Defence

VA Hiring Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2019

VA Hiring Enhancement Act This bill modifies requirements and procedures related to the hiring of physicians at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill negates enforcement of a noncompete agreement that an applicant for a physician position in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has entered into with a non-VA facility or entity. As a condition of terminating the noncompete agreement, the physician must agree to serve at the VHA for one year or until the expiration of the noncompete agreement, whichever is later. The bill also authorizes the VA to offer a contingent physician's appointment to a person if the person will have completed a residency program leading to board eligibility in a specialty and met other requirements for the appointment within two years after the VA offer. Eligibility requirements for a VA physician's appointment are revised to require completion of a residency program rather than an internship.

A bill to designate the Manhattan Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs as the "Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System".

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2019

This bill designates the Manhattan Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs in New York, New York, as the "Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System."

Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2019

Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2019 This bill authorizes domestic terrorism offices in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and requires specified steps to prevent and report on domestic terrorism. The bill also authorizes a Domestic Terrorism Executive Committee, which shall coordinate with key public safety officials to promote information sharing and ensure an effective joint effort to combat domestic terrorism. The joint terrorism task forces of the FBI and state, local, and regional fusion centers shall each, in coordination with the committee and such offices (1) share intelligence to address domestic terrorism activities; (2) conduct an annual, intelligence-based assessment of domestic terrorism activities in their jurisdictions; and (3) formulate and execute a plan to address and combat such activities. DOJ, the FBI, DHS, and the Department of Defense shall establish an interagency task force to combat white supremacist and neo-Nazi infiltration of the uniformed services.

Medal of Honor Surviving Spouses Recognition Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2019

Medal of Honor Surviving Spouses Recognition Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay the Medal of Honor special pension to certain surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients.

[H.A.S.C. No. 116-17] The Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Budget Request From The Department of Defense

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 March 2019

[H.A.S.C. No. 116-18]HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 March 2019

THE CYBERSECURITY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE

United States · United States Senate · 26 March 2019

White Sands National Park Establishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2019

White Sands National Park Establishment Act This bill establishes the White Sands National Park in New Mexico as a unit of the National Park System in order to protect, preserve, and restore the park's resources and recreational values and to enhance visitor experiences. The bill abolishes the White Sands National Monument and incorporates the lands and interests that comprise the monument in and as a part of the park. The Department of the Interior shall not nominate the park for inclusion on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) unless each county in which the park is located concurs in the nomination. Before submitting such a nomination, Interior must notify the Department of the Army of its intention to nominate the park for inclusion on the list. Interior must complete an official boundary survey of the park. The bill modifies the boundaries of the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and the Public Land Order 833 (relating to the withdrawal of certain public lands in New Mexico for use by the Army for military purposes and the revoking of certain executive orders and public land orders) to exclude the land transferred to Interior and to include the land transferred to the Army. The Army shall administer the land transferred to it as a part of the missile range.

Escuadrón 201 Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2019

Escuadron 201 Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill requires the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to make arrangements for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the members of Escuadron 201 (the 201st Fighter Squadron of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force), which fought alongside U.S. forces in the South Pacific during World War II.

Protect Patriot Parents Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2019

Protect Patriot Parents Act This bill makes certain aliens who are parents of a veteran eligible for adjustment to permanent residence status. An eligible alien shall be an individual who is a parent of a U.S. citizen who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, either on active duty or in a reserve component. If the U.S. citizen has been discharged from the Armed Forces, such discharge must be under honorable conditions. Certain factors that would otherwise make an alien inadmissible, such as having entered the United States without being admitted, shall not make such an alien parent ineligible for permanent residence status under this bill. The Department of Homeland Security may also waive certain factors that would otherwise make an alien inadmissible, such as having misrepresented a material fact to secure a visa, if the alien does not pose a threat to the public and has not committed any crimes that are unrelated to immigration status.

Taiwan Assurance Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2019

Taiwan Assurance Act of 2019 This bill directs the President to review the Department of State's guidance on diplomatic practice with Taiwan and to reissue such guidance to the relevant executive branch departments and agencies. It also directs the President to report to Congress on the results of the review and on the implementation of the Taiwan Travel Act, which states that it is U.S. policy to allow and encourage engagement between U.S. and Taiwanese officials. The Department of Defense shall make efforts to include Taiwanese forces in bilateral and multilateral military exercises to bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities. The bill states that Taiwan is an important part of U.S. strategy in the region and urges the United States to conduct regular transfers of defense articles to enhance Taiwan's self-defense capabilities.

White Sands National Park Establishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2019

White Sands National Park Establishment Act This bill establishes the White Sands National Park in New Mexico as a unit of the National Park System in order to protect, preserve, and restore the park's resources and recreational values and to enhance visitor experiences. The bill abolishes the White Sands National Monument and incorporates the lands and interests that comprise the monument in and as a part of the park. The Department of the Interior shall not nominate the park for inclusion on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) unless each county in which the park is located concurs in the nomination. Before submitting such a nomination, Interior must notify the Department of the Army of its intention to nominate the park for inclusion on the list. Interior must complete an official boundary survey of the park. The bill modifies the boundaries of the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and the Public Land Order 833 (relating to the withdrawal of certain public lands in New Mexico for use by the Army for military purposes and the revoking of certain executive orders and public land orders) to exclude the land transferred to Interior and to include the land transferred to the Army. The Army shall administer the land transferred to it as a part of the missile range.

PROTECT Students Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2019

Preventing Risky Operations from Threatening the Education and Career Trajectories of Students Act of 2019 or the PROTECT Students Act of 2019 This bill provides additional oversight of postsecondary education programs, including for-profit institutions of higher education (IHEs), and addresses protections for students and student loan borrowers from fraudulent or predatory practices. The bill sets forth a variety of provisions concerning oversight of for-profit IHEs. Specifically, the bill decreases the cap on the amount of revenue for-profit IHEs may receive from federal sources, including funds from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. In addition, it establishes (1) a process for reviewing for-profit IHEs that convert to nonprofit or public status, and (2) a For-Profit Education Oversight Coordination Committee. The bill also sets forth provisions to address predatory practices in higher education. For instance, the bill requires career education programs to prepare students for gainful employment. In addition, it requires the Office of Federal Student Aid to have a unit that enforces compliance with laws governing student financial assistance programs. The office must also maintain a system that tracks reports of suspicious activity of IHEs or student loan servicers, including anonymous complaints. Lastly, the bill allows borrowers of student loans to seek loan forgiveness if IHEs mislead the students or engage in other misconduct. Finally, the bill prohibits IHEs that receive federal funding from limiting students' legal actions, providing incentive compensation, and using educational assistance funds for recruiting and marketing activities.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of special pension for Medal of Honor recipients, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2019

This bill increases the special monthly pension for living Medal of Honor recipients.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the grade and pay of podiatrists of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2019

This bill states that the grade and pay of podiatrists of the Department of Veterans Affairs are on the same schedule as physicians and dentists.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7) to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 124) expressing opposition to banning service in the Armed Forces by openly transgender individuals.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2019

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7) to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 124) expressing opposition to banning service in the Armed Forces by openly transgender individuals.

To require the Secretary of Defense to provide blood testing for firefighters of the Department of Defense to determine potential exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2019

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide blood testing, during annual physical examinations of DOD firefighters, to determine and document exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2019

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2019 This bill establishes in the Department of State a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex) Peoples who shall serve as the principal State Department advisor regarding human rights for LGBTI people and represent the United States in diplomatic matters relevant to the human rights of LGBTI people. The special envoy shall periodically provide Congress with a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTI people. The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development may provide assistance to prevent and respond to such activities against LGBTI people. The bill also requires that annual country reports on human rights practices include information on criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2019

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2019 This bill establishes in the Department of State a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex) Peoples who shall serve as the principal State Department advisor regarding human rights for LGBTI people and represent the United States in diplomatic matters relevant to the human rights of LGBTI people. The special envoy shall periodically provide Congress with a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTI people. The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development may provide assistance to prevent and respond to such activities against LGBTI people. The bill also requires that annual country reports on human rights practices include information on criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Protecting Military Firefighters from PFAS Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2019

Protecting Military Firefighters from PFAS Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide blood testing, during annual physical examinations of DOD firefighters, to determine and document exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Closing the Law Enforcement Consent Loophole Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2019

Closing the Law Enforcement Consent Loophole Act of 2019 This bill makes it unlawful for a federal law enforcement officer to engage in a sexual act while acting under color of law or 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.

Enhancing Human Rights Protections in Arms Sales Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2019

Enhancing Human Rights Protections in Arms Sales Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of State to certify that a proposed recipient of certain controlled defense articles and services complies with various human rights-related requirements. For each proposed export of articles and services that fall within certain categories of the U.S. Munitions List, excluding ground-based missile defense systems, the State Department shall make various certifications, including that during the fiscal year in which the transfer will take place, the articles or services will not be used in hostilities where the receiving government has committed gross violations of internationally recognized human rights; during the last three fiscal years and the one in which the transfer took place, the receiving government has not ordered ethnic cleansing or used child soldiers; and the receiving government will facilitate unfettered civilian access to humanitarian relief in any conflict it is engaged in. The State Department shall report to Congress if it learns of facts that contradict a certification made in the last three years. The President may waive the certification requirement for national security purposes, unless Congress enacts a joint resolution prohibiting the transaction. The State Department shall report to Congress a strategy to ensure human rights protections for U.S. military assistance and arms transfers. The bill expands an existing monitoring program to include monitoring to ensure that arms and services exported as foreign assistance are not being used by non-state actors and proxies for committing gross human rights abuses.

A bill to amend the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 to eliminate the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2019

This bill eliminates the Asset and Infrastructure Commission, which was established to make recommendations regarding the closure, modernization, or realignment of Veterans Health Administration facilities.

Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2019

Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2019 This bill imposes sanctions targeting Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and any affiliate or successor groups. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of each foreign person or instrumentality that knowingly assists, provides significant support or services to, or is involved in a significant transaction with a senior member or supporter of any of the targeted groups. The President shall impose two or more sanctions on the named persons. Specifically, such a person may be (1) denied credit and services from the Export-Import Bank, (2) barred from purchasing certain controlled defense articles, (3) denied exports of items on the U.S. Munitions List, (4) prevented from receiving exports of certain goods or technology controlled for national security reasons, (5) prohibited from receiving financing of more than $10 million from any U.S. financial institution, or (6) subject to property-blocking restrictions. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of foreign governments that have repeatedly provided material support for the targeted groups' terrorist activities. The President shall bar such governments from receiving for one year (1) U.S. assistance, or (2) exports of controlled munitions. The Department of Treasury shall instruct U.S. leadership of international financial institutions to oppose the provision of assistance to an identified government for one year. The bill provides for certain exceptions and waivers, such as for transactions that would serve U.S. national interests. The President shall report to Congress and periodically provide briefings on other specified topics related to the targeted groups, such as where such groups secure financing and surveillance equipment.

United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2019

United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act This bill authorizes various joint research and cooperation programs between the United States and Israel, reauthorizes security assistance to Israel, and establishes reporting requirements regarding various related issues. The bill authorizes the Department of State to work with Israel on research and development to establish directed energy capabilities. It authorizes through FY2024 cooperative projects involving the United States, Israel, and developing countries to identify and address sustainability challenges related to water resources, agriculture, and energy storage. The bill authorizes through FY2022 (1) activities of the U.S.-Israel Energy Center; (2) cooperation with and assistance to Israel related to security, explosives detection, and cybersecurity; (3) activities related to the U.S.-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund; and (4) activities to establish a cooperative program with Israel to develop health technologies. The State Department shall establish a grant program to support cybersecurity research and development and commercialization of cybersecurity technology open to joint ventures involving U.S. and Israeli entities. The President shall establish contingency plans to provide Israel with necessary defense articles and services and assess plans to assist and supply Israel with munitions in the event of a sustained armed confrontation with Hezbollah. The bill authorizes the President to (1) waive export control requirements and immediately transfer defense articles to Israel in response to an existing or imminent military threat, and (2) transfer precision guided munitions to Israel as necessary for legitimate self-defense. The bill extends through FY2024 security assistance and loan guarantees for Israel.

Vet Center Eligibility Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2019

Vet Center Eligibility Expansion Act This bill expands eligibility for readjustment counseling and related mental health services to certain members of the Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves. Specifically, eligibility is expanded to include (1) members of the Coast Guard who participated in a drug interdiction operation; and (2) members of the National Guard or Reservists who were activated due to a national emergency or major disaster declared by the President, or responded to a disaster or civil disorder in a state.

Veterans VOW Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2019

Veterans Valuing Our Widows and Widowers Act or the Veterans VOW Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay the Medal of Honor special pension to certain surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients.

Polar Security Cutter Acquisition Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2019

Polar Security Cutter Acquisition Act of 2019 This bill sets forth acquisition requirements for the U.S. Coast Guard to acquire any polar icebreaker, subject to an exception. The Coast Guard must (1) limit military specifications for such vessel, (2) ensure specifications and key drawings are complete before awarding the contract for construction, (3) ensure detail design of the vessel is complete before the start of construction, (4) use block buy contracting (permits the use of a single contract for more than one year's worth of procurement without having to exercise a contract option for each year after the first year), and (5) ensure all icebreaker hulls are science ready and that one is science capable.

[H.A.S.C. No. 116-16]HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 March 2019

Highly Rural Veteran Transportation Program Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Highly Rural Veteran Transportation Program Extension Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2021 a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas.

U.S.S. Frank E. Evans Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

U.S.S. Frank E. Evans Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to authorize inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in the District of Columbia of the names of the 74 crew members of the USS Frank E. Evans killed on June 3, 1969.

Highly Rural Veteran Transportation Program Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Highly Rural Veteran Transportation Program Extension Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2021 a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas.

Warrior Wellness Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Warrior Wellness Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to report to congressional committees on its shortage of mental health providers and include a strategy to better recruit and retain mental health providers. DOD must report on the practices for prescribing medication during a specified period that were inconsistent with the post-traumatic stress disorder medication guidelines developed by DOD and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force must each establish a monitoring program to (1) periodically review the medication prescribing practices of providers and report the results to DOD and the VHA, and (2) establish procedures to address prescribing practices that are inconsistent with post-traumatic stress disorder medication guidelines developed by the departments.

Ensuring Safe Housing for Our Military Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Ensuring Safe Housing for Our Military Act This bill addresses certain health, safety, and environmental hazards in private military housing units and offers certain protections to service members. Among other things, the bill (1) requires uniform credentials for housing inspectors; (2) allows the Department of Defense (DOD) to withhold payment to landlords over health, safety, or environmental hazard concerns; (3) requires a landlord to pay certain relocation costs in connection with a hazard and to reimburse a tenant for personal property damage; and (4) disallows deposits and certain fees or penalties. DOD must maintain an electronic work order system to facilitate repairs to units.

To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to authorize a person awarded the Medal of Honor to designate an individual to receive the special pension after death, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

This bill authorizes a Medal of Honor recipient to designate an individual to receive the special pension associated with such honor after their death. If a Medal of Honor is awarded posthumously, the individual authorized to direct disposition of the remains of the recipient shall be treated as the designee.

Expressing support for designation of the month of August as National Destroyer Recognition Month.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

This resolution supports the designation of National Destroyer Recognition Month and supports those who have served and currently serve aboard U.S. naval destroyers.

VA Billing Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

VA Billing Accountability Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to waive the requirement that a veteran make co-payments for medications, hospital care, nursing home care, and medical services in certain situations. Specifically, a veteran may have such co-payments waived if (1) an error committed by the VA or a non-VA facility delayed co-payment notification to the veteran, and (2) the veteran received such notification later than 180 days (18 months in the case of a non-VA facility) after the date on which the veteran received the care or services. In requiring a veteran to make a co-payment for care or services provided at a VA or a non-VA medical facility, the VA shall notify the veteran not later than 180 days (18 months in the case of a non-VA facility) after the date on which the veteran received the care or services. If the VA does not provide notification by such date, it may not collect the payment, including through a third-party entity, unless the veteran is provided with (1) information about applying for a waiver and establishing a payment plan with the VA, and (2) an opportunity to make a waiver or establish a payment plan. Finally, the bill requires the VA to review and improve its co-payment billing internal controls and notification procedures.

United States-Israel Directed Energy Cooperation Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

United States-Israel Directed Energy Cooperation Act This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD), upon request from Israel and with the concurrence of the Department of State, to jointly carry out research and testing of directed energy capabilities with Israel. (Directed energy systems are capable of converting chemical or electrical energy into radiated energy and focusing it on a target.) DOD may provide maintenance and sustainment support for such activities if Israel matches U.S. funds provided for such support or otherwise provides an amount that meets Israel's best efforts. The bill imposes various reporting requirements related to such joint research.

Children of Fallen Ser­vice­mem­bers AMT Relief Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Children of Fallen Servicemembers AMT Relief Act of 2019 This bill modifies the individual alternative minimum tax (AMT) to specify that any annuity paid under the Department of Defense (DOD) Survivor Benefit Plan is considered earned income of a child. This prevents the benefits paid to children from being subject to the AMT. (The DOD program provides a lifetime annuity to survivors of military service members and retirees.)

Restoration for the Families of the Fallen Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Restoration for the Families of the Fallen Act This bill retroactively applies a mandatory increase in coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance for members deployed to combat theaters of operation on or after November 1, 2006. Such increase shall apply for the period of the deployment, regardless of whether the member elected for less coverage or no coverage.

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

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Constitutional Amendment 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 two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment also prohibits total outlays for any fiscal year from exceeding 18% of the economic output of the United States unless two-thirds of each chamber of Congress provides a specific increase in outlays above this amount, requires a three-fourths roll call vote of each chamber of Congress to increase the public debt limit, requires a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber of Congress to increase revenue, requires the President to transmit to Congress a proposed balanced budget each year and prohibits the President from being compensated if the requirement is not met, and requires Congress to consider and approve a balanced budget each year and prohibits Members of Congress from being compensated if the requirement is not met. Congress may waive these requirements when a declaration of war is in effect or if the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security. The amendment prohibits a court from entering an order in any action that results in an increase in the collection of revenue.

New START Policy Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

New START Policy Act of 2019 This bill requires reports related to Russia's nuclear arsenal and the effect that the Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START treaty) has had on that arsenal. (The treaty is set to expire in February 2021 but may be extended to February 2026.) The Office of the Director of National Intelligence shall report to Congress on (1) Russia's current nuclear forces and predicted force levels in 2026, (2) the impact the New START treaty has had on Russia's nuclear forces and strategic delivery systems, (3) how the expiration of the treaty would affect strategic stability and security for the United States and its allies, and (4) how the expiration of the treaty would affect the ability of the U.S. intelligence community to accurately assess Russia's nuclear arsenal. The Department of Defense (DOD) shall report to Congress on (1) the impact the expiration of the treaty will have on the U.S. nuclear arsenal and posture, (2) the options available to respond to changes to Russia's nuclear posture if the treaty's limitations are removed, (3) the changes to DOD's budget that will be necessary if the treaty is not extended, and (4) how the expiration of the treaty would affect strategic stability.

A bill to protect integrity, fairness, and objectivity in decisions regarding access to classified information, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

This bill directs each executive agency to establish an appeals process for persons whose eligibility for access to classified information has been denied or revoked. Each agency shall establish an independent panel to hear such appeals, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) shall establish a panel to review agency appeal decisions. To a person whose access to classified information has been denied or revoked, the relevant agency shall provide a written explanation of the basis of the decision. The agency shall provide such a person a copy of the documents that formed the basis of the decision upon request. The bill establishes various requirements for agency appeals, including (1) an opportunity for the person to be represented by counsel at the person's own expense; (2) the ability to review classified information that is essential to the case; and (3) the opportunity to provide evidence, including calling and cross-examining witnesses. The agency panel may take various corrective actions, including compensation for lost wages or benefits due to an improper denial or revocation of access to classified information. The review panel shall explain its decisions in writing, and the decision shall be publicly available. Such agency appeal decisions may be appealed to the review panel established by the ODNI, which may vacate and remand incorrect decisions back to the agency panel. The Director of National Intelligence may overturn an ODNI panel decision. Decisions by the director or by the ODNI panel shall be explained in writing and be publicly available.

Savings for Ser­vice­mem­bers Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Savings for Servicemembers Act This bill reduces from 100 miles to 50 miles the distance away from home required for a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces to be eligible for the above-the-line tax deduction for travel expenses. (Above-the-line tax deductions are subtracted from gross income to arrive at adjusted gross income.)

Newborn Care Improvement Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Newborn Care Improvement Act of 2019 This bill increases from 7 to 14 the number of days that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may furnish health care services, including post-delivery care, to the newborn child of a woman veteran who delivered the child in a VA facility or another facility pursuant to a VA contract for such services.

Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Border Security and Disaster Relief, 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Border Security and Disaster Relief, 2019 This bill provides FY2019 supplemental appropriations to several federal departments and agencies for expenses related to natural disasters and border security. The funding provided by this bill is designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. The bill includes appropriations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forest Service, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, the Government Accountability Office, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

SHIELD for Veterans Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Veteran Debt Fairness Act of 2019 This bill limits the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to recover overpayments of benefits from veterans. Among other requirements, the VA must update its information technology systems to allow for expedited notification when a veteran incurs a debt via participation in a VA benefits program. The VA may only deduct the amount of debt of any veteran who is in debt because of participation in a VA benefits program from future benefit payments if the debt is the result of the following: failure to report correct, required information to the VA by the veteran (or other party such as a spouse); fraud or misrepresentation perpetrated by the veteran (or other party); a reduction in or termination of pursuit of a program of education, in the case of a recipient of educational assistance; or failure to complete a service agreement, in the case of the transfer of education assistance. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to prescribe an administrative process for the dispute of the existence or amount of debt. The bill also prohibits the VA from recovering certain debt that is more than five years old or withholding more than 25% of certain benefit payments. Finally, the bill prescribes procedures by which the VA and debt collectors shall correct errors submitted to consumer reporting agencies.

A resolution recognizing the importance of paying tribute to those individuals who have faithfully served and retired from the Armed Forces of the United States, designating April 18, 2019, as "Military Retiree Appreciation Day", and encouraging the people of the United States to honor the past and continued service of military retirees to their local communities and the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

This resolution designates April 18, 2019, as Military Retiree Appreciation Day.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020

United States · United States Senate · 13 March 2019

Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2019

Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 This bill makes various updates related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) transition assistance, mental health care, and telehealth care. First, the bill expands the VA's transition assistance efforts, including by expanding eligibility for VA hospital care and medical services to recently discharged or released veterans during the one-year period following their discharge or release from active service. Next, the bill requires the VA to make grants and take specific actions towards preventing veteran suicide. The bill requires the VA to conduct various studies, implement temporary programs, and issue updated guidelines related to the causes, diagnoses, and treatment of veterans' mental health issues. The VA must conduct a study and establish measurable goals related to the effectiveness of its suicide prevention and mental health outreach materials and campaigns. The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to review and report on several of the VA's efforts, including the effort to integrate mental health care into VA primary care clinics. The bill makes several changes related to the VA's mental health workforce, including expanding direct hiring authority. Among other requirements, the VA must implement the Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment Counseling Service Scholarship Program and must address staffing shortages of psychiatrists and psychologists. Finally, the bill requires the VA to award grants to entities for the expansion of telehealth capabilities and provision of telehealth services to veterans. Additionally, the VA must assess current telehealth security protocols used by other entities and implement a standardized telehealth security protocol at VA facilities.