Defence

South China Sea and East China Sea Sanctions Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2021

South China Sea and East China Sea Sanctions Act of 2021 This bill imposes sanctions on Chinese persons and entities that participate in certain activities related to China's territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea and addresses other related issues. The President must impose property-blocking and visa-denial sanctions on Chinese persons and entities that (1) contribute to development projects in parts of the South China Sea contested by a member country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or (2) engage in actions or policies that threaten the peace or stability in disputed South China Sea areas or in an East China Sea area administered by Japan or South Korea. The bill prohibits U.S. entities from investing in or insuring projects involving sanctioned entities in either sea. The President must also impose prohibitions and restrictions on correspondent and payable-through accounts related to sanctioned entities if the Office of the Director of National Intelligence determines that China has taken certain actions, such as declaring an air defense identification zone over the South China Sea. The Government Publishing Office may not publish any resources that portray the contested territories in either sea as part of China, with limited exceptions. The Department of Defense, U.S. flagged vessels, or U.S. aircraft may not take any action that implies recognition of China's claimed sovereignty over contested territories. The Department of State must periodically report to Congress identifying countries that recognize China's claims to the contested territories. Certain types of foreign aid may not be provided to such countries.

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-32] Operations in Cyberspace and Building Cyber Capabilities across the Department of Defense

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 May 2021

To repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2021

This bill repeals the January 14, 1991, resolution authorizing the use of military force against Iraq.

COVID–19 Origin Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

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

Demilitarizing Local Law Enforcement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

Demilitarizing Local Law Enforcement Act of 2021 This bill eliminates the authority of the Department of Defense to transfer surplus military property to federal and state agencies for law enforcement activities.

I am Vanessa Guillén Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

I am Vanessa Guillén Act of 2021 This bill addresses the policies and procedures of the Department of Defense (DOD) for cases or allegations of sex-related offenses.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the construction of naval vessels in shipyards in North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

This bill authorizes the construction of a naval vessel in a foreign shipyard if the shipyard is located within the boundaries of a member country of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the cost of construction of such vessel in such shipyard will be less than the cost of construction of the vessel in a domestic shipyard.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

This bill redesignates the Pulse Memorial located at 1912 South Orange Avenue in Orlando, Florida, as the "National Pulse Memorial."

Student Veterans Transparency and Protection Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

Student Veterans Transparency and Protection Act of 2021 This bill addresses the maintenance of the GI Bill Comparison Tool and administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance. The VA must maintain the tool and ensure its historical data remains easily and prominently accessible on the VA's benefits website for at least seven years from the initial publication. The VA must retain, maintain, and publish feedback from students and state approving agencies regarding the quality of instruction, recruiting practices, and post-graduation employment placement of approved institutions of higher learning for the duration that the institution is approved for VA benefit purposes. The bill provides institutions of higher learning with up to 30 days to review and respond to any feedback and address issues before the feedback is published. The bill requires that the GI Bill Comparison Tool include updated information, including descriptions of each federal student aid program and the amount of educational assistance an individual may be eligible to receive under the program. The VA must train personnel that provide education benefits counseling, vocational or transition assistance, or similar functions to properly use the comparison tool and provide appropriate education counseling services. The VA must restore entitlement to educational assistance in situations where there is a civil enforcement action or VA action against an educational institution, and an individual was unable to complete the course or program of education due to such action. Individuals may be charged against their entitlement at their request.

I am Vanessa Guillén Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

I am Vanessa Guillén Act of 2021 This bill addresses the policies and procedures of the Department of Defense (DOD) for cases or allegations of sex-related offenses.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2021

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act This bill establishes targets and standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from airplane flights and provides incentives for the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel. Specifically, this bill establishes a national goal to achieve a net 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from flights by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2050. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must establish a low carbon fuel standard for aviation fuels. Under the standard, the EPA must set annual targets in order to reduce certain greenhouse gas emissions associated with aviation fuel by at least (1) 20% by 2030, and (2) 50% by 2050. Beginning in FY2023, the Department of Defense must make a bulk purchase of an amount of sustainable aviation fuel that is not less than 10% of the total amount of aviation fuel procured for operational purposes. Additionally, the Department of Transportation must implement a program that offers grants and cost-sharing agreements for projects to produce, transport, blend, or store sustainable aviation fuel. The projects must be located in the United States. Finally, the bill provides tax credits for the production of sustainable aviation fuel.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 12 May 2021

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 12 May 2021

SAVE Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2021

Securing America's Vaccines for Emergencies Act of 2021 or the SAVE Act of 2021 This bill authorizes the President to make payments to manufacturers to increase supply-chain security if doing so is important to the national defense. The President must submit a strategy to Congress that includes (1) a plan to use authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to ensure the supply of medical materials essential to the national defense; and (2) plans to diversify, and address vulnerabilities in, supply chains for essential medical materials. The President must submit to Congress annual progress reports through FY2025 evaluating the implementation of the strategy.

Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2021

Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program Act of 2021 This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to carry out a pilot program to make grants to local governments to enhance the mapping of urban flooding and associated property damage and the availability of such mapping data to homeowners, businesses, and localities to enable them to minimize flooding risk. The grants may only be made to local governments in urbanized areas with populations greater than 50,000 or to stormwater management authorities in those localities. FEMA shall give priority to grant applicants in areas that (1) are highly vulnerable to a sea level rise, (2) include a military installation or other national security facility, or (3) have a population highly vulnerable to urban flooding and have an uneven capacity for flood mitigation and response efforts due to socioeconomic factors.

Wartime Contracting Commission Reauthorization Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2021

Wartime Contracting Commission Reauthorization Act of 2021 This bill reestablishes the Commission on Wartime Contracting. The commission was established in 2008 to study U.S. wartime contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill replaces the commission's general duties to direct it to study (1) contracting funded by overseas contingency operations funds, and (2) contracting for the logistical support of coalition forces operating under the authority of the 2001 or 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force or for the performance of security functions in countries where coalition forces operate under that authority.

Preventing Endless Armed Conflict and Engagement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2021

Preventing Endless Armed Conflict and Engagement Act This bill establishes requirements related to an authorization for the use of military force. Specifically, the bill provides for the termination of any specific statutory authorization (or reauthorization thereof) not later than two years after the enactment of the authorization (or reauthorization). Further, a specific statutory authorization must specify (1) each nation, organization, or force engaged in active hostilities against the United States; (2) each country in which military force is authorized; and (3) the objective for such authorization. The Department of Defense must submit an annual report that includes (1) a list of each authorization for the use of military force, and (2) specified information related to each authorization (e.g., the number of military personnel deployed and the expected scope and duration of operations).

Restraining Russian Imperialism Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2021

Restraining Russian Imperialism Act This bill requires the President to impose all available Russia-related sanctions against each individual and entity that meet the criteria for such sanctions until the Russian government removes all of its armed forces from the Donbas region of Ukraine.

Combatting Racist Training in the Military Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2021

Combatting Racist Training in the Military Act of 2021 This bill prohibits the Armed Forces and academic institutions of the Department of Defense from promoting specified anti-American and racist theories (e.g., that any race is inherently superior or inferior to any other race). Specifically, the bill prohibits including anti-American and racist theories or materials in curricula, reading lists, seminars, workshops, trainings, or other educational or professional settings in a manner that could appear as sponsorship, approval, or endorsement; contracting with, hiring, or otherwise engaging speakers, consultants, diversity trainers, and other persons for the purpose of advocating anti-American and racist theories; compelling members of the Armed Forces to affirm or profess belief in anti-American and racist theories; and segregating members of the Armed Forces by race in any setting, including educational and training sessions.

THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE MICHAEL McCORD, NOMINEE TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE [COMPTROLLER] AND THE HONORABLE RONALD MOULTRIE, NOMINEE TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY

United States · United States Senate · 11 May 2021

Veterans Legal Support Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2021

Veterans Legal Support Act of 2021 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide support, including financial support, to one or more university law school programs to provide veterans with legal assistance.

COVID–19 Emergency Medical Supplies Enhancement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2021

COVID-19 Emergency Medical Supplies Enhancement Act of 2021 This bill expands certain authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) and authorizes the President and federal agencies to take specific actions to support the production of critical medical supplies during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency, including with respect to private-sector coordination, needs assessments, and overall strategies. The bill makes loans under the DPA subject to certain notification requirements. A report required under the DPA for FY2022 and FY2023 shall include the percentage of contracts awarded to small businesses.

Let Veterans Honor the Fallen Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2021

Let Veterans Honor the Fallen Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to authorize a veterans service organization to use the parking lot at the Pentagon as a staging area for the Rolling to Remember Memorial Day Remembrance Ride. The veterans service organization must assume full responsibility for all expenses and liabilities arising from event activities.

TRICARE Retiree Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2021

TRICARE Retiree Protection Act This bill authorizes a covered beneficiary who is enrolled in TRICARE Select to reenroll in TRICARE Select at any time during 2021. Covered beneficiaries are those in the retired category who (1) enrolled in TRICARE Select as of December 31, 2020, (2) did not establish a monthly enrollment fee payment during the 2020 TRICARE Open Season, and (3) submit an assertion that they did not receive notice regarding the process to enroll in and establish a monthly enrollment fee payment for TRICARE Select for 2021. A covered beneficiary who reenrolls in TRICARE Select must, at the time of enrollment, pay a portion of the annual enrollment fee and establish a monthly enrollment fee payment for the remaining months of 2021.

Military Child Care Expansion Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2021

Military Child Care Expansion Act of 2021 This bill modifies and implements policies to update child care facilities and administration at the Department of Defense (DOD). Specifically, the bill removes certain requirements for members of the Armed Forces to receive funding for an in-home child care provider under the DOD pilot program that provides financial assistance to such members who pay for in-home child care. The bill also allows DOD to expand the pilot program to additional locations (currently it is authorized for five). DOD must establish a 10-year pilot program to expand access to child care for members of the Armed Forces by entering into agreements with public or private child care facilities or development centers. Under the bill, DOD must determine the (1) root causes contributing to poor or failing facility conditions at its child development centers, and (2) total cost to improve the conditions of such centers. The Government Accountability Office must review the determinations and make recommendations on how to improve DOD child development center conditions. Lastly, DOD must utilize its existing authority to carry out minor military construction projects to construct child development centers.

Servicemember Parental Leave Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2021

Servicemember Parental Leave Equity Act This bill modifies Department of Defense parental leave provisions for members of the Armed Forces. Specifically, the bill increases parental leave for primary caregivers to 18 weeks (currently 12) following the birth of a child and to 12 weeks (currently 6) following the adoption of a child. The bill increases parental leave for a secondary caregiver from 21 days to 12 weeks in connection with the birth or adoption of a child. Primary or secondary caregivers of a long-term foster child are authorized to take up to 12 weeks of leave in connection with such placement. Parental leave for a primary or secondary caregiver for a birth, adoption, or foster child placement may be taken in more than one increment. For primary caregivers, the leave must be utilized within one year of the event. The bill authorizes up to 12 weeks of leave to certain service members who would have been secondary caregivers but for a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. The following activities required of an active-duty member within a 12-month postpartum period must have the approval of a health care provider and be at the election of the member or in the interest of national security: (1) an order of temporary duty overnight travel or to participate in physically demanding field training exercises, (2) meeting of body composition standards, or (3) passing a physical fitness test. The bill also reduces the service commitment required for participation in the Career Intermission Program.

A bill to require a report on defense and aerospace manufacturing supply chains.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2021

This bill requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to submit a report on domestic defense and aerospace manufacturing supply chains for its civil space missions and operations.

Military Child Care Expansion Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2021

Military Child Care Expansion Act of 2021 This bill modifies and implements policies to update child care facilities and administration at the Department of Defense (DOD). Specifically, the bill removes certain requirements for members of the Armed Forces to receive funding for an in-home child care provider under the DOD pilot program that provides financial assistance to such members who pay for in-home child care. The bill also allows DOD to expand the pilot program to additional locations (currently it is authorized for five). DOD must establish a three-year pilot program to expand access to child care for members of the Armed Forces by entering into agreements with public or private child care facilities or development centers. Under the bill, DOD must determine the (1) root causes contributing to poor or failing facility conditions at its child development centers, and (2) total cost to improve the conditions of such centers. The Government Accountability Office must review the determinations and make recommendations on how to improve DOD child development center conditions. Lastly, DOD must utilize its existing authority to carry out minor military construction projects to construct child development centers.

Servicemember Parental Leave Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2021

Servicemember Parental Leave Equity Act This bill modifies Department of Defense parental leave provisions for members of the Armed Forces. Specifically, the bill increases parental leave for primary caregivers to 18 weeks (currently 12) following the birth of a child and to 12 weeks (currently 6) following the adoption of a child. The bill increases parental leave for a secondary caregiver from 21 days to 12 weeks in connection with the birth or adoption of a child. Primary or secondary caregivers of a long-term foster child are authorized to take up to 12 weeks of leave in connection with such placement. Parental leave for a primary or secondary caregiver for a birth, adoption, or foster child placement may be taken in more than one increment. For primary caregivers, the leave must be utilized within one year of the event. The bill authorizes up to 12 weeks of leave to certain service members who would have been secondary caregivers but for a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. The following activities required of an active-duty member within a 12-month postpartum period must have the approval of a health care provider and be at the election of the member or in the interest of national security: (1) an order of temporary duty overnight travel or to participate in physically demanding field training exercises, (2) meeting of body composition standards, or (3) passing a physical fitness test. The bill also reduces the service commitment required for participation in the Career Intermission Program.

Jobs and Childcare for Military Families Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2021

Jobs and Childcare for Military Families Act of 2021 This bill allows an employer a work opportunity tax credit for hiring an individual who is certified by a designated local agency as being, as of the hiring date, the spouse or domestic partner of a member of the Armed Forces, and requires the creation of programs for uniformed services families to pay for childcare on a pretax basis. Specifically, an employer may receive a tax credit equal to 40% of a new employee's first-year wages if the employer hires a service member's spouse or domestic partner (as recognized under state law or by the Armed Forces). Currently, a similar tax credit exists for employers who hire certain disadvantaged individuals, including disadvantaged veterans. The bill requires the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security (with respect to the Coast Guard), the Department of Commerce (with respect to officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and the Department of Health and Human Services (with respect to the Public Health Service) to implement flexible spending arrangements that permit members of the uniformed services to use basic pay and compensation to pay for childcare services for their dependent children on a pretax basis.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2022

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 May 2021

Military Moms Matter Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

Military Moms Matter Act of 2021 This bill addresses Department of Defense (DOD) policies regarding parental leave and postpartum care for service members. The bill authorizes primary caregivers to take 12 weeks of parental leave, and up to 6 weeks of medical convalescent leave (which may not be considered in calculating the 12 weeks of parental leave), in connection with the birth of a child. Additionally, primary caregivers are authorized to take up to 12 weeks of parental leave in connection with the adoption of a child. Under the bill, secondary caregivers are authorized to take up to 12 weeks of parental leave in connection with the birth or adoption of a child. The bill also removes the requirement that secondary caregivers must take such leave in one increment. Among other requirements, DOD must also provide at least four postpartum mental health assessments and other medical care in the year after a service member (or their dependent) gives birth, ensure that a service member (or their dependent) who gives birth at a military medical treatment facility has the option to schedule a postpartum follow-up appointment concurrent with the date of the follow-up appointment for postnatal care for the newborn infant, develop a standardized policy prohibiting each military branch from requiring a service member to take a physical fitness test until one year after giving birth, and issue guidance on the development and implementation of standard protocols for the treatment of obstetric hemorrhages.

To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library and to remove certain statues from areas of the United States Capitol which are accessible to the public, to remove all statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in the United States Capitol, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

This bill provides for the removal of certain statues and busts from display in the Capitol. The bill directs the Joint Committee on the Library to remove the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court chamber of the Capitol and to obtain a bust of Thurgood Marshall with which to replace it. The Joint Committee on the Library must remove all Confederate statutes and busts, as well as the statues of Charles Brantley Aycock, John Caldwell Calhoun, and James Paul Clarke, from areas of the Capitol accessible to the public. Furthermore, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) must store each removed statue. Additionally, the bill prohibits the display of statues in National Statuary Hall of persons who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America or in the military forces or government of a state while it was in rebellion against the United States; requires the AOC to identify such statues and the Joint Committee on the Library to arrange for their removal; requires each statue to be returned to the providing state if the state requests and agrees to pay any transportation-related costs; and permits a state that has a statue removed to replace the statue.

Raise the Age Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

Raise the Age Act This bill establishes new restrictions on the sale or transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms to individuals under 21 years of age. Specifically, this bill makes it unlawful for a licensed gun dealer, importer, manufacturer, or collector to sell or deliver a semiautomatic center-fire rifle that has (or has the capacity to accept) an ammunition feeding device with a capacity of more than five rounds to an individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is under age 21. The prohibition does not apply if the individual under age 21 is a full-time law enforcement officer or active-duty member of the Armed Forces. The bill also requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation to report on the operation of its public access line, including a description of information sharing protocols and recommendations for improving such protocols.

Ensuring Quality Care for Our Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

Ensuring Quality Care for O ur Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with a nonfederal organization to conduct a quality management review of hospital care or medical services furnished by each Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provider whose license was terminated by a state licensing board based upon care or services provided in a non-VHA facility. If a review determines that the standard of care was not met, the VA shall notify the individual who received such care or services.

Veterans Improved Access to Care Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

Veterans Improved Access to Care Act of 2021 This bill addresses the administration of the hiring process for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) personnel. Under current law, the VA is required to publish on a VA website specified information related to staffing and the duration of the hiring process for certain health care appointees, such as physicians. The bill requires the VA Office of Inspector General to review the administration of such website annually instead of the current semiannual requirement. The VA must implement a two-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of expediting the Veterans Health Administration's onboarding process for new medical providers. Finally, the bill requires the VA to submit a strategy to reduce by half the duration of the VA's hiring process for licensed professional medical providers.

Critical Infrastructure Employee Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

Critical Infrastructure Employee Protection Act This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to support state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions in providing (1) priority COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) testing for essential critical infrastructure employees; (2) priority access to personal protective equipment, sanitizers, face coverings, and health-related or protective supplies necessary to safely perform essential critical infrastructure work; and (3) priority access to COVID-19 vaccinations for such employees. Essential critical infrastructure employees include, but are not limited to, medical and health care, telecommunications, information technology systems, defense, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, energy, water and wastewater, and law enforcement. DOT must also issue regulations to adopt guidance from the Department of Homeland Security during any future health crisis to account for the transportation sector and ensure it takes substantially similar action regarding prioritization for essential critical infrastructure employees.

To prohibit Federal service academies from providing training and education based on critical race theory.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for the provision of training or education based on critical race theory at the U.S. service academies (e.g., the Air Force Academy).

Holding Chinese Military Companies Accountable Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

Holding Chinese Military Companies Accountable Act This bill expands the definition of a Communist Chinese military company and addresses related issues. (Current law authorizes the President to exercise certain economic powers, such as investigating or prohibiting payments, involving a person designated a Communist Chinese military company.) Under this bill, the Department of Defense (DOD) shall apply the designation to a person (i.e., an individual or entity) with significant investments in certain technology sectors, such as fifth-generation wireless communications or artificial intelligence, if the person is owned by, controlled by, or affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party or any person who has ever been a delegate to the National People's Congress. The bill also requires DOD to continue making periodic determinations regarding such designations until December 31, 2026.

Reaffirming the commitment of the United States to Taiwan's continued peace and autonomy and to the beneficial partnership and mutual strategic interests of the United States and Taiwan.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2021

This resolution reaffirms the commitment of the United States to certain legislation and reassurances relating to the unofficial U.S.-Taiwan relationship. It also reaffirms the commitment of the United States to continued diplomatic and military coordination with Taiwan and condemns the Chinese government's military escalations toward Taiwan. (China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and, as a result, the United States has an unofficial relationship with Taiwan.)

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-27] REVIEWING DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE STRATEGY, POLICY, AND PROGRAMS FOR COUNTERING WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022

United States · United States House of Representatives · 4 May 2021

Military Spouse Hiring Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2021

Military Spouse Hiring Act This bill expands the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include the hiring of a qualified military spouse. (The WOTC permits employers who hire individuals who are members of a targeted group such as qualified veterans, ex-felons, or long-term unemployment recipients to claim a tax credit equal to a portion of the wages paid to those individuals.) A qualified military spouse is any individual who is certified by the designated local agency as being (as of the hiring date) a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces.

Inspire to Serve Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2021

Inspire to Serve Act of 2021 This bill establishes new and expands existing military and national service programs, and revises federal personnel provisions. The bill establishes programs relating to civic education and service learning, including by providing grants supporting these programs for grades K-12 and at institutions of higher education. The bill also establishes the Council on Military, National, and Public Service which must coordinate executive branch policies to promote and expand opportunities for military service, national service, and public service. The Office of Management and Budget must create an online recruitment portal for service organizations. Additionally, the bill expands military service programs, including by expanding the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, establishing pre-service tuition grants in exchange for enlisted service commitments, and creating a pilot program for military departments to partner with community colleges and vocational schools to provide service members with access to technical education programs. Service programs are expanded by increasing the number of specified national service positions, increasing certain living allowances and stipends, and creating new fellowship programs. Federal personnel provisions are revised to, among other things, provide certain national service alumni with noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment.

Special Guerrilla Unit Veterans Service Recognition Expansion Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2021

Special Guerrilla Unit Veterans Service Recognition Expansion Act of 2021 This bill expands eligibility for internment in national cemeteries to include certain individuals who the Department of Veterans Affairs determines served honorably with a special guerilla unit or irregular forces in Laos in support of the U.S. Armed Forces between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975. Such individuals are eligible if, at the time of their death, they resided in the United States and were a U.S. citizen or alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

Military Spouses Employment Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2021

Military Spouses Employment Act This bill expands the work opportunity tax credit to include the hiring of a qualified military spouse. (The credit permits employers who hire individuals who are members of a targeted group such as qualified veterans, ex-felons, or long-term unemployment recipients to claim a tax credit equal to a portion of the wages paid to those individuals.) A qualified military spouse is any individual who is certified by the designated local agency as being (as of the hiring date) a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who is serving on a period of extended active duty (in excess of 90 days or for an indefinite period) which includes the hiring date.

Military and Veteran Caregiver Student Loan Relief Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2021

Military and Veteran Caregiver Student Loan Relief Act of 2021 This bill makes designated primary family caregivers of veterans eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Under the PSLF program, the Department of Education must cancel the balance of interest and principal due on a borrower's Federal Direct Loans after the borrower makes 120 monthly loan payments while employed in a public service job. This bill broadens the definition of public service job to include service as a primary family caregiver of an eligible veteran participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

National Guard Cybersecurity Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2021

National Guard Cybersecurity Support Act This bill authorizes members of the National Guard to perform, at the request of a state and in connection with training or other duty, cybersecurity operations or missions to protect critical infrastructure.

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-25] TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION WARFARE: THE COMPETITION FOR INFLUENCE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 30 April 2021

VA Transparency & Trust Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2021

VA Transparency & Trust Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit a plan for obligating and expending covered funds, which are funds made available to the VA for response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. The bill requires the VA to submit biweekly reports regarding obligations, expenditures, and planned uses of the funds until seven days after the VA has expended all covered funds. The Inspector General of the VA must submit reports examining the obligations and expenditures made using covered funds during the specified reporting period. Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit an interim report and final report containing a review of obligations and expenditures made using covered funds.

VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2021

VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct clinical trials of the effects of medical-grade cannabis on the health outcomes of covered veterans diagnosed with chronic pain and those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Covered veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system. The trials must include a control group and an experimental group that are of similar sizes and structures and represent the demographics of the veteran population. Data collected in the trials must be preserved to facilitate further research. Under the bill, participation in the clinical trials does not affect a covered veteran's eligibility or entitlement to other VA benefits.