Defence

Headstones for Honor Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2023

Government Surveillance Reform Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2023

Tax Cuts for Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2023

Tax Cuts for Veterans Act of 2023 This bill excludes from the gross income of members or former members of the Armed Forces, for income tax purposes, any retired or retainer pay or any amounts paid in connection with a disability or combat-related injury or disability or death of a member.

Government Surveillance Reform Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2023

Encouraging the connecting of members of the Armed Forces in the United States to support structures necessary to transition from the battlefield.

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2023

This resolution encourages all individuals in the United States to engage with veterans and members of the Armed Forces to connect them with support.

A resolution designating October 30, 2023, as a national day of remembrance for the workers of the nuclear weapons program of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2023

This resolution designates October 30, 2023, as a national day of remembrance for the workers of the nuclear weapons program, including uranium miners, millers, and haulers, plutonium processors, and on-site participants at atmospheric nuclear weapons tests.

Expanding Home Loans for Guard and Reservists Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2023

Securing American ARMS Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2023

Reaffirming the United States-Philippines alliance and condemning the gray zone campaign of the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea against the Philippines, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2023

This resolution reaffirms the U.S-Philippine alliance and condemns Chinese actions against Philippine assets in the South China Sea. The resolution celebrates the longstanding alliance and partnership between the United States and the Philippines, reaffirms support for the Philippines in the face of Chinese aggression, and affirms that the United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (signed in 1951) applies to armed attacks on Philippine military or public vessels in the South China Sea. The resolution also (1) calls on China not to advance its territorial and sovereignty claims in the South China Sea; (2) condemns China's use of gray zone tactics (military provocations short of armed hostilities) and its use of lasing, water cannons, and ramming against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea; and (3) calls on China to end its aggressive behavior.

Farmers Feeding America Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

Farmers Feeding America Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), increases funding for the program, and provides additional delivery options for geographically isolated states (i.e., Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam). TEFAP is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of people with low income by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. Through TEFAP, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchases a variety of commodities and makes those food products (e.g., canned, frozen, dried, and fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, dairy, and whole-grain and enriched grain products) available to state distributing agencies. The bill increases funding for purchasing commodities under the program. Further, the bill directs USDA to coordinate with geographically isolated states to (1) establish alternative delivery options for allocated commodities, and (2) allow for the states to order commodities through the USDA Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.  USDA may also provide geographically isolated states the ability to directly purchase domestically grown food in lieu of receiving a portion of the commodities. Under this option, USDA may distribute as cash to the state up to 20% of the cash value of the commodities that are allocated to the state under TEFAP.  Further, USDA may consider additional factors beyond lowest price in determining winning bids for contracts for fresh produce packages (including product variety and transportation distance). 

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to provide grants to certain surviving spouses of veterans to pay for housing.

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

VALOR Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

Expressing support for Veterans Employment Week.

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

This resolution expresses support for the designation of Veterans Employment Week.

Defense Spending Oversight Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

A resolution expressing support for the designation of October 23, 2023, as "Beirut Veterans Remembrance Day" to remember the tragic terrorist bombing of the Marine Corps headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983.

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

This resolution supports the designation of October 23, 2023, as Beirut Veterans Remembrance Day to honor members of the Armed Forces who were killed or injured by the terrorist attack on the Marine Corps headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983.

Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 This bill provides FY2024 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State for activities to respond to the attacks in Israel. The bill designates the funding as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. The bill provides appropriations to DOD for Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation. The funding is provided for purposes such as replacing defense articles that were provided to Israel, reimbursing DOD for defense services and training provided to Israel, procuring Israel's Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, and developing Israel's Iron Beam defense system. The bill provides appropriations to the State Department for Diplomatic Programs, including Worldwide Security Protection; Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service; and the Foreign Military Financing Program. In addition, the bill includes provisions that expand the authorities of the President to transfer defense articles and services from DOD to Israel. Finally, the bill rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided for activities of the Internal Revenue Service.

A bill to designate the General George C. Marshall House, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

This bill establishes the General George C. Marshall House in Leesburg, Virginia, as an affiliated area of the National Park System to promote public appreciation of the historic contributions made by George Catlett Marshall, Jr. (George Catlett Marshall, Jr. served as Army Chief of Staff during World War II, and later as Secretary of State, president of the American Red Cross, and Secretary of Defense.) The bill designates the George C. Marshall International Center as the management entity for the affiliated area. The Department of the Interior must enter into an agreement with the center that describes the roles and responsibilities for management of the affiliated area. Further, Interior may provide technical assistance and enter into cooperative agreements with the center for the purpose of providing financial assistance for the marketing, marking, interpretation, and preservation of the affiliated area.  Interior may not acquire property at the affiliated area or assume overall financial responsibility for the operation, maintenance, or management of the affiliated area.

Reaffirming the ties between the United States and the Philippines.

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

This resolution states that the House of Representatives reaffirms the United States commitment to invoke the 1951 U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty if Philippine assets are attacked in the South China Sea. The resolution also calls on the United States and the Philippines to begin joint patrols in the South China Sea, objects to Chinese sovereignty claims to the South China Sea, and welcomes swift implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (a 2014 agreement enabling the U.S. and Philippine militaries to train together, respond to humanitarian crises, and modernize military capabilities).

Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 This bill provides FY2024 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State for activities to respond to the attacks in Israel. The bill designates the funding as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. The bill provides appropriations to DOD for Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation. The funding is provided for purposes such as replacing defense articles that were provided to Israel, reimbursing DOD for defense services and training provided to Israel, procuring Israel's Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, and developing Israel's Iron Beam defense system. The bill provides appropriations to the State Department for Diplomatic Programs, including Worldwide Security Protection; Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service; and the Foreign Military Financing Program. In addition, the bill includes provisions that expand the authorities of the President to transfer defense articles and services from DOD to Israel. Finally, the bill rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided for activities of the Internal Revenue Service.

Preventing the Recognition of Terrorist States Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Preventing the Recognition of Terrorist States Act of 2023 This bill prohibits U.S. official recognition of the Taliban-controlled government of Afghanistan. No federal department or agency may take any action that states or implies recognition of the Taliban's claim of sovereignty over Afghanistan. The bill also bars the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Department of Defense from using federal funds to prepare or implement any policy that extends diplomatic recognition to the Taliban-controlled government of Afghanistan. The State Department must designate (1) the Taliban-controlled government of Afghanistan as a state sponsor of terrorism, and (2) the Taliban as a foreign terrorist organization.

A resolution providing for the en bloc consideration of military nominations.

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2023

This resolution provides for the Senate majority leader, during the 118th Congress, to initiate en bloc consideration of military nominations, not including nominations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff or a commander of a combatant command. Currently, en bloc consideration of military nominations may be initiated only with unanimous consent.

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 14280 South Military Trail in Delray Beach, Florida, as the "Benjamin Berell Ferencz Post Office Building".

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2023

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 14280 South Military Trail in Delray Beach, Florida, as the "Benjamin Berell Ferencz Post Office Building."

Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2023

Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2023

Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023 This bill provides FY2024 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State for assistance to Israel. The bill designates the funding as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. The bill provides appropriations to DOD for Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation. The funding is provided for purposes such as replacing defense articles that were provided to Israel; reimbursing DOD for defense services and training provided to Israel; the procurement of Israel's Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems; Defense Production Act purchases; and the development of Israel's Iron Beam defense system. The bill provides appropriations to the State Department for Diplomatic Programs, including Worldwide Security Protection; Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service; and the Foreign Military Financing Program. In addition, the bill includes several provisions that expand the authorities of the President to transfer defense articles and services from DOD to Israel. Finally, the bill specifies that the funds provided by this bill may not be used (1) in connection with the war in Ukraine; or (2) for assistance to any entity that is located in the territory of Gaza or is controlled or influenced by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any other organization that the State Department has designated as a foreign terrorist organization.

Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2023

Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023 This bill provides FY2024 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State for assistance to Israel. The bill designates the funding as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. The bill provides appropriations to DOD for Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation. The funding is provided for purposes such as replacing defense articles that were provided to Israel; reimbursing DOD for defense services and training provided to Israel; the procurement of Israel's Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems; Defense Production Act purchases; and the development of Israel's Iron Beam defense system. The bill provides appropriations to the State Department for Diplomatic Programs, including Worldwide Security Protection; Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service; and the Foreign Military Financing Program. In addition, the bill includes several provisions that expand the authorities of the President to transfer defense articles and services from DOD to Israel. Finally, the bill specifies that the funds provided by this bill may not be used (1) in connection with the war in Ukraine; or (2) for assistance to any entity that is located in the territory of Gaza or is controlled or influenced by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any other organization that the State Department has designated as a foreign terrorist organization.

To amend the Military Lands Withdrawal Act of 1999 to clarify the authority of Department of Defense to conduct certain military activities at the Nevada test and training range, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Military Selective Service Repeal Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

BAD APPS Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Bolstering America's Defenses Against Potentially Perilous Software Act or the BAD APPS Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to create (1) categorical definitions of foreign mobile applications of concern, and (2) a risk framework to assess certain foreign mobile applications for any potential impact on DOD personnel and operations. Generally, the framework must include mobile applications from countries that DOD determines to be engaged in consistent, unauthorized conduct that is detrimental to the national security or foreign policy of the United States. Such framework must incorporate specified considerations, such as the manner and extent of data collection by the application. DOD must issue guidance to all of its personnel incorporating the categories of foreign mobile applications of concern and advising how to mitigate the risks identified by the risk framework with respect to the applications. DOD must also update the categorical definitions and risk framework at least annually.

State Border Defense Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Mark Our Place Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

Mark Our Place Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish a headstone, marker, or medallion signifying the status of a deceased member of the Armed Forces as a Medal of Honor recipient regardless of when the member served. Under current law, only Medal of Honor recipients who served after 1917 are eligible for such markers.

Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023 This bill provides FY2024 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State for assistance to Israel. The bill designates the funding as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. The bill provides appropriations to DOD for Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation. The funding is provided for purposes such as replacing defense articles that were provided to Israel; reimbursing DOD for defense services and training provided to Israel; the procurement of Israel's Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems; Defense Production Act purchases; and the development of Israel's Iron Beam defense system. The bill provides appropriations to the State Department for Diplomatic Programs, including Worldwide Security Protection; Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service; and the Foreign Military Financing Program. In addition, the bill includes several provisions that expand the authorities of the President to transfer defense articles and services from DOD to Israel. Finally, the bill specifies that the funds provided by this bill may not be used (1) in connection with the war in Ukraine; or (2) for assistance to any entity that is located in the territory of Gaza or is controlled or influenced by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any other organization that the State Department has designated as a foreign terrorist organization.

More Child Care and Jobs for Military Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

More Child Care and Jobs for Military Families Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report on at-home child care programs offered by each military department. Additionally, DOD must study and report on (1) standardizing the requirements of each military department relating to licensing and certification for at-home child care providers, (2) removing barriers to the expansion of at-home child care programs, and (3) supporting the employment of military spouses in at-home child care programs.

Air America Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

Veteran Restitution and Justice Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Recognizing the 40th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983.

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

This resolution recognizes the 40th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983. The resolution also remembers servicemembers who died and honors their families.

PFAS Health Study Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

PFAS Health Study Act of 2023 This bill extends through FY2024 the authority of the Department of Defense to transfer funds for the required study on the human health implications of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking water, groundwater, and any other sources of water and relevant exposure pathways, including the cumulative human health implications of multiple types of PFAS contamination at levels above and below health advisory levels. (PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.)

Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act of 2023 This bill contains provisions pertaining to the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. The director of the American Institute in Taiwan's Taipei office shall be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. (In 1979, the United States established diplomatic relations with China and ended formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The American Institute in Taiwan represents U.S. interests in Taiwan and provides consular services.) U.S. government departments and agencies (1) may not formally or informally recognize China's claims of sovereignty over Taiwan without the assent of Taiwan's people, as expressed through the democratic process; (2) shall treat Taiwan's elected government as the legitimate representative of Taiwan's people; and (3) shall end the practice of referring to Taiwan's government as authorities. The Department of State shall submit to Congress a report on cooperation between the United States and Taiwan to promote freedom, democracy, culture, and history in conjunction with Chinese language education. In addition, the State Department shall develop and implement a strategy to respond to Chinese government attempts to use misinformation, media manipulation, economic coercion, and other strategies against Taiwan or persons in Taiwan. The State Department and the Department of Defense shall report to Congress on deterrence of military conflict in the Taiwan Strait. The bill also directs the President to establish an interagency Taiwan policy task force, which shall annually report to Congress a plan for enhancing U.S.-Taiwan relations.

Honoring the Virgin Islands National Guard on its 50th anniversary.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

This resolution honors and commends the Virgin Islands National Guard for its 50 years of service to the Virgin Islands and United States. Additionally, the resolution thanks the thousands of men and women who have served in the Virgin Islands National Guard.

To provide that members of the Armed Forces performing services in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad shall be entitled to tax benefits in the same manner as if such services were performed in a combat zone.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, compensation of members of the Armed Forces performing services in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad on the same basis as if such services had been performed in a combat zone.

A resolution standing with Israel against terrorism.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that it may not be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.

A bill to provide that members of the Armed Forces performing services in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad shall be entitled to tax benefits in the same manner as if such services were performed in a combat zone.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, compensation of members of the Armed Forces performing services in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad on the same basis as if such services had been performed in a combat zone.

A resolution designating August 1, 2023, as "Gold Star Children's Day".

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

This resolution designates August 1, 2023, as Gold Star Children's Day to honor the sacrifices and hardships of the children of fallen service members.

VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2023 This bill requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to include on the Uniform Residential Loan Application (i.e., Fannie Mae Form 1003/ Freddie Mac Form 65) a disclosure that (1) notifies applicants with military service that they may qualify for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan, and (2) directs applicants to consult their lender regarding eligibility. Not later than 18 months after the enactment of the bill, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on whether at least 80% of lenders using the loan application form have met this requirement. 

VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2023 This bill requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to include on the Uniform Residential Loan Application (i.e., Fannie Mae Form 1003/ Freddie Mac Form 65) a disclosure that (1) notifies applicants with military service that they may qualify for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan, and (2) directs applicants to consult their lender regarding eligibility. Not later than 18 months after the enactment of the bill, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on whether at least 80% of lenders using the loan application form have met this requirement. 

Protect Our Bases Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

Protect Our Bases Act of 2023 This bill revises the authority of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review the national security implications of foreign real estate transactions.  Specifically, the bill allows CFIUS to prescribe regulations for treating facilities and properties of the intelligence community and national laboratories as sensitive sites for national security purposes. Additionally, CFIUS must annually submit a classified report to Congress on the activities of CFIUS relating to federal facilities and property that are determined to be sensitive for national security purposes.  The bill also requires each member of CFIUS (i.e., each federal agency that is a member of CFIUS, such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy) to annually review the list of military installations and other U.S. government sites that are sensitive for national security purposes. (This list in the Code of Federal Regulations identifies the military installations around which certain real estate transactions are covered under the jurisdiction of CFIUS.) CFIUS must then submit an annual report to Congress certifying the completion of such review and information related to the list's accuracy.

Sensible Classification Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023

Military Housing Wait Times Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023

Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023

Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act of 2023 This bill requires the development of a bug bounty program within the Department of Defense (DOD) and requires various studies and reports related to artificial intelligence. The bill requires certain financial entities (e.g., the Federal Reserve System) to report on the knowledge gap on artificial intelligence. The bill also requires the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) within DOD to develop a bug bounty program for foundational artificial intelligence models being integrated into DOD missions and operations. Generally, a bug bounty program provides incentives to individuals to discover and report on vulnerabilities in an organization's software or systems. Not later than one year after the enactment of this bill, CDAO must brief Congress on the development of bug bounty programs and long-term plans with respect to such programs. The bill also requires CDAO to study the vulnerabilities to the privacy, security, accuracy of, and capacity to assess, artificial intelligence-enabled military applications. Finally, DOD must report on ways to improve data sharing, interoperability, and quality across DOD. 

Air America Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023