Defence

Ensuring Military Readiness Through Stability and Predictability Deployment Policy Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Ensuring Military Readiness Through Stability and Predictability Deployment Policy Act - Prohibits any unit of the regular Armed Forces from being deployed for Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom unless the period between the most recent previous deployment and a subsequent deployment is equal to or longer than the period of the most recent previous deployment. Expresses the sense of Congress that the optimal minimum period between such deployments should be equal to or longer than twice the period of the most recent previous deployment. Prohibits any unit of the reserves from being deployed for such Operations unless the period between the most recent previous deployment and a subsequent deployment is at least three times longer than the period of the most recent previous deployment. Expresses the sense of Congress that units of the reserves should not be mobilized continuously for more than one year, and that the optimal minimum period between such deployments should be five years. Provides exceptions from deployment requirements. Authorizes the President or chief of staff of the military department concerned to waive such requirements under certain circumstances.

To prohibit the provision of medical treatment to enemy combatants detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in the same facility as a member of the Armed Forces or Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Prohibits an enemy combatant detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from receiving medical treatment at: (1) a military medical facility of the Department of Defense (DOD) that provides medical treatment to members of the Armed Forces; or (2) a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Safe Closure Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Safe Closure Act of 2009 - Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any enemy combatant detained at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States; or (2) coordinate with any other department or agency to transfer any such individual to the United States. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from: (1) using any facility closed through a base closure process for housing any such individual; or (2) constructing, modifying, or improving any facility in the United States or its territories for housing any such individual.

Supporting a base defense budget that at the very minimum matches 4 percent of gross domestic product.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Declares that it is U.S. policy to commit a minimum of 4% of the nation's gross domestic product to the base defense budget in order to meet the fundamental U.S. national security requirements.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2010

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 February 2009

State Secrets Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2009

State Secrets Protection Act - Amends the federal judicial code to: (1) require a federal court to determine which filings, motions, and affidavits (or portions) submitted under this Act shall be submitted ex parte; (2) allow a federal court to order a party to provide a redacted, unclassified, or summary substitute of a filing, motion, or affidavit to other parties; and (3) require a federal court to make decisions under this Act, taking into consideration the interests of justice and national security. Requires any hearing under this Act to be conducted in camera. Prohibits an in camera hearing, however, based on the assertion of the state secrets privilege, if the court determines that the hearing relates only to a question of law and does not present a risk of revealing state secrets. Allows a federal court to conduct hearings (or portions) ex parte if the court determines, following in camera review of the evidence, that the interests of justice and national security cannot adequately be protected through attorney security clearances, protective orders, sealed opinions or orders, and special masters. Authorizes a court, if the United States fails to provide an attorney or guardian ad litem with necessary security clearance in a reasonable period of time, to review in camera and ex parte the reasons for denying or delaying the clearance, in order to ensure that the United States is not withholding a security clearance from a particular attorney or class of attorneys for any reason other than protection of national security. Authorizes the United States to intervene in any civil action in order to protect information that may be subject to the state secrets privilege. Declares, however, that the state secrets privilege shall not constitute grounds for dismissal of a case or claim. Prescribes procedures for: (1) determining whether evidence is protected from disclosure by the state secrets privilege; and (2) when evidence protected by the state secrets privilege is necessary for adjudication of a claim or counterclaim. Requires the court to give substantial weight to an assertion by the United States relating to why public disclosure of an item of evidence would be reasonably likely to cause significant harm to the national defense or foreign relations of the United States. Grants courts of appeal jurisdiction of an appeal by any party from any interlocutory decision or order of a U.S. district court. Requires the Attorney General within 30 days to report in writing to Congress on any case in which the United States asserts the state secrets privilege. Applies this Act to civil cases pending on or after the enactment of this Act.

Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2009

Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2009 - Places specified restrictions on the use of cluster munitions. Directs the President, within 90 days after the use of such munitions, to submit to the congressional defense, appropriations, and foreign relations committees a plan for cleaning up any such munitions or submunitions which fail to explode and continue to pose a hazard to civilians.

State Secret Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2009

State Secret Protection Act of 2009 - Declares that in any civil action brought in federal or state court the government has a privilege to refuse to give information and to prevent any person from giving information only if the government shows that public disclosure of the information that the government seeks to protect would be reasonably likely to cause significant harm to the national defense or the diplomatic relations of the United States. Requires the court to take steps, including in camera hearings and other proceedings, to protect sensitive information that comes before it. Sets forth rules regarding the participation of counsel or the disclosure of information when it presents a risk of harm. Provides for court-ordered presentation of adequate or nonprivileged substitutes for privileged information. Allows the government to: (1) assert the privilege in connection with any claim in a civil action to which it is a party; or (2) intervene in a civil action to which it is not a party in order to do so. Provides that once the government has asserted the privilege, and before the court makes any determinations, the court shall: (1) undertake a preliminary review of the information in question; and (2) provide the government an opportunity to seek protective measures under this Act. Establishes procedures and a standard for assessing the privilege claim. Allows disclosure of information to a nongovernmental party, or admission at trial under the rules of evidence, if the court determines that the privilege is not validly asserted. Prohibits such disclosure or admission if the privilege is determined valid. Grants the courts of appeal jurisdiction of an appeal by any party from any interlocutory decision or order of a U.S. district court.

Free Flow of Information Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2009

Free Flow of Information Act of 2009 - Prohibits a federal entity (an entity or employee of the judicial or executive branch or an administrative agency of the federal government), in any matter arising under federal law, from compelling a covered person to testify or produce any document related to information obtained or created as part of engaging in journalism unless a court makes specified determinations by a preponderance of the evidence, including determinations that: (1) alternative sources have been exhausted; (2) the testimony or document sought is critical to the investigation, prosecution, or defense of a crime or the successful completion of a noncriminal matter; (3) disclosure of an information source's identity is necessary to prevent an act of terrorism, harm to national security, imminent death, significant bodily harm or to identify a person who has disclosed a trade secret, individually identifiable health information, or certain nonpublic personal information; and (4) the public interest in compelling disclosure of the information or document involved outweighs the public interest in gathering or disseminating news or information. Allows a court, in making the last of those determinations, to consider the extent of any harm to national security. Defines "covered person" as a person who regularly gathers, photographs, records, writes, edits, reports, or publishes information concerning matters of public interest for dissemination to the public for a substantial portion of the person's livelihood or substantial financial gain, including a supervisor, employer, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of such a person. Excludes from that definition foreign powers and their agents and certain terrorist organizations and individuals. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be limited and narrowly tailored. Prohibits this Act from being construed as applying to civil defamation, slander, or libel claims or defenses under state law. Exempts certain criminal or tortious conduct. Applies this Act to communications service providers with regard to testimony or any record, information, or other communication that relates to a business transaction between such providers and covered persons. Sets forth notice requirements. Permits a court to delay notice to a covered person upon determining that such notice would pose a substantial threat to the integrity of a criminal investigation.

To prohibit the closure of Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, notwithstanding the recommendations of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2009

Prohibits the Secretaries of Defense and the Army from closing or otherwise reducing the personnel, functions, or operations at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, notwithstanding the 2005 recommendations of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission pursuant to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990.

Veterans Health Care Full Funding Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2009

Veterans Health Care Full Funding Act - Requires: (1) that in the President's budget for each fiscal year, amounts shall be requested for veterans health care programs in accordance with the provisions of this Act and that amounts appropriated shall be available for a period of two consecutive fiscal years; and (2) the Veterans Health Care Funding Review Board (established in this Act) to determine the level of funding needed for each period. Outlines the health care needs required to be included under the Board's determination. Establishes the Board. Provides standards for access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care for veterans seeking: (1) primary care; and: (2) specialized care.

Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2009

Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2009 - Places specified restrictions on the use of cluster munitions. Directs the President, within 90 days after the use of such munitions, to submit to the congressional defense, appropriations, and foreign relations committees a plan for cleaning up any such munitions or submunitions which fail to explode and continue to pose a hazard to civilians.

Intelligence Community Audit Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2009

Intelligence Community Audit Act of 2009 - Reaffirms the authority of the Comptroller General to audit and evaluate financial transactions, programs, and activities of elements of the intelligence community (those elements identified in the National Security Act of 1947) and obtain access to records for such purposes. Allows the Comptroller General to conduct an audit or evaluation of intelligence sources and methods or covert actions only upon a request of a congressional intelligence committee or the majority or minority leader of the Senate or the House of Representatives. Requires the Comptroller General to disclose the results of any such audit or evaluation only to the original requestor, the Director of National Intelligence, and the head of the relevant element of the intelligence community. Requires the Comptroller General to establish safeguards to protect the unauthorized disclosure of all classified and other sensitive information furnished to the Comptroller General in conducting an audit or evaluation. Requires elements of the intelligence community to cooperate with the Comptroller General in providing documentation and information necessary for audits and evaluations.

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2009, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

Veterans' Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Veterans' Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2009 - Revises provisions concerning the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse a veteran for the cost of emergency care provided in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility to provide that, if the veteran has contractual or legal recourse against a third party that would, in part, extinguish the veteran's liability to the provider of the emergency treatment and payment for the treatment may be made by both the VA and the third party, the amount payable by the VA shall be that which exceeds the cost payable by the third party. Includes as third parties: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with respect to the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act; and (2) a state Medicaid agency with respect to payments under title XIX of such Act.

Keeping Our Promise to America's Military Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Keeping Our Promise to America's Military Veterans Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that, in order to express the gratitude of the American people for the sacrifices of America's veterans and their families, legislation should be enacted that: (1) assures timely and adequate funding of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), especially for medical care activities; (2) improves the ability of the VA's Veterans Benefits Administration to provide timely and accurate decisions on claims for veterans benefits; (3) assures that the VA provides timely access to high-quality treatment for mental health conditions; and (4) facilitates a seamless transition from military to civilian life for members separating from the Armed Forces and their families.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the collective bargaining rights and procedures for review of adverse actions of certain employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Repeals specified exceptions to rights of certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees to engage in collective bargaining. Requires a final decision of the (VA) with respect to the review of an adverse personnel action against a (VA) employee to be issued not later than 60 days after such action has been appealed. Subjects such decision to judicial review in the appropriate U.S. District Court or, if the decision is made by a labor arbitrator, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

To amend chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, to increase educational assistance for certain veterans pursuing a program of education offered through distance learning.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Authorizes the use of veterans' educational assistance for the the pursuit of an approved program of education offered through distance learning.

Transparency and Accountability in Intelligence Contracting Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Transparency and Accountability in Intelligence Contracting Act of 2009 - Prohibits the use of private contractors for the arrest, interrogation, detention, or transportation or transfer of persons under government custody or control. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to prepare an annual assessment for such element of the intelligence community (IC) that assesses such element's use of private contractors and private contractor personnel. Requires each assessment to be submitted to the congressional intelligence committees. Directs that each contract, subcontract, or task or delivery order entered into with an IC element shall require the contractor to provide to the IC element contracting officer certain information on the personnel performing contracting activities, including their training, the process used to hire the individuals, and the number of foreign nationals employed. Requires a report from the DNI to Congress describing the personal services activities performed by contractors across the IC, the impact of such contractors on the IC workforce, plans for conversion of contractor employment into government employment, and accountability mechanisms governing the performance of such contractors.

COMBAT PTSD Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Compensation Owed for Mental Health Based on Activities in Theater Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Act or COMBAT PTSD Act - Defines "combat with the enemy," for purposes of proof of service-connection for veterans' disability compensation, as service on active duty: (1) in a theater of combat operations during a period of war; or (2) in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to eliminate the requirement that certain former members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces be at least 60 years of age in order to be eligible to receive health care benefits.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Eliminates the requirement that a member or former member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired pay for non-regular (reserve) service be at least 60 years of age before being eligible for medical and dental care in a military health care facility.

Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2009 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions with respect to former prisoners of war (POWs) to repeal the currently required 30-day minimum period of internment prior to the presumption of service connection for certain listed diseases, for purposes of the payment of veterans' disability compensation. Adds diabetes (type 2) to the above listed diseases. Removes the requirement that, in order for osteoporosis to be included among the listed diseases, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must determine that the veteran has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Requires: (1) such presumption also with respect to any disease that the Secretary determines warrants such presumption by reason of having a positive association with the experience of being a prisoner of war; and (2) the Secretary to make such a determination within 60 days after a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War that such presumption be established for a non-listed disease.

To prohibit the use of funds to transfer enemy combatants detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to facilities in Arizona or to build, modify, or enhance any facility in Arizona to house such enemy combatants.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any enemy combatant detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any military or prison installation in Arizona; or (2) construct housing facilities in Arizona for such individuals.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to increase the number of persons appointed to the military service academies from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa from nominations made by the Delegates in Congress from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Increases the authorized number of annual appointments to the military service academies from: (1) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands from one to three; and (2) American Samoa from two to three.

Veterans Employment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Veterans Employment Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a work opportunity tax credit for the hiring in 2009 or 2010 of unemployed veterans discharged from active duty between September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2010.

Veterans Self-Employment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Veterans Self-Employment Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of the use of educational assistance under certain programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for training costs associated with the purchase of a franchise enterprise. Prohibits the use of such assistance unless: (1) training is required and provided in connection with the purchase and operation of a franchise; and (2) such training, and the training entity, are approved by the Secretary. Provides training and entity approval requirements.

Honoring the life, service, and accomplishments of General Robert H. Barrow, United States Marine Corps.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Honors General Robert H. Barrow for his 41 years of service to the United States, and commends him for his dedication and commitment to excellence as a Marine and leader of Marines.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States remains committed to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is to be commended for its role in preserving transatlantic peace; (2) the NATO allies at the April 2009 Summit meeting should articulate an Alliance vision for the 21st century; (3) NATO must act upon the threat posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism by intensifying consultations among political and military leaders and deploying comprehensive counter-threat capabilities; (4) the Alliance should pace the process of NATO enlargement; and (5) while maintaining its unequivocal right to make its own decisions, NATO should seek to strengthen its relations with Russia as an essential partner in building long-term peace in the Euro-Atlantic area.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program of training to provide eligible veterans with skills relevant to the job market, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2009

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program of job training in skills relevant to the job market for discharged veterans who are either currently not paid at more than 150% of the federal minimum wage, or: (1) had a military occupational specialty of limited transferability to the civilian job market; (2) are not otherwise eligible for veterans' education or training services; (3) have not acquired a marketable skill since leaving military service; (4) were discharged under conditions not less than honorable; and (5) have been unemployed for at least 90 of the previous 180 days. Designates the program as the MOST (military occupational specialty transition) Program. Directs the Secretary to contract with employers to provide on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs for such veterans. Limits payments under the program to $20,000 per veteran and 24 months in duration.

To increase the health benefits of dependents of members of the Armed Forces who die because of a combat-related injury.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2009

Amends the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed care program) to require that, when a member of the Armed Forces dies on or after September 11, 2001, because of a combat-related injury incurred while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, the member's dependents receiving benefits under a contract for medical and dental care shall continue to be eligible for benefits under TRICARE Prime.

Veterans' Medical Personnel Recruitment and Retention Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2009

Veterans' Medical Personnel Recruitment and Retention Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to appoint personnel for health care positions within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) not specifically listed as authorized categories for appointment, as long as the Secretary provides prior notification to the congressional veterans' committees and the Office of Management and Budget. Requires newly-appointed nurses to serve a probationary period. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) appoint nurse assistants; and (2) waive required pay offsets for federal annuitants reemployed in VA health care positions. Sets the minimum rate of basic pay for appointees to certain positions in the Office of the Under Secretary for Health at the lowest rate of basic pay for a Senior Executive Service position. Allows for the payment of: (1) comparability pay of up to $100,000 annually for Office positions which are not physicians or dentists; and (2) special incentive pay of up to $40,000 annually to a VHA pharmacist executive. Removes or waives certain pay restrictions for: (1) physicians or dentists occupying administrative or executive leadership positions; (2) nurses; and (3) certified registered nurse anesthetists. Revises locality pay scale computations. Increases from $25,000 to $100,000 the special pay for nurse executives. Makes part-time nurses eligible for additional nurse pay. Provides limitations on overtime duty, weekend duty, and alternative work schedules for nurses, with exceptions for emergency situations. Reinstates the VA's health professionals educational assistance scholarship program, and increases maximum assistance amounts. Authorizes the Secretary to provide an educational loan repayment program for clinical researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Intelligence Community Audit Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2009

Intelligence Community Audit Act of 2009 - Reaffirms the authority of the Comptroller General to audit and evaluate financial transactions, programs, and activities of elements of the intelligence community (those elements identified in the National Security Act of 1947) and obtain access to records for such purposes. Allows the Comptroller General to conduct an audit or evaluation of intelligence sources and methods or covert actions only upon a request of a congressional intelligence committee or the majority or minority leader of the Senate or the House of Representatives. Requires the Comptroller General to disclose the results of any such audit or evaluation only to the original requestor, the Director of National Intelligence, and the head of the relevant element of the intelligence community. Requires the Comptroller General to establish safeguards to protect the unauthorized disclosure of all classified and other sensitive information furnished to the Comptroller General in conducting an audit or evaluation. Requires elements of the intelligence community to cooperate with the Comptroller General in providing documentation and information necessary for audits and evaluations.

A bill to expand the authority of the Secretary of the Air Force to convey certain relocatable military housing units to Indian tribes located in Idaho and Nevada.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2009

Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009 to include Idaho and Nevada among specified states to which the Secretary of the Air Force may convey certain relocatable military housing units to Indian tribes.

LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF CURRENT DEFENSE PLANS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 4 February 2009

American Anti-Torture Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2009

American Anti-Torture Act of 2009 - Amends the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 to prohibit any person in the custody or control of the United States (under current law, the Department of Defense) from being subject to any treatment or technique of interrogation not authorized by and listed in the U.S. Army Field Manual on Human Intelligence Collector Operations. Makes such prohibition inapplicable with respect to any person in the custody or control of the United States (under current law, the Department of Defense) pursuant to a U.S. criminal or immigration law.

To expedite the construction of new refining capacity on closed military installations in the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2009

Requires the President to designate not less than three closed military installations (or portions of them) that are appropriate for siting a refinery for gasoline or other fuel. Designates the Department of Energy as the lead agency for coordinating applicable federal refinery authorizations and related environmental reviews with respect to a designated refinery. Gives the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions relating to federal refinery authorizations.

Ensuring Safe Facilities and Equipment for American Troops Overseas Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2009

Ensuring Safe Facilities and Equipment for American Troops Overseas Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense, in order to ensure the safe utilization by the Armed Forces of expeditionary facilities, infrastructure, and equipment supporting U.S. military operations overseas, to certify to the congressional defense committees that: (1) generally accepted industry safety standards are incorporated into military regulations establishing requirements for such facilities, infrastructure, and equipment; (2) each contract or task or delivery order for the construction, installation, repair, maintenance, or operation of overseas expeditionary facilities incorporates such industry standards; and (3) such standards apply in all current and future U.S. military operations overseas.

Honoring the life and memory of the Chiricahua Apache leader Goyathlay or Goyaale, also known as Geronimo, and recognizing the 100th anniversary of his death on February 17, 2009, as a time of reflection and the commencement of a "Healing" for all Apache people.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2009

Honors the life of Goyathlay, also known as Geronimo, his extraordinary bravery, and his commitment to the defense of his homeland, his people, and Apache ways of life. Recognizes the 100th anniversary of the death of Goyathlay as a time of reflection of his deeds on behalf of his people.

Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Safe Closure Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Safe Closure Act of 2009 - Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any detainee at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any facility in the United States or its territories; (2) construct or enhance any facility in the United States in order to house any such detainee; or (3) house or otherwise incarcerate any such detainee in the United States or its territories.

Department of Peace Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Department of Peace Act - Establishes a Department of Peace, which shall be headed by a Secretary of Peace (Secretary). Sets forth the mission of the Department, including: (1) cultivation of peace as a national policy objective; and (2) development of policies that promote national and international conflict prevention, nonviolent intervention, mediation, peaceful conflict resolution, and structured conflict mediation. Establishes in the Department: (1) the Office of Peace Education and Training; (2) the Office of Domestic Peace Activities; (3) the Office of International Peace Activities; (4) the Office of Technology for Peace; (5) the Office of Arms Control and Disarmament; (6) the Office of Peaceful Coexistence and Nonviolent Conflict Resolution; (7) the Office of Human Rights and Economic Rights; and (8) the Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Peace. Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State to consult with the Secretary concerning nonviolent means of conflict resolution when a conflict between the United States and any other government or entity is imminent or occurring. Transfers to the Department the functions, assets, and personnel of various federal agencies. Establishes the Federal Interagency Committee on Peace. Directs the Secretary to encourage citizens to celebrate the blessings of peace and endeavor to create peace on a Peace Day.

To prohibit the use of funds to transfer enemy combatants detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the Florence Federal Correctional Complex in Colorado, or to construct facilities for such enemy combatants at such location.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any enemy combatant detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the Florence Federal Correctional Complex, Colorado; or (2) construct housing facilities for such individuals at the Florence Complex.

Retired Pay Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Retired Pay Restoration Act - Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (under current law, only a disability rated at 50% or more). Provides a phase-in for the concurrent receipt of retired pay with respect to retirees with service-connected disabilities rated at 40% or less. Makes eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans' disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related special pay those individuals who were retired or separated from military service due to a service-connected disability.

Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) and the nation have a committed health benefits obligation to retired military personnel that exceeds the obligation of corporate employers to civilian employees; and (2) DOD has many additional options to constrain the growth of health care spending in ways that do not disadvantage beneficiaries, and should pursue such options rather than seeking large fee increases for beneficiaries. Prohibits an increase after: (1) April 1, 2006, in a premium, deductible, copayment, or other charge prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for medical and dental health care coverage for military personnel; and (2) September 30, 2009, in the dollar amount of a cost-sharing requirement under the DOD pharmacy benefits program. Prohibits: (1) charges for DOD inpatient care from exceeding $535 per day; and (2) beginning on January 1, 2009, an increase in premiums under TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program) for certain members of the Selected Reserve.

TRICARE Mail-Order Pharmacy Pilot Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

TRICARE Mail-Order Pharmacy Pilot Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a two-year pilot program to: (1) educate beneficiaries about the mail-order pharmacy available under TRICARE (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed care program); and (2) motivate such beneficiaries to increase their mail-order pharmacy use. Requires the program to include at least 2,000 eligible beneficiaries in each TRICARE region, of whom at least 1,000 in each region shall be enrolled in Medicare Part B.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the survivors of former prisoners of war who died on or before September 30, 1999, under the same eligibility conditions as apply to payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the survivors of former prisoners of war who die after that date.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Amends veterans' benefit provisions to provide for the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the survivors of veterans rated totally disabled at the time of death who were former prisoners of war (under current law, to the survivors of such veterans who died after September 30, 1999).

To amend title 38, United States Code, to reduce from age 57 to age 55 the age after which the remarriage of the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation otherwise payable to that surviving spouse.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Reduces from age 57 to age 55 the age after which the remarriage of the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation otherwise payable to that surviving spouse. Prohibits payment of retroactive benefits. Permits eligibility for such benefits by an individual who but for having remarried would be eligible for such benefits by reason such age reduction and whose remarriage was before the date of the enactment of this Act and after the individual had attained age 57 only if the individual submits an application for such benefits within one year of enactment.

To prohibit the use of funds to transfer individuals detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to facilities in Georgia or to house such individuals at such facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any individual detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any military installation or federal detention center in Georgia; or (2) house any such individual at a Georgia installation or detention center.

To prohibit the use of funds to transfer individuals detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to facilities in North Carolina or to house such individuals at such facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any individual detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any military installation or federal detention center in North Carolina; or (2) house any such individual at a North Carolina installation or detention center.

Military Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Military Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Act - Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) an Office of the Victims' Advocate to facilitate access to services for victims of domestic or family violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the military. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Office, to require DOD policies for victim assistance, family advocacy, and equal opportunity programs to provide for a victims' advocates program within each military department. Authorizes the Secretary to award contracts to: (1) support DOD crisis intervention services for victims of such violence; and (2) provide training on prevention of such violence. Prohibits any person from restricting a member of the Armed Forces in communicating with the Office or from taking or withholding a personnel action in retaliation for making such a communication. Provides for: (1) employment of a sexual assault nurse examiner, a psychiatrist, and a complimentary clinical team at each DOD military treatment facility; and (2) DOD community level programs and shelter services for active duty members and their families who are victims of such violence shelter . Specifies the rights of victims of such violence reported to a military law enforcement agency. Directs a military commanding officer who receives a qualifying complaint alleging such violence to investigate it and report. Specifies circumstances under which military law enforcement officers shall arrest a person for committing domestic violence. Establishes a Director of Special Investigations in DOD to review investigations of allegations of such violence and refer cases for prosecution. Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to: (1) include as "aggravated assault" and specify penalty limits for an assault involving domestic or family violence; and (2) provide for court-martial punishment of violations of no contact or protective orders. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) contract for treatment services for members of the Armed Forces who have committed such violence; and (2) ensure that sex offender treatment providers in the contracted program meet the state licensing or certification standards. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure that Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care providers receive training in the screening and referral of veterans who have suffered military sexual trauma; and (2) conduct related pilot programs. Prohibits the Secretary of the military department concerned from approving a financial award or a promotion for an officer or employee who has been convicted of or disciplined for committing such violence. Directs the Secretary to study: (1) the prevalence and nature of such violence, of intimate partner violence, and of child maltreatment, abuse, suicide, and homicide in the Armed Forces; and (2) military procedures after an incident is reported.

Equal Justice for United States Military Personnel Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2009

Equal Justice for United States Military Personnel Act of 2009 - Amends the federal judicial code to allow for review by writ of certiorari of certain cases denied relief or review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.