Defence

Strategic Competition Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Strategic Competition Act of 2021 This bill addresses various foreign relations issues, with a focus on China. Among other things, the bill requires the U.S. Agency for Global Media to take certain actions to support independent journalism and combat censorship in countries where the Chinese Communist Party or other entities are promoting disinformation; requires the Department of State to establish programs to engage partner countries on issues such as regulatory harmonization and technology partnerships; directs U.S. agencies to engage with the elected government of Taiwan on the same basis as other foreign governments; requires the State Department to develop and implement a plan for increasing the U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific region; authorizes various foreign military financing and diplomatic activities in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region; prioritizes the transfer of excess defense articles to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia; prohibits a country from receiving certain U.S. assistance if that country hosts a Chinese military installation within its territory, with some exceptions; authorizes the U.S. representative to the Inter-American Development Bank to vote for an increase in the bank's capital stock; requires strategies to engage with other countries on issues such as managing relations with China; authorizes military training assistance activities in Latin America and the Caribbean; establishes an interagency working group to counter Chinese cyber aggression in Africa; authorizes activities to promote democracy in Hong Kong; and imposes sanctions on foreign individuals and entities responsible for certain abuses (e.g., forced labor and coercive abortions) in China's Xinjiang region.

Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Roddie Edmonds in recognition of his achievements and heroic actions during World War II.

Family Medical Leave Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Family Medical Leave Modernization Act This bill expands who is permitted to take qualifying family and medical leave and provides additional leave for parents and family caregivers. The bill grants leave to private sector and federal employees to care for a domestic partner and any individual whose close association with such employees is like a family relationship, regardless of biological or legal relationship, if (1) such individual has a serious health condition, or (2) there is a qualifying exigency due to such employees' active duty in the Armed Forces. The bill entitles an employee who is a domestic partner, next of kin of a member of the Armed Forces, or any individual whose close association is like a family relationship, regardless of biological or legal relationship, to take leave to care for the service member. The bill entitles private sector and federal employees to take additional leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's school or community organization activities, meet routine family medical care needs, or care for their elderly relatives.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to make permanent the requirement for an annual report on the material readiness of Navy ships, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

This bill indefinitely extends the requirement for annual reporting on the material readiness of Navy ships. Additionally, the bill requires this report to be submitted in a classified form that is available only to the congressional defense committees.

Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act This bill limits U.S. assistance to Israel and establishes reporting requirements related to Israel's activities in the West Bank and its expenditures for offshore procurement. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of any funds that are made available for assistance to Israel in support of (1) military detention, interrogation, abuse, or ill treatment of Palestinian children; (2) seizure, appropriation, or destruction of Palestinian property and forcible transfer of civilians in the West Bank; or (3) unilateral annexation by Israel of West Bank territory. The Department of State must report on the nature and extent of such activities carried out by Israel. Further, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report identifying and analyzing Israel's expenditures for offshore procurement, including (1) specific programs and items to which funds for offshore procurement in Israel have been allocated, and (2) identifying all end-use monitoring to which Israel is subject with respect to U.S.-origin defense articles.

AFGHAN Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

American Forces Going Home After Noble Service Act or the AFGHAN Service Act This bill repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force enacted in response to the September 11, 2001, attacks. It also directs the Department of Defense to report to Congress a plan for (1) the orderly withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, and (2) political reconciliation and elections in Afghanistan independent of U.S. involvement. All members of the U.S. Armed Forces deployed in support of the Global War on Terror shall receive a $2,500 bonus.

Palomares Veterans Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Palomares Veterans Act of 2021 This bill includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of radioactive materials at Palomares, Spain, as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of the Department of Veterans Affairs presumption of service-connection for specified cancers. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific disabilities diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

SECURE F–35 Exports Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Israel and United States Security Enhancement for F-35 Exports Act of 2021 or the SECURE F-35 Exports Act of 2021 This bill requires specified assessments and certifications related to the sale of F-35 aircraft to countries in the Middle East to ensure that the sale, export, or transfer of these aircraft does not present a significant danger of compromising the critical military and technological military advantage of Israel or the U.S. Armed Forces.

Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Roddie Edmonds in recognition of his achievements and heroic actions during World War II.

Selective Service Repeal Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Selective Service Repeal Act of 2021 This bill repeals the requirement for males of ages 18 through 25 years old to register with the Selective Service. The bill also specifies that an individual shall not be penalized for prior failure to register with the Selective Service.

Gay and Trans Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Gay and Trans Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2021 This bill generally prohibits a federal criminal defendant from asserting, as a defense, that the nonviolent sexual advance of an individual or a perception or belief of the gender, gender identify or expression, or sexual orientation of an individual excuses or justifies conduct or mitigates the severity of an offense.

Family Medical Leave Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Family Medical Leave Modernization Act This bill expands who is permitted to take qualifying family and medical leave and provides additional leave for parents and family caregivers. The bill grants leave to private sector and federal employees to care for a domestic partner and any individual whose close association with such employees is like a family relationship, regardless of biological or legal relationship, if (1) such individual has a serious health condition, or (2) there is a qualifying exigency due to such employees' active duty in the Armed Forces. The bill entitles an employee who is a domestic partner, next of kin of a member of the Armed Forces, or any individual whose close association is like a family relationship, regardless of biological or legal relationship, to take leave to care for the service member. The bill entitles private sector and federal employees to take additional leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's school or community organization activities, meet routine family medical care needs, or care for their elderly relatives.

Solid Start Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Solid Start Act of 2021 This bill permanently authorizes and expands the Solid Start program, which is an outreach program for veterans in their first year of separation from the military. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to coordinate with the Department of Defense to collect updated contact information during transition classes or separation counseling for members of the Armed Forces who are separating from service; explain the existence and purpose of the program; call veterans three times within the first year of separation; publish information about the program in booklets and on the VA website; provide women veterans with information tailored to their health care and benefit needs; provide information on access to state and local resources, such as Vet Centers; gather and analyze data that assesses the effectiveness of the program; ensure calls are tailored to each veteran's needs by conducting quality assurance tests; and prioritize outreach to veterans who have accessed mental health resources prior to separation from the Armed Forces. Under the bill, the VA is authorized to (1) encourage members of the Armed Forces to provide additional contact information if they are unreachable following their separation, (2) follow up on missed phone calls, and (3) reach out to veterans who separated prior to the initiation of the Solid Start program.

SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act This bill implements reporting requirements and policies related to the treatment and documentation of veterans who have been exposed to open burn pits. A burn pit is an area used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment. First, the bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit quarterly reports on veterans' burn pit exposure The bill also requires the VA to collaborate with the Department of Defense to submit an annual report detailing specified information about veterans who have been exposed to open burn pits, such as the number of claims for disability compensation approved and denied (including the rationale for denials). The bill authorizes the survivor of a deceased veteran to report a veteran's exposure to toxic substances from an open burn pit in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, even if the veteran was not included prior to their death. VA medical professionals must inform veterans of the registry if they present at a medical facility for treatment related to exposure to toxic chemicals by open burn pits. Finally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the effectiveness of any memorandum of understanding entered into by the VA with respect to the processing of reported cases of burn pit exposure and the coordination of care and provision of health care related to such cases at VA and non-VA facilities.

Rohingya Genocide Determination Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Rohingya Genocide Determination Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress an assessment of the persecution of the Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim group in Burma (Myanmar), by Burma's military and security forces, and whether the situation constitutes genocide under U.S. law. The report shall also contain (1) a description of U.S. government actions to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and (2) recommendations on further actions to take to ensure accountability and to prevent further mass atrocity crimes in Burma.

Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act This bill provides guidance related to veterans and medical marijuana that shall be effective for five years. Specifically, the bill authorizes (1) a veteran to use, possess, or transport medical marijuana in accordance with applicable state or Native American tribal law; (2) a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) physician to discuss with a veteran the use of medical marijuana as a treatment if the physician is in a state or on tribal land that authorizes such treatment; or (3) a VA physician to recommend, complete forms for, or register veterans for participation in a medical marijuana treatment program in accordance with applicable state or tribal law. The bill requires the VA to report on (1) the effects of medical marijuana on veterans in pain; and (2) the relationship between state-approved medical marijuana treatment programs, program access, and opioid use and abuse reduction.

Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act This bill provides paid family and medical leave to federal employees. Currently, federal employees are entitled to 12 weeks of administrative leave for one or more of the following reasons: (1) the birth of a child, (2) the adoption or foster care of a child, (3) the care of an immediate family member with a serious health condition, (4) inability to work due to a serious health condition, and (5) exigencies relating to an immediate family member's active duty service in the Armed Forces. However, of these reasons, employees are entitled to paid administrative leave only in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care of a child (i.e., parental leave). The bill provides 12 weeks of paid administrative leave for any of these reasons, and specifies that this leave is in addition to any annual or sick leave to which employees are entitled.

Retired Pay Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Retired Pay Restoration Act This bill authorizes the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability. Under current law, only veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 50% or more receive both without offset. Individuals who were retired or separated from military service due to a service-connected disability shall be eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans' disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related special pay.

QUANTUM for National Security Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Quantum for Universal Advancement in Nationwide Technology Use and Modernization for National Security Act of 2021 or the QUANTUM for National Security Act of 2021 This bill addresses quantum science research and its role in national security through the Department of Defense (DOD). For purposes of the public-private talent exchange program, DOD must ensure there are exchanges of personnel that are working on the modernization priorities of DOD, including quantum science and technology research. Among other requirements, DOD must seek to establish public-private exchange programs in the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps focused on private sector entities working on quantum information sciences and technology research applications; implement the National Security Pipeline Pilot Program to seek to enter into partnerships with minority-serving institutions to diversify participants in the Science, Mathematics, and Research Transformation (SMART) Defense Education Program; and implement a fellowship program in quantum information science and technology research and development for individuals who have graduate or post-graduate degrees. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must assess the National Quantum Initiative Program and report on its findings. Additionally, the GAO must brief Congress on its assessment of the quantum information fellowship program established by this bill. The President must establish, through the National Science and Technology Council, a temporary Subcommittee on the Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Science. The National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee must include defense researchers and ensure the integration of DOD in committee actions and programs.

RECRUIT Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2021

Reserve Employers Comprehensive Relief and Uniform Incentives on Taxes Act of 2021 or the RECRUIT Act of 2021 This bill allows employers with less than 500 employees a new tax credit for 40% of the wages paid to a member of the National Guard or a reserve component of the Armed Forces. The employer may elect to claim a payroll tax credit for wages paid to such service members.

DOULA for VA Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2021

Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act of 2021 or the DOULA for VA Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a five-year pilot program to furnish doula services to pregnant veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system. The program must furnish doula services through eligible entities by expanding the VA's Whole Health model to measure the impact that doula support services have on birth and mental health outcomes of pregnant veterans. The Whole Health model is a holistic approach that looks at the many areas of life that may affect health in order to make a health plan suited for each individual based on his or her health goals.

Amache National Historic Site Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2021

Amache National Historic Site Act This bill establishes the Amache National Historic Site in Colorado as a unit of the National Park System to preserve, protect, and interpret for the benefit of present and future generations resources associated with the incarceration of civilians of Japanese ancestry during World War II at Amache, also known as the Granada Relocation Center, and the military service of incarcerees at the Granada Relocation Center. The NPS may acquire by donation or purchase any land or interests in land located within the exterior boundary of the National Historic Site, except that the NPS may acquire personal property associated with the purposes of the historic site only by donation. The site shall not be established until the date on which the NPS acquires sufficient land within the exterior boundary of the site to constitute a manageable unit. The NPS must prepare a general management plan for the historic site. The NPS may enter into agreements with public or private entities to establish and operate facilities outside of the exterior boundary of the historic site for administration, visitor services, and curation of personal property; and other public or private entities to carry out this bill.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the role of doctors of podiatric medicine in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2021

This bill generally aligns the position of podiatrists with that of physicians for pay and grade purposes within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Additionally, the bill replaces the Director of Podiatric Service position with a Podiatric Medical Director to be responsible for the operation of the podiatric service at the VHA. Such director must be a qualified doctor of podiatric medicine.

Enewetak Atoll Cleanup Radiation Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2021

Enewetak Atoll Cleanup Radiation Study Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study and report on the level of radiation exposure experienced by members of the Armed Forces who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll between January 1, 1977, and December 31, 1980.

Vets ETA

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2021

Veterans Earned Transportation Act or the Vets ETA This bill permanently reauthorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program that provides transportation to and from VA facilities or other places in connection with vocational rehabilitation, for counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care.

THRIVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2021

Training in High-demand Roles to Improve Veteran Employment Act or the THRIVE Act This bill makes updates to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) training and education policies and programs, including by amending the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. First, in implementing the VA's rapid retraining assistance program, the list of high-demand occupations must be prepared in conjunction with the Department of Labor. The VA may add and remove occupations as appropriate. The bill excludes programs pursued solely through distance learning on a half-time basis or less from the housing stipend available to those participating in the retraining program. The Government Accountability Office must report on the outcomes and effectiveness of the retraining program. Next, the VA must provide veterans and members of the Armed Forces with information about whether (1) a postsecondary education institution is listed on the College Navigator website as being affiliated with a certain religion, (2) an institution is minority serving, and (3) an institution is gender specific. The bill includes for-profit educational institutions that are converted to public educational institutions in the annual risk-based survey the state approving agency must conduct. Finally, the VA must take certain disciplinary action when any person with whom an educational institution has an agreement for marketing, advertising, educational programs, recruiting, or admissions services engages in specified behaviors, such as providing a type of incentive payment to persons engaged in student recruiting.

Equal Pay for Servicewomen Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2021

Equal Pay for Servicewomen Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to address out-of-pocket cost inequities for military service uniforms. Specifically, the bill requires DOD to implement the four recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office in its report titled Military Service Uniforms DOD Could Better Identify and Address Out-of-Pocket Cost Inequities (GAO-21-120). The recommendations made in the report are related to reducing differences in out-of-pocket costs incurred by enlisted service members across the services and by gender. The bill requires DOD to prescribe regulations to ensure that out-of-pocket uniform costs to officers or enlisted members may not exceed costs to other officers or members in their branch solely based on gender; and if a change to a uniform affects only officers or enlisted members of one gender, the officers or members must be entitled to an allowance equal to the out-of-pocket cost related to the change. DOD must provide a one-time allowance to female officers and enlisted members in an amount based on gender disparities in out-of-pocket uniform costs during the past 10 years and proportional to the length of service of the officer or member.

Selective Service Repeal Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2021

Selective Service Repeal Act This bill repeals the requirement for males between the ages of 18 and 26 to register with the Selective Service. The bill also specifies that an individual shall not be penalized for prior failure to register with the Selective Service.

PFAS Registry Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2021

PFAS Registry Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a registry for current or past members of the Armed Forces who may have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances due to the environmental release of aqueous film-forming foam at a military installation or other Department of Defense (DOD) location. Additionally, the VA must consult with DOD and the Environmental Protection Agency to make recommendations for additional chemicals that should be included in the registry.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022

United States · United States Senate · 13 April 2021

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022

United States · United States Senate · 13 April 2021

Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2021

Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to disapprove courses of education provided by public institutions of higher learning if such institutions charge a higher rate for tuition and fees than in-state tuition for individuals who are entitled to educational assistance under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program.

GIVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2021

G.I. and Veterans Education Empowerment Act or the GIVE Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide veterans and members of the Armed Forces with information about whether (1) a postsecondary education institution is listed on the College Navigator website as being affiliated with a certain religion, (2) an institution is minority serving, and (3) an institution is gender specific.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2021

This bill establishes the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration to administer economic opportunity assistance programs for veterans and their dependents and survivors. Specifically, the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration must administer the following Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs: vocational rehabilitation and employment programs, educational assistance programs, veterans' housing loan and related programs, the Transition Assistance Program, and the database of small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans. Prior to the transfer of administrative responsibilities, the bill requires the VA to certify that (1) the transition of the provision of services will not negatively affect the provision of such services to veterans, and (2) such services are ready to be transferred.

Colonel John McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2021

Colonel John McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to disapprove courses of education provided by public institutions of higher learning if such institutions charge a higher rate for tuition and fees than in-state tuition for individuals who are entitled to educational assistance under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program.

Fry Scholarship Enhancement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2021

Fry Scholarship Enhancement Act of 2021 This bill expands eligibility for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, commonly referred to as the Fry Scholarship, which entitles specified dependents of service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Specifically, the bill expands eligibility for the Fry Scholarship to include a child or spouse of a person who dies on or after September 11, 2001, from a service-connected disability within 120 days of being honorably discharged or released from service in the Armed Forces. This expansion of eligibility applies to quarters, semesters, or terms beginning on or after August 1, 2023.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2021

This bill establishes the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration to administer economic opportunity assistance programs for veterans and their dependents and survivors. Specifically, the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration must administer the following Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs: vocational rehabilitation and employment programs, educational assistance programs, veterans' housing loan and related programs, the Transition Assistance Program, and the database of small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans. Prior to the transfer of administrative responsibilities, the bill requires the VA to certify that (1) the transition of the provision of services will not negatively affect the provision of such services to veterans, and (2) such services are ready to be transferred.

Paycheck Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2021

Paycheck Fairness Act This bill addresses wage discrimination on the basis of sex. Specifically, it (1) limits an employer's defense that a pay differential is based on a factor other than sex to only bona fide job-related factors in wage discrimination claims, (2) enhances nonretaliation prohibitions, (3) makes it unlawful to require an employee to sign a contract or waiver prohibiting the employee from disclosing information about the employee's wages, and (4) increases civil penalties for violations of equal pay provisions. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs must train EEOC employees and other affected parties on wage discrimination. The bill directs the Department of Labor to (1) establish and carry out a grant program for negotiation skills training for girls and women, (2) conduct studies to eliminate pay disparities between men and women, and (3) make available information on wage discrimination to assist the public in understanding and addressing such discrimination. The bill also establishes the Secretary of Labor's National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace for an employer who has made a substantial effort to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. Finally, the bill requires the EEOC to issue regulations for collecting from employers compensation and other employment data according to the sex, race, and national origin of employees for use in enforcing laws prohibiting pay discrimination.

Assessing China’s Presence and Influence in Latin America and the Caribbean Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2021

Assessing China's Presence and Influence in Latin America and the Caribbean Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress an assessment of China's efforts to expand its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean and how these efforts affect U.S. interests. The report shall include (1) a list identifying the countries that maintain the closest diplomatic, military, and economic relationships with China; (2) an analysis of which countries have received foreign assistance from China, including access to COVID-19 vaccines, and the conditions attached to that assistance; (3) a detailed description of sales or transfers of Chinese defense articles to countries in the region; and (4) an assessment of China's relationship with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should continue to support the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft program, also known as the Warthog and A-10C or OA-10C.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2021

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should continue to support the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft program for national security reasons.

Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2021

Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act of 2021 This bill provides for the portability of professional licenses of service members and their spouses who are relocated, because of military orders, outside of the jurisdiction that issued the license. Specifically, a professional license in good standing of a service member or spouse shall be considered valid at a similar scope of practice and in the discipline applied for in the new jurisdiction for the duration of such military orders. To establish and maintain eligibility, a service member or spouse must (1) provide a copy of the military orders to the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction; (2) remain in good standing with the licensing authority that issued the license; and (3) submit to the authority of the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction for the purposes of standards of practice, discipline, and fulfillment of any continuing education requirements. The bill also provides that if a service member or spouse is licensed to operate in multiple jurisdictions through an interstate licensure compact, the service member or spouse is subject to the requirements of the compact or the applicable provisions of the state law rather than the provisions of this bill.

Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2021

Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the troops from the United States and the Philippines who defended Bataan and Corregidor, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service during World War II.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Congress should continue to support the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft program, also known as the Warthog and A-10C or OA-10C.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2021

This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should continue to support the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft program for national security reasons.

Michael A. Brown, of California, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, vice Ellen M. Lord.

United States · United States Senate · 12 April 2021

Ronald S. Moultrie, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, vice Joseph Kernan, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 12 April 2021

Michael J. McCord, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), vice David L. Norquist, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 12 April 2021

Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2021

Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), during FY2022, to establish and maintain three new centers of the Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) Program in areas with interest from personnel and a need for additional mental health care for rural veterans. The RANGE Program serves veterans in rural areas who are experiencing mental illness. The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study and report on whether the VA has sufficient resources to serve rural veterans who need mental health care that is more intensive than traditional outpatient therapy.

VA AID Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2021

Veterans Application Assistance Inefficiency Decrease Act of 2021 or the VA AID Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing claim enhancement assistance to individuals who are applying for certain VA pensions in order to reduce the backlog and expedite processing of claims. Specifically, the program applies to those applying for service pensions, non-service-connected disability pensions, or pensions to surviving spouses and children. The Government Accountability Office must complete a review of the pilot program and a study on the feasibility and advisability of permanently extending claim enhancement assistance to individuals and spouses applying for the specified VA pensions.

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, 2021, 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 · 12 April 2021

This resolution designates April 18, 2021, as Military Retiree Appreciation Day.

Remove the Stain Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2021

Remove the Stain Act This bill rescinds each Medal of Honor awarded for acts that occurred on December 29, 1890, at Wounded Knee Creek, Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota. The bill requires the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard to remove the names of those award recipients from the Medal of Honor Roll.