Defence

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2022

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 February 2021

To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Gaylord, Michigan, as the "Navy Corpsman Steve Andrews Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Gaylord, Michigan, as the Navy Corpsman Steve Andrews Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic.

Same-Day Accountability for Veterans Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

Same-Day Accountability for Veterans Enhancement Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop quantifiable objectives and performance measures to assess the effects of the provision of same-day services on the access of veterans to medical care and mental health services. The VA must report on the developed objectives and performances measures and provide recommendations for the reduction of veteran suicide rates and the implementation of same-day services throughout the Veterans Health Administration. Finally, the VA must conduct an annual assessment of each VA medical center and community-based outpatient clinic and make such assessments publicly available on a VA website.

To direct the Inspector General of the Department of Defense and the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to Congress reports regarding white supremacy in the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

This bill requires the Inspector General of the Department of Defense to submit a report containing a list of all steps the Inspector General is taking to combat white supremacy in the Armed Forces. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report on the prevalence of white supremacy in the Armed Forces, including recommendations on legislation to combat such an issue.

Major Richard Star Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

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.

Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act of 2021 This bill provides a framework to compensate certain residents of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, for the use of such island for military readiness. The bill sets forth provisions regarding award amounts for individuals and for claims by the municipality of Vieques. An individual claimant who has resided on the island of Vieques for not less than five years shall be awarded monetary compensation if the claimant contracted a chronic or life threatening case of cancer, hypertension, cirrhosis, kidney disease, diabetes, or heavy metal poisoning during or after the government used the island for military readiness. The bill limits total amounts awarded to $1 billion and bars claims not filed within 15 years of enactment.

SAVE LIVES Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans' and Caregivers' COVID-19 Immunizations Now Expanded Act of 2021 or the VA VACCINE Act of 2021 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish a COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) vaccine to covered individuals during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Under the bill, covered individuals are veterans who are not eligible to enroll in the VA health care system; specified veterans who are eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care abroad; family caregivers of veterans participating in the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers; caregivers of veterans participating in the VA's Program of General Caregiver Support Services; and caregivers of veterans participating in the VA's Medical Foster Home Program, Bowel and Bladder Program, Home Based Primary Care Program, or Veteran Directed Care Program. The VA must prioritize the vaccination of veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system. Additionally, vaccines furnished abroad are authorized regardless of whether vaccines are needed for the treatment of veterans with a service-connected disability (including those participating in a VA rehabilitation program).

REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

Repeal Existing Policies that Encourage and Allow Legal HIV Discrimination Act of 2021 or the REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act of 2021 This bill concerns the burdens that federal and state laws, policies, and regulations may place upon people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Defense (DOD) to initiate a national review of federal (including military) and state laws, policies, regulations, and judicial precedents and decisions regarding criminal and related civil commitment cases involving people living with HIV. DOJ must transmit to Congress and make publicly available the results of such review with related recommendations. DOJ and HHS must (1) develop and publicly release guidance and best practice recommendations for states, and (2) establish an integrated monitoring and evaluation system to measure state progress. DOJ, HHS, and DOD must transmit to the President and Congress any proposals necessary to implement adjustments to federal laws, policies, or regulations. This bill shall not be construed to discourage the prosecution of individuals who intentionally transmit or attempt to transmit HIV to another individual.

Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to concede, for the purposes of health care benefits and wartime disability compensation, that a veteran was exposed to certain toxic substances, chemicals, and hazards from burn pits if such veteran served on active duty in a covered location during a specified time frame (unless there is affirmative evidence to establish that the veteran was not exposed during such service). A burn pit is an area used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment. Specifically, the bill covers the following locations and corresponding time periods: Iraq between August 2, 1990, and February 28, 1991, as well as from March 19, 2003, until burn pits are no longer used in this location; Southwest Asia (including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar) from August 2, 1990, until burn pits are no longer used in these locations; and Afghanistan, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen, and Djibouti from September 11, 2001, until burn pits are no longer used in these locations. Under the bill, if an exposed veteran submits insufficient evidence to establish a service-connection for purposes of disability compensation, the VA shall provide a medical examination and request a medical opinion regarding a causal link between the disability and a toxin, chemical, or hazard.

SERVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

Supporting Eating Disorders Recovery Through Vital Expansion Act or the SERVE Act This bill provides for inpatient and outpatient treatment of eating disorders under TRICARE for dependents of members of the uniformed services. Dependents are eligible for such care regardless of (1) their age, except with respect to residential service; and (2) whether the eating disorder is their primary or secondary diagnosis. The bill also requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (with respect to the Coast Guard) to identify, treat, and rehabilitate members of the armed forces who have an eating disorder. Finally, DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs must jointly develop, publish, and disseminate clinical practice criteria and guidelines on the identification and treatment of eating disorders.

George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 This bill addresses a wide range of policies and issues regarding policing practices and law enforcement accountability. It increases accountability for law enforcement misconduct, restricts the use of certain policing practices, enhances transparency and data collection, and establishes best practices and training requirements. The bill enhances existing enforcement mechanisms to remedy violations by law enforcement. Among other things, it does the following: lowers the criminal intent standard—from willful to knowing or reckless—to convict a law enforcement officer for misconduct in a federal prosecution, limits qualified immunity as a defense to liability in a private civil action against a law enforcement officer, and grants administrative subpoena power to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in pattern-or-practice investigations. It establishes a framework to prevent and remedy racial profiling by law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels. It also limits the unnecessary use of force and restricts the use of no-knock warrants, chokeholds, and carotid holds. The bill creates a national registry—the National Police Misconduct Registry—to compile data on complaints and records of police misconduct. It also establishes new reporting requirements, including on the use of force, officer misconduct, and routine policing practices (e.g., stops and searches). Finally, it directs DOJ to create uniform accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies and requires law enforcement officers to complete training on racial profiling, implicit bias, and the duty to intervene when another officer uses excessive force.

Gold Star Altitude Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

Gold Star Altitude Act This bill authorizes the Department of Defense to offer, on a space-available basis, transportation on military aircraft to the children, surviving spouses, parents, and siblings of members of the Armed Forces who die during active service.

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the importance of including small business concerns, especially minority-owned small business concerns, in any efforts to leverage the Defense Production Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

This concurrent resolution urges the President to give preference to small businesses—especially those that are minority owned—and ensure their participation in specified efforts to respond to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).

Commemorating the 30th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm's ground campaign and honoring the legacy of America's Desert Storm veterans and their example of strength and courage.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

This resolution commemorates the 30th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm's 100-hour ground campaign, honors the legacy of the 697,000 U.S. Desert Storm veterans, and pays tribute to the 299 men and women who lost their lives.

Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act This bill provides a framework to compensate certain residents of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, for the use of such island for military readiness. The bill sets forth provisions regarding award amounts for individuals and for claims by the municipality of Vieques. An individual claimant who has resided on the island of Vieques for not less than five years shall be awarded monetary compensation if the claimant contracted a chronic or life threatening case of cancer, hypertension, cirrhosis, kidney disease, diabetes, or heavy metal poisoning during or after the government used the island for military readiness. The bill limits total amounts awarded to $1 billion and bars claims not filed within 15 years of enactment.

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2021

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021 This bill establishes in the Department of State a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex) Peoples who shall serve as the principal State Department advisor regarding human rights for LGBTQI people and represent the United States in diplomatic matters relevant to the human rights of LGBTQI people. The special envoy shall periodically provide Congress with a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI people. The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development may provide assistance to prevent and respond to such activities against LGBTQI people. The bill also requires that annual country reports on human rights practices include information on criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Modernizing Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2021

Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Act This bill establishes the Commission on Eligibility to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The President must require the VA and other relevant agencies to implement recommendations set forth by the commission that are feasible, advisable, and can be implemented without further legislative action.

Libya Stabilization Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2021

Libya Stabilization Act This bill provides for sanctions and aid related to the conflict in Libya. The bill provides statutory authority for an April 19, 2016, executive order imposing property- and visa-blocking sanctions on persons contributing to the violence in Libya. The President must impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on any foreign person that (1) knowingly supports or engages in a significant transaction with a foreign person knowingly operating in Libya on behalf of Russia in a military capacity, (2) engages in significant actions threatening peace or stability in Libya, (3) misappropriates Libyan state assets or natural resources, or (4) is knowingly responsible for or complicit in serious human rights abuses in Libya. These sanctions shall expire on December 31, 2026. The bill urges the U.S. Agency for International Development to provide humanitarian assistance to individuals and communities in Libya, including health assistance, food, shelter, and support for an effective COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) response. The Department of State must work to strengthen Libya's democratic governance, including by providing assistance to (1) unify Libya's financial and governing institutions, and (2) ensure free and credible future elections in Libya. The Department of the Treasury must vote and argue for international financial institutions to support an economic recovery in Libya that complements the establishment of democratic institutions and rule of law.

Ensuring Quality Care for Our Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2021

Ensuring Quality Care for O ur Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with a nonfederal organization to conduct a quality management review of hospital care or medical services furnished by each Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provider whose license was terminated by a state licensing board based upon care or services provided in a non-VHA facility. If a review determines that the standard of care was not met, the VA shall notify the individual who received such care or services.

Homeless Veterans CREDIT Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2021

Homeless Veterans Credit Repair, Enhancement, and Debt Improvement for Tomorrow Act or the Homeless Veterans CREDIT Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a comprehensive study on access to, and use and effects of, financial and credit counseling for homeless veterans and veterans experiencing housing instability.

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2021

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from transmitting certain information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) utilized by licensed importers or dealers of firearms. Specifically, the bill prohibits the VA from transmitting personally identifying information of a veteran or a beneficiary to the NICS solely on the basis that such veteran or beneficiary has an appointed fiduciary to manage their benefits, unless there is an order or finding of a judicial authority that such veteran or beneficiary is a danger to themselves or others.

Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2021

Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct an epidemiological study and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) in veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations during the Vietnam era. The study shall identify the rate of incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in such veterans and in U.S. residents. The bill also requires the VA to track and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma using the Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry.

To repeal certain foreign affairs reporting requirements.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2021

This bill repeals the following foreign affairs reporting requirements: the President's report on progress toward the implementation of certain commitments by the Palestine Liberation Organization, the Department of State's report on progress toward opening the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, the State Department's report on voting practices at the United Nations, the State Department's report on positions in each overseas mission that require foreign language competence, the State Department's report on world military expenditures and arms transfers, the State Department's report on U.S. policy objectives that are advanced through meetings of decision-making bodies of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the State Department's report on the coordination of U.S. assistance to foreign countries related to international terrorism.

To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Megellas, formerly of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and most recently of Colleyville, Texas, before his death on April 2, 2020, for acts of valor on January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2021

This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Megellas for acts of valor on January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

Honduras Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2021

Honduras Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Act of 2021 This bill temporarily imposes sanctions and other penalties on Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez and the government of Honduras for systemic corruption and human rights violations, with particular focus on the Honduran police and military. Specifically, the President must impose asset- and visa-blocking sanctions on Juan Orlando Hernandez due to his corrupt practices, including the use of the state apparatus to protect and facilitate drug trafficking. Additionally, the President must prohibit, within 30 days, the issuance of licenses to export defense articles and services and specified munitions to the Honduran police or military. The bill also (1) makes Honduras ineligible for security assistance to equip and train police and military, and (2) requires U.S. representatives at multilateral development banks to oppose any loans for Honduran police or military. Furthermore, the Department of the Treasury must instruct U.S. leadership of international financial institutions and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to promote human rights due diligence and risk management in any loan, grant, policy, or strategy related to Honduras. The sanctions and other penalties put in place under this bill terminate in five years but may be lifted earlier if specified conditions are met.

Libya Stabilization Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2021

Libya Stabilization Act This bill provides for sanctions and aid related to the conflict in Libya. The bill provides statutory authority for an April 19, 2016, executive order imposing property- and visa-blocking sanctions on persons contributing to the violence in Libya. The President must impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on any foreign person that (1) knowingly supports or engages in a significant transaction with a foreign person knowingly operating in Libya on behalf of Russia in a military capacity, (2) engages in significant actions threatening peace or stability in Libya, (3) misappropriates Libyan state assets or natural resources, or (4) is knowingly responsible for or complicit in serious human rights abuses in Libya. These sanctions shall expire on December 31, 2026. The bill authorizes the U.S. Agency for International Development to provide humanitarian assistance to individuals and communities in Libya, including health assistance, food, shelter, and support for an effective COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) response. The Department of State must work to strengthen Libya's democratic governance, including by providing assistance to (1) unify Libya's financial and governing institutions, and (2) ensure free and credible future elections in Libya. The Department of the Treasury must vote and argue for international financial institutions to support an economic recovery in Libya that complements the establishment of democratic institutions and rule of law.

No Coronavirus Copays for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2021

No Coronavirus Copays for Veterans Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from requiring a co-payment or other cost sharing for qualifying preventive services related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). A qualifying preventive service is intended to prevent or mitigate COVID-19 and is either (1) an evidence-based item or service with an A or B rating in the current recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, or (2) an immunization that has in effect a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with respect to the individual involved. Such a prohibition shall take effect 15 business days after the date on which a recommendation is made regarding a qualifying preventive service related to COVID-19.

A bill to authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Megellas, formerly of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and most recently of Colleyville, Texas, before his death on April 2, 2020, for acts of valor on January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2021

This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Megellas for acts of valor on January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2021

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021 This bill establishes in the Department of State a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex) Peoples who shall serve as the principal State Department advisor regarding human rights for LGBTQI people and represent the United States in diplomatic matters relevant to the human rights of LGBTQI people. The special envoy shall periodically provide Congress with a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI people. The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development may provide assistance to prevent and respond to such activities against LGBTQI people. The bill also requires that annual country reports on human rights practices include information on criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Major Richard Star Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2021

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.

Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2021

Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act This bill authorizes the President to use the Armed Forces to defend Taiwan against a direct attack by China's military, a taking of Taiwan's territory by China, or a threat that endangers the lives of civilians in Taiwan or members of Taiwan's military. The bill also directs the Department of Defense to convene an annual regional security dialogue with Taiwan and other partners to improve U.S. security relationships with countries in the Western Pacific. (China considers Taiwan a part of China.)

Honoring the Oath Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Honoring the Oath Act of 2021  This bill establishes the Military Family Immigration Advisory Committee and modifies the naturalization procedures for a noncitizen in the Armed Forces. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shall notify the committee when any individual in removal proceedings is a (1) member of the Armed Forces, (2) veteran, or (3) noncitizen spouse or minor child of such an Armed Forces member or veteran. The committee shall review the case of any such individual and make recommendations to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice as to how the case should be resolved. Such an individual shall not be removed until the committee has provided its recommendations. DHS and the Department of Defense shall jointly carry out a program allowing a noncitizen individual who serves on active duty in the Armed Forces (and any noncitizen spouse or minor children of the individual) to become a U.S. citizen if the individual is not otherwise ineligible for citizenship. The Armed Forces member shall be given the opportunity to apply for citizenship during the accession process into the Armed Forces. DHS shall adjudicate such an individual's application by the last day of the individual's active service in the Armed Forces.

Veteran Deportation Prevention and Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Veteran Deportation Prevention and Reform Act This bill provides protections from deportation for noncitizen veterans and contains other related provisions. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must identify each individual in removal proceedings who is a member of the Armed Forces, a veteran, or a noncitizen spouse or minor child of such an individual. That individual may not be removed until (1) ICE has transferred that individual's case files to an advisory committee created under this bill, and (2) that committee has provided recommendations as to the outcome of the case. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall create a system to share information across various agencies about noncitizen veterans who may be subject to removal to ensure that such a veteran's military service is taken into consideration in immigration-related cases. DHS shall also create a system for (1) identifying noncitizens who are or may be veterans, and (2) collecting data relating to such noncitizens who are in removal proceedings or may have been removed. DHS and the Department of Defense must jointly carry out a program to naturalize a noncitizen (and the noncitizen's spouse and minor children) who serves on active duty in the Armed Forces and is not otherwise ineligible for citizenship if that noncitizen submits an application. DHS shall also establish a program for eligible noncitizen veterans (generally those not convicted for certain serious crimes) to obtain permanent resident status. Similarly, the Department of Justice shall provide permanent resident status to such an eligible veteran in removal proceedings or subject to a final order of removal.

Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act of 2021 This bill provides a framework to compensate certain residents of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, for the use of such island for military readiness. The bill sets forth provisions regarding award amounts for individuals and for claims by the municipality of Vieques. An individual claimant shall be awarded monetary compensation if the claimant contracted a chronic, life threatening, or physical or mental disease or illness, during or after the government used the island for military readiness.

To amend the VA MISSION Act of 2018 to expand the veterans healing veterans medical access and scholarship program to include more students and schools.

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

This bill expands the Department of Veterans Affairs medical education pilot program, which currently provides funding for the medical education of two eligible veterans at each of the nine covered medical schools. The bill adds five schools to the list of covered medical schools, increasing the number of veterans covered from 18 to 28.

Vaccines for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Vaccines for Veterans Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) vaccine during the COVID-19 emergency period to veterans who were discharged from service under honorable conditions, regardless of whether they are enrolled in the VA health care system or are otherwise eligible to receive VA health care. Under the bill, the directors of VA medical facilities are authorized to determine priorities among eligible veterans to receive vaccines in accordance with state guidelines. The VA must coordinate with various entities (e.g., the Department of Defense) to determine whether an individual seeking to receive a vaccine meets the requirements set forth in this bill and the relevant prioritization for such individual.

Veterans Serving Veterans Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Veterans Serving Veterans Act of 2021 This bill updates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) current recruiting database by requiring the VA to maintain a single searchable database to be known as the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs Recruitment Database . With respect to vacant positions for critical jobs or mental health professionals, the database must list (1) the military occupational specialty or skill that corresponds to the position, and (2) each qualified member of the Armed Forces who may be recruited to fill the position before such qualified member has been discharged and released from active duty. Qualified members of the Armed Forces are those service members who (1) are being separated or recently separated from active duty, (2) elect to be listed in the database, and (3) have been determined by the VA to have a military occupational specialty. The database must list the following for each qualified member of the Armed Forces: name, contact information, expected discharge date, and military occupational specialty. The VA must implement direct hiring and appointment procedures for vacant database positions and may authorize relocation bonuses. The bill also requires the VA to train and certify veterans who served as basic health care technicians in the Armed Forces to work as VA intermediate care technicians.

Veteran Suicide Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Veteran Suicide Prevention Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to complete a review of the deaths of all covered veterans who died by suicide during the five-year period preceding the enactment of this bill. Covered veterans are those who received VA hospital care or medical services during the five-year period preceding the death of the veteran. The VA shall report on the results of the review and make such report publicly available.

Protect Democracy in Burma Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Protect Democracy in Burma Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress on the military coup in Burma (Myanmar), including a description of U.S. efforts to (1) engage with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to support a return to Burma's democratic transition, and (2) influence the United Nations to hold accountable those responsible for the coup.

Veterans Right to Expediency Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Veterans Right to Expediency Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to deliver notice of the denial of claims for VA benefits by certified mail.

Condemning the military coup that took place on February 1, 2021, in Burma and the Burmese military detention of civilian leaders, calling for the release of all those detained and for those elected to serve in Parliament to resume their duties, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

This resolution condemns the military coup that took place in Burma (Myanmar) on February 1, 2021. It also calls on the Burmese military to (1) release all those detained arbitrarily in the coup, (2) restore all forms of communications, and (3) return to power all members of the civilian government.

China Technology Transfer Control Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

China Technology Transfer Control Act of 2021 This bill controls exports of certain national interest technology and intellectual property to China. Specifically, covered technology or intellectual property includes items that (1) would contribute significantly to the Chinese military to the detriment of U.S. national security, (2) are included in a designated list of product components compiled by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), or (3) are used by China to violate human rights or religious liberties. The President must control exports to China of any covered technology or intellectual property. Further, the President must sanction (1) a foreign person who sells to China or purchases from China any covered item, and (2) a Chinese person who knowingly uses a covered item provided to them in violation of U.S. export control law. In addition to a specified list of industries subject to the bill, the USTR must identify certain products from China that either receive designated support from the Chinese government or are used by China to violate human rights or religious liberties.

Shielding our Military from Extremists Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Shielding our Military from Extremists Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to implement the seven recommendations focused on preventing extremists from enlisting in the Armed Forces that are made in the report titled Screening Individuals Who Seek to Enlist in the Armed Forces . Among other recommendations, the report suggests (1) developing a consistent definition for domestic extremist ideologies, and (2) utilizing various law enforcement resources to evaluate and interpret questionable or concerning tattoos.

Stop Funding the PLA Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Stop Funding the PLA Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to establish a list of entities the securities of which a U.S. person shall be prohibited from purchasing or holding. Specifically, the Treasury must submit a report specifying each foreign industrial defense corporation with substantial contacts with, ties to, or support from any PLA entity (any entity of the Chinese military). The bill prohibits a U.S. person from purchasing a security of a foreign industrial defense corporation specified in the report, and it requires a U.S. person who owns any such security to divest themselves of it.

Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2021 This bill establishes a Department of Peacebuilding in the executive branch, dedicated to peacebuilding, peacemaking, and the study and promotion of conditions conducive to both domestic and international peace and a culture of peace. The mission of the department includes the cultivation of peace and peacebuilding as a strategic national policy objective and development of policies that promote national and international conflict prevention, nonviolent intervention, mediation, peaceful conflict resolution, and structured conflict mediation. The department shall collaborate with others to promote personal and community security and peace by supporting policies to address personal and family violence, including suicide; reduce drug and alcohol abuse; and create, through local community initiatives, peace projects that facilitate conflict resolution and healing of societal wounds. A Federal Interagency Committee on Peace is established to coordinate the actions of the department with other federal agencies. The Department of Defense and the Department of State must consult with the department concerning nonviolent means of conflict resolution when a conflict between the United States and any other government or entity is foreseeable, imminent, or occurring. The department shall encourage citizens to observe and celebrate the blessings of peace and endeavor to create peace on Peace Days.

Safe Career Transitions for Intelligence and National Security Professionals

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Safe Career Transitions for Intelligence and National Security Professionals This bill prohibits certain individuals with security clearances from receiving funding or employment from specified entities. Specifically, the prohibition is in effect while a security clearance is active and for five years afterwards, and applies to any (1) officer or employee of a federal agency or contractor, or (2) member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps. The prohibition shall apply to specified entities such as Huawei Technologies Company and Kaspersky Lab. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence may add to or remove from this list based on whether there is a reasonable belief that an entity is owned by or receives financial support from the government of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. A person who knowingly violates this prohibition shall be subject to fines or imprisonment, or both.

Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act This bill authorizes the President to use the Armed Forces to defend Taiwan against a direct attack by China's military, a taking of Taiwan's territory by China, or a threat that endangers the lives of civilians in Taiwan or members of Taiwan's military. The bill also directs the Department of Defense to convene an annual regional security dialogue with Taiwan and other partners to improve U.S. security relationships with countries in the Western Pacific. (China considers Taiwan a part of China.)

Opposing Business with Chinese Military Companies Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2021

Opposing Business with Chinese Military Companies Act This bill requires the President to exercise certain economic powers, such as investigating or prohibiting payments, with respect to an entity that is engaging in economic activities in the United States and is (1) affiliated with China's government or military, or (2) owned or controlled by an entity affiliated with China's defense industrial base. (The President currently has such powers but is not required to exercise them.) The bill extends to December 31, 2026, a provision requiring the Department to Defense to annually report to Congress an updated list of such entities.

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-2] UPDATE ON THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE'S EVOLVING ROLES AND MISSION IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 February 2021

To prohibit the transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2021

This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from using funds to transfer or release within the United States (including its territories or possessions) any detainee (1) who is not a U.S. citizen or member of the U.S. Armed Forces, and (2) who is or was held by DOD at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on or after January 20, 2009.