Defence

Military Housing Transparency and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Military Housing Transparency and Accountability Act This bill modifies requirements for the complaint database for military housing that the Department of Defense must establish. The bill specifies that complaints may be made by a member of the Armed Forces or dependent that resides in a covered dwelling unit (i.e., a unit of accompanied family housing, unaccompanied housing, or barracks in which a member resides but does not own). The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment must annually report to Congress with a summary of the data collected by the complaint database and any actions taken to remedy complaints.

American Aviator Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

American Aviator Act This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide grants to certain pilot schools (or provisional pilot schools) to provide pilot training activities and related education to support a pathway for veterans to become commercial aviators.

Protecting American Benefits Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Protecting American Benefits Act This bill authorizes payments for Medicare, Social Security, veteran death or disability benefits, and members of the Armed Forces to be made even if the debt limit is reached. Such payments may not be taken into consideration for purposes of calculating the debt limit until after the debt limit has already been increased.

Stand Your Ground Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Stand Your Ground Act of 2023 This bill establishes affirmative defenses for individuals who use (or threaten or attempt to use) force in the commission of certain federal criminal violations. First, an individual is justified in using (or threatening or attempting to use) non-deadly force if the individual reasonably believes it is necessary to defend against an imminent use of unlawful force. An individual who uses or threatens to use non-deadly force in accordance with this affirmative defense does not have a duty to retreat before using or threatening to use such force. Second, an individual is justified in using (or threatening or attempting to use) deadly force if the individual reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony. An individual who uses, threatens, or attempts to use deadly force in accordance with this affirmative defense does not have a duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground so long as the individual is not engaged in a criminal activity and is in a place where he or she has a right to be.

To establish a defense industrial base advanced capabilities pilot program.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This bill requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment within the Department of Defense to implement a five-year pilot program to create a robust and resilient defense industrial base. The program must be implemented through public-private partnerships to accelerate the scaling, production, and acquisition of advanced capabilities for national security by creating incentives (e.g., loan guarantees) for investment in domestic small business or nontraditional businesses. 

To establish a Joint Autonomy Office in the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Joint Autonomy Office to coordinate and accelerate the delivery of all-domain autonomous systems to operational users. Under the bill, an autonomous system means a system with the ability to conduct integrated sensing, perception, communication, decision-making, and action within specific boundaries and independently from a human operator's instruction. The office may contract with private sector entities to aid and facilitate the execution of its duties. DOD must brief Congress on the status of the office not later than 90 days after the enactment of this bill. The office must establish a department-wide classification framework for autonomous capabilities. The office must regularly reassess and update the framework to ensure it incorporates recent developments in technology, standards, and operational requirements relating to autonomous capabilities. The office must brief Congress on the results of the reassessments and any resulting revisions. Additionally, the office must develop and implement a plan and procedures to standardize the planning, resourcing, and integration efforts with respect to autonomous capabilities for current and future systems across DOD. 

Ensuring Peace Through Strength in Israel Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Ensuring Peace Through Strength in Israel Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to make annual assessments from 2024 through 2028 with regards to the quantity and type of munitions Israel needs to defend itself and prevail in the event of sustained armed confrontation with specified adversaries (for example, Iran or Hamas). The assessment must address subjects such as (1) whether sufficient quantities and types of such munitions exist in Israeli and U.S. stockpiles, and (2) the pace at which the United States could replenish Israeli stockpiles in the event of such conflicts.

Finish It Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Finish It Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to submit a plan (within 15 days after the bill is enacted) to utilize, transfer, or donate to states all existing excess border wall construction materials to construct a permanent physical barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border. If DOD delays in submitting or executing the plan, the travel budget of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy must be decreased by 1% for every two days of delay. DOD must work with the Defense Logistics Agency to execute the plan until DOD is no longer incurring any costs to maintain, store, or protect the excess materials. Any state requesting border wall construction materials must certify, in writing, that the materials will be used exclusively for the construction of a permanent physical barrier to stop illicit human and vehicle trafficking along the border. If a state does not use all such materials for the specified purpose within two years of receiving the materials, the state must pay the federal government an amount equal to the original purchase price of the materials.

A bill to prohibit the use of Department of Defense funds for adult cabaret performances.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This bill prohibits the use of Department of Defense funds or facilities for hosting, advertising, or otherwise supporting an adult cabaret performance (i.e., a performance that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, or male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to prurient interest).

SPACE Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Space Protection of American Command and Enterprise Act or the SPACE Act This bill prohibits the purchase of certain telecommunications or aerospace equipment and services from China and requires reporting on investment by foreign entities in U.S. space companies. The National Space Council shall submit a specified report to Congress on space investment competition from China and Russia. No funds made available to the Department of Commerce or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) may be used to purchase or lease telecommunications or aerospace goods or services from any telecommunications or aerospace corporation, subsidiary, or affiliate associated with China or the Communist Party of China. The bill requires foreign entities to submit certain reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission if they acquire more than 2% of shares in a U.S. space company. The Department of Defense, in coordination with Commerce and the Department of the Treasury, shall submit annual reports to Congress on investment by foreign entities in activities conducted in the United States or conducted by U.S. entities related to exploration, manufacturing, telecommunications, or national security activities involving space.

Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act This bill extends a tax benefit related to combat-related severance pay to veterans of the Coast Guard. Specifically, severance pay amounts that were withheld for tax purposes from veterans with combat-related injuries must be restored to veterans of the Coast Guard.

Town Halls for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

Town Halls for Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide for quarterly town hall meetings for veterans at each of its medical centers. The meetings must include (1) the director (or director's designee) of the medical center, (2) the director (or director's designee) of the Veterans Integrated Service Network the medical center is located in, and (3) other VA employees the VA determines are appropriate.

Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act This bill limits U.S. assistance to Israel and establishes reporting requirements related to Israel's activities in the West Bank and its expenditures for offshore procurement. (Offshore procurement involves spending U.S. security assistance from the Foreign Military Financing program on Israeli-origin rather than U.S.-origin defense articles.) Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of any funds that are made available for assistance to Israel to support (1) military detention, interrogation, abuse, or ill treatment of Palestinian children; (2) seizure, appropriation, or destruction of Palestinian property and forcible transfer of civilians in the Israeli-controlled West Bank; or (3) certain activities to facilitate unilateral annexation by Israel of West Bank territory. The Department of State must report on the nature and extent of such activities carried out by Israel. Further, the Government Accountability Office must submit to Congress a report on related topics, such as (1) identifying specific programs and items to which funds for offshore procurement in Israel have been allocated, (2) identifying all end-use monitoring to which Israel is subject with respect to U.S.-origin defense articles, and (3) assessing the extent to which offshore procurement funds have supported illegal Israeli settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.

Bring Our Heroes Home Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

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, in accordance with the criteria and acceptable formats established by 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.

Enhancing DHS Drug Seizures Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

Enhancing DHS Drug Seizures Act This bill addresses various issues related to border security and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Under this bill, DHS employees may receive danger pay while stationed in a foreign area while that area is experiencing certain conditions, such as civil war, that threaten physical harm or imminent danger to the employee. The danger pay may be for up to 35% of the employee's basic pay. Furthermore, DHS may waive reimbursement for the salaries of DHS employees providing training to foreign-vetted law enforcement or national security units under an agreement with the Department of Defense. The bill also authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide air and marine support to foreign governments for certain operations, such as an operation to deter illegal drugs from entering the United States. The bill also makes it a crime to destroy or significantly damage physical or electronic devices (e.g., fences or cameras) used by the federal government to control a U.S. international border with the intent to achieve certain goals relating to securing financial gain and breaking federal laws. Similarly, it shall be a crime to knowingly track, monitor, or transmit the activities of federal, state, or local law enforcement officers with the intent to achieve such goals. The crimes established by this bill shall be punishable by fines, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

Protecting the Border from Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

Protecting the Border from Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of State, the Department of Energy, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Department of Defense to develop a strategy for a unified posture on counter-unmanned aircraft systems capabilities and protections at certain facilities at or near a U.S. international border (generally, facilities or assets considered high-risk or a potential target and that are related to certain DHS or DOJ missions).

Stand Your Ground Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

Stand Your Ground Act of 2023 This bill establishes affirmative defenses for individuals who use (or threaten or attempt to use) force in the commission of certain federal criminal violations. First, an individual is justified in using (or threatening or attempting to use) non-deadly force if the individual reasonably believes it is necessary to defend against an imminent use of unlawful force. An individual who is at risk of becoming a victim of a forcible felony does not have a duty to retreat before using force to act in self-defense. Second, an individual is justified in using (or threatening or attempting to use) deadly force if the individual reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony. An individual who is at risk of becoming a victim of a forcible felony does not have a duty to retreat before using force to act in self-defense and may use any means necessary to defend himself or herself so long as the individual is not engaged in a criminal activity and is in a place where he or she has a right to be.

Baltic Security Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

Baltic Security Initiative Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out an initiative to deepen security cooperation with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The goals of this initiative include (1) achieving U.S. national security objectives by deterring Russian aggression; (2) enhancing regional planning and cooperation among these countries, particularly with respect to long-term regional capabilities such as long-range precision fire systems and integrated air and missile defense; and (3) improving these countries' cyber defenses. DOD must also submit to Congress a strategy for accomplishing these goals.

Truncating Onerous Regulations for Partners and Enhancing Deterrence Operations (TORPEDO) Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

Truncating Onerous Regulations for Partners and Enhancing Deterrence Operations (TORPEDO) Act of 2023 This bill facilitates the transfer of certain U.S. equipment, technology, and services to and between the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom (U.K.).   For example, the bill requires the Department of State to initiate regulatory changes to establish an open general export license for the export, reexport, transfer, and retransfer of certain defense articles and services to or between designated individuals, entities, and facilities of the United States, Australia, Canada, and the U.K.; requires the Department of Commerce to initiate regulatory changes to establish a license exception for the export, reexport, and in-country transfer of items on the Commerce Control List to or between designated individuals and entities in Australia, Canada, and the U.K.; directs the State Department to compile a list of available and emerging military platforms, technologies, and equipment that are pre-cleared and prioritized for sale and release to Australia, Canada, and the U.K. through the Foreign Military Sales program; and requires the State Department to appoint a senior advisor to oversee implementation of the AUKUS agreement (a security partnership between Australia, the U.K., and the United States focused on the Indo-Pacific region). The bill also expands the definition of domestic source under the Defense Production Act, thereby making certain businesses in Australia, the U.K., and New Zealand eligible for financial incentives to increase production of critical components, critical technology items, materials, and industrial resources needed for U.S. national security.

A bill to establish a defense industrial base advanced capabilities pilot program.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

This bill requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment within the Department of Defense to implement a five-year pilot program to create a robust and resilient defense industrial base. The program must be implemented through public-private partnerships to accelerate the scaling, production, and acquisition of advanced capabilities for national security by creating incentives (e.g., loan guarantees) for investment in domestic small business or nontraditional businesses. 

CHARGE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2023

Critical Health Access Resource and Grant Extensions Act of 2023 or the CHARGE Act of 2023 This bill addresses Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and benefits for homeless veterans, the VA's caregiver programs, and the administration of state homes. The bill prohibits the VA from providing grants or per diem payments to entities (i.e., grant recipients or authorized entities that provide certain services to homeless veterans) for more than 12,000 transitional housing beds furnished by such entities on average each year. For a three-year period, the bill increases the maximum rate of per diem payments provided by the VA to entities that furnish services and transitional housing to homeless veterans. The bill also authorizes the VA, for a period of three additional years, to provide assistance to homeless veterans and veterans participating in the Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. Additionally, the VA may collaborate with one or more organizations to manage the use of VA land for homeless veterans for living and sleeping. The bill extends the waiver for occupancy rate requirements through FY2024 for state homes for purposes of receiving per diem payments from the VA. The bill authorizes the VA to continue to provide to state homes medicines, personal protective equipment, medical supplies, and any other equipment, supplies, and assistance available to the VA.

Energy Security for Overseas Troops Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2023

Energy Security for Overseas Troops Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to establish a program to assist partner country military forces in developing and maintaining military-wide transformational strategies for operational energy. The purpose of this program is to promote the readiness of U.S. and partner country military forces for missions in a contested logistics environment by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and employing more diverse and renewable operational energy sources. (A contested logistics environment is one where U.S. or partner country military forces engage in conflict with an adversary that presents challenges in all domains and directly targets logistics operations, facilities, and activities.)

Airports PFAS Liability Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2023

Airports PFAS Liability Protection Act This bill exempts airport sponsors from liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) for releases of certain perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. A sponsor is (1) a public agency that submits an application for financial assistance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) related to airport development and improvement, and (2) a private owner of a public-use airport that submits an application for financial assistance to DOT for the airport. Under the bill, a sponsor also includes a sponsor of the civilian portion of a joint-use airport or shared-use airport (i.e., airports owned by the government or military). Under the bill, the exemption only applies if the release of PFAS resulted from the use of an aqueous film forming foam and the use was (1) required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and (2) carried out in accordance with applicable FAA standards and guidance Liability for damages or costs associated with the release of certain PFAS must not be precluded if an entity acts with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the use of an aqueous film forming foam.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024

United States · United States Senate · 2 May 2023

Green Star Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2023

Green Star Families Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish counseling services to the next of kin and former volunteer caregivers of certain veterans. The VA must publish information related to the counseling program online and provide information to next of kin and former volunteer caregivers of such veterans. Generally, Green Star families are families of servicemembers and veterans who have died by suicide.

Andrew Thomas McCaffrey Green Star Veterans Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2023

Andrew Thomas McCaffrey Green Star Veterans Service Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to design and designate the Green Star Service Flag to identify next of kin of veterans who died of suicide on or after September 11, 2001. An individual who is next of kin of such a veteran may display the flag.

Every Veteran Counts Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2023

Every Veteran Counts Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a database of specified demographics (e.g., age) of veterans. The data must be in a machine-readable format and anonymized to protect sensitive personal information. The VA must provide access to the database on a publicly accessible website that is updated at least once a year. Additionally, the VA must report on the progress, challenges, performance, and opportunities of implementing its data strategy. The report must be made available on the VA's open data website in a machine-readable format.

Citizenship for Essential Workers Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2023

Citizenship for Essential Workers Act This bill establishes a mechanism for eligible non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who worked as essential workers during the declared COVID-19 public health emergency to apply for and obtain lawful permanent resident status (sometimes referred to as a green card). The bill also narrows certain grounds for deportability and inadmissibility. To be eligible for a green card under this bill, an individual must have earned income at any point during the COVID-19 emergency period doing work deemed essential by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or a state or local government. An individual may also be eligible if that individual is a parent, spouse, or child of (1) an eligible individual who died from COVID-19, or (2) a member of the Armed Forces. Certain individuals shall be ineligible, such as an individual who was a refugee on January 1, 2023. To obtain a green card under this bill, an applying individual must satisfy additional requirements, including by passing a background check. Furthermore, the bill repeals provisions providing for three-year bars and permanent bars to admission into the United States. (Generally, these bars apply to individuals who were previously removed or unlawfully present.) The bill also narrows the scope of certain crime-based grounds for inadmissibility or deportability, such as by redefining the term conviction to exclude expunged convictions. The Department of Justice or DHS may waive certain grounds of inadmissibility or deportability (1) for humanitarian purposes, (2) to ensure family unity, or (3) for the public interest.

Space National Guard Establishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2023

Space National Guard Establishment Act This bill establishes a Space National Guard as the reserve component of the U.S. Space Force.

Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2023

Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for an autonomous weapons system that is not subject to meaningful human control to launch a nuclear weapon or to select or engage targets for the purposes of launching a nuclear weapon. With respect to an autonomous weapons system, meaningful human control means human control of the (1) selection and engagement of targets: and (2) time, location, and manner of use.

Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2023

Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act This bill provides a framework to compensate certain residents of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, for the use of such island for military readiness. The bill sets forth provisions regarding award amounts for individuals and for claims by the municipality of Vieques. An individual claimant who has resided on the island of Vieques for not less than five years before this bill's enactment and files a claim for compensation with the Special Master shall be awarded monetary compensation if it is more likely than not that the claimant contracted a chronic, life threatening, or physical or mental disease or illness as a result of the U.S. government having used the island for military readiness. Total amounts awarded under this bill shall not exceed $1 billion dollars. A claim to which this bill applies shall be barred unless filed within 15 years of this bill's enactment. Notwithstanding any contract, a representative of an individual may not receive, for services rendered in connection with a claim of the individual, more than 20% of a payment made under this bill.

Citizenship for Essential Workers Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2023

Citizenship for Essential Workers Act This bill establishes a mechanism for eligible non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who worked as essential workers during the declared COVID-19 public health emergency to apply for and obtain lawful permanent resident status (sometimes referred to as a green card). The bill also narrows certain grounds for deportability and inadmissibility. To be eligible for a green card under this bill, an individual must have earned income at any point during the COVID-19 emergency period doing work deemed essential by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or a state or local government. An individual may also be eligible if that individual is a parent, spouse, or child of (1) an eligible individual who died from COVID-19, or (2) a member of the Armed Forces. Certain individuals shall be ineligible, such as an individual who was a refugee on January 1, 2023. To obtain a green card under this bill, an applying individual must satisfy additional requirements, including by passing a background check. Furthermore, the bill repeals provisions providing for three-year bars and permanent bars to admission into the United States. (Generally, these bars apply to individuals who were previously removed or unlawfully present.) The bill also narrows the scope of certain crime-based grounds for inadmissibility or deportability, such as by redefining the term conviction to exclude expunged convictions. The Department of Justice or DHS may waive certain grounds of inadmissibility or deportability (1) for humanitarian purposes, (2) to ensure family unity, or (3) for the public interest.

[H.A.S.C. No. 118-35] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 April 2023

TREAT PTSD Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

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) and the Department of Defense (DOD) to furnish stellate ganglion block to certain veterans or members of the Armed Forces (including reserve components) 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 or member of the Armed Forces who (1) is enrolled in the VA health care system or TRICARE program, (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. Such treatment may be furnished at a VA medical center, DOD medical facility, or through health care provider under the Veterans Community Care Program or TRICARE health insurance program. The bill also requires the VA and DOD to update the VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for the Management of PTSD to ensure that information about stellate ganglion block is included.

Preventing PLA Acquisition of United States Technology Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

Preventing PLA Acquisition of United States Technology Act of 2023 This bill prohibits certain types of scientific research or technical exchange between specified U.S. and Chinese entities. The bill's prohibition concerns research or exchange that could develop technologies identified by the Chinese Communist Party as priorities for its strategy to mobilize non-military resources and expertise for military application. Examples of such technologies include quantum computing, lasers, robotics, semiconductors, and aerospace technology. The bill prohibits such research or exchange if it is conducted between (1) federal agencies that engage in research or provide funding for research, institutions of higher education or private research institutes that receive federal financial assistance, or companies headquartered in the United States that receive federal financial assistance; and (2) certain Chinese entities with connections to China's military, such as universities that receive funding from China's military or that host military laboratories. The bill also requires the Department of Defense to establish and periodically update a website that includes a list of specific areas of research and exchange subject to this prohibition.

SOFA Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

Safeguarding Our Forces Abroad Act or the SOFA Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to reduce, at a rate of 1% each month, the number of members of the Armed Forces stationed in foreign countries where (1) at least 1,000 members of the Armed Forces were stationed in the previous fiscal year, and (2) there are not enforceable Status of Forces Agreements in place that contain specified elements. Specifically, the bill applies to countries that do not have enforceable Status of Forces Agreements in place that prohibit pretrial detention of any member of the Armed Forces who has been accused of committing a non-violent crime, guarantees an accused member of the Armed Forces immediate access to legal counsel and language translation services during the legal process, guarantees an accused member of the Armed Forces may not be compelled to be a witness against themselves, and guarantees an accused member of the Armed Forces will be protected from confessions obtained through torture, coercion, threats, violence, or any means of improper influence. The requirement to reduce force numbers may be waived if DOD certifies to Congress that it is in the national security interests of the United States to avoid a reduction in forces.

National Mesonet Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

National Mesonet Authorization Act This bill provides statutory authority for the National Mesonet Program of the National Weather Service (NWS). The program shall obtain observations from observing platforms in all geographic environments to improve understanding of and forecast capabilities for atmospheric events, with a prioritization on leveraging available commercial, academic, and other nonfederal weather data to enhance coordination across the private, public, and academic sectors of the U.S. weather enterprise. The program must carry out specified activities, including improving environmental observations used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the NWS to support baseline forecasts and warnings that protect the nation's citizens, businesses, military, and government agencies and enable such individuals and entities to operate in safe, efficient, and orderly manners. NOAA shall ensure the program has an active advisory committee of subject matter experts to identify, implement, procure, and track data needed to supplement the program, and recommend improvements, expansions, and acquisitions of available data. The advisory committee shall establish partnerships with one or more institutions of higher education to identify, evaluate, and recommend potential partnerships, regional or subregional consortia, and collaborative methods that would expand the number of participants and volume of data in the program.

Military Suicide Prevention in the 21st Century Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

Military Suicide Prevention in the 21st Century Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to carry out a two-year pilot program to program suicide prevention resources onto smart devices issued to members of the Armed Forces and to provide training on these resources.

Recognizing the 48th anniversary of Black April and the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

This resolution recognizes the significance of the 48th anniversary of Black April and the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when South Vietnam was overthrown by communist forces. The resolution also honors (1) the service of members of the U.S. Armed Forces and South Vietnamese forces who fought in Vietnam, including those who gave their lives; and (2) the contributions of Vietnamese Americans to the United States.

To establish a task force of the Department of Defense on mental health.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a task force to examine matters relating to the mental health of members of the Armed Forces. The task force must submit a report to DOD that includes recommendations related to the mental health services provided to members of the Armed Forces. DOD must develop a plan based on the recommendations of the task force.

[H.A.S.C. No. 118-34] A REVIEW OF THE DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE ENTERPRISE'S POSTURE AND CAPABILITIES IN STRATEGIC COMPETITION AND IN SYNCHRONIZING INTELLIGENCE EFFORTS TO COUNTER THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 April 2023

Veterans Claims Education Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Veterans Claims Education Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to, upon receipt of an initial claim for benefits from a claimant that is not represented by an accredited person (i.e., a veterans service organization, attorney, or agent recognized by the VA) provide (1) notice that an accredited person may assist the claimant, (2) notice that a veterans service organization may represent the claimant for free, (3) information regarding a search tool to find an accredited person to assist in the filing of claims, and (4) information on how and where to report a person who is not accredited and charged a fee to assist with a claim. In its web portal, the VA must provide a warning regarding fees an agent or attorney may charge for assistance in filing benefits claims. (Under current law, fees are generally prohibited for filing an initial claim.)

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report on the Warrior Training Advancement Course of the Veterans Benefits Administration.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to annually report to Congress on the Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC) of the Veterans Benefits Administration. The report must include specified elements, including information regarding the Transition Assistance Program practices of WARTAC and the hiring of members of the Armed Forces who complete WARTAC.

Audit the Pentagon Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Audit the Pentagon Act of 2023 This bill requires defense spending reductions during any fiscal year after FY2022 where the Comptroller of the Department of Defense (DOD) fails to certify that a department, agency, or other element of DOD has achieved an unqualified opinion on its full financial statements. The amount of any reductions must be deposited in the Treasury and must be available for deficit reduction. The bill excludes from any reductions accounts related to military personnel, reserve personnel, National Guard personnel, and the Defense Health Program. The President may waive a reduction if the President certifies that a reduction would negatively affect (1) national security or members of the Armed Forces who are deployed in combat zones, or (2) the Defense Health Program account.

MARITIME Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Maritime Architecture and Response to International Terrorism In the Middle East Act of 2023 or the MARITIME Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to seek to develop an integrated maritime domain awareness and interdiction capability for the Middle East to protect against specified maritime threats in the region. DOD must also submit to Congress (1) a strategy for achieving this capability in cooperation with regional partners and allies; and (2) a study on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a fund to support this effort, including an assessment of contributions that could be made by allies and partner countries.

Baltic Security Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Baltic Security Initiative Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out an initiative to deepen security cooperation with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The goals of this initiative include (1) achieving U.S. national security objectives by deterring Russian aggression; (2) enhancing regional planning and cooperation among these countries, particularly with respect to long-term regional capabilities such as long-range precision fire systems and integrated air and missile defense; and (3) improving these countries' cyber defenses. DOD must also submit to Congress a strategy for accomplishing these goals.

Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act This bill extends the period of eligibility for health benefits under TRICARE Reserve Select for immediate family members to three years beyond the date of the death of a member of a reserve component. Under current law, the eligibility period continues for six months beyond the date of the death.

Drone Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Drone Act of 2023 This bill creates a federal statutory framework to criminalize various conduct involving the misuse of drones. Among its provisions, the bill generally prohibits the operation of a drone that poses an imminent safety hazard to vessels or motor vehicles; weaponization of a drone (e.g., attaching a firearm or explosive); and operation of a drone that interferes with a law enforcement, emergency response, or military operation or activity of the federal government or of a state, local, or tribal government.

PFAS Exposure Assessment and Documentation Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

PFAS Exposure Assessment and Documentation Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to include in various health evaluations an assessment of whether a member of the Armed Forces has been exposed to perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. Specifically, the bill requires DOD to ensure that any periodic health assessment, physical assessment for recently separated members, pre-deployment medical examination, post-deployment medical examination, and post-deployment health reassessment provided to a member of the Armed Forces includes an evaluation of whether the member has been exposed to PFAS or was based or stationed at a military installation with a known or suspected release of PFAS during the period the member was there. If any of the evaluations result in a positive determination of potential exposure to PFAS, DOD must provide blood testing during the evaluation to be included in the member's health record. DOD must pay for blood testing to determine and document potential exposure to PFAS for former members of the Armed Forces or family members of such members who lived at a location identified by DOD as having a known or suspected PFAS release during the time the individuals lived there. DOD must share results of the evaluations with the Department of Veterans Affairs and establish a registry of members of the Armed Forces who have been exposed to, or suspected to have been exposed to, PFAS. Members may elect to be excluded from the registry.

MARITIME Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Maritime Architecture and Response to International Terrorism In the Middle East Act of 2023 or the MARITIME Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to seek to develop an integrated maritime domain awareness and interdiction capability for the Middle East to protect against specified maritime threats in the region. DOD must also submit to Congress (1) a strategy for achieving this capability in cooperation with regional partners and allies; and (2) a study on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a fund to support this effort, including an assessment of contributions that could be made by allies and partner countries.