Defence

Streamlining GI Bill Processing Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2020

Streamlining GI Bill Processing Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that individuals who are entitled to educational assistance under specified VA programs are able to access an electronic version of the certificate of eligibility showing their entitlement to such assistance. Specifically, the VA must provide electronic certificates to those who are entitled to educational assistance under the (1) Post 9/11 GI Bill, (2) Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty and Selected Reserve), and (3) Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 30 January 2020

Blast Exposure Protection Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2020

Blast Exposure Protection Act of 2020 This bill establishes a Department of Veterans Affairs presumption of service-connection for a veteran's injury or illness associated with a blast exposure during active military, naval, or air service in spite of there being no record of the injury or illness during a period of service. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific diseases or disabilities diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

LEAD VA Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2020

Leadership Evaluation At Department of Veterans Affairs Act or the LEAD VA Act This bill requires the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to jointly conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing a pilot program under which officers of the Armed Forces in the grade of O-6 are assigned to serve for three years as directors of VA medical centers.

Same-Day Accountability for Veterans Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2020

Same-Day Accountability for Veterans Enhancement Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop quantifiable objectives and performance measures to assess the effects of the provision of same-day services on the access of veterans to medical care and mental health services. The VA must report on the developed objectives and performances measures and provide recommendations for the reduction of veteran suicide rates and the implementation of same-day services throughout the Veterans Health Administration. Finally, the VA must conduct an annual assessment of each VA medical center and community-based outpatient clinic and make such assessments publicly available on a VA website.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to implement a safe-to-report policy applicable across the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2020

This bill requires the Department of Defense to establish a safe-to-report policy for (1) members of the Armed Forces, including members of reserve components but excluding the Coast Guard; and (2) cadets and midshipmen at the military service academies. The policy must allow an alleged victim of sexual assault to report the assault without fear or receipt of discipline, absent aggravating circumstances , for minor collateral misconduct.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Authorization for Use of Military Force and the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 do not provide legal justification for war with Iran.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2020

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that specified authorizations for the use of military force do not provide legal justification for war with Iran.

Care for the Veteran Caregiver Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2020

Care for the Veteran Caregiver Act This bill modifies the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including by requiring the VA to continue to provide assistance to a family caregiver for at least six months after the death of a veteran participating in the program.

Safeguarding Readiness in Military Aviation Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2020

Safeguarding Readiness in Military Aviation Training Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to report on the impacts that the expansion of wilderness designations in the western United States would have on the readiness of the Armed Forces with respect to aviation training.

Safe Bases Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2020

Safe Bases Act This bill provides statutory authority for the Department of Defense (DOD) to allow a service member to carry a concealed firearm while on any military installation. DOD must establish a single authority within the department to issue permits for this purpose. To be eligible for a permit, the service member must be on active duty and must not be prohibited under federal law from purchasing, owning, or possessing a firearm.

COAL TeCC Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2020

Creating Opportunities And Leveraging Technologies for Coal Carbon Act of 2020 or the COAL TeCC Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish two programs concerning coal-derived carbon products. First, DOE must establish a program of research, development, and demonstration for carbon engineering solutions to enable new uses for coal-derived carbon for a variety of purposes, such as commercial, military, or medical purposes. Second, DOE must establish a pilot and demonstration program to accelerate the commercial deployment of coal-carbon products.

Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020

Veterans' Acute Crisis Care for Emergent Suicide Symptoms Act of 2020 or the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish emergent mental health care (i.e., emergency stabilization care) to eligible individuals in certain situations at VA or non-VA facilities. Specifically, the VA must furnish care if an individual seeks it (1) in an emergency situation, or (2) pursuant to a recommendation from the Veterans Crisis Line or licensed health care professional. Eligible individuals under the bill include veterans, persons enrolled in the VA health care system, and individuals who (1) were discharged or released from service under a condition other than honorable, (2) are not enrolled in the VA health care system, and (3) served for a period of more than 90 cumulative days. For individuals receiving care, the VA must ensure the Veterans Crisis Line notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator and the Office of Community Care. The VA must also determine the eligibility of the individuals for other VA programs and benefits and make referrals for follow-on care. The VA may not charge an eligible individual for emergent mental health care and shall provide reimbursement to individuals who receive care at a non-VA facility. The bill also expands eligibility for mental and behavioral health care for certain veterans who were discharged or released from service under a condition that is other than honorable and served in the Armed Forces for a period of more than 90 cumulative days.

Every Veteran Counts Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020

Every Veteran Counts Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a national survey of veterans in a manner to include a statistically valid sample of veterans by specified demographic information, including gender identity and age. The survey shall also include specified groups of veterans, such as World War II veterans and Korean conflict era veterans. The VA shall report on the results of the survey and publish such report on a publicly accessible VA website.

Veterans Posttraumatic Growth Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020

Veterans Posttraumatic Growth Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a two-year pilot program to study the effectiveness of nonprofit post-traumatic growth programs to determine (1) the outcomes of such programs in contrast to traditional models of mental health care, (2) the possible integration of such nonprofit programs into VA mental health care programs, and (3) the budgetary impact of such integration. Post-traumatic growth is the positive psychological change that can result from struggling with traumatic events. The bill makes veterans who are not at immediate risk of attempting suicide and not participating in traditional mental health treatment eligible for such program.

Safeguarding Americans' Private Records Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020

Safeguarding Americans' Private Records Act of 2020 This bill imposes limitations on investigative powers provided under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA), reauthorizes certain FISA programs, and makes related changes. Provisions include reauthorizing to December 15, 2023, FISA authority to obtain business records, but also repealing the power to use such authority to obtain records on an ongoing basis; excluding certain data, such as cell phone location, from FISA authority to access business records; establishing that nonpublic information collected under FISA authority may not be retained for more than three years unless the information includes foreign intelligence information; disallowing the use of FISA-collected business records for criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings except in certain instances, such as cases involving a specific cybersecurity threat from a foreign country; requiring a government entity to notify a targeted person that the entity intends to use in court business records collected under FISA; excluding cell site location and global positioning system information from FISA authority for using a pen register or trap and trace device to collect evidence; reauthorizing to December 15, 2023, the power to treat individual terrorists as foreign agents; expanding the powers of FISA court amicus curiae (outside parties appointed to assist in a case), such as by authorizing the amicus to refer a FISA court decision to the FISA Court of Review; and repealing the government's authority to use National Security Letters to obtain financial or communications records without a court order.

Care for Veterans Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2020

Care for Veterans Act of 2020 This bill requires hospital care and medical services to be furnished to veterans and reservists who were exposed to volatile organic compounds, including trichloroethylene and benzene, while serving at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan. Family members of veterans and reservists who resided at Wurtsmith Air Force Base are also eligible for hospital care and medical services under this bill. The bill also provides a presumption of service connection for veterans and reservists who were exposed to volatile organic compounds while serving at Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Under a presumption of service connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

Making a technical correction to the SFC Sean Cooley and SPC Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act.

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2020

This resolution modifies eligibility provisions to allow a parent of a deceased service member or veteran to participate in the Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program, under which an individual may serve a 12-month fellowship in the office of a Member of the House of Representatives. The program currently allows participation by a child, stepchild, spouse, or sibling of (1) an individual who dies in the line of duty while serving as a member of the Armed Forces, or (2) a veteran who dies of a service-connected disability.

Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2020

Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020 This bill provides for a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to the U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II, in recognition of their service during World War II. Following the award of the medal, it shall be given to the American Merchant Marine Museum, where it shall be available for display and research.

Safeguarding Americans' Private Records Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2020

Safeguarding Americans' Private Records Act of 2020 This bill imposes limitations on investigative powers provided under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA), reauthorizes certain FISA programs, and makes related changes. Provisions include reauthorizing to December 15, 2023, FISA authority to obtain business records, but also repealing the power to use such authority to obtain records on an ongoing basis; excluding certain data, such as cell phone location, from FISA authority to access business records; establishing that nonpublic information collected under FISA authority may not be retained for more than three years unless the information includes foreign intelligence information; disallowing the use of FISA-collected business records for criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings except in certain instances, such as cases involving a specific cybersecurity threat from a foreign country; requiring a government entity to notify a targeted person that the entity intends to use in court business records collected under FISA; excluding cell site location and global positioning system information from FISA authority for using a pen register or trap and trace device to collect evidence; reauthorizing to December 15, 2023, the power to treat individual terrorists as foreign agents; expanding the powers of FISA court amicus curiae (outside parties appointed to assist in a case), such as by authorizing the amicus to refer a FISA court decision to the FISA Court of Review; and repealing the government's authority to use National Security Letters to obtain financial or communications records without a court order.

War Powers Reform Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2020

War Powers Reform Resolution This joint resolution repeals certain authorizations for the use of military force and provides specific requirements for any future such authorization to receive expedited consideration. Specifically, the bill repeals the authorizations for the use of miltary force enacted in 2002 against Iraq and in 2001 in response to the September 11 terror attacks. To receive expedited consideration, a bill or resolution that is authorizing, narrowing, or repealing the use of military force must provide a specific strategic objective for military action; a specification that the military force is necessary, appropriate, and proportional to the purpose of the authorization; a list of named nations, organizations, or forces engaged in active hostilities against the United States; a specification of the country, countries, or subdivisions thereof in which military force is to be authorized; and a date certain for the duration of the authorization, not to exceed two years. The bill also establishes an expedited procedure for Congress to consider such a narrowing or repeal, and it prohibits the use of appropriations to support military force in hostilities outside the parameters of an authorization. Lastly, the resolution requires the President, when requesting an authorization for the use of military force, to provide a comprehensive justification for such request by including (1) the nations, organizations, and forces covered; (2) the countries and subdivisions of such countries covered; and (3) the duration of the request.

VA Research Approval Efficiency Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2020

VA Research Approval Efficiency Act of 2020 This bill addresses clinical research procedures within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill requires the VA to complete policy revisions within the internal directive titled Requirements for the Protection of Human Subjects in Research to allow sponsored clinical research of the VA to use accredited commercial institutional review boards to review VA research proposal protocols. The VA must identify accredited commercial institutional review boards for use in connection with sponsored clinical research of the VA and establish a process to modify existing approvals if a board loses its accreditation during an ongoing clinical trial. The bill also requires the VA to establish an Office of Research Reviews within the VA's Office of Information and Technology. The office shall (1) perform centralized security reviews and complete security processes for approved research sponsored outside the VA, (2) develop and maintain a list of commercially available software preferred for use in sponsored clinical trials of the VA, (3) ensure such software list is maintained as part of the official approved software products list, and (4) develop benchmarks for time lines for security reviews.

To prohibit the sharing of United States intelligence with countries that permit operation of Huawei fifth generation telecommunications technology within their borders.

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2020

This bill prohibits sharing U.S. intelligence with countries that permit within their national borders the use of Huawei fifth generation telecommunications technology. (Huawei is a Chinese telecommunications company with suspected ties to the Chinese government.)

Religious Insignia on Dog Tags Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2020

Religious Insignia on Dog Tags Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to allow trademarks owned or controlled by DOD to be combined with religious insignia on commercial identification tags (i.e., dog tags) and to be sold by lawful trademark licensees. The bill applies retroactively to September 13, 2013.

Chuck Osier Burial Benefits Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020

Chuck Osier Burial Benefits Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish an urn or commemorative plaque in lieu of a headstone or marker to eligible deceased individuals if requested. Specifically, the United States must pay for an urn (in which the remains of such individual may be placed at private expense) or a commemorative plaque signifying the individual's status as a veteran. Eligible deceased individuals are those who served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917; are buried in a private cemetery but eligible for burial in a national cemetery; are buried in a private cemetery and were entitled to a headstone, marker or medallion (or would have been but for their age); and were cremated and not interred in a national cemetery, a state veterans' cemetery, a tribal cemetery, or a private cemetery.

TREAT PTSD Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020

Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for PTSD Act or the TREAT PTSD Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish stellate ganglion block to certain veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Blocking the stellate ganglion (a group of nerves at the base of the neck) by injecting a local anesthetic is a treatment that may alleviate PTSD symptoms. The bill authorizes this treatment for any veteran who (1) is enrolled in the VA health care system, (2) has been diagnosed with PTSD, and (3) has elected to receive stellate ganglion block after being informed by a physician of the risks and benefits.

Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020

Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act This bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified diseases becoming manifest in certain veterans to a degree of disability of 10% or more within 15 years of the veteran's separation from active military, naval, or air service. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific diseases or disabilities diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded. Veterans addressed by this bill are those who (1) trained in fire suppression, and (2) served on active duty in a military occupational specialty or career field with a primary responsibility of firefighting or damage control for at least five years in the aggregate.

Affirming the United States vital interest in liberty in Europe and resolute support for Ukraine in its efforts to counter Russian aggression and continue its trajectory among the community of democracies.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020

This resolution expresses support for increased U.S. assistance to Ukraine and the integration of Ukraine into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); condemns Russia's military incursions and ongoing malicious activities toward Ukraine; reaffirms opposition to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and Russian threats to U.S. energy security, and calls upon the U.S. government and its allies to continue to pressure Russia to uphold its international obligations towards Ukraine.

Bring Our Heroes Home Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020

Bring Our Heroes Home Act This bill establishes at the National Archives a collection of records that relate to the fate or status of missing Armed Forces personnel. Each government office must identify and locate such records in its possession and transmit them to the Archives. The bill establishes a temporary board to ensure and facilitate the review, transmission, and public disclosure of such records. The bill generally makes such records public, with specified exceptions.

Improving Mental Health Care for Veterans Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020

Improving Mental Health Care for Veterans Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to complete the development of a clinical practice guideline or guidelines for the treatment of serious mental illness. Under the bill, such guidelines must address the treatment of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and persistent mood disorder (including bipolar disorder I and II). The VA must establish the Serious Mental Illness Work Group with the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop such clinical practice guideline or guidelines. Finally, the VA must complete an assessment of the 2016 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Major Depressive Disorders to determine if an update is necessary.

Department of Veterans Affairs Therapeutic Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020

Department of Veterans Affairs Therapeutic Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act This bill provides statutory authority for the requirements for appointment, the qualifications, and the pay scale for therapeutic medical physicists of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces engaged in hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a congressional declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force.

[H.A.S.C. No. 116-56] Department of Defense's Role In Competing With China

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 January 2020

Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2020

Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on the policies and procedures relating to patient safety and quality of care and the steps the VA has taken to improve such care at VA medical centers. After any investigation or trial concludes, the VA must also report on the events involving deaths that occurred at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and the actions the VA has taken to prevent any similar reoccurrence.

Desert National Wildlife Refuge and Nevada Test and Training Range Withdrawal and Management Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2020

Desert National Wildlife Refuge and Nevada Test and Training Range Withdrawal and Management Act This bill provides for the termination or expansion of certain withdrawn and reserved military lands in Nevada and designates certain lands within the Desert National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The bill terminates the withdrawal and reservation of lands for the Naval Air Station Fallon Ranges and the Nevada Test and Training Range in 2021 and 2041, respectively. The bill expands the boundaries of Nellis Air Force Range to comprise 3,006,386 acres of land. The Department of the Air Force and the Department of the Interior shall not withdraw the new lands until they implement a cultural resources plan. The bill provides for fish and wildlife habitat support in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. Mitigation payments shall be provided by the Air Force to Interior for such support on lands withdrawn and reserved for use by the Air Force within the refuge. Interior and the Air Force must jointly establish (1) an interagency committee to facilitate coordination and minimize potential conflict regarding joint operating areas within the refuge, and (2) an intergovernmental executive committee for the management of the natural and cultural resources of the withdrawn and reserved lands of the ranges and certain other ranges. Interior shall facilitate public access to portions of the joint use area of the refuge for tribal, recreational, educational, and research purposes. The bill sets the western boundary of refuge between the refuge and the land jointly managed by the Air Force and Interior concerning Nellis Air Force Range.

Base Responders’ Essential Needs and Dining Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2020

Base Responders’ Essential Needs and Dining Access Act or the BRENDA Act This bill allows a protective services civilian employee (e.g., security guard) at a military installation to purchase food and hygiene items at the installation's commissary store or morale, welfare, and recreation retail facility.

Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2020

Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act This bill provides a presumption of service-connection for Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism for veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

Promoting Coordination for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2020

Promoting Coordination for Veteran Suicide Prevention Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to jointly review and report on the records of each former member of the Armed Forces who died by suicide within one year of separation from the Armed Forces during the five-year period preceding the enactment of this bill. The bill also requires the VA to report on the Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health—Veterans Enhanced Treatment (REACH VET) program to assess, among other elements, the impact of the program on rates of suicide among veterans.

United States-Israel PTSD Collaborative Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2020

United States-Israel PTSD Collaborative Research Act This bill establishes a grant program for collaborative efforts between the United States and Israel to advance research on post-traumatic stress disorders. The Department of Defense, in coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of State, shall award grants to eligible academic institutions or nonprofit entities in the United States. Work shall be conducted by the eligible entity and an entity in Israel under a joint research agreement.

Supporting the commitment of the United States to lawfully protect international cultural sites.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2020

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) targeting or destroying cultural property in the absence of imperative military necessity violates the law of armed conflict and is counter to U.S. values, (2) the United States is committed to following the law of armed conflict and the international agreements to which it is a party, and (3) the President should not threaten or order the commission of war crimes or other violations of the law of armed conflict.

Federal Employees and Retirees with Delinquent Tax Debt Initiative (FERDI) Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2020

Federal Employees and Retirees with Delinquent Tax Debt Initiative (FERDI) Act This bill directs the Internal Revenue Service to submit to specified congressional committees and make public online an annual report on current and retired federal civilian and military employees who have delinquent tax debt or an unfiled tax return for the most recent fiscal year.

Korean American VALOR Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2020

Korean American Vietnam Allies Long Overdue for Relief Act or the Korean American VALOR Act This bill entitles certain veterans who served in the armed forces of the Republic of Korea to hospital and domiciliary care and medical services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill entitles those veterans who served in the armed forces of the Republic of Korea in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or during a time period determined by the VA, and became U.S. citizens after such service.

HEALTH Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2020

Helping Expand and Launch Transitional Health for Women Veterans Act or the HEALTH Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue through at least FY2020 and report on the Women's Health Transition Training pilot program. Among other elements, the report should include the number of female participants by military department, the number of courses held under the program, and the locations where the courses were held.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1230) to amend the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and other laws to clarify appropriate standards for Federal employment discrimination and retaliation claims, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 76) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Borrower Defense Institutional Accountability"; and providing for proceedings during the period from January 17, 2020, through January 24, 2020.

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2020

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1230) to amend the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and other laws to clarify appropriate standards for Federal employment discrimination and retaliation claims, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 76) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Borrower Defense Institutional Accountability"; and providing for proceedings during the period from January 17, 2020, through January 24, 2020.

J. David Patterson, of Tennessee, to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, vice Laura Junor, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 9 January 2020

United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020

United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2020 This bill provides for security assistance to Israel and authorizes actions to further U.S.-Israel cooperation. Specifically, under the Foreign Military Financing Program, the bill makes no less than $3.3 billion annually available to Israel through FY2028. The bill also extends through FY2025 (1) authority to stockpile war reserves in Israel, and (2) loan guarantees to Israel for up to $9 billion. The President is authorized to transfer munitions from reserve stocks to Israel for its self-defense. Further, the President must report on steps to include Israel in the list of countries eligible for the strategic trade authorization exception, which authorizes exports, reexports, and in-country transfers in lieu of a license that would otherwise be required. Lastly, the President must establish and update contingency plans to provide Israel with defense articles and services necessary for its defense. The Department of State is authorized to (1) enter into memoranda of understanding with Israel with a focus on strengthening mutual ties and cooperation with nations throughout the world; and (2) establish a program between the United States, Israel, and other countries or territories to provide for cooperation in the Middle East region by financing and cooperating in programs related to innovation and advanced technologies. Further, the United States is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with Israel and developing countries to identify and support local solutions for addressing sustainability challenges. The Department of Defense is authorized to carry out activities with Israel to establish directed energy capabilities that address threats to the United States, deployed forces of the United States, or Israel.

Veteran Suicide Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020

Veteran Suicide Prevention Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to complete a review of the deaths of all covered veterans who died by suicide during the five-year period preceding the enactment of this bill. Covered veterans are those who received VA hospital care or medical services during the five-year period preceding the death of the veteran. The VA shall report on the results of the review and make such report publicly available.

Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020

Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide abortion counseling to a veteran who has an unwanted pregnancy.

Supporting the designation of February 1, 2020, as "Blue Star Mother's Day".

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020

This resolution supports the designation of Blue Star Mother's Day, which honors the contributions of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

Honoring the members of the military and intelligence community who carried out the mission that killed Qasem Soleimani, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020

This resolution commends the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and the intelligence community for carrying out the mission that killed Qasem Soleimani, and it reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to defeating terrorist organizations that threaten U.S. national security.

Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020

Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act of 2020 This bill gives the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) the authority to subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses as necessary to carry out the duties of the office. The bill prohibits the VA OIG from subpoenaing the attendance and testimony of current federal employees. Under the bill, the VA OIG must notify the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the intended witness of the intent to issue a subpoena. If DOJ objects to the subpoena because it will interfere with an ongoing investigation, the VA OIG may not issue the subpoena.