Defence

National Guard and Reserve Access to Counsel Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2014

National Guard and Reserve Access to Counsel Act - Expands eligibility for legal assistance provided by the Armed Forces special victims' counsel for eligible members and dependents who are victims of sex-related offenses to include a member of a reserve component who is a victim of an alleged sex-offense during: (1) a period in which the individual served on active duty, full-time National Guard duty, or inactive-duty training; or (2) any period, regardless of the duty status of the individual, if the circumstances of the alleged sex-related offense have a nexus to the military service of the victim, as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense (DOD).

Military and Veterans Education Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2014

Military and Veterans Education Protection Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require proprietary institutions of higher education to derive at least 10% of their revenue from sources other than title IV or federal educational assistance programs for military personnel and veterans, or become ineligible for title IV funding and participation in those programs. (Currently, this 90/10 rule requires these schools to derive at least 10% of their revenue from sources other than title IV or become ineligible for title IV funding.)

Integrated Space Launch Policy Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2014

Integrated Space Launch Policy Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to jointly, in coordination with the National Security Council, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and the heads of other appropriate agencies, develop the Integrated Federal Space Launch Plan to achieve the effective planning, coordination, and execution of the civilian and national security space launch activities of the federal government in order to ensure that the mission needs of the government for reliable, timely, and affordable access to space are met in a cost-effective manner. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator to jointly submit the developed plan to Congress. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report to Congress setting forth an assessment of the adequacy of the plan, including the extent to which it includes the launch needs and capabilities of the civilian agencies and the national security agencies of the government.

Protect Veterans Employment and Training Services Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2014

Protect Veterans Employment and Training Services Act of 2014 - Amends the disabled veterans' outreach program to authorize the Secretary of Labor to establish an order of priority for furnishing program services if state disabled veterans' outreach program specialists are unable to assist every eligible veteran seeking assistance. Requires that priority order to be consistent with the program's purposes and the existing priority order of special disabled veterans, other disabled veterans, and other eligible veterans. Allows a state disabled veterans' outreach program specialist to perform an initial intake and assessment of each veteran who seeks program services. Authorizes local veterans' employment representatives to provide employment, training, and placement services directly to eligible veterans and eligible persons. Requires those representatives to spend a majority of their time carrying out their principal duties of: (1) conducting outreach to local employers to assist veterans in gaining employment; and (2) facilitating the provision of state employment, training, and placement services to veterans. Prohibits the Secretary from imposing restrictions on the duties that a state disabled veterans' outreach program specialist or a local veterans' employment representative may perform or the individuals they may assist other than those set forth in the law providing veterans with job counseling, training, and placement services.

Authorization for Use of Military Force against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2014

Authorization for Use of Military Force against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Authorizes the President for one year, as part of a multinational coalition, to: use all appropriate force to participate in an air campaign in Iraq, and if necessary, in Syria, to degrade and defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL); and provide military equipment and training to forces fighting ISIL in Iraq or Syria, including the Iraqi security forces, Kurdish fighters, and other legitimate non-terrorist opposition groups in Syria. States that such authorization does not include: the use of U.S. ground combat forces, except to provide military equipment and training to forces fighting ISIL in Iraq or Syria, to protect or rescue U.S. Armed Forces members or U.S. citizens from imminent danger posed by ISIL, or for limited operations against high value targets; or the use of force against forces associated with ISIL, unless such forces are identified as fighting alongside ISIL in Iraq and Syria. Declares that this resolution is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization pursuant to section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution. Repeals the Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. Directs the President to submit to Congress every 90 days a list of those organizations or individuals fighting alongside ISIL for purposes of actions taken pursuant to this joint resolution. States that nothing in this resolution shall be construed as: authorizing support for force in support of, or in cooperation with, the national government of Syria that was in power as of the enactment of this resolution, or its security services; or limiting the constitutional or statutory powers of the President or Congress or any additional powers held by the United States pursuant to international law or treaty.

Assuring Quality Care for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2014

Assuring Quality Care for Veterans Act - Authorizes (current law requires) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse any full-time board-certified health professional (under current law, physician or dentist) appointed to the VA for continuing professional education expenses incurred, up to $1,600 per year (under current law, $1,000). Directs that the expenses incurred be expenses required to maintain licensure.

Protect Veterans Employment and Training Services Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2014

Protect Veterans Employment and Training Services Act of 2014 - Amends the disabled veterans' outreach program to authorize the Secretary of Labor to establish an order of priority for furnishing program services if state disabled veterans' outreach program specialists are unable to assist every eligible veteran seeking assistance. Requires that priority order to be consistent with the program's purposes and the existing priority order of special disabled veterans, other disabled veterans, and other eligible veterans. Allows a state disabled veterans' outreach program specialist to perform an initial intake and assessment of each veteran who seeks program services. Authorizes local veterans' employment representatives to provide employment, training, and placement services directly to eligible veterans and eligible persons. Requires those representatives to spend a majority of their time carrying out their principal duties of: (1) conducting outreach to local employers to assist veterans in gaining employment; and (2) facilitating the provision of state employment, training, and placement services to veterans. Prohibits the Secretary from imposing restrictions on the duties that a state disabled veterans' outreach program specialist or a local veterans' employment representative may perform or the individuals they may assist other than those set forth in the law providing veterans with job counseling, training, and placement services.

Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2014

Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2014 - Expands the TRICARE health care program managed by the Department of Defense (DOD) to entitle additional female beneficiaries and dependents to care related to the prevention of pregnancy. (Currently, such care is limited to certain female members of the uniformed service or a reserve component performing active duty or certain servicewomen performing inactive-duty training.) Prohibits cost-sharing from being imposed or collected for such pregnancy prevention care, including for any method of contraception provided through a facility of the uniformed services, the TRICARE retail pharmacy program, or the national mail-order pharmacy program. Provides for such pregnancy prevention care to include all methods of contraception approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling. Directs the DOD Secretary to: (1) ensure that every military treatment facility has a sufficient stock of a broad range of FDA-approved methods of contraception to dispense to any women members of the Armed Forces and female covered beneficiaries who receive care through such facility; (2) disseminate clinical practice guidelines and decision support tools to DOD-employed health care providers; (3) ensure that women members of the Armed Forces have access to contraception counseling during health care visits; and (4) establish an education program for all members of the Armed Forces, including both men and women members, consisting of a uniform standard curriculum on family planning. Requires questions regarding family planning services and counseling to be incorporated into DOD health surveys. Requires every military treatment facility, upon request, to provide emergency contraception, or information about FDA-approved methods of emergency contraception, to any woman who: (1) states to personnel that she is a victim of sexual assault or is accompanied by another individual who states that the woman is a victim of sexual assault, or (2) is reasonably believed to be a survivor of sexual assault.

Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 - Directs the President to impose three or more sanctions under this Act against: Rosoboronexport; any person that knowingly makes a significant investment in a special Russian crude oil project; or any entity owned by the government of the Russian Federation or controlled by its nationals that transfers or brokers the transfer to, or manufactures or sells defense articles transferred to, Syria or into the territory of a specified country without its government's consent. Defines "specified country" as Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, or any other country of significant concern for purposes of this Act, such as Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and the Central Asia republics. Authorizes the President, through the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce or the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury, to impose additional licensing requirements or other restrictions on the export of items for Russia's energy sector. Directs the President to impose sanctions under this Act on Gazprom if it is withholding significant natural gas supplies from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries, or further withholds significant natural gas supplies from countries such as Ukraine, Georgia, or Moldova. Sets forth sanctions against a foreign person, including executive officers of an entity, relating to: Export-Import Bank of the United States assistance, executive agency procurement, arms and dual-use item exports, U.S. property transactions, banking transactions, investing in or purchasing equity or debt instruments, and U.S. entry prohibition or visa revocation. Authorizes the President to waive the application of sanctions, or waive sanctions for a specific transaction, for purposes of U.S. national security, and with congressional notification. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to designate Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova as major non-NATO allies for purposes of that Act and the Arms Export Control Act. Provides assistance to Ukraine for: (1) the military, defense, energy, and civilian sectors; and (2) internally displaced persons. Directs the Secretary of State to work with Ukrainian officials to help Ukraine reduce its dependence on natural gas imported from the Russian Federation. Directs the Chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors to submit to Congress a plan for increasing the quantity of Russian-language broadcasting into the countries of the former Soviet Union in order to counter Russian Federation propaganda. Requires such plan to prioritize broadcasting into Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova by the Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study and report to Congress on matters relating to the interring of veterans' unclaimed remains in national cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration, including: the scope of the issues relating to veterans' unclaimed remains, including the estimated number of such remains; the effectiveness of VA procedures for working with persons or entities having custody of unclaimed remains to facilitate the interment of such remains in such cemeteries; state and local laws that affect the Secretary's ability to inter unclaimed veterans' remains in such cemeteries; and recommendations for appropriate legislative or administrative action.

A resolution designating October 26, 2014, as Day of the Deployed.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Designates October 26, 2014, as Day of the Deployed. Honors the deployed members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to select a medical center in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to serve as the national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of descendants (i.e., a biological child, grandchild, or great-grandchild) of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces that are related to that exposure. Requires the national research center to employ at least one licensed clinical social worker to coordinate the access of individuals to appropriate federal, state, and local social and health care programs and to handle case management. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory board to: (1) advise the national research center, (2) determine which health conditions in the descendants of individuals who were exposed to toxic substances while serving in the Armed Forces result from such exposure for purposes of determining those descendants' eligibility for VA medical care, and (3) study and evaluate claims of service-related exposure to toxic substances by current and former members of the Armed Forces. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to declassify documents (other than documents that would materially and immediately threaten national security) related to any known incident in which not less than 100 members of the Armed Forces were exposed to a toxic substance that resulted in at least one case of disability. Directs the Secretary, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the DOD Secretary to jointly conduct a national outreach and education campaign directed at members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their family members to communicate information on: (1) incidents of exposure to toxic substances, health conditions resulting form such exposure, and the potential long-term effects of such exposure; and (2) the national research center.

Empowering Our Veterans Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Empowering Our Veterans Act of 2014 - Prohibits the appropriation of funds, or the obligation or expenditure of funds by Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), for any VA alternative energy generation project unless the funds for such project have been specifically authorized by law. Directs the Secretary to transfer all unobligated funds that were appropriated to the VA before this Act's enactment for an alternative energy generation project to the VA's account funding veterans' medical care.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to newborn children.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide the newborn child of a woman veteran who is receiving VA maternity care with post-delivery care services for 14 days after the child's birth if the veteran delivered the child in a VA facility or another facility with which the VA has a contract for such services. (Currently, such care may not be provided for more than 7 days.)

Firefighter Equipment Protection Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Firefighter Equipment Protection Act of 2014 - Codifies a national security exemption from emissions regulations for excess personal property of the Department of Defense (DOD) that is transferred under specified DOD property transfer programs to a firefighting agency in a state or to another state agency.

INVEST Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Incentives for our Nation's Veterans in Energy Sustainability Technologies or the INVEST Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the work opportunity tax credit for the hiring of a specified veteran who works in a field of renewable energy. Defines "specified veteran" as any veteran who is certified as: (1) having received a credential or certification from the Department of Defense (DOD) of a military occupational specialty or skill in a field of renewable energy or with respect to advanced manufacturing, machinist or welding, or engineering; (2) having completed a vocational degree in a field of renewable energy; or (3) having completed a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification with the United States Green Building Council.

Enhanced Security Clearance Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Enhanced Security Clearance Act of 2014 - Requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to implement a plan to eliminate backlogs of overdue periodic reinvestigations of individuals eligible for access to classified information or eligible to hold a sensitive position. Sets forth time intervals within which periodic reinvestigations updating previously completed background investigations are to occur. Requires the DNI to direct specified agencies (executive agencies, military departments, and elements of the intelligence community identified in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004) to implement enhanced personnel security programs for security reviews of such individuals. Requires implementation of such programs by the earlier of: (1) five years after enactment of this Act, or (2) the date on which the backlog is eliminated. Requires agency programs to integrate information from government, publicly available, and commercial data sources, consumer reporting agencies, and social media. Permits information obtained from such sources to include: (1) security or counterintelligence information on any public online website that may suggest ill intent, vulnerability to blackmail, compulsive behavior, allegiance to another country, illegal drug use, criminal activity, material falsification, change in ideology, or a lack of good judgment, reliability, or trustworthiness; and (2) data maintained on any terrorist or criminal watch list maintained by any agency, state or local government, or international organization. Requires automated record checks at least twice every five years to ensure continued eligibility of individuals employed or contracted with by such agencies. Directs the DNI to issue guidance defining minor financial or mental health issues. Requires inspectors general of such agencies to assess the effectiveness and fairness of agency programs.

Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act - Amends the program under which the Secretary of Defense is authorized to transfer excess personal property of the Department of Defense (DOD) to federal and state agencies for law enforcement activities. Excludes counter-drug activities from the categories of law enforcement activities for which DOD property may be transferred under such program. Requires recipients of DOD property to certify that they: (1) have personnel, technical capacity, and training to operate the property; and (2) will return to the DOD any property that is surplus to the recipient's needs. Requires recipients that are not federal agencies to certify that they have notified their local community of requests for DOD property with a notice on a publicly accessible Internet website and postings at prominent locations in the jurisdiction. Requires the Secretary to submit annually to Congress a description of property to be transferred along with a certification that the transfers are not prohibited by law. Prohibits transfers of: automatic weapons that are not suitable for law enforcement purposes; weapons of .50 caliber or greater; tactical vehicles, including highly mobile multi-wheeled vehicles, armored vehicles, and mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles; armored or weaponized drones; aircraft that are combat configured or combat coded, or that have no established commercial flight application; grenades and similar explosives; silencers; and long range acoustic devices. Prohibits transfers conditioned upon the agency demonstrating the use of any small arms or ammunitions. Requires the Secretary to ensure that certain items are not transferred from one federal or state agency to another such agency. Prohibits obligations or expenditures of appropriations to carry out the DOD's property transfer program unless specified conditions have been met, including requirements to verify: (1) that in-person inventories of transferred property have been conducted at each agency, and (2) that 100% of such property was accounted for during the inventories or that agencies unable to account for such property have been suspended from the program. Requires the Defense Logistics Agency to maintain an Internet website that makes available publicly a description of: (1) each transfer broken down by state, county, and recipient; and (2) during the 30-day period preceding the date on which any property is transferred, the property to be transferred and the recipient.

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against ISIL Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against ISIL Resolution - Authorizes the President to use the U.S. Armed Forces against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the territory of the Republic of Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic. States that such territorial limitation shall not apply to U.S. Armed Forces training indigenous Syrian or regional military forces for the purpose of combating ISIL. States that: such authority does not authorize the deployment of ground forces in a combat role; "ground forces in a combat role" do not include special operations forces or other forces that may be deployed in a training, advisory, or intelligence capacity; and such authority shall terminate 18 months after enactment of this resolution. Declares that this Act is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization pursuant to the War Powers Resolution. Directs the President to report to Congress at least once every 60 days on matters relevant to this joint resolution, including actions taken pursuant to the exercise of authority granted by this resolution and the status of planning for efforts that are expected to be required over the next 60 days. Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. Repeals, effective 18 months after enactment of this resolution, the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

Strongly supporting the right of the people of Ukraine to freely determine their future, including their country's relationship with other nations and international organizations, without interference, intimidation, or coercion by other countries.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Supports the right of the people of Ukraine to determine their future, including their country's relationship with other nations and international organizations, without interference or coercion by other countries. Calls on the President to work with nations around the world to reaffirm Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and to refuse to recognize the Russian Federation's illegal annexation of Crimea. Condemns the Russian Federation's political, economic, and military aggression against Ukraine and the violation of its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. States that the Russian Federation's military intervention: is a breach of its obligations under the United Nations (U.N.) Charter and its commitments under the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe; is a violation of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances in which it pledged to respect Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and borders; and poses a threat to international peace and security. Demands that the Russian Federation: (1) remove its military forces and military equipment from the territory of Ukraine; and (2) end its political, military, and economic support of separatist and paramilitary forces in Ukraine. Demands that the Russian Federation and the separatist and paramilitary forces it supports end their violations of the cease-fire announced on September 5, 2014. Calls on the President to: cooperate with other nations around the world to impose visa bans, targeted asset freezes, sectoral sanctions, and other measures on the Russian Federation and its leadership sufficient to compel it to end its violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity; provide the government of Ukraine with defense articles, services, training, and intelligence information; work with the government of Ukraine, other nations, and international organizations to ensure that the multinational team investigating the destruction of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 is able to conduct an unrestricted investigation and to ensure that those responsible for this tragedy are brought to justice; and expand U.S. international broadcasting efforts to Russian-speaking audiences in Ukraine and inside and outside of Russia. Calls on our European allies, other countries, and international organizations to join the United States in assisting the government of Ukraine to ensure that the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26, 2014, are held in all regions of Ukraine in accordance with international standards. Calls on Ukraine and other countries to support energy diversification initiatives to reduce the Russian Federation's ability to use its energy exports as a means of applying political or economic pressure. Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to its obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and calls on member states to provide their full share of the resources needed to ensure their collective defense.

Robert M. Scher, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Madelyn R. Creedon, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 15 September 2014

Service Members Transition Improvement Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2014

Service Members Transition Improvement Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to develop procedures to share with state veterans agencies information, in electronic data format, on members of the Armed Forces who are separating from service in order to facilitate the transition of such members to civilian life. Identifies that information as military service and separation data and specified contact information. Requires the member's consent before that information may be shared. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the state veterans agencies only share such information with county veterans service offices for such purposes as the Secretary specifies for the administration and delivery of benefits.

A bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Billings, Montana, as the "Bear Root Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2014

Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic located at 1766 Majestic Lane in Billings, Montana, as the "Bear Root Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic."

End Financing to ISIL Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2014

End Financing to ISIL Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of State to jointly submit to Congress an annual report that: identifies each person that provides material or financial support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, as well as any successor organization (ISIL), including purchasing oil or other materials that fund ISIL or other terrorist organizations in the region; identifies the country in which such person is located and describes actions taken by the Secretaries to notify the government of such country of these activities; and describes actions taken by the government of such country to restrict these activities. Directs the President to suspend foreign military sales and financing under the Arms Export Control Act to a listed country that has not taken actions to restrict persons in that country from providing material or financial support to ISIL. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to apply the same transaction prohibitions provided for by that Act against countries supporting acts of international terrorism to a country whose government has knowledge of persons within its territory that provide material support for terrorist organizations, including selling materials that produce income for such organizations.

Jobs for America Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2014

Jobs for America Act - Division I: Ways and Means - Title I: Save American Workers - Save American Workers Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to redefine "full-time employee," for purposes of the mandate requiring employers to provide health care coverage for their employees, as an employee who is employed on average at least 40 hours of service a week (currently, at least 30 hours of service a week). Title II: Hire More Heroes - Hire More Heroes Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an employer, for purposes of determining whether such employer is an applicable large employer and thus required to provide health care coverage to its employees under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to exclude employees who have coverage under a health care program administered by the Department of Defense (DOD), including TRICARE, or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Title III: American Research and Competitiveness - American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for research expenses, to establish a 20% tax rate for such credit and make such credit permanent. Title IV: America's Small Business Tax Relief - America's Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the expensing allowance for depreciable business property, to make permanent: (1) the increased $500,000 expensing allowance for such property, (2) the increased $2,000,000 threshold amount for such property over which the amount of the expensing allowance is reduced, (3) expensing of computer software, and (4) rules for the expensing of qualified real property (i.e., leasehold improvement, restaurant, and retail improvement property). Allows an inflation adjustment to the dollar amounts of the expensing allowance for taxable years beginning after 2014. Makes air conditioning and heating units eligible for the expensing allowance. Title V: S Corporation Permanent Tax Relief - S Corporation Permanent Tax Relief Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the taxation of S corporations, to make permanent: (1) the reduction of the period (from 10 years to 5 years) during which the built-in gains of such corporations are subject to tax, and (2) the rule requiring an adjustment to the basis of a shareholder's stock in an S corporation that makes tax deductible contributions of appreciated property. Title VI: Bonus Depreciation Modified and Made Permanent - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the additional 50% depreciation allowance (bonus depreciation) for qualified property (i.e., property which has a recovery period of 20 years or less and is computer software, water utility property, or qualified leasehold or retail improvement property); (2) make permanent the election to increase the alternative minimum tax (AMT) credit limitation in lieu of bonus depreciation; and (3) allow an additional depreciation allowance for a tree or vine bearing fruits or nuts, in the taxable year in which the tree or vine is planted or grafted to a plant in the ordinary course of the taxpayer's farming business. Title VII: Repeal of Medical Device Excise Tax - Repeals the excise tax on medical devices. Division II: Financial Services - Title I: Small Business Capital Access And Job Preservation - Small Business Capital Access And Job Preservation Act - Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to exempt private equity fund investment advisers from its registration and reporting requirements, provided that each private equity fund has not borrowed and does not have outstanding a principal amount exceeding twice its invested capital commitments. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to promulgate final rules that: (1) require such investment advisers to maintain records the SEC may require, taking into account fund size, governance, investment strategy, and risk; and (2) define the term "private equity fund" for purposes of this Act. Title II: Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification - Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification Act of 2014 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to exempt from its registration requirements certain merger and acquisition brokers and associated persons. Denies such registration exemption, however, to brokers who: (1) receive, hold, transmit, or have custody of any funds or securities to be exchanged by parties to a transfer of ownership of an eligible privately held company; or (2) engage on behalf of an issuer in a public offering of securities that are either subject to mandatory registration, or with respect to which the issuer must file periodic information, documents, and reports. Prohibits this Act from being construed to limit any other authority of the SEC to exempt any person, or any class of persons, from any provision of this Act, including any related rule or regulation. Division III: Oversight - Subdivision A: Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency - Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2014 -Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require Congressional Budget Office (CBO) studies on the costs for state, local, or tribal governments to comply with changes to conditions of federal assistance. Expands the point of order against legislation increasing the costs of federal intergovernmental mandates above the statutory threshold to include private sector mandates. Amends the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 to establish principles for agencies to use in assessing the effects of federal regulatory actions. Expands the scope of agency statements accompanying significant regulatory actions to require a more detailed analysis of the effect on state, local, tribal governments, or the private sector. Revises the process for consulting state, local, and tribal governments about proposed regulations to include private sector input. Requires the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs to provide guidance and oversight so that each agency's regulations are consistent with this title, other laws, and policies of other agencies.  Expands judicial review to include agency assessments of regulations and selection of the least costly or least burdensome regulatory alternative. Subdivision B: Achieving Less Excess in Regulation and Requiring Transparency - Achieving Less Excess in Regulation and Requiring Transparency Act of 2014 or the ALERRT Act of 2014 - Title I: All Economic Regulations Are Transparent Act - All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act of 2014 or the ALERT Act of 2014 - Requires the head of each federal agency to submit a monthly report to the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each rule such agency expects to propose or finalize during the following year. Requires the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register, by October 1 of each year, information that the Administrator receives from each agency under this Act and statistics on each rule proposed by an agency. Requires the Administrator to make publicly available on the Internet, by October 1 of each year, the analysis of the costs or benefits of each proposed or final rule issued by an agency for the previous year and other information pertaining to each such rule. Prohibits a rule from taking effect until the information required by this Act is posted on the Internet for not less than six months, with exceptions. Title II: Regulatory Accountability Act - Regulatory Accountability Act of 2014 - Revises procedures for rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) to require a federal agency to make all preliminary and final factual determinations based on evidence and to consider other criteria in evaluating a rule. Revises rulemaking notice requirements. Imposes new requirements for issuing any major guidance or guidance that involves a novel legal or policy issue arising out of statutory mandates. Provides for electronic access to transcripts of testimony and exhibits and other papers filed in a rulemaking proceeding. Requires the record of decision in a rulemaking proceeding to include information from a hearing under the Information Quality Act or information on a high-impact rule. Requires an agency to grant a petition for a hearing in the case of a major rule, unless the agency reasonably determines that a hearing would not advance consideration of the rule or would unreasonably delay completion of the rulemaking. Provides that an agency's denial of an Information Quality Act petition, or a failure to grant or deny such petition within 90 days, is reviewable by a court as a final action. Allows immediate judicial review of interim rules issued without compliance with the notice requirements of this Act, other than in cases involving national security interests. Revises standards for the scope of judicial review of agency rulemaking. Defines "substantial evidence" for purposes of evaluating agency adjudications and for rulemaking under APA. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act - Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2014 - Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) to revise the definitions of "rule" and "economic impact" under such Act. Requires initial and final regulatory flexibility analyses to: (1) describe alternatives to a proposed rule that minimize any adverse significant economic impact or that maximize the beneficial significant economic impact on small entities, and (2) include revisions or amendments to a land management plan developed by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior under specified Acts. Requires each federal agency to include in its regulatory flexibility agenda a brief description of the sector of the North American Industrial Classification System that is affected by a proposed agency rule that is likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Requires an agency's detailed statement in an initial regulatory flexibility analysis to include an estimate of the additional cumulative economic impact of the proposed rule on small entities and a description of any disproportionate economic impact on small entities or a specific class of such entities. Requires an agency, in developing an initial and final regulatory flexibility analysis, to provide: (1) a quantifiable or numerical description of the effects of a proposed or final rule and alternatives to such rule, or (2) a more general descriptive statement and a detailed statement explaining why quantification is not practicable or reliable. Repeals provisions allowing a waiver or delay of the completion of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis. Revises requirements for agency notification of the SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy prior to the publication of any proposed rule. Provides for judicial review of an agency final rule for compliance with RFA requirements after publication of such rule. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) Chief Counsel for Advocacy to specify detailed definitions or standards by which a business may be determined to be a small business (size standard). Amends the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 to require federal agencies, in developing small entity compliance guides, to solicit input from affected small entities or associations of small entities. Requires the Comptroller General to complete and publish a study that examines whether the SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy has the capacity and resources to carry out the duties of Chief Counsel under this Act. Title IV: Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act - Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2014 - Defines a "covered civil action" as a civil action seeking to compel agency action and alleging that an agency is unlawfully withholding or unreasonably delaying an agency action relating to a regulatory action that would affect the rights of: (1) private persons other than the person bringing the action; or (2) a state, local, or tribal government. Defines a "covered consent decree" and a "covered settlement agreement" as: (1) a consent decree or settlement agreement entered into in a covered civil action; and (2) any other consent decree or settlement agreement that requires agency action relating to a regulatory action affecting the rights of private persons other than the person bringing the action or a state, local, or tribal government. Requires an agency against which a covered civil action is brought to publish the notice of intent to sue and the complaint in a readily accessible manner and to provide interested parties an opportunity to intervene and to conduct settlement negotiations through mediation. Requires an agency seeking to enter a covered consent decree or settlement agreement to publish such decree or agreement in the Federal Register and online. Requires a court to grant de novo review to any motion filed by an agency to modify a previously-entered consent decree if the basis of such motion is that the terms of the decree are no longer fully in the public interest due to the agency's obligations to fulfill other duties or due to changed facts and circumstances. Division IV: Judiciary - Title I: Regulations From The Executive In Need Of Scrutiny - Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2014 - States that the purpose of this Act is to increase accountability for and transparency in the federal regulatory process by requiring Congress to approve all new major regulations. Revises provisions relating to congressional review of agency rulemaking to require a federal agency promulgating a rule to include in its report to Congress and to the Comptroller General a classification of the rule as a major or nonmajor rule. Requires a joint resolution of approval of major rules to be enacted before such rules may take effect. Provides that if a joint resolution of approval is not enacted by the end of 70 session days or legislative days, as applicable, after the agency proposing the rule submits its report on such rule to Congress, the major rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for one 90-calendar-day period without such approval if the President determines it is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Sets forth the congressional approval procedure for major rules and the congressional disapproval procedure for nonmajor rules. Requires the introduction of a joint resolution addressing a report classifying a rule as a major rule within three legislative days in the House of Representative and three session days in the Senate. Prohibits any amendments to such a joint resolution at any stage of the legislative process. Provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution of approval and requires a vote on such resolution in the Senate within 15 session days after it is reported by the committee to which it was referred, or after such committee has been discharged from further consideration of the resolution. Allows a court to review whether an agency has completed the necessary requirements under this Act for a rule to take effect. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to provide that any congressional approval procedure set forth in this Act affecting budget authority, outlays, or receipts shall be assumed to be effective unless it is not approved in accordance with this Act. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct and report on a study to determine how many rules and major rules were in effect as of the date of enactment of this Act and the total estimated economic cost imposed by all such rules. Title II: Permanent Internet Tax Freedom - Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to make permanent the ban on state and local taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. Division V: Natural Resources - Subdivision A: Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities - Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act - Title I: Restoring the Commitment to Rural Counties and Schools - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish at least one Forest Reserve Revenue Area within each unit of the National Forest System (NFS) designated for sustainable forest management for the production of national forest materials (the sale of trees, portions of trees, or forest products from NFS lands) and forest reserve revenues (to be derived from the sale of such materials in such an Area). Title II: Healthy Forest Management and Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to NFS land, and the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands, to implement a hazardous fuel reduction project or forest health project in at-risk forests in a manner that focuses on surface, ladder, and canopy fuels reduction activities. Allows a state governor to designate high-risk areas of federal land in the state for purposes of addressing: (1) deteriorating forest health conditions due to the bark beetle epidemic or drought, with the resulting imminent risk of devastating wildfires; and (2) the future risk of insect infestations or disease outbreaks through preventative treatments to improve forest health conditions. Title III: Oregon and California Railroad Grant Lands Trust, Conservation, and Jobs - O&C Trust, Conservation, and Jobs Act - Establishes the Oregon and California Railroad Grant Lands Trust to produce annual maximum sustained revenues in perpetuity for Trust counties by managing the timber resources on Trust lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer administrative jurisdiction over all Oregon and California Railroad Grant lands and O&C Region Public Domain lands not designated as O&C Trust lands, except for certain tribal lands, to the Secretary of Agriculture for inclusion in the NFS. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an Old Growth Review Panel to define old growth as it applies to the ecologically, geographically, and climatologically unique Oregon and California Railroad Grant lands and O&C Region Public Domain lands managed by the O&C Trust or the Forest Service only (but not to tribal lands). Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer management authority over the reconveyed Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant lands, with certain exceptions, and their surface resources to the Coos County government in Oregon. Designates certain federal land in Oregon as the Devil's Staircase Wilderness for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate specified segments of the Molalla River and the Rogue River in Oregon as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Holds in trust for the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians all interest of the United States in and to the Council Creek specified land composed of approximately 17,519 acres. Makes that land part of the Tribe's reservation. Holds in trust for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians all interest of the United States in and to approximately 14,804 acres of specified federal land. Makes that land part of the Tribes' reservation. Title IV: Community Forest Management Demonstration - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the community forest demonstration area of a state. Conditions establishment of an area upon: (1) inclusion of at least 200,000 acres of NFS land; (2) a state forest practices law applicable to state or privately owned forest land, or established silvicultural best management practices or other regulations for forest management practices related to clean water, soil quality, wildlife, or forest health; and (3) a revenue-sharing agreement between a county and the state governor requiring the county, in using certain revenues received from the area, to continue to meet obligations for the use of such revenues for the benefit of public schools and roads. Limits to a total of 4 million acres the amount of NFS land that may be established as community forest demonstration areas. Title V: Reauthorization and Amendment of Existing Authorities and Other Matters - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, during February 2015, to distribute to each beneficiary county a payment equal to the amount distributed to the county for FY2010 under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, during February 2015, to distribute to all counties that received a payment for FY2010new payments totalling the difference between: (1) the total amount distributed to all such counties for FY2010, and (2) $27 million. Subdivision B: National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production - National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2014 - Title I: Development Of Domestic Sources Of Strategic And Critical Minerals - Deems a domestic mine that will provide strategic and critical minerals to be an "infrastructure project" as described in Presidential Order "Improving Performance of Federal Permitting and Review of Infrastructure Projects" dated March 22, 2012. Sets forth the responsibilities of the lead agency (federal, state, local, tribal, or Alaska Native Corporation) with responsibility for issuing a mineral exploration or mine permit with respect to project coordination, agency consultation, project proponents, contractors, and the status and scope of any environmental impact statement. Requires the lead agency to determine that any such action does not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 if the procedural and substantive safeguards of the lead agency's permitting process alone, any applicable state permitting process alone, or a combination of the two processes together, provide an adequate mechanism to ensure that environmental factors are taken into account. Requires the lead agency's project lead, at a project proponent's request, to enter into an agreement with the project proponent and other cooperating agencies that sets time limits for each part of the permitting process. Applies this Act to a mineral exploration or mine permit for which an application was submitted before enactment of this Act if the applicant so requests in writing. Requires the lead agency, with respect to strategic and critical minerals within a federally administered unit of the NFS, to: (1) exempt from federal regulations governing Special Areas all areas of identified mineral resources in Land Use Designations (other than Non-Development Land Use Designations); (2) apply such exemption to all additional routes and areas that the agency finds necessary to facilitate the construction, operation, maintenance, and restoration of the areas of the identified mineral resources; and (3) continue to apply such exemptions after approval of the Minerals Plan of Operations for the unit. Title II: Judicial Review of Agency Actions Relating to Exploration and Mine Permits - Authorizes the holder of a mineral exploration or mine permit to intervene as of right in any covered civil action by a person affecting rights or obligations of the permit holder under the permit. Bars a civil action claiming legal wrong caused by an agency action unless it is filed within the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date of the final federal agency action to which it relates. Requires the court to hear and determine any covered civil action as expeditiously as possible. Prohibits the court, in a covered civil action, from granting or approving prospective relief unless it finds that it is narrowly drawn, extends no further than necessary to correct the violation of a legal requirement, and is the least intrusive means necessary to correct such violation. Prohibits payment from the federal government for court costs of a party in such a civil action, including attorneys' fees and expenses. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits the construction of this subdivision to affect any aspect of Secretarial Order 3324, issued by the Secretary of the Interior on December 3, 2012, with respect to potash and oil and gas operators.

Commending the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs for their joint campaign to raise awareness during September, Suicide Prevention Month, to reduce suicide among members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2014

Commends the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for raising awareness during Suicide Prevention Month of the life-saving resources available to those who have served, or are currently serving, in uniform. Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, The Power of 1 campaign, and efforts to improve outreach to individuals at risk for suicide.

A bill to authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to Henry Johnson.

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2014

Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Henry Johnson for acts of valor during World War I for which he was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

Expatriate Terrorists Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2014

Expatriate Terrorists Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include among the grounds for loss of U.S. nationality by a native-born or naturalized citizen: taking an oath or making a declaration of allegiance to a foreign terrorist organization after attaining the age of 18; or becoming a member of or providing training or material assistance to any foreign terrorist organization that such person knows or has reason to know will engage in hostilities against the United States, or will commit acts of terror against the United States or U.S. nationals. Adds to the conditions referring to service in the armed forces of a foreign state or a foreign terrorist organization that such armed forces are engaged in hostilities against the United States (as under current law) or intentionally targeting U.S. nationals for acts of terror. Declares that there shall be a loss of nationality by accepting, serving in, or performing the duties of an office, post, or employment under the government of a foreign state or a political subdivision after attaining the age of 18 if the person (under current law, a man) knowingly has or acquires the nationality of such foreign state (while current law does not require a knowing state of mind). Declares also that there shall be a loss of nationality by accepting, serving in, or performing the duties of an office, post, or employment under the government of a foreign state or a political subdivision after attaining the age of 18 which requires an oath, affirmation, or declaration of allegiance to the foreign state or political subdivision.

To authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to Henry Johnson.

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2014

Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Henry Johnson for acts of valor during World War I for which he was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

A resolution recognizing the severe threat that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa poses to populations, governments, and economies across Africa and, if not properly contained, to regions across the globe, and expressing support for those affected by this epidemic.

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2014

Recognizes: (1) the threat that Ebola poses to populations, governments, and economies in Africa; and (2) that the limited capacity of the initial outbreak countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia to combat the epidemic has been exhausted and the potential threat to regions beyond Africa if the Ebola outbreak is not contained. Expresses support for those affected by this epidemic and sympathy for Ebola victims and their families. Supports the governments of Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for their efforts to combat the Ebola virus. Urges citizens of affected countries to respect preventative guidelines. Supports the work of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of State, the Forest Service, and other U.S. government agencies providing technical, logistical, and material support. Encourages deepened U.S. and international commitments to the global Ebola response. Welcomes the delivery of assistance and increased engagement from donors such as the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union (AU), the World Bank, the European Union (EU), and Canada. Supports the World Health Organization's Ebola Response Roadmap. Encourages Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone to work together and with other nations and regional and subregional organizations to establish emergency response systems. Recognizes the work of thousands of African, U.S., and international officials and volunteers on the ground in West Africa, and particularly health care workers.

To amend the Federal charter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to reflect the service of women in the Armed Forces of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2014

Amends the federal charter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to describe the organization as a national association of veterans (currently, an association of men) who, as soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen, served this Nation in wars, campaigns, and expeditions on foreign soil or in hostile waters. Expands its purpose of assisting widows to that of assisting surviving spouses.

Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2014

Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award grants to eligible institutions to: (1) establish a master's or doctoral degree program in orthotics and prosthetics, or (2) expand upon an existing master's degree program in such area. Requires a grant priority for institutions in partnership with a medical center administered by the VA or a facility administered by the Department of Defense (DOD). Provides grant amounts of at least $1 million and up to $1.5 million. Defines as eligible institutions those either accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education or demonstrating an ability to meet such accreditation requirements if receiving a grant. Requires the Secretary to award a grant to an institution with orthotic and prosthetic research and education experience to: (1) establish the Center of Excellence in Orthotic and Prosthetic Education; and (2) improve orthotic and prosthetic outcomes for veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and civilians by conducting orthotic and prosthetic-based research.

A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to improve the Federal charter for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2014

Amends the federal charter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to describe the organization as a national association of veterans (currently, an association of men) who, as soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen, served this Nation in wars, campaigns, and expeditions on foreign soil or in hostile waters. Expands its purpose of assisting widows to that of assisting surviving spouses.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2014

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2013 - Reauthorizes and amends authorities relating to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps). Directs the Department of Commerce to prescribe obligated service requirements for appointments, training, promotions, separations, continuations, and retirement of officers not otherwise covered by law. Revises provisions concerning appointment and promotion of officers, including by requiring certain reappointments and temporary appointments to be made only by the President. Directs the Department to coordinate with the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to promote and streamline inter-service transfers. Establishes: (1) training, fitness, and academic standards; (2) membership criteria for personnel boards; and (3) guidelines for officer candidate appointments and a basic officer training program. Applies specified rights and benefits of the Armed Forces to the NOAA Corps. Establishes programs to provide financial assistance for student loans in exchange for active duty service obligations.

Return of Certain Lands At Fort Wingate to The Original Inhabitants Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2014

Return of Certain Lands At Fort Wingate to The Original Inhabitants Act - Requires all U.S. interest in and to specified lands of the former Fort Wingate Depot Activity in McKinley County, New Mexico (Activity), transferred to the Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust for: (1) the Zuni Tribe as part of the Zuni Reservation, unless the Tribe elects to have the parcel conveyed to it in restricted fee status; and (2) the Navajo Nation as part of the Navajo Reservation, unless the Navajo Nation elects to have the parcel conveyed to it in restricted fee status. Subjects the lands of the Activity held in trust or conveyed in restricted fee status to reservation by the United States of such easements as the Secretary of the Army determines are reasonably required to permit access to Activity lands for administrative, environmental cleanup, and environmental remediation purposes. Requires the lands of the Activity identified as parcel 1 to be held in trust subject to a shared easement for cultural and religious purposes only. Requires the access road for the Activity that originates at the frontage road for Interstate 40 and leads to the parcel of the administration area to be held in common by both the Zuni Tribe and the Navajo Nation to provide for equal access to the Activity. Subjects lands held in trust or conveyed in restricted fee status to easements reasonably required to permit access to the Missile Defense Agency facility as needed by the Department of Defense (DOD). Requires the Zuni Tribe or the Navajo Nation, after a parcel of land has been transferred or conveyed, to notify the Secretary of the Army of the existence or discovery of any contamination or hazardous material on it.

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2014

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 - Provides continuing FY2015 appropriations to federal agencies at the current annual rate until December 11, 2014, or specified conditions are met. Appropriates funds to federal agencies for continuing projects and activities at the rate and under the authority and conditions provided in the applicable divisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014: the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2014; the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2014; the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2014; the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2014; the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2014; and   the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014. Provides funding until whichever of the following first occurs: (1) enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity funded in this joint resolution, (2) enactment of the applicable FY2015 appropriations Act without any provision for the project or activity, or (3) December 11, 2014. Extends the operating authority of the Export-Import Bank through June 30, 2015. Provides funding to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond to the outbreak of the Ebola virus in Africa. Extends the Internet Tax Freedom Act through December 11, 2014. Provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with funding flexibility to sustain staffing levels, border security operations, and immigration enforcement activities. Specifies additional changes to existing law and funding levels.

Calling on the Department of Defense to expedite the delivery of all necessary military equipment, weapons, ammunition, and other needed materials to the Kurdish Peshmerga forces to successfully combat and defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2014

Calls on the Department of Defense (DOD) to expedite the direct delivery of all necessary military equipment, weapons, ammunition, and other needed materials to the Kurdish Peshmerga forces to successfully combat and defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).

Expatriate Terrorists Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2014

Expatriate Terrorists Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include among the grounds for loss of U.S. nationality by a native-born or naturalized citizen: taking an oath or making a declaration of allegiance to a foreign terrorist organization after attaining the age of 18; or becoming a member of or providing training or material assistance to any foreign terrorist organization that such person knows or has reason to know will engage in hostilities against the United States, or will commit acts of terror against the United States or U.S. nationals. Adds to the conditions referring to service in the armed forces of a foreign state or a foreign terrorist organization that such armed forces are engaged in hostilities against the United States (as under current law) or intentionally targeting U.S. nationals for acts of terror. Declares that there shall be a loss of nationality by accepting, serving in, or performing the duties of an office, post, or employment under the government of a foreign state or a political subdivision after attaining the age of 18 if the person (under current law, a man) knowingly has or acquires the nationality of such foreign state (while current law does not require a knowing state of mind). Declares also that there shall be a loss of nationality by accepting, serving in, or performing the duties of an office, post, or employment under the government of a foreign state or a political subdivision after attaining the age of 18 which requires an oath, affirmation, or declaration of allegiance to the foreign state or political subdivision.

Authorization for Use of Force Against the Organization Called the Islamic State

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2014

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against the Organization Called the Islamic State - Authorizes the President to use appropriate force against the threat posed by the organization called the Islamic State (IS), formally known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as well as any successor organization. States that this resolution is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization pursuant to section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution. Directs the President to report to Congress setting forth: (1) U.S. strategy to defeat IS or any successor organization; and (2) every 90 days thereafter, a description and assessment of such strategy's implementation.

Authorization for Use of Military Force against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2014

Authorization for Use of Military Force against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Authorizes the President to use appropriate force against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) to prevent terrorist attacks against the people and interests of the United States and our allies. States that this resolution: (1) does not authorize the use of rotational ground forces, (2) expires in three years, and (3) is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization pursuant to section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution.

Terrorist Denaturalization and Passport Revocation Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2014

Terrorist Denaturalization and Passport Revocation Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include among the grounds for loss of U.S. nationality by a native-born or naturalized citizen: taking an oath or making a declaration of allegiance to a foreign terrorist organization after attaining the age of 18; entering or serving in the armed forces of a foreign state that harbors a foreign terrorist organization; accepting, serving in, or performing the duties of any office, post, or employment in a foreign terrorist organization after attaining the age of 18; accepting, serving in, or performing the duties of any office, post, or employment in a foreign terrorist organization after attaining the age of 18 for which an oath or declaration of allegiance is required; or accepting, serving in, or performing the duties of any office, post, or employment in a foreign terrorist organization after attaining the age of 18 if the position requires knowing engagement in hostilities against U.S. military or civilian personnel. Amends the Passport Act of 1926 to prohibit, with a discretionary exception for emergency or humanitarian reasons, the Secretary of State from issuing a passport or passport card to an individual who is a member of a foreign terrorist organization engaged in hostilities against the United States or its allies. Directs the Secretary to revoke a passport or passport card previously issued to any such individual. Authorizes the Secretary, before revocation, to: (1) limit a previously issued passport or passport card only for return travel to the United States, or (2) issue a limited passport or passport card that only permits return travel to the United States.

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2014

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014 - Title I: Extensions of Authority Relating to Health Care - Amends veterans' health benefit provisions to extend through 2015: the requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide nursing home care to certain veterans with service-connected disabilities; the pilot program on counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service in the Armed Forces; the pilot program on assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health care; the requirement for the Director of the Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Interagency Program Office to report to the Secretary of Defense (DOD), the VA, and Congress on Office activities during the preceding calendar year; and the VA's authority to use physicians other than VA employees to conduct medical disability evaluations of VA benefit applicants. Extends through FY2015: funding for the grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas, the requirement that veterans make specified copayments for each day they receive hospital care and nursing home care from the VA, and the federal government's authority to recover from third parties the cost of care and services furnished to veterans with health insurance contracts for non-service-connected disabilities. Title II: Extensions of Authority Relating to Homelessness - Extends: the current funding level for Comprehensive Service Programs for veterans for FY2015 and each subsequent fiscal year; the authorization of appropriations for Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs, through FY2015; the authority of the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to enter into a contract to provide referral and counseling services to certain veterans who are at risk of homelessness, through FY2015; the Secretary's authority to provide treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, through FY2015; the Secretary's authority to enter into agreements with nonprofit organizations, states, or localities to provide housing assistance to homeless veterans, through FY2015; funding for the provision of financial assistance to private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing, through FY2015; funding for the grant program for veterans with special needs, through FY2015; and the authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans, through 2017. Title III: Extensions of Authority Relating to Benefits - Extends: the authority for the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education, through 2017; to loans closed before FY 2015, the method by which the Secretary is to calculate the net value of real property at foreclosure for which there is a veteran's loan, guaranteed by the VA, for the purchase or construction of a home; the upper percentage of the purchases of such foreclosed property that may be financed by a loan from the Secretary, through FY2015; and the Secretary's authority to provide rehabilitation and vocational benefits to members of the Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses, through 2015. Title IV: Other Extensions of Authority and Other Matters - Extends: the Secretary's authority to transport individuals to and from VA facilities or any other place in connection with vocational rehabilitation, counseling, or health care that is covered by the VA, through 2015; the Secretary's authority to maintain a regional office in the Philippines, through FY2015; the requirement that the Secretary report to Congress on the disposition of each case recommended to the Secretary for equitable relief from the denial of VA benefits due to administrative error, through 2015; the authority for the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans, through 2017; the Secretary's authority to provide specially adapted housing assistance to certain veterans who have lost the use of one or both of their lower extremities, through FY2015; and the Secretary's authority to enter into an agreement with National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for a study of the associations between diseases and exposure to dioxin and other chemical compounds in herbicides, through 2015. Requires the Office of Special Counsel to provide veterans with assistance in securing the employment and reemployment rights and benefits to which they are entitled with respect to a federal executive agency or the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Establishes a process that allows such veterans to file a complaint directly with the Office of Special Counsel. Provides that payments under the Education Debt Reduction Program may be made to the holders of educational loans to cover the principal and interest VA health care personnel owe on such loans. Makes miscellaneous and technical amendments to the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, including those involving: veterans' access to health care from VA and non-VA facilities; collaboration between the VA and the Indian Health Service (IHS) to increase access to, and the quality and coordination of, health care services; and the care provided by the VA's mobile vet centers and mobile medical centers, including readjustment counseling. Requires the Secretary, for purposes of veterans' educational benefits, to disapprove courses of education provided by a public institution of higher learning if the institution charges veterans living in the state higher tuition and fees than it charges in-state residents, regardless of the veteran's state of residence.

War Powers Consultation Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2014

War Powers Consultation Act of 2014 - States that: (1) the purpose of this Act is to establish a means by which the judgment of both the President and Congress can be brought to bear when deciding whether the United States should engage in a significant armed conflict; and (2) this Act is not meant to define, circumscribe, or enhance the constitutional war powers of either the executive or legislative branch of government. Repeals the War Powers Resolution. Establishes the Joint Congressional Consultation Committee. Directs the President to consult with the Committee: (1) regularly regarding significant matters of foreign policy and national security; (2) before ordering the deployment of members of the Armed Forces into a significant armed conflict, particularly regarding the circumstances necessitating the conflict, the objectives, and the conflict's estimated scope and duration; and (3) at least every two months for the duration of any significant armed conflict. States that, if the President determines that the need for secrecy or other emergency circumstances preclude carrying out such reporting before significant armed conflict is ordered or begins, the President shall do such reporting not later than three days after the beginning of the significant armed conflict. Declares that, within 30 days after the deployment of members of the Armed Forces into a significant armed conflict for which Congress has not enacted a formal declaration of war or otherwise enacted a specific authorization for the use of military force, the chair and vice chair of the Committee shall introduce a joint resolution of approval. Sets forth related congressional procedures, including the introduction of a joint resolution of disapproval if a vote against a resolution of approval's passage has taken place. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as modifying U.S. obligations under any treaty or international agreement.

Authorization for Use of Military Force against International Terrorism Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2014

Authorization for Use of Military Force against International Terrorism Act - Authorizes the President, with the close coordination of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and regional allies, to use all necessary force against those countries, organizations, or persons associated with or supporting terrorist groups (including al Qaeda and its regional affiliates, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, al Shabaab, Boko Haram, and any other related regional terrorist groups) in order to eliminate all such terrorist groups and prevent future acts of international terrorism by them against the United States or its allies. Declares that this Act is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization pursuant to section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require that Federal, State, and local agencies to which surplus military equipment and personal property is sold or donated demonstrate that agency personnel are certified, trained, or licensed, as appropriate, in the proper operation of the equipment prior to the sale or donation.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2014

Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to require state or local law enforcement, firefighting, homeland security, or emergency management agencies that purchase surplus military equipment to demonstrate, as a condition of the sale, that agency personnel have been certified, trained, or licensed in the proper operation of such equipment. Prohibits the Secretary from transferring or donating excess DOD personal property to law enforcement or firefighting agencies unless the recipient agency demonstrates that personnel have received such certification, training, or licensing.

Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2014

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against the Organization Called the Islamic State - Authorizes the President to use appropriate force against the threat posed by the organization called the Islamic State (IS), formally known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as well as any successor organization. States that this resolution is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization pursuant to section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution. Directs the President to report to Congress setting forth: (1) U.S. strategy to defeat IS or any successor organization; and (2) every 90 days thereafter, a description and assessment of such strategy's implementation.

To reaffirm the strong support of the United States Government for the peaceful and collaborative resolution of maritime and jurisdictional disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea as provided for by universally recognized principles of international law, and to reaffirm the vital interest of the United States in freedom of navigation and other internationally lawful uses of sea and airspace in the Asia-Pacific region.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2014

Reaffirms U.S. support for the peaceful resolution of maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Reaffirms support for freedom of navigation and overflight and condemns coercive actions or the use of force to impede these freedoms in international maritime domains and airspace. Urges China to refrain from implementing the declared East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone which is contrary to freedom of overflight in international airspace, and to refrain from taking similar provocative actions elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region. Urges the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), U.S. allies and partners, and all claimants to fairly resolve these outstanding disputes, including through developing a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea. Supports continued U.S. operations to support freedom of navigation in international waters and air space in the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Encourages continued U.S. efforts to strengthen regional partnerships to build capacity for maritime domain awareness in support of freedom of navigation, maintenance of peace and stability, and respect for principles of international law.

Recognizing the friendship between the United Kingdom and the United States and expressing the support of the House of Representatives for a united, secure, and prosperous United Kingdom.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2014

Expresses the belief that: (1) a united, secure, and prosperous United Kingdom is important for U.S. national security priorities; and (2) diplomatic, economic, and military cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom is essential to U.S. national security Expresses deep friendship toward the Scottish people, and respects the right of the Scottish people to make their decision regarding their status in the September 18, 2014, referendum. Expresses a firm commitment to cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom toward a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Department of Education Elimination Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2014

Department of Education Elimination Act of 2014 - Abolishes the Department of Education (Department) and repeals any program for which it or the Secretary of Education has administrative responsibility. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide grants to states, for FY2015-FY2024, for any: (1) elementary and secondary education purpose permitted by state law, and (2) postsecondary education purpose permitted by state law. Sets the funding level for those grants at the amount of funding provided to states for federal elementary and secondary education programs and the amount provided for federal postsecondary education programs, respectively, for FY2012, minus the funding they were provided for education programs that this Act transfers to other federal agencies. Requires states to contract for an annual audit of their expenditures or transfers of grant funds. Requires the transfer of: each of the Department's job training programs to the Department of Labor; each special education grant program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); each of the Department's Indian Education programs to the Department of the Interior; each Impact Aid program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to the Department of Defense (DOD); and the Federal Pell Grant program and the Federal Family Education Loan and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan programs, under the Higher Education Act of 1965, to the Department of HHS. Sets a fiscal year cap on Federal Pell Grant funding.

Marriage and Family Therapists for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2014

Marriage and Family Therapists for Veterans Act - Revises the eligibility criteria for appointment to a marriage and family therapist position with the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to require a person: (1) to hold a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, or a comparable degree in mental health, from an institution that is regionally accredited or approved by the VA Secretary (currently, approved by the Secretary); and (2) to have passed the Association of Marital and Family Therapy regulatory board examination in marital and family therapy or an examination for a marriage and family therapy license given by a state board of behavioral sciences (or its equivalent).