Defence

Caregivers Expansion and Improvement Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2013

Caregivers Expansion and Improvement Act of 2013 - Extends to all veterans with a serious service-connected injury the eligibility to participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program of comprehensive assistance to family caregivers of such veterans. (Under current law, such eligibility is limited to those veterans who incurred such an injury on or after September 11, 2001.)

NMTC Military Installation Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2013

New Markets Tax Credit Military Installation Act of 2013 or the NMTC Military Installation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the new markets tax credit, to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate in 2014 and thereafter funds in the limitation amount for such credit among qualified community development entities to make qualified low-income community investments within the former boundaries of military installations realigned or closed due to a base closure law.

To require the Director of the National Security Agency and the Inspector General of the National Security Agency to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2013

Amends the National Security Agency Act of 1959 and the Inspector General Act of 1978 to require the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Inspector General of NSA to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2013

Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for first-time homebuyers, to allow veterans of the Armed Forces a tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence purchased prior to January 1, 2017. Allows an additional credit for the cost of installing special fixtures or movable facilities in a residence to accommodate a disability of the veteran. Requires a recapture of credit amounts if the veterans sells such residence within 36 months after purchasing it.

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2013

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 - Makes continuing appropriations for FY2014. Appropriates amounts at a specified level for continuing operations, projects, or activities which were conducted in FY2013 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in: the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 (division A of P.L. 113-6), except for section 735; the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 (division B of P.L. 113-6); the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2013 (division C of P.L. 113-6); the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2013 (division D of P.L. 113-6); the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 (division E of P.L. 113-6); and the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (division F of P.L. 113-6). Requires the level to be the amounts appropriated in such appropriations Acts (including transfers and obligation limitations) except that such level shall be calculated: to reflect the full amount of any reduction required in FY2013 pursuant to any provision of division G of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-6), including section 3004; and without regard to any reduction required in FY2013 pursuant to the presidential sequestration order dated March 1, 2013. Requires if the total level provided is less than $1.058 trillion, an additional amount to be provided so that the total level equals such sum. Provides funding under this joint resolution through FY2014, unless otherwise provided for in such resolution or in the applicable appropriations Act. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including those for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such fiscal year. Requires for any discretionary account for which advance appropriations were provided for FY2014 or FY2015 in an appropriations Act for FY2013, in addition to amounts otherwise made available by this joint resolution, advance appropriations to be provided in the same amount for FY2015 or FY2016, respectively, with a comparable period of availability. Requires the head of each federal department and agency by March 1, 2014, to prepare and submit to the House committee with primary jurisdiction, a report that specifies the top legislative and policy priorities of the department or agency for FY2014 and includes proposals for legislation consistent with such priorities.

Recognizing Birmingham, Alabama, as home to the first and longest-running celebration of Veterans Day and home of the National Veteran Award.

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2013

Recognizes: (1) Birmingham, Alabama, as the home to the first and longest running national celebration of Veterans Day; and (2) Raymond Weeks for his 40 years of patriotic and pioneering efforts establishing Veterans Day and the National Veteran Award. Congratulates the Tuskegee Airmen for Receiving the National Veteran Award. Honors U.S. veterans and their families for providing freedom of life and liberty. Pays tribute to U.S. men and women in uniform who risk life and limb at home and overseas.

Honoring the service of Native American Indians in the United States Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2013

Honors the service of Native American Indians in the U.S. Armed Forces. Recommends the establishment of a National Native American Indian Veterans Day. Encourages all Americans to learn about the service of Native American Indians in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Veterans Health Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2013

Veterans Health Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement Act of 2013 - Modifies provisions relating to health care services for veterans to: (1) require (currently, authorize) the Secretary of the Veterans Administration (VA) to furnish health care services to veterans who do not qualify under existing VA programs for veterans with a service-connected disability or other impairment; (2) require the enrollment in VA health care programs by December 31, 2014, of veterans who do not have a service-connected disability rating; (3) extend the period of the eligibility of veterans with certain combat service to enroll in VA health care programs; (4) limit requirements for providing hospital care, nursing home care, extended care services, and prescription medications to veterans based upon the amount provided in advance in appropriation Acts; and (5) revise criteria for treating veterans as low-income families based upon location and income factors for purposes of enrollment in VA health care programs. Directs the VA Secretary to: (1) use the VA capitation-based resource allocation model (provides for the allocation of health care services based on factors such as population, patient age and sex, and financial need) in entering into contracts for furnishing health care services; (2) afford priority for entry into contracts for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Community Health Centers; and (3) modify guidance for VA health care services contracts to incorporate best practices in such contracts.

A bill to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs to be constructed at 3141 Centennial Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the "PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2013

Designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be constructed at 3141 Centennial Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the "PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic."

Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2013

Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2013 - 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 the diagnosis, treatment, and research 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; establish an advisory board to advise the center, to determine which health conditions result from exposure to toxic substances, and to study and evaluate cases of exposure of current and former members of the Armed Forces to toxic substances; and establish an Office of Extramural Research to conduct research on wounds, illnesses, injuries, and other conditions suffered by active members of the Armed Forces resulting from exposure to toxic substances and to assist the advisory board in considering claims of exposure to toxic substances. Extends eligibility for medical care and caregiver assistance to descendants of a veteran who was exposed to toxic substances while serving as a member of the Armed Forces if: (1) the descendant has a health condition resulting from exposure to toxic substances and is homebound due to such condition, and (2) the veteran has or had the same health condition. 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 VA 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 incidents of exposure to toxic substances, health conditions resulting form such exposure, and the potential long-term effects of such exposure.

To designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs to be constructed at 3141 Centennial Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the "PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2013

Designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be constructed at 3141 Centennial Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the "PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic."

To authorize and request the President to issue a posthumous commission in the regular Army to Milton Holland, who, while sergeant major of the 5th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the Civil War.

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2013

Authorizes and requests the President to issue a posthumous commission in the grade of captain in the regular Army to Milton Holland, who, while a sergeant major of the 5th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the Civil War.

Veterans Day Off Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2013

Veterans Day Off Act - Entitles veterans who have been employed by an employer for at least 12 months, except those employed by a public agency, to leave from such employer on Veterans Day upon request if such veteran would otherwise be required to work on Veterans Day. Authorizes employers who employ 50 or more employees to deny leave if providing leave to veterans would negatively impact public health or safety or cause the employer significant economic or operational disruption. Authorizes leave granted to consist of unpaid leave. Authorizes an employee to elect, or an employer to require the employee, to substitute accrued paid vacation leave or personal leave for leave provided under this Act. Prohibits: (1) such employers from interfering with, restraining, or denying the taking of any leave provided under this Act; (2) such employers from discharging or discriminating against individuals for opposing practices made unlawful by this Act; and (3) any person from discharging or discriminating against individuals for filing any charge or instituting any proceeding under this Act, giving any information in connection with inquiries or proceedings relating to such leave, or testifying in inquiries or proceedings related to such leave. Gives the Secretary of Labor investigative authority with respect to the provisions of this Act in the same manner and under the same terms and conditions as the investigative authority provided under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Requires such employers to post in conspicuous places on their premises a notice with information pertaining to the filing of a charge under this Act.

Hmong Veterans' Service Recognition Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2013

Hmong Veterans' Service Recognition Act - Authorizes burial in any open national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration of the remains of any individual: (1) who was naturalized pursuant to the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000 and who resided in the United States at the time of death; or (2) who the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines served with a special guerrilla unit or irregular forces operating from a base in Laos in support of the U.S. Armed Forces between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, and who, at the time of death, resided in the United States and was a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2013

Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to redefine "navigable waters" to specify that included territorial seas are those that are: (1) navigable-in-fact; or (2) permanent or continuously flowing bodies of water that form geographical features commonly known as streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes that are connected to waters that are navigable-in-fact. Excludes from such term: (1) waters that do not physically abut navigable waters and lack a continuous surface water connection to navigable waters; (2) man-made or natural structures or channels through which water flows intermittently or ephemerally, or that periodically provide drainage for rainfall; or (3) wetlands without a continuous surface connection to bodies of water that are waters of the United States. Prohibits activities carried out by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Army Corps of Engineers from impinging upon states' power over land and water use. Prohibits: (1) aggregation of such excluded wetlands or waters from being used to determine or assert federal jurisdiction, and (2) wetlands without a continuous surface connection to bodies of water that are waters of the United States from being considered to be under federal jurisdiction. Authorizes states or individual property owners to obtain judicial review of jurisdictional determinations by the Administrator or the Secretary of the Army that would affect their ability to plan the development and use of land and water resources within 30 days after such a determination. Considers groundwater to be state water. Prohibits groundwater from being considered in determining or asserting federal jurisdiction over isolated or other waters. Prohibits the Administrator from using a significant nexus test to determine federal jurisdiction over navigable waters and waters of the United States. Nullifies: (1) the Corps' rule entitled "Final Rule for Regulatory Programs of the Corps of Engineers," (2) EPA's proposed rule entitled "Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Clean Water Act Regulatory Definition of 'Waters of the United States,'" (3) the guidance document entitled "Clean Water Act Jurisdiction Following the U.S. Supreme Court's Decision in Rapanos v. United States & Carabell v. United States (relating to the definition of waters under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act), and (4) any subsequent regulation or guidance issued by federal agencies that defines or interprets the term "navigable waters." Prohibits the Corps and EPA from promulgating rules or issuing guidance that expands or interprets the definition of navigable waters unless expressly authorized by Congress. Sets forth provisions requiring federal agencies to obtain consent of private property owners prior to entering their land to collect information about navigable waters. Requires federal agencies that issue regulations that relate to the definition of navigable waters or waters of the United States and diminish the fair market value or economic viability of a property to pay the affected property owner an amount equal to twice the value of the loss. Gives no force or effect to such regulation until landowners with such claims have been compensated.

Servicemember Housing Protection Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Servicemember Housing Protection Act of 2013 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to protect a surviving spouse who is the successor in interest to a servicemember who dies from a service-connected cause while in military service against a mortgage foreclosure or residential lease termination. Extends such protection for the one-month period following the death of the servicemember. Allows the termination of an existing lease by the lessee, without penalties, when the lessee is assigned to or otherwise relocates to federal quarters or military housing. Requires, in such case, the lessee to deliver to the lessor written notice of such termination and a letter from the servicemember's commanding officer indicating such relocation.

Survivors of Military Sexual Assault and Domestic Abuse Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Survivors of Military Sexual Assault and Domestic Abuse Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide counseling and care and services for sexual trauma to active-duty members of the Armed Forces. (Under current law, such services are provided only to veterans.) Prohibits such a member from being required to obtain a referral before receiving such services. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a screening mechanism to be used when a veteran seeks VA health care services to detect if such veteran has been a victim of domestic abuse in order to improve such treatment and assess the prevalence of such abuse in the veteran population. Requires the Secretary to report to the congressional veterans committees on treatment and services available from the VA for male veterans who experience military sexual trauma compared to such treatment and services available to female veterans who experience such trauma. Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee, annually for a six-year period, to report to the defense and appropriations committees on the transition from the Department of Defense (DOD) to the VA of treatment of individuals who have experienced military sexual trauma or domestic abuse.

Improving Quality of Care Within the Department of Veterans Affairs Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Improving Quality of Care Within the Department of Veterans Affairs Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has in effect an up-to-date policy on reporting a notifiable infectious disease diagnosed at a VA facility in accordance with applicable state and local law, and (2) develop performance measures to assess whether and to what degree the directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) and VA medical centers are complying with such policy. Requires the Secretary to enter into a contract with an independent third-party to: (1) assess the organizational structures of VA medical centers, and (2) improve succession planning among key leadership roles at VISN and VA medical centers.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for reimbursement for emergency medical treatment to certain veterans that were unable to receive care from the Department of Veterans Affairs in the 24-month period preceding the furnishing of such emergency treatment.

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Expands eligibility for reimbursement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for emergency medical treatment furnished in a non-VA facility to include veterans that were unable to receive care from the VA within the 24-month period preceding such treatment because of a waiting period imposed by the VA with respect to a new patient examination.

Enhanced Dental Care for Veterans Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Enhanced Dental Care for Veterans Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish additional dental services and treatment, and dental appliances, needed to restore functioning in a veteran that is lost due to VA services or treatment furnished to such veteran. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a three-year pilot program for furnishing dental care to veterans not otherwise eligible for dental services and treatment under current VA programs, (2) carry out a program of education to promote dental health for veterans, and (3) enable private sector dental care providers to submit information on dental care provided to veterans under the pilot program for inclusion in VA electronic medical records.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to update the Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance program to base premium rates on the Commissioners 2001 Standard Ordinary Mortality Table instead of the Commissioners 1941 Standard Ordinary Table of Mortality.

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Requires premium rates and cash, loan, paid-up, and extended values for service-disabled veterans life insurance to be based on the Commissioners 2001 Standard Ordinary Mortality Table (currently, the Commissioners 1941 Standard Ordinary Table of Mortality).

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide replacement automobiles for certain disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Expands the entitlement of disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces to automobiles and other conveyances to: (1) allow two replacements of such automobiles and conveyances; (2) allow unlimited replacements if the automobile or other conveyance was destroyed due to a natural or other disaster and through no fault of the veteran or member; and (3) increase the maximum amount allowed for an automobile or conveyance to the lesser of its total purchase price or $30,000 (currently, $18,900).

Mental Health Support for Veteran Families and Caregivers Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Mental Health Support for Veteran Families and Caregivers Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) enter into contracts to conduct a 4-year program (with authorization for a 4-year extension) to provide a course of education to family members and caregivers of veterans on matters relating to coping with veterans' mental health disorders; (2) carry out such program in at least 10 VA medical centers, 10 VA clinics, and 10 centers for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans (vet centers); (3) expand such program (within 2 years) to include at least 10 additional medical centers, clinics, and vet centers; and (4) select VA mental health care providers to monitor the progress of the instruction provided under such education program. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a program to provide peer support to family members and caregivers of veterans on matters relating to coping with veterans mental health disorders; (2) provide such peer support, through group meetings conducted at least twice each calendar quarter, at each facility in which the education program is provided; (3) select an individual who has completed the education program to serve as a peer support coordinator for each facility; and (4) select a VA mental health care provider to serve as a mentor to each coordinator. Directs the Secretary to conduct a survey of the satisfaction of program participants.

Improved Compensation for Hearing Loss Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Improved Compensation for Hearing Loss Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report to the congressional veterans committees on actions taken to implement the findings and recommendations included in the 2006 report by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies entitled "Noise and Military Service: Implications for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus." Requires the Secretary's report to include an evaluation of the extent to which veterans who had a military occupational specialty that is not included on the Duty Military Occupational Specialty Noise Exposure Listing are precluded from receiving VA benefits related to hearing loss. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on joint VA-Department of Defense (DOD) programs concerning the prevention, early detection, and treatment of hearing loss of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, as well as related matters.

Ensuring Safe Shelter for Homeless Veterans Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Ensuring Safe Shelter for Homeless Veterans Act of 2013 - Prohibits a per diem payment from being made to providers of services for homeless veterans unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) certifies that: (1) the building where the entity provides housing or services is in compliance with codes relevant to the operations and level of care provided; and (2) such building and the housing or services provided are in compliance with licensing, fire and safety, and other requirements of the relevant jurisdiction regarding the condition of the building and the provision of such housing or services. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke any certification upon determining that it is no longer accurate. Requires the Secretary to: (1) inspect such facilities at least annually, and (2) notify Congress of any such revocation and termination of per diem payments. Requires the Secretary's annual report on assistance to homeless veterans to include an evaluation of the safety and accessibility of such providers' facilities. Directs the Secretary to assess the compliance of the building and housing and services provided by current per diem payment recipients. Prohibits additional payments to a recipient that is not, within two years after enactment of this Act, certified to be in compliance until the Secretary certifies that the building and housing and services provided are in compliance.

SCRA Enhancement and Improvement Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

SCRA Enhancement and Improvement Act of 2013 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to: extend the period during which a contract for the purchase of real or personal property or the lease or bailment of such property entered into by a member of the uniformed services (servicemember) may not be rescinded or terminated for a breach to one year after such member's period of military service; change the period during which an action to enforce a mortgage, trust deed, or other security against a servicemember is covered by a stay of proceedings or adjustment of obligation to the period in which such action is pending (instead of the period in which such action is filed); prohibit the accrual of a mortgage prepayment penalty incurred by a servicemember during military service; delay the expiration of a license issued by a state or local licensing authority to a servicemember, or a continuing education requirement to maintain such a license, to 180 days after such servicemember is no longer eligible for hostile fire or imminent danger special pay; expand protections against collection of taxes owned by a servicemember with respect to personal property or real property occupied for dwelling, professional, trade, business, or agricultural purposes; prohibit the denial of credit to a servicemember solely by reason of entitlement to protections under SCRA; expand due diligence requirements for determining whether an individual is a servicemember prior to taking a default judgment against such individual; extend the protections of SCRA to servicemembers who are personally liable as a guarantor or co-maker of a mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of a mortgage; permit the use of arbitration to settle a dispute under SCRA; authorize the Attorney General to issue a civil investigate demand for documents relating to an investigation under SCRA prior to initiating a civil action for violations of such Act; and double the amount of civil penalties for a first violation of SCRA and for subsequent violations.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to cover the costs associated with the care of veterans at medical foster homes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in conducting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical foster home program, to cover the costs associated with the care of veterans at medical foster homes.

A bill to redesignate the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System located at 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard in Bay Pines, Florida, as the "C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center".

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System in Bay Pines, Florida, as the "C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center."

To reform Article 32 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice to specify the burden of proof applicable at the investigative hearing, the required qualifications for the investigating officer, the permitted scope of the investigation to assist the convening authority, and the protection of witnesses, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Revises provisions concerning pre-trial investigations of charges and specifications under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to limit such investigation to a determination of whether there is probable cause to believe that the accused committed the specified offense, consideration of the form of charges, and the recommended disposition. Prohibits the purpose of the investigation to be to serve as a discovery tool for the accused. Requires an experienced judge advocate to conduct the investigation, or, in the alternative, to serve as legal advisor to an investigating officer who is not a judge advocate. Requires the accused, prior to the investigation, to be provided: (1) any sworn or signed statement relating to the offense that is in the government's possession; (2) an opportunity to inspect any books, papers, documents, photographs, objects, buildings, places, or scientific tests or experiments that are in the possession, custody, or control of military authorities and are intended to be used as evidence against the accused; and (3) any evidence known to the government counsel that reasonably tends to negate or reduce the guilt of the accused. Requires a complaining witness involved in such investigation to be given the opportunity, but not be required, to testify. Eliminates the accused's right to a reinvestigation of charges upon demand.

Reducing Employer Burdens, Unleashing Innovation, and Labor Development Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Reducing Employer Burdens, Unleashing Innovation, and Labor Development Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that increasing the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers will strengthen the national economy. Title I: Investing in America's Workforce - Investing in America's Workforce Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to require state or local workforce investment systems to use youth activities funds allocated to a local area for programs that provide training, which may include priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials aligned with in-demand occupations or industries in the local area involved. Authorizes the operator and employees of a one-stop center, in assisting individuals in selecting programs of training services, to give priority consideration to such programs. Adds to eligibility requirements for providers of training services and providers of youth activities for such programs. Requires programs of training services and youth activities programs that lead to a recognized postsecondary credential to meet quality criteria established by the state governor. Amends the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 and the Trade Act of 1974 to require the same priority consideration in the state and local plans for career and technical education programs as well as in tech prep programs and trade adjustment assistance (TAA) programs. Title II: Research and Development Tax Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2014 the tax credit for increasing research activities, and (2) increase and make permanent the alternative simplified research tax credit. Title III: Comprehensive Tax Reform - Directs the Chair of the Joint Committee on Taxation to notify Congress of any introduced tax reform bill that contains proposals for: (1) a transition to a more globally competitive corporate tax code, (2) a reduction in the complexity of the tax code, and (3) the elimination of special interest loopholes in the tax code. Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of such bill. Title IV: Federal Oil and Gas Resources - Subtitle A: Expanding Offshore Energy Development - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) regarding the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and natural gas leasing program to direct the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary in this title) to make lands available for leasing and to conduct lease sales that include: (1) at least 50% of the available unleased acreage within each OCS planning area considered to have the largest undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources, with an emphasis upon offering the most geologically prospective parts; and (2) any state subdivision of an OCS planning area whose state governor requests that the land be made available for leasing. Directs the Secretary to make available for leasing in each five-year oil and gas leasing program, OCS planning areas that are estimated to contain more than 2.5 billion barrels of oil or more than 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Directs the Secretary, when determining such planning areas, to use the document entitled "Minerals Management Service Assessment of Undiscovered Technically Recoverable Oil and Gas Resources of the Nation's Outer Continental Shelf, 2006." Requires the Secretary, when developing a five-year oil and gas leasing program that applies before 2027, to determine increased domestic strategic production goals. Subtitle B: Coastal Plain of Alaska - American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources of the Coastal Plain; and (2) ensure the oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities on the Coastal Plain will result in no significant adverse effect on fish and wildlife, their habitat, subsistence resources, or the environment, including by requiring the application of the best commercially available technology for oil and gas exploration, development, and production to all exploration, development, and production operations under this subtitle in a manner that ensures the receipt of fair market value by the public for the mineral resources to be leased. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and against leasing or other development leading to such production. Authorizes the Secretary to designate as a Special Area up to 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain. Permits directional drilling in the Special Area. Directs the Secretary to implement a competitive leasing program for the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas resources on the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Permits lease sales to be conducted through an Internet leasing program. Prescribes procedures governing Coastal Plain lease sales, as well as lease terms and conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to grant Coastal Plain lands to the highest responsible qualified bidder in a lease sale upon the lessee's payment of a bonus. Sets forth: (1) a "no significant adverse effect" standard to govern Coastal Plain activities, and (2) guidelines for expedited judicial review of complaints. Requires the Secretary to prepare and update periodically a plan for the siting and construction of facilities for the exploration, development, production, and transportation of Coastal Plain oil and gas resources. Establishes the ANWR Alternative Energy Trust Fund as repository for 50% of the amount of bonus, rental, and royalty revenues from federal oil and gas leasing and operations authorized under this title. Title V: Energy Consumers Relief - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), before promulgating a final rule that regulates any aspect of the production, supply, distribution, or use of energy (or that provides for such regulation by state or local governments) and that is estimated by the Administrator or the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to impose aggregate costs of more than $1 billion, to submit a report that contains: (1) an estimate of the total costs and benefits of the rule, (2) an estimate of the increases in energy prices that may result from implementation or enforcement of the rule, and (3) a detailed description of the employment effects that may result from implementation or enforcement of the rule. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE): (1) to prepare an independent analysis to determine whether such rule will cause any increase in energy prices for consumers, any impact on fuel diversity of the nation's electricity generation portfolio or on electric reliability, or any adverse effect on energy supply, distribution, or use; and (2) upon making such a determination, to determine whether the rule will cause significant adverse effects to the economy and publish such determination in the Federal Register. Prohibits the Administrator from promulgating any such final rule if the Secretary determines that such rule will cause significant adverse effects to the economy. Prohibits the Administrator from using the social cost of carbon in any cost-benefit analysis relating to an energy-related rule estimated to cost more than $1 billion unless and until a federal law is enacted authorizing such use. Title VI: Repeal of the Health Care Law and Health Care-Related Provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 - Repealing the Health Care Law Act - Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of their enactment. Restores or revives provisions amended or repealed by such Act or such health care provisions. Title VII: Cooperative Governing of Individual Health Insurance Coverage - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with conditions of this title. Title VIII: Renewal of Trade Promotion Authority - Amends the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2002 to authorize the President to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries regarding tariff and nontariff trade barriers: (1) on and after enactment of this Act and before July 1, 2018; or (2) on and after July 1, 2018, and before July 1, 2020, if certain congressional trade authorities procedures for implementing trade bills are extended for that period. Applies certain congressional and presidential trade authorities requirements to trade agreements that resulted from negotiations commenced before enactment of this Act. Title IX: Reform of Export Control Policies - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Export Administration Act of 1979, as continued in effect by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, is obsolete and should be reformed and reauthorized. Title X: Efficient Use of Government Spectrum - Efficient Use of Government Spectrum Act of 2013 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), within three years after enactment of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012: (1) to reallocate electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 1755 to 1780 megahertz (currently, such frequencies are occupied by the Department of Defense [DOD] and other federal agencies) for commercial use; and (2) as part of the competitive bidding auctions required by such Act, to grant new initial licenses, subject to flexible-use service rules, for the use of such spectrum, paired with the spectrum between frequencies from 2155 to 2180 megahertz already designated for auction. Directs the proceeds attributable to the competitive bidding of the 1755 to 1780 megahertz range to be allocated in the same manner as other specified frequencies pursuant to such Act for uses including reimbursements to agencies for relocation and sharing costs, the building of the nationwide public safety broadband network, and deposits or reimbursements to the U.S. Treasury. Requires such spectrum to be relocated in a manner to ensure cooperation between federal and commercial entities under procedures in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act, except for DOD-operated spectrum, which shall be relocated under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. Directs federal entities operating a federal government station, within a specified period before commencement of competitive bidding, to identify stations that cannot be relocated without jeopardizing essential military capability. Requires the transition plans of federal entities identifying such essential spectrum to: (1) provide for non-federal users to share such stations, and (2) limit any necessary exclusion zones to the smallest possible zones. Directs the President to withdraw assignments upon relocation or to modify assignments to permit federal and non-federal use.

To amend the Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers Act to provide a permanent appropriation of funds for the payment of death gratuities and related benefits for survivors of deceased military service members in event of any future period of lapsed appropriations.

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2013

Amends the Department of Defense Survivor Benefits Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 (also known as the Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers Act) to appropriate funds for fiscal years after FY2014 during any period of lapsed appropriations for the payment of death gratuities and related benefits for survivors of deceased servicemembers.

ASSURE Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2013

Annuity Safety and Security Under Reasonable Enforcement Act of 2013 or the ASSURE Act of 2013 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to direct the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (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.

State Secrets Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2013

State Secrets Protection Act - Declares that in any civil action brought in federal or state court, the government has a privilege to refuse to give information and to prevent any person from giving information only if the government shows that public disclosure of the information that the government seeks to protect would be reasonably likely to cause significant harm to the national defense or the diplomatic relations of the United States. Requires the court to take steps, which may include in camera and ex parte hearings and other security procedures, to protect sensitive information that comes before it. Sets forth the court's authority regarding the participation of counsel, appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent an absent litigant's interests, and the disclosure of information when it presents a risk of harm. Provides for court-ordered presentation of adequate or nonprivileged substitutes (redacted copies, summary of information, stipulation of facts) for privileged information. Allows the government to: (1) assert the privilege in connection with any claim in a civil action to which it is a party, or (2) intervene in a civil action to which it is not a party in order to do so. Provides that once the government has asserted the privilege, and before the court makes any determinations, the court shall: (1) undertake a preliminary review of the information in question, and (2) provide the government an opportunity to seek protective measures under this Act. Establishes procedures and a standard for assessing the privilege claim. Requires the court, if it determines that the privilege is not validly asserted, to issue appropriate orders regarding the disclosure of the information to a nongovernmental party and its admission at trial, with the right to an interlocutory appeal for any such orders. Prohibits such disclosure or admission if the privilege is determined valid. Grants the courts of appeal jurisdiction of an appeal from a decision or order of a district court determining that the state secrets privilege is not validly asserted, sanctioning a refusal to provide an adequate or nonprivileged substitute, or refusing protective steps sought by the government pending the resolution of the claim of state secrets privilege.

LTC Todd J. Clark Hero Flight Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2013

LTC Todd J. Clark Hero Flight Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay the expenses of one stopover (either by direct or indirect routing), if requested, during the transportation of the remains of certain military decedents to the place selected by the person designated to direct disposition of such remains.

Military Retired Pay Fairness Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2013

Military Retired Pay Fairness Act of 2013 - Provides limitations on the recoupment of separation pay, special separation benefits, and voluntary separation incentive payments from members of the Armed Forces subsequently receiving military retired or retainer pay. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense or Homeland Security, as applicable, to waive such recoupments in cases of financial hardship.

Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2013

Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) allow licensed firearms importers, manufacturers, dealers, or collectors (licensees) to sell or deliver any firearm (currently, rifles or shotguns) to a resident of a state other than the state in which the licensee is located or temporarily located if the licensee meets with the purchaser to complete the sale or delivery and the transaction complies with the laws of the state in which the transfer is conducted and the purchaser's state of residence; and (2) eliminate the requirement that a licensee must conduct business at a gun show only in the state that is specified on the licensee's license. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit the sale or other disposition of a firearm or ammunition: (1) between licensed firearms dealers at any location in any state; or (2) by a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to an unlicensed person at a temporary location in any state. Amends definitions for federal firearms provisions to: (1) revise the definition of a "member of the Armed Forces on active duty" to include a member (or member's spouse) who is a resident of the state in which such person maintains legal residence or in which the member maintains a place of abode from which the member commutes each day to the permanent duty station; and (2) provide that an officer or employee of the United States (other than a member of the Armed Forces) stationed outside the United States for a period exceeding one year, or a spouse residing with such an officer or employee, is a resident of the state in which the person maintains legal residence.

Veterans' Independent Living Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2013

Veterans' Independent Living Enhancement Act - Repeals provisions that: (1) prohibit the initiation of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs providing independent living services and assistance for greater than 2,700 veterans in each fiscal year; and (2) require giving first priority under such programs to veterans for whom the reasonable feasibility of achieving a vocational goal is precluded solely as a result of disability.

Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2013

Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2013 - Requires each communication funded by a federal agency for advertising or educational purposes to clearly state: (1) in the case of a printed communication, including mass mailings, signs, and billboards, that the communication is printed and published at taxpayer expense; and (2) in the case of a communication transmitted through radio, television, or the Internet, that the communication is produced and disseminated at taxpayer expense. Requires any such printed communication, including e-mails, to be of sufficient size to be clearly readable, to be set apart from the other contents of the communication, and to be printed with a reasonable degree of color contrast between the background and the printed statement. Exempts from such requirements: (1) information in a solicitation for offers for a federal contract; and (2) advertisements for employment opportunities, not including advertising materials developed for use in recruiting and retaining personnel for the Armed Forces.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2013

Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor to Bennie G. Adkins and Donald P. Sloat of the U.S. Army for acts of valor during the Vietnam Conflict. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 to authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to a veteran who, although not a Jewish- or Hispanic-American veteran who was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Air Force Cross, was identified during a review of service records and regarding whom the Secretary of Defense submitted, before January 1, 2014, a recommendation that the President award the Medal of Honor to that veteran.

To name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Bay Pines, Florida, as the "C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center".

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2013

Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center in Bay Pines, Florida, as the "C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center."

Military Family Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2013

Military Family Relief Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay temporary (not to exceed six months) dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) to the surviving spouse of a veteran if, at the time of death, the veteran was in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability rated as total for at least one year preceding the veteran's death. Authorizes the payment to such survivor, for the same period, of any veteran's pension that the deceased was receiving at the time of death, without regard to the annual income and net worth of the surviving spouse. Allows a surviving spouse who is entitled to pension or DIC under any other VA provision to be paid the amount by which such pension or DIC exceeds the amount of pension paid under this Act.

A resolution designating October 26, 2013, as "Day of the Deployed".

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2013

Designates October 26, 2013, as Day of the Deployed. Honors the deployed members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that United States military assistance for Cambodia should be suspended until an independent and credible investigation occurs into the July 28, 2013, parliamentary elections, and election reforms are being implemented by the Government of Cambodia.

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2013

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should suspend military assistance for Cambodia until an independent and credible investigation occurs into the July 2013 parliamentary elections in Cambodia, and the government of Cambodia is implementing reforms to prevent future election fraud and abuse.

Pay America First Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2013

Pay America First Act - Makes this Act effective if the federal government defaults on its legal obligations for the first time in its history, as evidenced by one or more of certain actions taken by the Secretary of the Treasury. Counts among such actions withholding from making payments of debt obligations to foreign bond holders, including those in China, Iran, and the Cayman Islands, before: making a payment of a debt obligation to the Social Security and Medicare trust funds or redeeming a debt obligation held by those trust funds; redeeming a debt obligation held by a trust fund providing veterans benefits, including the Veterans Special Life Insurance Fund, the Veterans Reopened Insurance Fund, the Armed Forces Retirement Home Fund, and the Court of Veteran Appeals Retirement Fund; redeeming a debt obligation held by an intragovernmental fund to assist Americans during a natural disaster, including reserves for the National Flood Insurance Program and other disaster relief funds appropriated to the President; or making a payment of debt obligations to the Department of Defense (DOD), including civilian and uniformed personnel (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force), military active pay and military retirement benefits, and military benefits to their families. Requires the Secretary, after exercising such authority, to report each week to Congress on the payments issued and amount of revenues incoming and remaining reserves for upcoming payments issued.

Protecting States, Opening National Parks Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2013

Protecting States, Opening National Parks Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse any state for state funds expended for an activity conducted in FY2014 during the federal government shutdown that was necessary to operate and open to the public a National Park located, in whole or in part, within the state. Requires any such activity to have been: (1) authorized under federal law, (2) conducted in a manner and at a level not substantially greater in scope or cost than how the activity would have been conducted by the federal government, and (3) not a settlement of or defense against a claim of liability on the part of the state.

United States-Iran Nuclear Negotiations Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2013

United States-Iran Nuclear Negotiations Act - States that it is the policy of Congress that it is in the national security interest of the United States and its allies and partners to ensure that Iran: (1) halts all uranium enrichment and identifies all enrichment sites, (2) removes and transfers to a third party under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) all uranium enriched to a 20% and higher threshold, (3) closes the Fordow uranium enrichment facility, and (4) ceases developing reactors capable of producing plutonium and the importation and domestic manufacturing of all centrifuges for enriching uranium. Expresses the sense of Congress that if these objectives are met it shall be U.S. policy to enter into a negotiated settlement regarding nuclear activities in Iran. Declares that the United States is capable, willing, and ready to use military force to prevent Iran from obtaining or developing a nuclear weapons capability. Acknowledges that this Act constitutes current consultation with the President on Iran in order to provide for application of all options to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapons capability and provides consent to the appropriate use of force against legitimate targets in Iran to: (1) uphold and implement all relevant United Nations (U.N.) Security Council resolutions regarding Iran's nuclear program, (2) deter Iran's development of nuclear weapons in order to protect the national security interests of the United States and its allies and partners, and (3) degrade Iran's capacity to develop such weapons in the future. States that, if any business, firm, or entity has not terminated the provision of goods, services, or technology in Iran or with any Iranian-controlled entity, the President may: (1) prohibit that business, firm, or entity from receiving any U.S. government contract or accessing U.S. capital markets; and (2) in the case of a business, firm, or entity that is a foreign financial institution, prohibit or impose strict conditions on the opening or maintaining in the United States of a correspondent account or payable-through account.

To amend the Pay Our Military Act to make appropriations available to continue the provision of support of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard under cooperative agreements.

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2013

Amends the Pay Our Military Act (P.L. 113-39) to make appropriations for FY2014, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2014 are not in effect, such sums as are necessary to continue the provision of support of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard under specified cooperative agreements.

[H.A.S.C. No. 113-63] BIODEFENSE: WORLDWIDE THREATS AND COUNTERMEASURE EFFORTS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 October 2013

Protecting States, Opening National Parks Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2013

Protecting States, Opening National Parks Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse any state for state funds expended for an activity conducted in FY2014 during the federal government shutdown that was necessary to operate and open to the public a National Park located, in whole or in part, within the state. Requires any such activity to have been: (1) authorized under federal law, (2) conducted in a manner and at a level not substantially greater in scope or cost than how the activity would have been conducted by the federal government, and (3) not a settlement of or defense against a claim of liability on the part of the state.

To provide funds during the lapse of appropriations for the payment of military death gratuities and funeral and related transportation and housing expenses through the transfer of unobligated amounts in the Health Insurance Reform Implementation Fund.

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2013

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), during any period for which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2014 are not in effect for payment of military death gratuities and funeral and related transportation and housing expenses, to transfer, from unobligated amounts in the Health Insurance Reform Implementation Fund established by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-152), to the Secretary of Defense (DOD) sufficient funds to provide the following benefits on behalf of members of the Armed Forces who die during such period: payment of death gratuities to certain survivors of deceased military service members, including for the death of members on active duty or inactive duty training, the death of members after discharge or release from duty or training, members and employees dying outside the United States while assigned to intelligence duties, and other eligible survivors; payment of authorized funeral and burial expenses, including authorized funeral travel and travel related to the dignified transfer of remains and unit memorial services; and temporary continuation of a basic allowance of housing for certain dependents of members dying on active duty.