Defence

A resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans and condemning the disgraceful denigration by President Donald Trump of military service, prisoners of war, and Gold Star families.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020

This resolution honors service members and veterans, condemns the President's denigration of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and demands that the President defend members of the Armed Forces against hostile actions by Russia.

A bill to specify the Federal share of the costs of certain duty of the National Guard in connection with the Coronavirus Disease 2019.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020

This bill requires the federal government to pay states for 100% of the cost of National Guard duty for a mission assignment validated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency pursuant to certain declarations related to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The bill applies to declarations, with respect to COVID-19, of major disasters, emergencies, national emergencies, and public health emergencies.

VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020

VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program for the purpose of improving safety and suicide care for veterans. The program must be implemented at five VA medical centers, including one that serves veterans in rural and remote areas.

Matthew B. Shipley, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Veronica Daigle, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 8 September 2020

CATRA Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020

Center for Asymmetric Threat Research and Analytics Act of 2020 or the CATRA Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense to establish the Center for Asymmetric Threat Research and Analytics to counter terrorism, extremism, and other threats through activities including research, training, and education.

AFRICA Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020

Africa Foreign Relations, International Cooperation, and Assistance Act of 2020 or the AFRICA Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report on the activities and resources required to enhance security and economic partnerships between the United States and African countries. Additionally, DOD shall seek to build partner capacity and interoperability in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility through increased partnerships with countries on the African continent, military-to-military engagements, and traditional activities of the combatant commands.

ADAPT Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020

Advancing Development of AI Processes and Talent Act or the ADAPT Act This bill modifies the Department of Defense (DOD) public-private talent exchange program under which DOD and private sector employees exchange duties. It requires that an agreement under such program must specify that DOD employees may not improperly use information that relates to a DOD acquisition or procurement for the benefit or advantage of the private-sector organization. DOD must ensure that the authority for operating a public-private talent exchange program is used to exchange personnel working on artificial intelligence applications. DOD must brief the congressional armed services committees on efforts to expand existing DOD public-private exchange programs and to ensure that such programs seek opportunities for exchanges with private sector entities working on artificial intelligence applications.

Congressional Oversight of Labor Categories in Defense Contracting Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020

Congressional Oversight of Labor Categories in Defense Contracting Act of 2020 This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the use of time-and-materials and labor contracts and labor category minimums within the Department of Defense. The GAO must brief Congress on issues covered in the report.

To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Waverly B. Woodson, Jr., for acts of valor during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020

This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Waverly B. Woodson, Jr., for acts of valor during World War II.

To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic, located at 400 College Drive, Middleburg, Florida, the "A.K. Baker VA Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Middleburg, Florida, as the A.K. Baker V.A. Clinic.

A bill to authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Waverly B. Woodson, Jr., for acts of valor during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020

This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Waverly B. Woodson, Jr., for acts of valor during World War II.

A bill to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs, located at 400 College Drive, Middleburg, Florida, the "Andrew K. Baker Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic", and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Middleburg, Florida, as the Andrew K. Baker Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic or the A.K. Baker V.A. Clinic.

VA Research Technology Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2020

VA Research Technology Act This bill addresses clinical research procedures within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill requires the VA to complete policy revisions within the internal directive titled Requirements for the Protection of Human Subjects in Research to allow sponsored clinical research of the VA to use accredited commercial institutional review boards to review VA research proposal protocols. The VA must identify accredited commercial institutional review boards for use in connection with sponsored clinical research of the VA and establish a process to modify existing approvals if a board loses its accreditation during an ongoing clinical trial. The bill also requires the VA to establish an Office of Research Reviews within the VA's Office of Information and Technology. The office shall (1) perform centralized security reviews and complete security processes for approved research sponsored outside the VA, (2) develop and maintain a list of commercially available software preferred for use in sponsored clinical trials of the VA, (3) ensure such software list is maintained as part of the official approved software products list, and (4) develop benchmarks for time lines for security reviews.

VA High Altitude and Suicide Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2020

VA High Altitude and Suicide Research Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on the connection between living at high altitude and the risk of developing depression or dying by suicide among veterans. Depending on the results, a follow-up study may be required to identify biological causes and effective treatments.

VA Precision Medicine Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 September 2020

VA Precision Medicine Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement the Precision Medicine for Veterans Initiative to identify and validate brain and mental health biomarkers among veterans, with specific consideration for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and traumatic brain injury. The VA must develop data privacy and security measures to ensure the information of veterans participating in the initiative is kept private and secure. Additionally, the VA must make de-identified data collected under the initiative available for research purposes both within and outside of the VA. Data collected under the initiative may not be sold. The VA must also assess the feasibility and advisability of coordinating efforts of the initiative with the Million Veterans Program.

To provide for a staffing improvement plan and occupational series for licensed professional mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists of Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 September 2020

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to (1) submit a plan to address its staffing shortages of licensed professional mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists, and (2) develop an occupational series for such counselors and therapists.

VA Mental Health Staffing Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 September 2020

VA Mental Health Staffing Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit a plan to address the staffing of mental health providers at its facilities. Among other elements, the plan must address the filling of any open positions.

VA DATA Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 September 2020

VA Data Analytics and Technology Assistance Act or the VA DATA Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with academic institutions or other qualified entities to carry out any statistical analyses and data evaluation as required of the VA by law.

TREAT Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 September 2020

Testing, Researching, and Expanding Alternative Treatments Act or the TREAT Act This bill addresses Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot programs related to complementary and integrative health services. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to expand the pilot program on using complementary and integrative health services (e.g., meditation) to complement pain management and mental health treatment for veterans. The bill also requires the VA to implement a three-year pilot program to provide complementary and integrative health services (e.g., animal therapy) to eligible veterans for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety. Eligible veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system and have received care from the VA or rehabilitation or counseling services from a Vet Center within the last two years. The VA must enter agreements with academic researchers to study the effectiveness of the treatments in the pilot program.

Commending the United States military servicemembers and NATO allies who successfully planned, coordinated, deployed, and trained as part of the DEFENDER-EUROPE 2020 Exercise.

United States · United States Congress · 1 September 2020

This resolution reaffirms U.S. commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and commends U.S. service members and NATO allies who planned and participated in the DEFENDER-EUROPE 2020 training exercise.

VA Peer Specialists Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2020

VA Peer Specialists Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to consult with its Inspector General to (1) commence an assessment of the capacity of VA peer specialists who are women, and (2) submit a plan to hire additional qualified peer specialists who are women based on the results of the assessment.

Military Suicide Prevention in the 21st Century Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2020

Military Suicide Prevention in the 21st Century Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to carry out a two-year pilot program to pre-program suicide prevention resources onto smart devices issued to members of the Armed Forces and to provide training on these resources.

VA Serious Mental Illness Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2020

VA Serious Mental Illness Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to complete the development of a clinical practice guideline or guidelines for the treatment of serious mental illness. Under the bill, such guidelines must address the treatment of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and persistent mood disorder (including bipolar disorder I and II). The VA must carry out an explicit plan to implement and disseminate the clinical practice guideline or guidelines that are developed. The VA must establish the Serious Mental Illness Work Group with the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop such clinical practice guideline or guidelines. Finally, the VA must complete an assessment of the 2016 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Major Depressive Disorders to determine if an update is necessary.

VA Emergency Department Safety Planning Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2020

VA Emergency Department Safety Planning Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on its efforts to implement a suicide prevention program for veterans presenting to an emergency department or urgent care center of the Veterans Health Administration who are assessed to be at risk for suicide and are safe to be discharged home.

Diversity in Defense Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2020

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

SERVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2020

Supporting Education Recognition for Veterans during Emergencies Act or the SERVE Act This bill addresses opportunities for certain veterans with medical experience. The bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update its web portals to allow the identification of veterans who had a medical occupation as a member of the Armed Forces. Specifically, the bill authorizes veterans to elect to provide their contact information and a history of their medical experience and trained competencies. The VA, the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Labor must establish a program to share the veteran's provided information with specified entities (e.g., state credentialing bodies) for purposes of facilitating civilian medical credentialing and hiring of veterans seeking to respond to a national emergency, including a public health emergency. The VA must implement a program to train and certify veterans who served as basic health care technicians during their service to work as VA intermediate care technicians, specifically at VA medical center locations with staffing shortages. Additionally, the VA must prepare a communications campaign under the Transition Assistance Program to convey opportunities related to the intermediate care technician program to members of the Armed Forces who are separating from active duty. Finally, the bill requires the VA and DOD to notify veterans service organizations and members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces about the opportunities for veterans provided under this bill.

UNITED Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 August 2020

Uniform National Guard Implementation To End this Disaster Act or the UNITED Act This bill requires the federal government to pay states for 100% of the cost of National Guard duty in connection with the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The requirement applies retroactively. Presidential memoranda issued on August 3, 2020, required most states to pay 25% of the cost for such duty beginning on August 21, 2020, but maintained a 100% federal cost share for Texas and Florida.

Veterans Health Care Stamp Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2020

Veterans Health Care Stamp Act This bill requires the U.S. Postal Service to issue and sell a Veterans Health Care Stamp to help fund the medical care and treatment of veterans.

State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2020

State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to waive existing eligibility requirements for a veteran to receive per diem payments for domiciliary care at a state home if the veteran has met at least four of such requirements (e.g., can feed himself or herself), or the waiver would be in the best interest of the veteran. A state home is a home established by a state for veterans who are disabled by age, disease, or otherwise and are incapable of earning a living because of such disability. The term also includes a home that furnishes nursing home care for veterans.

Lethal Means Safety Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2020

Lethal Means Safety Training Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update its Lethal Means Safety and Suicide Prevention training course at least once a year to ensure it is culturally appropriate and uses best practices identified by subject matter experts (e.g., veterans service organizations). The bill requires certain VA employees and care providers to take the most recently updated version of the training course within 90 days after the person is hired, agrees to furnish care, or receives support and at least annually thereafter. Specifically, the bill requires the following categories of VA employees or care providers to take the training course: employees of the Veterans Health Administration or Veterans Benefits Administration who regularly interact with veterans, compensation and pension examiners, employees of Veterans Centers or vocational rehabilitation facilities, employees of Veterans Community Care Providers who provide care to veterans, and family caregivers receiving support under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. The VA must publish the training course on a publicly available VA website. Additionally, the VA must publish a report on its website that includes the percentage of individuals in each category who have completed such training.

Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2020

Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act This bill allows local educational agencies (LEAs) participating in the Impact Aid Program to use the student count and federal property valuation data from their FY2021 program applications for their FY2022 program applications. The program provides funding to LEAs that have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-exempt federal property or to those that have experienced increased expenditures due to enrollment of federally connected children (e.g., children living on Indian lands or military bases).

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Nation should honor and recognize military families who have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

United States · United States Congress · 18 August 2020

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives to honor the military families who have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) crisis.

Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 14 August 2020

Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish infertility treatments, standard fertility preservation services, or both to a covered veteran, spouse, partner, or gestational surrogate if the individuals jointly apply for such treatments or services. A covered veteran is a veteran who has infertility and is enrolled in the VA health care system. Under the bill, in vitro fertilization treatment may only be furnished for up to three completed cycles resulting in live birth or six attempted cycles, whichever occurs first. The bill authorizes the VA to pay the adoption expenses (for up to three adoptions) for covered veterans. During the interim period before infertility treatment and adoption assistance regulations are in effect, the VA must ensure that fertility counseling and treatment for veterans may also be furnished to the partner of a veteran regardless of whether the veteran and the partner are married. Additionally, the VA may furnish such counseling and treatment using donated gametes or embryos. The VA must facilitate research conducted collaboratively by the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services to improve the ability of the VA to meet the long-term reproductive health care needs of veterans who have infertility conditions. Finally, the VA must ensure that useful information produced by such research is disseminated throughout the Veterans Health Administration.

Access to Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 August 2020

Access to Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that each of its medical centers has at least one full-time suicide prevention coordinator. The VA must also ensure that its medical centers report to the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention regarding hiring plans to reach the recommended number of suicide prevention coordinators based on the current staffing model. Additionally, the VA must consider and implement findings from the assessment of the Government Accountability Office of the responsibilities, workload, and vacancy rates for suicide prevention coordinators. The VA must conduct a study to determine the feasibility and advisability of the realignment and reorganization of suicide prevention coordinators within the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and the creation of a suicide prevention coordinator program office.

Scholarship for Service: The Building Better Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 August 2020

Scholarship for Service: The Building Better Americans Act This bill establishes a scholarship-for-service program for students who served at least two years in the military, an emergency medical service, or a police force, or as a teacher's assistant or firefighter, and who submit a certification of such service prior to enrolling as an undergraduate in an institution of higher education (IHE). An eligible undergraduate student may receive a grant in the amount equal to the cost of attendance at the IHE in which the student enrolls for two academic years.

Military Spouse Job Continuity Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 14 August 2020

Military Spouse Job Continuity Act of 20 20 This bill permits the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces (military spouse) who moves with such member to another state under a permanent change of station order a tax credit for up to $500 of qualified relicensing costs incurred by such spouse. The bill defines qualified relicensing costs as costs for a state license or certification to engage in the profession that such military spouse engaged in while residing in the former state.

A resolution condemning the People's Republic of China's use of military aggression to change the status quo at the Line of Actual Control between India and China.

United States · United States Congress · 13 August 2020

This resolution condemns China's use of military force at the Line of Actual Control (i.e., the effective border between India and China) and supports a diplomatic solution that restores the line's demarcation in accordance with China's previous agreement with India. The resolution also commends India's efforts to secure its telecommunications infrastructure from Chinese security threats and expresses support for a strengthened U.S. partnership with India.

Veterans Access to Online Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 August 2020

Veterans Access to Online Treatment Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a two-year pilot program to treat eligible veterans suffering from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, or substance use disorder who are already receiving evidence-based therapy from the VA. Under the program, the VA is authorized to use computerized cognitive behavioral therapy to treat eligible veterans. Eligible veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system.

Veteran Benefits Enhancement and Expansion Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 2020

Veteran Benefits Enhancement and Expansion Act of 2020 This bill modifies provisions related to Department of Veterans Affairs programs and benefits for veterans, including those related to education benefits, burial benefits, the home loan program, service-connected disability matters, pension matters, and representation and financial exploitation matters.

Peer Support for Veteran Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 2020

Peer Support for Veteran Families Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish an education program and a peer support program for the education and training of family members and caregivers of eligible veterans with mental health disorders. Under this bill, eligible veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system. Such veterans must give permission for their caregiver or family caregiver to participate in either program established under this bill. The VA must establish a four-year education program to provide a course to family members and caregivers of eligible veterans on matters relating to coping with mental health disorders in veterans. In implementing the program, the VA must enter into contracts with certain nonprofit entities with experience in mental health education. Under the peer support program, the VA must provide peer support to family members and caregivers of eligible veterans on matters relating to coping with mental health disorders in veterans. The VA must provide peer support at each location where the education program is provided, and such support must include regular meetings in group settings between peer support coordinators, family members, and caregivers. The VA must conduct a survey of the satisfaction of individuals who have participated in the education program and the peer support program. VA mental health care providers must monitor the progress of the programs.

Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 2020

Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that its handling of intelligence is consistent with privacy rights, civil rights, and civil liberties. Specifically, the DHS senior official with primary responsibility for privacy policy shall ensure that intelligence information is shared, retained, and disseminated in a manner consistent with protecting privacy rights. The DHS Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties shall ensure that intelligence information is shared, retained, and disseminated in a manner consistent with protecting civil rights and civil liberties. The Office of Intelligence and Analysis within DHS shall ensure that intelligence information is handled in a manner consistent with the guidance from the DHS privacy official and the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

21st Century Buy American Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 2020

21st Century Buy American Act This bill establishes additional criteria that must be met before federal agencies may grant exceptions or waivers to Buy American requirements. The bill also (1) requires the General Services Administration to establish a public website with details regarding waivers and exceptions that have been requested, are under consideration, or have been granted by agencies; (2) increases the domestic content percentage requirement to 60%; and (3) authorizes the Department of Defense to establish a program to make or guarantee loans to certain domestic manufacturers.

Qualified Immunity Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 2020

Qualified Immunity Act of 2020 This bill codifies the defense of qualified immunity for law enforcement officers in any case under provisions regarding civil actions for deprivation of rights under color of law. Specifically, a law enforcement officer subject to such an action in his or her individual capacity shall not be found liable if the officer establishes that the right, privilege, or immunity secured by the Constitution or federal law was not clearly established at the time of the deprivation, or that at this time, the state of the law was not sufficiently clear that every reasonable law enforcement officer would have understood that the conduct alleged constituted a violation of the Constitution or federal law; or a court of competent jurisdiction had issued a final decision on the merits holding, without reversal, vacatur, or preemption, that the specific conduct alleged to be unlawful was consistent with the Constitution and federal laws. A law enforcement agency or unit of local government that employed a law enforcement officer subject to such an action shall not be liable if the officer is found not liable and to have been acting within the scope of his or her employment.

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate on United States-Israel cooperation on precision-guided munitions.

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020

This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that (1) regularized purchases of precision-guided munitions by Israel, coordinated with the U.S. Air Force annual purchase of precision-guided munitions, would enhance the security of the United States and Israel; and (2) the Department of Defense should take measures to expedite deliveries of precision-guided munitions to Israel.

Warfighting Software Enhancement Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020

Warfighting Software Enhancement Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Defense to establish a pilot program to explore the use of consumption-based solutions to address software-intensive warfighting capability. The Office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation shall establish continuous monitoring to evaluate the pilot program, including collecting data on cost, schedule, and performance from the program office, the user community, and the contractors.

Veteran Benefits Enhancement and Expansion Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020

Veteran Benefits Enhancement and Expansion Act of 2020 This bill modifies provisions related to Department of Veterans Affairs programs and benefits for veterans, including those related to education benefits, burial benefits, the home loan program, service-connected disability matters, and representation and financial exploitation matters.

A resolution designating August 16, 2020, as "National Airborne Day".

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020

This resolution designates August 16, 2020, as National Airborne Day.

State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2020

State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to waive existing eligibility requirements for a veteran to receive per diem payments for domiciliary care at a state home if the veteran has met at least four of such requirements (e.g., can feed himself or herself), or the waiver would be in the best interest of the veteran. A state home is a home established by a state for veterans who are disabled by age, disease, or otherwise and who are incapable of earning a living because of such disability. The term also includes a home that furnishes nursing home care for veterans.

Ensuring Veterans Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2020

Ensuring Veterans Access Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a secure, internet-based portal to enable a person or their representative to make records requests related to VA claims and benefits. Requests for records must specify in which format the copy is desired. The VA must notify a requester within 10 days that their request has been received and must fulfill the request within 120 days.

National Medal of Honor Monument Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2020

National Medal of Honor Monument Act This bill authorizes the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia in honor of the extraordinary acts of valor, selfless service, and sacrifice displayed by Medal of Honor recipients. The foundation shall be solely responsible for the acceptance of contributions for, and the payment of expenses of, the establishment of the commemorative work. Federal funds may not be used to pay any expenses for the establishment of the commemorative work.