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251 records in US in 2014
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2014
Honor Flight Act - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration [TSA]) to establish a process for providing expedited and dignified passenger screening services for veterans traveling on an Honor Flight Network charter flight or that of another organization to visit war memorials built and dedicated to honor their service.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2014
Veterans' Credit Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) conduct outreach to inform veterans of how to resolve credit issues caused by a delayed payment (i.e., a proper invoice that is not paid by the Secretary until after the required payment date); and (2) establish a toll-free telephone number for veterans to report such issues to the Veterans Integrated Service Networks. Requires the Secretary to report annually on the effectiveness of each Network in providing timely payment of proper invoices during both the preceding five-year period and the preceding one-year period. Requires such report to include: the number of veterans who contacted the Secretary regarding delayed payments that could negatively affect their credit; the total amount of interest penalties paid by the Secretary by reason of delayed payments; the number of proper invoices submitted, the amount owed for and the payment status of such invoices, and the periods that elapsed before such invoices were paid; relevant comments received from medical providers regarding delayed payments; identification of the Networks with the least and most delayed payments; and a description of the best practices to provide timely payment of a proper invoice, including a plan for under-performing Networks to improve. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct a study that assesses the effectiveness of each Network in providing timely payment of proper invoices.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2014
Modifies design-build selection procedures for civilian and defense contracts for the design and construction of a public building, facility, or work to require the contracting officer to provide written documentation of how more than five finalists in a solicitation for a contract is consistent with the purposes and objectives of the two-phase selection process (a procurement process in which the first phase consists of prequalification or shortlisting and the second phase consists of preparation and submission of complete design-build proposals from the prequalified offerors). Requires the use of two-phase selection procedures for civilian or defense contracts when a contracting officer determines that the contract has a value of $750,000 or greater, adjusted for inflation. Requires: (1) agencies to report on contracts for which more than five finalists were selected for phase-two requests or for which the contract was awarded without using two-phase selection procedures, and (2) the Comptroller General (GAO) to report on the compliance of executive agencies with design-build contract procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2014
Designates July 26, 2014, as United States Intelligence Professionals Day. Acknowledges the courage, fidelity, sacrifice, and professionalism of the men and women of the U.S. intelligence community.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2014
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: Prime Minister Narenda Modi of India should address Congress at the earliest opportunity; the U.S. government should hold a strategic dialogue in New Delhi that lays out clear objectives for the U.S.-India relationship; the United States nominate and confirm an Ambassador to India as soon as possible; the United States and India should continue to expand economic engagement, including finalizing a bilateral investment treaty and reviving the Trade Policy Forum; India should continue its economic liberalization reforms, including discussions with other Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum nations about Indian membership in APEC; the United States and India should expand energy, defense, and security cooperation; and India should modify its offset regime so funds can flow to a second tier of Indian priorities such as education, skills development, or manufacturing.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2014
Designates August 16, 2014, as National Airborne Day.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2014
Catalyst Theory Restoration Act of 2014 - Defines "prevailing party" for any Act of Congress, any agency ruling, regulation, or interpretation, or any judicial or administrative rule that provides for the recovery of attorney's fees, to include a party whose pursuit of a non-frivolous claim or defense was a catalyst for a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the opposing party that provides any significant part of the relief sought. Prohibits this Act from altering any: (1) special eligibility criteria established for prevailing defendants, or (2) specific eligibility criteria contained in any statute that expressly limits or qualifies who may be considered a prevailing party for purposes of that statute.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2014
Veterans' Credit Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) conduct outreach to inform veterans of how to resolve credit issues caused by a delayed payment (i.e., a proper invoice that is not paid by the Secretary until after the required payment date); and (2) establish a toll-free telephone number for veterans to report such issues to the Veterans Integrated Service Networks. Requires the Secretary to report annually on the effectiveness of each Network in providing timely payment of proper invoices during both the preceding five-year period and the preceding one-year period. Requires such report to include: the number of veterans who contacted the Secretary regarding delayed payments that could negatively affect their credit; the total amount of interest penalties paid by the Secretary by reason of delayed payments; the number of proper invoices submitted, the amount owed for and the payment status of such invoices, and the periods that elapsed before such invoices were paid; any comments regarding delayed payments made by medical providers; identification of the Networks with the least and most delayed payments; and a description of the best practices to provide timely payment of a proper invoice, including a plan for under-performing Networks to improve. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct a study that compares the effectiveness of Networks in providing timely payment of proper invoices.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2014
Ukraine Security Assistance Act of 2014 - Authorizes the the President to provide Ukraine with specified defense articles, services, and training. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to conduct or complete an ongoing assessment of the capabilities and needs of Ukraine's armed forces, and provide it to Congress. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: provide Ukraine with appropriate intelligence and other information to determine the location, strength, and capabilities of the military and intelligence forces of the Russian Federation located on Ukraine's eastern border and within its territorial borders, including Crimea; take steps to ensure that such intelligence information is protected from further disclosure; and report to Congress detailing such disclosure. States that during the period in which Ukraine meets specified democratic government and security cooperation criteria it shall be treated as a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally. Directs the President to increase: (1) military-to-military interactions of the U.S. Armed Forces with the armed forces of Ukraine, and (2) U.S. and NATO security assistance to Ukraine. Directs the Secretary of State to seek to enter into negotiations with Ukraine to establish new, or strengthen existing, bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation agreements, including agreements related to cyber defense cooperation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2014
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Defense (DOD) should review exceptions to citizenship, residency, and disqualification standards for enlistment in the Armed Forces to make a determination regarding the enlistment of aliens who possess an employment authorization document issued under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established pursuant to the DHS Secretary's memorandum dated June 15, 2012.
United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 July 2014
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2014
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2014 - Appropriates supplemental funds for FY2014 to specified federal agencies and programs to respond to the increased apprehensions of unaccompanied children and minors along the southwestern border, fight wildfires, and support Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile defense system. Provides appropriations for the Department of Justice (DOJ); the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); and the Department of State to cover necessary expenses to respond to the significant rise in unaccompanied children and adults with children at the southwest border. Provides appropriations for the U.S Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Forest Service to cover anticipated wildfire suppression funding shortfalls if funds previously provided for wildfire suppression will be exhausted imminently and USDA notifies the appropriations committees of the need for additional funds. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to require certain adjustments to discretionary spending limits for FY2015-FY2021 for wildfire suppression operations in the wildland fire management accounts at the Department of the Interior and the USDA. Provides appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) to assist the government of Israel with procurement of the Iron Dome defense system to counter short-range rocket threats. Designates funding provided in the Act as an emergency requirement pursuant to the Balanced Budget And Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2014
POW Accountability Act - Requires: (1) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to review the list maintained by the Secretary of veterans the Secretary determines are former prisoners of war (VA POW list) and the list maintained by the Secretary of Defense (DOD), acting through the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office, of members of the Armed Forces who were prisoners of war (DOD POW list) to identify any discrepancies in such lists; and (2) the VA's Inspector General to review the process by which the Secretary determines that a veteran is a former prisoner of war. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the VA POW list, including information on such discrepancies and the results of the Inspector General's review.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2014
Recognizes the National Museum of World War II Aviation in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as America's National World War II Aviation Museum.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2014
Veterans Affairs Health Workforce Enhancement Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish medical residency programs, or ensure a sufficient number of residency positions in medical residency programs, at any VA medical facility that the Secretary determines is experiencing a shortage of physicians. Requires the Secretary to determine the specialty of health care professionals that each such facility is experiencing a shortage of and allocate residency programs and positions based on such determination. Directs the Secretary, during the five-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act, to increase the number of graduate medical education residency positions at VA medical facilities by not less than 2,000 positions, giving priority to medical facilities that: (1) do not have a medical residency program, and (2) are located in a community in which there is a high need for health care for veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2014
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Correction Act - Prohibits construing either the national monument designation or any management plan in furtherance of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, New Mexico (designated on May 21, 2014) as: (1) preventing the Secretary of Homeland Security from undertaking law enforcement and border security activities within the areas designated as the Monument, including the ability to use motorized vehicles within it; (2) limiting the 2006 Memorandum of Understanding among the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding cooperative national security and counterterrorism efforts on federal land along U.S. borders; (3) preventing the DHS Secretary from conducting low-level overflights over the Monument for law enforcement and border security purposes; or (4) preventing the Secretary of the Interior from allowing within the Monument the installation and maintenance of communication or surveillance infrastructure necessary for law enforcement or border security activities. Makes the route excluded from the Potrillo Mountains, identified as "Restricted--Administrative Access" on the map entitled "Potrillo Mountains Complex," dated December 10, 2013, available for administrative and law enforcement uses, including border security activities. Specifies that nothing in the national monument designation or any management plan in furtherance of the Monument shall restrict or preclude low-level overflights of military aircraft, the designation of new units of special airspace, or the use or establishment of military flight training routes, over the Monument.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2014
Recognizes the patriotism and contributions of generations of women in the auxiliaries of veterans service organizations. Commends members of auxiliaries in the United States and abroad for their dedicated service to and support of members of the Armed Forces and veterans. Encourages the people of the United States to promote awareness of such members' contributions and dedication, to follow their example, and to volunteer support and services to those who have selflessly served the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2014
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to waive certain institutional continuity requirements that would block the Secretary's approval of a veteran's enrollment in a program of education offered by a proprietary school that does not lead to a standard college degree, provided: (1) the school has been operating the program of education in another location for at least two years, and (2) that program of education is approved under the veterans' educational benefits program.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2014
Savings, Accountability, Value, and Efficiency III Act of 2014 - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue software licensing policies for federal agencies. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to expand the definition of "energy or water conservation measure" under such Act to include, in the case of a contract in which the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is a party: (1) the purchase or lease of low emission and fuel efficient vehicles; (2) the upgrade of USPS vehicles to increase average fuel economy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions; or (3) the construction of infrastructure to support such vehicles, including electric vehicle charging stations. Directs the Postmaster General to develop guidelines for USPS vehicles that provide for specified carbon dioxide emissions and fuel economy standards. Requires the head of each federal agency to ensure that agency desktop computers are shut down for at least 4 hours out of each 24-hour time period, except for certain computers that are in use for 16 or more hours per day. Denies payment of civil service retirement benefits and requires forfeiture of thrift saving plan (TSP) agency contributions for federal employees who are convicted of certain public corruption offenses. Requires the Secretary of Defense to implement specified criteria in requests for overseas contingency operations. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to direct each federal facility energy manager, not later than two years after completion of a comprehensive energy evaluation of a federal agency's facilities, to consider: (1) implementing any energy-saving or conservation measure that the agency identified in the evaluation that is life cycle cost-effective, and (2) bundling individual measures of varying paybacks together into combined projects. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to examine, and report to Congress on, which payments may be made under both the Medicare Advantage Program and the veterans health care system or the TRICARE program for health care furnished to individuals eligible under such health care programs. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare beneficiaries with an option to receive statements of benefits in a electronic format.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2014
Access to Care and Treatment Now for Veterans Act or the ACT Now for Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse any non-VA medical provider, including such a provider who has not been pre-approved by the Secretary, who furnishes covered hospital care or medical services to an eligible veteran. Defines "covered hospital care or medical services" as hospital care or medical services for which the veteran is eligible under the VA health care program. Defines an "eligible veteran" as a veteran who: (1) is enrolled in the VA patient enrollment system and provides a VA identification card or proof of such enrollment, (2) is eligible to receive hospital care or medical services furnished by the Secretary, and (3) has been unable to schedule an appointment at a VA facility to receive such care or services within 30 days of the date preferred by the veteran. Terminates the authority under this Act: (1) one year after this Act's enactment if the Secretary certifies that the Veterans Health Administration is meeting wait-time goals, or (2) two years after this Act's enactment if the Secretary has not submitted such certification.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2014
Recognizes, supports, and defends the constitutional authority of the governors of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California to deploy units of the National Guard to secure the international border of the United States within their states. Urges such governors to immediately deploy units of the National Guard to: (1) gain effective control of the southern border of the United States, and (2) prevent anyone without legal immigration status from entering the United States. Declares a commitment to appropriating the necessary monies to effectively support any such deployments.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2014
Dynamic Repayment Act of 2014 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to make students ineligible to receive William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans (DLs) on or after July 1, 2015. Makes certain exceptions for student borrowers who have an outstanding balance on their DLs or Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) as of that date and who later apply for a Direct Unsubsidized, PLUS, or Consolidation Loan. Establishes an Income Dependent Education Assistance (IDEA) Loan program, effective July 1, 2015, making federal funds available for loans to student borrowers who: (1) have no outstanding balance due on a DL or FFEL, or (2) consolidate such loans into an IDEA Consolidation Loan. Sets forth the formulae for determining the interest rates on IDEA Loans, which are capped at 8.25% for undergraduate students and 9.25% for graduate or professional students. Blocks the accrual of interest on IDEA Loans for active duty military personnel. Makes an IDEA Loan eligible for loan forgiveness after: (1) 20 years of payments if the borrower begins repayment with an outstanding balance that does not equal or exceed the maximum aggregate amount of Direct Unsubsidized Loans that an undergraduate student borrower would have been eligible to borrow but for this Act; and (2) 30 years if the borrower begins repayment with an outstanding balance equal to or greater than that amount. Allows student borrowers to consolidate FFELs, DLs, and Perkins Loans into IDEA Consolidation Loans that bear interest at an annual rate that equals the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans consolidated. Establishes the IDEA Loan Repayment program under which: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury provides the Secretary of Education with the tax information needed to determine each borrower's income-based repayment obligation; and (2) those obligations are withheld from the borrower's wages. Allows borrowers to opt-out of the withholding process and make payments on a monthly basis. Sets the annual repayment obligation for borrowers at an amount equal to 10% of the excess of their taxable income over the sum of: (1) an exemption amount equal to $10,000, adjusted for inflation; and (2) the lesser of $3,000 or specified income other than wages, salaries, tips, and other employee compensation. Sets the income-based repayment obligation of individuals who are not required to file a federal tax return at zero. Allows borrowers to prepay all or part of an IDEA Loan without penalty. Penalizes borrowers who fail to pay their full repayment amount for a taxable year. Makes specified FFEL and DL loan repayment or forgiveness programs applicable to IDEA Loans. Amends the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide the Secretary of Education with information in the National Directory of New Hires regarding IDEA Loan borrowers for the purpose of improving the collection of such loans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose borrowers' tax return information to the Department of Education for purposes of the IDEA Loan Repayment program. Excludes IDEA Loan forgiveness from a borrower's gross income for income tax purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2014
International Human Rights Defense Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish in the Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor a Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBT Peoples who shall: (1) direct U.S. government efforts regarding human rights abuses against the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender) community internationally and the advancement of human rights for LGBT people in U.S. foreign policy, and (2) represent the United States internationally in bilateral and multilateral engagement on these matters. Directs the Special Envoy to develop or update annually for six years a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to discrimination and violence against LGBT people. Authorizes the Secretary and the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide assistance to prevent and respond to discrimination and violence against LGBT people.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2014
Restore Unalienable Rights Act of 2014 - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (with respect to the authority of the President to use all necessary and appropriate force pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force under P.L. 107-40) to prohibit U.S. Armed Forces from detaining, pending disposition under the law of war, a U.S. citizen or lawful resident alien of the United States who was captured, detained, or arrested in the United States. Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit an authorization to use military force, a declaration of war, or any similar authority from authorizing the detention without charge or trial of a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States apprehended in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2014
Audit the Pentagon Act of 2014 - Requires, on March 2 of FY2015 and each subsequent fiscal year, a .5% reduction in the discretionary budget authority of a federal agency that is identified by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as required to have an audited financial statement: (1) that has not submitted a financial statement for the previous fiscal year, or (2) whose statement has not received either an unqualified or a qualified audit opinion by an independent external auditor. Excludes from such reduction accounts for military, reserve and National Guard personnel and the Defense Health Program account of the Department of Defense (DOD). Authorizes: (1) the Secretary of Defense to make such a reduction in the discretionary budget authority of any agency in a manner that minimizes any effect on national security, and (2) the President to waive a reduction in discretionary budget authority if such reduction would harm national security or members of the Armed Forces who are in combat. Requires a report to Congress listing required DOD reports that interfere with DOD's capacity to achieve an audit of its financial statements with an unqualified opinion. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) congressional defense committees and DOD should not endanger the nation's troops by reducing wounded warrior accounts or vital protection for members of the Armed Forces in harm's way, (2) the valuation of legacy assets by DOD should be simplified without compromising essential controls or generally accepted government auditing standards, and (3) this Act should not be construed to require or permit the declassification of accounting details about classified defense programs and DOD should ensure financial accountability in such programs. .
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2014
Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force, for purposes of modernizing the C-130 fleet, to install alternative communication, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management program kits in lieu of C-130 avionics modernization program kits if the Secretary determines, on a case-by-case basis, that such alternative program is appropriate and notifies Congress of such determination. Requires the Secretary to ensure that all C-130 aircraft are capable of meeting applicable regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by January 1, 2020.
United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 July 2014
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2014
Helping Unaccompanied Minors and Alleviating National Emergency Act or the HUMANE Act - Amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to declare that any unaccompanied alien child (UAC) who has not been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons or does not have a credible fear of persecution on returning to his or her country of nationality or of last habitual residence shall be: (1) placed in removal proceedings, (2) eligible for voluntary departure at no cost to the child, and (3) provided with access to counsel. (Currently such expedited removal requirements apply only to unaccompanied children from countries that are contiguous to the United States.) Directs the Secretary of State to negotiate agreements regarding the repatriation of children with Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and any other appropriate foreign country. (Currently such agreements are to be negotiated between the United States and countries contiguous to the United States.) Requires a UAC to be placed within seven days of initial screening in a proceeding to expedite due process and screening. Prohibits a UAC to be removed from U.S. custody during preliminary proceedings until repatriation or unless placed in removal proceedings. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a proceeding to expedite due process and screening for UACs. Requires an immigration judge to: conduct a proceeding to inspect and determine the status of a UAC who is an applicant for U.S. admission not later than 7 days after initial screening, determine within 72 hours of the proceeding's conclusion whether a UAC is likely to be admissible (or eligible for relief from removal) or is lawfully present in the United States, and place a UAC in further proceedings if such conditions have been met or order a UAC removed from the United States without further hearing or review unless there is a claim of asylum or a credible fear of persecution. States that: if a UAC intends to make a claim of asylum or fear of persecution he or she shall be referred to an asylum officer who shall determine in an interview whether there is a credible fear of persecution; if there is no credible fear of persecution a UAC shall be ordered removed without further hearing or review; and a UAC shall be held in protective Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) custody pending a final determination of credible fear of persecution, or removal. Sets forth due process protections for UACs, including protective HHS custody. Directs the Attorney General (DOJ) to hire or reassign up to 40 immigration judges to conduct expedited inspection and screening of UACs. Prohibits the Secretary of HHS from placing a UAC in the custody of an individual who has been convicted of a sex offense or a crime involving a severe form of trafficking in persons. Requires related biometric criminal background checks. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit to Congress a comprehensive strategy for: (1) gaining and maintaining situational awareness and operational control of high traffic areas along the U.S. southern and northern borders within two years, and (2) gaining and maintaining operational control along the southwest border of the United States not later than five years. Requires the Secretary to submit a related implementation plan to Congress and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Requires the Secretary of DHS to implement metrics to measure the effectiveness of security at and between ports of entry and in the maritime environment. Prohibits the Secretary of DHS from conducting any study relating to the imposition of a border crossing fee for pedestrians or passenger vehicles at land ports of entry along the U.S. southern and northern borders. Directs the Secretary of DHS to: (1) upgrade technological assets and equipment and physical and tactical infrastructure on the southern border, and (2) increase the number of trained active-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers on the southern border. Authorizes funds under this Act to be expended, with the approval of the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of HHS, for the governor of a state to order any units or personnel of the state's National Guard to perform specified operations on the southern border. Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance law enforcement preparedness, humanitarian responses, and operational readiness along the southern border through Operation Stonegarden.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2014
Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Extension Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to extend the pilot program to assess the effectiveness of providing assistance to eligible veterans with traumatic brain injury to enhance their rehabilitation, quality of life, and community integration. Requires that at least one location of the program be in each health care region of the Veterans Health Administration that contains a polytrauma center of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). (Under current law, selected locations also must include any location other than one described above in an area that contains a high concentration of veterans with traumatic brain injuries.) Expands requirements for reports on the pilot program. Replaces references to "assisted living" with the term "community-based brain injury residential rehabilitative care," including rehabilitation services within the meaning of such care. Requires a veteran, in order to be eligible for such services, to have a traumatic brain injury that is classified as complex-mild to severe.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2014
Requires the termination of any employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who is found to have: retaliated or threatened to retaliate against any employee or applicant for employment for disclosing what the employee or applicant reasonably believes to be a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety (provided the disclosure is not specifically prohibited by law); retaliated or threatened to retaliate against any employee or applicant for exercising, or assisting another individual in exercising, any appeal, complaint, or grievance right granted by any law, rule, or regulation; or implemented or enforced certain nondisclosure policies, forms, or agreements that conflict with whistleblower protections and employee rights.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2014
Helping Unaccompanied Minors and Alleviating National Emergency Act or the HUMANE Act - Amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to declare that any unaccompanied alien child (UAC) who has not been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons or does not have a credible fear of persecution on returning to his or her country of nationality or of last habitual residence shall be: (1) placed in removal proceedings, (2) eligible for voluntary departure at no cost to the child, and (3) provided with access to counsel. (Currently such expedited removal requirements apply only to unaccompanied children from countries that are contiguous to the United States.) Directs the Secretary of State to negotiate agreements regarding the repatriation of children with Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and any other appropriate foreign country. (Currently such agreements are to be negotiated between the United States and countries contiguous to the United States.) Requires a UAC to be placed within seven days of initial screening in a proceeding to expedite due process and screening. Prohibits a UAC to be removed from U.S. custody during preliminary proceedings until repatriation or unless placed in removal proceedings. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a proceeding to expedite due process and screening for UACs. Requires an immigration judge to: conduct a proceeding to inspect and determine the status of a UAC who is an applicant for U.S. admission not later than 7 days after initial screening, determine within 72 hours of the proceeding's conclusion whether a UAC is likely to be admissible (or eligible for relief from removal) or is lawfully present in the United States, and place a UAC in further proceedings if such conditions have been met or order a UAC removed from the United States without further hearing or review unless there is a claim of asylum or a credible fear of persecution. States that: if a UAC intends to make a claim of asylum or fear of persecution he or she shall be referred to an asylum officer who shall determine in an interview whether there is a credible fear of persecution; if there is no credible fear of persecution a UAC shall be ordered removed without further hearing or review; and a UAC shall be held in protective Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) custody pending a final determination of credible fear of persecution, or removal. Sets forth due process protections for UACs, including protective HHS custody. Directs the Attorney General (DOJ) to hire or reassign up to 40 immigration judges to conduct expedited inspection and screening of UACs. Prohibits the Secretary of HHS from placing a UAC in the custody of an individual who has been convicted of a sex offense or a crime involving a severe form of trafficking in persons. Requires related biometric criminal background checks. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit to Congress a comprehensive strategy for: (1) gaining and maintaining situational awareness and operational control of high traffic areas along the U.S. southern and northern borders within two years, and (2) gaining and maintaining operational control along the southwest border of the United States not later than five years. Requires the Secretary to submit a related implementation plan to Congress and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Requires the Secretary of DHS to implement metrics to measure the effectiveness of security at and between ports of entry and in the maritime environment. Prohibits the Secretary of DHS from conducting any study relating to the imposition of a border crossing fee for pedestrians or passenger vehicles at land ports of entry along the U.S. southern and northern borders. Directs the Secretary of DHS to: (1) upgrade technological assets and equipment and physical and tactical infrastructure on the southern border, and (2) increase the number of trained active-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers on the southern border. Authorizes funds under this Act to be expended, with the approval of the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of HHS, for the governor of a state to order any units or personnel of the state's National Guard to perform specified operations on the southern border. Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance law enforcement preparedness, humanitarian responses, and operational readiness along the southern border through Operation Stonegarden.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2014
Rural Veteran Access to Care Act - Provides for the reimbursement of the travel expenses a veteran with a service-connected disability incurs for the examination, treatment, or care for which the veteran is eligible. (Currently, that disability must be rated at 30% or more, unless the travel is in connection with the treatment or care of the disability or the veteran qualifies for such reimbursement on other grounds.)
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2014
Requires service in the United States Merchant Marine of an individual who served as a crew member of a vessel that was in oceangoing service during the Vietnam Era in the Southeast Asia theater of operations and who receives a certificate of honorable discharge under this Act to be considered to be active duty in determining the individual's eligibility for veterans benefits. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD), upon application, to issue a certificate of honorable discharge to such an individual who engaged in service of a nature and duration that warrants such certificate in accordance with standards under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2014
Civilian Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act of 2014 or the CEJA - Amends the federal criminal code to grant jurisdiction over and impose penalties on federal contractors and employees who commit certain crimes outside of the United States while employed by or accompanying any agency of the United States other than the Department of Defense (DOD) or while so employed and stationed or deployed in a country outside of the United States pursuant to a treaty or executive agreement in furtherance of a border security initiative with that country. Sets forth the crimes under federal law that are covered by this Act. Provides for an optional venue for offenses under this Act involving federal employees and contractors overseas in the district in which is headquartered the U.S. agency that: (1) employs the offender, or any one or two or more joint offenders; or (2) the offender is accompanying, or that any one or two or more joint offenders is accompanying. Requires the statute of limitations for an offense under this Act to be suspended for the period during which the alleged offender is outside the United States or is a fugitive from justice. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) assign personnel and resources through task forces to investigate allegations of criminal offenses by federal contractors and employees overseas, and (2) report to Congress annually on the number of prosecutions and actions taken. Grants the Attorney General principal authority for the enforcement of this Act. Makes this Act inapplicable to the authorized intelligence activities of the U.S. government.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2014
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue an order directing a VA employee to repay the amount of an award or bonus paid to the employee if: (1) the Secretary determines that such repayment is appropriate, and (2) the employee is afforded notice and an opportunity for a hearing.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2014
Civilian Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act of 2014 or the CEJA - Amends the federal criminal code to grant jurisdiction over and impose penalties on federal contractors and employees who commit certain crimes outside of the United States while employed by or accompanying any agency of the United States other than the Department of Defense (DOD) or while so employed and stationed or deployed in a country outside of the United States pursuant to a treaty or executive agreement in furtherance of a border security initiative with that country. Sets forth the crimes under federal law that are covered by this Act. Provides for an optional venue for offenses under this Act involving federal employees and contractors overseas in the district in which is headquartered the U.S. agency that: (1) employs the offender, or any one or two or more joint offenders; or (2) the offender is accompanying, or that any one or two or more joint offenders is accompanying. Requires the statute of limitations for an offense under this Act to be suspended for the period during which the alleged offender is outside the United States or is a fugitive from justice. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) assign personnel and resources through task forces to investigate allegations of criminal offenses by federal contractors and employees overseas, and (2) report to Congress annually on the number of prosecutions and actions taken. Grants the Attorney General principal authority for the enforcement of this Act. Makes this Act inapplicable to the authorized intelligence activities of the U.S. government.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2014
Local Care for Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that a veteran may elect to receive health care treatment and services under the Patient-Centered Community Care program if: (1) the veteran is enrolled in the VA health care system and resides not more than 50 miles from the nearest VA facility that the Secretary has identified in a prospectus level lease request as being deficient with respect to providing certain treatment or services or as needing expansion; and (2) the Secretary determines that such deficiency has not been resolved or such expansion has not occurred.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2014
Responsive and Efficient Appeals Courts for Heroes Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, acting as a panel or en banc, to hear class action appeals in accordance with specified procedures. Allows one or more appellants to bring such a class action as the representative party on behalf of all members of such class if: there is at least one question of law or fact common to the class, the class is likely to consist of at least 50 members, the resolution of the common questions of law or fact is likely to have a material effect on the claims of the members of the class, and the representative party will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class. Gives an appellant 60 days after filing an appeal to file a motion with the Court to certify the appeal as a class action with respect to an issue that the appellant intends to raise. Allows the Court to waive such 60-day period for good cause shown. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), upon the filing of such motion, to: (1) make reasonable efforts to determine the approximate number of individuals with pending claims for benefits for whom class certification is sought, and (2) file a response. Requires the Court, after the Secretary has filed such response, to determine by order whether to grant class certification with respect to an issue considered under the appeal and allow the appellant to act as the representative party of the class. Requires that order, if certification is granted, to: (1) define the class and issue for which the class is certified, and (2) appoint counsel for the class. Authorizes the Court, acting as a panel or en banc, to alter or amend an order before final judgement. Requires the Court to include in the class only individuals who have, as of the date of the Court's entry of judgment on the class action, filed a claim that has not been finally resolved. Allows the Court to stay the individual claims of class members during the period the Court is considering the class action. Requires the Court to allow a veterans' organization to intervene in a class action appeal if the organization has an interest in the common questions of law or fact in the class action. Requires the Court's permission before the appeal and a common issue of law or fact may be settled, voluntarily dismissed, compromised, or remanded by agreement. Allows any member of the class, or an individual who would have been a member of the class if certification was granted, to appeal any decision of the Court to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Sets the salary of the Court's judges at the rate applicable to federal appellate court judges. (Currently, their salary is set at the rate applicable to federal district court judges.)
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2014
Drone Reform Act - Prohibits operations involving the use of an armed unmanned aerial vehicle from being carried out under the authority of federal agency other than the Department of Defense (DOD). Defines "unmanned aerial vehicle" (UAV) as an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft, including drones, unmanned aircraft or aerial systems, remotely piloted aircraft or vehicles, remotely operated aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicle systems. Authorizes only uniformed members of the Armed Forces to: (1) operate, or order the operation of, an armed UAV; or (2) operate or fire, or order the operation or firing of, any weapon or other munition carried on an armed UAV. Subjects the operation and use of armed UAVs to the requirements of laws applicable to the Armed Forces. Prohibits this Act from being construed to: (1) limit or expand the authority of a component of the federal government to provide intelligence to the DOD, or (2) create or expand any authority for the federal government to kill any person.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2014
Directs the President, pursuant to the War Powers Resolution, to remove U.S. Armed Forces, other than Armed Forces required to protect U.S. diplomatic facilities and personnel, from Iraq: (1) no later than 30 days after this concurrent resolution is adopted; or (2) if the President determines that it is not safe to remove the Armed Forces before that date, then no later than December 31, 2014, or such earlier date that the Armed Forces can safely be removed.
United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 July 2014
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2014
Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2014 - Requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), the Secretary of Defense (DOD), and the Attorney General (DOJ) to develop and promulgate procedures for classified and declassified cyber threat indicators in possession of the federal government to be shared in real time with private entities; non-federal government agencies; or state, tribal, or local governments. Provides for the public availability of unclassified indicators. Permits private entities to monitor and operate countermeasures to prevent or mitigate cybersecurity threats or security vulnerabilities on their own information systems and, with written consent, the information systems of other entities and federal entities. Authorizes such entities to monitor information that is stored on, processed by, or transiting such monitored systems. Allows entities to share and receive indicators and countermeasures with other entities or the federal government. Permits state, tribal, or local agencies to use shared indicators (with the consent of the agency sharing the indicators) to prevent, investigate, or prosecute computer crimes. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) promulgate procedures relating to the receipt of indicators and countermeasures by the federal government; and (2) develop privacy and civil liberties guidelines to limit receipt, retention, use, and dissemination of personal or identifying information. Directs the DHS Secretary to develop a process for the federal government to: (1) accept cyber threat indicators and countermeasures from entities in an electronic format; and (2) distribute such indicators and countermeasures to appropriate federal entities in real time, simultaneous with receipt. Requires the DHS Secretary to certify to Congress that such capability is fully operational before the process is implemented. Requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the DHS Secretary to report to Congress regarding implementation of an automated malware analysis capability, including an assessment of the advisability of transferring the operation of such capability to DHS. Authorizes indicators and countermeasures to be disclosed to, retained by, and used by, consistent with otherwise applicable federal law, any federal agency or federal government agent solely for: (1) protecting an information system or information that is stored on, processed by, or transiting an information system from a cybersecurity threat or security vulnerability; (2) responding to, or otherwise preventing or mitigating, an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm or threat to a minor; or (3) investigating or prosecuting an offense arising out of a threat of death or serious bodily harm, as well as offenses relating to fraud and identity theft, espionage and censorship, and trade secrets. Prohibits government agencies from using indicators and countermeasures provided to the federal government to regulate the lawful activities of an entity. Provides liability protections to entities acting in accordance with this Act that: (1) monitor information systems, and (2) share and receive indicators and countermeasures. Makes an entity's good faith reliance that conduct was permitted under this Act a complete defense to a cause of action based on such monitoring and sharing activities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2014
Reaffirms that it is U.S. policy to support the Republic of Moldova's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Supports the Strategic Dialogue as a means to strengthen relations between the Republic of Moldova and the United States and enhance the democratic, economic, rule of law, and security reforms being implemented by the Republic of Moldova. Encourages: (1) the President and the Department of State to enhance U.S. cooperation with the government of Moldova and civil society organizations, and (2) the President to expedite implementation of the Act relating to "United States International Programming to Ukraine and Neighboring Regions." Urges the President to consider increasing security and intelligence cooperation with Moldova. Supports increased U.S.-Moldova educational exchanges. Affirms the Republic of Moldova's sovereign right to determine its own partnerships free of external coercion and affirms Moldova's right to associate with the European Union (EU) or any regional organization. Urges the EU to continue to work for greater political, economic, and social integration with the Republic of Moldova. Calls upon the government of Russia to: (1) withdraw its military forces from within the internationally recognized territory of the Republic of Moldova, (2) refrain from economic coercion, and (3) cease actions that support separatist movements in Moldova. Supports confidence-building measures between the government of Moldova and the authorities in the Transnistria region in order to secure a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Affirms that lasting stability and security in Europe is a key U.S. priority that can only be achieved if the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all European countries are respected.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2014
Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act or the Clay Hunt SAV Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Secretary of Defense (DOD), at least annually, to each arrange for an independent third party evaluation of, respectively, the VA and DOD mental health care and suicide prevention programs. Requires a board reviewing the discharge or dismissal of a former member of the Armed Forces whose application for relief is based at least in part on post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury related to military operations or sexual trauma, to: (1) review the medical evidence from the VA or a civilian health provider that is presented by the former member; and (2) review the case, with a presumption of administrative irregularity, and place the burden on the VA or DOD to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that no error or injustice occurred. Directs the VA Secretary to publish an Internet website that serves as a centralized source to provide veterans with regularly updated information regarding all of the VA's mental health care services. Requires the VA Secretary and the DOD Secretary to enter into certain strategic relationships to facilitate: the mental health referrals of members of the reserve components who have a service-connected disability and are being discharged or released from the Armed Forces, timely behavioral health services for such members, communication when such members are at risk for behavioral health reasons, and the transfer of documentation for line-of-duty and fitness-for-duty determinations. Requires the VA Secretary to carry out a three-year pilot program to repay the education loans relating to psychiatric medicine that are incurred by individuals who: are eligible to practice psychiatric medicine in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) or are enrolled in the final year of a residency program leading to a specialty qualification in psychiatric medicine, demonstrate a commitment to a long-term career as a psychiatrist in the VHA, and agree to a period of obligated service with the VHA in the field of psychiatric medicine. Directs the VA Secretary to carry out a program, as part of the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, under which the VA Secretary and an institution of higher education (IHE) agree to cover the full cost of charges not covered by post-9/11 educational assistance that are incurred by veterans who: (1) are pursuing an advanced degree in mental health at the IHE, and (2) intend to seek employment as a mental health professional in the VA. Allows the VA Secretary to cover up to 64% of those charges, if the school covers the remainder. Requires the DOD Secretary to submit to Congress a zero-based review of the staffing requirements for individual State National Guard Commands with respect to Directors of Psychological Health. Directs the VA Secretary to establish a pilot program at not less than five Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) to assist veterans transitioning from active duty and to improve the access of veterans to mental health services. Requires the pilot program at each VISN to include: (1) a community oriented veteran peer support network, and (2) a community outreach team for each medical center in such VISN.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2014
Lean and Responsive Government Act - Requires the head of each federal agency to describe the implementation of continuous process improvement in the agency's periodic update on agency performance. Defines "continuous process improvement" as a management methodology (commonly referred to as lean six sigma) that combines tools to improve process speed, reduce waste, and incorporate requirements with data driven project analysis to provide products and services with improved quality at lower cost. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) make available on the OMB website a description of the results of the government-wide implementation of continuous process improvement, and (2) appoint an expert on such process as a member of the Performance Improvement Council to advise on its implementation across agencies. Requires: (1) each agency's Chief Operating Officer to implement continuous process improvement, (2) each agency's Performance Improvement Officer to advise and assist the agency head and Chief Operating Officer in implementing such process, and (3) the head of each agency to include information on the results of continuous process improvement projects in each relevant appropriation request for the agency. Requires the Director to designate a center of excellence for continuous process improvement training from within the Department of Defense (DOD).
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2014
Veterans' Whistleblower and Patient Protection Act of 2014 - Establishes within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) an Office of Whistleblower and Patient Protection. Requires the Director of such Office to establish a dedicated Internet website and toll-free telephone number for any individual to file a complaint regarding an alleged prohibited personnel practice committed by a VA officer or employee or the safety of a patient at a VA medical facility. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to refer to the Director for investigation any such complaint the Secretary receives directly. Prohibits the Secretary from referring any such complaint to any other element of the VA. Requires the Secretary to ensure that VA employees located at a medical facility are able to efficiently refer any such complaints received to the Director. Prohibits the Director from disclosing the identity of any individual who files such a complaint without the individual's consent, except when necessary because of an imminent danger to public health or safety or imminent violation of any criminal law. Requires the Director to: (1) investigate each complaint to determine whether there is a substantial likelihood that it discloses a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or substantial and specific danger to public health and safety; (2) make such determination within 240 days after its receipt; (3) notify the Secretary upon making a positive determination and refer the complaint, as appropriate, to the head of the appropriate federal department or agency; and (4) coordinate with the VA's Inspector General and Special Counsel to avoid duplicative actions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2014
Continuing Care for Veterans Act of 2014 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) from altering the health care available to a veteran who is enrolled in the VA health care system or the amount of time that veteran has to wait for an appointment for such care based solely on the length of time since he or she last received health care from the VA.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2014
Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act - Extends from 5 to 15 years the period of eligibility for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after the Persian Gulf War or against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998. Requires the Secretaries of the military departments to provide a process by which a covered individual may challenge the terms or characterization of his or her discharge or separation from the Armed Forces. Defines "covered individual" as any individual who: (1) was discharged or separated from the Armed Forces for a personality disorder; or (2) was discharged or separated from the Armed Forces on a punitive basis, or under other than honorable conditions, and who alleges that the basis for such discharge or separation was a mental health injury or disorder incurred or aggravated by the individual during service in the Armed Forces. Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of Veteran Affairs (VA) to: (1) conduct an evaluation of mental health care and suicide prevention programs carried out in DOD and VA; (2) train all providers of health care in such Departments on recognizing the risk of suicide, treating or referring for treatment an individual who is at risk of suicide, and recognizing the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder; and (3) ensure that best practices for identifying individuals at risk of suicide and for providing quality mental health care are disseminated to providers of health care in such Departments. Amends the Wounded Warrior Act to require the DOD Secretary and the VA Secretary, in implementing electronic health record systems that provide for the full interoperability of personal health care information between the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, to ensure that: (1) a health data authoritative source that can be accessed by multiple providers and that standardizes the input of new medical information is created within 180 days, (2) the ability of patients of both Departments to download their medical records is achieved within 180 days, (3) full interoperability of personal health care information between the Departments is achieved within one year, (4) acceleration of the exchange of real-time data between the Departments is achieved within one year, (5) the upgrade of the graphical user interface to display a joint common graphical user interface is achieved within one year, and (6) current members of the Armed Forces and their dependents may elect to receive an electronic copy of their health care records beginning not later than June 30, 2015. Directs the VA Secretary to carry out a three-year pilot program to repay the educational loans of individuals who: (1) are licensed or eligible for licensure to practice psychiatric medicine in the Veterans Health Administration or are enrolled in the final year of an accredited residency program in psychiatric medicine, and (2) demonstrate a commitment to a long-term career as a psychiatrist in the Veterans Health Administration. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study and report on pay disparities among psychiatrists of the Veterans Health Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2014
Veterans Care Financial Protection Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) work with federal agencies, states, and such experts as the Secretary considers appropriate to develop and implement federal and state standards that protect individuals who are eligible for increased pension for a non-service-connected disability or death or for service on the basis of need for regular aid and attendance from dishonest, predatory, or otherwise unlawful practices; and (2) submit such standards to specified congressional committees not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Comptroller General: (1) within one year after enactment of this Act, to report standards that would be effective in protecting such individuals if the Secretary fails to submit such standards within such 180 days; and (2) not later than 540 days after enactment of this Act, to complete a study on standards implemented under this Act and report the findings to such committees.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2014
Jumpstart VA Construction Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a 10-year pilot program of entering into partnership agreements on a competitive basis with appropriate non-federal entities for major authorized construction projects. Directs the Secretary to select 10 major medical facility projects authorized for the construction of a new facility for which: (1) Congress has appropriated funds, (2) the design and development phase is complete, and (3) construction has not begun as of the date of enactment of this Act. Requires four of such projects to be seismic-related projects and four to be community based outpatient clinic-related projects. Directs the Secretary to: (1) appoint a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) entity as the project manager of each project; (2) ensure that the project manager implements a project management plan to ensure concise and consistent communication of all parties involved; (3) work in cooperation with each participating non-federal entity to minimize multiple change orders; (4) develop metrics to monitor change order process times, with the intent of expediting any change order; and (5) monitor construction to ensure that it is in compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations and VA acquisition regulations and that the costs are reasonable.