Defence

California Seamounts and Ridges National Marine Conservation Area Designation and Management Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

California Seamounts and Ridges National Marine Conservation Area Designation and Management Act This bill establishes the California Seamounts and Ridges National Marine Conservation Area to protect certain seamounts, ridges, and banks located in federal waters off the coast of California. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of the Interior shall have joint responsibility for managing the conservation area. Development of a management plan must include a public consultation process with tribes, fisherman, and other stakeholders to better understand the activities occurring in the conservation area. Additionally, any management plan developed by NOAA and Interior must prohibit oil and gas development, deep sea-mining, aquaculture, and damaging fishing practices in the area. Certain activities including recreational fishing and exercises by the Armed Forces are allowed to be conducted in the area.

Determination of Russia-Iran Weapons Transfer Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Determination of Russia-Iran Weapons Transfer Act of 2016 This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the sale or transfer of an advanced integrated air defense system to Iran constitutes the sale or transfer of a destabilizing type of advanced conventional weapons system to Iran. The President shall: (1) notify Congress within 15 days of receiving credible information that any advanced integrated air defense system has been sold or transferred to Iran; and (2) within 30 days of such notification, determine whether the sale or transfer meets sanction imposition requirements and, if so, determine whether to impose or waive sanctions. Upon determining that such sale or transfer is not subject to sanctions, the President shall submit a report on the specific reasons for such determination. Imposed sanctions shall terminate 30 days after the President certifies that Iran and all Iranian-owned or controlled-entities: (1) are not in possession of the system for which sanctions were imposed; and (2) have not transferred such system to a foreign terrorist organization or to a country whose government has repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States protects the individual right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of self-defense and that the Second Amendment right is fully applicable to the States.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Second Amendment protects the individual right to keep and bear arms for self-defense and that such right is fully applicable to the states.

Helping Our Veterans with Chronic Pain and Opioid Addiction Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Helping Our Veterans with Chronic Pain and Opioid Addiction Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a three-year pilot program to provide health and social services and coordination of care and case management to covered veterans in need of treatment for opioid addiction and chronic pain through VA facilities and through qualified non-VA health care providers. A "covered veteran" is a veteran who is enrolled in the veterans' health care system and eligible for hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care under such system. The pilot program shall be carried out in at least five different states with VA medical facilities that demonstrate: (1) the need for additional resources to provide health care services to veterans for opioid abuse, (2) the highest rates per capita of opioid addiction in the United States, and (3) a lack of sufficient VA capacity to meet the demand for such treatment. Under such program, the VA: (1) may enter into contracts with non-VA providers to provide health care services to veterans,  and (2) shall provide for the exchange of medical information between the VA and any such provider. The VA shall conduct concurrent assessments of its capabilities and the capabilities of community providers to provide health care services for the treatment of veterans with opioid dependency abuse or chronic pain. The VA shall: (1) require all appropriate VA health care facilities and all VA facilities providing mental health and social services to veterans to have a supply of naloxone or other medication for reversing opioid overdose, and (2) ensure that all appropriate employees at such facilities receive training on the administration of such medication.

Improving Standards in VA Contracting Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016

Improving Standards in VA Contracting Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop uniform policy guidelines for officials, including contracting officers, of the VA's Real Property Service of the Office of Construction and Facilities Management for evaluating potential lessors of property on which to build medical facilities. Such guidelines shall include evaluating the potential lessor's: (1) past performance on federal contracts, (2) ability to control the property, and (3) conduct of proper due diligence prior to submitting an offer to enter a lease with the VA.

Calling for all parties to respect the arbitral tribunal ruling with regard to the South China Sea and to express United States policy on freedom of navigation and overflight in the East and South China Seas.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2016

Expresses support for the July 12, 2016, ruling issued by the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea as binding on all parties in the case brought at the request of the Republic of Philippines against the People's Republic of China concerning a dispute over the maritime jurisdiction in the South China Sea. Calls on all claimants to pursue peaceful resolution of outstanding maritime claims in the South China Sea consistent with international law. Urges all parties to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and to take steps toward early conclusion of a meaningful Code of Conduct. Opposes actions in the South China Sea to change the status quo by coercion or force. Calls on China to cease all reclamation and militarization activities in the South China Sea and end provocative actions in the East China Sea. Reaffirms: (1) Article V of the Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Philippines, and (2) Article V of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan. Urges: (1) the Department of State to utilize all diplomatic channels to communicate U.S. support for freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and (2) the Department of Defense to enforce freedom of navigation and overflight in the East and South China Seas.

PFOS and PFOA Right to Know Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2016

PFOS and PFOA Right to Know Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to enter into intergovernmental agreements to provide health screenings for conditions relating to perfluorooctanesuflonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure in communities near formerly used defense sites that have been identified by DOD as sources of PFOS and PFOA.

Recognizing the increased risk of sleep apnea among soldiers returning from active duty and the benefits of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in soldiers suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2016

Expresses support for raising public awareness of sleep apnea, especially for soldiers and veterans, and providing access to care for soldiers and veterans with sleep illnesses. Encourages soldiers and veterans to seek and maintain healthy sleep habits.

CASE Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2016

Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2016 or the CASE Act of 2016 This bill establishes in the U.S. Copyright Office a small claims board to serve as an alternative forum for parties to voluntarily seek to resolve certain copyright claims if the total monetary recovery sought by a party does not exceed $30,000. The board is authorized to: (1) conduct hearings and conferences to facilitate parties' settlement of claims and counterclaims; (2) render independent determinations based on copyright laws and regulations; (3) award monetary relief; and (4) require cessation or mitigation of infringing activity, including the takedown or destruction of infringing materials, where the parties agree. The bill preserves the right of parties to instead pursue a claim or defense in court. Board proceedings shall not require in-person appearances by parties. Proceedings may take place through Internet-based teleconference applications. Discovery shall be limited to the production of relevant information and documents, written interrogatories, and written requests for admission. But the board may consider a party's request for additional limited discovery. A party may request: (1) the claims board to reconsider its determinations, and (2) the Register of Copyrights to review a claims board determination if the board denies reconsideration. A final determination precludes relitigation of the claims before a court or the board, but parties may apply for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to vacate, modify, or correct a determination that: (1) was issued as a result of fraud, corruption, misrepresentation, or misconduct; (2) exceeds the board's authority or fails to render a definite determination; or (3) was based on a default determination or failure to prosecute that was due to excusable neglect. If a party fails to pay or comply with relief awarded in a final board determination, the aggrieved party may apply for a court order confirming the final award.

Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2016

Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and administer a dental insurance plan for veterans enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment under federal veterans' benefits provisions and for veterans' survivors and dependents who are eligible for medical care under such provisions. The VA shall contract with a dental insurer to administer the plan. Benefits shall include diagnostic services, preventative services, endodontics and other restorative services, surgical services, and emergency services. Enrollment shall be voluntary. The VA shall: (1) prescribe the minimum enrollment period, and (2) prescribe and annually adjust the premiums necessary to cover costs associated with carrying out the plan. Each individual covered by the plan shall pay the entire premium and the full cost of any copayments. The VA shall permit voluntary disenrollment within 30 days after initial enrollment and under other specified circumstances the VA shall prescribe to the extent that such disenrollment does not jeopardize the fiscal integrity of the plan. This bill's provisions terminate on December 31, 2021.

State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Improvement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2016

State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Improvement Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into an agreement or a contract with each state home to pay for medical supervision model adult day health care for a veteran for whom the home is not receiving VA nursing home care payments. The veteran must need such care either specifically for a service-connected disability, or, if not specifically for one, the veteran must have a service-connected disability rated 70% or more. Payment under each agreement or contract between the VA and a state home must equal 65% of the payment that the VA would otherwise pay to the state home if the veteran were receiving nursing home care. "Medical supervision model adult day health care" means adult day health care that includes the coordination of physician services, dental services, the administration of drugs, and such other requirements as the VA may determine.

First-Time Homebuyer Credit Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2016

First-Time Homebuyer Credit Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify the first-time homebuyer tax credit, which expired in 2010. The bill allows a refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of a principal residence in the United States who are at least 18 years of age and not claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer. The credit is equal to 2.5% of the purchase price of the residence, subject to a $10,000 dollar limitation and limits based on the purchase price of the home and the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer. A taxpayer that purchases and disposes of a residence in the same taxable year is not eligible for the credit. Taxpayers that dispose of the residence within five years of claiming the credit are liable for additional taxes based on a specified recapture percentage of the amount of the credit that was allowed. The bill includes several exceptions for a disposal that occurs after circumstances such as a death, divorce, involuntary conversion of the residence, relocation of a military duty station, or changes in employment or health status.

A resolution designating July 26, 2016, as "United States Intelligence Professionals Day".

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2016

Designates July 26, 2016, as United States Intelligence Professionals Day. Acknowledges the courage, fidelity, sacrifice, and professionalism of the men and women of the U.S. intelligence community.

Expressing support for completion of President Obama's Export Control Reform Initiative, which will fundamentally reform the United States export control system and enhance United States national security.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2016

Expresses support for President Obama's Export Control Reform Initiative. Recognizes the economic burden imposed on those United States Munitions List categories that remain regulated by the Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Encourages publication of proposed rules to shift the remaining categories to the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security's Commerce Control List by the end of 2016.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND H.R. 2802, THE FIRST AMENDMENT DEFENSE ACT (FADA)

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 July 2016

Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2016

Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2016 This bill declares that it is U.S. policy that all diplomatic and coercive economic means should be used to compel the government of Bashir al-Assad to halt the slaughter of the Syrian people and actively work toward transition to a democratic government. This bill directs the President to impose specified entry and U.S.-based property sanctions against a foreign person that knowingly provides significant financial, material, or technological support: (1) to the government of Syria and the Central Bank of Syria, including Syria's intelligence and security services or its armed forces, including through money laundering or with respect to Syria's gas or petroleum production or civilian aircraft services; and (2) that materially contributes to Syria's ability to acquire or develop ballistic missiles, chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons, or destabilizing numbers and types of advanced conventional weapons. The Syria Human Rights Accountability Act of 2012 is amended to direct the President to impose entry and U.S.-based property sanctions against persons responsible for or complicit in: (1) directing the commission of serious human rights abuses against citizens of Syria or their family members, regardless of whether such abuses occurred in Syria; or (2) transferring to Syria certain military items or goods or technologies that may be used to commit human rights abuses. The Department of State and the Agency for International Development shall report on the monitoring and evaluation of ongoing assistance programs in Syria and to the Syrian people. The bill requires the President to: (1) submit an updated list of Syrian officials who are responsible for or complicit in the commission of serious human rights abuses against Syrian citizens, and (2) assess the potential effectiveness of a no-fly zone over Syria. The State Department shall provide assistance to entities taking criminal and evidence gathering actions for prosection of individuals who have committed crimes against humanity or war crimes in Syria since March 2011. The President may suspend sanctions against Syria under specified conditions. The bill: (1) expresses the sense of Congress with respect to a transitional government in Syria, and (2) sets forth activities and transactions that are exempt from sanctions.

Uniting Families Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2016

Uniting Families Act of 2016 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a non-immigrant W-visa category for an alien who: (1) is 18 or older and is the genetic son or daughter of a U.S. citizen who served in the Armed Forces on active duty abroad, or (2) is the spouse or child of such alien and is accompanying, or following to join, such alien. A visa shall not be issued until a petition has been filed in the United States by the applicant's citizen parent and approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Such petition shall include: DNA evidence establishing that the alien is the petitioner's genetic child, a written agreement that the parent will provide financial support until the alien's status is adjusted to lawful permanent resident status, and information establishing that the petitioner is a U.S. citizen who served in the Armed Forces on active duty abroad. The bill provides that: (1) the period of authorized admission for a W-visa alien is five years, which may be extended for one additional two-year period; and (2) the total number of principal W-visa aliens who may be admitted during any fiscal is 5,000. The bill prescribes the criteria that a W-visa alien must meet in order to adjust to lawful permanent resident status, including an understanding of the English language and U.S. history. (Such language and history requirements for naturalization purposes shall not apply to a person who has satisfied them in adjusting from W-visa status to lawful permanent resident status.)

Veterans Transplant Coverage Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2016

Veterans Transplant Coverage Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) provide for an operation on a live donor to carry out a transplant procedure for an eligible veteran notwithstanding that the live donor may not be eligible for VA health care, and (2) provide for such an operation at a VA or a non-VA facility. The VA shall furnish to such a donor any care or services that may be required before and after conducting with such procedure.

VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2016

VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to remove or demote a VA employee based on performance or misconduct and provides that specified federal employee performance appraisal provisions shall not apply to such removals or demotions. The VA may remove such individual from the civil service or demote the individual through a reduction in grade or annual pay rate. A demoted individual shall not be placed on administrative leave or any other category of paid leave during the appeals period and can receive pay only if he or she reports for duty. An expedited appeals process is established under which: (1) an employee shall have the right to an appeal before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) within seven days of removal or demotion, (2) the MSPB shall issue a decision within 60 days of the appeal or the removal or demotion becomes final, (3) an MSPB decision and any final removal or demotion may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals, and (4) the MSPB may not stay any removal or demotion. The VA may not remove or demote an employee: (1) without the approval of the Special Counsel if the individual seeks corrective action from the Office of Special Counsel based on an alleged prohibited personnel practice, and (2) until a final decision in the case of a whistle blower complaint. The VA shall reduce the federal annuity of an individual removed from the VA Senior Executive Service (SES) who is convicted of a felony that influenced his or her performance while employed in such position. The VA may reduce the federal annuity of an individual who was convicted of such a felony and was subject to removal or transfer from the SES but who left the VA before final action was taken. The VA may recoup an award, a bonus, or relocation expenses paid to a VA employee under specified circumstances. The VA may suspend, reprimand or admonish an SES employee for misconduct or performance that does not merit removal. The VA must notify an individual five days before taking such proposed action. Appeals may be made to the Senior Executive Disciplinary Appeals Board (as provided for by this bill) and may not be appealed to the MSPB. The bill establishes an additional whistle blower complaint process, which shall include suspension and removal actions against supervisory employees who commit prohibited personnel actions against a whistle blower. The bill amends the disability benefits appeals process. The bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to prohibit payment of an award or bonus to any VA SES employee during each of FY2017-FY2021.

SAFE Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2016

Securing American Food Equity Act of 2016 or the SAFE Act of 2016 This bill amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to include the Secretary of Agriculture on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and to require CFIUS to consider the national security-related effects on agricultural assets in reviewing transactions. (CFIUS is an interagency committee authorized under current law to review transactions that could result in control of a U.S. business by a foreign person in order to determine the effects of the transactions on national security.)

ALLOW Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2016

Alternatives to Licensing that Lower Obstacles to Work Act of 2016 or the ALLOW Act This bill declares, for purposes of establishing an individual's authorization to engage in an occupation on a military installation located on federally-owned land, that the federal government endorses occupational licenses and certifications granted by a state (including the District of Columbia [DC]), regardless of whether the installation is located in the issuing state or DC, provided that: the license or certification is not expired, revoked, or suspended by the issuing state; and there are no outstanding enforcement actions against the individual brought by the licensing board or certifying authority for that occupation in the issuing state. District of Columbia Occupational Licensing Reform Act The bill declares DC policy regarding occupational licensing laws. The bill establishes an Office of Supervision of Occupational Boards in the office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, or another appropriate DC government agency, to be responsible for exercising active supervision over each occupational licensing board to ensure compliance with occupational licensing policy. The bill prescribes procedures for the Office's review, approval, or rejection of occupational licensure actions before their adoption. The DC Council shall establish a legislative committee to analyze occupational regulations and review any proposed legislation to impose or modify an occupational regulation to ensure compliance. An individual may engage in a lawful occupation without being subject to occupational regulations that are arbitrary or unnecessary and substantially burdensome. The DC government and its boards may not require an occupational license, certification, or registration for a person, or impose any other occupational regulation that imposes a substantial burden on a person, unless: the government has an important interest in protecting against present and recognizable harm to public health, safety, or welfare; and the regulation is substantially related to achievement of that interest. Any person providing tour guide services for a fee at certain national parks and memorials shall not be required to obtain a license, certification, or permit to provide those services.

Taxpayer Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2016

Taxpayer Protection Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify requirements regarding tax assessment and collection procedures, assistance provided to individuals in filing tax returns, whistle-blower protections, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employment policies, tax-exempt organizations, and protecting taxpayers from identity theft and tax fraud. The bill extends the time limit for contesting an IRS levy and holds individuals harmless for making certain contributions to retirement plans after an improper levy on a retirement plan. The bill establishes several requirements to assist taxpayers in filing returns, including: establishing a permanent Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Matching Grant Program, limiting redisclosures and uses of consent-based disclosures of tax return information, modifying rules regarding equitable relief from joint liability, limiting user fees for installment agreements, requiring the IRS to notify Congress prior to closing a Taxpayer Assistance Center, and requiring the Department of Defense to take certain actions to identify and recover severance payments that were improperly withheld from veterans with combat-related injuries. The bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to report on whistle-blower awards. It also modifies requirements regarding: disclosures to whistle-blowers, updates on whistle-blower investigations, and anti-retaliation whistle-blower protections for employees. The bill revises IRS employment policies to: establish electronic record retention requirements; prohibit the rehiring of former IRS employees who were removed for misconduct; provide the IRS with additional authorities to remove or transfer senior executives based on performance or misconduct; bar the IRS from delegating to third-party contractors the authority to examine books and records, summon persons, or take sworn testimony related to a tax matter; and require the Department of the Treasury to notify taxpayers regarding certain unauthorized inspections or disclosures of returns and return information. The bill modifies policies for tax-exempt organizations to: expand electronic filing requirements, repeal the substantiation exception for charitable contributions reported by donee organizations, prohibit the IRS from targeting U.S. citizens for exercising any right guaranteed under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and require the IRS to notify a tax-exempt organization prior to revoking its tax-exempt status for failing to file information returns. The bill also requires the IRS to take several actions to protect taxpayers from identity theft and tax fraud, including: establishing a single point of contact for identity theft victims, providing taxpayers who call the IRS with information on identity theft and tax scams, and providing specified notifications and information to suspected victims of identity theft. The GAO must submit reports to Congress regarding: IRS authority to compromise tax matters; opportunities for hearings by the IRS Office of Appeals; phones and in-person services provided by the IRS to taxpayers residing in certain areas with populations of less than 50,000; and federal employee wage and tax withholding reporting to state tax agencies. The IRS must report to Congress on the status of efforts to expand online taxpayer services. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration must submit reports to Congress regarding: (1) IRS audit criteria, and (2) technological solutions to help protect taxpayers from telephone calls from individuals who are falsely claiming to be calling from or on behalf of the IRS.

A resolution calling for all parties to respect the arbitral tribunal ruling with regard to the South China Sea and to express United States policy on freedom of navigation and overflight in the East and South China Seas.

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2016

Expresses support for the July 12, 2016, ruling issued by the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea as binding on all parties in the case brought at the request of the Republic of Philippines against China concerning a dispute over the maritime jurisdiction in the South China Sea. Calls on all claimants to pursue peaceful resolution of outstanding maritime claims in the South China Sea consistent with international law. Urges all parties to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and to take steps toward early conclusion of a meaningful Code of Conduct. Opposes actions in the South China Sea to change the status quo by coercion or force. Calls on China to cease all reclamation and militarization activities in the South China Sea and end provocative actions in the East China Sea. Reaffirms: (1) Article V of the Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Philippines, and (2) Article V of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan. Urges: (1) the Department of State to utilize all diplomatic channels to communicate U.S. support for freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and (2) the Department of Defense to enforce freedom of navigation and overflight in the East and South China Seas.

War Crimes Accountability Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2016

War Crimes Accountability Act of 2016 This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should actively encourage prosecution of war crimes suspects and Nazi war criminals. The President shall submit a report for each of FY2017-FY2021 that identifies each country that is failing to: (1) cooperate with relevant jurisdictions in extraditing or deporting war crimes suspects or Nazi war criminals to the appropriate jurisdiction; (2) enforce arrest warrants issued by an international tribunal against war crimes suspects; (3) accept Nazi war criminals deported from the United States; or (4) effectively prosecute war crimes suspects or Nazi war criminals within such country's jurisdiction, including Nazi war criminals who resided in the United States and were deported from or extradited by the United States or left the United States voluntarily. The President may not issue a letter of offer to sell defense articles under the Arms Export Control Act for $7 million or more to an identified country. The President may waive such prohibition in the U.S. national security interest.

A concurrent resolution recognizing the sunflower as the flower for military caregivers.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2016

Honors military caregivers for their service and sacrifice to the United States. Encourages the people of the United States to show support to military families and to recognize the sacrifices endured by those families in service to the United States. Recognizes the sunflower as the flower for military caregivers.

Better Informing Veterans' Healthcare Decisions Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2016

Better Informing Veterans' Healthcare Decisions Act This bill urges the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that preventing veteran suicide and providing veterans access to mental health care is its top reform priority. The VA shall, every 30 days, determine and provide to the Department of Defense, with respect to the previous year: the average national wait times (in days) for veterans enrolled in the VA health care system to receive appointments for mental health care and primary health care at VA medical facilities, the average time for the VA to process a claim for disability compensation, and the average time for the VA to decide an appeal of such a claim. The VA shall place a sign displaying the most current such times in a conspicuous location at each career counselor or career assistance advisor office.

Military Amnesty Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2016

Military Amnesty Prevention Act This bill permits the enlistment into the Armed Forces of aliens other than U.S. nationals and permanent resident aliens when such enlistment is vital to the U.S. national interest only if such individuals are in lawful immigration status.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the conflict in Yemen.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2016

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: all sides to the conflict in Yemen should abide by international obligations to protect civilians, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian relief, respect cease-fires, and work toward a political settlement; U.S.-supported Saudi military operations in Yemen should take all feasible precautions to reduce the risk of harm to civilians and should increase prioritization of targeting of designated foreign terrorist organizations; the Houthi-Saleh forces should cease indiscriminate shelling of areas inhabited by civilians and should allow free access by humanitarian relief organizations seeking to deliver aid to civilian populations; and a reconstruction and stabilization plan should be developed alongside a negotiated political framework, with robust financing from the international community, including Gulf Cooperation Council countries that have pledged to fund Yemen's post-conflict reconstruction.

BRAVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2016

Boosting Rates of American Veteran Employment Act or the BRAVE Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in awarding a contract for the procurement of goods or services, to give preference to offerors based on the percentage of the offeror's full-time employees who are veterans. Any offeror determined to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented the veteran status of its employees shall be debarred from contracting with the VA for at least five years.

A resolution designating August 16, 2016, as "National Airborne Day".

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2016

Designates August 16, 2016, as National Airborne Day.

More for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2016

More for Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to ensure that retired and honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces, including members medically discharged, separated, or on the temporary disability retirement list, and their immediate family remain eligible for Military OneSource Program services for at least one year after the end of the member's tour of service, retirement date, or separation date. (Military OneSource is a DOD-funded program that provides comprehensive information on aspects of military life at no cost to active duty National Guard and Reserve Component members and their families.)

Diversity in Military Leadership Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2016

Diversity in Military Leadership Act This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to award grants to entities to increase the participation of women and underrepresented minorities in DOD military and civilian leadership positions by carrying out: (1) online interactive workshops, (2) student mentoring programs with Armed Forces members and DOD officers and employees, (3) internships, and (4) outreach programs for elementary and secondary school students. The term "minority" means American Indian, Alaskan Native, Black (not of Hispanic origin), Hispanic (including persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Central or South American origin), Asian (including underrepresented subgroups), Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander origin subgroup, or other ethnic group underrepresented in science and engineering. The term "underrepresented minority" means a minority group whose numbers in DOD military and civilian leadership positions per 10,000 population of that group is substantially below the comparable figure for DOD military and civilian leaders who are White and not of Hispanic origin.

To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to the state of mind required for certain offenses involving defense information, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to modify the criminal liability standard for certain disclosures of national defense information. Specifically, current law makes it a crime for a person entrusted with national defense information to permit such information to be lost or removed through gross negligence. This bill eliminates gross negligence as an element the criminal offense to impose strict liability on a person who permits the loss or removal of national defense information.

Serve More Kids Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2016

Serve More Kids Act This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to make several changes to the Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) child nutrition programs. USDA must: (1) award equipment assistance grants to states for the school lunch and breakfast programs, (2) provide commodity assistance to states for the School Breakfast Program (SBP), and (3) establish a pilot program for providing a third daily meal under the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). USDA may waive or modify the verification sample size requirements under the National School Lunch Program for local educational agencies that demonstrate that the requirement would increase the number of eligible children losing access to benefits or have a disproportionate and adverse impact on vulnerable populations such as migrants and homeless youth. USDA may grant a request to allow children to consume SFSP meals off-site due to specified factors, including extreme weather, violence and other public safety concerns, or efforts to support innovative meal delivery methods to address transportation barriers and low program participation in rural areas. The bill modifies the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to: specify that the food must be nutritious; specify certification periods for breastfeeding women, infants, and postpartum women; require state agencies to submit plans and distribute information related to improving access for members of the Armed Forces; and require USDA to provide additional annual performance bonus payments to state agencies for improving the proportion of breast-fed infants participating in the program. The bill also reauthorizes USDA grants to states for expanding school breakfast programs.

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2016

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) establish a program to permit eligible deported noncitizen veterans to enter the United States as, and to permit eligible noncitizen veterans in the United States to adjust their status to that of, a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence; and (2) cancel the removal of eligible noncitizen veterans and allow them to similarly adjust their status. An "eligible" veteran is a veteran who: (1) was not ordered removed, or removed, from the United States due to a criminal conviction for a crime of violence or for a crime that endangers U.S. national security for which the noncitizen served at least five years' imprisonment; and (2) is not inadmissible to, or deportable from, the United States due to such a conviction. DHS may waive such eligibility requirements for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, due to exceptional service in the U.S. Armed Forces, or if such waiver otherwise is in the public interest. A noncitizen veteran or service member shall not be removed from the United States unless he or she has a criminal conviction for a crime of violence. A noncitizen who has obtained the status of a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence under this bill shall be eligible for naturalization through service in the U.S. Armed Forces, except that: (1) the grounds on which the noncitizen was ordered removed from, or rendered inadmissible to or deportable from, the United States shall be disregarded when determining whether the noncitizen is a person of good moral character; and (2) any period of absence from the United States due to the noncitizen having been removed or being inadmissible shall be disregarded when determining if the noncitizen satisfies any requirement relating to continuous residence or physical presence. A noncitizen who has obtained the status of a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence under this bill shall be eligible for all military and veterans benefits for which the individual would have been eligible if he or she had never been been removed from, or voluntarily departed, the United States. DHS shall: (1) identify cases involving service members and veterans at risk of removal from the United States, and (2) annotate all DHS immigration and naturalization records relating to any noncitizen involved and afford an opportunity to track the outcome.

Taking Responsibility Using Secured Technologies Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2016

Taking Responsibility Using Secured Technologies Act of 2016 This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton should have any security clearance she holds revoked and should be denied access to classified information unless she earns the legal right to such access, and (2) any of her colleagues who demonstrated extreme carelessness in their handling of classified information should no longer have access to that information. The bill prohibits granting a security clearance to, and requires revocation of the security clearance of, any federal officer or employee who has exercised extreme carelessness in the handling of classified information. The bill also amends a provision of the federal criminal code that subjects to criminal penalties anyone entrusted with, or having lawful possession or control of, national defense information who, through gross negligence, permits that information to be removed from its proper place of custody or delivered to anyone or to be lost, stolen, abstracted, or destroyed. The bill explicitly states that "gross negligence," for these purposes, includes extreme or reckless carelessness.

STARTUP Vets Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2016

Strengthening Technical Assistance, Resources, and Training to Unleash the Potential of Veterans Act of 2016 or the STARTUP Vets Act of 2016 This bill amends the Small Business Act to require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make two-year renewable grants to create and operate incubators and accelerators that provide technical assistance and training to covered individuals on how to become successful entrepreneurs and form small business concerns. Such program shall be considered an SBA management and technical assistance training program. Program outreach materials shall be made available at local Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. "Covered individual" means: a member of the Armed Forces, without regard to whether he or she participates in the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense; an individual who is participating in the Transition Assistance Program; an individual who served on active duty in any branch of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable; and a spouse or dependent.

Expressing support for the designation of August 16, 2016, as "National Airborne Day".

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2016

Supports the designation of National Airborne Day.

Lift the Relocation Burden from Military Spouses Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

Lift the Relocation Burden from Military Spouses Act This bill authorizes the military department concerned to reimburse a member of the Armed Forces who is reassigned for a permanent change of station or assignment from one state to another for qualified relicensing costs of the member's spouse. Reimbursement may not exceed $500 for each change of station or assignment. The Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security (with respect to the Coast Guard) shall work with states to improve license portability. "Qualified relicensing costs" are the costs, including exam and registration fees, needed to secure a license or certification to engage in the same profession in the new state.

Guardians of America's Freedom Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

Guardians of America's Freedom Medal Act This bill requires each military department to carry out a program to award medals or other commendations to military working dogs and their handlers to recognize valor or meritorious achievement.

A bill to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Lawrence Eugene "Larry" Doby in recognition of his achievements and contributions to American major league athletics, civil rights, and the Armed Forces during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Larry Doby in recognition of his achievements and contributions to American major league athletics, civil rights, and the Armed Forces during World War II.

Protection and Advocacy for Veterans Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

Protection and Advocacy for Veterans Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a five-year grant program to improve the monitoring of VA mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. The VA shall award grants to four protection and advocacy systems under which each recipient shall investigate and monitor VA facilities care and treatment of veterans with mental illness or substance abuse issues. Criteria for selecting recipients shall include whether the state in which the protection and advocacy system operates has low mental health, performance, and access scores. During each year in which a protection and advocacy system carries out a demonstration project, the VA shall award a joint grant to a national organization with extensive knowledge of the protection and advocacy system and a veterans service organization to: (1) coordinate training and technical assistance, and (2) provide for related data collection, reporting, and analysis. "Protection and advocacy system" means the state-established system to protect and advocate the rights of persons with developmental disabilities.

A resolution reaffirming the strong relationship, both in defense and trade, between the United States and the United Kingdom.

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

Reaffirms that the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom will not be affected by the outcome of the June 23, 2016, European Union membership referendum or by changes to the United Kingdom's relationship with the European Union. Recognizes that continued defense and intelligence cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom is vital to the national security of both countries. Expresses support for the continued political and military leadership displayed by both nations in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Urges the President to commence discussions with the government of the United Kingdom, at its request, to ensure the continuance of the current bilateral trade relationship and, as necessary, negotiations for the development of a free-trade agreement between the two countries.

Stop Iran From Smuggling Weapons to Terrorists Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

Stop Iran From Smuggling Weapons to Terrorists Act This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide training to: (1) the national military or other security forces of Israel, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar that have among their functional responsibilities maritime security missions; and (2) ministry, agency, and headquarters level organizations for such forces. Such assistance and training may be referred to as the Counter Iran Maritime Initiative. Such training: (1) may include the provision of de minimis equipment, supplies, and small-scale military construction; and (2) shall include the promotion of human rights and respect for legitimate civilian authority. It is the sense of Congress that DOD should seek payments from such countries to offset training costs. DOD shall negotiate a training cost-sharing agreement with a recipient country that covers at least 50% of related costs.

U.S.-Israel Partnership to Hold Iran Accountable Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

U.S.-Israel Partnership to Hold Iran Accountable Act This bill authorizes the Department of State to establish a joint commission with Israel to address Iranian compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The commission should: support professional dialogues to detect and respond to JCPOA violations by Iran; coordinate subcabinet level political discussions on contingency responses to such violations and responses to Iran's destabilizing, non-nuclear activities, including missile launches, support for terrorism, and human rights violations; and coordinate technical discussions among the State Department, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Energy, and counterpart Israeli ministries on technical aspects of JCPOA implementation. The bill expresses the sense of Congress that: Israeli officials who are counterparts to specified U.S. officials should be appointed as commission members; the President should ensure commission participation by senior officials in the Executive Office of the President and counterparts in the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel; and the Department of Defense should conduct joint military planning with Israel based on commission-identified contingency scenarios, such as responding to the detection of a covert Iranian enrichment facility, new Iranian weaponization efforts, or other clear indicators that Iran has begun a nuclear weapon breakout.

Foreign Investment and Economic Security Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

Foreign Investment and Economic Security Act of 2016 This bill amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to provide for: (1) national security reviews of transactions involving the construction of a new facility in the United States by any foreign person (currently, national security reviews are conducted only for certain mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers by or with a foreign person); and (2) net benefit reviews of new construction, mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers by or with a foreign person to determine whether the transaction is of net benefit to the United States. The bill makes net benefit reviews mandatory for transactions that meet specified requirements under the Clayton Act. The bill requires the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), for purposes of carrying out net benefit determinations, to consider the effect of the transaction on: (1) employment, resource processing, the utilization of parts and services produced in or imported into the United States, and exports; (2) industrial efficiency, technological development, technology transfers, and product innovation; (3) competition within any U.S. industry or with other countries; (4) compatibility with national industrial, economic, and cultural policies; and (5) public health, safety, and well-being of U.S. consumers. In the case of a net benefit determination concerning a foreign government-influenced transaction, CFIUS must consider additional factors including: the governance and commercial orientation of the foreign person engaging in such transaction; the extent to which the foreign person is owned, controlled, or influenced by the foreign government; and adherence to U.S. law and corporate governance standards, engagement of the foreign country with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and the likelihood of operation on a commercial basis. The bill also revises the composition of CFIUS, for the purpose of carrying out net benefit determinations. The bill requires final CFIUS determinations to be certified to Congress and referred to the President if a transaction will not be of net benefit to the United States. The bill prohibits transactions that the President determines are not of net benefit to the United States and bars judicial review of such determinations.

Calling on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to invoke Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty and conduct a military campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

Condemns the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), its ideology, its past attacks, and its ongoing campaign of atrocities. Calls upon the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to: (1) invoke Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty and declare that the ISIS attacks against France, Belgium, the United States, and Turkey represent attacks against all NATO members; (2) organize and conduct a military campaign against ISIS with the objective of the destruction of the terrorist organization; (3) increase information and intelligence sharing between NATO members with the goal of improving counterterrorism capabilities and operations; (4) increase coordination and information sharing with the European Union; and (5) reassess its counterterrorism strategy in order to more effectively address the threat from ISIS. Calls upon all NATO members to participate in combat operations against ISIS in Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere as needed. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to supporting the NATO alliance and destroying ISIS.

Stop Abusing the Presidential Plane Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2016

Stop Abusing the Presidential Plane Act This bill prohibits an aircraft under the jurisdiction of a military department that is available for the President's use from being used to transport a candidate for federal office to an event promoting the candidate's election campaign. This prohibition does not apply to the use of an aircraft to transport the President or Vice President to an event promoting the President's or Vice President's re-election campaign.

Mental Health Care Provider Retention Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2016

Mental Health Care Provider Retention Act of 2016 This bill allows an individual who has been diagnosed with a mental health condition and who is transitioning from receiving treatment from the Department of Defense to receiving treatment from in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to elect to continue receiving treatment from such individual's DOD mental health provider. Such individual shall receive the same level of priority as members of the Armed Forces at the facility at which the individual has elected to continue treatment. The VA shall reimburse DOD for rendered services that otherwise would have been furnished by the VA. If the DOD mental health care provider departs the facility at which the covered individual is receiving treatment, such individual may elect to obtain the services of: (1) a different mental health care provider at the same facility, or (2) a VA mental health care provider.

Providing official recognition of the massacre of 11 African-American soldiers of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion of the United States Army who had been captured in Wereth, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge on December 17, 1944.

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2016

Recognizes on behalf of the United States the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of the 11 African-American soldiers of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion of the United States Army who were massacred in Wereth, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge on December 17, 1944. Calls on the Senate Armed Services Committee to correct the omission in the 1949 report of its subcommittee and appropriately recognize the Wereth 11.