Defence

Requiring the President to seek congressional authorization prior to any engagement of the United States Armed Forces against any adversary.

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2018

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President is required to: (1) seek congressional authorization prior to any engagement of the U.S. Armed Forces against Syria, Iran, or Russia; and (2) consult with Congress before introducing the U.S. Armed Forces into situations of hostilities. Expresses the sense of the House that the use of the U.S. Armed Forces without congressional authorization is illegal and unconstitutional.

Supporting the goals to protect United States military personnel from malaria.

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2018

Expresses support for: (1) the goals of researching new interventions to prevent and treat malaria; and (2) sustained or enhanced efforts so that once malaria is eliminated in a country, it does not return.

Iran Payments Accountability Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2018

Iran Payments Accountability Act of 2018 This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to determine if the Government of Iran uses certain funds to: (1) sponsor any foreign terrorist organization or Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, (2) engage in violence or hostilities against U.S. civilians or service members, (3) conduct military operations in Syria, or (4) facilitate illicit narcotics activities. The applicable funds are those received by Iran as sanction relief or as a cash payment from the United States in 2016. The Department of State must demand repayment of funds from the Government of Iran if the ODNI determines funds were used for such actions.

A concurrent resolution directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 5895.

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2018

Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 5895 (Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019) to amend the title.

Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2018

Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act of 2018 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent several tax provisions that were enacted in 2017 and are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. The bill makes permanent provisions that: reduce individual tax rates, modify the taxation of the unearned income of children, allow a deduction for qualified business income of pass-through entities, increase the standard deduction, increase and modify the child tax credit, increase the limitation for certain charitable contributions, allow additional contributions to ABLE accounts (tax-favored accounts designed to enable individuals with disabilities to save for and pay for disability-related expenses), allow certain members of the Armed Forces in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt to receive combat zone tax benefits, exclude from gross income discharges of student loan debt due to the death or disability of the student, repeal the deduction for personal exemptions, limit individual deductions for state and local taxes, limit the mortgage interest deduction, double the estate and gift tax exemption amount, increase the alternative minimum tax exemption amount for individuals, and repeal or limit several other deductions and exclusions. The bill also: extends through 2020 the reduction in the adjusted gross income threshold for the medical expense deduction, modifies the capital gains tax brackets, and modifies tax filing requirements for married taxpayers.

Family Savings Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2018

Family Savings Act of 2018 This bill modifies the requirements for employer-provided retirement plans and tax-favored savings accounts. With respect to employer-provided retirement plans, the bill modifies requirements regarding: multiple employer and pooled employer plans, nonelective contributions to 401(k) plans, loans, the portability of lifetime income investments, the treatment of custodial accounts upon termination of section 403(b) plans, retirement income accounts for church-controlled organizations, required minimum distributions, retirement plan contributions picked up by government employers for new or existing employees, elective deferrals by members of the Ready Reserve of a reserve component of the Armed Forces, and nondiscrimination rules. The bill modifies requirements for other tax-favored savings account to: treat taxable non-tuition fellowship and stipend payments as compensation for the purpose of an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), repeal the maximum age for traditional IRA contributions, allow individuals to establish tax-favored universal savings accounts, expand the purposes for which qualified tuition programs (commonly known as 529 plans) may be used, and allow certain penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans if a child is born or adopted.

GI Bill Transfer Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2018

GI Bill Transfer Extension Act This bill provides that a veteran who meets the length of U.S. Armed Forces service necessary to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance benefits to a dependent spouse, child, or both may transfer unused benefits to such persons for up to 15 years after discharge or release from the Armed Forces. (Currently, a qualified individual may only transfer such benefits during military service.) The bill makes these provisions retroactive to January 1, 2009. The Department of Defense may not limit eligibility for such benefits based on a maximum number of active service years.

Full Military Honors Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2018

Full Military Honors Act of 2018 This bill provides full military honors for the funeral of an eligible veteran who: is first interred or inurned in Arlington National Cemetery on or after enactment of this bill, was awarded the medal of honor or the prisoner-of-war medal, and is not entitled to full military honors because of such veteran's grade.

United States-Israel Directed Energy Cooperation Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018

United States-Israel Directed Energy Cooperation Act This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out research, development, test, and evaluation activities on a joint basis with Israel to establish directed energy capabilities that address threats to the United States, its deployed forces, or Israel. DOD may provide Israel with maintenance and sustainment support for such activities provided that Israel contributes at least a matching amount or an amount that otherwise meets Israel's best efforts, as mutually agreed to by the United States and Israel.

Recognizing September 11, 2018, as a "National Day of Service and Remembrance".

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018

Calls upon the Members of Congress and all people of the United States to annually observe a National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of those who lost their lives or were injured in the September 11, 2001, attacks, and in tribute to those who came to the aid of those in need and to the defense of the nation.

END Network Abuse Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018

End National Defense Network Abuse Act of 2018 or the END Network Abuse Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Defense to establish (1) an initiative to improve the capacity of military criminal-investigative organizations to prevent child sexual exploitation, and (2) partnerships with various governmental and outside entities to improve practices and outcomes related to the prevention of child sexual exploitation.

Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018

Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2018 This bill extends through FY2020 authority for the following Department of Veterans Affairs programs: homeless veterans reintegration programs, the homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegration program, referral and counseling services for certain veterans at risk of homelessness, treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs, and financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing. The bill extends through 2020 authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans.

Veterans Health Care Staffing Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018

Veterans Health Care Staffing Improvement Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a Docs-to-Doctors Program to recruit individuals separating from the Armed Forces who served in a health care capacity in the Armed Forces. The VA shall also implement a uniform credentialing process for certain health care employees of the Veterans Health Administration and advanced practice registered nurses.

Keeping Our Commitment to Overseas Veterans Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018

Keeping Our Commitment to Overseas Veterans Act of 2018 This bill extends authority through FY2020 for operation of the Department of Veterans Affairs regional office in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines.

A concurrent resolution recognizing September 11, 2018, as a "National Day of Service and Remembrance".

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018

Calls upon the Members of Congress and all people of the United States to observe September 11, 2018, as a National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of those who lost their lives or were injured in the September 11, 2001, attacks, and in tribute to those who came to the aid of those in need and to the defense of the nation.

Warrior Wellness Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2018

Warrior Wellness Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to report to Congress on (1) the shortage of mental health providers within DOD, (2) a plan for recruiting and retaining mental health professionals, (3) a plan to reduce the improper prescribing of medications for post-traumatic stress disorders within DOD and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities, and (4) a plan for a program to monitor DOD and VHA medication prescription practices.

Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2018

Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act This bill allows: (1) a veteran to use, possess, or transport medical marijuana in accordance with applicable state law; (2) a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) physician to discuss with a veteran the use of medical marijuana as a treatment if the physician is in a state that authorizes such treatment; or (3) a VA physician to recommend, complete forms for, or register veterans for participation in a state-approved medical marijuana treatment program. The VA shall report to Congress regarding: (1) the effects of medical marijuana on veterans in pain; and (2) the relationship between state-approved medical marijuana treatment programs, program access, and opioid abuse reduction.

Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2018

Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of State to periodically report to Congress regarding U.S. actions to strengthen Taiwan's international alliances around the world. The State Department may consider: supplementing or reducing the U.S. diplomatic presence to provide incentives to countries considering or taking steps to alter or downgrade ties with Taiwan; and expanding, reducing, or terminating economic and military assistance to countries that have reduced or are anticipating reducing ties with Taiwan. The State Department shall consult with Congress prior to taking any such action.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Defense to consider the existence of qualified training programs of contractors in the award of certain contracts.

United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2018

This bill requires Department of Defense (DOD) contracting officers, when evaluating offers to perform contracts greater than $25 million, to consider whether an offering entity provides training and development programs for its workforce that are consistent with DOD needs, including training through a qualified training program (e.g., a program eligible for funds under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act).

Fly Smart Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2018

Fly Smart Act This bill establishes standards relating to airline travel by federal employees for official business, with a general ban on military aircraft for domestic travel, and with exceptions to such airline travel, such as to accommodate a disability or a special need that has been certified.

Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2018

Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act This bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) encourage veterans to study and pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and computer science in coordination with other federal agencies that serve veterans, and (2) submit a plan to Congress for enhancing veterans outreach. The National Science Board shall provide in its annual report on the state of science and engineering in the United States relevant data on veterans in science and engineering careers or education programs. The bill provides for veterans' participation and outreach in: (1) the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program to recruit and train mathematics and science teachers, (2) NSF fellowships and masters fellowships for mathematics and science teachers, (3) computer and network security capacity building grants, and (4) traineeship grants leading to a doctorate degree in computer and network security research. The Office of Science and Technology Policy shall establish an interagency working group to coordinate federal programs and policies for transitioning and training veterans and military spouses for STEM careers.

Veterans VOW Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 August 2018

Veterans Valuing Our Widows and Widowers Act or the Veterans VOW Act This bill requires the payment of a Medal of Honor special pension to the surviving spouse of a deceased Medal of Honor recipient if that person was married to the recipient for (1) at least one year prior to the veteran's death; or (2) any period of time if a child was born of the marriage or was born to them before the marriage. The bill increases the special pension for a living Medal of Honor recipient to $1329.58 per month.

A resolution recognizing The American Legion for 100 years of service to veterans and members of the Armed Forces in the United States and their families.

United States · United States Congress · 23 August 2018

Recognizes the American Legion for a century of service to veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Designates the week of August 24 through August 30, 2018, as American Legion Week.

PFAS Accountability Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 23 August 2018

PFAS Accountability Act of 2018 This bill requires the federal government, on the request of a state, to cooperate with the state to address drinking water, surface water, groundwater, land surface, or subsurface strata contaminated from a perfluorinated compound originating from a federal facility or a former facility, such as a decommissioned military installation. A "perfluorinated compound" means a perfluoroalkyl substance or a polyfluoroalkyl substance that is man made with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.

Palomares Veterans Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 23 August 2018

Palomares Veterans Act of 2018 This bill includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of radioactive materials at Palomares, Spain, from January 17, 1966 through March 31, 1967, as radiation exposed veterans for purposes of the Department of Veterans Affairs presumption of service-connection for specified cancers and other radiogenic disorders. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific disabilities diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

A resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS John F. Kennedy.

United States · United States Congress · 23 August 2018

Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67).

First-Time Homebuyer Credit Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 22 August 2018

First-Time Homebuyer Credit Act of 2018 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify the first-time homebuyer tax credit, which expired in 2010. The bill allows a refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of a principal residence in the United States who are at least 18 years of age and not claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer. The credit is equal to 2.5% of the purchase price of the residence, subject to a $10,000 limitation and limits based on the purchase price of the home and the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer. A taxpayer that purchases and disposes of a residence in the same taxable year is not eligible for the credit. Taxpayers that dispose of the residence within five years of claiming the credit are liable for additional taxes based on a specified recapture percentage of the amount of the credit that was allowed. The bill includes several exceptions for a disposal that occurs after circumstances such as a death, divorce, involuntary conversion of the residence, relocation of a military duty station, or changes in employment or health status.

A resolution urging the release of information regarding the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks upon the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2018

Resolves that documents related to the events of September 11, 2001, should be declassified to the greatest extent possible so as to provide answers to survivors, the families of the victims, and the people of the United States.

Agent Orange Exposure Fairness Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2018

Agent Orange Exposure Fairness Act of 2018 This bill, with respect to veterans exposed to certain herbicide agents during military, naval, or air service in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975: (1) removes the manifestation period required for presumption of service connection for chloracne and porphyria cutanea tarda, and (2) includes in such presumption acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy becoming manifest to a disability degree of 10% or more. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific disabilities diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded without having to go through a separate adjudicative process.

Thomas McCaffery, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Jonathan Woodson, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 16 August 2018

A resolution designating August 16, 2018, as "National Airborne Day".

United States · United States Congress · 16 August 2018

Designates August 16, 2018, as National Airborne Day.

Robert H. McMahon, of Georgia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Robert H. McMahon, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 15 August 2018

Afghan and Iraqi Allies Resettlement Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2018

Afghan and Iraqi Allies Resettlement Improvement Act This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to survey long-term outcomes, such as employment, housing, and education, of Afghan and Iraqi special immigrant visa (SIV) holders as part of the Annual Survey of Refugees. SIV holders are persons who worked with the U.S. Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority as a translator or interpreter in Iraq or Afghanistan. The Department of State shall deliver information in Dari, Pashto, or Urdu to prospective SIV holders about resettlement in the United States to assist with their adjustment process. The State Department and the Department of Defense shall jointly establish a temporary program to offer SIV holders employment as translators, interpreters, and cultural awareness instructors.

Charitable Equity for Veterans Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2018

Charitable Equity for Veterans Act of 2018 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for charitable contributions to certain federally chartered organizations of past or present members of the Armed Forces. (Under current law, donations to such an organization are only deductible if at least 90% of the organization's membership consists of war veterans. The bill expands the deduction to include organizations that do not meet the wartime service requirement and are federally chartered.)

Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 2018

Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to establish the Secure the Southern Border Fund to provide funds to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) construct a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico international border, and (2) purchase U.S. Border Patrol vehicles and equipment. DHS shall annually provide the Department of State and Congress with the number of apprehensions and nationality of aliens who illegally entered the United States through the U.S- Mexico land border. The bill reduces by $2,000 per alien the foreign assistance provided to the countries of nationality of such aliens and transfers such revenue to the fund. The State Department may opt to not reduce appropriations to Mexico for military, narcotics control, and anti-terrorism activities. The Electronic Fund Transfer Act is amended to establish a 5% foreign remittance fee to be transferred to the fund. A foreign country that aids an individual to avoid such fee shall be ineligible for foreign assistance and the visa waiver program. The bill increases the fee for the alien admission/departure I-94 form and transfers such revenue to the fund, the Land Border Inspection Fee account, and the Border Patrol. The bill directs DHS by December 31, 2019, to: (1) design and install physical barriers, roads, and technology along the the U.S.-Mexico international border to prevent illegal crossings; and (2) achieve operational control of the U.S. international land and maritime borders. The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 is amended to permit Border Patrol agents to receive overtime pay.

Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2018

Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act of 2018 This bill imposes limits on any U.S. withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), amends provisions related to cybercrimes, and imposes sanctions on Russian individuals involved in various activities. No funds may be used to withdraw the United States from NATO unless the Senate passes a resolution consenting to the withdrawal. The bill also authorizes expedited transfers of excess defense articles to NATO member countries. This bill establishes in the Department of State the Office of Cyberspace and the Digital Economy, to serve as the lead policy body on issues including international cybersecurity and Internet freedom. Offenses relating to the manufacture, distribution, and possession of communication-intercepting devices shall be unlawful under federal anti-money laundering laws. It shall also be a crime to intentionally traffic in the means to access protected computers, including computers that are part of a voting system. Property related to such crimes, including proceeds gained from the crime, shall be subject to criminal and civil forfeiture. The President shall impose sanctions (1) on Russian individuals and entities that facilitate or benefit from Russian President Vladimir Putin's corruption, and (2) on those that knowingly engage in significant financial transactions with individuals that support or facilitate Russian malicious cyber activities. The bill also imposes sanctions for supporting various other Russia-related activities, including Russian interference in democratic processes. The bill establishes requirements for reporting on a wide variety of matters concerning Russian economic, military, and political activities.

Military Lending Improvement Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2018

Military Lending Improvement Act of 2018 This bill revises consumer credit protections for active members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents, including by (1) expanding such protections to cover individuals who have been separated from the Armed Forces for up to one year, (2) expanding the protections to cover loans for purchasing personal property secured by such personal property, (3) reducing the maximum allowable annual interest rate of covered loans, (4) prohibiting creditors from installing a device on a borrower's car that can affect the car's operation or report its location, and (5) imposing certain limitations on debt collection practices.

Trade Security Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2018

Trade Security Act of 2018 This bill amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to revise provisions related to the adjustment of U.S. imports due to a national security threat. The bill allows Congress to block a Presidential import adjustment through a joint resolution. This provision retroactively applies to adjustments made on or after July 1, 2018. However, it shall not apply to specified steel and aluminum import adjustments. The Department of Defense (currently, the Department of Commerce ) must: investigate the national security threat of a U.S. import, and report to the President the results of that investigation. Commerce must provide recommendations regarding such imports upon request by the President.

Student Veterans Housing Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2018

Student Veterans Housing Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from withholding payments of monthly housing stipends due to holidays or other closures and also specifies how monthly housing stipends are paid between school terms or when a recipient transfers to another institution of higher learning.

Military Learning for Credit Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2018

Military Learning for Credit Act of 2018 This bill allows individuals entitled to veterans educational assistance to use it to cover the costs of taking examinations to receive credit toward degrees awarded by institutions of higher learning for approved education programs.

Veterans Dental Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2018

Veterans Dental Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement Act of 2018 This bill expands the kinds of dental services and treatment that the Department of Veterans Affairs may provide to certain veterans, including veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, radiation, or other conditions. The VA must (1) carry out a pilot program to furnish dental services and treatments to all veterans; (2) construct or lease dental clinics in states that do not have VA facilities that offer onsite dental services, (3) carry out an education program to promote dental health for all veterans; and (4) expand the dental insurance pilot program by requiring private sector dental care providers to forward information on the care of their patients in the program for inclusion in the VA's medical records.

A bill to require the Secretary of Labor to award grants to organizations for the provision of transition assistance to members of the Armed Forces who are separated, retired, or discharged from the Armed Forces, and spouses of such members, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2018

This bill directs the Department of Labor to award grants to eligible organizations to assist former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses. The grants shall be used for services to help such individuals transition to civilian life, including (1) job-recruitment training, (2) behavioral-health services, (3) financial services, and (4) legal assistance.

VA Hiring Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2018

VA Hiring Enhancement Act This bill negates enforcement of a noncompete agreement that an applicant for a physician's position in the Veterans Health Administration has entered into with a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility, entity, or individual. The bill requires a physician to have completed residency training prior to being appointed to a VA position but authorizes the VA to offer contingent appointments to physicians in training for up to two years prior to completion of such training.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2018

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center Extension Act This bill extends the authority for the construction of a visitor center at or near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

IMPROVE Transition for Servicemembers Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2018

Improving Preparation and Resources for Occupational, Vocational, and Educational Transition for Servicemembers Act or IMPROVE Transition for Servicemembers Act This bill revises provisions that require the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to operate a program providing individual pre-separation counseling and services to assist members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are transitioning to civilian life. The bill's changes include (1) revising various deadlines in the transition program, (2) requiring the use of surveys and electronic systems to track the progress of participating individuals, and (3) establishing a program to provide Armed Forces members with information about the transition program and about career and educational opportunities available during military service.

A resolution urging the release of information regarding the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks upon the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2018

Resolves that documents related to the events of September 11, 2001, should be declassified to the greatest extent possible so as to provide answers to survivors, the families of the victims, and the people of the United States.

Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2018

Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act This bill removes certain restrictions on interstate firearms transactions. Among other things, the bill does the following: permits a licensed firearms dealer to sell firearms at an out-of-state gun show, subject to compliance with state laws; and specifies the particular states in which a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or his or her spouse, is a resident for purposes of federal firearms laws.

Closing the Law Enforcement Consent Loophole Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2018

Closing the Law Enforcement Consent Loophole Act of 2018 This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful for a federal law enforcement officer to engage in a sexual act with an individual who is under arrest, in detention, or in custody. Consent is not a defense to prosecution for unlawful conduct. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to 15 years, or both. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of Justice to make grants to states that have in effect similar laws. Grants must be used for the same purposes as formula grants under the STOP Violence Against Women Program and the Sexual Assault Services Program.

Veterans Health Care Staffing Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2018

Veterans Health Care Staffing Improvement Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a Docs-to-Doctors Program to recruit individuals separating from the Armed Forces who served in a health care capacity in the Armed Forces. The VA shall also implement a uniform credentialing process for certain health care employees of the Veterans Health Administration.

Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2018

Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct an epidemiological study and report to Congress on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) in Vietnam era veterans. The study shall identify the rate of incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in such veterans and in U.S. residents.