Defence

To recognize the centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2021

This resolution recognizes the ultimate sacrifice of the unknown soldiers interred at Arlington National Cemetery and expresses gratitude and appreciation of all the members of the Armed Forces who have served during wars and peacetime. Additionally, the resolution commends all members of the 3d Infantry Regiment, specifically those who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.

Cambodia Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2021

Cambodia Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2021 This bill directs the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons (i.e., entities and individuals) responsible for acts to undermine democracy in Cambodia, including acts that constitute serious human rights violations. The sanctions shall be directed at foreign persons, including senior Cambodian government, military, and security forces officials, responsible for such actions, as well as entities controlled or owned by such persons. The sanctions shall include blocking the assets of sanctioned persons and restricting the entry of sanctioned individuals into the United States, and shall not apply to the importation of goods. The President may waive the sanctions with respect to a person if it is in the national interest of the United States. The President may suspend the sanctions if Cambodia makes meaningful progress toward ending government efforts to undermine democracy, ending human rights violations, and meeting other specified conditions. The President must report to Congress on the presence of China's military in Cambodia, including the involvement of China's military in upgrading or constructing certain facilities in Cambodia.

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2021 This bill modifies and implements policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), which is generally defined as physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment that occurred while the veteran was serving in the military. The VA must revise its regulations to update the definition of MST to include matters relating to technological abuse. In the case of any veteran who claims that a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on MST was incurred or aggravated by active service, the VA must accept specified diagnoses and evidence as proof of service-connection. The VA may not deny a veteran's claim of compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST without first (1) advising the veteran that nonmilitary evidence and behavioral evidence may constitute credible corroborating evidence, and (2) allowing the veteran an opportunity to furnish the corroborating evidence or advise the VA of potential sources of such evidence. The Veterans Benefits Administration must conduct an annual special focus review on the accuracy of the processing of claims for disability compensation for disabilities relating to MST. Additionally, the bill (1) expands access to mental health care at VA facilities for survivors of MST, and (2) requires the VA and the Government Accountability Office to report on access to such care for MST survivors.

A resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the dedication of Sheppard Air Force Base and the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the opening of Sheppard Air Force Base and the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.

Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the dedication of Sheppard Air Force Base and the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the opening of Sheppard Air Force Base and the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.

SAFE Drones Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021

Stop Acquiring Foreign Espionage Act of 2021 or the SAFE Drones Act This bill bans the procurement or use by the federal government of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that are manufactured or assembled by foreign adversaries, with exceptions. The ban includes associated elements that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system. The Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice are exempt from the restriction under specified circumstances. The bill sets forth further exemptions regarding the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. Federal funds may not be used to procure certain UAS from a foreign adversary, with exceptions. All executive agencies must account for existing inventories of UAS manufactured or assembled by a foreign adversary in their personal property accounting systems. Inventory data related to UAS manufactured or assembled by a foreign adversary may be tracked at a classified level. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall prescribe regulations or guidance to implement this bill's requirements pertaining to federal contracts. Government-issued purchase cards may not be used to procure any UAS from a foreign adversary. The Office of Management and Budget shall (1) establish a government-wide policy for the procurement of UAS, taking into account information security; and (2) contract with a federally funded research and development center to study certain UAS-related issues.

Save Our Servicemembers Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021

Save Our Servicemembers Act of 2021 This bill requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness within the Department of Defense (DOD) to evaluate and standardize DOD's suicide prevention efforts. Specifically, the bill directs the Defense Suicide Prevention Office to collaborate with each military department to (1) develop and implement a process to ensure that individual nonclinical suicide prevention efforts are assessed for effectiveness, and (2) develop consistent suicide-related definitions for use throughout DOD. The bill also requires the use of such suicide-related definitions in any updated policies of DOD or each military department.

Veterans State Eligibility Standardization Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021

Veterans State Eligibility Standardization Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make modifications related to areas of residence and variable income thresholds for purposes of determining whether veterans qualify for treatment as low-income families for enrollment in the VA health care system. The bill also requires the VA to ensure that all veterans who enroll in the VA health care system remain eligible to continue receiving health care furnished by the VA, subject to cost-sharing requirements that apply under current law.

A bill making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021

This bill provides FY2022 appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD). It also provides additional FY2022 appropriations for the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Within the DOD budget, the bill provides appropriations for Military Personnel; Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; and Revolving and Management Funds. The bill provides appropriations for Other Department of Defense Programs, including the Defense Health Program, Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, and the Office of the Inspector General. The bill provides appropriations for Related Agencies, including (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund, and (2) the Intelligence Community Management Account. The bill also provides additional FY2022 appropriations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, Military Construction, Family Housing Construction for the Army, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Within the Department of Energy, the bill provides additional FY2022 appropriations for (1) the National Nuclear Security Administration, and (2) Environmental and Other Defense Activities. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

COMFORT Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021

Comforting Our Military Families through On-base or Remote Treatment Act of 2021 or the COMFORT Act of 2021 This bill authorizes the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy within the Department of Defense (DOD) to coordinate programs and activities for the provision of nonmedical counseling services to military families through the DOD Military and Family Life Counseling Program. Under the bill, nonmedical counseling services means mental health care services that are nonclinical, short-term, and solution-focused to address topics related to personal growth, development, and positive functioning. The bill authorizes mental health professionals to provide non-medical counseling services regardless of where the provider or recipient is located so long as the provision of service is within the scope of the authorized duties of the provider. For purposes of the bill, mental health professionals include licensed or certified mental health professionals or members of the uniformed services, civilian DOD employees, or DOD contractors.

Veterans Dental Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021

Veterans Dental Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement Act This bill modifies and expands the provision of dental care by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including by expanding care to include all veterans enrolled in the VA health care system, implementing a program of education to promote dental health, and implementing a student loan reimbursement program for qualified dentists, dental hygienists, and oral surgeons who agree to accept positions within the VA's dental workforce.

Save Our Ser­vice­mem­bers Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021

Save Our Servicemembers Act of 2021 This bill requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness within the Department of Defense (DOD) to evaluate and standardize DOD's suicide prevention efforts. Specifically, the bill directs the Defense Suicide Prevention Office to collaborate with each military department to (1) develop and implement a process to ensure that individual nonclinical suicide prevention efforts are assessed for effectiveness, and (2) develop consistent suicide-related definitions for use throughout DOD. The bill also requires the use of such suicide-related definitions in any updated policies of DOD or each military department.

Military FATIGUES Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021

Military Forces Assuring that Treatment of Items by Gender are Uniform and Equal across the Services Act of 2021 or the Military FATIGUES Act of 2021 This bill requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness within the Department of Defense to establish consistent criteria for determining which uniform or clothing items across the military departments are considered uniquely military for purposes of calculating the standard cash clothing replacement allowance for members of the armed forces. The office must review the established criteria every five years and recommend adjustments to enlisted clothing allowances if they are insufficient to pay for uniquely military items. Additionally, the office must periodically review uniform clothing plans of the military departments to identify data and requirements necessary to facilitate cost discussions and recommend adjustments, items in the military departments' calculations of the enlisted standard cash clothing replacement allowances to develop a standard by which to identify significant cost differences that need addressing, plans of the military departments for changing uniform items to determine if the changes will result in significant out-of-pocket cost differences among the departments or among genders, and initial officer clothing allowances to identify requirements needed to facilitate cost discussions and adjustment recommendations.

NOMINATIONS OF: MR. NICKOLAS H. GUERTIN TO BE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

United States · United States Senate · 19 October 2021

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2021

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2021 This bill extends increased dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving spouse of a veteran who dies from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) regardless of how long the veteran had such disease prior to death. Under current law, such compensation is paid for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death. For purposes of this bill, a surviving spouse is a person who was married to the veteran for a continuous period of eight years or longer prior to the veteran's death.

Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2021

Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on the program that provides rental subsidies under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.

A bill to amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to extend the discretionary spending limits for fiscal years 2022 through 2031.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2021

This bill establishes annual discretionary spending limits for FY2022-FY2031. (Discretionary spending is spending that is controlled through the appropriations process.) For each year, the bill specifies limits for both defense and nondefense discretionary spending.

SAFEGUARD Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2021

Safeguarding Human Rights in Arms Exports Act of 2021 or the SAFEGUARD Act of 2021 This bill establishes specified measures to prevent the sale, export, or transfer of defense articles or defense services to foreign countries for use in violation of international humanitarian law or internationally recognized human rights. These measures include (1) prohibiting arms sales to countries committing genocide or war crimes, (2) requiring a consideration of human rights practices and democratization in any foreign country to which an arms sale is contemplated, and (3) providing for congressional oversight of arms exports to foreign countries wherein certain human rights violations have occurred.

RESOURCES Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2021

Re-open Enrollment for Servicemembers to Opt-in to Updated Retirement Choice for Enduring Security Act of 2021 or the RESOURCES Act of 2021 This bill modifies the financial literacy training program for servicemembers (and spouses of such members) and revises procedures related to choosing retirement pay, including by creating additional open enrollment periods.

COST of War Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2021

Comprehensive and Overdue Support for Troops of War Act of 2021 or the COST of War Act of 2021 This bill addresses health care and the presumption of service-connection for certain conditions in veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during service in the Armed Forces.

Improving Care for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2021

Improving Care for Veterans Act This bill requires state homes that receive funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to have a governing body that is legally responsible for establishing and implementing policies regarding the management and operation of the home. 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. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to provide payments for states to assist state homes in the hiring and retention of infection preventionists.

DEMOCRACIA Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2021

Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus Act or the DEMOCRACIA Act This bill provides for asset- and visa-blocking sanctions for conduct relating to Cuba. It also establishes an interagency task force to facilitate access to uncensored internet in Cuba. The President must sanction foreign persons that provide financial support to Cuban government sectors involved in human rights abuses or terrorism (e.g., the defense sector). This includes foreign persons that (1) are military contractors or mercenaries operating on behalf of the Cuban government, or (2) violate laws restricting trade with Cuba. Specified transactions, including remittances to immediate family members (subject to some limitations) and payments related to U.S. military and diplomatic sites, are not subject to these sanctions. The President must also sanction (1) foreign persons complicit or engaged in human rights abuses or corruption, (2) foreign persons supporting such conduct, and (3) specified Cuban government officials and their affiliates. The bill provides humanitarian exceptions to these sanctions, for example, donating food or agricultural commodities to organizations or individuals unaffiliated with the Cuban government. The President may not license sanctionable conduct, and U.S. persons seeking to engage in a permitted transaction must submit a written request to the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury. The President may waive the sanctions in the interest of U.S. national security. To terminate the sanctions, the President must certify that the Cuban government has legalized all political activities and taken other steps to promote political rights and freedoms. Congress must then enact a joint resolution approving the termination.

Return Home to Housing Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2021

Return Home to Housing Act This bill increases the maximum rate of per diem payments provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to entities (i.e., grant recipients or authorized entities) that furnish services and transitional housing to homeless veterans.

Protections for Student Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2021

Protections for Student Veterans Act This bill authorizes service members who are utilizing Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance benefits to withdraw or take a leave of absence after they receive orders for active service, inactive-duty training, or state active duty. Institutions of higher education are prohibited from taking adverse actions against such service members for withdrawing or taking a leave of absence, including assigning a failing grade, reducing the member's grade point average, characterizing any absence as unexcused, or assessing financial penalties. The bill requires institutions of higher education to refund all tuition and fees (including for housing) for the academic term for which the service member withdraws. In situations where the service member takes a leave of absence, the institution of higher education must assign a grade of incomplete for the applicable term and permit the member to complete the academic term after the period of service.

Burn Pit PROMISE Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2021

Burn Pit Program to Review Operations and Management of ILER System Efficacy Act or the Burn Pit PROMISE Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report on the implementation and effectiveness of the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record program of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Jerry Lewis VA Clinic Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2021

Jerry Lewis VA Clinic Act This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Redlands, California, as the Jerry Lewis Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic or the Jerry Lewis VA Clinic.

DEMOCRACIA Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2021

Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus Act or the DEMOCRACIA Act This bill provides for asset- and visa-blocking sanctions for conduct relating to Cuba. It also establishes an interagency task force to facilitate access to uncensored internet in Cuba. The President must sanction foreign persons that provide financial support to Cuban government sectors involved in human rights abuses or terrorism (e.g., the defense sector). This includes foreign persons that (1) are military contractors or mercenaries operating on behalf of the Cuban government, or (2) violate laws restricting trade with Cuba. Specified transactions, including remittances to immediate family members (subject to some limitations) and payments related to U.S. military and diplomatic sites, are not subject to these sanctions. The President must also sanction (1) foreign persons complicit or engaged in human rights abuses or corruption, (2) foreign persons supporting such conduct, and (3) specified Cuban government officials and their affiliates. The bill provides humanitarian exceptions to these sanctions, for example, donating food or agricultural commodities to organizations or individuals unaffiliated with the Cuban government. The President may not license sanctionable conduct, and U.S. persons seeking to engage in a permitted transaction must submit a written request to the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury. The President may waive the sanctions in the interest of U.S. national security. To terminate the sanctions, the President must certify that the Cuban government has legalized all political activities and taken other steps to promote political rights and freedoms. Congress must then enact a joint resolution approving the termination.

VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2021

Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse and Physician Assistant Retention and Income Security Enhancement Act or the VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act This bill increases the maximum rate of basic pay for advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, and registered nurses of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care from the Department of Veterans Affairs to include veterans of World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2021

This bill expands eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to include veterans of World War II who are not already covered.

Military Support for Fighting Wildfires Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2021

Military Support for Fighting Wildfires Act This bill addresses the role of the Department of Defense (DOD) in wildfire emergency response, including by authorizing DOD to implement the FireGuard Program to aggregate, analyze, and assess multi-source remote sensing information for interagency partnerships in the detection and monitoring of wildfires.

MADE HERE Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2021

Manufacturing American Dynamism in Entrepreneurship and Harnessing Education to Retool Employees Act or the MADE HERE Act This bill requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense to establish a manufacturing cluster program to award resources and grants to eligible manufacturing clusters, and it establishes an interagency entity to oversee and coordinate the activities of manufacturing cluster programs at federal agencies. A manufacturing cluster is a geographic concentration of companies and institutions within a particular field of manufacturing that engage collaboratively in workforce development, technology development, supply chain sourcing, and other activities. The program shall be comprised of three phases wherein awards shall be distributed to manufacturing clusters for (1) the development of a detailed implementation plan, (2) the implementation of such plan, and (3) continuing the activities of the cluster. Phase two and three awards may be used for purposes such as developing and deploying educational programs for cluster members, funding efforts with respect to supply chain sourcing and innovation, and developing shared infrastructure or resources for cluster members.

To prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from providing or paying for surgical treatment related to gender transition.

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2021

This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from providing or paying for surgical treatment related to gender transition.

REMOTE Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

Responsible Education Mitigating Options and Technical Extensions Act or the REMOTE Act This bill addresses the administration of certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance benefits. First, the bill extends through June 1, 2022, certain adjustments for veterans' education benefits that were put in place due to COVID-19. The bill allows the VA to waive the requirement that an educational institution verify the enrollment of a student utilizing VA educational assistance if the VA determines the institution uses a flat rate tuition and fee structure that would make the submission of a second verification unnecessary. The bill provides an exception from the imposition of specified disciplinary actions (e.g., suspending course and program approval) in situations where an educational institution provides a commission, bonus, or other incentive payment to entities engaged in student recruiting or admission activities related to recruiting foreign students who reside in foreign countries and are ineligible for federal student assistance. Finally, the bill generally exempts educational institutions located in foreign countries from certain requirements and restrictions imposed by the VA or a state approving agency, such as requiring those institutions to maintain policies prohibiting the automatic renewal of individuals in courses and programs of education.

VITAL Assessment Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

VITAL Assessment Act This bill implements changes related to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program, which focuses on enhancing student veterans' academic success and retention by assisting with things like mental and physical health. The VA must report on the program and establish best practices, goals, and measures for the program that are uniform among the VA's medical centers. The bill also requires the VA to conduct outreach among the Armed Forces, veterans service organizations, institutions of higher learning, and noncollege degree programs regarding the VITAL program. Additionally, the VA must assess the feasibility and advisability of including the suicide rate for student veterans in the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.

Veterans Justice Outreach Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

Veterans Justice Outreach Improvement Act This bill updates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Justice Outreach Program, which is a program through which the VA identifies justice-involved veterans and provides them with access to VA services. Justice-involved veterans are those with active, ongoing, or recent contact with some component of a local criminal justice system. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to conduct program outreach to justice-involved veterans, military and veterans service organizations, and relevant stakeholders in the criminal justice community (e.g., local law enforcement). The VA must increase the number of program specialists responsible for supporting justice-involved veterans in rural, remote, or underserved areas. Additionally, the VA must establish performance goals, measures, and implementation time lines for the program, specialists, and providing support for research regarding justice-involved veterans. Program specialists must receive training, at least annually, on (1) veteran eligibility for the program, and (2) best practices for identifying and conducting outreach to justice-involved veterans and relevant stakeholders in the criminal justice community.

Student Veteran COVID-19 Protection Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

Student Veteran COVID-19 Protection Act of 2021 This bill addresses the administration of certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance benefits and home loans, including by authorizing the VA to waive certain enrollment verifications, exempting foreign educational institutions from certain requirements, extending the time limitations on the use of educational assistance benefits, and adjusting certain home loan fees.

BRAVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

Be Ready to Assist Veterans in Extremis Act or the BRAVE Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a patient outreach system under which it must ensure that veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and have experienced a traumatic or highly stressful event may elect to receive information and resources relating to mental health and available mental health care services. The VA must coordinate the system with the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense.

Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

Veterans Census-Enabled National Treatment Equitable Resource Supplement for Mental Health Act of 2021 or the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure the number of Vet Centers in certain states is increased by at least one additional center if the VA determines the state meets specified requirements. The VA must also establish a community-based outpatient clinic in each state that does not share a land border with another state, is located at least 2,000 miles from the contiguous United States, and contains no such clinic.

Hispanic Military Officers Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

Hispanic Military Officers Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the reasons for the low number of Hispanic officers and members of the Armed Forces in leadership positions and recommendations to increase those numbers.

Military Service Academy Hispanic Representation Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

Military Service Academy Hispanic Representation Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the reasons for the low number of Hispanic cadets and midshipmen at the military service academies and recommendations to increase those numbers.

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 · 8 October 2021

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the country should honor the military families who have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

No Clearance for Terrorists Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

No Clearance for Terrorists Act This bill requires processes for vetting an individual for a security clearance to take into consideration whether that individual has been involved in terrorism. The Special Security Directorate of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center must ensure that the guidelines for adjudicating security clearances, when determining what conditions could raise a security concern or disqualify an applicant, include whether the applicant has been involved in or advocated domestic or international terrorism. The directorate must also ensure that guidelines and instructions to federal agencies relating to security clearances include screening an individual for possible involvement with domestic terrorism. The directorate and the Office of Personnel Management must ensure that certain forms related to public trust and national security positions include questions regarding whether the individual submitting the form has been involved in domestic terrorism.

NOMINATIONS OF: DR. DAVID A. HONEY TO BE DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING; MS. BRENDA S. FULTON TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS; AND MS. COREY A. HINDERSTEIN TO BE DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR DEFENSE NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION, NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

United States · United States Senate · 7 October 2021

Department of Defense Improved Hiring Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021

Department of Defense Improved Hiring Act This bill makes permanent the Department of Defense (DOD) direct hire authority for domestic defense industrial base facilities (i.e., any DOD depot, arsenal, or shipyard in the United States), the Major Range and Test Facilities Base, and the Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation.

Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021

Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act This bill revises the Impact Aid Program application process for FY2023. Specifically, the bill requires local educational agencies (LEAs) participating in the Impact Aid Program to use the student count or federal property valuation data from their FY2022 program applications, as applicable, for their FY2023 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).

A resolution acknowledging and commemorating the World War II women in the Navy who served in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service ("WAVES").

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021

This resolution honors and commends the women who served in the Navy Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II. Additionally, the resolution recognizes that the WAVES opened opportunities for women and contributed vitally to the victory of the United States and Allies in World War II.

Arctic Diplomacy Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021

Arctic Diplomacy Act of 2021 This bill authorizes the position of Assistant Secretary of State for Arctic Affairs within the Department of State. The position shall maintain continuous observation and coordination of matters pertaining to foreign policy in the Arctic, including trade, the environment, and political-military affairs.

1st Lt. Hugh Conor McDowell Safety in Armed Forces Equipment Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021

1st Lt. Hugh Conor McDowell Safety in Armed Forces Equipment Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of the Army and the Department of the Navy to jointly implement a five-year pilot program to evaluate the feasibility of using data recorders to monitor, assess, and improve the readiness and safety of the operation of military tactical vehicles (e.g., Army Strykers). The program must be carried out at not fewer than one military station in the United States that (1) contains the necessary force structure, equipment, and maneuver training ranges to collect necessary driver and vehicle data; and (2) represents at least one of the five training ranges that did not track unit location during training, as identified by the Government Accountability Office.

Funding Iron Dome by Defunding the Taliban Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2021

Funding Iron Dome by Defunding the Taliban Act This bill provides $1 billion in supplemental appropriations for the Department of Defense to provide to the government of Israel for the procurement of the Iron Dome defense system to counter short-range rocket threats. The bill also rescinds certain unobligated funds that were provided for reconstruction activities in Afghanistan.

REEF Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2021

Re-using Equipment for Environmental Fortification Act or the REEF Act This bill requires the Department of the Navy to notify Congress when a vessel that is a viable candidate for artificial reefing (intentionally sinking a vessel to promote marine life) is to be stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. Specifically, the Navy must provide such notice not later than 90 days before the viable candidate is to be stricken from the register.