Defence

Veterans Freedom of Healthcare Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Veterans Freedom of Healthcare Act This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to make the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Choice Program permanent. (The program allows the furnishing of hospital care and medical services to eligible veterans through agreements with non-VA entities.) Program eligibility requirements are revised. The VA shall ensure that veterans enrolled in the health care system, particularly those with service-connected disabilities rated 50% or greater, are able to receive: health care at VA medical facilities within certain wait-time goals; and the highest degree of care possible, with an emphasis on maintaining the highest degree of quality in treating ailments unique to or prevalent among the veteran population, including mental health services.

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Education Relief and Restoration Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Education Relief and Restoration Act of 2015 This bill declares that, if a veteran is forced to discontinue a course as a result of an educational institution's permanent closure and did not receive credit or lost training time toward completion of the education program, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance payments shall not, for a specified period of time, be: charged against the individual's entitlement to educational assistance, or counted against the aggregate period for which such assistance may be provided. The bill applies to school closures beginning with FY2015. The VA may continue to pay educational assistance and subsistence allowances to eligible veterans and eligible persons enrolled in specified courses for up to 4 weeks in any 12-month period when schools are temporarily closed under an established policy based on an executive order of the President or due to an emergency situation. The VA may also continue to pay a monthly housing stipend following a permanent school closure, but only until the earlier of: (1) the date of the end of the term, quarter, or semester during which the school closure occurred; and (2) the date that is four months after the school closure.

A bill to authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Major Charles S. Kettles of the United States Army for acts of valor during the Vietnam War.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Charles S. Kettles for acts of valor during the Vietnam War.

Save Oak Flat Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Save Oak Flat Act This bill amends the Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 to repeal the authorization and requirement for a land exchange between the Department of Agriculture and Resolution Copper Mining, LLC. under which 2,422 acres of Forest Service land located in Pinal County, Arizona, are to be exchanged for various parcels of land owned by Resolution Copper.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to include local government minimum wage requirements in determining the hourly minimum wage applicable for purposes of the work-study allowance under the educational assistance programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

This bill revises the applicable hourly minimum wage for the work-study allowance under Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance programs to the minimum wage to be the highest one under: the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, comparable law of the state in which the services are to be performed, or comparable law of the local government with jurisdiction over the area in which the services are to be performed.

To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Laughlin, Nevada, as the "Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean VA Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

This bill designates the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Laughlin, Nevada, as the "Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic."

Grow Our Own Directive: Physician Assistant Employment and Education Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Grow Our Own Directive: Physician Assistant Employment and Education Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out the Grow Our Own Directive or G.O.O.D. pilot program to provide educational assistance to certain former members of the Armed Forces for education and training as VA physician assistants. An individual is eligible to participate in the program if the individual: has medical or military health experience gained while serving in the Armed Forces; has received a certificate, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, master's degree, or postbaccalaureate training in a science relating to health care; has participated in the delivery of health care services or related medical services; and does not have a degree of doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of dentistry. The VA shall: provide educational assistance to program participants for the costs of obtaining a master's degree in physician assistant studies or a similar master's degree, ensure that mentors are available for program participants at each VA facility at which a participant is employed, and seek to partner with specified government programs and with appropriate educational institutions that offer degrees in physician assistant studies. The VA shall: establish specified standards to improve the education and and hiring of VA physician assistants, and implement a national plan for the retention and recruitment of VA physician assistants that includes the adoption of competitive pay standards. VA physician assistant pay grades are established.

VET Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Veteran Engagement Teams Act or the VET Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a three-year pilot program under which the VA shall carry out Veteran Engagement Team events in which veterans will be assisted in completing VA disability and pension claims.

VA Health Center Management Stability and Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

VA Health Center Management Stability and Improvement Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop and implement a plan to hire a director for each VA medical center without a permanent director. Hiring priority shall be given to medical centers that have not had a permanent director for the longest periods.

Ensuring Fair Access to Veterans Healthcare Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Ensuring Fair Access to Veterans Healthcare Act This bill establishes in the Veterans Health Administration an Office of the Ombudsman, which shall: investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of patients receiving medical care or hospital services at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility (covered patients) that relate to action, inaction, or decisions made by VA employees that may adversely affect such patients; assist covered patients in finding patient advocates, veterans service organizations, or other similar entities to advocate for their health, safety, welfare, and rights; ensure that covered patients have regular and timely access to Office services; administer the reporting system provided for by this Act; and provide training to local ombudsmen and volunteers. The Office shall establish a reporting system to collect and analyze complaint data in order to determine how to resolve significant VA medical facility problems. Each VA medical facility shall have a local ombudsman responsible for carrying out the duties of the Office at such location.

Honoring our Returning Veterans and Service Members Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Honoring our Returning Veterans and Service Members Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop jointly a methodology that identifies which members of the Armed Forces and veterans are at high risk of suicide. DOD and the VA shall use this information to: (1) identify which units that were deployed in support of a post-September 11, 2001, contingency operation have a disproportionately high rate of suicide and suicide attempts, and (2) provide additional mental health preventative and treatment resources for veterans who were so deployed. The use of such information is restricted.

SERV Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Support Earned Recognition for Veterans Act or the SERV Act Excludes from the definitions of "active duty," "active duty for training," and "inactive duty training," for veteran benefit or employment preference purposes, any service performed at a preparatory school of a service academy by a student who is not otherwise a member of the Armed Forces.

Housing Our Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Housing Our Heroes Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to begin a three-year pilot grant program to assess the feasibility of awarding grants to eligible entities to purchase and renovate abandoned homes for homeless veterans. Eligible entities are: (1) veterans service agencies and organizations, (2) homeless organizations, and (3) other nongovernmental organizations. The Veterans Homelessness Grant Fund is established in the Treasury. The VA shall give grant priority to communities with the greatest need of homeless services, and may give grant priority to achieve geographic grant distribution.

Reduce Homelessness for Female Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Reduce Homelessness for Female Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs to contract for a survey of a statistically valid sample of homeless female veterans which shall be made available to the public.

Camp Lejeune Reservist Parity Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Camp Lejeune Reservist Parity Act of 2015 This bill makes certain members or former members of an Armed Forces reserve component who received training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs hospital care and medical services. The Government Accountability Office shall study the access to hospital care and medical services of veterans and family members stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

To establish in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs the Office of Health Care Quality.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

This bill establishes in the Veterans Health Administration an Office of Health Care Quality to oversee the implementation and dissemination of best practices, quality improvements, corrective actions, and Inspector General recommendations across all Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities. The Office shall be headed by a Director who shall be an expert in health care quality or administration.

Veterans' STEM Education Program

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Veterans' STEM Education Program This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay an additional appropriate amount, beyond other educational assistance, to each individual entitled to post-9/11 educational assistance who is pursuing a program of education with a STEM focus (science, technology, engineering, and math). Information on such additional payments must be included in a currently required annual VA educational assistance report.

Improving Opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Improving Opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Act of 2015 This bill amends the Small Business Act to expand the definition of "small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans" for purposes of federal agencies awarding small business contracts pursuant to Small Business Administration (SBA) programs to include: a small business concern not less than 51% of which is owned by one or more veterans with service-connected disabilities that are permanent and total who are unable to manage the daily business operations of such concern; or in the case of a publicly owned business, a small business concern not less than 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more such veterans. (Currently, such veterans with permanent and total disabilities are provided for in a separate small business program under veterans' benefits laws carried out by the Department of Veterans Affairs [VA].) The VA definition of "small business concern owned and controlled by veterans" is revised to be the same as the SBA definition of such term, thereby making the eligibility requirements for participation in veteran-owned small business contracting programs consistent for both SBA programs and VA programs. The VA, when listing small businesses in the database of small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans and the veteran owners of such business concerns, must use SBA regulations with respect to a concern's small business status and the ownership and control of it. If the VA does not verify a concern for inclusion in its database based on its status as a small business or its ownership or control, the concern may appeal the denial to the SBA Office of Hearings and Appeals, whose decision shall be considered a final agency action. The VA shall reimburse the SBA for fiscal year costs incurred by the Office of Hearings and Appeals for actions taken pursuant to this Act.

Enlisted Legal Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Enlisted Legal Assistance Act This bill requires the Secretary of the department concerned to provide personal civil legal assistance to: an active duty member of the Armed Forces in pay grades E-1 through E-5 and his or her dependents; and a survivor who was a dependent of the member at the time of the member's death, except that survivor eligibility shall be determined pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned.

To provide transportation of dependent patients relating to obstetrical anesthesia services.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

This bill makes permanent the authority to provide transportation for certain military dependents receiving obstetrical anesthesia services related to childbirth.

Purple Heart Heroes Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Purple Heart Heroes Act of 2015 This bill permits a veteran who has a compensable disability attributable to an injury for which the veteran was awarded the Purple Heart to use commissary stores and MWR retail facilities on the same basis as a member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired or retainer pay. A dependent of the veteran shall be permitted to use these facilities on the same basis as a dependent of a member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired or retainer pay. "MWR retail facility" means exchange stores and other revenue-generating facilities operated by nonappropriated fund activities of the Department of Defense for the morale, welfare, and recreation of members of the Armed Forces.

Directing the Secretary of the Senate to make a technical correction in the enrollment of S. 1356.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a correction in the enrollment of S. 1356 to change the title to read "An Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes."

Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act of 2015 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for first-time homebuyers, to: (1) allow a veteran of the Armed Forces a tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence purchased prior to January 1, 2018; (2) allow an additional credit for the cost, not exceeding $8,000 in a taxable year, of installing special fixtures or movable facilities in a residence to accommodate a disability of the veteran; and (3) require a recapture of credit amounts if the veteran sells such residence within 36 months after purchasing it.

Veteran Small Business Tax Credit Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Veteran Small Business Tax Credit Act of 2015 This bill allows a new business-related tax credit for the start-up expenses of a veteran-owned small business. The allowable amount of such credit is 15% of start-up expenditures that do not exceed $80,000. The credit is allowed to any individual (or the surviving spouse of such individual) who: (1) has served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, (2) was stationed outside the United States, and (3) was not discharged or released under dishonorable conditions.

Honoring and praising the American Jewish Committee (AJC) on the occasion of its 109th anniversary.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Recognizes the 109th anniversary of the founding of the American Jewish Committee. Honors the American Jewish Committee for its efforts regarding human rights worldwide, interfaith dialogue, and the defense of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state.

Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2015

Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Office of Strategic Services in recognition of their service and contributions during World War II.

Honoring the Hiring of Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2015

Honoring the Hiring of Heroes Act This bill directs the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish jointly a program to award special recognition to employers for veteran-friendly employment practices (Employment Salute Awards) and, in coordination with the Departments of Defense and Commerce, establish criteria for determining award recipients. The Employment Salute Award Fund is established in the Treasury for the deposit of employer award application fees collected under this Act.

Recognizing the individuals who have served, or are serving, in the Armed Forces and have also served, or are serving, as a peace officer or as a first responder and expressing support for the designation of November 10 as Armed Forces, Peace Officer, and First Responder Dual Service Recognition Day.

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2015

Recognizes individuals who have chosen to serve in the Armed Forces and also as a peace officer or as a first responder. Supports the designation of Armed Forces, Peace Officer, and First Responder Dual Service Recognition Day.

Protecting Americans from the Proliferation of Weapons to Terrorists Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2015

Protecting Americans from the Proliferation of Weapons to Terrorists Act of 2015 This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds made available to the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, the National Security Council, the National Security Agency, or any other U.S. agency or entity involved in intelligence activities for the purpose of, or in a manner which would have the effect of, supporting military or paramilitary operations in Syria. An exception is provided for funds obligated for non-lethal humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people provided directly by the U.S. government through nongovernmental organizations and contractors or foreign governments. The prohibition may only be nullified if a joint resolution approving assistance for military or paramilitary operations in Syria is enacted.

Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2015

Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Office of Strategic Services in recognition of their service and contributions during World War II.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require the prompt notification of State Child Protective Services by military and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense required by law to report suspected instances of child abuse and neglect.

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2015

This bill directs a member of the Armed Forces, a civilian Department of Defense (DOD) employee, or a contractor employee working on a military installation who is required by federal regulation or state law to report known or suspected instances of child abuse and neglect to make the report directly to State Child Protective Services or another appropriate state agency in addition to the member's or employee's chain of command or any designated DOD point of contact. DOD shall ensure that such individuals receive appropriate training in accordance with state guidelines to improve their: (1) ability to recognize evidence of child abuse and neglect, and (2) understanding of mandatory reporting requirements.

Half-Staff for Homeland Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2015

Half-Staff for Homeland Heroes Act This bill requires that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in honor of a member of the Armed Forces who dies from an injury incurred or aggravated while serving on active duty in the United States.

Veterans Health and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2015

Veterans Health and Accountability Act This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to revise the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Choice Program eligibility requirements. The VA may: (1) remove or demote a VA employee based on performance or misconduct, and (2) also remove an individual from the civil service or demote the individual through a reduction in grade or annual pay rate. An employee may appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board within seven days of removal or demotion. Between the date on which an individual appeals a removal from the civil service and the date on which the administrative judge issues a final decision, the individual may not receive any pay, awards, bonuses, or other specified benefits. A demoted individual: (1) shall be paid at the demoted rate as of the date of demotion, (2) may not be placed on administrative leave or any other category of paid leave while an appeal is ongoing, and (3) may only receive pay and other benefits if the individual reports for duty. The VA may not remove or demote an employee during the pendency of a whistle blower complaint made to the VA Office of Special Counsel or to the central whistle blower office until a final decision has been made. An individual's appointment to a permanent position within the competitive service or as a career appointee within the Senior Executive Service (SES) shall become final after an 18-month probationary period, which the VA may extend. Final appointment shall be made by the employee's supervisor. An additional method is established for filing whistle blower complaints in which a VA employee may file such complaints with his or her immediate and next-level supervisors, and ultimately with the VA after having properly filed a complaint at each supervisory level. The VA may not exempt any employee from such whistle blower coverage. The VA shall carry out specified adverse actions against a supervisor who commits a prohibited personnel action relating to a whistle blower complaint. A supervisor who commits a prohibited personnel action shall not be paid any award or bonus for a one-year period, and any award or bonus paid during that period shall be recouped. The performance appraisal system for SES employees is revised, including by providing for five annual performance level ratings for SES employees as follows: outstanding, exceeds fully successful, fully successful, minimally satisfactory, and unsatisfactory. The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 is amended to reduce to $300 million the aggregate amount of awards and bonuses that may be paid by the VA in each of FY2016-FY2018.

Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and sharing of Disability Examination Procedures with DOD Doctors Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2015

Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures with DOD Doctors Act This bill declares that: if a member of the Armed Forces who is required to receive a physical examination as part of his or her separation from active duty has or is believed to have a medical condition that will or may make the member eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation and benefits, the physical examination shall be performed by a VA-certified health care provider; and if such a condition is discovered during the physical examination and the examining health care provider is not VA-certified, the examination shall be completed by a VA-certified health care provider. An eligibility determination made as part of such physical examination shall be binding on the VA and be used as the basis for assigning the member's disability rating. The VA and the Department of Defense shall jointly establish a system to share data and maintain the medical and personnel records of members of the Armed Forces and veterans.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate in support of Israel and in condemnation of Palestinian terror attacks.

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2015

Condemns Palestinian terror attacks against Israelis. Welcomes Israel's commitment to maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount. Urges the President and the international community to join in condemning these Palestinian terror attacks. Declares that there is no justification for these types of attacks and that there is a direct correlation between the recent upsurge in violence and Arab incitement regarding the Temple Mount. Stands with the people of Israel and supports Israel's right to self-defense. Supports the agreement to install surveillance cameras on the Temple Mount. Calls upon President Abbas to stop all incitement by Palestinian officials and media and to take all steps necessary to halt these attacks. Supports the individuals and organizations working to encourage cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians. Encourages President Abbas to continue strengthening and maintaining security cooperation with Israel. Reiterates that Palestinian political goals will never be achieved through violence, and calls on all parties to return to the negotiating table.

Veterans Collaboration Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2015

Veterans Collaboration Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a two-year pilot program in states with the highest veteran populations to promote collaboration between the VA and nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher learning. The VA shall emphasize collaboration with: (1) veterans service organizations that provide personnel with appropriate credentials to assist veterans in filing disability compensation claims and appeals with the VA, and (2) educational institutions that provide veterans with pro bono legal assistance.

Veteran's Choice Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2015

Veteran's Choice Accountability Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: evaluate VA programs that furnish hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to ensure that the most intensively used specialized care programs are maintained as centers of excellence; and submit to Congress an evaluation of the VA's implementation of the VA Budget and Choice Improvement Act.

Enhanced Veteran Healthcare Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2015

Enhanced Veteran Healthcare Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to seek to enter into covered agreements and contracts for the mutually beneficial coordination, use, or exchange of covered VA health-care resources with eligible academic affiliates in order to improve access to, and quality of, VA hospital care and medical services.

Veterans Scheduling Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2015

Veterans Scheduling Accountability Act This bill directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct random, periodic audits of the medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans Integrated Service Networks to determine if they are in compliance with legal and VA standards requiring that veterans be provided timely access to VA health care.

Department of Homeland Security CBRNE Defense Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2015

Department of Homeland Security CBRNE Defense Act of 2015 This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Office to coordinate, strengthen, and provide chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) capabilities in support of homeland security. The Office shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary, who shall: develop, coordinate, and maintain for DHS overall CBRNE strategy and policy and periodic CBRNE risk assessments; serve as the primary DHS representative for coordinating CBRNE activities with other federal agencies; provide oversight for DHS's preparedness for CBRNE threats; and provide support for operations during CBRNE threats or incidents. The Secretary of DHS shall transfer to the Office: (1) the Office of Health Affairs, (2) the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, (3) CBRNE threat awareness and risk assessment activities of the Science and Technology Directorate, (4) the CBRNE functions of the Office of Policy and the Office of Operations Coordination, and (5) the Office for Bombing Prevention of the National Protection and Programs Directorate. The Assistant Secretary shall develop, coordinate, and update at least biennially: (1) terrorism risk assessments of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats; and (2) an integrated terrorism risk assessment that assesses all such threats and, as appropriate, explosives threats, and compares each against one another. The assessments shall be used to inform and guide allocation of resources for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threat activities of DHS. The Under Secretary of Intelligence and Analysis of DHS shall: support homeland security-focused intelligence analysis of terrorist actors, their claims, and their plans to conduct attacks involving CBRNE against the United States and of global infectious diseases, public health, food, agricultural, and veterinary issues; leverage existing and emerging homeland security intelligence capabilities and structures to enhance prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts with respect to a CBRNE attack; share appropriate information regarding such threats to appropriate state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities, as well as other national biosecurity and biodefense stakeholders; and coordinate with other relevant DHS components, members of the intelligence community, and other authorities to enable such entities to provide recommendations on optimal information sharing mechanisms and on how such entities can provide information to DHS. The Assistant Secretary shall report to specified congressional committees with recommendations for adjustments in the Office's management and administration to improve operational impact and enhance efficiencies. DHS shall: (1) assess the organizational structure of the management and execution of DHS's CBRNE research and development activities; and (2) develop and submit to such committees a proposed organizational structure for the management and execution of such activities. The Government Accountability Office shall conduct a review of and report on DHS's management and execution of such activities.

Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2015

Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act This bill includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands during the period January 1, 1977-December 31, 1980, as radiation exposed veterans for purposes of the Department of Veterans Affairs presumption of service-connection for specified cancers.

ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO DEFENSE STRATEGY AND FORCE STRUCTURE

United States · United States Senate · 29 October 2015

ASSURE Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2015

Annuity Safety and Security Under Reasonable Enforcement Act of 2015 or the ASSURE Act of 2015 Amends the Truth in Lending Act to direct the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to issue regulations requiring any payment to a recipient of a federal or military pension (a benefit recipient) that diminishes the benefit recipient's ability to control payments from such pension to be treated as an extension of credit. Requires financial institutions to include the terms of such credit in consumer information disclosures. Prohibits the annual percentage rate of interest on such arrangements from exceeding the federal funds rate plus 6% or an equivalent aggregate amount of cash and property. Specifies conditions under which payment of consideration in exchange for the retired pay of enlisted military members is prohibited from assignment under veterans' benefits laws. Prohibits individuals from making allotments or assignments from annuities under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), including any agreement under which another person acquires for consideration the right to receive payment from such annuities as well as any arrangement for collateral for security for such an agreement. Exempts union dues or payments to employee organizations from such prohibitions. Authorizes benefit recipients, individuals entitled to military retired pay, and annuity recipients to bring a private legal action in federal or state court against an assignee engaging in prohibited assignments. Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to direct the CFPB to issue regulations requiring persons offering federal or military pension-related products to provide additional disclosures when advertising or selling such products to allow consumers to understand how their pension relates to the product.

Acupuncture for Heroes and Seniors Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2015

Acupuncture for Heroes and Seniors Act of 2015 This bill provides access to qualified acupuncturist services for: (1) military members and their dependents under the TRICARE program, and (2) veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. The VA shall carry out such program at in at least one VA facility in each Veterans Integrated Service Network in both urban and rural areas. Qualifying acupuncturists may be appointed as commissioned officers in the: (1) Acupuncture Section of the Medical Service Corps of the Army, (2) Medical Service Corps of the Navy, and (3) Air Force (designated as biomedical science officers). The VA shall establish the Advisory Committee on Acupuncturist Services. Title XVIII of the Social Security Act is amended to provide Medicare coverage for acupuncturist services. The Public Health Service Act is amended to make acupuncturists eligible for appointment as officers in the commissioned Regular Corps and the Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.

Taxpayer Receipt Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2015

Taxpayer Receipt Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Department of the Treasury to provide every taxpayer who files an individual income tax return for any taxable year an itemized tax receipt showing: (1) the proportionate allocation of the taxpayer's payment in such year among major expenditure categories of the federal budget (e.g., social security, national defense, Medicare and other federal health programs, low-income assistance programs, unemployment benefits, net interest on the federal debt, and other federal programs); and (2) the amount of the federal debt at the end of the fiscal year and the amount of additional borrowing by the federal government in such fiscal year for each legal U.S. resident.

[H.A.S.C. No. 114-60] SHORTENING THE DEFENSE ACQUISITION CYCLE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 October 2015

Veteran PEER Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2015

Veteran Partners' Efforts to Enhance Reintegration Act or Veteran PEER Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish peer specialists in patient aligned care teams at VA medical centers to promote the use and integration of mental health services in a primary care setting. At least 5 centers shall be polytrauma centers, and at least 10 shall be non-polytrauma centers. The VA shall ensure that the needs of female veterans are specifically addressed and that female peer specialists are included in the program.

Congratulating Army Reserve Major Lisa Jaster on her graduation from the Army Ranger School.

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2015

Honors Major Lisa Jaster for becoming the first Army Reserve woman to graduate from Ranger School. Commends the groundbreaking achievements of the first three women to graduate from Ranger School, Captain Kristen Griest, First Lieutenant Shaye Haver, and Major Lisa Jaster. Recognizes the Army Reserve's vital role in defending the United States. Celebrates the determination, patriotism, and willingness to lead of all Ranger School graduates.

Lawful Purpose and Self Defense Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2015

Lawful Purpose and Self Defense Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to modify the definition of "armor piercing ammunition" for purposes of federal firearms provisions to: (1) include a projectile that is designed and intended by the manufacturer or importer for use in a handgun (currently, a projectile that may be used in a handgun); (2) repeal the exclusion of a projectile that the Department of Justice (DOJ) finds is primarily intended for sporting purposes; and (3) exclude a projectile that is primarily intended by the manufacturer or importer to be used in a rifle or shotgun and a handgun projectile that is designed and intended by the manufacturer or importer to be used for hunting, recreational, or competitive shooting. It repeals a prohibition on assembling from imported parts a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun that is identical to one prohibited from importation as not being suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. It repeals the condition that in order for a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to be permitted to ship to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty outside the United States or to clubs whose entire membership is composed of such members, and for such members or clubs to be permitted to receive, a firearm or ammunition intended for the lawful personal use of such members or club, the firearm or ammunition must be determined by DOJ to be generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes. The bill includes among the categories of firearms or ammunition that may be authorized for importation into the United States by DOJ, within 30 days after receiving an application therefor: (1) ammunition that is not armor piercing ammunition; (2) a firearm or ammunition that is being brought in for the use of a federal, state, or local government agency; and (3) a firearm or ammunition that is being imported for the purpose of exportation. It amends the National Firearms Act to modify the definition of "destructive device" to exclude: (1) a shotgun or shotgun shell which the Department of the Treasury finds is generally recognized as particularly suitable for lawful (currently, sporting) purposes; and (2) an antique or a rifle which the owner intends to use for (currently, solely for) sporting purposes. It authorizes the temporary interstate transfer of a firearm for lawful (currently, sporting) purposes.

Protecting America's Solvency Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2015

Protecting America's Solvency Act of 2015 This bill increases the statutory debt limit by $1 trillion after Congress adopts a balanced budget Constitutional amendment and by an additional $1 trillion after the amendment is ratified by the states. To comply with the requirements of this bill, the amendment must: prohibit total outlays for a year from exceeding receipts, excluding receipts derived from borrowing and outlays for repayment of debt principal; permit the deficit prohibition to be suspended by a majority of both houses of Congress in any year in which the United States is actively engaged in military conflict pursuant to a war declared by Congress or by a fourth-fifths vote in any other year; require the President to ensure that total outlays for a fiscal year do not exceed receipts and consider the failure to prevent a deficit to be an impeachable offense; permit any Member of Congress, governor, or attorney general to have standing and a cause of action to seek judicial enforcement of the amendment; prohibit the President, a court, or any state from ordering a tax increase or other revenue measures to enforce the requirements; and phase-in the requirements using a specified schedule of declining deficits.