Defence

Caring for Survivors Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

Caring for Survivors Act of 2023 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.

VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study the effects of cannabis on veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or chronic pain (i.e., eligible veterans). First, the bill requires the VA to conduct an observational, 18-month study on the effects of cannabis on the health outcomes of eligible veterans. The VA must report on the study and address whether it is able to meet criteria necessary to conduct clinical trials. Then, if the VA determines that it is able to proceed, it must carry out a series of clinical trials on the effects of cannabis appropriate for investigational use, as determined by the Food and Drug Administration, on the outcomes of eligible veterans. The VA must carry out a long-term observational study of the clinical trial participants. The VA may terminate the trials if it is unable to meet clinical guideline requirements or the trials would create excessive risk to participants. The VA must ensure that the study and trials are representative of the demographics of veterans in the United States, as determined by the most recent data from the American Community Survey of the Bureau of the Census. The study and trials must include mechanisms to ensure data preservation and registration as necessary (in an anonymous form).

National Strategy to Utilize Microreactors for Natural Disaster Response Efforts Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

National Strategy to Utilize Microreactors for Natural Disaster Response Efforts Act This bill directs the President to develop a national strategy to utilize microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts. A microreactor is a nuclear reactor with at most 20 megawatts of thermal energy generating capacity. Specifically, such strategy must include an assessment of the effectiveness of utilizing diesel generators to assist with natural disaster response efforts; a comprehensive, research-based, and long-term discussion of goals, objectives, and priorities for utilizing microreactors instead of diesel generators to assist with such efforts; a Department of Defense analysis regarding the use of such microreactors to assist with such efforts; recommendations on how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission can work with other federal agencies to expedite the approval of designs for microreactors and issuing licenses; an assessment of the challenges and barriers to deploying microreactors to assist with such efforts and solutions; and recommendations on how to utilize microreactors as charging stations for electric vehicles in the event of a mass evacuation resulting from a natural disaster.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to authorize the basic allowance for housing for members of the uniformed services in the Virgin Islands.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

This bill adjusts the housing allowance for uniformed service members in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specifically, the Department of Defense must provide to a service member serving in the U.S. Virgin Islands the basic housing allowance, rather than the overseas housing allowance. Currently, a service member on duty in the U.S. Virgin Islands receives the overseas housing allowance, which is limited to cost reimbursement. By contrast, service members in the 50 states and the District of Columbia receive the basic housing allowance, which offers a fixed amount for each locality and grade/rank.

Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2023 This bill modifies the extension of dependent coverage under TRICARE by allowing a dependent under the age of 26 to be covered without an additional premium. Additionally, the bill authorizes such coverage of dependents without an additional premium regardless of whether they are eligible to enroll in an employer-sponsored plan.

Stop China’s IP Theft Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

Stop China's IP Theft Act This bill directs the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to deny entry into the United States to senior Chinese Communist Party officials, the spouses and children of such officials, members of the cabinet of the Chinese government, and active duty members of China's armed forces. This prohibition shall not apply in any year in which the Office of the Director of National Intelligence certifies to Congress that China's government has stopped sponsoring, funding, facilitating, and actively working to support efforts to infringe the intellectual property rights of U.S. citizens and companies.

Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to Dustoff crews (helicopter air ambulance crews) of the Vietnam War in recognition of their heroic military service.

Military and Veteran Caregiver Student Loan Relief Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

Military and Veteran Caregiver Student Loan Relief Act of 2023 This bill makes designated primary family caregivers of veterans eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Under the PSLF program, the Department of Education must cancel the balance of interest and principal due on a borrower's Federal Direct Loans after the borrower makes 120 monthly loan payments while employed in a public service job. This bill broadens the definition of public service job to include service as a primary family caregiver of an eligible veteran participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2023

Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide grants to states and Indian tribes to implement programs that improve outreach and assistance to veterans and their families to ensure that such individuals are fully informed about veterans' benefits and programs. Specifically, the VA may provide grants to states and tribes to (1) implement or enhance outreach activities; (2) increase the number of county or tribal veterans service officers in the state or tribe; or (3) expand, implement, or otherwise enhance existing programs and services of the existing state or tribal organization that is recognized by the VA in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for veterans benefits through representatives who hold positions as county or tribal veterans service officers. The VA must prioritize awarding grants in areas with a critical shortage of county or tribal veterans service officers, areas with high rates of suicide among veterans, and areas with high rates of referrals to the Veterans Crisis Line. During FY2024-FY2028, the VA is authorized to hire two or more additional full-time equivalent employees in the VA's Office of General Counsel to carry out duties under the accreditation, discipline, and fees program.

Washington, D.C. Residents Voting Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2023

Washington, D.C. Residents Voting Act This bill cedes certain portions of the District of Columbia (DC) to Maryland while retaining other portions as the Federal District, which falls under the exclusive legislative authority and control of Congress and serves as the permanent seat of the federal government. Maryland must accept this retrocession for it to take effect. The Federal District shall consist of a designated geographic area and specified properties including, the principal federal monuments; the White House; the U.S. Capitol; the U.S. Supreme Court Building; the federal executive, legislative, and judicial office buildings located adjacent to the Mall and the U.S. Capitol; and the Frances Perkins Building, including any portion of it north of D Street NW. The bill also maintains the federal government's authority over military lands and specified other property. In addition, the bill (1) applies current Maryland criminal laws and laws that regulate Maryland vehicular traffic to the Federal District, (2) continues pending judicial proceedings, and (3) repeals requirements providing for participation of the seat of the federal government in elections of the President and Vice President. The bill also temporarily continues certain federal authorities and responsibilities that pertain to DC, including regarding employee benefits, agencies, courts, and college tuition assistance.

COLLABORATE Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2023

Coordinating Our Local Liaisons And Bringing Out Related Agency Technical Expertise Act or the COLLABORATE Act This bill requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment and the Small Business Administration to enter an interagency agreement to coordinate the government contracting assistance provided by small business development centers and APEX Accelerators. Small business development centers provide business advising and technical assistance to existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs. The APEX Accelerators program provides education and training to support the capacity for businesses to participate in federal, state, and local government contracts.

TCJA Permanency Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2023

TCJA Permanency Act This bill makes permanent provisions affecting individual and business taxpayers that were enacted in 2017 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. The bill makes permanent reductions in individual and capital gain tax rates. The bill increases the standard tax deduction for individual taxpayers. It also increases and modifies the child tax credit and raises the contribution base for the tax deduction for charitable contributions. The bill allows additional contributions to ABLE accounts (tax-exempt accounts designed to enable individuals with disabilities to save and pay for disability-related expenses). It exempts from taxation combat zone benefits of members of the Armed Forces serving in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt and limits the deduction for moving expenses to active duty members of the Armed Forces. Additionally, the bill expands the types of elementary and secondary school expenses eligible for payment from qualified tuition programs (529 programs); lowers to $750,000 the amount of mortgage debt eligible for an interest expense tax deduction; reinstates after 2024 the exclusion of income from the gross income of student loan borrowers for loan debt discharged due to death or total and permanent disability; makes permanent the limitation on the tax deduction for state and local taxes and denies a deduction for foreign real property taxes; makes permanent the tax deduction of the income of certain pass-through business entities; repeals the tax deduction for personal tax exemptions and the exclusion of employer-provided bicycle commuter fringe benefits; terminates certain miscellaneous itemized tax deductions; doubles the estate and gift tax exemption amount; and makes permanent the increase of the alternative minimum tax exemption amount for individual taxpayers.

Rachael Booth Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2023

Rachel Booth Act This bill expands eligibility for transitional compensation payments to dependents (or former dependents) of certain members of the Armed Forces who have committed a dependent-abuse offense. Specifically, the bill provides eligibility for transitional compensation to dependents of members of the Armed Forces in situations where a member (1) has been convicted of a dependent-abuse offense in a civilian court but has been separated from duty for an offense other than the abuse offense; or (2) has been accused but not convicted of such an offense, but has been determined to have committed the offense by a commander and required to forfeit pay and allowances for an offense other than the abuse offense. For purposes of determining a recipient of payments under such circumstances, an individual's status as a dependent child must be determined as of the first date on which an individual is held in pretrial confinement relating to the dependent-abuse offense or the date on which the commander determines there is probable cause the individual has committed the offense. The bill prescribes when transitional compensation payments must commence based on the status of the conviction or confinement. The military department concerned may delegate authority to authorize eligibility for benefits for dependents (and former dependents) to the first general or flag officer (or civilian equivalent) in the chain of command of the offending member.

No Terrorists on U.S. Soil Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2023

No Terrorists on U.S. Soil Act of 2023 This bill extends the prohibition on the use of Department of Defense (DOD) funds for certain purposes related to the U.S. Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The bill extends through December 31, 2024, the prohibition on using DOD funds to transfer or release to or within the United States (or its territories or possessions) detainees who (1) are not U.S. citizens or members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and (2) are or were held by DOD on or after January 20, 2009, at Guantanamo. The bill also extends through December 31, 2024, the prohibition on the use of DOD funds to construct or modify any facility in the United States (or its territories or possessions) to house any individual transferred from Guantanamo for the purposes of detention or imprisonment by DOD. Additionally, the bill extends to FY2024 funds the prohibition on the use of certain DOD funds to (1) close or abandon Guantanamo, (2) or relinquish control of Guantanamo to Cuba.

Sgt. Fieldy Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Sgt. Fieldy Act This bill authorizes the interment of a deceased military working dog in any open national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration.

Preserving the Gulf Test Range to Ensure Military Readiness Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Preserving the Gulf Test Range to Ensure Military Readiness Act This bill establishes a moratorium on energy development (e.g., offshore wind development) in specified areas of the Gulf of Mexico until June 30, 2032. Until that date, the Department of the Interior may not conduct certain energy development activities in any area east of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico. The moratorium also applies to other areas of the Outer Continental Shelf—the South Atlantic Planning Area, the Straits of Florida Planning Area, or any area west of the Military Mission Line in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Planning Area—if energy exploration, leasing, or development in that area has been identified as having any adverse effect on national security, military readiness, or the Department of Defense's testing capabilities. However, Interior may issue leases in those areas for environmental conservation purposes, including the purposes of shore protection, beach nourishment and restoration, wetlands restoration, and habitat protection.

Protecting Military Installations from Foreign Espionage Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Protecting Military Installations from Foreign Espionage Act This bill places restrictions on the purchase of certain property by a foreign person who is owned or controlled by, is acting for or on behalf of, or receives subsidies from Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea. Specifically, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States must review a purchase or lease by, or a concession to, any such foreign person of private or public real estate in the United States that is within (1) 100 miles of a military installation; or (2) 50 miles of a military training route, special use airspace, a controlled firing area, or a military operations area. Further, the Department of Defense and the Department of Transportation may not issue final determinations regarding specified projects (e.g., energy projects) that involve a transaction under review by the committee until the committee concludes its action.

Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from requiring payment from a veteran for any contraceptive item that is required to be covered by health insurance plans without a cost-sharing requirement.

AIR Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Aerial Intelligence-collection Revelation Act of 2023 or the AIR Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to provide written notification to Congress if any foreign surveillance object (e.g., a balloon) enters the national airspace system without prior approval. Such notification must be submitted to Congress not later than 24 hours after the object enters the national airspace system.

Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2023 This bill requires the Small Business Administration to carry out a pilot program assessing the feasibility and advisability of making grants to eligible veterans to start or acquire a small business concern, a franchise business enterprise, or any other appropriate category of business enterprise. Eligible veterans are those veterans or members of the Armed Forces who (1) are currently retiring or separating from the Armed Forces or have been honorably discharged from active duty, (2) have completed a specified minimum period of active duty, and (3) are entitled to certain educational assistance programs. Grant recipients must complete an entrepreneurship readiness program and prepare a business plan, and they may use grant funds for purposes such as purchasing goods or services, funding a project that is directed toward economic development objectives, and acquiring a business enterprise.

Ukraine Fatigue Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Ukraine Fatigue Resolution This resolution states that the United States must end its military and financial aid to Ukraine. The resolution also urges all combatants to reach to reach a peace agreement.

Retain Skilled Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Retain Skilled Veterans Act This bill modifies the restriction related to the appointment of retired members of the Armed Forces to certain civil service positions in the Department of Defense. Under the bill, the 180-day waiting period before a retired member may be appointed to a position only applies to those positions in the excepted or competitive service classified at or above GS-14 of the General Schedule (or equivalent).

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

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

This bill repeals specified authorizations for the use of military force against Iraq.

Military Spouse Employment Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Military Spouse Employment Act This bill allows executive agencies to appoint military spouses to remote work positions. (The current appointment authority does not specifically extend to remote positions.) The bill defines remote work as a particular type of telework that does not require an employee to report to an official agency location on a regular and recurring basis.

VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study the effects of cannabis on veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or chronic pain (i.e., eligible veterans). First, the bill requires the VA to conduct an observational, 18-month study on the effects of cannabis on the health outcomes of eligible veterans. The VA must report on the study and address whether it is able to meet criteria necessary to conduct clinical trials. Then, if the VA determines that it is able to proceed, it must carry out a series of clinical trials on the effects of cannabis appropriate for investigational use, as determined by the Food and Drug Administration, on the outcomes of eligible veterans. The VA must carry out a long-term observational study of the clinical trial participants. The VA may terminate the trials if it is unable to meet clinical guideline requirements or the trials would create excessive risk to participants. The VA must ensure that the study and trials are representative of the demographics of veterans in the United States, as determined by the most recent data from the American Community Survey of the Bureau of the Census. The study and trials must include mechanisms to ensure data preservation and registration as necessary (in an anonymous form).

Fry Scholarship Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Fry Scholarship Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill expands eligibility for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, commonly referred to as the Fry Scholarship. The scholarship provides educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to specified dependents of service members who, on or after September 11, 2001, died in the line of duty as a member of the Armed Forces or from a service-connected disability while a member of the Selected Reserve. Specifically, the bill expands eligibility for the Fry Scholarship to include a child or spouse of a person who died 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, 2024.

A bill to repeal the authorizations for use of military force against Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

This bill repeals specified authorizations for the use of military force against Iraq.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Chinese Communist Party's espionage mission to send a surveillance balloon across the United States, in violation of international law, is unacceptable and should be condemned.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

This resolution condemns the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP's) invasion of U.S. airspace to conduct surveillance. The resolution also (1) affirms that U.S. airspace should be protected from foreign and hostile state actors, and (2) calls on the President to be transparent regarding this spying attempt and all other attempts by the CCP to surveil U.S. citizens, territory, and assets.

REEF Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Re-using Equipment for Environmental Fortification Act or the REEF Act This bill requires the Department of the Navy to notify Congress of the pending retirement of vessels that are viable candidates for artificial reefing (intentionally sinking a vessel to promote marine life). Specifically, the Navy must provide such notice not later than 90 days before the viable candidate's retirement from the Naval Vessel Register.

A bill to make 5 percent across-the-board rescissions in non-defense, non-homeland-security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary spending for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

This bill requires 5% across-the-board rescissions to FY2024 and FY2025 appropriations provided for any non-defense, non-homeland-security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary account by any appropriations act. For the purpose of this bill, a non-defense, non-homeland-security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary account is a discretionary spending account other than any account included in a Department of Defense Appropriations Act; included in a Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act; of the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs included in a Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act; or for Department of Energy defense activities included in an Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

A bill to make 2 percent across-the-board rescissions in non-defense, non-homeland-security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary spending for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

This bill requires 2% across-the-board rescissions to FY2024 and FY2025 appropriations provided for any non-defense, non-homeland-security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary account by any appropriations act. For the purpose of this bill, a non-defense, non-homeland-security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary account is a discretionary spending account other than any account included in a Department of Defense Appropriations Act; included in a Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act; of the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs included in a Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act; or for Department of Energy defense activities included in an Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

A bill to make 1 percent across-the-board rescissions in non-defense, non-homeland-security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary spending for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

This bill requires 1% across-the-board rescissions to FY2024 and FY2025 appropriations provided for any non-defense, non-homeland-security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary account by any appropriations act. For the purpose of this bill, a non-defense, non-homeland-security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary account is a discretionary spending account other than any account included in a Department of Defense Appropriations Act; included in a Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act; of the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs included in a Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act; or for Department of Energy defense activities included in an Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Department of Defense Improved Hiring Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Department of Defense Improved Hiring Act This bill makes permanent the Department of Defense (DOD) direct hire authority for domestic defense industrial base facilities (i.e., any DOD depot, arsenal, or shipyard in the United States), the Major Range and Test Facilities Base, and the Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation.

ECON Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Economic and Commercial Opportunities and Networks Act of 2023 or the ECON Act This bill addresses economic issues in foreign relations and intellectual property (IP) infringement. The bill expands the criminal offense of trade secrets theft to include the unauthorized modifying or developing of a product in a way that would not be possible without another party's trade secret. This offense shall apply to non-U.S. conduct if the offender attempts to import the product into the United States. Furthermore, the President may impose sanctions against a foreign person (individual or entity) that has committed a significant theft of IP belonging to a U.S. person. The President must also establish or designate a multiagency committee to (1) review petitions alleging such acts of IP theft, and (2) recommend whether to impose sanctions for the alleged theft. The bill also prohibits foreign state-owned entities in international commerce from engaging in predatory pricing, defined in the bill as setting prices for a good below the average variable cost in a manner that may foreseeably harm competition. An injured party may sue in federal court. In deciding such cases, the court may consider the economic support and government subsidies provided by the entity's foreign state owner. Furthermore, the Department of State must establish a pilot program to create economic defense response teams to provide targeted support for countries facing an urgent or specific coercive economic threat from a U.S. adversary. The State Department must establish another pilot program to assist developing partner countries with identifying trade barriers and facilitating trade.

REEF Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Re-using Equipment for Environmental Fortification Act of 2023 or the REEF Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of the Navy to notify Congress when a vessel that is a viable candidate for artificial reefing (intentionally sinking a vessel to promote marine life) is to be stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. Specifically, the Navy must provide such notice not later than 90 days before the viable candidate is to be stricken from the register.

National Cold War Center Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

National Cold War Center Act of 2023 This bill designates the museum located at Blytheville/Eaker Air Force Base in Blytheville, Arkansas, as the National Cold War Center.

Retain Skilled Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Retain Skilled Veterans Act This bill modifies the restriction related to the appointment of retired members of the Armed Forces to certain civil service positions in the Department of Defense. Under the bill, the 180-day waiting period before a retired member may be appointed to a position only applies to those positions in the excepted or competitive service classified at or above GS-14 of the General Schedule (or equivalent).

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment prohibits total outlays for any fiscal year from exceeding 18% of the gross domestic product of the United States, unless two-thirds of each chamber of Congress provides for a specific increase above this amount. The amendment requires a two-thirds vote of each chamber of Congress to impose a new tax, increase the statutory rate of any tax, or increase the aggregate amount of revenue. It requires a three-fifths vote of each chamber to increase the limit on the debt of the United States. The President must submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts or 18% of the gross domestic product of the United States. The amendment prohibits a court from ordering a revenue increase to enforce the requirements. Congress may waive specified requirements when a declaration of war is in effect or the United States is engaged in a military conflict that causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security.

Major Richard Star Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Major Richard Star Act This bill allows a veteran with a combat-related disability and fewer than 20 years of creditable service to receive retirement pay, without reduction, concurrent with disability compensation.

Protecting Military Installations and Ranges Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

Protecting Military Installations and Ranges Act of 2023 This bill places restrictions on the purchase of certain property by a foreign person who is owned or controlled by, is acting for or on behalf of, or receives subsidies from Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea. Specifically, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States must review a purchase or lease by, or a concession to, any such foreign person of private or public real estate in the United States that is within (1) 100 miles of a military installation; or (2) 50 miles of a military training route, special use airspace, a controlled firing area, or a military operations area. Further, the Department of Defense and the Department of Transportation may not issue final determinations regarding specified projects (e.g., energy projects) that involve a transaction under review by the committee until the committee concludes its action.

[H.A.S.C. No. 118-3] STATE OF THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 February 2023

Safeguarding the U.S. Armed Forces and Service Academies Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2023

Safeguarding the U.S. Armed Forces and Service Academies Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce or establish a mandate requiring a member of the Armed Forces, or a cadet or midshipman at a federal service academy, to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, no such individuals may be subject to adverse action solely on the basis of a refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. At the request of an individual who was involuntarily separated from an Armed Force or federal service academy solely because of a refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, the military department concerned must reinstate the individual as a member of the Armed Force in the same rank and grade the individual held at the time of separation, or reinstate the individual as a cadet or midshipman with the credits the individual had completed at the time of separation; expunge from the individual's military service record any reference to adverse action related to the refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination; and include the period between the involuntary separation and reinstatement in the computation of retired or retainer pay of the individual. Such individuals must be entitled to back pay for the period between the separation and the reinstatement. The bill requires that the discharge of members due to the failure to obey a lawful order to receive a COVID-19 vaccination must be categorized as an honorable discharge, including for individuals who were discharged prior to the enactment of this bill.

Condemning Azerbaijan's blockade of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) and ongoing human rights violations.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2023

This resolution condemns Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin Corridor to Nagorno-Karabakh (also known as Artsakh). The resolution calls on the U.S. government to work with international partners to deploy observers to explore opportunities for security and peaceful development. The resolution also calls on the President to (1) suspend military and security assistance from the United States to Azerbaijan, and (2) fully enforce a U.S. law prohibiting certain bilateral assistance to Azerbaijan until Azerbaijan takes demonstrable steps to cease all offensive uses of force against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

[H.A.S.C. NO. 118-2] THE PRESSING THREAT OF THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY TO U.S. NATIONAL DEFENSE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 February 2023

BEST for Vets Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023

Better Examiner Standards and Transparency for Veterans Act of 2023 or the BEST for Vets Act of 2023 This bill provides that only health care professionals who are licensed and not barred from practice may furnish medical disability examinations under the Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program related to using contract physicians for disability examinations. Health care professionals include physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, and psychologists.

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

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023

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.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023

This joint resolution nullifies the interim final rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) titled Reproductive Health Services and published on September 9, 2022. The rule authorizes the VA to provide certain abortion-related care to veterans. The rule also applies to such care provided to beneficiaries covered under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).

United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023

United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to the African Americans who served with Union forces in recognition of their bravery and outstanding service during the Civil War.

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023

This joint resolution nullifies the interim final rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) titled Reproductive Health Services and published on September 9, 2022. The rule authorizes the VA to provide certain abortion-related care to veterans. The rule also applies to such care provided to beneficiaries covered under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).

Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023

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.