Defence

Ending Qualified Immunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Ending Qualified Immunity Act This bill eliminates the defense of qualified immunity in certain civil actions for deprivation of rights. Qualified immunity is a judicially created doctrine that protects government officials from being held personally liable for constitutional violations. The bill provides that, under the statute allowing a civil action alleging deprivation of rights under color of state law, it shall not be a defense to any such action that, at the time of the deprivation, (1) the defendant was acting in good faith or believed that his or her conduct was lawful; (2) the rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws were not clearly established; or (3) the state of the law was such that the defendant could not reasonably have been expected to know whether his or her conduct was lawful.

Do No Harm Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Do No Harm Act This bill prohibits the application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) to specified federal laws or the implementation of such laws. Currently, RFRA prohibits the government from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest when using the least restrictive means. Under the bill, RFRA is inapplicable to laws or the implementation of laws that protect against discrimination or require the promotion of equal opportunity (e.g., the Civil Rights Act of 1964); require employers to provide wages, other compensation, or benefits, including leave; protect collective activity in the workplace; protect against child labor, abuse, or exploitation; or provide for access to, information about, referrals for, provision of, or coverage for any health care item or service. The bill prevents RFRA from being used to deny (1) goods or services the government has agreed to provide to a beneficiary of or participant in a program or activity funded by a government contract, grant, agreement, or other award; or (2) a person's full and equal enjoyment of a government-provided good, service, benefit, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation. In order for a person to assert a RFRA claim or defense in a judicial proceeding, the government must be a party to the proceeding.  

Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act.

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act This bill authorizes activities related to medical marijuana use by veterans and provides for research on medical marijuana use by veterans. Specifically, the bill authorizes (1) a veteran to use, possess, or transport medical marijuana in accordance with applicable state or Native American tribal law; (2) a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) physician to discuss with a veteran the use of medical marijuana as a treatment if the physician is in a state or on tribal land that authorizes such treatment; or (3) a VA physician to recommend, complete forms for, or register veterans for participation in a medical marijuana treatment program in accordance with applicable state or tribal law. These authorizations expire after five years. The bill also requires the VA to report on (1) the use of medical marijuana by veterans to manage pain and to treat diseases and disorders (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder); and (2) the relationship between state-approved medical marijuana treatment programs, program access, and opioid use and misuse reduction.

[H.A.S.C. No. 118-26] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 April 2023

FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET REQUEST FOR MISSILE DEFENSE AND MISSILE DEFEAT PROGRAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 April 2023

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024

United States · United States Senate · 18 April 2023

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 18 April 2023

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 This bill authorizes Department of Defense activities and programs for FY2024.

VA Flood Preparedness Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

VA Flood Preparedness Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make contributions to local authorities to mitigate the risk of flooding on local property adjacent to VA medical facilities.

RELIEVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

Removing Extraneous Loopholes Insuring Every Veteran Emergency Act or the RELIEVE Act This bill expands eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimbursement of emergency treatment for veterans who are treated in a non-VA facility. Specifically, the bill waives the requirement that a veteran must have received VA care within the 24-month period preceding the furnishing of emergency treatment if the veteran receives such emergency treatment within the 60-day period following their enrollment in the VA health care system.

Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2023 This bill provides continuing appropriations to the Coast Guard for pay and benefits when there is a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse. Under the bill, a  Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs when (1) a bill providing appropriations for the Coast Guard for a fiscal year has not been enacted before the beginning of that fiscal year, and no joint resolution providing continuing appropriations for the Coast Guard is in effect; and (2) a bill providing appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for the fiscal year has been enacted before the beginning of the fiscal year, or a joint resolution providing continuing appropriation for DOD is in effect.  If a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs, the bill provides appropriations to the Coast Guard for pay and allowances for military members of the Coast Guard who perform active service or inactive-duty training; pay and benefits for certain civilian employees and contract employees; the payment of a death gratuity; payments for travel related to funerals, the dignified transfer of remains, and unit memorial services; and the temporary continuation of the basic allowance for housing for dependents of members of the Coast Guard dying on active duty. The bill generally provides the appropriations to the Coast Guard until the earlier of the enactment of specified Coast Guard appropriations legislation, the termination of the availability of appropriations for DOD, or two weeks after the beginning of the Coast Guard-specific funding lapse. 

Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. It prohibits a bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless it has been approved by a majority roll call vote of each chamber. The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts. Congress may waive these requirements due to a declaration of war or a military conflict that causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security.

Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act This bill authorizes activities related to medical marijuana use by veterans and provides for research on medical marijuana use by veterans. Specifically, the bill authorizes (1) a veteran to use, possess, or transport medical marijuana in accordance with applicable state or Native American tribal law; (2) a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) physician to discuss with a veteran the use of medical marijuana as a treatment if the physician is in a state or on tribal land that authorizes such treatment; or (3) a VA physician to recommend, complete forms for, or register veterans for participation in a medical marijuana treatment program in accordance with applicable state or tribal law. These authorizations expire after five years. The bill also requires the VA to report on (1) the use of medical marijuana by veterans to manage pain and to treat diseases and disorders (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder); and (2) the relationship between state-approved medical marijuana treatment programs, program access, and opioid use and misuse reduction.

CUBA Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2023

Cuban-American Unrecognized Bravery Act of 2023 or the CUBA Act of 2023 This bill expands eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits to certain individuals who served in the Bay of Pigs, Cuba, in April 1961. Specifically, the bill expands eligibility for benefits to individuals who (1) were members of the military group that invaded the Bay of Pigs in 1961, (2) are citizens of the United States, and (3) have not received VA benefits for which they have applied.

Requesting the President and directing the Secretary of Defense to transmit, respectively, to the House of Representatives copies of all documents indicating any plans for current or future military assistance to Ukraine and documents indicating whether any United States Armed Forces, including special operations forces, are currently deployed in Ukraine.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2023

This resolution requests of the President and requires the Department of Defense to provide to the House of Representatives copies of all documents (1) indicating plans for military assistance to Ukraine, and (2) indicating whether any U.S. military forces (including special operations forces) are currently deployed in Ukraine.

Supporting the designation of April 2023 as the "Month of the Military Child".

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2023

This resolution supports a Month of the Military Child and urges the observation of the month with appropriate activities that show appreciation for military children.

China Technology Transfer Control Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2023

China Technology Transfer Control Act of 2023 This bill controls exports of certain national interest technology and intellectual property to China. Specifically, covered technology or intellectual property includes items that (1) would contribute significantly to the Chinese military to the detriment of U.S. national security, (2) are included in a designated list of product components compiled by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), or (3) are used by China to violate human rights or religious liberties. The President must control exports to China of any covered technology or intellectual property. Further, the President must sanction (1) a foreign person who sells to China or purchases from China any covered item, and (2) a Chinese person who knowingly uses a covered item provided to them in violation of U.S. export control law. In addition to a specified list of industries subject to the bill, the USTR must identify certain products from China that either receive designated support from the Chinese government or are used by China to violate human rights or religious liberties.

PRIMED Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2023

Permit Reform In Mining for Energy and Defense Act or the PRIMED Act This bill makes certain actions taken by the Department of Defense to secure critical materials for energy infrastructure (e.g., minerals) eligible for an expedited environmental review by including those projects within the scope of covered projects under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.

RAISE Minimum Base Pay Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2023

Raising the Annual Income of Servicemembers by Enhancing Minimum Base Pay Act or the RAISE Minimum Base Pay Act This bill sets a minimum base rate of pay of $31,200 for members of the Armed Forces.

Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2023

Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act This bill provides parental leave to members of the National Guard or a reserve component who are on inactive-duty training. Under current law, only maternity leave is available to such inactive-duty members. The bill expands the parental leave benefit to all members for the birth or adoption of a child or the placement with the member of a minor child for adoption or long-term foster care.

To provide for the development and implementation of economic defense response teams.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2023

This bill establishes a pilot program for deploying economic response teams that provide emergency technical assistance and support to a partner country subjected to the threat or use of coercive economic measures by a U.S. adversary. These teams also play a liaison role between the legitimate government of a partner country and the U.S. government. To deploy a team, the President must declare, and notify Congress of, a coercive economic emergency (i.e., an unusual and extraordinary economic coercive threat to a partner country made by a U.S. adversary). The initial deployment may last for up to 180 days; the President may extend a deployment by submitting to Congress a justification for the extension in the interest of national security. The pilot program shall terminate on December 31, 2026.

To identify certain roads in the vicinity of Beale Air Force Base, Travis Air Force Base, and Sierra Army Depot, California, as defense access roads for purposes of the defense access roads project under title 10, United States Code.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2023

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to certify specified roads under the Defense Access Roads Program, which provides for the construction and maintenance of roads important to the national defense. Specifically, DOD must certify specified roads in the vicinity of (1) Beale Air Force Base, California, (2) Travis Air Force Base, California, and (3) Sierra Army Depot, California.

Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the sinking of USS Thresher (SSN 593).

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023

This resolution recognizes the 60th anniversary of the sinking of USS Thresher on April 10, 1963, and remembers the loss of the crew of sailors and civilians.

VA Supply Chain Management System Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023

VA Supply Chain Management System Authorization Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement an information technology system for the management of supply chains that meets specified requirements (e.g., is cloud based). The VA must complete the implementation of an information technology system for the management of supply chains by not later than three years after the enactment of this bill.

Health Care for Homeless Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023

Health Care for Homeless Veterans Act This bill extends authorization through FY2029 for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program. Under the HCHV program, the VA provides care and services to homeless or seriously mentally ill veterans, including (1) outreach services; (2) care, treatment, and rehabilitative services; and (3) therapeutic transitional housing assistance. The bill also extends authorization through FY2029 for a program under which the VA establishes sites in larger metropolitan areas to provide comprehensive services to homeless veterans. The bill also provides that under the HCHV program, a veteran means a person who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service and was discharged or released from service, excluding those who received a dishonorable discharge or were discharged or dismissed under a general court-martial.

Veteran’s Choice Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023

Veteran's Choice Accountability Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to evaluate VA programs that furnish hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to ensure that the most intensively used specialized care programs are maintained as centers of excellence. The bill also requires the VA to submit an evaluation of the VA's implementation of the VA Budget and Choice Improvement Act.

Authorization for Use of Military Force Resolution of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023

Authorization for Use of Military Force Resolution of 2023 This joint resolution repeals the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, which authorizes the President to employ U.S. military forces against any nation, organization, or persons determined to have planned, authorized, committed, or aided the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, or harbored such persons. This joint resolution also authorizes the President to use necessary and appropriate military force to defend against a direct and substantial armed attack against the United States, or a threat of such an attack, from Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, the Islamic State Khorasan organization based in Afghanistan, or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. This authority sunsets four years after enactment.

S.O.S. Veterans Caregivers Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023

Support our Services to Veterans Caregivers Act or the S.O.S. Veterans Caregivers Act This bill expands eligibility for assistance under the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Specifically, the bill expands eligibility for such assistance to caregivers of veterans who have a serious illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military, naval, or air service. Under current law, such assistance is already provided to caregivers of veterans who sustained serious injuries in the course of their military, naval, or air service. The bill also requires the provision of an annual multidimensional assessment to measure burdens felt by family caregivers who are designated as the primary providers of personal care services to such veterans.

Sunset for the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023

Sunset for the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force Act This bill repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force signed into law September 18, 2001, with the repeal effective 240 days after the date of the enactment of the bill.

Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023

Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide budget information regarding incinerators and waste-to-energy waste disposal alternatives to burn pits. DOD must include the information as a dedicated budget line item in the President's FY2024 budget.

Protecting Gold Star Spouses Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023

Protecting Gold Star Spouses Act of 2023 This bill provides interim appropriations for the Coast Guard Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and Survivor Benefits Plans if a bill providing appropriations for the plans has not been enacted before the fiscal year begins. The bill provides the appropriations at the rate of operations and under the terms and conditions provided by the most recent law making full-year appropriations for the plans. The appropriations provided by this bill are not available after a bill is enacted that (1) provides appropriations for the plans, or (2) provides appropriations for the Coast Guard without funding the plans.

United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023

United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Extension Act This bill extends the authority of the Department of Defense to (1) jointly carry out research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) to establish anti-tunnel capabilities with Israel; and (2) provide maintenance and sustainment support to Israel for such RDT&E activities. The bill extends these authorities through December 31, 2026.

BAH Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023

BAH Restoration Act This bill increases the monthly amount of the basic housing allowance for members of the uniformed services inside the United States. Specifically, the monthly amount of allowance for a member must be the amount of the monthly cost of adequate housing in the area, as determined by the Department of Defense, for members of the uniformed services serving in the same pay grade and same dependency status as the member.

To require the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on the accessibility of mental health care providers and services for members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023

This bill requires the Department of Defense to study the accessibility of mental health care providers and services for members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty.

Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2023

Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act of 2023 This bill directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish a program that annually provides, through grants and other means, funding for projects that support the conservation and recovery of native plant and animal species in Hawaii. Hawaii, Hawaiian local governments, Native Hawaiian organizations, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and institutions of higher education may apply for funding under the program.

Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2023

Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act This bill authorizes specified individuals to update the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry with the cause of death of a registered individual. The Department of Veterans Affairs established the burn pit registry to allow certain veterans and service members to document their exposures and report health concerns. The registry is for individuals who may have been exposed to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits (areas used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) while deployed in certain locations (e.g., Afghanistan or Iraq). Specifically, the bill authorizes a designee of a registered individual or an immediate family member to update the registry with the cause of death of the individual.

Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2023

Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a new risk assessment for toxic exposure for members of the Armed Forces who are assigned to work near burn pits (i.e., areas used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment). DOD must also establish an outreach program to inform such members regarding toxic exposure. Additionally, DOD must publish on its website a list of resources for members and veterans who experienced toxic exposure while serving as a member of the Armed Forces, dependents and caregivers of such members and veterans, and survivors of such members and veterans who received death benefits.

General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Memorial Exchange Program for Polish-American Defense Cooperation Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2023

General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Memorial Exchange Program for Polish-American Defense Cooperation Act This bill requires the U.S. Army Special Operations Command to seek to carry out a training program between its special operations forces and the special forces of the Polish Army, to be known as the General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Memorial Exchange Program for Polish-American Defense Cooperation. Officers and enlisted members may participate the program.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023

United States · United States Senate · 31 March 2023

Taiwan Protection and National Resilience Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Taiwan Protection and National Resilience Act of 2023 This bill requires reports to Congress addressing issues related to China, including a strategy to respond to coercive actions by China. The Department of Defense must submit a report identifying goods and services from the United States that China relies upon and U.S. military procurement practices that are reliant on trade with China. The bill also requires the Department of the Treasury to submit a sanctions strategy that could be used in response to any coercive action by China, including a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, to (1) limit the ability of China's military to acquire petroleum and military materiel, (2) diminish the ability of the Chinese industrial base to replenish defense articles, and (3) inhibit China's ability to evade sanctions. The strategy must identify specific sanctions-related tools that may be effective in responding to coercive action. The Department of Commerce must submit a report that (1) identifies critical sectors of the U.S. economy that are strategic vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the Chinese Communist Party because the sector in question relies on Chinese trade or inputs, and (2) makes recommendations to reduce such vulnerabilities.

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Training Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Training Act of 2023 This bill requires new employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to undergo training developed by the Inspector General of the VA regarding the reporting of wrongdoing to, responding to requests from, and cooperating with the Office of the Inspector General.

EHR Program RESET Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Electronic Health Record Program Restructure, Enhance, Strengthen, and Empower Technology Act of 2023 or the EHR Program RESET Act of 2023 This bill establishes within the Veterans Health Administration a program to modernize the electronic health record and other relevant health information technology systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill also establishes the Electronic Health Record and Health Information Technology Modernization Program Management Office and a position of Deputy Chief Information Officer for Electronic Health Record and Health Information Technology to implement the program. The VA must exceed or meet certain standards at its facilities that are using the Oracle Cerner product before it may initiate new deployments of the product. The bill requires additional information to be included in the quarterly updates on the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program, such as data on retention, morale, and turnover at sites using the new electronic health record. Within 275 days after the enactment of this bill, the VA must terminate all of its contracts with Oracle Cerner for training and change management related to electronic health record modernization and cease to issue task orders for such activities from Oracle Cerner or its subcontractors. The VA must designate one senior official (GS-15 or higher) as the lead negotiator on all current and future contracts relating to the new electronic health record. The Chief Acquisition Officer of the VA must contract with an entity to independently verify and validate the modernization efforts of certain VA programs (e.g., the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program).

Taiwan Protection and National Resilience Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Taiwan Protection and National Resilience Act of 2023 This bill requires reports to Congress addressing issues related to China, including a strategy to respond to coercive actions by China. The Department of Defense must submit a report identifying goods and services from the United States that China relies upon and U.S. military procurement practices that are reliant on trade with China. The bill also requires the Department of the Treasury to submit a sanctions strategy that could be used in response to any coercive action by China, including a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, to (1) limit the ability of China's military to acquire petroleum and military materiel, (2) diminish the ability of the Chinese industrial base to replenish defense articles, and (3) inhibit China's ability to evade sanctions. The strategy must identify specific sanctions-related tools that may be effective in responding to coercive action. The Department of Commerce must submit a report that (1) identifies critical sectors of the U.S. economy that are strategic vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the Chinese Communist Party because the sector in question relies on Chinese trade or inputs, and (2) makes recommendations to reduce such vulnerabilities.

A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update the payment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs to allow for electronic fund transfer of educational assistance, administered by the Secretary, to a foreign institution of higher education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update its payment system to allow for electronic fund transfer of VA educational assistance to a foreign institution of higher education that provides an approved course of education to eligible recipients and does not have an employer identification number or an account with a domestic bank.

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2023 This bill modifies and implements policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), which is generally defined as physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment that occurred while the veteran was serving in the military. In the case of any veteran who claims that a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on MST was incurred or aggravated by active service, the VA must consider (1) a diagnosis of the condition by a mental health professional, (2) a medically proven link between current symptoms and MST, and (3) credible supporting evidence that MST occurred. The VA may not deny a veteran's claim of compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST without first (1) advising the veteran that nonmilitary evidence and behavioral evidence may constitute credible corroborating evidence, and (2) allowing the veteran an opportunity to furnish the corroborating evidence or advise the VA of potential sources of such evidence. The Veterans Benefits Administration must conduct an annual special focus review on the accuracy of the processing of claims for disability compensation for disabilities relating to MST. Additionally, the bill (1) expands access to mental health care at VA facilities for survivors of MST, and (2) requires the Government Accountability Office to report on access to such care for MST survivors.

Dental Care for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Dental Care for Veterans Act This bill expands eligibility for veterans for dental care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill makes all veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system eligible for VA-provided dental services. Currently, only veterans who have a service-connected dental issue or meet other narrow criteria are eligible for certain dental services. The bill phases in eligibility over four years based upon existing eligibility, degree of service-connected disability or other disability, prisoner of war status, award of a Purple Heart, financial need, or VA health care eligibility.

CHAMPVA Children’s Care Protection Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2023 This bill provides that a child shall be eligible for medical care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) until the child's 26th birthday, regardless of the child's marital status.

Veterans Equal Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Veterans Equal Access Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to authorize VA health care providers to (1) provide veterans with recommendations and opinions regarding participation in their state's marijuana programs, and (2) complete forms reflecting such recommendations and opinions.

Panama Canal Zone Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Panama Canal Zone Veterans Act of 2023 This bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified conditions associated with active duty service in or near the Panama Canal Zone (zone) from January 1, 1958, through the latter of December 31, 1999, or the date on which the last service member departed from duty in the zone. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded. The presumption of service-connection applies to illnesses listed in the bill (e.g., Hodgkin's disease) or those that (1) have a positive association with exposure to an herbicide agent that is known or presumed to be associated with service in the zone during the specified time period, and (2) become manifest in a veteran who served in the zone during the specified time period and was exposed to an herbicide agent during such service. The Department of Veterans Affairs must prescribe regulations providing for a presumption of service-connection whenever there is a determination that a positive association exists between the exposure to an herbicide agent known or presumed to be associated with service in or near the zone and the occurrence of an illness in humans.

VET CARE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations Act of 2023 or the VET CARE Act of 2023 This bill addresses dental care programs for veterans. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish administrative support to a dental care provider that provides services to a veteran that would not be covered by VA benefits. The bill also requires the VA to implement a pilot program to provide free outpatient dental services and treatment, and related dental appliances, to eligible veterans. Eligible veterans are those who are (1) enrolled in the VA health care system but are not eligible for VA dental care, (2) not receiving regular periodontal care, (3) between 40 and 70 years old, and (4) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.