Defence

Closing the Law Enforcement Consent Loophole Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

Closing the Law Enforcement Consent Loophole Act of 2018 This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful for a federal law enforcement officer to engage in a sexual act with an individual who is under arrest, in detention, or in custody. Consent is not a defense to prosecution for unlawful conduct. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to 15 years, or both. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of Justice to make grants to states that have in effect similar laws. Grants must be used for the same purposes as formula grants under the STOP Violence Against Women Program and the Sexual Assault Services Program.

Department of Veterans Affairs Website Accessibility Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

Department of Veterans Affairs Website Accessibility Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report to Congress regarding the accessibility of VA websites (including attached files and web-based applications) to individuals with disabilities. The report shall identify websites, files, and applications that are not accessible to such individuals and include the VA's plan to make each of them accessible.

A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the proposed export to the Government of Egypt of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

This joint resolution prohibits the proposed sale of various weapons, ammunition, and related support services to the government of Egypt, as described in Transmittal No. 18-47 sent to Congress on November 28, 2018.

A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the proposed export to the Government of Egypt of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

This joint resolution prohibits the offer to sell to Egypt various weapons, including attack helicopters and missiles, as outlined in the certification Transmittal No. 17-43 that was sent to Congress on November 28, 2018.

A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the proposed export to the Government of Qatar of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

This joint resolution prohibits the offer to sell to Qatar advanced medium range air-to-air missiles and various related parts and software, as outlined in the certification Transmittal No. 18-43 that was sent to Congress on November 28, 2018.

Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 88) to modify the boundary of the Shiloh National Military Park located in Tennessee and Mississippi, to establish Parker's Crossroads Battlefield as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2018

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 88) to modify the boundary of the Shiloh National Military Park located in Tennessee and Mississippi, to establish Parker's Crossroads Battlefield as an affiliated area of the National Park System.

Honoring All Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2018

Honoring All Veterans Act This bill adds the following as a mission statement for the Department of Veterans Affairs: "To fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those 'who shall have borne the battle' and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."

Prevention of Arms Race Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2018

Prevention of Arms Race Act of 2018 This bill restricts funding for the procurement or deployment of missiles banned by the Treaty between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Elimination of Their Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles (INF Treaty). Before such funding may be appropriated, the Department of Defense shall submit to Congress a report that (1) confirms U.S. efforts to resolve Russia's violation of the INF Treaty, (2) identifies the ramifications of a collapse of the treaty and of a U.S. withdrawal from the agreement, and (3) addresses other related issues.

THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON THE NATIONAL DEFENSE STRATEGY

United States · United States Senate · 27 November 2018

75th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2018

75th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration Act This bill directs the Department of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 75th anniversary of World War II.

Defense of Property Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2018

Defense of Property Rights Act This bill prohibits federal or state agencies from taking private property in whole or in part (including by physical invasion, regulation, exaction, or condition) except for public purpose and with just compensation to the property owner. A property owner shall receive just compensation if the property has been physically invaded or taken without the owner's consent in an action that: does not substantially advance the stated governmental interest; exacts the owner's lawful right to use the property, or a portion of the property, as a condition for an agency's action (including the granting of a permit, license, or variance) without a rough proportionality between the stated need for the property and the impact of the proposed use; deprives the owner, either temporarily or permanently, of substantially all economically beneficial or productive use of the property; diminishes the property's fair market value by at least 20% or $20,000; or constitutes any other taking within the meaning of the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. The bill allows the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to: (1) render judgment upon a claim against an agency for monetary relief, (2) invalidate federal laws or regulations that violate Fifth Amendment property rights, (3) grant injunctive and declaratory relief, and (4) have concurrent jurisdiction with other courts. The bill also establishes a six-year statute of limitations for actions to be brought after a taking and allows takings disputes to be resolved through settlement or arbitration.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow certain veterans organizations to take into account the membership of spouses, widows, and widowers of members of the Armed Forces for purposes of determining tax exempt status.

United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2018

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain veterans organizations, for which there is no auxiliary unit or society, to take into account members who are spouses, widows, or widowers of past or present members of the Armed Forces to determine whether the organization meets the membership requirements for tax-exempt status.

A bill to require the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a report on the death of Jamal Khashoggi, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2018

This bill directs the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to prepare an unclassified report to identify who was responsible for the death of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi, due within 30 day of the bill's enactment.

To designate the outstation of the Department of Veterans Affairs in North Ogden, Utah, as the Major Brent Taylor Vet Center Outstation.

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2018

This bill designates the outstation of the Department of Veterans Affairs in North Ogden, Utah, as the "Major Brent Taylor Vet Center Outstation."

Recognizing that the United States-Republic of Korea alliance serves as a linchpin of regional stability and bilateral security, and exemplifies the broad and deep military, diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties shared between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2018

This resolution recognizes the U.S.-South Korea alliance as a linchpin of regional stability and security, and reaffirms the need for the two countries to continue applying economic and financial pressure to help peacefully end North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Honoring All Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2018

Honoring All Veterans Act This bill adds the following as a mission statement for the Department of Veterans Affairs: "To fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those 'who shall have borne the battle' and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."

Veteran Debt Fairness Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2018

Veteran Debt Fairness Act of 2018 This bill limits the ability of the Department of Veterans Affair to recover overpayments of benefits from veterans.

Commending Korean and Korean-American veterans for their service to the United States during the Vietnam conflict.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2018

Commends Korean and Korean American veterans for their service to the United States during the Vietnam conflict.

Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2018

Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans to report on and make recommendations regarding the use of federal lands for medical treatment and therapy for veterans.

Saudi Arabia Accountability and Yemen Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2018

Saudi Arabia Accountability and Yemen Act of 2018 This bill suspends certain weapons transfers to Saudi Arabia. It also imposes sanctions on individuals for various activities related to the civil war in Yemen and for involvement in the death of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The United States may not authorize transfers to Saudi Arabia of missiles, ammunition, ground vehicles, aircraft, or other weapons that fall within Categories III, IV, VII, or VIII of the U.S. Munitions List. The prohibitions do not apply to ground-based missile defense systems and shall expire September 30, 2020. The United States may not provide in-flight refueling for Saudi coalition aircraft involved in the civil war. (A Saudi-led coalition has been fighting against Ansar Allah, a group in armed conflict with the government of Yemen.) The United States shall impose sanctions on individuals who are blocking the flow of humanitarian goods and services into Yemen or working to undermine the country's stability. This includes sanctions on supporters of Ansar Allah if the United States determines the group has not made meaningful efforts towards peace. This bill amends the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to impose sanctions on foreign individuals, including any members of the Saudi royal family, who are responsible for or who aided in Khashoggi's death.

A concurrent resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Security Consultative Meeting between the Republic of Korea and the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2018

Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the South Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting, and reaffirms the military alliance between the two countries. Supports the continued pursuit of a complete and verifiable end to North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

[H.A.S.C. No. 115-121]INTERAGENCY CYBER COOPERATION: ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 November 2018

Department of Veterans Affairs Policy for Medicinal Cannabis Use Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2018

Department of Veterans Affairs Policy for Medicinal Cannabis Use Act of 2018 This bill establishes the policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on medical cannabis. Specifically, amongst other elements, the policy provides that veterans shall not be denied VA benefits by reason of cannabis use. VA medical providers may discuss cannabis use as part of comprehensive care planning, and clinicians shall follow federal laws and regulations relating to medicinal cannabis.

To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide training in the use of medical cannabis for all Department of Veterans Affairs primary care providers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2018

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide its primary care providers with training in the use of medical cannabis. For purposes of developing the training, the bill instructs the VA to partner with medical schools that have incorporated medical cannabis into their curricula.

VA Survey of Cannabis Use Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2018

VA Survey of Cannabis Use Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide for a survey of veterans and VA health care providers regarding cannabis use by veterans.

VET Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2018

Veterans Education and Transfer Extension Act or the VET Extension Act This bill makes changes to Post-9/11 educational assistance for veterans or active duty military service members. Specifically, the bill increases the number of months of educational assistance available under the Post-9/11 GI Bill by (1) 15 months, or (2) the amount of months needed to complete remedial and deficiency courses that may be needed prior to beginning a program of education. Under the bill, individuals who do not currently have a dependent, but wish to elect to transfer educational assistance to a dependent, may do so at such a time when they do have a dependent. Additionally, the Department of Defense may not prescribe any additional limitation on the time period in which a member of the Armed Forces may make an election.

A bill to prohibit the use of funds appropriated for the Department of Defense for aerial refueling of aircraft of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2018

This bill prohibits funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense from being obligated or expended for aerial refueling of aircraft owned or operated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2018

Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act This bill directs the Department of Defense to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits through the TRICARE program to uniformed service members who are not on active duty and to uniformed service retirees. (Active duty members of the uniformed services are currently eligible for chiropractic services and benefits through the Chiropractic Health Care Program.)

To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to continue to pay educational assistance or subsistence allowances to eligible persons when educational institutions are temporarily closed, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2018

This bill changes the time frame during which the Department of Veterans Affairs may continue to pay educational assistance or subsistence allowances to veterans and veterans' family members when educational institutions are temporarily closed.

Commemorating and acknowledging veteran-owned small businesses.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2018

Recognizes veterans for their service to the United States. Celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and work of veterans who are small-business owners.

Recognizing the denial of full voting rights in Congress for veterans and their families who are District of Columbia residents.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2018

Recognizes the service of all Washington, DC, veterans. Condemns the denial of voting rights in Congress and full home rule for veterans and their families who are Washington, DC, residents. Calls for statehood for Washington, DC.

To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community clinic in New City, New York, as the "Jerry Donnellan VA Community Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2018

This bill designates the Department of Veterans Affairs community clinic in New City, New York, as the "Jerry Donnellan VA Community Clinic."

Brian Tally VA Medical Care and Liability Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2018

Brian Tally VA Medical Care and Liability Improvement Act This bill subjects independent contractors of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who provide medical care to veterans at VA facilities to the same federal tort laws for medical malpractice that apply to VA health care personnel. An insurance claim for malpractice benefits by a contractor-defendant shall be subrogated to the United States. The VA shall: (1) revoke the authorization to provide VA care of a contractor who has been the defendant in at least three cases during a five-year period that resulted in a judgment or settlement against the United States, and (2) bring an adverse action against certain VA health care personnel for similar reasons.

Find our Hearts Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2018

Find our Hearts Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to establish a publicly available database containing the names and citations of all members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart.

Veterans BOND Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2018

Veterans Benefits and Options Notification of Dental Insurance Act or the Veterans BOND Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to mail to veterans, certain survivors, and dependents notice of the dental insurance plan administered by the VA.

To prohibit the provision of United States security assistance to the Government of Saudi Arabia, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2018

This bill prohibits U.S. security assistance and arms sales to Saudi Arabia's government. The Department of Defense shall not provide security assistance, intelligence, training, equipment, or specified technical services to Saudi Arabia or any of its agents or instrumentalities, or engage in any defense cooperation. The bill establishes an exception to this prohibition for activities that protect U.S. diplomatic and consular posts or U.S. citizens. The President may not sell, transfer, deliver, or license for export any defense article to Saudi Arabia or any of its agents or instrumentalities, or provide any defense or construction service. Congress may pass a joint resolution to waive these prohibitions on a case-by-case basis. To request such a waiver, the President shall report to Congress on (1) how the requested activity advances U.S. national security interests, (2) the status of any investigation and prosecution of individuals responsible for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and (3) the status of human rights protections in Saudi Arabia.

Arms Sale Oversight Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2018

Arms Sale Oversight Act This bill revises House of Representatives procedures for considering joint resolutions related to weapons and defense services sales to foreign countries, export licenses for such weapons and services, and technical assistance or manufacturing agreements with foreign countries. Currently, the President must provide certification supporting such an action, which can go forward unless Congress enacts a joint resolution opposing it. The bill provides for rules such as who may make a motion to discharge the resolution from committee and time limits on debate.

Army Security Agency Monument Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2018

Army Security Agency Monument Act This bill directs the Department of the Army to place in Arlington National Cemetery a monument honoring Army Security Agency veterans if the National Army Security Agency Association agrees to certain requirements, including that the association pay the monument's site preparation, construction, and maintenance costs.

Reserve Component Employer Incentive, Compensation, and Relief Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2018

Reserve Component Employer Incentive, Compensation, and Relief Act of 2018 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for certain employers of reservists (i.e., members of the National Guard or a reserve component of the Armed Forces). The tax credit is equal to $1,000 for each reservist employed during the year, plus an additional amount that ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the number of days the reservist serves in the uniformed services during the year.

To prohibit the provision of United States security assistance to the Government of Saudi Arabia pending a determination by the Secretary of State regarding the status of Jamal Khashoggi, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2018

This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from providing any assistance to or engaging in any defense cooperation with the government or any instrumentality or agent of Saudi Arabia. Such prohibition shall not apply to DOD protection of U.S. diplomatic and consular posts or personnel or the evacuation of U.S. citizens. The bill prohibits any defense article, defense service, or design and construction service under the Arms Export Control Act from being sold or otherwise made available to the government or to any instrumentality or agent of Saudi Arabia. Such prohibitions shall continue until the Department of State certifies to Congress that the government or instrumentality or agent of Saudi Arabia did not direct Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance, imprisonment, or death.

A bill to prohibit military aid to Saudi Arabia until the Secretary of State determines that Jamal Khashoggi is alive and free.

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2018

This bill prohibits U.S. military aid or assistance to Saudi Arabia until the Department of State certifies to Congress that journalist Jamal Khashoggi is alive and free and subsequent legislation is enacted authorizing the resumption of such aid and assistance.

A resolution designating October 30, 2018, as a national day of remembrance for nuclear weapons program workers.

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2018

Designates October 30, 2018, as a national day of remembrance for the nuclear weapons program and U.S. uranium enrichment workers.

A resolution recognizing the 80th anniversary of Ingalls Shipbuilding.

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2018

Recognizes Ingalls Shipbuilding on the occasion of its 80th anniversary as a leader in the military shipbuilding sector of the United States and an excellent corporate citizen.

A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the proposed export to the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2018

This joint resolution prohibits the proposed sale of specified weapons and defense services to the government of Bahrain.

Hire Student Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2018

Hire Student Veterans Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a work opportunity tax credit for hiring a veteran attending an institute of higher learning using educational assistance provided under certain programs administered by the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs, and (2) modify the minimum employment period required for veterans that qualify for the credit under this bill.

National Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2018

National Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Support Act This bill makes various Small Business Administration (SBA) programs currently available to active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces also available to those on full-time National Guard duty. The bill also (1) makes SBA outreach programs available to the spouses of Armed Forces reserve component members and veterans, and (2) establishes the National Guard and Reserve Deployment Support and Business Training Program to provide business-related assistance to Armed Forces reserve component members and veterans and their spouses.

Jessie Hill Roberson, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2023. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 5 October 2018

Lisa Vickers, of Texas, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2021, vice Joseph Bruce Hamilton, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 5 October 2018

Joseph Bruce Hamilton, of Texas, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2022, vice Daniel J. Santos, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 5 October 2018

IMPROVE Transition for Servicemembers Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2018

Improving Preparation and Resources for Occupational, Vocational, and Educational Transition for Servicemembers Act or IMPROVE Transition for Servicemembers Act This bill revises provisions that require the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to operate a program providing individual pre-separation counseling and services to assist members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are transitioning to civilian life. The bill's changes include (1) revising various deadlines in the transition program, (2) requiring the use of surveys and electronic systems to track the progress of participating individuals, and (3) establishing a program to provide Armed Forces members with information about the transition program and about career and educational opportunities available during military service.