Defence

Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020

Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020 This bill establishes the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ). The initiative shall, among other things serve as legal and policy advisor on DOJ's efforts to enforce criminal and civil laws that impact service members, veterans, and their families; develop policy recommendations for improved enforcement of federal law to support service members, veterans, and their families; serve as the liaison and point of contact between DOJ and the military departments; provide counsel for the Office of Justice Programs to ensure that funding decisions take into account service members, veterans, and their families; and enforce federal laws that protect service members and veterans.

Jobs and Justice Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020

Jobs and Justice Act of 2020 This bill addresses a wide variety of domestic policy matters and focuses on economically distressed communities, opportunities for minorities and the disadvantaged, and civil rights enforcement. Included in the programs and requirements affected are those concerning the following areas: workforce development, including job training and wage standards; economic development, including through assistance to minority businesses; antipoverty measures, including programs to specifically address child poverty and persistent poverty; housing and savings matters, including housing affordability, discrimination, homelessness assistance, tenant protections, public housing funding, home ownership and foreclosure mitigation, and lead-safe housing; savings and consumer finance, including financial literacy and lending discrimination; public contracting; infrastructure development; job training for youth and older Americans; veterans' and military family benefits; health care coverage and access, including Medicare and Medicaid coverage; small business investment and commercial investment in underserved areas, including through tax benefits; elementary and secondary education, including education of girls and minorities and teacher preparation; higher education access, including through community college attendance; science, technology, and information security education; law enforcement officer conduct, resources and administration, juvenile justice, sentencing procedures, hate crimes, correctional facilities, and firearms sales and possession; election administration and voting rights; and environmental, agriculture, and energy matters, including climate change, environmental justice, and energy efficiency and transition to alternative and renewable resources.

VA Fiscal Responsibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020

VA Fiscal Responsibility Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to automate the collection of outstanding, overdue, and incomplete payments of third-party health insurance claims, regardless of the amount owed under any single claim. The VA must seek to enter a contract using competitive procedures and select a contractor that has proven expertise in the private sector through the use of automated small-balance recovery and appeal processes.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of taking a feminist approach to all aspects of foreign policy, including foreign assistance and humanitarian response, trade, diplomacy, defense, immigration, funding, and accountability mechanisms.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020

This resolution expresses support for the goals of a feminist foreign policy and outlines the governmental efforts necessary to ensure that these goals are met.

Diversity in Defense Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020

Diversity in Defense Act of 2020 This bill adds certain diversity-related requirements for the U.S. Armed Forces, including (1) the appointment of a Chief Diversity Officer in military components of the Department of Defense (DOD) and in the Coast Guard; (2) the establishment of a Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council in DOD to, among other things, align diversity and inclusion with DOD strategic goals; (3) enhanced reporting on diversity and inclusion; (4) requiring a mentoring and career counseling program; (5) developing plans to increase recruitment and retention of female and minority members in the Armed Forces, (6) establishing in DOD the Office of the Special Inspector General for Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Armed Forces to examine the effect of military justice and personnel policies on racial and ethnic disparities; (7) tracking investigations of supremacist, violent extremist, and criminal gang activity in the Armed Forces; and (8) improving responses to pregnancy and childbirth for members of the Armed Forces.

A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate one week each year as "Buddy Check Week" for the purpose of outreach and education concerning peer wellness checks for veterans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate one week each year as Buddy Check Week for the purposes of organizing outreach events and educating veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks. The VA shall ensure that the Veterans Crisis Line has a plan for handling the potential increase in calls that may occur during such week.

A bill to authorize the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Alwyn C. Cashe for acts of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020

This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Alwyn C. Cashe for acts of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Rohingya Genocide Determination Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020

Rohingya Genocide Determination Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress an assessment of the persecution of the Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim group in Burma (Myanmar), by Burma's military and security forces, and whether the situation constitutes genocide under U.S. law.

No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2020

No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act This bill prohibits any explosive nuclear testing from being conducted by the United States after enactment of this bill and no funds may be obligated or expended to conduct such testing, unless (1) a foreign state conducts a nuclear test after that date; or (2) there is a technical need for such testing; The President must submit a notification to Congress that describes the proposed testing and states the reasons for conducting such testing. The bill sets forth procedures for a congressional joint resolution of approval for explosive nuclear testing for which there is a technical need.

Recognizing and celebrating the 70th anniversary of Impact Aid on September 30, 2020.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2020

This resolution recognizes and celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Impact Aid Program. The program provides funding to local educational agencies that have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-exempt federal property or to those that have experienced increased expenditures due to enrollment of federally connected children (e.g., children living on Indian lands or military bases).

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a reduction in certain loan fees for certain veterans affected by major disasters.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2020

This bill reduces specified Department of Veterans Affairs home loan fees for veterans affected by major disasters.

Make PPE in America Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2020

Make PPE in America Act This bill requires procurement contracts for personal protective equipment (PPE) to be long-term and for domestically manufactured PPE. Specifically, contracts entered into by the Departments of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Defense, Education, or Veterans Affairs for the procurement of PPE must be for a duration of at least three years, including a base period and all option periods, to incentivize investment in the production of PPE, and materials and components of PPE, in the United States. The bill provides exceptions (1) where a nonavailability determination has been made, (2) where a sufficient quantity of a satisfactory quality cannot be procured as and when needed at U.S. market prices, and (3) where the department certifies every 120 days that it is necessary to procure PPE under alternate procedures to respond to the immediate needs of a public health emergency. Such departments may transfer to the Strategic National Stockpile any excess PPE acquired under a contract.

Coronavirus E-BD Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2020

Coronavirus Emergency Borrower Defense Act of 2020 or the Coronavirus E-BD Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to discharge, within 30 days, the federal student loan debt of three categories of borrowers. Specifically, ED must discharge the federal student loan debt of a borrower (1) who is covered by ED findings against an institution of higher education (IHE) for job placement rate misrepresentation; (2) for whom a state attorney general has asserted a right to borrower defense discharge; or (3) who was subject to a misrepresentation made by the IHE related to guaranteed employment or transferability of credits, and who has asserted such misrepresentation in a borrower defense application. ED must reimburse a borrower for amounts paid toward the federal student loan. The bill also requires ED to (1) notify borrowers of loan relief and eligibility for financial aid, and (2) report loan discharge to consumer reporting agencies. Finally, ED must initiate a proceeding to require the IHE whose act or omission resulted in loan discharge to repay ED for such amounts.

Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a pilot program to furnish, under the Veterans Community Care Program, hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Advanced Recycling Research and Development Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Advanced Recycling Research and Development Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Energy to implement research, development, and demonstration programs to (1) accelerate innovation in energy-efficient recyclable plastics, next-generation plastics, and composites recycling and upcycling strategies and technologies; and (2) support the development of advanced materials for batteries and innovative technologies to reclaim and recycle critical materials from advanced and lithium-ion based battery technologies used in consumer electronics, defense, stationary storage, and transportation applications.

Philippine Human Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Philippine Human Rights Act This bill imposes limitations on providing assistance to the police or military of the Philippines. No federal funds may be used to provide such assistance until the Philippines government has taken certain actions, including (1) investigating and successfully prosecuting members of its military and police forces who have violated human rights, (2) withdrawing the military from domestic policing activities, and (3) establishing that it effectively protects the rights of journalists and civil society activists. The President shall also direct U.S. representatives at multilateral development banks to vote against providing loans to the police or military of the Philippines.

Military Family Leave Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Military Family Leave Act of 2020 This bill entitles an employed family member of a member of the Armed Forces who receives notification of a call or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation, or who is deployed in connection with a contingency operation, to two workweeks of leave per year for each family member who is so called or deployed. Such leave may (1) be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule; and (2) consist of paid or unpaid leave, as the employer considers appropriate. Additionally, the bill (1) allows an employer to require certification of entitlement to such leave within a leave request, (2) provides employment and benefits protection for employees upon their return from such leave, and (3) prohibits an employer from interfering with or otherwise denying the exercise of such leave rights.

Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act This bill authorizes the President to use the Armed Forces to defend Taiwan against a direct attack by China's military, a taking of Taiwan's territory by China, or a threat that endangers the lives of civilians in Taiwan or members of Taiwan's military. The bill also directs the Department of Defense to convene an annual regional security dialogue with Taiwan and other partners to improve U.S. security relationships with countries in the Western Pacific. (Taiwan is self-governing, but China considers it a renegade province.)

Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act of 2020 This bill provides for the portability of professional licenses of service members and their spouses who are relocated under military orders to a location that is not within the jurisdiction of the license. Specifically, a professional license in good standing of a service member or spouse shall be considered valid and in good standing in the new jurisdiction for the duration of such military orders. To establish and maintain eligibility, a service member or spouse must (1) provide a copy of the military orders to the licensing authority in the jurisdiction in which the new residency is located; (2) remain in good standing with the licensing authority that issued the license; and (3) submit to the authority of the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction for the purposes of standards of practice, discipline, and fulfillment of any continuing education requirements.

America LEADS Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

America Labor, Economic competitiveness, Alliances, Democracy and Security Act or the America LEADS Act This bill addresses science and technology development, global infrastructure, U.S. manufacturing, foreign relations, and other topics. Provisions of the bill include those authorizing through FY2025 various federal research and development activities; requiring the Department of State to take actions to advance the development and adoption of quality global infrastructure; requiring the use of domestically produced aluminum in certain federal projects; requiring the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Commerce to take actions to encourage the development and production of measurably secure microelectronics and semiconductors; expanding disclosure requirements for U.S. institutions of higher education that receive foreign gifts; authorizing various programs to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics training, as well as language skills education; requiring the President to impose sanctions to combat malign behavior by China's government and related persons; authorizing annual contributions to the World Bank's Clean Technology Fund and the United Nations's Green Climate Fund; prohibiting the use of federal funds to withdraw or reduce the presence of the Armed Forces or DOD in Japan or South Korea; prioritizing the transfer of excess defense articles to certain allies in the Indo-Pacific region; authorizing the State Department to provide assistance to increase maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region; authorizing the United States to cofinance infrastructure projects that would otherwise be included within China's Belt and Road initiative; requiring the President to establish a Special Representative for the Arctic; and providing priority refugee status to certain residents of Hong Kong or Xinjiang.

To authorize the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Alwyn C. Cashe for acts of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Alwyn C. Cashe for acts of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Honor Our Commitment Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

Honor Our Commitment Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish mental and behavioral health care to certain veterans who were discharged under conditions other than honorable.

Ask Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

Ask Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with an experienced nongovernment entity to conduct an annual survey to determine the experiences of veterans in obtaining hospital care and medical services at each VA medical facility. Such surveys must be conducted over a five-year period, and the VA shall make the results publicly available on its website.

Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act of 2020 This bill modifies certain Department of Veterans Affairs programs and services for homeless veterans, including by increasing the per diem rate for grant recipients that provide services to homeless veterans.

I am Vanessa Guillén Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

I Am Vanessa Guillen Act of 2020 This bill addresses the response of the Department of Defense to sex-related offenses committed against members of the Armed Forces, including allowing a member to confidentially allege a complaint of sexual harassment to an individual outside the immediate chain of command of that member.

Caring for the Survivors and Families of Veterans Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

Caring for the Survivors and Families of Veterans Act of 2020 This bill adjusts the amount that the Department of Veterans Affairs pays to surviving spouses and children of veterans who were rated as totally disabled for a period of less than 10 years before their death. Additionally, the bill authorizes the furnishing of dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses who remarry after the age of 55.

A bill to provide for assistance for small manufacturers in the defense industrial supply chain on matters relating to cybersecurity.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

This bill authorizes the Department of Defense to award financial assistance to a Manufacturing Extension Center for the purpose of providing cybersecurity services to small manufacturers. The center must use such assistance for compliance with cybersecurity requirements and may use such assistance to employ trained personnel to deliver cybersecurity services to small manufacturers.

I Am Vanessa Guillén Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

I Am Vanessa Guillen Act This bill addresses the response of the Department of Defense to sex-related offenses committed against members of the Armed Forces, including allowing a member to confidentially allege a complaint of sexual harassment to an individual outside the immediate chain of command of that member.

[H.A.S.C. No. 116-89] ADDRESSING THE LEGACY OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE USE OF PFAS: PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES AND IMPLEMENTING REFORM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 September 2020

To ensure opportunities for Department of Defense participation in wildlife conservation banking programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

This bill directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to ensure opportunities for participation by the Department of Defense in wildlife conservation banking programs, to issue regulations that establish objectives, measurable performance standards, and criteria for use with respect to such programs. Mitigation banking is a method of offsetting the effects of development on a species, or habitat of such species, that is endangered, threatened, or otherwise at risk. The bill requires the regulatory standards and criteria, to the extent practicable, to maximize available credits and opportunities for mitigation, provide flexibility for characteristics of various species, and apply equivalent standards and criteria to all mitigation banks.

Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2020 This bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified diseases associated with exposure to open burn pits (an area used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) and other toxins by veterans who meet certain criteria. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions 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. The bill also makes disability or death from certain diseases due to service in support of a military operation for at least 15 days in a specified location compensable as a work injury.

To require the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to require each enterprise to include a military service question on the form known as the Uniform Residential Loan Application above the signature line of such application, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

This bill requires the uniform residential loan application to include a military service question.

Transparency for Wounded Warriors Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

Transparency for Wounded Warriors Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide specified information to a member of the uniformed services regarding a denial for traumatic injury benefits under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to provide the member with (1) the reason for the denial, including a description of all the information upon which the denial is based; and (2) an explanation and citation of the applicable laws, regulations, or policies upon which the denial is based. Any undisclosed reason, information, or explanation is not usable by the VA as a basis to deny a subsequent review or appeal by an individual regarding a denial of a claim for benefits.

DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act This bill authorizes for FY2021 and FY2022 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activities to identify and remediate illicit cross-border tunnels. CBP shall also develop and report to Congress a strategic plan to improve such operations.

Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2020 This bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified diseases associated with exposure to open burn pits (an area used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) and other toxins by veterans who meet certain criteria. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions 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. The bill also makes disability or death from certain diseases due to service in support of a military operation for at least 15 days in a specified location compensable as a work injury.

Make PPE in America Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

Make PPE in America Act This bill requires procurement contracts for personal protective equipment (PPE) to be long-term and for domestically manufactured PPE. Specifically, contracts entered into by the Departments of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Defense, Education, or Veterans Affairs for the procurement of PPE must be for a duration of at least three years, including a base period and all option periods, to incentivize investment in the production of PPE, and materials and components of PPE, in the United States. The bill provides exceptions (1) where a nonavailability determination has been made, (2) where a sufficient quantity of a satisfactory quality cannot be procured as and when needed at U.S. market prices, and (3) where the department certifies every 120 days that it is necessary to procure PPE under alternate procedures to respond to the immediate needs of a public health emergency. Such departments may transfer to the Strategic National Stockpile any excess PPE acquired under a contract.

A concurrent resolution recognizing September 11, 2020, as "National Day of Service and Remembrance".

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

This concurrent resolution (1) calls on the Members of Congress and all people of the United States to observe September 11, 2020, 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 United States; and (2) recognizes the heroic actions of first responders and other citizens in New York, New York, the District of Columbia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2020, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. The percentage increase in benefits shall be the same as the cost-of-living increase for Social Security recipients.

Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2020

Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020 or the Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020 This bill implements programs, policies, and reports related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) transition assistance, suicide care, mental health education and treatment, health care, and women veteran care. Among other requirements, the VA must carry out a pilot program on information sharing between the VA and designated persons regarding the assistance and benefits available to veterans; furnish or pay for emergent suicide care, including transportation costs, at a VA or non-VA facility for certain veterans who are in an acute suicidal crisis; establish a program for the education and training of caregivers and family members of veterans with mental health disorders; establish the Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans to make recommendations regarding the use of public lands or other outdoor spaces for medical treatment and therapy for certain veterans; seek to contact certain veterans who have not recently received care to encourage them to receive comprehensive physical, mental health, eye, and audiological examinations; provide VA police officers with annual training on the prevention of suicide among the population it serves; complete an analysis and report on its programs that provide assistance to women veterans who are homeless or precariously housed to identify the areas in which such programs are failing to meet the needs of such women; and annually report on the use of VA health care by women veterans.

Protecting the Employment Rights of Servicemembers Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2020

Protecting the Employment Rights of Servicemembers Act This bill updates employment and reemployment rights of members of the uniformed services by making arbitration requirements unenforceable unless the parties consent to such arbitration in relation to employment or reemployment claims.

Diversity in Military Leadership Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2020

Diversity in Military Leadership Act This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to award competitive grants to increase the participation of women and underrepresented minorities in military and civilian leadership positions of DOD.

Modernizing Notice of Lease Terminations for Servicemembers Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2020

Modernizing Notice of Lease Terminations for Servicemembers Act of 2020 This bill specifies that a service member who is authorized under current law to terminate a lease of premises or a motor vehicle lease without incurring an early termination fee may use electronic means to provide notice of the termination.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to ensure that removal and remedial actions relating to PFOS or PFOA contamination result in levels meeting or exceeding certain standards, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to attain specific standards in cleaning up perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) contamination in drinking water and other groundwater from past DOD and National Guard activities. Specifically, DOD must reduce the presence of PFOS and PFOA in drinking water and other groundwater to meet or exceed the most stringent standard among federal health advisories and enforceable federal and state requirements.

Honoring the Buffalo Soldiers who were dishonorably discharged and ultimately had their honorable service restored following events which occurred in 1906 in Brownsville, Texas.

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020

This resolution honors the Buffalo Soldiers who were dishonorably discharged and ultimately had their honorable service restored following events that occurred in 1906 in Brownsville, Texas, and recognizes the dedication and courage of these individuals.

ECHO Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020

VA Expanded Care Hours Act or the ECHO Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a study on the attitudes of veterans and Veterans Health Administration staff toward the VA offering appointments outside the usual operating hours of VA facilities, including via telehealth appointments. The VA must also study the feasibility and advisability of offering appointments outside the usual operating hours.

Improving Housing Outcomes for Veterans Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020

Improving Housing Outcomes for Veterans Act of 2020 This bill requires the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to provide medical center staff and homelessness service providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with information related to best practices for the collaboration on activities under the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Coordinated Entry program. The VA must also ensure that the information and related resources are accessible to VA medical center staff and homelessness service providers. Additionally, the bill requires the VHA to communicate with VA employees who have responsibilities related to homelessness assistance programs regarding (1) the measurement of performance by the VA's Homeless Program Office, and (2) how to obtain and provide feedback about the performance measures.

Recognizing September 11, 2020, as "National Day of Service and Remembrance".

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020

This concurrent resolution (1) calls on the Members of Congress and all people of the United States to observe September 11, 2020, 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 United States; and (2) recognizes the heroic actions of first responders and other citizens in New York, New York, the District of Columbia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Justice for Ser­vice­mem­bers Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020

Justice for Servicemembers Act of 2020 This bill updates employment and reemployment rights of members of the uniformed services by making arbitration requirements unenforceable unless the parties consent to such arbitration in relation to employment or reemployment claims.

Russia Bounty Response Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2020

Russia Bounty Response Act of 2020 This bill requires various actions in response to the influence of Russia's government in South and Central Asia and contains other related provisions. The Department of State shall report to Congress a strategy for using U.S. diplomacy to counter such Russian influence. The bill imposes sanctions on various individuals and entities, including (1) Russian President Vladimir Putin or any person acting on his behalf, (2) any senior Russian government official involved in a program to provide bounties for killing members of the U.S. Armed Forces or certain North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces in Afghanistan, and (3) individuals and entities that facilitate illicit or corrupt activities on behalf of Putin or other specified persons. The bill imposes civil and criminal penalties related to violations of such sanctions. The bill also authorizes various activities, including (1) rewards for information about Russian bounties against U.S. Armed Forces anywhere in the world, and (2) State Department activities to counter Russian influence in South and Central Asia. The State Department shall seek to establish a working group involving officials from the government of Afghanistan to address threats to Afghanistan's security posed by Russia's government. The State Department must also create a Deputy Assistant Secretary position tasked with coordinating efforts to counter Russian influence in South and Central Asia. The President shall also appoint a special envoy tasked with countering Russian influence in the region.

A resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans, prisoners of war, and Gold Star Families.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020

This resolution honors the service and sacrifice of veterans and members of the Armed Forces and expresses gratitude to Gold Star families who have suffered the loss of loved ones.