Defence

Guarding Readiness Resources Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2025

Guarding Readiness Resources Act This bill modifies the treatment of funds received by the National Guard Bureau as a reimbursement from a state or other U.S. territory (e.g., Guam) for the use of military property. Specifically, the funds must be credited to (1) the appropriation, fund, or account used in incurring the obligation; or (2) an appropriation, fund, or account currently available for the purposes of which the expenditures were made. Further, the funds may only be used by the Department of Defense for the repair, maintenance, replacement, or other similar functions related directly to assets used by National Guard units while operating under state active duty status.

Reaffirming the United States commitment to respecting the sovereignty of Mexico and condemning calls for military action in Mexico without Mexico's consent and congressional authorization.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2025

[H.A.S.C. No. 119-3] Strengthening America's Defense Industrial Base, Workforce and Production Lines To Deter War

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 February 2025

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025 This bill extends increased dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving spouse of a veteran whom the Department of Veterans Affairs has determined died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) regardless of how long the veteran had such disease prior to death. Under current law, such compensation is paid for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death. Under the bill, such extension of increased compensation applies retroactively to veterans who died from ALS on or after October 1, 2022.

Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act This bill requires the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to annually report to Congress on export control licensing. Under current law, BIS administers and enforces controls on the export of dual-use goods (e.g., items with both civilian and military uses) and certain military parts and components. These export controls are implemented primarily under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (ECRA) through the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Under this bill, BIS must annually report to Congress on license applications, enforcement actions, and other requests for authorization for the export, reexport, release, and in-country transfer of items subject to the EAR to covered entities. A covered entity is any entity that (1) is located or operating in a country listed in Country Group D:5 (countries that are identified by the Department of State as subject to U.S. arms embargoes), and (2) is included on the Entity List or the Military End-User List (two of the lists published by BIS containing information on the individuals, organizations, and addresses subject to restrictions involving items subject to the EAR). The bill requires this report to include specified information, such as the name of the entity submitting the application, where the item is being exported, the decision with respect to the license application or authorization, and information on related enforcement activities to ensure compliance with U.S. export controls. The information shall be exempt from public disclosure (except for aggregate statistics).

Protect Veteran Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Protect Veteran Jobs Act This bill provides reinstatement eligibility to veterans who were involuntarily removed or otherwise dismissed without cause from civil service positions from January 20, 2025, through the date of enactment of this bill. Such veterans must be eligible for reinstatement to their former positions or any other civil service positions for which they are qualified. Each executive branch agency must regularly report through January 20, 2029, to Congress regarding veteran employees who were removed or otherwise dismissed from the agency, including the total number of employees removed and the reasons for the dismissals. 

Security Clearance Review Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

American Dream and Promise Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

American Dream and Promise Act of 2025 This bill provides certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) with a path to receive permanent resident status and contains other immigration-related provisions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall provide conditional permanent resident status for 10 years to a qualifying individual who entered the United States as a minor and (1) is deportable or inadmissible, (2) has deferred enforced departure (DED) status or temporary protected status (TPS), or (3) is the child of certain classes of nonimmigrants. The bill imposes various qualifying requirements, such as the individual being continuously physically present in the United States since January 1, 2021, passing a background check, and being enrolled in or having completed certain educational programs. DHS shall remove the conditions placed on permanent resident status granted under this bill if the individual applies and meets certain requirements, such as completing certain programs at an educational institution, serving in the military, or being employed. Furthermore, DHS or DOJ shall provide lawful permanent resident status to certain individuals who had TPS, were eligible for TPS, or were eligible for DED status on certain dates. Such individuals must meet certain requirements and apply for such status within three years of this bill's enactment. This bill also repeals a restriction that bars a state from providing higher education benefits to undocumented individuals unless those benefits are available to all U.S. nationals without regard to residency in the state.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act This bill establishes requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from airplane flights. It also provides incentives for the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), an alternative to conventional airplane fuel that is derived from a sustainable feedstock, meets certain aviation standards, and reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The bill establishes a national goal to reach net zero GHG emissions from flights by 2050. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must establish a low carbon fuel standard for aviation fuels. Under the standard, the EPA must set annual targets to reduce certain GHG emissions associated with aviation fuel by at least 20% by 2030 and 50% by 2050, as compared to 2005. Beginning in FY2026, the Department of Defense must make a bulk purchase of an amount of SAF that is no less than 10% of the total amount of aviation fuel procured for operational purposes under certain circumstances. Additionally, the bill reauthorizes through FY2030 a grant program of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for certain projects concerning SAF or low-emission aviation technology. The bill (1) extends the clean fuel production tax credit for SAF through 2032, and (2) expands an energy investment tax credit to include SAF production property. The bill also expands an FAA research program to include SAF and related topics. Finally, the bill directs the Department of Energy to research the use of crops grown for conservation purposes rather than for sale in the production of SAF.

TO CONSIDER THE NOMINATION OF STEPHEN A. FEINBERG TO BE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

United States · United States Senate · 25 February 2025

Department of Defense Appropriations For 2026

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 February 2025

Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to seek to enter into an agreement with an independent and objective organization to study the difference in quality of mental health and addiction therapy care provided by the VA compared to non-VA providers across various modalities. The organization must publish its findings publicly.

Helping Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Helping Heroes Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Veteran Family Resource Program to address social determinants of health challenges experienced in veterans’ family units and ensure veterans and their families have access to services and resources to support wellness within the family units. In implementing the program, the VA must (1) appoint at least one family coordinator in each Veterans Integrated Service Network (regional VA health care administrative areas), and (2) ensure adequate staffing and resources to ensure family coordinators are able to carry out their duties and functions. Under the bill, a family coordinator’s function is generally to serve at a VA medical center as a point person regarding VA and community resources for veterans, their families, and caregivers and survivors of veterans. The VA may expand the program to additional medical centers as appropriate. Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this bill, and not less frequently than once every five years after, the VA must survey disabled veterans and their families to identify and better understand their needs.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

This joint resolution prohibits a proposed foreign military sale of certain defense articles and services to Israel.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

This joint resolution prohibits a proposed foreign military sale of certain defense articles and services to Israel.

Time to Choose Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Time to Choose Act of 2025 This bill prohibits the federal government from awarding consulting services contracts to any entity that provides consulting services to covered foreign entities. Foreign entities covered by the bill include the government of China, the Chinese Communist Party, the People's Liberation Army, or any Chinese security service or intelligence agency; the government of Russia or any entity sanctioned under Executive Order 13662 ; the government of any country determined by the Department of State to have repeatedly provided support for international terrorism; and any entity on certain lists maintained by the Department of Commerce, such as the Denied Persons List or the Military End User List. An agency may waive the prohibition on a case-by-case basis if it is in the national security interests of the United States and no other entity without a conflict of interest can perform the work.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

This joint resolution prohibits a proposed foreign military sale of certain defense articles and services to Israel.

Military and Educational Data Integration Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Veterans Claims Education Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Veterans Claims Education Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to, upon receipt of an initial claim for benefits from a claimant that is not represented by an accredited person (i.e., a veterans service organization, attorney, or agent recognized by the VA), provide (1) notice that an accredited person may assist the claimant, (2) notice that a veterans service organization may represent the claimant for free, (3) information regarding a search tool to find an accredited person to assist in the filing of claims, and (4) information on how and where to report a person who is not accredited and charged a fee to assist with a claim. In its web portal, the VA must provide a warning regarding fees an agent or attorney may charge for assistance in filing benefits claims. (Under current law, fees are generally prohibited for filing an initial claim.)

EQUITY Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Equal and Uniform Treatment in the Military Act or the EQUITY Act  This bill prohibits discrimination within the Department of Defense (DOD) against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation. A qualification established or applied related to eligibility for service in any of the Armed Forces must only consider (1) the ability of an individual to meet the general occupational standards for service, and (2) the particular military occupational specialty. On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government , declaring that the United States recognizes two sexes (male and female) and these sexes are not changeable. On January 27, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness , expressing that the policy for troop readiness is inconsistent with gender dysphoria or the use of pronouns that inaccurately reflect an individual’s biological sex. Further, the order directs DOD to update specific guidance documents related to medical standards for military service to reflect the purpose and policy of the order.

Reforming Education for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025 This bill provides continuing appropriations to the Coast Guard for pay and benefits when there is a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse. Under the bill, a  Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs when (1) a bill providing appropriations for the Coast Guard for a fiscal year has not been enacted before the beginning of that fiscal year, and no joint resolution providing continuing appropriations for the Coast Guard is in effect; and (2) a bill providing appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for the fiscal year has been enacted before the beginning of the fiscal year, or a joint resolution providing continuing appropriation for DOD is in effect.  If a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs, the bill provides appropriations to the Coast Guard for pay and allowances for military members of the Coast Guard who perform active service or inactive-duty training; pay and benefits for certain civilian employees and contract employees; the payment of a death gratuity; payments for travel related to funerals, the dignified transfer of remains, and unit memorial services; and the temporary continuation of the basic allowance for housing for dependents of members of the Coast Guard dying on active duty. The bill generally provides the appropriations to the Coast Guard until the earlier of the enactment of specified Coast Guard appropriations legislation, the termination of the availability of appropriations for DOD, or two weeks after the beginning of the Coast Guard-specific funding lapse. 

VETS Opportunity Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Veterans Education and Technical Skills Opportunity Act of 2025 or the VETS Opportunity Act of 2025 This bill modifies which independent study programs are covered under veterans’ educational assistance benefits. The bill requires independent study programs that lead to a certificate that reflects graduation from a course of study to include regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors. The bill allows such independent study programs to be offered by any institutions of higher education, including for-profit institutions, that are approved to participate in the Department of Education’s financial assistance programs.

North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.

VA Appeals Reform Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

To repeal the authorizations for use of military force against Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.

Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025 This bill expands eligibility for Post-9/11 educational assistance for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard. Specifically, the bill expands the types of activities that count towards Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to include active duty, inactive-duty training, annual training duty, and full-time National Guard duty or active duty. (Generally, under current law, only federal active duty counts towards educational assistance eligibility.)

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an external provider scheduling program to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

This bill establishes within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a national External Provider Scheduling Program to assist the VA in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP). The program must consist of technology that allows VA schedulers to view the schedules of health care providers participating in the VCCP in real time. The VA must ensure the program reduces the time (1) from referral to the actual scheduling of appointments for care or services, and (2) for VA schedulers to schedule appointments for care or services. The VA must also ensure the program is available to all VA medical centers by September 30, 2025.

DEFENSE Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment Act or the DEFENSE Act This bill allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) to deputize state or local law enforcement officers to take certain drone countermeasures to protect stadiums and other public gatherings. Specifically, DHS or DOJ may provide state or local law enforcement officers with the authority to identify, monitor, and track drones; warn drone operators; disrupt or take control of drones; or use reasonable force to disable, damage, and seize or destroy drones deemed to pose a threat. This authority applies for the purposes of protecting an event, stadium, or venue; certain large public gatherings (e.g., gatherings that are primarily outdoors with an estimated attendance of at least 100,000 people); or other public gatherings protected by specific temporary flight restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Prior to being deputized, a state or local law enforcement officer must complete training in the use of the drone countermeasure authority. DHS or DOJ, in coordination with the Department of Transportation and the FAA, must exercise oversight over the use of this authority by deputized state or local law enforcement officers. Finally, the bill limits the equipment authorized for detecting, identifying, monitoring, or tracking drones to systems or technologies that are included on a list of authorized equipment maintained by DHS, in coordination with DOJ, the FAA, the Federal Communications Commission, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

Supporting Access to Falls Education and Prevention and Strengthening Training Efforts and Promoting Safety Initiatives for Veterans Act of 2025 or the SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 This bill addresses certain mobility and aging care and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). First, the bill requires the establishment and operation of the Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for purposes of providing, evaluating, and improving VA health care services related to falls prevention. Among other duties, the office must oversee and support a national education campaign for veterans, their families, and health care providers that focuses on reducing falls and increases awareness of available benefits or services provided by the VA to reduce falls. The bill also expands membership of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities by including the VA. The VA must issue or update directives of the VHA for facilities and providers relating to safe patient handling and mobility policies. Additionally, the VA must determine the feasibility and advisability of implementing a pilot program to provide home improvements and structural alterations to prevent falls for veterans who are eligible for such services under VA laws. Finally, the bill requires the VA to ensure certain veterans receive a falls risk assessment from a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed license amendment for the export to Israel of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

This joint resolution prohibits issuance of a license amendment for the export of certain defense articles and services to Israel.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

This joint resolution prohibits the proposed foreign military sale of certain defense articles and services to Israel.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

This joint resolution prohibits the proposed foreign military sale of certain defense articles and services to Israel.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

This joint resolution prohibits the proposed foreign military sale of certain defense articles and services to Israel.

Inspector General for Ukraine Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

Inspector General for Ukraine Act This bill establishes the Office of the Inspector General for Ukraine, led by the Inspector General for Ukraine who 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 Offices of Inspector 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, as appropriate, and to Congress without delay. The office shall submit a report to Congress on a quarterly basis.

Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

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 handling of funds made available for aid to Ukraine, and (2) monitoring and reviewing contracts and reconstruction 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 available for the reconstruction of Ukraine.    

Veterans Homecare Choice Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 2025

Veterans Homecare Choice Act of 2025 This bill includes any nurse registry as an eligible health care provider under the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Under the bill, a nurse registry is a person who satisfies applicable state licensure requirements and procures, or attempts to procure, contracts or agreements on behalf of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, companions, or homemakers under which such individuals may furnish health care-related or assistive services and receive compensation.

Improving Veteran Access to Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

Improving Veteran Access to Care Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish an integrated project team to improve the process for scheduling VA health care appointments. Among other objectives, the team must (1) develop or continue the development of a scheduling system and platform that enables personnel and patients of the VA to view available appointments for VA care, (2) create a process through which patients can telephonically speak with a scheduler who can assist in determining availability and scheduling, and (3) carry out other functions with respect to health care appointments furnished by the VA. In carrying out its objectives, the team must consult and coordinate with the deployment schedule and capabilities of the VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization Program. If the VA determines a required objective or any feature or service in connection with an objective cannot be implemented or incorporated, the VA must report to Congress providing an explanation and setting forth a plan without that objective.  The VA must also report to Congress on the progress in fulfilling the team’s objectives under the bill.

Ensuring VetSuccess On Campus Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

Ensuring VetSuccess On Campus Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that the VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program is located in every state. The program supports veterans, servicemembers, and qualified dependents who are transitioning from military service to college life. The VA must ensure that at least one VSOC counselor is located in each state.

CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2025 This bill provides that a child shall be eligible for medical care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) until the child's 26th birthday, regardless of the child's marital status.

Caring for Survivors Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

Caring for Survivors Act of 2025 This bill increases the monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Dependency and indemnity compensation is a monthly payment made to eligible survivors (i.e., spouses, parents, or children) of (1) certain veterans who died as a result of a service-connected condition; (2) service members killed while on active military duty or active or inactive duty for training; or (3) veterans who did not die from a service-connected condition, but were totally disabled by a service-connected disability for a certain period of time. The bill also (1) reduces, from 10 years to 5 years, the period of time that certain veterans must have been rated totally disabled due to a service-connected disability in order for a survivor to qualify for benefits; and (2) specifies the amount that is payable to survivors of veterans who were rated totally disabled for a period of less than 10 years before their death.

BRAVE Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

Building Resources and Access for Veterans' Mental Health Engagement Act of 2025 or the BRAVE Act of 2025 This bill addresses mental health services and care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including matters related to personnel, Vet Center administration, care for women veterans, and access to care. The bill authorizes the VA to waive the licensure or certification requirement for individual licensed professional mental health counselor appointees for a reasonable period of time. The bill also extends the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program and increases the maximum annual grant amount. The VA must provide Vet Centers with guidance for assessing outreach activities and implement processes to periodically assess the extent to which (1) veterans and eligible members of the Armed Forces experience barriers to obtaining services at Vet Centers, and (2) Vet Center staff may encounter barriers to providing services. Among other requirements, the VA must also survey and host listening sessions with women veterans to gauge the effectiveness of the VA’s suicide prevention, lethal-means safety, and mental health resources and messaging campaigns; initiate efforts to modify the Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health-Veterans Enhanced Treatment (REACH VET) program to incorporate risk factors weighted for women; annually offer a mental health consultation to veterans who are receiving compensation for a service-connected disability relating to a mental health diagnosis; and implement a pilot program to provide access to mental health residential treatment programs for veterans with a spinal cord injury or disorder.

Veterans Border Patrol Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

Veterans Border Patrol Training Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collaborate with the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a five-year interdepartmental pilot program, under which DHS must use the DOD SkillBridge Program to train and hire transitioning servicemembers as border patrol agents for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

CHAMPVA Children’s Care Protection Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2025 This bill provides that a child shall be eligible for medical care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) until the child's 26th birthday, regardless of the child's marital status.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to require that domiciliary facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs and State homes that provide housing to veterans have resident advocates.

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to employ a resident advocate in each of its domiciliary facilities. The resident advocate must (1) serve as liaison between veterans in the facilities and the VA; (2) receive complaints from such veterans, transmit the complaints to the directors of the facilities, and respond to such complaints; and (3) submit complaints to the Office of Inspector General of the VA when appropriate. Additionally, state homes must also employ a resident advocate in order to be eligible for payment from the VA for domiciliary care provided to a veteran. A state home is a home established by a state or tribe for veterans who are disabled by age, disease, or otherwise and are incapable of earning a living because of such disability. The term also includes a home that furnishes nursing home care for veterans.

Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 This bill provides for a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to the Buffalo Soldier regiments (six all-Black cavalry and infantry regiments authorized by Congress in 1866 to serve in the Armed Forces) in recognition of their vital service to the United States.

Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025 This bill expands eligibility for Post-9/11 educational assistance for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard. Specifically, the bill expands the types of activities that count towards Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to include active duty, inactive-duty training, annual training duty, and full-time National Guard duty or active duty. (Generally, under current law, only federal active duty counts towards educational assistance eligibility.)

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a presumption that certain veterans were exposed to radiation and other toxins at the Nevada Test and Training Range for purposes of the treatment of certain disabilities under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

This bill establishes eligibility for certain disability compensation and benefits for individuals who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). The bill establishes that onsite participation on or after January 1, 1972, and before January 1, 2005, at certain NTTR locations where there was a potential of toxic exposure is a radiation-risk activity, therefore providing a presumption of service-connection for specified conditions. The bill specifies the covered NTTR locations include a location at Indian Springs Auxiliary Airfield but do not include a location at Nellis Air Force Base or Creech Air Force Base. The bill also establishes a presumption of toxic exposure for veterans who performed active service at such NTTR locations, including airspace above such locations. Additionally, lipomas and tumor related conditions must be considered as service-connected conditions for veterans who served at the NTTR locations.

No Veteran Should Go Hungry Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

No Veteran Should Go Hungry Act of 2025 This bill requires that preseparation counseling provided to members of the Armed Forces under the Transition Assistance Program include information regarding federal food and nutrition assistance programs (e.g., the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as SNAP).