Defence

GRID Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Guaranteeing Resilient Installations for Defense Act or the GRID Act This bill gives the Department of Energy (DOE) the authority to address the vulnerability of critical defense facilities to electric energy supply disruptions. Specifically, DOE may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with external providers of electric energy to (1) improve the resilience of defense critical electric infrastructure, or (2) reduce such vulnerability.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 140) to amend title 5, United States Code, to prohibit Federal employees from advocating for censorship of viewpoints in their official capacity, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 27) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'"; and providing for consideration of the bill (S. 619) to require the Director of National Intelligence to declassify information relating to the origin of COVID-19, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 140) to amend title 5, United States Code, to prohibit Federal employees from advocating for censorship of viewpoints in their official capacity, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 27) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'"; and providing for consideration of the bill (S. 619) to require the Director of National Intelligence to declassify information relating to the origin of COVID-19.

Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2023 This bill imposes limits on the use of biometric surveillance systems (such as facial recognition systems) by federal, state, and local government entities. A federal agency or official may not in an official capacity acquire, possess, or use in the United States any biometric surveillance system or information obtained by such a system unless Congress passes an act that specifically authorizes such a use. Such an act of Congress must contain certain provisions, such as provisions naming the specific authorized entity and auditing requirements relating to the system. Information obtained in violation of this bill shall not be admissible by the federal government in any proceeding or investigation, except in a proceeding alleging a violation of this bill. An individual aggrieved by a violation of these restrictions shall have the right to sue. Any state officer authorized to sue on behalf of the state's residents shall also have the right to sue on behalf of the state's aggrieved residents. A state or local government unit shall not receive certain federal law enforcement grants unless the government unit complies with a law or policy that is substantially similar to this bill's restrictions on acquiring and using biometric surveillance systems.

Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2023 This bill imposes limits on the use of biometric surveillance systems (such as facial recognition systems) by federal, state, and local government entities. A federal agency or official may not in an official capacity acquire, possess, or use in the United States any biometric surveillance system or information obtained by such a system unless Congress passes an act that specifically authorizes such a use. Such an act of Congress must contain certain provisions, such as provisions naming the specific authorized entity and auditing requirements relating to the system. Information obtained in violation of this bill shall not be admissible by the federal government in any proceeding or investigation, except in a proceeding alleging a violation of this bill. An individual aggrieved by a violation of these restrictions shall have the right to sue. Any state officer authorized to sue on behalf of the state's residents shall also have the right to sue on behalf of the state's aggrieved residents. A state or local government unit shall not receive certain federal law enforcement grants unless the government unit complies with a law or policy that is substantially similar to this bill's restrictions on acquiring and using biometric surveillance systems.

VETT Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

VSO Equal Tax Treatment Act or the VETT Act This bill expands the deductibility of charitable contributions to all federally-chartered tax-exempt organizations serving current and former members of the Armed Forces.

Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2023

Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023 This bill authorizes approval of certain commercial driver education programs for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance if the programs meet specified requirements. Under current law, the VA may not approve enrollment of a veteran in courses for programs that do not lead to a standard degree that are offered at a new branch (i.e., a branch that has been operating for less than 2 years) of an educational institution. Under the bill, a commercial driver education program offered at a new branch of an educational institution may be approved if it is appropriately licensed and uses the same curriculum as a commercial driver education program offered by the educational institution at another location that is already approved for purposes of VA educational assistance. The educational institution must submit a report demonstrating the curriculum at the new branch is the same as the curriculum at the primary location in order to be exempt from the current prohibition against course approval at new branches.

Deter PRC Support to the Russian War Effort Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

Deter PRC Support to the Russian War Effort Act This bill authorizes the President to impose certain sanctions on Chinese persons supporting Russia's military action in Ukraine. For the purposes of this bill, Chinese persons are citizens and nationals of China, entities organized under the laws of China or any jurisdiction within China, China's government, the Chinese Communist Party, and Chinese state-owned enterprises. The President may impose one or more sanctions on any Chinese person that has knowingly (1) provided Russia with certain types of support that contribute to Russia's military actions in Ukraine, or (2) assisted Russia in evading U.S. or multilateral sanctions. The sanctions authorized by this bill include directing the U.S. Export-Import Bank not to provide that person with guarantees, insurance, or credit; prohibiting U.S. financial institutions from extending credit to that person (except for activities to relieve human suffering); prohibiting transfers of credit or payments between financial institutions if such transfers or payments are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and involve the sanctioned person's interests; and prohibiting U.S. persons (individuals or entities) from investing in or purchasing significant amounts of equity or debt instruments of sanctioned persons. The provisions of this bill expire on the earlier of (1) the date on which the President determines the conflict in Ukraine has ended, or (2) two years after the date of the bill's enactment.

COVID–19 Origin Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023 This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to declassify all information relating to potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origin of COVID-19. The ODNI must submit to Congress an unclassified report with all such information with redactions only as necessary to protect sources and methods.

To rename the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, as the "Eddie Bernice Johnson VA Medical Center".

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

This bill designates the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 4500 South Lancaster Road in Dallas, Texas, as the Eddie Bernice Johnson VA Medical Center.

COVID–19 Origin Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023 This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to declassify all information relating to potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origin of COVID-19. The ODNI must submit to Congress an unclassified report with all such information with redactions only as necessary to protect sources and methods.

Preserving Options for Everglades Restoration and National Defense in the Straits of Florida Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

Preserving Options for Everglades Restoration and National Defense in the Straits of Florida Act This bill permanently prohibits the Department of the Air Force from entering into an agreement that would provide for or permit the joint use of Homestead Air Reserve Base in Homestead, Florida, by the Air Force and civil aircraft.

American Patriots of WWII through Service with the Canadian and British Armed Forces Gold Medal Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

American Patriots of WWII through Service with the Canadian and British Armed Forces Gold Medal Act of 2023 This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to all U.S. nationals who voluntarily joined the Canadian and British Armed Forces and their supporting entities during World War II in recognition of their dedicated service.

Helping Heroes Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

Helping Heroes Act of 2023 This bill implements programs and procedures related to the provision of support services for veterans and their families. First, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must place at least one Family Coordinator at each of its medical centers and ensure adequate staffing and resources at each such medical center so the coordinators are able to carry out their duties. Family Coordinators must, among other duties, assess the needs of the families of veterans using evidence-based strategies and refer veterans to support resources. The VA must also establish the Family Support Program to provide and coordinate the provision of supportive services to veterans who have a service-connected disability rated at 70% or more and eligible children (i.e., individuals who are under 18 years of age and are wards, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, or siblings of the eligible veteran). Next, the VA must conduct an outreach program to ensure eligible veterans who enrolled in the VA health care system, employees of the VA, and other entities are informed of the Family Support Program and the availability of Family Coordinators. The VA must include information regarding supportive services available in the transition assistance curriculum for members of the Armed Forces who are being separated from active duty (and their families). Finally, the VA must conduct an annual survey of disabled veterans and their families to identify and better understand the needs of such persons.

Everett Alvarez, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

Everett Alvarez, Jr., Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023 This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Everett Alvarez, Jr. in recognition of his service to the United States.

Special Inspector General for Ukraine Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

Special Inspector General for Ukraine Assistance Act This bill establishes the Office of the Special Inspector General for Ukraine Assistance, led by the Special Inspector General for Ukraine Assistance. The Special Inspector General shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The duties of the office include conducting, supervising, and coordinating audits and investigations of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the military and nonmilitary support of Ukraine, and of the programs, operations, and contracts carried out utilizing such funds; establishing, maintaining, and overseeing such systems, procedures, and controls as the office considers appropriate for such audits and investigations; and coordinating with the Inspectors General of the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of State, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Whenever information or assistance requested by the office is unreasonably refused or not provided, the office shall report the circumstances to the State Department or DOD and to Congress without delay. The office shall submit a report to Congress on a quarterly basis.

DRIVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity Act or the DRIVE Act This bill increases the mileage reimbursement rate available to beneficiaries for travel to or from Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in connection with vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care. Specifically, the bill makes the reimbursement rate for such travel equal to or greater than the mileage reimbursement rate for government employees using private vehicles when no government vehicle is available.

Major Richard Star Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Major Richard Star Act This bill provides that combat-disabled uniformed services retirees with fewer than 20 years of creditable service may concurrently receive, without reduction, veterans' disability compensation and retired pay or combat-related special compensation.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the maximum number of judges who may be appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

This bill increases the maximum possible number of judges presiding over the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to nine judges.

9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2023 This bill modifies the funding of, expands eligibility for, and makes other changes to the World Trade Center Health Program. This program provides medical monitoring and treatment to responders and survivors who suffer from health conditions related to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Specifically, the bill provides additional funding for the program through FY2033 to cover program costs. It also sets out a new formula to determine funding amounts for the program from FY2034 through FY2090. Additionally, the bill expands eligibility for the program to include members of the Armed Forces and federal employees and contractors who provided rescue, recovery, demolition, debris clean-up, or related services in response to the attacks at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, PA on September 11, 2001. The bill limits the enrollment of newly eligible individuals in the program to 500 at any given time. Other changes in the bill include (1) allowing certain health care providers other than physicians to determine whether an individual's health condition is related to an attack, and (2) making the program administrator (rather than the centers that collect and analyze health data generated from the program) responsible for establishing criteria for credentialing health care providers that participate in the program.

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Syria.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

This concurrent resolution directs the President to remove the U.S. Armed Forces from Syria within 180 days of the adoption of this concurrent resolution.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States condemns the Russian Government's gross violations of international law amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and supports the efforts of international organizations to help people displaced by war and conflict.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

This resolution condemns the unlawful and indiscriminate violence against civilians by the Russian government and its allies. The resolution also (1) urges the global community to hold Vladimir Putin and the Russian government responsible for war crimes committed during the invasion of Ukraine, (2) urges the United States and its allies to continue providing defense security assistance and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and (3) stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Military Spouse Hiring Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Military Spouse Hiring Act This bill expands the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include the hiring of a qualified military spouse. (The WOTC permits employers who hire individuals who are members of a targeted group such as qualified veterans, ex-felons, or long-term unemployment recipients to claim a tax credit equal to a portion of the wages paid to those individuals.) A qualified military spouse is any individual who is certified by the designated local agency as being (as of the hiring date) a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces.

Taiwan Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Taiwan Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the President to lend or lease defense articles to Taiwan for protection against potential Chinese military aggression and requires the President to establish expedited procedures for delivering loaned or leased defense articles to Taiwan. The bill also authorizes the President to finance Taiwan's procurement of certain services in connection with the loan or lease of a defense article, provided Taiwan repays the United States within 12 years.

COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023 This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to declassify all information relating to potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origin of COVID-19. The ODNI must submit to Congress an unclassified report with all such information with redactions only as necessary to protect sources and methods.

Lone Star Reimbursement Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Lone Star Reimbursement Act This bill requires the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to each provide $2.2 billion to the state of Texas as reimbursement for the costs of Operation Lone Star incurred in FY2022 and FY2023. (Operation Lone Star is a border security operation initiated and carried out by the state of Texas.)

To amend title 10, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Defense from paying or reimbursing expenses relating to abortion services, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from providing certain funding related to abortion services. Specifically, the bill prohibits DOD from paying or reimbursing any fees or expenses for a health care professional (who provides health care at a military medical treatment facility) to gain a license in a state if the purpose of gaining the license is to provide abortion services. The bill also repeals the DOD memorandum titled Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care (October 20, 2022). Such memo sets forth DOD policies and procedures in response to the Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization . Under the bill, DOD may not obligate or expend funds to carry out the memo or any successor memo.

Military Spouse Hiring Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Military Spouse Hiring Act This bill expands the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include the hiring of a qualified military spouse. (The WOTC permits employers who hire individuals who are members of a targeted group such as qualified veterans, ex-felons, or long-term unemployment recipients to claim a tax credit equal to a portion of the wages paid to those individuals.) A qualified military spouse is any individual who is certified by the designated local agency as being (as of the hiring date) a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces.

No PLA LOOPHOLES Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

No People's Liberation Army in Logistical Operations and Other Pertinent Humanitarian Operations Leading to Endangered Security Act or the No PLA LOOPHOLES Act This bill increases restrictions on military-to-military exchanges or contacts between the U.S. Armed Forces and the Chinese military. Specifically, the bill expands an existing prohibition on exchanges or contacts that include inappropriate exposure to advanced logistical operations to cover logistical operations instead. Additionally, the bill eliminates an exception to the prohibited exchanges or contacts in the case of search and rescue or humanitarian operations or exercises.

DRIVE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity Act of 2023 or the DRIVE Act of 2023 This bill increases the mileage reimbursement rate available to beneficiaries for travel to or from Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in connection with vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care. Specifically, the bill makes the reimbursement rate for such travel equal to or greater than the mileage reimbursement rate for government employees using private vehicles when no government vehicle is available.

FDIC Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Financial Defense for Industrial Contractors Act of 2023 or the FDIC Act of 2023 This bill requires the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to begin proceedings for terminating the insured status of large depository institutions that deny banking services to federal contractors that otherwise qualify for such services.

COVID Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Coronavirus Origin Validation, Investigation, and Determination Act of 2023 or the COVID Act of 2023 This bill requires the President to impose sanctions and take other actions related to COVID-19 if certain conditions are not met. Specifically, if the President is unable to certify within 90 days of this bill's enactment that China's government has allowed a transparent international forensic investigation into the origins of COVID-19 at certain laboratories in the city of Wuhan, the President must impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions against (1) individuals with leadership positions in the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); and (2) officials of the Chinese Communist Party, China's military, or China's State Council who were involved in concealing or restricting information about the initial COVID-19 outbreak in China. If the certification cannot be made, the President must also (1) prohibit federal funding for collaborative projects between U.S.-based researchers and CAS researchers in any academic field, and (2) prohibit U.S.-based researchers and institutions that receive federal funding from engaging in certain research on viruses with individuals or institutions based in China.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2024

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 February 2023

[H.A.S.C. No. 118-8] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 February 2023

Veterans Health Administration Leadership Transformation Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Veterans Health Administration Leadership Transformation Act This bill modifies certain restrictions on appointments in the Office of the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill limits the term of the Under Secretary for Health to five years. (Currently, there is no term limit.) The bill also removes the cap on the number of Assistant Under Secretaries for Health, and provides that the VA may appoint as many as it determines are necessary. Additionally, the bill removes certain requirements for appointing Assistant Under Secretaries for Health (e.g., the requirement that at least one appointee must be a qualified doctor of dental surgery or dental medicine).

Wounded Warrior Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Wounded Warrior Access Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a secure online tool or website to enable a claimant or their representative to make records requests related to VA claims and benefits. Requests for records must specify in which format the copy is desired. The VA must notify a requester within 10 days that their request has been received and must fulfill the request within 120 days. The bill also requires the VA to ensure that each time a claimant logs in to a website or online tool of the VA, the website or online tool displays in plain language (1) a warning regarding violations of laws related to agents and attorneys, (2) a link to an online tool to report violations, (3) a link to an online tool to search for a VA-recognized agent or attorney, and (4) a link to a website or online tool providing final decisions on discipline of agents and attorneys for violations.

Military Support for Fighting Wildfires Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Military Support for Fighting Wildfires Act of 2023 This bill addresses the role of the Department of Defense (DOD) in wildfire emergency response. Specifically, the bill requires DOD to reimburse a state for the costs of fighting wildfires caused by DOD activities on state lands. The bill also makes permanent the Fireguard Program, under which DOD may use members of the National Guard to help detect and monitor wildfires and support emergency response to such fires. The bill updates provisions related to the transfer of certain aircraft from DOD and the Department of Homeland Security to other agencies for wildfire suppression and other related purposes. Under the bill, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) within DOD may not require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or a federal land management agency to reimburse NGA for the use of resources for any request approved in relation to (1) a request made by the federal agency through the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), or (2) an area of federal land affected by extreme weather. Further, reimbursement requirements under the Economy Act do not apply to DOD assistance provided to FEMA or a federal land management agency for requests made through the NIFC or those pertaining to an area covered by a declaration of a major disaster or emergency. DOD must issue guidance for the use of unmanned aircraft systems by the National Guard for specified activities (e.g., emergency operations) in a manner no more restrictive than the use of other aircraft for such activities.

Ensuring Access to VA INFO Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Ensuring Access to Department of Veterans Affairs Information Necessary for Oversight Act of 2023 or the Ensuring Access to VA INFO Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to answer questions submitted for the record by members of the congressional veterans' affairs committees within 45 business days after the date on which the VA receives the question. The VA must provide notice to Congress if it is unable to respond within the 45-day time frame. The notice must include a justification of the inability to meet the deadline, an estimate of when an answer will be provided, and a description of the steps necessary to answer the question. At the VA's request, other agencies must assist the VA in answering questions as necessary.

Sgt. Isaac Woodard, Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Restoration Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Sgt. Isaac Woodard, Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Restoration Act of 2023 This bill expands eligibility for Post-9/11 GI bill benefits and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program by updating terminology related to certain Black veterans. Specifically, the bill explicitly includes the following individuals as eligible veterans under the programs: Black veterans who served on active duty during World War II and can certify they were denied a specific benefit on the basis of race; and the living surviving spouses, children, grandchildren, or other direct descendants of such veterans described above who can certify the veteran was denied a specific benefit on the basis of race. Eligible veterans must apply for educational or home loan benefits within the five-year period after the bill is enacted. The Government Accountability Office must report on the number of individuals who received VA educational or housing loan benefits due to the amendments made by the bill and the total value of such benefits. Finally, the VA must appoint a panel of independent experts to develop recommendations regarding additional benefits and assistance for female and minority members of the Armed Forces.

Building Credit Access for Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Building Credit Access for Veterans Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using alternative credit scoring information or models to improve the determination of creditworthiness of certain individuals and to increase the number of such individuals who are able to obtain VA housing and small business loans. Specifically, the program is for veterans or members of the Armed Forces who are eligible for VA housing or small business loans and have insufficient credit history. Under the program, the VA must assess the feasibility and advisability of establishing criteria for acceptable commercially available credit scoring models to be used by lenders for the purpose of guaranteeing or insuring a VA housing or small business loan. Participation is voluntary on an opt-in basis for lenders, borrowers, and individuals. The VA must conduct outreach to lenders and individuals to inform them of the pilot program.

SAFE TECH Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Safeguarding Against Fraud, Exploitation, Threats, Extremism, and Consumer Harms Act or the SAFE TECH Act This bill limits federal liability protection that applies to a user or provider of an interactive computer service (e.g., a social media company) for claims related to content provided by third parties. Specifically, the bill applies the liability protection to claims arising from third-party speech rather than third-party information. Additionally, the liability protection shall not apply if a user or provider (1) accepts payment to make the speech available, or (2) creates or funds (in whole or in part) the speech. The bill changes legal procedures concerning the liability protection by (1) requiring a defendant in a lawsuit to raise the liability protection as an affirmative defense, and (2) placing the burden of proving that the defense applies on the defendant. Some courts have held that the current liability protection bars claims for civil penalties and injunctive relief. The bill expressly excludes from the liability protection requests for injunctive relief arising from a provider's failure to remove, restrict access to, or prevent dissemination of material likely to cause irreparable harm. However, the bill protects a provider from liability for actions taken to comply with such injunctions. Under current law, the liability protection does not apply to federal criminal law, intellectual property law, and other designated areas of law. The bill further specifies that the liability protection shall not apply to civil rights law; antitrust law; stalking, harassment, or intimidation laws; international human rights law; and civil actions for wrongful death.

To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller posthumously for acts of valor while a member of the Navy during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

This bill authorizes the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for acts of valor as a member of the Navy during World War II.

Doris Miller Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Doris Miller in recognition of his acts of valor while a member of the Navy during World War II.

Combating Racist Training in the Military Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Combating Racist Training in the Military Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Armed Forces and academic institutions of the Department of Defense from promoting specified anti-American and racist theories (e.g., that any race is inherently superior or inferior to any other race). Specifically, the bill prohibits including anti-American and racist theories or materials in curricula, reading lists, seminars, workshops, trainings, or other educational or professional settings in a manner that could appear as sponsorship, approval, or endorsement; contracting with, hiring, or otherwise engaging speakers, consultants, diversity trainers, and other persons for the purpose of advocating anti-American and racist theories; compelling members of the Armed Forces to affirm or profess belief in anti-American and racist theories; and segregating members of the Armed Forces by race in any setting, including educational and training sessions.

A bill to require reports on the dangers posed by nuclear reactors in areas that might experience armed conflict.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

This bill requires the Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security Administration of the Department of Energy to jointly report on national security concerns and recommendations related to nuclear reactors and nuclear power plants located in specific areas (e.g., regions that have recently experienced or are likely to experience armed conflict), including reactors and power plants scheduled to be completed during the 10-year period beginning after the enactment of this bill. The report must be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during the Revolutionary War.

Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act The bill establishes the Office of the Special Inspector General for Ukrainian Military, Economic, and Humanitarian Aid. The office's duties shall include (1) conducting and coordinating audits and investigations of the handing of funds made available for aid to Ukraine, and (2) monitoring and reviewing contracts and activities involving those funds. The Special Inspector General shall report directly to, and be under the general supervision of, the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense. Federal agencies may not prevent the office from carrying out any audit or investigation related to aid to Ukraine. However, the office is not authorized to audit or investigate the intelligence community. The office shall terminate 180 days after the date on which there is less than $250 million in unexpended amounts that were made available for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Combating Racist Training in the Military Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Combating Racist Training in the Military Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Armed Forces and academic institutions of the Department of Defense from promoting specified anti-American and racist theories (e.g., that any race is inherently superior or inferior to any other race). Specifically, the bill prohibits including anti-American and racist theories or materials in curricula, reading lists, seminars, workshops, trainings, or other educational or professional settings in a manner that could appear as sponsorship, approval, or endorsement; contracting with, hiring, or otherwise engaging speakers, consultants, diversity trainers, and other persons for the purpose of advocating anti-American and racist theories; compelling members of the Armed Forces to affirm or profess belief in anti-American and racist theories; and segregating members of the Armed Forces by race in any setting, including educational and training sessions.

9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2023 This bill modifies the funding of, expands eligibility for, and makes other changes to the World Trade Center Health Program. This program provides medical monitoring and treatment to responders and survivors who suffer from health conditions related to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Specifically, the bill provides additional funding for the program through FY2033 to cover program costs. It also sets out a new formula to determine funding amounts for the program from FY2034 through FY2090. Additionally, the bill expands eligibility for the program to include members of the Armed Forces and federal employees and contractors who provided rescue, recovery, demolition, debris clean-up, or related services in response to the attacks at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, PA on September 11, 2001. The bill limits the enrollment of newly eligible individuals in the program to 500 at any given time. Other changes in the bill include (1) allowing certain health care providers other than physicians to determine whether an individual's health condition is related to an attack, and (2) making the program administrator (rather than the centers that collect and analyze health data generated from the program) responsible for establishing criteria for credentialing health care providers that participate in the program.

SAFE TECH Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Safeguarding Against Fraud, Exploitation, Threats, Extremism, and Consumer Harms Act or the SAFE TECH Act This bill limits federal liability protection that applies to a user or provider of an interactive computer service (e.g., a social media company) for claims related to content provided by third parties. Specifically, the bill applies the liability protection to claims arising from third-party speech rather than third-party information. Additionally, the liability protection shall not apply if a user or provider (1) accepts payment to make the speech available, or (2) creates or funds (in whole or in part) the speech. The bill changes legal procedures concerning the liability protection by (1) requiring a defendant in a lawsuit to raise the liability protection as an affirmative defense, and (2) placing the burden of proving that the defense applies on the defendant. Some courts have held that the current liability protection bars claims for civil penalties and injunctive relief. The bill expressly excludes from the liability protection requests for injunctive relief arising from a provider's failure to remove, restrict access to, or prevent dissemination of material likely to cause irreparable harm. However, the bill protects a provider from liability for actions taken to comply with such injunctions. Under current law, the liability protection does not apply to federal criminal law, intellectual property law, and other designated areas of law. The bill further specifies that the liability protection shall not apply to civil rights law; antitrust law; stalking, harassment, or intimidation laws; international human rights law; and civil actions for wrongful death.

Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2023

Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023 This bill provides for a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to the Buffalo Soldier regiments (six all-Black calvary and infantry regiments authorized by Congress in 1866 to serve in the Armed Forces) in recognition of their vital service to the United States.