Defence

Freedom from Government Competition Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019

Freedom from Government Competition Act of 201 9 This bill requires the federal government to procure from the private sector the goods and services necessary for the operations and management of government agencies. Specifically, it requires each executive or military department or independent establishment to obtain all goods and services necessary for or beneficial to the accomplishment of its authorized functions by procurement from private sources, with specified exceptions, such as where there is no private source capable of providing the good or service. This bill requires such private sector provision of goods and services to be performed through (1) the divestiture of federal involvement, (2) the award of a contract using competitive procedures, or (3) conducting a public-private competitive sourcing analysis in accordance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) procedures and determining that using the private sector is in the best interest of the United States and provides the best value to the taxpayer. The bill authorizes an agency to utilize federal employees to provide goods or services previously provided by a private sector entity upon completion of a public-private competitive sourcing analysis and after determining that provision by federal employees provides the best value. The OMB must carry out a study to evaluate the activities carried out in each agency.

Veteran Pension Protection Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019

Veteran Pension Protection Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to implement methods and systems to address potential financial exploitation of individuals who receive VA pensions for non-service-connected disability, death, or service. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to develop a method for soliciting and collecting information on complaints received, referrals made, and actions taken by the VA pension management centers in cases of potential financial exploitation. The VA must also (1) develop a plan to regularly assess the collected information to identify trends of potential financial exploitation, (2) and outline actions it can take to improve education and training to address those trends. The bill requires the VBA to update guidance and training curriculum for claims processors regarding the evaluation of questionable medical expenses on pension applications, develop a method for identifying and tracking the number of individuals who have received pension overpayments, conduct an evaluation of the feasibility and advisability of requiring claims processors to take additional actions to verify direct deposit information, identify legislative or administrative actions that would ensure pension payments are provided to the correct recipients, ensure that specified pension documents include a notice that the VA does not charge a fee in connection with the filing of a pension application, and develop a plan for educating vulnerable individuals about potential financial exploitation relating to the receipt of the specified pensions.

A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with the city of Vallejo, California, for the transfer of Mare Island Naval Cemetery in Vallejo, California, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into an agreement with the city of Vallejo, California, for the transfer to the VA of Mare Island Naval Cemetery in Vallejo, California, to be maintained as a national shrine.

Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Extension Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2019

Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Extension Act of 2019 This bill extends to December 31, 2021, statutory provisions requiring sanctions on foreign persons responsible for violence or human rights abuses in Venezuela. Currently, such provisions are set to expire December 31, 2019.

Vet OUTREACH Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019

Veteran Outreach Understanding To Reach Every American Courageous Hero Act or the Vet OUTREACH Act This bill authorizes state approving agencies (SAAs) to conduct outreach activities to increase awareness of education and training opportunities available to veterans if funding is available, and the SAA has properly conducted its enforcement and approval of education programs. SAAs are state agencies responsible for approving and monitoring education and training programs for veterans who are using Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits. Under the bill, the SAA shall be considered to have properly conducted its enforcement and approval duties if it has fulfilled its VA cooperative agreement requirements and has completed a risk-based program review of any program determined to be of questionable quality or at risk by government or accrediting agencies.

Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019

Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act of 2019 This bill removes short-barreled rifles (barrels of less than 16 inches in length) from the definition of firearms for purposes of the National Firearms Act. It also eliminates the prohibition on the transportation of such rifles in interstate commerce and treats persons who acquire or possess a short-barreled rifle as meeting the registration or licensing requirements for such rifle where such requirements are determined by reference to the National Firearms Act. The bill preempts state or local laws that impose a tax or recordkeeping requirements on short-barreled rifles. The Department of Justice must destroy records relating to the registration of  certain rifles within one year after the enactment of this bill.

Military Family Parole in Place Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019

Military Family Parole in Place Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to parole into the United States an alien who is the spouse, widow or widower, parent, or child of a qualifying current or former member of the Armed Forces. A qualifying member of the Armed Forces shall be (1) a member of the Armed Forces on active duty, (2) a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, or (3) a living or deceased individual who served in and was discharged from either service under a condition other than dishonorable. Such parole may be denied only if DHS, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs jointly issue a detailed written justification for the denial.

GI Bill Planning Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019

GI Bill Planning Act of 2019 This bill extends or removes specified deadlines for certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits. Specifically, the bill updates the Montgomery GI Bill program by extending the period of time under which an election must be made for entitlement to educational assistance under the program. The bill phases the program out on September 30, 2029. The bill also removes a deadline that prevents certain veterans from receiving in-state tuition, regardless of their state of residence, using VA education benefits at public institutions of higher education. Currently, a veteran who is discharged or released after at least 90 days of active service must be within three years of their discharge from active duty to receive in-state tuition (regardless of their state of residence). The VA must post on a public VA website a database explaining any requirements established by a public institution of higher learning for an individual to be charged in-state tuition. The VA must disapprove a course of education at a public institution of higher education that does not provide the VA with an explanation of the requirements (or a timely update of such requirements) for an individual to be charged in-state tuition.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2534) to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit certain securities trading and related communications by those who possess material, nonpublic information, and relating to consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 77) directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Syrian Arab Republic that have not been authorized by Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2534) to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit certain securities trading and related communications by those who possess material, nonpublic information, and relating to consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 77) directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Syrian Arab Republic that have not been authorized by Congress.

Female Body Armor Modernization Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019

Female Body Armor Modernization Act of 2019 This bill requires each department of the U.S. Armed Forces to provide specified data and assessment concerning personal protection equipment. In addition, the Defense Health Agency must track and report on injuries among service members during the use of such equipment.

Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019

Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act of 2019 This bill expands transportation benefits for veterans and beneficiaries related to travel to certain Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, including Vet Centers.

Protecting Families of Fallen Servicemembers Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019

Protecting Families of Fallen Servicemembers Act of 2019 This bill revises the conditions allowing a service member to terminate a commercial mobile, telephone exchange, Internet access, or multichannel video programming service contract at any time after the date the service member receives military orders to relocate for at least 90 days to a location that does not support such contract. It treats as individuals covered, and therefore allowed to terminate such a contract (1) a spouse or dependent of a service member who dies while in military service or a member of the reserve components performing full-time or active reserve duty or inactive-duty training; (2) a spouse or dependent of a service member who incurs a catastrophic injury or illness, if the member incurs the injury or illness while performing such duty; and (3) a member of the reserve components performing such duty.

Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 20 through September 26, 2020, as "Purple Star Families Week".

United States · United States Congress · 26 November 2019

This resolution supports the designation of Purple Star Families Week.

[H.A.S.C. No. 116-50] THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIC INDUSTRIAL BASE: CHALLENGES, SOLUTIONS, AND READINESS IMPACTS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 November 2019

SHIELD for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

Stopping Harm and Implementing Enhanced Lead-time for Debts for Veterans Act or the SHIELD for Veterans Act This bill updates debt collection and overpayment processes related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits or programs. Specifically, the bill prohibits the VA from collecting all or any part of an amount owed under a VA program if the amount is owed for any payment or overpayment that was caused by the amount of time taken by the VA to process information provided by or on behalf of an individual. If the VA has made an overpayment to an individual, the VA must provide notice to the individual of the overpayment and any action the VA plans to take to collect repayment or reduce any benefit of the individual at least 90 days before taking such action. The notice must include an explanation of the right of the individual to dispute the overpayment or request a waiver of indebtedness. The VA must report on its plan for the improvement of the notification and communication processes for individuals who receive overpayments from the VA. The bill prohibits interest and administrative cost charges on delinquent payments of debt resulting from a person's participation in a VA disability compensation program, pension program, or an educational assistance program.

Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2019 This bill establishes a presumption, for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits and wartime disability compensation, that a veteran was exposed to certain toxins, chemicals, and hazards from burn pits if such veteran served on active duty in a covered location during a specified time frame. A burn pit is an area used for burning solid waste in open air. Specifically, the bill identifies the following covered locations and corresponding time periods Iraq, between August 2, 1990, and February 28, 1991, as well as from March 19, 2003, until burn pits are no longer used in this location; Southwest Asia (including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates), from August 2, 1990, until burn pits are no longer used in these locations; Afghanistan and Djibouti from September 11, 2001, until burn pits are no longer used in these locations; and other locations and time periods set forth by the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry or determined by the VA. Under the bill, if an exposed veteran submits insufficient evidence to establish a service-connection for purposes of disability compensation, the VA shall provide a medical examination and request medical opinions regarding a causal link between the disability and a toxin, chemical, or hazard.

Purple Heart Flag Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

Purple Heart Flag Act This bill designates a flag as the Purple Heart Flag (which recognizes soldiers wounded during hostilities) and requires that it be displayed in a manner visible to the public. The Flag shall be displayed on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Veterans Day in the following locations: the World War II Memorial; the Korean War Veterans Memorial; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; each national cemetery; the buildings containing the official offices of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Director of the Selective Service System; and each medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Syrian Arab Republic that have not been authorized by Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

This resolution directs the President to remove the Armed Forces from hostilities in Syria, except for those engaged in operations against al Qaeda or associated forces, unless a declaration of war or specific authorization has been enacted.

Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs Congress to make arrangements for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of the bravery and outstanding service during World War I of the 369th Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the Harlem Hellfighters.

SUBS Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

Stop Unfair Bid Shopping Act of 2019 or the SUBS Act This bill requires prime contractors under federal construction contracts to notify the government of changes in certain subcontractors performing contract work. Specifically, the bill requires an executive agency awarding a construction contract using sealed bid procedures in an amount greater than $1.5 million to, among other things (1) require an offeror for the contract to include a list in the offer that includes each subcontractor that the offeror intends to use, for any subcontract expected to be awarded in excess of $100,000; and (2) include a clause in the contract requiring that the prime contractor submit to the agency a written notification of any subcontractor substituted after the award of the contract for a subcontractor listed, along with an updated estimate for the cost of performing the work associated with the substituted subcontractor. If the prime contractor notifies the agency of a substituted subcontractor and the cost of performing the work associated with the substituted contractor is estimated to cost 10% or more than the cost for performing such work as bid, the contracting officer for the contact may modify the contract to reduce the amount of the contract award to take into account the substitution of the subcontractor. The bill excludes from its scope contracts for the Department of Defense or any military department but includes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to include digital breast tomosynthesis as a primary and preventative health care service under the military health system and the TRICARE program.

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

Better and Robust Screening Today Act or the BRST Act This bill revises revises coverage of primary and preventive health services for women under the TRICARE program to include the use of digital breast tomosynthesis in breast cancer screening.

Encouraging the President to expand the list of the Department of Veterans Affairs of presumptive medical conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange to include Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism.

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

This resolution encourages the President to expand the Department of Veterans Affairs list of presumptive medical conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange to include Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism.

PAWS Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers Act of 2019 or the PAWS Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a grant program for the purpose of pairing service dogs with eligible veterans. Organizations that receive grants shall provide veterinary health insurance coverage, hardware, and travel expenses for each service dog and veteran participating in the program. Eligible veterans are those who (1) are enrolled in the VA health care system, (2) have been evaluated and treated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but remain diagnosed with PTSD, (3) may benefit from a service dog, and (4) agree to successfully complete training provided by an eligible organization. Veterans are required to see a VA health care provider at least once every 180 days to determine whether the veteran continues to benefit from a service dog. Eligible organizations are nonprofit organizations that provide service dogs to veterans with PTSD, meet publicly available standards set forth by the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans, have expertise in the needs of veterans with PTSD, agree to cover all costs in excess of the grant amount to guarantee the benefits of the program, agree to reaccept or replace a service dog provided to a veteran, and submit an application to the VA. Any improvement in PTSD symptoms as a result of the provision of a service dog shall not affect the veteran's eligibility for any other VA benefits. The Government Accountability Office must report on the grant program.

K9s for Veterans Therapy Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

K9s for Veterans Therapy Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder through a method where veterans train service dogs for veterans with disabilities.

BRST Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

Better and Robust Screening Today Act or the BRST Act This bill revises revises coverage of primary and preventive health services for women under the TRICARE program to include the use of digital breast tomosynthesis in breast cancer screening.

Protecting Against International Terrorism Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

Protecting Against International Terrorism Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes through December 15, 2027, statutory provisions that allow the government to (1) access certain business records for foreign intelligence and international terrorism investigations, and (2) treat individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers in certain instances. The bill also terminates the government's authority to access call records on an ongoing basis as part of foreign intelligence and international terrorism investigations.

Libya Stabilization Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

Libya Stabilization Act This bill provides for sanctions and aid related to the conflict in Libya. The bill provides statutory authority for an April 19, 2016, executive order imposing property- and visa-blocking sanctions on persons contributing to the violence in Libya. The President shall impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on any foreign person that (1) knowingly supports or engages in a significant transaction with a foreign person knowingly operating in Libya on behalf of Russia in a military capacity, (2) engages in significant actions threatening peace or stability in Libya, (3) misappropriates Libyan state assets or natural resources, or (4) is knowingly responsible for or complicit in serious human rights abuses in Libya. Such sanctions shall expire on December 31, 2024. The U.S. Agency for International Development may provide humanitarian assistance to individuals and communities in Libya, including urgently needed health assistance, food, and shelter. The Department of State shall work to strengthen Libya's democratic governance, including by providing assistance to (1) unify Libya's financial and governing institutions, and (2) ensure transparent and credible future elections in Libya. The Department of the Treasury shall vote and argue for international financial institutions to support an economic recovery in Libya that complements the establishment of democratic institutions and rule of law.

A resolution designating December 14, 2019, as "Wreaths Across America Day".

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019

This resolution designates December 14, 2019, as Wreaths Across America Day to honor the service of veterans and members of the Armed Forces.

THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUDIT

United States · United States Senate · 20 November 2019

A resolution reaffirming the importance of the General Security of Military Information Agreement between the Republic of Korea and Japan, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2019

This resolution (1) reaffirms the importance of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) between South Korea and Japan; (2) encourages South Korea and Japan to rebuild trust and pursue cooperation on mutual interests; and (3) expresses support for strengthened alliances between the United States, South Korea, and Japan. (The GSOMIA is an agreement that allows Japan and South Korea to directly share military intelligence with one another.)

Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2019

Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2019 This bill addresses the storage and disposal of nuclear waste. Among other things, the bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to initiate a program to consolidate and temporarily store commercial spent nuclear fuel during the development, construction, and operation of a permanent nuclear waste repository; addresses federal land withdrawal and related management issues, including the permanent withdrawal of specific federal land for repository use by DOE; updates the Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing process and conditions for the permanent repository; limits activities relating to developing a separate defense waste repository used for storing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel derived from the atomic energy defense activities of DOE; authorizes DOE to enter into agreements to provide benefits to state, local, and tribal governments that might host or be affected by facilities related to storing nuclear waste; revises the method by which DOE funds its nuclear waste management activities though the collection and usage of the Nuclear Waste Fund; creates an Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel within DOE; and requires DOE to establish a Stranded Nuclear Waste Task Force to study existing resources and funding for communities that contain stranded nuclear waste and develop economic adjustment plans for such communities.

Supporting Veteran Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2019

Supporting Veteran Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take actions to improve assistance to veterans who experience domestic violence, intimate partner violence, or sexual assault. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to implement a program to assist veterans who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence, intimate partner violence, or sexual assault in accessing VA benefits. The VA shall carry out the program in partnership with domestic violence shelters and programs, rape crisis centers, state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, and other appropriate service providers. The bill authorizes the VA to establish local coordinators to provide outreach under the program to effectively assist veterans who have experienced domestic violence, intimate partner violence, or sexual assault. The VA must consult with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a national task force to develop a comprehensive national program to address domestic violence and sexual assault among veterans by integrating VA facilities, services, and benefits into existing networks of community-based domestic violence and sexual assault services. The VA must consult with DOJ to conduct a national baseline study to examine the scope of the problem of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault among veterans and spouses of veterans. Finally, the bill requires the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to include in its biennial report an assessment of the effects of intimate partner violence on women veterans.

Acupuncture for Our Heroes Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2019

Acupuncture for Our Heroes Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide qualified acupuncturist services to veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. A qualified acupuncturist is an individual who is licensed, certified, or otherwise accredited and may be appointed as an employee of the VA or as a contractor. The VA shall carry out such program in at least one VA facility in each Veterans Integrated Service Network (regional VA health care administrative areas) in both urban and rural areas. The bill requires the VA to establish the Advisory Committee on Acupuncturist Services, which must advise the VA on governing protocols and review and evaluate the ability of a veteran to access an acupuncturist at VA facilities.

THE DEFENSE POW/MIA ACCOUNTING AGENCY: BRINGING OUR NATION'S HEROES HOME

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 November 2019

To authorize the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia or its environs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019

This bill authorizes the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia in honor of the members of the Armed Forces who have received the Medal of Honor. The foundation shall be solely responsible for the acceptance of contributions for, and the payment of expenses of, the establishment of the commemorative work. Federal funds may not be used to pay any expenses for the establishment of the commemorative work. Upon completion, the national museum to honor Medal of Honor recipients shall be located in Arlington, Texas, and designated as the "National Medal of Honor Museum."

To prohibit the Department of Defense from deploying strategic assets of the United States in the Republic of Turkey.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019

This bill prohibits the use of funds made available to the Department of Defense beginning in FY2020 for the deployment of any strategic assets of the United States in the Republic of Turkey.

TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019

TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act This bill provides that personnel of the Retired Reserve (comprising former National Guard and Reserve members) who are not yet age 60 but are receiving their retirement pay may purchase TRICARE health coverage for retired military personnel, rather than the presently allowed TRICARE Retired Reserve (which may have higher costs). The bill generally aligns the age for TRICARE health care benefits with the age at which retired National Guard and Reserve personnel begin receiving their retired pay. Under current law, Reserve Component personnel may retire below age 60, but not below 50, based on active duty performance.

A resolution designating February 1, 2020, as "Blue Star Mother's Day".

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019

This resolution designates February 1, 2020, as Blue Star Mother's Day and honors the contributions of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

Honoring the Oath Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2019

Honoring the Oath Act of 2019 This bill establishes the Military Family Immigration Advisory Committee and modifies the naturalization procedures for a noncitizen in the Armed Forces. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shall notify the committee when any individual in removal proceedings is a (1) member of the Armed Forces, (2) veteran, or (3) noncitizen spouse or minor child of such an Armed Forces member or veteran. The committee shall review the case of any such individual and make recommendations to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice as to how the case should be resolved. Such an individual shall not be removed until the committee has provided its recommendations. DHS and the Department of Defense shall jointly carry out a program allowing a noncitizen individual who serves on active duty in the Armed Forces (and any noncitizen spouse or minor children of the individual) to become a U.S. citizen if the individual is not otherwise ineligible for citizenship. The Armed Forces member shall be given the opportunity to apply for citizenship during the accession process into the Armed Forces. DHS shall adjudicate such an individual's application by the last day of the individual's active service in the Armed Forces.

Open Skies Treaty Stability Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2019

Open Skies Treaty Stability Act This bill prohibits the President from suspending, terminating, or withdrawing the United States from the Open Skies Treaty, unless the Department of Defense and the Department of State jointly certify to Congress that (1) Russia is in material breach of the treaty and is not taking steps to return to compliance, (2) withdrawal from the treaty is in the best interests of U.S. national security, (3) there is a comprehensive strategy to mitigate against reduced military transparency, and (4) other countries that are party to the treaty have been consulted as to Russia's breach and U.S. intentions to withdraw. (The treaty allows participating countries to fly unarmed observation aircraft over each other's territory and places various limits and requirements on such flights.)

Military Care Package Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2019

Military Care Package Program Act This bill provides for free postage for a military care package mailed by a family member to a member of the Armed Forces deployed in support of a contingency operation and addressed to a postal facility located at an Armed Forces installation. The Department of Defense shall reimburse the U.S. Postal Service for carrying out this bill.

Wildfire Defense Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2019

Wildfire Defense Act This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a community wildfire defense grant program and requires other actions by FEMA, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the Forest Service with respect to wildfires. In awarding grants, FEMA must give priority to state and local governments, Indian tribes, and joint authorities that will carry out projects or plans supporting a low-income community in a fire-hazard area or a severe disaster impacted community in a fire-hazard area. The GAO shall publish (1) a report on authorities and programs that are available to protect communities from wildfires; and (2) a study on the potential for a community wildfire defense plan to qualify for a certification identifying a level of wildfire survivability and resilience, and how to incentivize insurance companies to accept the certification. The Forest Service shall develop and publish a map depicting at-risk communities. FEMA shall prepare a report relating to insufficient radio frequencies, barriers to interoperability of radio frequencies, and available products and technologies for overcoming barriers to interoperability for wildland fire management.

Southern New England Regional Commission Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2019

Southern New England Regional Commission Act This bill establishes the Southern New England Regional Commission. (Federal regional commissions address perceived regional economic underdevelopment.) The commission is given the same structure and duties as the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, Southwest Border Regional Commission, and Northern Border Regional Commission. The bill authorizes those commissions, in addition to their current authorities, to (1) support the maritime economy, (2) assist in developing defense manufacturing industries, and (3) promote the adoption of innovative materials in public transportation.

Expressing support for the designation of November 9, 2019, as "Gold Star Father's Day".

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2019

This resolution expresses support for the designation of Gold Star Father's Day.

Sergeant Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019

Sergeant Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a two-year pilot program on information sharing between the VA and designated persons regarding the assistance and benefits available to veterans. Under the program, volunteer participants who are in the Armed Forces and are transitioning to civilian life shall designate up to 10 persons to receive information on specified services and benefits from the VA.

BRAVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019

Bringing Registered Apprenticeships to Veterans Education Act or the BRAVE Act This bill requires the Department of Labor, in the implementation of the Transition Assistance Program, to provide information concerning apprenticeship programs to members of the Armed Forces who are separating from active duty. The bill expands an existing monthly housing stipend under the Post-9/11 GI Bill by authorizing the stipend to be used for other purposes. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in coordination with Labor, must establish a publicly accessible and user-friendly website on which veterans can find specified information about apprenticeship programs that are approved under VA education benefit provisions.

Ensuring Access to West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Easement Funds Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019

Ensuring Access to West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Easement Funds Act of 2019 This bill requires that funds received by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in connection with the use of an easement or right-of-way at the VA's West Los Angeles Campus in Los Angeles, California, be treated as revenue to be used exclusively for the renovation and maintenance of the land and facilities at the campus.

West Los Angeles VA Campus Improvement Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019

West Los Angeles VA Campus Improvement Act of 2019 This bill requires that funds obtained from seized or forfeited assets in connection with third-party land use at the Department of Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles Campus in Los Angeles, California, be treated as revenue to be used exclusively for the renovation and maintenance of the land and facilities at the campus.

MOVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019

More Opportunities for Veterans to Exercise Act or the MOVE Act This bill requires the General Services Administration to delegate authority to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for leasing space for preventive health fitness programs and counseling. The bill also expands the definition of preventive health services (in relation to VA health care programs) to include (1) physical activity counseling, and (2) weight management services and physical activity programs.

Wildfire Defense Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019

Wildfire Defense Act This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a community wildfire defense grant program and requires other actions by FEMA, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the Forest Service with respect to wildfires. In awarding grants, FEMA must give priority to state and local governments, Indian tribes, and joint authorities that will carry out projects or plans supporting a low-income community in a fire-hazard area or a severe disaster impacted community in a fire-hazard area. The GAO shall publish (1) a report on authorities and programs that are available to protect communities from wildfires; and (2) a study on the potential for a community wildfire defense plan to qualify for a certification identifying a level of wildfire survivability and resilience, and how to incentivize insurance companies to accept the certification. The Forest Service shall develop and publish a map depicting at-risk communities. FEMA shall prepare a report relating to insufficient radio frequencies, barriers to interoperability of radio frequencies, and available products and technologies for overcoming barriers to interoperability for wildland fire management.