Defence

Providing Military Honors for our Nation's Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009

Providing Military Honors for our Nation's Heroes Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse a member of a veterans' service organization or other organization approved by the Secretary for transportation and other appropriate expenses incurred in connection with the voluntary provision of a funeral honors detail at the funeral of a veteran, including when requested by a funeral home.

Control Spending Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009

Control Spending Now Act - Fiscal Discipline, Earmark Reform, and Accountability Act - Amends the Standing Rules of the Senate to revise procedures for consideration of points of order against consideration of certain general appropriations bills in the Senate. Amends the Rules to require all conference reports to be searchable online. Congressional Accountability and Line Item Veto Act of 2009 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to propose the repeal of any congressional earmark or the cancellation (line item veto) of any limited tariff or targeted tax benefit. Dedicates any such repeal or cancellation only to deficit reduction or increase of a surplus. Prescribes procedures for expedited consideration in each House of Congress for such proposals. Authorizes the President temporarily to withhold congressional earmarks from obligation or suspend a limited tariff or targeted tax benefit. Expresses the sense of Congress on abuse of proposed repeals and cancellations. Requires Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) legislation to include by reference an estimate of its budgetary effects, as determined by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA), if timely submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the chairs of the congressional budget committees (chairs) before the vote on it. Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to maintain and make publicly available a continuously updated document with two specified PAYGO scorecards displaying the budgetary effects of PAYGO legislation, applying certain look-back and averaging requirements. Requires OMB to display as a separate addendum the cost estimates of provisions designated in statute as emergency requirements. Requires OMB to make annual public PAYGO reports and prepare for the President an offsetting sequestration order, which the President shall issue, if such report shows a debit on either PAYGO scorecard for the budget year. Exempts from sequestration: (1) low-income subsidies and catastrophic subsidies under Part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of the Social Security Act (SSA); and (2) qualified individual (QI) premiums for Medicare cost-sharing for certain dual eligible low-income Medicare beneficiaries under SSA title XIX (Medicaid). Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to specify additional Social Security, veterans, Tier I Railroad Retirement benefits and other programs and activities exempt from a sequestration order as well as certain economic recovery programs. Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act - Amends the CBA to require: (1) biennial (currently, annual) budget resolutions; (2) biennial appropriations Acts; and (3) biennial government strategic and performance plans. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to eliminate automatic pay adjustments for Members of Congress. Rescinds a specified amount from funds appropriated under title I of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010 for specified Members of Congress expense accounts. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require all mandatory designations, statements, and reports filed under it to be filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Prohibits the obligation of any amounts by the Secretary of the Treasury from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) after the enactment of this Act. Student Loan Reform Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to end subsidies for private student loan companies. Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise requirements for the importation of prescription drugs. Prohibits the importation of a qualifying drug unless it is imported by a registered importer or an individual for personal use. Establishes registration conditions for importers and exporters. Sets forth requirements for the importation of qualifying drugs different from U.S. label drugs. Prohibits manufacturers from discriminating against registered exporters or importers or engaging in actions to restrict, prohibit, or delay the importation of a qualifying drug. States that the resale in the United States of prescription drugs that were properly sold abroad is not patent infringement. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to educate consumers regarding prescription drug importation. Prescribes requirements for the sale of prescription drugs through an Internet site. Prohibits the introduction of restricted transactions with unregistered foreign pharmacies into a payment system or the completion of such transactions using a payment system. Drug Rebate Equalization Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending to such organizations the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid plans. Requires also that capitation rates paid to the organization be: (1) based on actual cost experience related to rebates; and (2) subject to the federal regulations requiring actuarially sound rates. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to increase the Medicaid drug rebate to bring down prices for prescription drugs. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to develop and implement a program to impose fees on businesses that benefit from the trade promotion activities of the International Trade Administration (ITA). Amends the Agricultural Trade Act to reduce the allocation of certain funds by the Commodity Credit Corporation or the Secretary of Agriculture for market access activities (for agriculture commodities exporters). Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assess, and facilities to pay, a user fee when facilities fail Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quality inspections. Amends the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 to: (1) modify irrigation and crop insurance subsidies for specified single farm operations; (2) reduce direct payments to large landowners; (3) cut farm subsidies for high-income individuals; (4) eliminate the cotton storage subsidy; and (5) end subsidized grazing fees. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend through FY2019 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority to grant a radio broadcasting license or permit to qualified applicants through a competitive bidding system. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the percentage depletion allowance for hardrock mining. Amends the Revised Statutes to end subsidies for hardrock mining on public lands by imposing mining royalties and increasing claim maintenance fees. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require a 2% deduction (for federal administrative costs) from payments to states from money received from sales, bonuses, royalties including interest charges related to onshore oil, gas, coal, and mineral leases on public lands. Amends the Energy Policy Act to repeal the prohibition against a rulemaking that would enable an increase in fees to recover additional costs related to processing oil and natural gas drilling-related permit applications and use authorizations. Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to revise requirements for the disposal of all funds received from the sales, bonuses, royalties, and rentals related to geothermal energy production on public lands. Sets at $5.00 the current uniform fee imposed on passengers of air carriers and foreign air carriers for the cost of providing civil aviation security services. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) to prescribe a formula for reducing the premium subsidy for Medicare prescription drug assistance based on income. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds for FY2010 to support: (1) a lunar mission under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Constellation Program scheduled to occur before 2025; (2) the V-22 or V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft program; (3) the C-17 Globemaster aircraft program; or (4) nondemonstration satellites under the Space Tracking and Surveillance System. Directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics to develop an alternative acquisition strategy for high-risk major defense acquisitions (weapons systems), and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to decide whether or not to terminate a major defense acquisition program in order to meet joint military requirements through a recommended the alternative acquisition strategy. Reduces spending on excess secondary inventory (spare parts) for the Department of the Air Force. Requires DOD to recover $50 million in erroneous overpayments to defense contractors. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to follow specified procedures to: (1) assess and report to Congress on the vulnerability and/or acquisition of major intelligence systems; and (2) submit a Future Year Intelligence Plan and long-term budget projections to congressional intelligence committees. Prescribes a procedure for senior intelligence management officials to correct long-standing material intelligence budget weaknesses. Requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to deposit in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts all the service fees it receives (IRS Slush Fund). Rescinds unspent earmarks meeting specified criteria. Repeals: (1) the Rail-Line Relocation Program; and (2) the Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act and the Television Broadcasting to Cuba Act (eliminating radio/TV MARTI at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting). Prohibits the use of certain funds to support the military forces of Colombia.

USA PATRIOT Amendments Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009

USA PATRIOT Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to revise requirements relating to roving electronic surveillance, production of records for counterterrorism investigations, and use of pen registers and trap and trace devices (devices for recording incoming and outgoing telephone numbers). Extends until December 31, 2013, provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act authorizing: (1) roving electronic surveillance; and (2) orders for the production of records for counterterrorism investigations. Extends through 2013 audit requirements relating to orders for tangible things, pen registers and trap and trace devices, and the use of national security letters. Amends the federal criminal code to reduce from 30 to 7 days the period for giving notice to the target of a search warrant in a criminal investigation. National Security Letter Reform Act of 2009 - Terminates on December 31, 2013, the authority for issuance of national security letters. Modifies the standard for issuing national security letters to require a separate writing documenting specific and articulable facts showing reasonable grounds to believe that the information sought pertains to a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power. Requires notice to a recipient of a national security letter of the right of judicial review of any nondisclosure requirement. Requires the Attorney General to authorize use of any information obtained from a national security letter in a criminal investigation. Sets forth procedures for judicial review of a national security letter nondisclosure order. Requires the Attorney General to establish minimization and destruction procedures for information obtained from a national security letter that is no longer of interest in an authorized investigation.

FISA Amendments Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009

FISA Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to repeal title VIII (Protection of Persons Assisting the Government) of FISA. Requires a certification made by the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence under provisions of title VII of FISA (Additional Procedures Regarding Certain Persons Outside the United States) concerning authorizing the targeting of persons outside the United States other than U.S. persons to acquire foreign intelligence information to include a certification that the acquisition is limited to communications in which a party is an individual target reasonably believed to be outside the United States, and for which a significant purpose of the acquisition is to obtain foreign intelligence information. Prohibits the targeting of a person outside the United States when a significant purpose of the acquisition is to acquire the communications of a particular, known person reasonably believed to be within the United States, except in accordance with FISA title I (Electronic Surveillance). Prohibits receiving into evidence any information obtained in an acquisition against any U.S. person for which a deficiency in the procedures for acquiring such information is identified by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. Provides an exception if the government corrects any deficiencies so identified, at that time permitting use or disclosure under such minimization procedures as the Court shall establish for such purposes. Prohibits a communication from being acquired under FISA title VII if the government knows before or at the time of acquisition that the communication is to, or from, a person reasonably believed to be in the United States. Provides exceptions when there is reason to believe that: (1) the communication concerns international terrorist activities directed against the United States or activities in preparation therefor; (2) the target reasonably believed to be outside the United States is an agent of a foreign group engaged in international terrorism or activities in preparation therefor; or (3) the acquisition is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily harm. Requires the government to segregate a communication acquired under title VII to, or from, a person reasonably believed to be in the United States and there shall be no access to the communication, except in accordance with title I or provisions of this paragraph. Allows the access to, and use of, such acquisition for up to seven days if there are conditions similar to the above exceptions. Requires annual audits from the Inspectors General of the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning implementation of, and compliance with, this paragraph.

Disclosure of Presidential Declassification of Intelligence Information Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009

Disclosure of Presidential Declassification of Intelligence Information Act of 2009 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to direct the President, no later than 15 days after the declassification of any intelligence by the President or Vice-President, to notify the congressional intelligence committees. Directs the President to: (1) submit to such committees a list of each official of the Executive Office of the President who is authorized to declassify information other than information originally classified by such official; and (2) update such list upon any addition or removal of such an official. Expresses the sense of Congress that any such notification should also be submitted to: (1) the Director of National Intelligence; (2) the Archivist of the United States; and (3) the heads of applicable elements of the intelligence community.

Recognizing the United States Air Force and Dyess Air Force Base for their success in achieving energy savings and developing energy-saving innovations during Energy Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009

Recognizes the energy savings and innovations achieved by the United States Air Force. Honors the leadership of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base for their energy savings. Congratulates Tom Denslow, Danny Dobbs, Ron Miller, and Daniel Thatcher of the Department of the Air Force at that base and Steve Dumont of the Department's Air Combat Command for their efforts to reduce energy use and to make that base a model of efficient energy use.

Automatic Reserve Component Enrollment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2009

Automatic Reserve Component Enrollment Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to jointly provide for the enrollment of members of the National Guard and reserve being discharged or released from active duty in the health and dental care programs for veterans of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during their participation in the demobilization and discharge process. Requires for such members: (1) the protection of privacy and personal information; (2) appropriate assistance in the completion of enrollment activities; and (3) education and outreach about the VA programs, benefits, and services for which they may be eligible.

[H.A.S.C. No. 111-100]CAN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROTECT TAXPAYERS WHEN IT PAYS ITS CONTRACTORS?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 October 2009

Jessie Hill Roberson, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2013, vice A. J. Eggenberger, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 15 October 2009

Clifford L. Stanley, of Pennsylvania, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, vice David S. C. Chu, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 15 October 2009

Peter Stanley Winokur, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2014. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 15 October 2009

Joseph F. Bader, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2012. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 15 October 2009

Indian Health Care Improvement Reauthorization and Extension Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009

Indian Health Care Improvement Reauthorization and Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to authorize appropriations for FY2010 and each fiscal year thereafter. Revises requirements for health care personnel, facilities, programs, and services for Indians, Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and urban Indian organizations, including providing for expanded behavioral, mental, youth, hospice, long-term care, assisted living, community-based, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and other services. Authorizes the establishment of an Office of Indian Men's Health. Requires procedures to negotiate and promulgate regulations to establish a disbursement formula for contract health service funds. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to accept from any source, including federal and state agencies, funds, equipment, or supplies that are available for the construction or operation of Indian health care facilities. Authorizes demonstration programs for modular component health care facilities and mobile mental health stations in Indian communities. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into or expand arrangements for the sharing of medical facilities and services between the Service, Indian Tribes, and Tribal Organizations and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD), requiring the VA or DOD to pay reimbursement for services provided to VA- or DOD-eligible Indian beneficiaries. Requires a federal health care program to accept an Indian Health Service, an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or urban Indian organization entity as a provider eligible to receive payment under the program for services furnished to an Indian on the same basis as any other qualified provider. Permits an Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying out programs under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act or an urban Indian organization carrying out programs under title V (Health Serivces for Urban Indians) of the Act to purchase insurance under the Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) for the employees of such Indian tribe, tribal organization, or urban Indian organization. Provides for the designation of specified areas as contract health service delivery areas.

A bill to authorize and request the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Captain Emil Kapaun of the United States Army for acts of valor during the Korean War.

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009

Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Captain Emil Kapaun for acts of valor during the Korean War.

Transparency for America's Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009

Transparency for America's Heroes Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make available on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website redacted records and documents (but not personal identifying information) created by the VA as part of a medical quality-assurance program. Requires the Secretary to ensure that any such records or documents created during the two-year period before the enactment of this Act are also made available in the same manner.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the reimbursement of mental health counselors under TRICARE, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009

Amends the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) to authorize the provision of mental health counseling for TRICARE participants. Authorizes the provision of mental health services in DOD clinical trials. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to authorize the Secretary of Defense to enter into personal service contracts with mental health counselors. Includes mental health counselors within DOD licensure requirements for health-care professionals.

Strengthening America's Satellite Industry Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009

Strengthening America's Satellite Industry Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should increase U.S. diplomatic efforts to strengthen arms export controls to ensure that such controls are supportive of U.S. arms export controls, particularly with respect to countries of concern to the United States. Requires the President to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees for five years regarding such diplomatic activities. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that information regarding certain defense items exported without a license under the Arms Control and Export Act be included in the annual military assistance report. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to direct the President to report to Congress, by country and by international organization, regarding the total dollar value of major defense equipment and defense articles exported pursuant to licenses for the previous fiscal year. Authorizes the President to remove satellites and related components from the United States Munitions List, except for any satellite or related component that may be transferred to, or launched into outer space by, the People's Republic of China (PRC). Directs the Inspector General of the Department of State to: (1) review Department investigations of possible misuse of U.S.-origin defense items; and (2) and report to Congress. Directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress regarding placing the export licensing functions of the Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls on a self-financing basis.

Peace Through Strength Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009

Peace Through Strength Act of 2009 - Sets forth congressional findings regarding: (1) Iranian support for terrorism, (2) Iran's ballistic missile fleet; (3) Iran's nuclear program; (4) the threat to the United States of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack; (5) Iran's dependence on petroleum imports; and (6) Iranian human rights violations. Sets forth U.S. policy regarding normalization of relations with Iran. Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to state that it shall be U.S. policy to encourage foreign governments to: (1) direct state-owned entities to cease all investment in Iran's energy sector and all exports of refined petroleum resources to Iran; and (2) persuade, and where possible, require private entities to cease all investment in Iran's energy sector and all exports of refined petroleum resources to Iran. Directs the President, with respect to sanctions against Iran, to (1) reduce the dollar threshold for imposition of sanctions against persons making investments that contribute to Iran's petroleum resource development; (2) enlarge the scope of activities that trigger sanctions against persons providing Iran with petroleum resources which contribute to Iran's ability to develop chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons; (3) impose sanctions against persons importing Iranian goods or services other than news publications into the United States or exporting to Iran goods or technology for other than humanitarian purposes; and (4) include among listed sanctions foreign exchange, banking, and property transaction prohibitions. States that the United States is capable, willing, and ready to use military force to prevent Iran from obtaining or developing a nuclear weapons capability. Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) develop military options to prevent Iran's development or deployment of a nuclear weapons capability; and (2) submit a related annual report to the appropriate congressional committees.

THE COST OF CURRENT DEFENSE PLANS: AN ANALYSIS OF BUDGET ISSUES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 October 2009

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require State approving agencies to approve courses of education that have been accredited and approved by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009

Requires (current law authorizes) a state approving agency to approve, for purposes of the veterans' educational assistance program, courses of education that have been accredited and approved by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.

Honor America's Guard-Reserve Retirees Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009

Honor America's Guard-Reserve Retirees Act - Deems as active-duty service, for purposes of benefits provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the service of a person entitled to retired pay for nonregular (reserve) service or, but for age, would be so entitled.

Health Care for Veterans Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009

Health Care for Veterans Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009 - Makes any veteran who was exposed in the line of duty to an occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern to the Secretary of Defense eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for any disability, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the disability may be associated with such exposure.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that State approving agencies provide timely responses to applications for approval of courses of education and provide justifications for disapproval of courses, to provide for the review of the disapproval of courses by State approving agencies, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009

Requires a state approving agency (agency) that receives an application from an educational institution for approval of a course of education for purposes of the veterans' educational assistance program to respond in writing to such institution within 90 days. Requires an agency that disapproves of a course of education to transmit to the institution a justification for such disapproval. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review and, if appropriate, overturn a negative agency determination.

Veterans Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009

Veterans Training Act - Deems a program of education as an approved program for purposes of the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program if the program is offered by an institution offering: (1) postsecondary instruction that leads to an associate or higher degree and the institution is an approved institution of higher learning; or (2) instruction that does not lead to an associate or higher degree and the institution is an approved educational institution.

To recognize October 24, 2009, the 20th chartered flight of World War II veterans through Louisiana HonorAir, as "Louisiana HonorAir Day," and to honor the invaluable service and dedication of the World War II veterans to our Nation.

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009

Recognizes Louisiana HonorAir for its 20 chartered flights of World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the National World War II Memorial. Honors the invaluable service and dedication of the World War II veterans to our nation. Supports the designation of a Louisiana HonorAir Day.

Servicemember Student Loan Interest Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009

Servicemember Student Loan Interest Relief Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty in hostile areas to benefit from the provision barring the accrual of interest on their student loans under the Federal Direct Loan program regardless of the date their loan was first disbursed. (Currently, their loan must be disbursed on or after October 1, 2008, to qualify for such treatment.) Eliminates the restriction of such benefit on direct consolidation loans to that portion of the loan which is used to repay direct loans.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve per diem grant payments for organizations assisting homeless veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009

Makes the rate of per diem payments provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to organizations assisting homeless veterans the greater of: (1) the daily cost of care, as adjusted by other sources of income received by the organization; or (2) $60 per bed provided by the organization. Directs the Secretary to ensure that 25% of the funds available for such payments are made available to organizations that: (1) meet each, some, or at least one of the transitional and supportive services criteria prescribed by the Secretary; and (2) furnish services to homeless individuals, of which less than 75% are veterans. Provides a higher priority in the making of such per diem payments for organizations that meet all or most of the transitional and supportive services criteria.

Recognizing the P-3 Orion naval aircraft for 50 years of service.

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009

Recognizes the P-3 Orion (anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft), its pilots, and its manufacturers for 50 years of invaluable service to the Armed Forces and the United States.

Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the redesignation of Company E, 100th Battalion, 442d Infantry Regiment of the United States Army and the sacrifice of the soldiers of Company E and their families in support of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009

Recognizes the valuable, historic, and continued contribution of Echo Company of the 100th Battalion of the 442d Infantry of the U.S. Army to the citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands and the United States. Commends the efforts and contributions of such soldiers and the sacrifices of their families. Recognizes and reaffirms the commitment of Congress to support the mission of Echo Company. Honors the lives of Echo Company soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the United States.

[H.A.S.C. No. 111-98]THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE'S RAPID ACQUISITION PROCESS: IS IT A MODEL FOR IMPROVING ACQUISITION?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 October 2009

To amend title 38, United States Code, to recognize the service in the reserve components of certain persons by honoring them with status as veterans under law.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009

Deems as active duty service, for purposes of benefits provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), service of a person entitled to retired pay for nonregular (reserve) service or, but for age, would be so entitled.

Civil Access to Justice Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009

Civil Access to Justice Act of 2009 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to reauthorize the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) at increased levels for FY2010-FY2015. Requires the LSC Board of Directors to include at least one individual with financial or audit experience. Eliminates state advisory councils. Increases the maximum pay level for LSC officers and employees. Requires the LSC to establish: (1) a protocol for the receipt of donations; (2) an audit committee, a finance committee, and a governance and performance review committee; (3) a continuity of operations plan; and (4) an adequate internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting. Requires the LSC to promote recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff members for all grantees, contractees, or recipients of financial assistance through the Pilot Loan Repayment Assistance Program or other appropriate programs. Limits the coverage of prohibited purpose provisions of federal law only to recipient use of funds from the LSC itself. (Thus lifts such restrictions, except those related to abortion litigation, on the use of state and local funds and private donations.) Revises eligibility requirements for LSC grantees and funds recipients, extending specific eligibility to those seeking assistance with matters relating to home foreclosure or mortgage default or delinquency. Requires distribution of LSC funds on the basis of a system of competitive bidding, as well as specific allocations for all geographic areas, Native American communities, and migrant and seasonal farm workers. Prohibits the use of LSC funds to provide legal assistance with respect to: (1) litigation relating to prison conditions; (2) the defense of an individual in a proceeding to evict him or her from a public housing project in connection with a drug offense; or (3) all but certain aliens. Authorizes the LSC to allow use of a portion of the funds provided under the grant or contract to acquire and develop information technology to promote full access to high-quality, efficient legal representation and materials for self-representation. Directs the LSC to require an audit of each recipient in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.

Making corrections in the enrollment of the bill H.R. 2647.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009

Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make technical corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 2647 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010).

Small Business Early-Stage Investment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Small Business Early-Stage Investment Act of 2009 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish and carry out a program to provide equity investment financing to support early-stage small businesses in the following targeted industries: (1) agricultural technology; (2) energy technology; (3) environmental technology; (4) life science; (5) information technology; (6) digital media; (7) clean technology; and (8) defense technology. Directs the Administrator to make grants to participating investment companies under the program and limits to $100 million the aggregate amount of all grants made to a participating investment company under the program. Requires, as a condition of receiving a grant under the program, all of the investments of participating investment companies to be in small businesses, and at least 50% to be in early-stage small businesses in the targeted industries. Establishes a separate Treasury fund for such grants.

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Improvements Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Improvements Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) expand the definition of "law enforcement officers," for purposes of provisions authorizing such officers to carry concealed weapons, to include current and retired law enforcement officers of the Amtrak Police Department, the Federal Reserve System, the executive branch, and the Armed Forces; (2) allow law enforcement officers who are retired or who separated in good standing after at least ten years of service to carry a concealed weapon; and (3) expand the categories of law enforcement officers authorized to possess a fireman in a school zone to include retired law enforcement officers.

Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2647) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2010 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, to provide special pays and allowances to certain members of the Armed Forces, expand concurrent receipt of military retirement and VA disability benefits to disabled military retirees, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2647) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2010 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, to provide special pays and allowances to certain members of the Armed Forces, expand concurrent receipt of military retirement and VA disability benefits to disabled military retirees.

Recognizing the significant contributions of the Military Working Dog Program to the United States Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Recognizes the significant contributions of the Military Working Dog (MWD) Program to the U.S. Armed Forces. Honors retired Air Force MWD Ben C020 for his lifetime of service. Supports the adoption and care of these quality animals after such service.

To authorize and request the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Captain Emil Kapaun of the United States Army for acts of valor during the Korean War.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Captain Emil Kapaun for acts of valor during the Korean War.

Armed Forces Education Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Armed Forces Education Parity Act - Makes enlisted members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard eligible to participate in the higher education programs offered by the Community College of the Air Force. (Currently, only enlisted members of the Air Force and other enlisted members of the Armed Forces who are serving as Air Force training school instructors are eligible to participate in such programs.)

Detainment Reform Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Detainment Reform Act of 2009 - Directs the President, with respect to non-U.S. individuals taken into custody, to make a specific determination whether the individual poses a danger to U.S. security and interests based on specified criteria, including whether the individual is an agent of a foreign power against which the use of military force was authorized under the Authorization for Use of Military Force. Allows the U.S. to detain, for up to 14 days, an individual determined to pose such a danger. Requires the U.S., after such period, to initiate detention proceedings provided under this Act or other legal authority, release the individual, transfer the individual to a foreign government, or transfer the individual to an international tribunal with appropriate jurisdiction. Outlines procedures for detention proceedings, requiring a determination that the individual is an imperative threat to security, with the burden of proof upon the U.S. by a preponderance of the evidence. Requires the protection of national security information during such proceedings. Requires: (1) the head of any military or federal department or agency that has custody or control of a detainee, upon such detention, to notify the International Committee of the Red Cross of such custody or control; (2) Red Cross access to such detainees; and (3) a report on conditions of detainees and detainee facilities. Provides for the disposition of detainees entitled to the right of habeas corpus review, requiring each such detainee to be: (1) charged with an offense and transferred to a detention facility for further legal proceedings; (2) transferred to an international tribunal with appropriate jurisdiction; (3) transferred to the custody of the individual's country of citizenship or a different country, provided the transfer is consistent specified conditions; or (4) held in detention after being determined an imperative threat to security. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of individuals and organizations suspected of involvement with international terrorism. Requires detainees to be held in accordance with conditions of confinement guaranteed by Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions. Requires a report identifying those nations, persons, or organizations considered to be forces covered by the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (P.L. 107-40) as having planned, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or as having harbored such persons or organizations as co-belligerents.

Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration, headed by the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity, to administer VA programs of economic opportunity assistance to veterans and their dependents and survivors. Requires the Administration to administer the following VA programs: (1) vocational rehabilitation and employment; (2) educational assistance; (3) veterans' housing loan and related programs; (4) veterans' entrepreneurship; and (5) homeless veterans. Establishes as an interagency committee the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Labor-Small Business Administration Joint Executive Committee on Economic Opportunity to recommend to the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Labor and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) strategic direction for the joint coordination and sharing of efforts to promote and administer veterans economic opportunity programs for education and training, vocational rehabilitation, employment, small business, and homelessness, and to oversee implementation of those efforts.

Recognizing the commencement of the 9th year of Operation Enduring Freedom and the sacrifice and contributions of United States service members and their families in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Recognizes the commencement of the 9th year of Operation Enduring Freedom. Recognizes the sacrifice and contributions of U.S. servicemembers and their families in support of such Operation.

Honoring the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving in, or have served in, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Honors the members of the Armed Forces who are serving in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and members and veterans who have previously so served. Calls on all Americans to reflect on their service and to hold them in a special place of honor now and in the future.

Disabled Veteran Caregiver Housing Assistance Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2009

Disabled Veteran Caregiver Housing Assistance Act of 2009 - Increases the amount of assistance authorized to be provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for permanent and total service-disabled veterans who are temporarily residing in housing owned by a family member from: (1) $14,000 to $28,000, in the case of the acquisition of housing with special features; and (2) $2,000 to $5,000, in the case of adaptations to a current residence. Directs the Secretary to adjust such amounts annually based on the residential home cost-of-construction index.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide wartime disability compensation for certain veterans with Parkinson's disease.

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2009

Adds Parkinson's disease (manifested to a degree of disability of 10% or more) to the list of diseases presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by military service in Vietnam (and therefore compensable under veterans' disability compensation), notwithstanding that there is no evidence of the disease during the period of service, provided a veteran served between specified dates and was exposed to a herbicide used in military operations during that period.

Christine H. Fox, of Virginia, to be Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Department of Defense. (New Position)

United States · United States Senate · 1 October 2009

To authorize a Department of Veterans Affairs major medical facility lease in Atlanta, Georgia.

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a major medical facility lease for a Specialty Care Clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, in an amount up to $5,172,000.

Armed Forces Tax Relief Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

Armed Forces Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from employment taxes combat zone compensation of members of the Armed Forces which is excludable from gross income. Appropriates amounts to cover Social Security trust fund deficits resulting from such tax exemption.

To prohibit any increase in the number of members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Afghanistan.

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

Prohibits any funds from being obligated or expended to increase the number of U.S. Armed Forces serving in Afghanistan on the date of enactment of this Act.

Strengthening America's Military Families Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

Strengthening America's Military Families Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow spouses of members of the Armed Forces to exclude from their gross income an amount equal to that amount which such members are able to exclude as combat zone compensation.