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1,301 records in US in 2023
United States · United States Congress · 7 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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023
Preserving Our Commitment to Homeless Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide case management support to local housing authorities under the VA-supported housing program. The program assists veterans who are homeless and their families in finding and sustaining permanent housing. The VA must ensure that no case manager is concurrently assigned to more than 35 veterans in each fiscal year, but may waive the requirement for a particular case manager in a particular fiscal year if it determines such a waiver is appropriate. The VA must also ensure that each veteran to whom a case manager is assigned is located within a reasonable distance of the case manager. If a case manager position within the Veterans Health Administration is vacant for a period of 180 days or more, the VA must seek to enter a contract with a qualified local service provider to furnish case management services until the position is filled.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023
CPT Rafael Barbosa Enhanced Colorectal Cancer Screening Standard for Toxic Exposed Members of the Uniformed Services Act or the Barbosa Act This bill entitles certain members of the uniformed services to a colorectal cancer screening through the Military Health System. Specifically, the bill provides such entitlement to members who, during active service, were deployed during specified time frames in certain locations where burn pits are or were used (e.g., Iraq from August 2, 1990, to February 28, 1991). A burn pit is an area used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 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.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2023
Captain James C. Edge Gold Star Spouse Equity Act This bill addresses restrictions on benefits for surviving spouses of service members. Specifically, the bill prohibits the termination of the payment of an annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan for certain surviving spouses of service members who died while on active duty solely because the surviving spouse remarries. The Department of Defense must resume payment of an annuity to surviving spouses who remarried before the age of 55 and before the enactment of this bill. The remarriage of a surviving spouse of a veteran does not bar the provision of dependency and indemnity compensation, regardless of their age when they remarried. The Department of Veterans Affairs must resume payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses who remarried before the age of 57 prior to the enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2023
Sergeant Gary Beikirch Medal of Honor Act This bill allows a surviving spouse of a Medal of Honor recipient to receive a special pension concurrently with dependency and indemnity compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2023
This bill requires the Department of Defense to ensure that it shares best practices with, and offers training to, state and local first responders regarding how to most effectively aid victims who experience trauma-related injuries.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2023
This bill excludes Guam from the application of the Defense Base Act (DBA). The DBA provides workers' compensation protection to civilian employees working on national defense projects outside the United States. Under current Department of Labor guidance, the DBA applies to U.S. citizens and lawful residents working on such projects in Guam.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2023
Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act The bill establishes the Office of the Special Inspector General for Ukrainian Military, Economic, and Humanitarian Aid. The office's duties shall include (1) conducting and coordinating audits and investigations of the handing of funds made available for aid to Ukraine, and (2) monitoring and reviewing contracts and activities involving those funds. The Special Inspector General shall report directly to, and be under the general supervision of, the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense. Federal agencies may not prevent the office from carrying out any audit or investigation related to aid to Ukraine. The office shall terminate 180 days after the date on which there is less than $250 million in unexpended amounts that were made available for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2023
Troop Return Of Overdue Payment Act or the TROOP Act This bill requires the military departments to reinstate individuals who were involuntarily separated from an Armed Force solely on the basis of refusing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination (i.e., covered individuals). Specifically, upon the request of a covered individual, the military department concerned must (1) reinstate the covered individual in the same rank and grade the individual held at the time of separation, and (2) include the period between the involuntary separation and the reinstatement in the computation of the retired or retainer pay of the covered individual. Additionally, a covered individual who requests reinstatement must be entitled to back pay for the period between the involuntary separation and reinstatement.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Chinese Military and Surveillance Company Sanctions Act of 2023 This bill requires the President to impose property-blocking sanctions on companies involved with China's defense or surveillance technology sectors if the sanctions will address threats related to those sectors. Specifically, if the President determines that imposing sanctions on a foreign person (individual or entity) would address certain threats related to investments in companies in China's defense or surveillance technology sectors, the President must impose sanctions on that person provided that the person is identified (1) as such a company in a specified report to Congress or in a June 3, 2021 , executive order , or (2) by the Department of the Treasury as having engaged in transactions in the publicly traded securities (or derivatives) of such a company.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue 50,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the service that working dogs provide to society. The designs of the coins minted under this bill shall be emblematic of the contributions of working dogs to society, including in detection, military service, therapy, and assistance. Treasury may issue coins only during the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2025. All sales of coins shall include a surcharge, which shall be paid to America's VetDogs for general expenses associated with the fulfillment of its mission.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
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.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
This joint resolution nullifies the rule titled Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States," which was submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency on January 18, 2023. The rule specifies which bodies of water fall under the scope of the Clean Water Act and are thereby under federal jurisdiction. The 2023 rule replaced a 2020 rule that included a narrower definition of waters of the United States .
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Veterans Patient Advocacy Act This bill requires the Office of Patient Advocacy within the Veterans Health Administration to ensure (1) there is not fewer than one patient advocate for every 13,500 veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system, and (2) highly rural veterans may access the services of patient advocates. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the implementation of such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Streamlining Aviation for Eligible Veterans Act or the SAFE Veterans Act This bill provides that a rehabilitation program under the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Readiness and Employment Program may include a program that includes flight training and does not lead to a degree.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Department of Veterans Affairs Creation of On-Site Treatment Systems Affording Veterans Improvements and Numerous General Safety Enhancements Act or the VA COST SAVINGS Enhancements Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to install and operate an on-site regulated medical waste treatment system at each VA facility that would benefit from such a system's cost savings. In order to identify which VA facilities would benefit, the VA must develop a uniform regulated medical waste cost analysis model to determine the cost savings associated with the use of an on-site regulated medical waste treatment system.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
This joint resolution nullifies the rule titled Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States," which was submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency on January 18, 2023. The rule specifies which bodies of water fall under the scope of the Clean Water Act and are thereby under federal jurisdiction. The 2023 rule replaced a 2020 rule that included a narrower definition of waters of the United States .
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Vaccine Passport Prevention Act of 2023 This bill generally prohibits governments from issuing vaccine passports (i.e., standard documentation other than health records to certify an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status to a third party) and discrimination based on an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status or post-transmission recovery. Specifically, the federal government may not issue any vaccine passport or discriminate based on an individual's COVID-19 vaccination or recovery status by requiring documentation of the status as a condition of receiving a benefit or service. In addition, the federal government (except for the Department of Defense) may not mandate COVID-19 vaccines as a condition of federal employment. Furthermore, the bill prohibits, as a condition of receiving certain COVID-19 relief funds, states, tribal nations, and localities from issuing vaccine passports or engaging in discrimination by requiring documentation of an individual's COVID-19 vaccination or recovery status. Additionally, the bill prohibits private entities that offer products or services affecting interstate commerce from requiring documentation of an individual's COVID-19 vaccination or recovery status in order to obtain a product or service. It also establishes a private right of action for individuals who experience such discrimination by private entities. The bill also provides an exception to allow kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education to mandate COVID-19 vaccines as a condition of enrollment. However, the Department of Education may not award financial assistance to any school that requires COVID-19 vaccines without also providing for exemptions based on (1) religious or conscientious beliefs, (2) medical reasons, and (3) natural immunity from COVID-19.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Stop Communist Construction of Public Infrastructure Act or the Stop CCP Infrastructure Act This bill prohibits certain entities related to China or the Chinese government from receiving federal funds for public works projects in the United States. Specifically, this prohibition applies to entities that are (1) headquartered in China; or (2) owned, financed, influenced by, or affiliated with the Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), or the Chinese military. Further, state and local governments must verify that a recipient of federal funds for a public works project is free from any obligations, influences, or connections to any of these entities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Turn Off Federal Funding of Threatening Entities that Thwart American Prosperity Act or the Turn OFF THE TAP Act This bill prohibits certain entities from receiving federal funds or contracts from an executive agency. Specifically, this prohibition applies to (1) entities listed as specially designated nationals and blocked persons by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the Department of the Treasury, (2) certain entities on the OFAC's Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List, (3) entities identified on a Department of Defense list of Chinese military companies operating in the United States, (4) entities on the entity list maintained by the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce, and (5) entities identified by the Federal Communications Commission as a telecommunications equipment or service provider that pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
No Energy Revenues for Russian Hostilities Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of the Treasury from authorizing certain energy-related transactions involving Russia that would otherwise be blocked by an executive order. An April 15, 2021, executive order blocked certain transactions involving foreign persons (individuals or entities) related to Russia. These include transactions involving persons (1) operating in Russia's defense or technology sectors; (2) involved in Russian government attempts to interfere with the democratic processes of other countries; or (3) engaged in attempts to disrupt energy supplies to Europe, the Caucasus, or Asia. However, Treasury has issued licenses that authorized certain energy-related transactions that would otherwise be blocked by the executive order. The bill prohibits Treasury from authorizing (or continuing to authorize) certain transactions that it had authorized on December 15, 2022, under General License No. 8E . Treasury may waive this prohibition upon certifying to Congress that (1) the waiver applies only to transactions involving funds owed to a Russian person; and (2) the funds are to be used for the sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical devices.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Caring for All Families Act This bill expands who is permitted to take qualifying family and medical leave and provides additional leave for parents and family caregivers. The bill grants leave to private sector and federal employees to care for a domestic partner and any individual whose close association with such employees is like a family relationship, regardless of biological or legal relationship, if (1) such individual has a serious health condition, or (2) there is a qualifying exigency due to such employees' active duty in the Armed Forces. The bill entitles an employee who is a domestic partner, next of kin of a member of the Armed Forces, or any individual whose close association is like a family relationship, regardless of biological or legal relationship, to take leave to care for the service member. The bill entitles private sector and federal employees to take additional leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's school or community organization activities, meet routine family medical care needs, or care for their elderly relatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
This bill designates the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, Georgia (or any successor location), as the official National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
This resolution honors Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Michigan, on its 106th anniversary, commends the thousands of men and women who have worked and trained at the base, and reinforces the commitment of the military to the base as a facility that is key to national security. The resolution also encourages continued cooperation and dialogue with the Department of Defense in support of the base and acknowledges Michigan's ongoing investments in its defense assets and workforce.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Creating Hope and Opportunity for Individuals and Communities through Education Act or the CHOICE Act This bill expands school choice programs for elementary and secondary school students. The bill specifies that a student in the District of Columbia must, in order to qualify for an opportunity scholarship, be currently enrolled, or be enrolled for the next school year, in a public or private elementary or secondary school. The bill also authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to support the design and implementation of state programs that allow the parent of a child with a disability to choose the appropriate public or private school for their child. It also outlines the requirements for program eligibility. Further, if the state has established a program that allows parents to use public or private funds to assist with the cost of their child attending a private school, then the state may supplement those funds with federal special education funds. Additionally, the Department of Defense must carry out a five-year pilot program to award scholarships to enable military dependent students who live on military installations to attend the public or private elementary or secondary schools their parents choose. The bill also requires ED to return to the Treasury specified amounts made available for salaries and expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
This resolution designates February 1, 2023, as Blue Star Mother's Day and honors the contributions of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay certain reissued benefits (i.e., benefits that were misused by a fiduciary) to a beneficiary's estate in situations where a beneficiary predeceases a payment. The VA must pay such benefits to an individual or entity in the following order: the estate of the beneficiary, a successor fiduciary serving the beneficiary when the beneficiary died, or the next inheritor determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Caring for All Families Act This bill expands who is permitted to take qualifying family and medical leave and provides additional leave for parents and family caregivers. The bill grants leave to private sector and federal employees to care for a domestic partner and any individual whose close association with such employees is like a family relationship, regardless of biological or legal relationship, if (1) such individual has a serious health condition, or (2) there is a qualifying exigency due to such employees' active duty in the Armed Forces. The bill entitles an employee who is a domestic partner, next of kin of a member of the Armed Forces, or any individual whose close association is like a family relationship, regardless of biological or legal relationship, to take leave to care for the service member. The bill entitles private sector and federal employees to take additional leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's school or community organization activities, meet routine family medical care needs, or care for their elderly relatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
This resolution honors Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Michigan, on its 106th anniversary, commends the thousands of men and women who have worked and trained at the base, and reinforces the commitment of the military to the base as a facility that is key to national security. The resolution also encourages continued cooperation and dialogue with the Department of Defense in support of the base and acknowledges Michigan's ongoing investments in its defense assets and workforce.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2023 This bill bases cost-of-living adjustments for certain benefits available through federal and military retirement programs, Social Security, and specified programs for veterans on a price index that tracks the spending patterns of older consumers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor must publish that price index on a monthly basis.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
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.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
This bill requires the Veterans' Employment and Training Service within the Department of Labor to implement a pilot program under which states may use grants or contracts to carry out a short-term fellowship program. Each fellowship program must run for a period that does not exceed 20 weeks, provide a monthly stipend, and provide veterans an opportunity to be employed on a long-term basis following the fellowship. The Government Accountability Office must report on the pilot program within four years after it commences.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
Veterans for Mustangs Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to prioritize use of nonsurgical, medically safe on-range fertility controls to manage populations of wild, free-roaming horses and burros. In implementing such fertility controls, the Bureau of Land Management shall prioritize the recruitment of military veterans to train and become certified in the application of fertility controls, including the certified PZP applicator certification offered by the Science and Conservation Center's Certification Program. Interior shall provide appropriate compensation to military veterans participating in such a certification program. The bill authorizes Interior to contract with military veterans who have completed the training program to carry out fertility control activities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
Reinforcing Enhanced Support through Promoting Equity for Caregivers Act of 2023 or the RESPECT Act of 2023 This bill modifies the caregiver programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and addresses the provision of support for caregivers participating in such programs. The bill expands (1) the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers to include services related to neurological disorders and additional mental health services, and (2) the Program of General Caregiver Support Services to include services related to neurological disorders. The VA must establish a process and requirements for its clinicians to document incidents in which veterans in the family caregiver program present at a facility for treatment for an emergent or urgent mental health crisis or are assessed to be at risk for suicide. The bill sets forth the VA's process and requirements for determining or reassessing the eligibility of a veteran and caregiver for the family caregiver program, including with regard to the provision of documentation and evidence related to mental health, psychological trauma, or a neurological disorder. The VA must waive the reassessment requirement under specified circumstances, such as when a veteran's serious injury is caused by a degenerative or chronic condition. The VA is authorized to award grants to implement, coordinate, improve, or enhance mental health counseling, treatment, or support for family caregivers of veterans participating in the family caregiver program. The Government Accountability Office must report on the provision of mental health support to caregivers of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
DEI Pay Cap Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from appointing or employing a military or civilian employee with a rank or grade in excess of E-5 base pay or GS-5 (not adjusted for locality) for any position with specified diversity, equity, and inclusion components. Specifically, DOD may not appoint such individuals to positions with duties that include (1) developing and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion policy; (2) leading working groups and councils to develop diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and objectives to measure performance and outcomes; and (3) creating and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion education, training, and workshops for military and civilian personnel. Any military or civilian employee who has been appointed to such a position and holds a rank or grade in excess of E-5 or GS-5 must be reassigned to another position not later than 180 days after the enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
Repatriate Our Patriots Act This bill protects certain veterans of the Armed Forces from removal from the United States and provides such veterans with an expedited procedure for naturalization. The bill applies to special veterans , defined as persons who served in the active Armed Forces who were (1) honorably discharged or released; (2) not convicted of various crimes, including voluntary manslaughter, murder, rape, or terrorism; and (3) not a child abuser or pedophile. Special veterans may not be removed from the United States, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must cancel any pending removal proceedings or orders against any such veterans. DHS must also establish a program to permit such veterans who were already removed from the United States to return to as lawful permanent residents. Special veterans shall be naturalized upon filing an application, paying the relevant fees, and taking an oath of allegiance. DHS must take steps to ensure such naturalization applications are pending for no longer than 90 days.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
Veterans Census-Enabled National Treatment Equitable Resource Supplement for Mental Health Act of 2023 or the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that there is a minimum number of Vet Centers located in each state. Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide social and psychological services to eligible veterans, service members, and their families. The minimum number of Vet Centers required in each state is generally based on the state's geographic size or the number of veterans located in the state. The VA must establish additional Vet Centers as necessary to meet the minimum required number for each state. The VA may establish the additional Vet Centers at facilities made available by a state, local government, or recognized Indian tribe. If a state needs more than one additional Vet Center to meet its minimum requirement, the VA must establish at least one additional Vet Center and may establish Vet Center outstations to cover the difference.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
This resolution states that the House of Representatives condemns the February 1, 2021, military coup in Burma (Myanmar) and denounces the Burmese military for human rights violations. The resolution calls on the Burmese military to end violence against prodemocracy activists and release political prisoners.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
This resolution states that the United Nations Security Council should immediately impose an arms embargo against the military of Burma (Myanmar) and hold it accountable for its ongoing violations of human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
DEI Pay Cap Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from appointing or employing a military or civilian employee with a rank or grade in excess of E-5 base pay or GS-5 (not adjusted for locality) for any position with specified diversity, equity, and inclusion components. Specifically, DOD may not appoint such individuals to positions with duties that include (1) developing and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion policy; (2) leading working groups and councils to develop diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and objectives to measure performance and outcomes; and (3) creating and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion education, training, and workshops for military and civilian personnel. Any military or civilian employee who has been appointed to such a position and holds a rank or grade in excess of E-5 or GS-5 must be reassigned to another position not later than 180 days after the enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
This bill requires federal agencies to submit zero-based budgets to the Office of Management and Budget and the congressional budget committees . A zero-based budget is a systematic budget analysis in which managers (1) examine current objectives, operations, and costs; (2) consider alternative ways of carrying out programs or activities; and (3) rank different programs or activities by order of importance. The bill also requires federal agencies to submit recommendations to reduce spending by at least 2% from the previous year's levels. The Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security Administration are exempt from this requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act of 2023 This bill imposes sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC) employees and associates if the ICC investigates or pursues charges against certain individuals. The bill defines certain classes of individuals as protected individuals, including (1) members of the U.S. Armed Forces, (2) employees and contractors of the U.S. government who assist the U.S. Armed Forces, and (3) certain members of the armed forces of U.S. allies or partners. If the ICC investigates or pursues charges against a protected individual, the President must impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions against those foreign persons (individuals or entities) that, as ICC employees or associates, aided in the investigation, arrest, detention, or prosecution of a protected individual. Additionally, if the ICC investigates or pursues charges against protected individuals, the President must impose visa-blocking sanctions against any foreign individual who is (1) an employee of the ICC; (2) acting as an agent of the ICC; or (3) an immediate family member of those aiding the investigation, arrest, detention or prosecution of a protected individual. The property-blocking sanctions do not apply to the importation of goods. The visa-blocking sanctions do not apply to admissions to (1) further important U.S. law enforcement objectives; or (2) comply with international obligations, such as the United Nations Headquarters Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
VA medical Center Absence and Notification Timeline Act or the VACANT Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to comply with certain notification and staffing requirements when a VA medical center director is on detail. Not later than 90 days after detailing a director of a VA medical center to a different position within the VA, the VA must notify Congress with specified information about the detail (e.g., the location of the detail). Additionally, the VA must appoint an individual as acting director not later than 120 days after detailing a director to a different position. The VA must regularly update Congress regarding the status of the detail. Generally, not later than 180 days after detailing a director to a different position, the VA must return the individual to the position as director or reassign the individual from the position and begin the process of hiring a new director. This requirement may be waived for a limited amount of time, but the VA must submit to Congress a justification for the waiver.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Defense Access Roads Improvement Act This bill updates provisions and requirements related to the Defense Access Roads Program, which authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to pay for construction and maintenance of defense access roads. DOD must establish a formal mechanism under which a state, county, or municipality may petition to certify roads as defense access roads, and DOD must respond in writing. Additionally, DOD must maintain and regularly update on a federal website a list of all defense access roads that includes certain unclassified information about each road (e.g., the military installation that is closest to the road). The bill also includes military installations and commercial shipyards as sites that utilize defense access roads, thereby authorizing the use of program funds for the maintenance or construction of such roads. Further, the bill requires that defense access road projects abide by certain wage and materials requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
This resolution states that the Senate supports the people of Burma (Myanmar) in their ambition for democracy, sustainable peace, genuine ethnic and religious reconciliation, and internationally recognized human rights for all. It also calls on the Burmese military to release all political prisoners detained in the February 1, 2021, military coup, remove restrictions on travel and communications, and return the elected civilian government to power.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Healthy Foundations for Homeless Veterans Act This bill permanently authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use specified funding to provide assistance to homeless veterans and veterans participating in the Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. Additionally, the VA may collaborate with one or more organizations to manage the use of VA land for homeless veterans for living and sleeping. (Under current law, similar authorities have been temporarily provided to the VA for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.)