members of Congress, staff, and others during the events of January 6, 2021.

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 · 15 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.

Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 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.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024

United States · United States Senate · 11 May 2023

BUILD for Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Build, Utilize, Invest, Learn, and Deliver for Veterans Act of 2023 or the BUILD for Veterans Act of 2023 This bill addresses Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) capital asset management, planning, and investment. Among other requirements, the VA must ensure it has dedicated offices or entities and sufficient staff to conduct relevant critical responsibilities for the life cycle of capital asset management at the local, regional, and central office levels; establish a staffing model to ensure a minimum base level of capital asset staffing; develop goals and metrics to assess and improve the performance of VA capital asset management programs; comprehensively review the climate resilience of its facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets; submit the Strategic Plan to Improve VA's Delivery and Management of Capital Assets; and review all relevant authorities of the VA to determine whether the provisions are meaningful, relevant, and reflect current operational needs, organization structure, and all other necessary requirements for the full life cycle of effective and efficient management of capital assets. The Inspector General of the VA must examine and report on the management and performance of relevant capital asset projects of the VA. The Government Accountability Office must review and report on the VA's progress toward meeting the goals, metrics, and other plans set forth in this bill. The bill also requires various reports from the VA relating to capital asset improvement and the implementation of capital asset directives (e.g., reports on the VA's physical infrastructure and information technology needs).

Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023 This bill prohibits federal officials or employees from taking any action to recognize a Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad. The bill also expands existing sanctions related to the Syrian conflict to cover additional activities and persons (individuals and entities). Current law requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on foreign persons engaged in certain activities related to the conflict in Syria. For example, such sanctions must be imposed on those that knowingly (1) are responsible for serious human rights abuses against the Syrian people, or (2) provide aircraft or spare aircraft parts for military purposes on behalf of the Syrian government to a foreign person operating in certain areas of Syria. This bill expands the types of activities that would subject a foreign person to sanctions, including knowingly (1) providing any type of aircraft or spare aircraft parts to the Syrian government, (2) diverting humanitarian assistance intended for the Syrian people, or (3) confiscating property in Syria or owned by a Syrian citizen for personal gain or political purposes. The bill also extends these sanctions to entities owned or controlled by a sanctioned person and to a sanctioned person's adult family members. Additionally, the bill removes an exception to the sanctions related to the importation of goods. The Department of State must provide Congress with a strategy to counter foreign government efforts to normalize relations with the Bashar al-Assad regime.

Eliminate DEI in the Military Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Eliminate DEI in the Military Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion activities (e.g., training) of the Armed Forces, national service academies, or the Department of Defense.

WARRIOR Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Working to Address Recruiting and Retention to Improve Our Readiness Act or the WARRIOR Act This bill addresses the funding of certain Department of Defense (DOD) activities as well as certain personnel and training matters. The bill prohibits the use of federal funds to (1) take into consideration race, ethnicity, color, national origin, or gender of an individual when making a determination regarding a military accession, assignment, selection, or promotion; (2) promote at the service academies, in military training, or in professional military education the theory that individuals, by virtue of race, ethnicity, color, or national origin, bear collective responsibility for actions committed in the past by individuals of such race, ethnicity, color, or national origin; or (3) investigate extremism in the Armed Forces or DOD. The bill also requires the military departments to establish gender-neutral physical readiness standards. DOD must freeze the number of civilian employees who perform tasks related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DOD may hire only one DEI employee for every 2,000 members who join the Armed Forces. The service academies may not employ as instructors individuals who are not members of the Armed Forces or civilian DOD employees unless no member or DOD employee may be adequately trained for such purpose. DOD must appoint a Director of COVID Policy to determine and implement actions regarding members of the Armed Forces who are involuntarily separated solely on the basis of refusing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. DOD must submit a cost-benefit analysis and certain certifications to Congress in order to use federal funds for environmental projects.

Expressing support for the 60th anniversary of the Polaris Sales Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

This resolution marks the 60th anniversary of the Polaris Sales Agreement. (The agreement established basic policy and terms for the sale of Polaris missiles by the United States to the United Kingdom, and formed a basis of cooperation between the two countries on strategic nuclear defense and deterrence.) The resolution also commends the Royal Navy for maintaining a continuous at-sea deterrent and reaffirms the United Kingdom as a valued ally of the United States.

WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Army and Navy Nurse Corps members in recognition of their critical military service and devotion to duty.

Respect for Grieving Military Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Respect for Grieving Military Families Act This bill addresses the overpayment of retired or retainer pay to a joint account (bearing the name of the decedent and the decedent's designated beneficiary) during the month of the death of a retired member of the armed forces. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to forgive or offset the overpayment if the decedent was enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). In the case of an offset, each of the first 12 SBP annuity payments after the death of the retired service member must be reduced by one-twelfth of the overpayment. If the decedent was not enrolled in the SBP, DOD is authorized to forgive the overpayment.

Veteran Entrepreneurs Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Veteran Entrepreneurs Act of 2023 This bill allows a business-related tax credit of 25% of up to $400,000 of the franchise fees paid or incurred by an eligible veteran for the purchase of a franchise. The bill reduces the amount of such credit if the veteran does not own 100% of the stock or capital or profits interest of the franchisee. An eligible veteran is a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service; was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable; and who pays or incurs a franchise fee in connection with a franchise agreement with a franchisor. The veteran may elect to transfer the credit to an eligible franchisor in exchange for a discount in the franchise fee commensurate with the value of the credit. The Small Business Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs must provide information about the tax credit allowed by this bill to veterans service organizations and veteran advocacy groups.

Ensuring Security for Military Spouses Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Ensuring Security for Military Spouses Act This bill waives for certain military spouses a residency requirement pertaining to naturalization, specifically the requirement that the applicant must have resided for at least three months in the state or service district where the naturalization application is filed. Under the bill, this residency requirement shall not apply to an applicant who is (1) a lawful permanent resident, and (2) the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty in the United States.

To amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

This bill grants a federal charter to the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals, which is a nonprofit organization that provides housing counseling to veterans and active members of the Armed Forces.

COMFORT Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Comforting Our Military Families through On-base or Remote Treatment Act or the COMFORT Act This bill authorizes mental health professionals to provide nonmedical counseling services to military families regardless of where the provider or recipient is located, so long as the provision of services is (1) in the United States or a U.S. territory or possession, and (2) within the scope of the authorized duties of the provider. For purposes of the bill, mental health professionals include individuals who are licensed or certified mental health providers and are members of the Armed Forces, civilian Department of Defense (DOD) employees, or DOD contractors.

Deterring Chinese Preemptive Strikes Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Deterring Chinese Preemptive Strikes Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct a classified survey to identify each U.S. aircraft shelter in the Indo-Pacific region that is responsible for responding to aggression by China against Taiwan and has not been improved to mitigate damage to aircraft in the event of a missile, aerial drone, or other attack by China. DOD must submit a classified plan to implement improvements to the shelters as necessary to increase aircraft survivability in the event of attack by China.

Respect for Grieving Military Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Respect for Grieving Military Families Act This bill addresses the overpayment of retired or retainer pay to a joint account (bearing the name of the decedent and the decedent's designated beneficiary) during the month of the death of a retired member of the armed forces. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to forgive or offset the overpayment if the decedent was enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). In the case of an offset, each of the first 12 SBP annuity payments after the death of the retired service member must be reduced by one-twelfth of the overpayment. If the decedent was not enrolled in the SBP, DOD is authorized to forgive the overpayment.

A bill to require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress classified dissent cables relating to the withdrawal of the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

This bill requires the Department of State to (1) submit to Congress any classified State Department cables or memos that express a dissenting opinion relating to the withdrawal of the U.S. Armed Forces from Afghanistan, and (2) make publicly available unclassified versions of such cables and memos.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of November 12, 2023, as "National Warrior Call Day" and recognizing the importance of connecting warriors in the United States to support structures necessary to transition from the battlefield, especially peer-to-peer connection.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

This resolution supports the designation of November 12, 2023, as National Warrior Call Day and encourages individuals to engage with warriors (i.e., members of the Armed Forces and veterans) to connect and provide support.

Seaman Xavier Sandor Support for Sailors Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Seaman Xavier Sandor Support for Sailors Act This bill addresses housing allowance and mental health care for certain members of the uniformed services. Specifically, the bill allows the military department concerned to authorize payment of a basic allowance for housing to a member of a uniformed service without dependents who is serving in pay grades E-1 through E-5 and has orders to a naval vessel that is undergoing maintenance. The bill also authorizes the Department of Defense to appoint and retain two licensed clinicians to serve as Navy deployed resiliency counselors for each nuclear-powered aircraft carrier or large-deck amphibious ship/landing helicopter assault ship in the Naval Vessel Register.

WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Army and Navy Nurse Corps members in recognition of their critical military service and devotion to duty.

A resolution marking the 60th anniversary of the Polaris Sales Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

This resolution marks the 60th anniversary of the Polaris Sales Agreement. (The agreement established basic policy and terms for the sale of Polaris missiles by the United States to the United Kingdom, and formed a basis of cooperation between the two countries on strategic nuclear defense and deterrence.) The resolution also commends the Royal Navy for maintaining a continuous at-sea deterrent and reaffirms the United Kingdom as a valued ally of the United States.

A resolution commemorating 50 years of women serving as naval aviators in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

This resolution honors the contributions made by the First Six (i.e., the first six women to earn their Wings of Gold) to naval aviation in the United States. The resolution also recognizes 50 years of women serving as naval aviators in the United States and the roles that Naval Air Station Pensacola and the Pensacola, Florida, community have played in naval aviation history.

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2023 This bill extends increased dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving spouse of a veteran who dies from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) regardless of how long the veteran had such disease prior to death. Under current law, such compensation is paid for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death.

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act This bill requires the Center for Innovation for Care and Payment within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program to improve the ability of veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system to access hospital care, medical services, and extended care services through the covered care system by providing such veterans with the ability to choose health care providers. Under the bill, the covered care system includes VA medical facilities, health care providers participating in the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), and eligible entities or providers that have entered into a Veterans Care Agreement. A veteran participating in the program may elect to receive care at any provider in the covered care system. The pilot program removes certain requirements (e.g., location of the veteran) to access care at VA and non-VA facilities. After four years, the bill permanently phases out the requirements for accessing care under the VCCP and Veterans Care Agreements and requires the VA to provide such care under the same conditions of the pilot program. Additionally, after four years, veterans may receive care at a VA medical facility regardless of whether the facility is in the same Veterans Integrated Service Network as the veteran.

A resolution designating June 10, 2023, as "Veterans Get Outside Day".

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

This resolution designates June 10, 2023, as Veterans Get Outside Day and encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Forest Service within the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of the Interior to coordinate to promote the day along with National Get Outdoors Day.

PFAS Registry Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

PFAS Registry Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a registry for current or past members of the Armed Forces who may have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, due to the environmental release of aqueous film-forming foam at a military installation or other Department of Defense (DOD) location. Additionally, the VA must consult with DOD and the Environmental Protection Agency to make recommendations for additional chemicals that should be included in the registry.

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act This bill requires the Center for Innovation for Care and Payment within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program to improve the ability of veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system to access hospital care, medical services, and extended care services through the covered care system by providing such veterans with the ability to choose health care providers. Under the bill, the covered care system includes VA medical facilities, health care providers participating in the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), and eligible entities or providers that have entered into a Veterans Care Agreement. A veteran participating in the program may elect to receive care at any provider in the covered care system. The pilot program removes certain requirements (e.g., location of the veteran) to access care at VA and non-VA facilities. After four years, the bill permanently phases out the requirements for accessing care under the VCCP and Veterans Care Agreements and requires the VA to provide such care under the same conditions of the pilot program. Additionally, after four years, veterans may receive care at a VA medical facility regardless of whether the facility is in the same Veterans Integrated Service Network as the veteran.

Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act This bill permanently extends authorization for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides supportive services to very low-income veterans (and their families) occupying or transitioning to permanent housing.

Expressing support for the designation of June 10, 2023, as "Veterans Get Outside Day".

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

This resolution expresses support for the designation of Veterans Get Outside Day and encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Forest Service within the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of the Interior to coordinate to promote the day along with National Get Outdoors Day.

Southeast Asia Partnership Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Southeast Asia Partnership Expansion Act This bill expands a Department of Defense (DOD) program that focuses on improving cyber readiness and cooperation with the military forces of certain Southeast Asian countries. DOD currently has authority to conduct a pilot program to (1) enhance the cyber security, resilience, and readiness of the military forces of Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia; and (2) increase regional cooperation on cyber issues between the United States and these countries. The bill expands this program to include the military forces of the Philippines and Malaysia, extends the program through 2029, and specifies that the cyber enhancements are to be defensive.

COLLUDE Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Curtailing Online Limitations that Lead Unconstitutionally to Democracy's Erosion Act or the COLLUDE Act This bill limits federal liability protection, sometimes referred to as Section 230 protection, that generally precludes providers and users of an interactive computer service (e.g., a social media company) from being held legally responsible for content provided by a third party. Specifically, the bill removes the protection if a provider restricts access to or availability of content containing political speech because of a governmental request unless the request serves a legitimate law enforcement or national security purpose. In addition, the bill changes legal procedures for applying the protection. Currently, the protection serves as broad immunity that typically allows the early dismissal of lawsuits, thereby preempting lawsuits and statutes that impose liability for third-party content. This bill makes the protection an affirmative defense, which means the provider or user must prove that the protection applies before the lawsuit may be dismissed.

Western Hemisphere Security Strategy Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Western Hemisphere Security Strategy Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of State and the Department of Defense (DOD) to implement a multiyear Western Hemisphere Security Strategy. The strategy must include elements such as (1) a proposal for increasing U.S. bilateral and multilateral security assistance and cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean, (2) activities to counter transnational criminal organizations and malign influence from state actors, (3) efforts to expand bilateral and multinational military training exercises with partner countries, (4) humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiatives, (5) continued support for State Department programs to ensure the safety and rights of women and girls, and (6) a detailed assessment of the resources to carry out the strategy. The bill also requires the State Department to provide technical assistance to partner countries to help them address the long-term implications of investments in strategic sectors by entities controlled by adversarial governments, such as China and Russia. The State Department and DOD must jointly report the strategy to Congress and also provide periodic briefings on the strategy's implementation. The State Department must also report to Congress on efforts by the Maduro regime of Venezuela to detain U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Retired Pay Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Classification Reform Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Sensible Classification Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2023 This bill addresses Department of Defense (DOD) contraceptive care and family planning services. Specifically, the bill prohibits cost-sharing requirements with respect to TRICARE beneficiaries for specified prescription contraceptives. Additionally, the bill prohibits cost-sharing requirements for TRICARE Select and TRICARE Prime beneficiaries in relation to any in-network method of contraception or contraceptive care (including with respect to insertion, removal, and follow-up), any sterilization procedure, or any related patient education or counseling service. The bill requires DOD to provide information on emergency contraceptives and care to sexual assault survivors at its medical treatment facilities. Upon request by a sexual assault survivor, DOD must provide such emergency contraceptives or a prescription for emergency contraceptives. Finally, DOD must establish a uniform standard curriculum for education programs on family planning for all members of the Armed Forces. Such education programs must be provided to service members during their first year of service and at other appropriate times, as determined by each military department.

National Critical Capabilities Defense Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

National Critical Capabilities Defense Act of 2023 This bill establishes a notification process for certain U.S. investment (known as outbound investment) involving national critical capabilities sectors in countries of concern (e.g., China and Russia). National critical capabilities sector includes, among others, a sector involving semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging, artificial intelligence, active pharmaceutical ingredients, or automobile manufacturing. Specifically, the bill directs the President to establish a Committee on National Critical Capabilities, which must establish regulations to carry out this bill. The bill requires a U.S. business or individual, 90 days before undertaking a covered activity (e.g., investment), to submit a written notification to the committee. The committee may review a covered activity that is the subject of a notification to determine if the activity poses a risk to U.S. national security. The bill outlines the factors to be considered during this review. The committee may, if it has reason to believe that a covered activity poses a risk to national security, take certain actions to mitigate the risk posed by the activity. Further, the committee may prohibit or regulate covered activities (with exceptions). Additionally, the committee must determine the sensitivities and risks for sourcing goods, materials, and technologies needed for national critical capabilities sectors. The bill outlines enforcement mechanisms and establishes civil penalties for violations. The bill directs (1) the President to conduct bilateral and multilateral engagement with U.S. allies and partners, and (2) the committee to develop a strategy to work with these countries and provide technical assistance.