Defence

Keep Our Commitment to Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2013

Keep Our Commitment to Veterans Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out specified major medical facility leases in FY2013-FY2014 in New Mexico, New Jersey, South Carolina, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Reduces lease amounts authorized in previous fiscal years for VA outpatient clinics in: (1) Johnson County, Kansas; (2) San Diego, California; and (3) Tyler, Texas.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the definition of homeless veteran for purposes of benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2013

Includes as a homeless veteran, for purposes of eligibility for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, a veteran or veteran's family who: (1) is fleeing domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions in the individual's or family's current housing situation; and (2) has no other residence and lacks the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to permit certain veterans who were discharged or released from the Armed Forces by reason of service-connected disability to transfer benefits under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2013

Permits the posthumous transfer of Post 9/11 Educational Assistance (an educational assistance entitlement for certain members of the Armed Forces serving on or after September 11, 2001) to the spouse or children of eligible Armed Forces members when the application of a member electing to transfer such assistance was not approved before the member died in the line of duty. Allows transfers of such entitlements by individuals honorably discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces due to a service-connected disability or after sustaining an injury in line of duty requiring hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care or treatment. (Current law requires an individual to be serving as a member of the Armed Forces when the transfer is executed.) Sets forth extended and alternative eligibility periods for such individuals. Applies this Act to individuals who become eligible to transfer such benefits on or after August 1, 2009.

Social Security Identity Defense Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2013

Social Security Identity Defense Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to make certain disclosures to the holder of a social security account number and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) if the Secretary determines that there is a substantial likelihood that there has been a fraudulent use of such account number in the employment context. Authorizes the FBI Director to disclose information received from the Secretary to federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, but restricts the use of such information to carrying out criminal investigations or prosecutions. Requires employers who have been notified of suspected misuse of an employee's social security account number to cease including such account number on statements provided to such employee.

Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2013

Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2013 - 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.

[H.A.S.C. No. 113-10]THE ROLE OF INTELLIGENCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 February 2013

A bill to provide for a sequester replacement.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2013

Requires the President, by March 15, 2013, to submit to Congress a qualifying sequester replacement plan proposing to cancel permanently $85.333 billion of budgetary resources available for FY2013 from any discretionary appropriations or direct spending account. Requires further that: up to $42.666.500 billion of budgetary resources be cancelled from defense spending (budget function 050); any cancellation of such budgetary resources comply with the policies under and consistent with amounts authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (NDAA FY2013); the cancellation is not implemented through changes to programs or activities contained in the Internal Revenue Code, or increases governmental receipts, offsetting collections, or offsetting receipts; any cancellation of budgetary resources in a non-defense spending account may not be offset against an increase in another such account; and the proposed cancellation reduces outlays by at least $82.500 billion by the end of FY2018. Sets forth requirements for expedited consideration of a joint resolution of disapproval in both chambers of the qualifying sequester replacement plan. Requires the President, if the joint resolution of disapproval is not enacted within seven calendar days after March 15, 2013, to cancel: (1) any sequestration order issued under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) for enforcement of a specified budget goal, and (2) the budgetary resources submitted in the qualifying sequester replacement plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, for FY2013, in implementing sequestration under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollins Act, to transfer amounts appropriated for the Department of Defense (DOD) by the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2013 among DOD accounts. Requires the total amount in any DOD account available for obligation and expenditure in FY2013 to be consistent with, and not exceed, the amount authorized to be appropriated for that account for FY2013 by division A of the NDAA FY2013.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate at least one city in the United States each year as an "American World War II City", and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2013

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate at least one city in the United States each year as an "American World War II City" based on: (1) contributions to the war effort during World War II; and (2) efforts to preserve the history of such contributions, including preservation organizations or museums, restoration of World War II facilities, and recognition of World War II veterans. Designates Wilmington, North Carolina, as the first such city.

Protect Troops at War Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2013

Protect Troops at War Act of 2013 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to eliminate for FY2013-FY2014 the reductions to discretionary appropriations or direct spending for the defense function of the Department of Defense (DOD). Requires the reductions that would otherwise have occurred to be added to and distributed equally among the sequestration for such function for FY2015-FY2021. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer amounts appropriated for DOD by the Continuing Appropriations Resolution among DOD accounts. Requires account amounts, after such transfer, to be consistent with amounts appropriated or authorized for such accounts under a DOD appropriations or authorization Act for FY2013. Requires 15 days' advance notice of such transfers to the congressional defense and appropriations committees.

Sequestration Relief Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2013

Sequestration Relief Act of 2013 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Controlled Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), as amended by the Budget Control Act of 2011, to repeal automatic sequestration to enforce a specified budget goal. Reduces the discretionary spending limits for security and nonsecurity categories by $320 billion for FY2014-FY2021. Confines the current meaning of "security category" under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act to FY2012-FY2013. Revises the definition of "security category" for FY2014-FY2021 to mean discretionary appropriations in all of budget function 050 (national defense). Amends the No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013 to suspend through January 31, 2017, the current $16.394 trillion public debt limit. Postpones until February 1, 2017, an automatic increase in the public debt limit to the extent that: (1) the face amount of obligations issued and the face amount of obligations whose principal and interest are guaranteed by the federal government (except guaranteed obligations held by the Secretary of the Treasury) outstanding on February 1, 2017, exceeds (2) the face amount of such obligations outstanding on the date of enactment of the No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013 (February 24, 2013). Prohibits an obligation from being taken into account unless its issuance was necessary to fund a commitment incurred by the federal government that required payment before February 1, 2017.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should suspend the delivery of F-16 fighter aircraft, M1 tanks, and other defense articles and defense services to the Government of Egypt.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2013

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should suspend the delivery of F-16 fighter aircraft, M1 tanks, and certain defense articles and services listed on the United States Munitions List to the government of Egypt until the President determines that such government: (1) is politically stable as evidenced by a lack of civil unrest and the termination of the use of military force against Egyptian citizens, (2) is a full partner in its alliance with the United States, and (3) demonstrates respect for Israel and its people.

[H.A.S.C. No. 113-6] THE QUADRENNIAL DEFENSE REVIEW: PROCESS, POLICY, AND PERSPECTIVES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 February 2013

A bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of the "Doolittle Tokyo Raiders", for outstanding heroism, valor, skill, and service to the United States in conducting the bombings of Tokyo.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2013

Directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to arrange for the award, on behalf of Congress, of six gold medals in honor of the members of the 17 Bombardment Group (Medium), who became known as the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders, in recognition of their military service during World War II. Requires: (1) five of the medals to be given to the five surviving members of the April 18, 1942, Tokyo bombing mission; and (2) the remaining medal to be given to the National Museum of the United States Air Force for display. Expresses the sense of Congress that such Museum should make the medal available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations and events associated with the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders.

American Family Economic Protection Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2013

American Family Economic Protection Act of 2013 - Title I: Budget Provisions - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to revise discretionary spending limits (spending caps) for security and nonsecurity categories in new budget authority for FY2013. Establishes discretionary spending limits for revised security and nonsecurity categories for FY2014-FY2021. Defines "revised security category" as discretionary appropriations in budget function 050 (defense function). Repeals certain sequestration requirements for enforcement of a specified budget goal. Decreases the mandatory total amount of deficit reduction calculated for FY2013 by $109.333 billion and for FY2014 by $25.500 billion. Amends the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) to postpone until January 2, 2014, for FY2014 the sequestration required starting March 1, 2012, for FY2013 under the Budget Control Act of 2011 if certain circumstances prevail. Repeals the ATRA treatment of sequester. Makes conforming amendments to the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act. Title II: Agricultural Programs - Amends the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 to provide that payment acres for direct and counter-cyclical assistance shall be 0% of the base acres for crop year 2013 covered commodities and peanuts. Extends the existing conservation stewardship program acreage enrollment requirement for FY2013. Makes Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds available for FY2013 for: (1) the voluntary public access and habitat incentive program, and (2) the desert terminal lakes program. Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to increase FY2013 amounts available for supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program) employment and training. Makes CCC funds available for FY2013 for: (1) the organic agriculture research and extension initiative; (2) the specialty crop research initiative; (3) the beginning farmer and rancher development program; (4) the biobased markets program; (5) biorefinery assistance; (6) the bioenergy program for advanced biofuels; (7) the biodiesel fuel education program; (8) the Rural Energy for America Program; (9) biomass research and development; (10) the biomass crop assistance program; (11) the farmers' market promotion program; (12) the national clean plant network; (13) the national organic certification cost-share program, (14) organic production and market data initiatives; (15) outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; (16) the rural microentrepreneur assistance program; (17) livestock indemnity payments; (18) the livestock forage disaster program; (19) emergency assistance for livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish; and (20) the tree assistance program. Authorizes FY2013 appropriations for: (1) the rural microentrepreneur assistance program, and (2) value-added agricultural product market development grants. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to reduce supplemental agricultural disaster assistance payment amounts. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to authorize the Secretary to provide coverages based on individual yields (other than for value-loss crops) under the noninsured crop disaster assistance program equivalent to: (1) catastrophic risk protection, or (2) specified additional coverage. Makes ferns and tropical fish ineligible for program participation. Increases program service fees. Makes additional program coverage available at 50% to 65% of established yield and 100% of average market price. Reduces the premium for additional coverage by 50% for limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers. Makes assistance available as soon as possible to producers with 2012 fruit crop losses in counties declared a disaster due to freeze or frost. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to exempt from sequestration: (1) programs and activities of CCC and the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, (2) agricultural programs and activities carried out under the Act of August 24, 1935, and (3) all other Department of Agriculture (USDA) direct spending accounts. Title III: Revenue Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require an individual taxpayer whose adjusted gross income exceeds $1 million to pay a minimum income tax rate of 30% of the excess of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income over the taxpayer's modified charitable contribution deduction for the taxable year (tentative fair share tax). Establishes the amount of such tax as the excess (if any) of the tentative fair share tax over the excess of: (1) the sum of the taxpayer's regular tax liability, the alternative minimum tax (AMT) amount, and the payroll tax for the taxable year; over (2) certain tax credits. Requires an inflation adjustment to the $1 million income threshold for taxable years beginning after 2013. Denies a tax deduction for specified outsourcing expenses. Defines "specified outsourcing expense" to mean business-related expenses and fees incurred in connection with the elimination of any business unit of the taxpayer located within the United States and the establishment of such business unit outside the United States. Expands the definition of "crude oil" for purposes of the excise tax on crude oil and petroleum products to include crude oil condensates, natural gasoline, any bitumen or bituminous mixture, and any oil derived from a bitumen or bituminous mixture. Modifies the definition of "domestic crude oil" to mean any crude oil produced in the United States (currently, any crude oil produced from a well located in the United States).

Freedom Fuels Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2013

Freedom Fuels Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of liquid transportation fuel, including jet fuel, that: (1) meets requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 relating to the procurement and acquisition of alternative fuels; (2) uses a feedstock produced within a state; and (3) is refined, manufactured, or produced in a state. Prohibits any contract options that extend the overall contract period beyond 10 years. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on performance under each contract.

Decrease Spending Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2013

Decrease Spending Now Act - Rescinds $45 billion of unobligated balances of current discretionary appropriations. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) determine which appropriation accounts the rescission shall apply to and the amount that each such account shall be reduced, and (2) report to the Secretary of the Treasury and Congress a list of the accounts reduced by the rescission, including the amounts rescinded from each such account. Exempts from such rescission the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2013

Naval Vessels Transfer Act of 2013 - Authorizes the President to transfer on a grant basis to: (1) Mexico, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigates CURTS and MCCLUSKY; and (2) Thailand, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigates RENTZ and VANDEGRIFT. Authorizes the President to transfer on a sale basis the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigates TAYLOR, GARY, CARR, and ELROD to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office of the United States (which is the Taiwan instrumentality designated pursuant to the Taiwan Relations Act). States that: (1) the value of such vessels transferred on a grant basis shall not be counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred to countries in any fiscal year under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) transfer costs shall be charged to the recipient; and (3) to the maximum extent practicable, the country to which a vessel is transferred shall have necessary vessel repair and refurbishment carried out at U.S. shipyards (including U.S. Navy shipyards). Terminates transfer authority three years after enactment of this Act.

To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide surviving spouses with certain protections relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosures, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2013

Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend the protections against sale, foreclosure, and seizure of certain real or personal property that are applicable to servicemembers to their surviving spouses who are successors in interest to the property. Applies such protections with respect to service-connected deaths for a period of five years after enactment of this Act. Requires each lending institution subject to specified requirements for a maximum 6% rate of interest on a servicemember's debts incurred before military service to designate one of its employees as a compliance officer responsible for: (1) ensuring the institution's compliance with such requirements, and (2) distributing information to servicemembers whose obligations and liabilities are covered by such requirements. Requires such a lending institution that had annual assets for the preceding fiscal year of $10 billion or more to maintain a toll-free telephone number and make it available on its primary Internet website. Amends the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 to extend through 2017 the period of specified protections for servicemembers against mortgage foreclosures.

VetSuccess Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2013

VetSuccess Enhancement Act - Extends from 12 to 17 years after discharge or release from active-duty service the authorized period for veterans with service-connected disabilities to enroll in certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) vocational training and rehabilitation programs.

SAVE Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2013

Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2013 or SAVE Act of 2013 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel, (2) recruitment of former military personnel, (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment, (4) infrastructure improvements, (5) aerial and other surveillance, (5) a national strategy to secure the borders, (6) accountable financing under the Secure Border Initiative, (7) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents, and (8) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to check against terrorist watchlists those persons suspected of alien smuggling and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at U.S. borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) or the Secretary of the Interior. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the E-verify program permanent. Sets forth conditions for the mandatory use of the E-verify system. Requires: (1) employer/employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses, and related information sharing with DHS; and (2) establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) penalize specified employers for failure to correct information returns; and (2) prohibit employers from deducting from gross income wages paid to unauthorized aliens, with an exception for an employer participating in the basic employment eligibility confirmation program. Increases criminal alien program (CAP) personnel. Authorizes border relief grants for local law enforcement agencies within 25 miles of the southern U.S. border. Establishes within DHS a rewards program to assist in the elimination of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent immigration-related documents and to assist in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of commercial alien smuggling operations. Provides for: (1) increased alien detention facilities, (2) additional immigration court judgeships, and (3) a media campaign to inform the public of changes made by this Act including a multilingual media campaign explaining noncompliance penalties.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require that the Purple Heart occupy a position of precedence above the new Distinguished Warfare Medal.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2013

Requires the Purple Heart to be placed in precedence above the Distinguished Warfare Medal.

VETS Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2013

Veterans' Efficiencies Through Savings Act of 2013 or VETS Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the provision of medical care by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) any 75 square mile area where three or more VA outpatient clinics are located, and (2) any 100 square mile area where two or more VA hospitals are located.

Decrease Spending Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2013

Decrease Spending Now Act - Rescinds $45 billion of unobligated balances of current discretionary appropriations. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) determine which appropriation accounts the rescission shall apply to and the amount that each such account shall be reduced, and (2) report to the Secretary of the Treasury and Congress a list of the accounts reduced by the rescission, including the amounts rescinded from each such account. Exempts from such rescission the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2013

Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exclude as family income for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing assistance purposes any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) payments made to veterans in need of regular aid and attendance for expenses related to such aid and attendance.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2013

Supports the goals and ideals of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week and its efforts to pay tribute to veterans. Encourages Americans who live near a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital or similar facility to volunteer their time, visit, and thank such veterans for their service. Pledges to continue to support veterans-related services that provide quality, affordable health care to veterans in need, and pledges to take action to ensure that such veterans are given the best care a grateful nation can provide.

Travel Reimbursement for Inactive Duty Training Personnel (TRIP) Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2013

Travel Reimbursement for Inactive Duty Training Personnel (TRIP) Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse a member of the reserves for transportation expenses incurred in connection with: (1) round-trip travel in excess of 100 miles to an inactive duty training location, regardless of the method of transportation; and (2) round-trip travel of any distance to an inactive duty training location, if such travel requires a commercial method of transportation other than ground transportation. Requires the Secretary, in determining the amount of the allowance or reimbursement, to use the reimbursement rate for the use of privately-owned vehicles by government employees on official business.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2013

Supporting Knowledge and Investing in Lifelong Skills Act or SKILLS Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) to revise requirements and reauthorize appropriations for: (1) WIA title I, workforce investment systems for job training and employment services; and (2) WIA title II, adult education and family literacy education programs. Revises requirements to: (1) eliminate representatives of labor organizations from state workforce investment boards, and (2) specify that representatives of business on a board represent large and small businesses with immediate and long-term employment opportunities in in-demand industries and other occupations important to the state economy. Requires a state board to assist the state governor by developing: (1) policies and programs that support a comprehensive statewide workforce development system, and (2) a statewide workforce and labor market information system. Revises requirements for: (1) a state workforce development plan; (2) local workforce investment areas, boards, and plans; (3) one-stop delivery systems; and (4) the allotment of federal funds among states for employment and training activities. Eliminates specific funding for adult and dislocated worker employment and training. Specifies state use of federal funds to set up a Workforce Investment Fund. Revises requirements for: (1) within state allocations of funds; and (2) the use of funds for state and local employment and training activities, including statewide rapid response, individuals with barriers to employment grants, and adults with barriers to employment grants. Converts the national emergency grants program into a national dislocated worker grants program. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award national dislocated worker grants to spouses of active duty members of the Armed Forces or full-time duty members of the National Guard (or members who recently separated from such duties) and are in need of employment and training assistance to obtain or retain employment. Requires the Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor to be the principal agency to administer WIA title I workforce investment systems for job training and employment services and title III (Job Corps). Revises requirements for the state unified plan for adult education and literacy programs. Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to eliminate the U.S. Employment Service. Replaces the nationwide employment statistics system, which the Secretary is required to oversee, with a nationwide workforce and labor market information system. Repeals the Youth Conservation Corps Act of 1970 and specified other laws. Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require employment and training services to eligible members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program be provided through the statewide workforce development system, including the One-Stop delivery system. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) with respect to employment and training services for refugees, and the Second Chance Act of 2007 and well as the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 with respect to such services through the statewide workforce investment system for federal, state, and local prisoner reentry programs. Amends INA also to require that 15% of importing employer fees deposited into the H-1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account be transferred to the Department of Education for gifted and talented grant programs (instead of 50% to job training programs). Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA73) to: (1) redesignate the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration the Director, and (2) require an eligible state to use a certain percentage of the federal share of the cost of vocational rehabilitation services to award grants to create practical job and career readiness and training programs and provide job placements and career advancement. Repeals the authority of the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration in the Department of Education to make grants and contracts for: (1) vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities who are migrant or seasonal farmworkers; (2) recreational programs for such individuals; and (3) in-service training of vocational rehabilitation personnel. Repeals title VI (Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities) of the RA73. Revises requirements and reauthorizes appropriations for vocational rehabilitation services under the RA73.

Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2013

Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013 - Authorizes the provision of advance appropriations for the following discretionary (under current law, medical care) accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Veterans Health Administration Medical Services, Medical Support and Compliance, Medical Facilities, and Medical Research and Support; (2) National Cemetery Administration; and (3) Veterans Benefits Administration, Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program. Authorizes the provision of advance appropriations for the following VA discretionary administration accounts: (1) general operating expenses, (2) information technology systems, (3) the Office of the Inspector General, (4) construction for major and minor projects, and (5) grants for the construction of state extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to make permanent the requirement for annual reports on Comptroller General reviews of the accuracy of Department of Veterans Affairs medical budget submissions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2013

Requires the Comptroller General to annually: (1) study the adequacy and accuracy of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) baseline model projections for health care expenditures for that fiscal year; and (2) report study results to the congressional veterans, appropriations, and budget committees. Requires each such report to be made available to the public.

To grant the Secretary of Defense the authority to transfer funding under a continuing resolution, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2013

Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit to the congressional defense and appropriations committees a detailed outline of, and accounting under the discretionary spending limit for: (1) the efficiencies relating to Department of Defense (DOD) contracting for goods and services, and (2) the DOD budget initiate. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer amounts made available by a continuing resolution among DOD accounts. Prohibits the amount transferred to any account from exceeding that authorized for such account by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. Makes such transfer authority inapplicable in the event a regular appropriations Act for DOD is enacted for FY2013. Requires 15 days' advance notification to such committees prior to any such transfer.

Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2013

Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2013 - Establishes a Department of Peacebuilding, which shall be headed by a Secretary of Peacebuilding (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 Peacebuilding Information and Research, (7) the Office of Human Rights and Economic Rights, and (8) the Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Peace. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Peace. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) 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. Directs the Secretary to encourage citizens to celebrate the blessings of peace and endeavor to create peace on a Peace Day.

Smarter Than Sequester Defense Spending Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2013

Smarter Than Sequester Defense Spending Reduction Act - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to nullify the presidential sequestration order issued for the revised security category (discretionary appropriations in budget function 050) for FY2013-FY2021 to enforce a specified budget goal. Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to formulate and implement a plan with specified actions to reduce spending by specified minimum amounts over the 10-year period beginning upon enactment of this Act.

Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2013

Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act - Deems the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015 issued by the Secretary of the Interior to be approved as a final oil and gas leasing program under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). Deems the Secretary to have issued a final environmental impact statement for the Program under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a lease sale in each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning area for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas production leases; (2) prepare an inventory of U.S. offshore energy resources; and (3) promulgate regulations concerning the production of oil or gas resources of the OCS, including regulating the installation of surface facilities, mitigating the impact of such facilities on coastal vistas, and allowing onshore facilities to draw upon such resources that are within 10 miles of shore. Extends from three geographical miles to nine nautical miles a coastal state's allowable seaward boundary. Repeals the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in: (1) any area east of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico; (2) any area in the Eastern Planning Area that is within 125 miles of the Florida coastline; and (3) specified areas within the Central Planning Area and within 100 miles of the Florida coastline. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue a final leasing plan for the Eastern Gulf of Mexico for all areas where there exists commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas leases for production. Specifies revenue sharing percentages for sums received from leasing offshore pursuant to this Act, including 30% for producing states. Prohibits revenues collected from leases prior to this Act's enactment from being affected by this Act. Authorizes the President to waive requirements governing approval of oil and natural gas activity deemed important to national interests. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to: (1) publish a plan to exchange a specified amount of light grade petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for heavy grade petroleum plus additional cash bonus bids that reflect the difference in market value between light grade and heavy grade petroleum and the timing of deliveries of heavy grade petroleum, and (2) deposit 90% of the remaining net proceeds from the exchange into the Infrastructure Renewal Reserve.

To promote peaceful and collaborative resolution of the South China Sea dispute.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2013

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should: (1) reaffirm U.S. support for the peaceful resolution of maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, the East China Sea, and the Yellow Sea; (2) condemn the use of threats or force by naval, maritime security, and fishing vessels from China in the South China Sea and the East China Sea as well as the use of force by North Korea in the Yellow Sea; (3) welcome the diplomatic efforts to resolve these disputes by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the U.S. allies and partners in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and India; and (4) support U.S. Armed Forces operations in support of freedom of navigation rights in international waters and air space in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and the Yellow Sea. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress regarding peaceful measures to resolve the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Universal National Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2013

Universal National Service Act - Declares that it is the obligation of every U.S. citizen, and every other person residing in the United States, between the ages of 18 and 25 to perform a 2-year period of national service, unless exempted, either through military service or through civilian service in a federal, state, or local government program or with a community-based agency or entity engaged in meeting human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs. Requires induction into national service by the President. Allows persons to be inducted only: (1) under a declaration of war or national emergency, or (2) when members of the Armed Forces are engaged in a contingency operation. Requires each person, before induction, to be examined physically and mentally for classification for fitness to perform. Sets forth provisions governing: (1) induction deferments, postponements, and exemptions, including exemption of a conscientious objector from combatant training and military service; and (2) discharge following national service. Amends the Military Selective Service Act to authorize the military registration of females.

To amend the Military Selective Service Act to require the registration of women with the Selective Service System in light of the Department of Defense elimination of the rule excluding women from direct ground combat assignments in the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2013

Amends the Military Selective Service Act to include females (under current law, only males) between the ages of 18 and 26 within military service registration requirements. Makes such amendment effective 60 days after the enactment of this Act.

Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2013

Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD), no later than August 31, 2013, to complete development of a plan to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits, as a permanent part of the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program), for covered beneficiaries. Requires plan implementation by January 31, 2014.

To amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to exempt the Department of Defense from reduction under any order issued to carry out a sequestration pursuant to section 251A.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2013

Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 to: (1) lower the $1.2 trillion total deficit reduction goal for each of FY2013-FY2021 to $600 billion, (2) lower the FY2013 deficit reduction goal from $24 billion to $12 billion, and (3) eliminate the Department of Defense (DOD) function reduction entirely.

To award a Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2013

Directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to arrange for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor collectively the World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in recognition of their military service and exemplary record during World War II. Requires the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the CAP. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals.

Recognizing 376 years of service of the National Guard and affirming congressional support for a permanent Operational Reserve as a component of the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2013

Recognizes: (1) the critical importance of the Operational Reserve as a component of the Armed Forces, particularly as a means of preserving combat power during a time of budget austerity; and (2) the dual-status, state-federal National Guard as the foundation of the Operational Reserve and of military manpower. Expresses support for making the Operational Reserve permanent. Repudiates proposals to return the Reserve Components to a diminished or purely strategic role in national security. Affirms the growth of the Operational Reserve as circumstances warrant.

Charlie Morgan Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2013

Charlie Morgan Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act of 2013 - Considers a person a spouse, for purposes of military personnel policies and military and veterans' benefits, if the marriage of the individual is valid in the state in which the marriage was entered into or, in the case of a marriage entered into outside any state, if the marriage is valid in the place in which the marriage was entered into and the marriage could have been entered into in a state. Includes as a state the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. territories and possessions.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the maximum age for children eligible for medical care under the CHAMPVA program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2013

Makes a child eligible for medical care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) eligible for such care until the child's 26th birthday, regardless of the child's marital status. Makes such provision inapplicable before January 1, 2014, to a child who is eligible to enroll in an employer-sponsored health care plan.

Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2013

Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor child across a state line to obtain an abortion (deems such transporting to be a de facto abridgment of the right of a parent under any law in the minor’s state of residence that requires parental involvement in the minor’s abortion decision). Makes an exception for an abortion necessary to save the life of the minor. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution or civil action under this Act that a defendant: (1) reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the required parental consent or notification or judicial authorization took place; or (2) was presented with documentation showing that a court waived parental notification requirements or authorized the minor's abortion. Defines "abortion" to mean the use or prescription of any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance or device: (1) to intentionally kill the unborn child of a woman known to be pregnant; or (2) to intentionally prematurely terminate the pregnancy of a woman known to be pregnant with an intention other than to increase the probability of a live birth or of preserving the life or health of the child after live birth, or to remove a dead unborn child. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to one year on a physician who performs or induces an abortion on an out-of-state minor in violation of parental notification requirements. Requires such physician to give 24-hour actual or constructive notice to a parent of the minor seeking an abortion, subject to certain exceptions.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit veterans who have a service-connected, permanent disability rated as total to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces entitled to such travel.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2013

Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to provide transportation on scheduled and unscheduled military flights within the United States and on scheduled overseas flights on a space-available basis for veterans with a service-connected, permanent disability rated as total.

Colonel Charles Young Home Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2013

Colonel Charles Young Home Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Colonel Charles Young Home, a National Historic Landmark in Xenia, Ohio, to determine the feasibility of designating the Home as a unit of the National Park System. (Colonel Charles Young was a distinguished African-American officer in the U.S. Army, a pioneer of techniques in military intelligence, as well as a commander of troops in combat in the Spanish-American War and the Mexican expedition against Pancho Villa.)

Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2013

Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide veterans' case-tracking information access to employees of a Member of Congress or of a state or local governmental agency assisting veterans with benefit claims. Directs the Secretary to ensure that such access does not: (1) allow the employee to modify the data in the case-tracking system, and (2) include access to medical records. Requires such employees to complete a certification course on privacy issues before receiving such access.

Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2013

Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor child across a state line to obtain an abortion (deems such transporting to be a de facto abridgment of the right of a parent under any law in the minor’s state of residence that requires parental involvement in the minor’s abortion decision). Makes an exception for an abortion necessary to save the life of the minor. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution or civil action under this Act that a defendant: (1) reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the required parental consent or notification or judicial authorization took place; or (2) was presented with documentation showing that a court waived parental notification requirements or authorized the minor's abortion. Defines "abortion" to mean the use or prescription of any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance or device: (1) to intentionally kill the unborn child of a woman known to be pregnant; or (2) to intentionally prematurely terminate the pregnancy of a woman known to be pregnant with an intention other than to increase the probability of a live birth or of preserving the life or health of the child after live birth, or to remove a dead unborn child. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to one year on a physician who performs or induces an abortion on an out-of-state minor in violation of parental notification requirements. Requires such physician to give 24-hour actual or constructive notice to a parent of the minor seeking an abortion, subject to certain exceptions.

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 · 14 February 2013

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.

Homeowners' Defense Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2013

Homeowners' Defense Act of 2013 - Establishes the National Catastrophe Risk Consortium, as a non-federal, non-profit entity, to ensure the availability and affordability of homeowners' insurance coverage for catastrophic events. Directs the Consortium to: (1) maintain an inventory of catastrophe risk obligations held by state reinsurance funds, state residual insurance market entities, and state-sponsored providers of natural catastrophe insurance; (2) issue, on a conduit basis, securities and other financial instruments linked to catastrophe risks insured or reinsured through Consortium members; (3) coordinate reinsurance contracts; (4) act as a centralized repository of state risk information accessible by certain private-market participants; and (5) establish a database to perform research and analysis that encourages standardization of the risk-linked securities market. Shields the federal government and the Consortium from liability for Consortium actions.

American Fighter Aces Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2013

American Fighter Aces Congressional Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a single congressional gold medal in honor of the American Fighter Aces, collectively, in recognition of their heroic military service and defense of the nation's freedom.