Defence

Shiloh National Military Park Boundary Adjustment and Parker's Crossroads Battlefield Designation Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2015

Shiloh National Military Park Boundary Adjustment and Parker's Crossroads Battlefield Designation Act Modifies the boundary of Shiloh National Military Park to include the following areas : (1) Fallen Timbers Battlefield, (2) Russell House Battlefield, and (3) Davis Bridge Battlefield. Authorizes the Department of the Interior to acquire lands by donation, purchase from willing sellers, or exchange. Establishes Parker's Crossroads Battlefield in Tennessee as an affiliated area of the National Park System.

Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2015

Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Act of 2015 Authorizes a Wall of Remembrance, as part of the previously authorized Korean War Veterans Memorial, to include: (1) a list by name of members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in theater in the Korean War; (2) the number of members who were wounded, listed as missing in action, or prisoners of war; and (3) the number of members of the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army, the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, and the other nations of the United Nations Command who were killed, wounded, missing, or prisoners. Prohibits using any federal funds to construct the Wall.

Career-Ready Student Veterans Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2015

Career-Ready Student Veterans Act of 2015 This bill adds the following new criteria for state approval, for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance, of applications of educational institutions providing veterans with non-accredited courses: any program designed to prepare an individual for state licensure or certification must meet state instructional curriculum licensure or certification requirements, and any program designed to prepare an individual for employment pursuant to standards developed by a state board or agency in an occupation requiring approval or licensure must be approved or licensed by that state board or agency. The VA may waive either of these two requirements if: the educational institution is accredited by an agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education; the program did not meet the requirements at any time during the two-year period preceding the waiver date; the waiver furthers the purposes of the educational assistance programs or would further the education interests of individuals eligible for assistance under such programs; and the educational institution does not provide any incentive payment based on securing enrollments or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in student recruiting or admission activities or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance, except for recruitment of foreign students residing in foreign countries who are ineligible for federal student assistance. The criteria added by this Act also apply to approval of accredited courses at for-profit educational institutions. The VA shall disapprove a course of education added by this Act unless the educational institution providing the course publicly discloses any conditions or additional requirements, including training, experience, or exams, required to obtain the license, certification, or approval for which the course of education is designed to provide preparation.

A bill to provide for the conveyance of land of the Illiana Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Danville, Illinois.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2015

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to convey to the Danville Area Community College of Danville, Illinois, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to certain real property, including improvements, known as Building Number 48, which is part of the VA Illiana Health Care System. As consideration for such conveyance the VA shall require the College to convey to the United States all right, title, and interest in and to certain real property, including improvements, near the College Library Building.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to provide for the inclusion of the names of certain members of the Armed Forces on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2015

This bill directs the Department of Defense to provide for the inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the District of Columbia of the names of those members of the Armed Forces who died in transit to or from a covered combat zone during the Vietnam conflict, including the members who died in the Loma Ridge plane crash in California on June 25, 1965.

A resolution designating August 16, 2015, as "National Airborne Day".

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2015

Designates August 16, 2015, as National Airborne Day.

Providing for a plan to alleviate the effects of sequestration.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2015

Resolves that Congress must meet its constitutional obligation to provide for the common defense of the United States by restoring spending cuts required by sequestration. (Sequestration is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.) Resolves that Congress should enact legislation that: restores no less than 75% of the pre-sequester levels established by the Budget Control Act of 2011, offsets the increases in discretionary spending through a combination of reductions to mandatory spending and increases in revenue, includes a Chained Consumer Price Index for Social Security and further means testing for Medicare, and increases revenue by closing tax loopholes and capping deductions for high-income households.

Elissa Slotkin, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Derek H. Chollet, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 30 July 2015

John E. Sparks, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces for the term of fifteen years to expire on the date prescribed by law, vice James Edgar Baker, term expiring.

United States · United States Senate · 30 July 2015

Protecting Financial Aid for Students and Taxpayers Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2015

Protecting Financial Aid for Students and Taxpayers Act This bill amends the Higher Education Opportunity Act to prohibit an institution of higher education (IHE) or postsecondary educational institution from using revenues derived from federal educational assistance funds for recruiting or marketing activities. Federal educational assistance funds include federal student aid under title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, education benefits for military personnel and veterans, and grants for workforce development programs. An IHE or postsecondary educational institution must annually certify compliance with this requirement to retain eligibility to participate in title IV federal student aid programs.

A resolution condemning Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army for continuing to perpetrate crimes against humanity, war crimes, and mass atrocities, and supporting ongoing efforts by the United States Government, the African Union, and governments and regional organizations in central Africa to remove Joseph Kony and Lord's Resistance Army commanders from the battlefield and promote protection and recovery of affected communities.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2015

Condemns Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) for perpetrating crimes against humanity and mass atrocities, and supports efforts by the United States, the African Union (AU), the international community, and governments in central Africa to remove Joseph Kony and LRA commanders from the battlefield and promote protection and recovery for affected communities. Supports efforts to provide the Regional Task Force with the logistics support and authorizations needed to access areas of suspected LRA activity in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Urges the President to reauthorize the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces personnel in support of Operation Observant Compass. Urges the AU and the Regional Task Force, with the support of the European Union (EU), as well as the governments of Uganda, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to implement the United Nations (U.N.) Regional Strategy. Welcomes the continued LRA defections, and calls on governments in the region and the international community to support such demobilization. Calls on the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the heads of relevant U.S. agencies to utilize funds to: (1) enhance intelligence support to the Regional Task Force; (2) work with the U.N., the AU, and regional government partners to help non-indicted LRA members, abductees, and noncombatants defect; (3) expand efforts to prevent the LRA from funding its operations through the theft and trade of illicit ivory, gold, and diamonds; and (4) support rehabilitation and reintegration programs for abducted children, youth, and adults. Commends those members of the U.S. Armed Forces previously or currently deployed in support of Operation Observant Compass for their critical contributions to efforts to remove Joseph Kony and LRA commanders and protect civilians. Urges the President to develop a strategy aimed at supporting sustainable recovery and security within areas affected by the LRA in partnership with other donors and multilateral bodies, including the World Bank, the EU, and others.

Support for Student Veterans with Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Support for Student Veterans with Families Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to make up to 50 grants in FY2016 to eligible educational institutions to provide child care services on campus for student veterans.

SOLDIER Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Statute Of Limitations for DOD Inactive Employee Repossessions Act or the SOLDIER Act This bill declares that, if the indebtedness of a member of the uniformed services to the United States occurs, through no fault of the member, as a result of the overpayment of pay or allowances or upon the settlement of the member's accounts, the department or agency concerned may not recover the indebtedness from the member, including a retired or former member, using deductions from pay, deductions from retired or separation pay, or any other collection method unless recovery of the indebtedness begins before the end of the 10-year period beginning on the date on which the indebtedness was incurred.

Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act of 2015 Directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to furnish fertility treatment and counseling, including through the use of assisted reproductive technology, to a spouse, partner, or gestational surrogate of a severely wounded, ill, or injured member of the Armed Forces who has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces. Requires provision of fertility treatment and counseling to a spouse, partner, or gestational surrogate of a member of the Armed Forces without regard to the member's sex or marital status. States that, if a member of the Armed Forces is unable to provide gametes for fertility treatment purposes, the Secretary shall, at the member's election, allow the member to be treated with donated gametes and pay or reimburse the reasonable costs of procuring donor gametes. Directs DOD to: establish procedures for gamete retrieval from a member of the Armed Forces in cases in which the fertility of such member is potentially jeopardized as a result of an injury or illness incurred or aggravated while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces; and give members of the Armed Forces on active duty the opportunity to cryopreserve and store their gametes prior to deployment to a combat zone at no cost to the member. Directs DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to share best practices and facilitate fertility treatment and counseling referrals to eligible individuals. Includes fertility counseling and treatment within authorized VA medical services. Authorizes the VA to pay the adoption expenses (for up to three adoptions) for a severely wounded, ill, or injured veteran who has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and who is enrolled in the VA health care system. Directs the VA to report annually to Congress on the counseling and treatment provided under this Act; and (2) prescribe regulations on the furnishing of such counseling, treatment, and adoption assistance. Directs the VA to facilitate research conducted collaboratively by DOD and the Department of Health and Human Services in order to improve the VA's ability to meet the long-term reproductive health care needs of veterans who have a service-connected genitourinary disability or a condition that was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty that affects the veterans' reproductive ability. Requires the VA to enhance the capabilities of the VA women veterans contact center to: (1) respond to requests for assistance with accessing VA health care and benefits, and (2) refer such veterans to federal or community resources to obtain assistance not furnished by the VA. Amends the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 regarding a pilot program of group retreat reintegration and readjustment counseling for women veterans recently separated from service to: (1) increase the number of counseling locations, and (2) extend the program. Establishes VA programs to provide assistance to qualified veterans to obtain child care so that such veterans can receive: (1) regular mental health care services, intensive mental health care services, or other intensive health care services; and (2) readjustment counseling and related mental health services.

CPI-E Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

CPI-E Act of 2015 This bill bases cost-of -living increases in benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System, the Federal Employees Retirement System, military retirement and survivor benefit programs, old-age, survivors, or disability insurance benefit program, and specified veterans benefits programs on increases in the Consumer Price Index for the elderly.

To designate the portion of Moffett Federal Airfield, California, containing the 129th Rescue Wing of the California Air National Guard as Moffett Air National Guard Base.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

This bill designates the portion of Moffett Federal Airfield, California, containing the 129th Rescue Wing of the California Air National Guard, as Moffett Air National Guard Base.

To increase the number of operational aircraft carriers.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

This bill increases from 11 to 12 the number of operational aircraft carriers in the Navy.

California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2015 TITLE I--CALIFORNIA EMERGENCY DROUGHT RELIEF This bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce, in response to a California drought emergency declaration, to approve projects and operations to provide the maximum quantity of water supplies to Central Valley Project (CVP) agricultural, municipal and industrial, and refuge service and repayment contractors; State Water Project (SWP) contractors; and other California localities or municipalities. The requirements apply to the Klamath Project if projects or operations would benefit California federal water contractors. Requirements are set forth concerning: operation of the Delta Cross Channel Gates; turbidity control; reverse flow in the Old and Middle Rivers; proposals to increase flow in the San Joaquin River through a voluntary sale, transfer, or exchange of water from an agency with rights to divert water from the river or its tributaries in conjunction with procedures to adopt a 1:1 inflow to export ratio for the increment of increased flow; management of the impacts on species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; coordination with the salmonid biological opinion, dated June 4, 2009, and the smelt biological opinion, dated December 15, 2008; permits for temporary barriers or operable gates in Delta channels and for water transfer requests associated with voluntarily fallowing nonpermanent crops; and coordination with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to study the effectiveness and environmental impacts of saltcedar biological control efforts on increasing water supplies and improving riparian habitats of the Colorado River. "Delta" means the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the Suisun Marsh. Federal agencies must: (1) expedite final decisions for federal water projects or operations upon California's request, and (2) develop alternative arrangements to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), during California emergency drought declarations, must require California to prioritize state revolving funds allocated under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or the Safe Drinking Water Act to projects that will: (1) provide additional water supplies to areas at risk of having inadequate supplies for public health and safety purposes, or (2) improve resiliency to drought. The EPA must also, at California’s request, authorize 40-year financing for assistance in the case of state loan funds used to buy or refinance the debt obligation of municipalities and intermunicipal and interstate agencies at or below market rates. Interior must confer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regarding the implementation of this title and any changes to the smelt or salmonid biological opinions. If the CDFW requires take authorization under California law for operation of the SWP in a manner that reduces water supply to the SWP as compared to the supply available under the biological opinions, and as a consequence the CVP yield is greater, the additional yield must be made available to SWP contractors to offset losses from the CDFW's action. This title expires on the later of: (1) the California governor's declaration of an end of California's drought emergency, or (2) September 30, 2017. TITLE II--ACTIONS TO BENEFIT FISH AND REFUGES The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Recovery Plan for Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon, and Central Valley steelhead is authorized through FY2020. Interior must evaluate: (1) nonstructural barriers to prevent straying of threatened or endangered salmonids through key Delta junctions, and (2) the feasibility of additional gravel and natural rearing areas to improve salmon and steelhead population recovery. Interior must establish pilot programs to test alternative release strategies for hatchery-raised, winter-run salmon to reduce mortality rates. Interior and Commerce must assess methods of reducing predation by: (1) modifying natural and artificial factors in the Sacramento River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta watershed, (2) lowering light intensity at artificial structures, and (3) redepositing salvaged salmon smolts. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) must implement a pilot program to test an experimental trap and barge program to improve survival of juvenile salmonids emigrating from the San Joaquin watershed through the Delta. The NMFS and the Oakdale and South San Joaquin irrigation districts must implement a pilot program to remove nonnative predator fish from the Stanislaus River. Interior must begin pilot projects to implement the Calfed Bay-Delta invasive species control program. Interior is directed to determine methods to minimize the effects of the CVP and the SWP on Delta smelt and utilize new technologies for better smelt tracking. A federal cost share of up to 50% is authorized for the acceleration and completion of water infrastructure and conveyance facilities necessary to achieve full water deliveries to Central Valley wildlife refuges and habitat areas. TITLE III--LONG-TERM WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS Interior is directed to award funding on a competitive basis for certain water recycling, water desalination, and drought recovery and resiliency projects that can reduce reliance on surface and groundwater supplies. The bill identifies cities, water districts, desalination projects, and other sponsors to be included among the projects reviewed. The Water Desalination Act of 1996 is amended to reauthorize through FY2020 research grants and a demonstration program to develop processes for converting saline water into water suitable for beneficial uses. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy must develop a strategic plan for future federal investments in desalination that coordinates federal agencies' activities. The EPA must implement a program to provide financial assistance for the design of desalination facilities that provide water suitable for environmental enhancement, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and other beneficial consumptive or nonconsumptive uses. The bill provides procedures for Interior to participate in federal and nonfederal storage projects. Deadlines are established for Reclamation to submit to Congress water storage feasibility studies concerning specified dams and reservoirs under the Calfed Bay-Delta Authorization Act. The Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 is amended to allow Interior to develop any necessary additional project benefits (including additional conservation storage capacity) in conjunction with its activities to modify Reclamation dams and facilities to preserve their structural safety. The costs must be subject to a cost-sharing agreement among applicable federal, state, and local agencies and repaid in accordance with reclamation laws. The Department of the Army must carry out up to five pilot projects, including at least two nonfederal projects, to implement revisions of water operations manuals, including flood control rule curves, in states under a gubernatorial drought declaration during water year 2015. Reclamation-owned dams or reservoirs are excluded from being such a pilot project. A WaterSense Program is established within the EPA to promote products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services certified to display a label designating them as water efficient. Interior must enter voluntary agreements to implement water conservation programs with public water agencies or other entities that receive water from a Reclamation-operated project. The conserved water is to be retained by: (1) the public water agencies; and (2) Interior to promote groundwater recharge and conservation, refuge water supply, or authorized projects. An existing water service or repayment contractor may contribute funds to implement such an agreement in exchange for water. USDA must provide grants for water projects in eligible communities that are unable to meet primary water quality standards or that have severely diminished water supplies due to drought conditions. The Department of Defense must commence at least three water conservation pilot projects on California military installations. The Drug Enforcement Administration must assist California state or local law enforcement in the suppression of cannabis operations. The EPA may award grants and assist with financing of research and demonstration projects to promote innovative water supply and conservation technologies. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) must establish an open water data system to advance the availability, timely distribution, and use of data for water management, education, research, assessment, and monitoring. TITLE IV--FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR STATE AND LOCAL DROUGHT RESILIENCY PROJECTS Interior may provide financial assistance, such as secured loans or loan guarantees, to private entities, state or local governments, irrigation districts, water users' associations, or other entities that contract with the United States under federal reclamation law to carry out water projects within the 17 western states served by Reclamation, other states where Reclamation is authorized to provide project assistance, Alaska, and Hawaii. Eligible project costs of such a project must be reasonably anticipated to be at least $20 million. The final maturity date of a secured loan may not be later than 35 years after substantial completion of the underlying project. Interior and California may enter into a memorandum of understanding to designate California as lead agency for purposes of NEPA. Interior must permit California, and not more than four additional states, to participate in the program. The bill establishes a process for Interior to identify, solicit public comment on, and submit to Congress a list of inactive water resources development programs or projects to be deauthorized because they are no longer viable for construction. Under the national water availability and use assessment program, the USGS may enter into cost shared financial assistance and other long-term agreements with nonfederal participants in the 17 Reclamation-served western states, Hawaii, and Alaska to advance nonfederal permanent water storage and conveyance facilities, projects for the reclamation and reuse of municipal, industrial, domestic and agricultural wastewater, and naturally impaired ground and surface waters, and other water management improvement projects. The Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act is amended to establish a process for Interior to award grants to nonfederal sponsors for projects that reclaim and reuse: (1) municipal, industrial, domestic, or agricultural wastewater; or (2) impaired ground or surface waters. For FY2026-FY2050, a designated portion of revenues that would otherwise be deposited in the Reclamation Fund are to be deposited instead into a Federal Support for State and Local Drought Solutions Fund established in the Treasury for expenditures on certain federal loan guarantees and cost sharing authorized for state and local storage projects under this Act and project funding under the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act.

Veteran Housing Stability Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Veteran Housing Stability Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide: intensive case management interventions for veterans enrolled in the VA's homeless registry and the annual patient enrollment system, and case management services to improve housing retention by veterans who were previously homeless and are transitioning to permanent housing and veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless. The VA housing assistance program is expanded to include: (1) veterans and their families who are at risk of becoming homeless, and very low-income veteran families; and (2) assistance for acquiring and transitioning to, and maintaining occupancy in, permanent housing. The VA shall: conduct outreach to realtors, landlords, property management companies, and developers to educate them about the housing needs of veterans and the benefits of having veterans as tenants; and establish and operate a National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans which shall carry out research into the causes of and contributing factors to veteran homelessness, assess the effectiveness of VA homeless veterans programs, and serve as a center for the exchange of information regarding activities carried out by the VA and by other federal and non-federal entities for veteran homelessness. Each year the VA shall review each grant recipient and eligible entity that received a per diem payment for furnishing services to homeless veterans to evaluate its performance with respect to: the success of the grant recipient or eligible entity in assisting veterans to obtain, transition into, and retain permanent housing; and increasing the income of veterans by helping them obtain either employment or appropriate income-related benefits.

EB-JOBS Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Entrepreneurial Businesses Creating Jobs Act of 2015 or the EB-JOBS Act of 2015 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make conditional permanent resident (EB-6) visas (adjustable to permanent resident after two years) available to qualifying venture capital-backed and self-sponsored startup entrepreneurs based upon specified investment, job creation, and commercial activity requirements. Permanent resident (EB-7) visas shall be made available to nonimmigrant treaty investors holding an E-2 visa who: (1) have maintained such status for at least 10 years, and (2) created full-time employment for at least 5 U.S. workers for at least 10 years. EB-6 and EB-7 visa holders are exempted from worldwide immigration limits. An alien who is eligible to receive an EB-6 or EB-7 visa may adjust to permanent resident status if he or she was present in the United States on the date of the enactment of this Act and has been continuously present since that date. The EB-5 employment creation regional center program is made permanent with a set-aside of at least 5,000 visas. A regional center shall: (1) have jurisdiction over a specific geographic area, which shall be consistent with the purpose of concentrating pooled investment in defined economic zones; and (2) certify compliance with U.S. securities laws, and supervise all offers, purchases, and sales of securities made by associated commercial enterprises to ensure securities compliance. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall terminate the designation of any regional center that does not provide such certification on an annual basis. DHS shall deny or revoke the designation of a regional center if the center's program participation presents: (1) a threat to public safety or national security; or (2) a significant risk of criminal misuse, fraud, or abuse. DHS shall: (1) establish a procedure for pre-approval of new commercial enterprises, (2) impose a fee for regional center designation, and (3) perform site visits. Immigrant visa set-asides for job creation in a target employment area are revised to require: at least 2,000 visas for rural areas; at least 4,000 visas for high unemployment areas; and at least 2,000 visas for a county with a 20% or more population decrease since 1970, an area within a state or federal economic development incentive program, or an area within a military installation closed pursuant to a base closure law. Concurrent filing for adjustment of status is authorized for persons applying for EB-5, EB-6, and EB-7 visas. The Immigrant Entrepreneur Account is established in the Treasury to collect from, and use for, the EB-5 and EB-6 programs, together with a premium processing fee. Additional EB-5 visas shall be made available each year in which the annual cap is reached unless a joint resolution of Congress is enacted finding that such an increase is not needed. The J-1 visa waiver (for Conrad state 30/medical services in under served areas) program is made permanent. The E-verify and special immigrant non minister religious worker programs are reauthorized.

Colorado Wilderness Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Colorado Wilderness Act of 2015 Amends the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1993 to add specified lands in Colorado managed by the Bureau of Land Management (proposed as the Powderhorn Wilderness Addition) of the Department of the Interior to the Powderhorn Wilderness. Designates specified lands in Colorado managed by the BLM or the U.S. Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture as wilderness and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Designates specified lands in Colorado administered by the BLM, Forest Service, and Bureau of Reclamation as wilderness and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Incorporates such lands into the West Elk Wilderness. Allows Interior to continue authorizing competitive running events currently permitted in the Redcloud Peak Wilderness and Handies Peak Wilderness Areas. Authorizes the Colorado Army National Guard, through the High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site, to conduct aerial navigation training maneuver exercises over the wilderness areas designated by this Act. Designates specified lands managed by the BLM as: (1) potential wilderness areas, and (2) as the Deep Creek Wilderness and the Pisgah Mountain Wilderness upon publication by Interior of a notice in the Federal Register that all nonconforming uses of such lands authorized by this Act for the conduct of such exercises and overflights of military helicopters in violation of the Wilderness Act have ceased. Provides for the securing, adjudication, and use of U.S. water rights for certain of the wilderness areas designated by this Act.

Safe Food for Seniors Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Safe Food for Seniors Act of 2015 This bill amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act such that a Medicare skilled nursing facility or Medicaid nursing facility without a full-time qualified dietitian must require its director of food services to be: (1) a Certified Dietary Manager meeting the requirements of the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers; (2) a Dietetic Technician, Registered, meeting with the requirements published by the Commission on Dietetic Registration; or (3) an individual with equivalent military or academic qualifications.

Federal Protective Service Improvement and Accountability Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Federal Protective Service Improvement and Accountability Act of 2015 Directs the Federal Protective Service (FPS) to maintain not fewer than 1,870 full-time equivalent positions, with at least 1,350 of such positions designated for fully trained federal law enforcement officers. Authorizes positions in the FPS inspector force to be designated as: (1) Federal Facility Security Officers responsible for performing security assessments at facilities protected by FPS, making security countermeasure recommendations for such facilities, participating in security training and disseminating homeland security information to occupants and security guards of such facilities, and assessing the security of such facilities and the extent to which security countermeasure recommendations have been implemented; or (2) law enforcement officers responsible for patrolling and on-site monitoring of the physical security of FPS-protected facilities, conducting investigations at such facilities, and providing physical law enforcement at such facilities in the event of a terrorist attack, security incident, or other incident. Directs FPS to: (1) establish the FPS contract oversight force responsible for overseeing contract guards, (2) establish uniform minimum training and certification standards for security guard services at FPS-protected facilities, (3) establish a process to verify the accuracy of training and certification data maintained by FPS, and (4) provide training to individuals in guard positions who have not successfully completed training on the effective utilization of screening equipment and active shooter scenario-based training. Directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) develop and implement a strategy for using covert-testing data and data on prohibited items to improve screening at facilities protected by FPS, and (2) submit an assessment of the degree to which the standards specified in the "The Risk Management Process: An Interagency Security Committee Standard" are utilized by all non-military federal facilities and of any barriers to utilizing such standards. Requires FPS to: (1) commence a one-year pilot program to research the advantages of converting guard positions at the highest-risk federal facilities protected by FPS from contract guard positions to positions held by federal employees; and (2) establish, and hire individuals for, a federal facility security guard position.

Agent Orange Extension Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Agent Orange Extension Act of 2015 This bill extends for two years the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicides, including Agent Orange, with respect to veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. The Agent Orange Act of 1991 is amended to extend for two years the authority of the VA to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate the scientific evidence regarding associations between diseases and exposure to dioxin and other chemical compounds in herbicides, including the association between exposure to a herbicide used in U.S. and allied military operations in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era and each disease suspected to be associated with such exposure.

VA Vendor Verification Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

VA Vendor Verification Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish uniform credentialing standards for medical vendors based on the standards prescribed in the "Joint Recommendation for Healthcare Industry Representative (HCIR) Credentialing Best Practices" by the Coalition for Best Practices in HCIR Requirements.

Veterans Access to Orthotic and Prosthetic Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Veterans Access to Orthotic and Prosthetic Care Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that: (1) each VA prosthetist and orthotist and each VA employee who provides prosthetic or orthotic services meets all current certification and licensing requirements, and (2) each VA orthotic or prosthetic facility and laboratory that provides prosthetic and orthotic services is certified by one of the nationally recognized accrediting bodies.

Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to reimburse up to $1,000 monthly to a veteran participating in a vocational rehabilitation program for the cost of child care provided by a licensed provider if the veteran: (1) is the child's sole caretaker, and (2) would not otherwise be able to afford such child care.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review certain whistleblower complaints.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to review each covered whistle blower complaint that is filed with the Office of the Special Counsel during the previous calendar quarter.

Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide veterans' case-tracking information access to employees of a Member of Congress or of a state or local governmental agency assisting veterans with benefit claims. Directs the VA to ensure that such access does not: (1) allow the employee to modify the data in the case-tracking system, and (2) include access to medical records. Requires such employees to complete a certification course on privacy issues before receiving such access.

Timely Payment for Veterans' Medical Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Timely Payment for Veterans' Medical Care Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into contracts with an eligible entity to serve as an administrative contractor with respect to the performance of any or all of the following functions relating to providing medical care and hospital services in non-VA facilities: determining and making the payments required to be made to a non-VA facility; providing education and outreach to individuals enrolled in the patient enrollment system; providing consultative services to institutions, agencies, and other persons to enable them to maintain necessary fiscal records; communicating to non-VA facilities any information or instructions furnished to the administrative contractor by the VA; and performing functions relating to non-VA facility education, training, and technical assistance. An administrative contractor that performs such payment-related functions shall implement a contractor-wide information security program. The VA shall use claims payment error rates or similar methodology of administrative contractors in the processing or reviewing of claims in order to give such contractors an incentive to implement effective education and outreach programs for non-VA facilities.

Protect and Preserve International Cultural Property Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Protect and Preserve International Cultural Property Act Directs the Department of State to designate a Department employee at the Assistant Secretary level or above to serve concurrently as the U.S. Coordinator for International Cultural Property Protection to: coordinate and promote federal agency efforts to address international cultural property protection activities; support activities to assist countries that are the principal sources of trafficked cultural property to protect cultural heritage sites and to prevent cultural property looting and theft; develop strategies to reduce illegal trade and trafficking in international cultural property in the United States and abroad, including by reducing consumer demand for such trade; and Chair the Coordinating Committee on International Cultural Property Protection. Establishes a Coordinating Committee on International Cultural Property Protection to facilitate the Coordinator's work. Directs the Department, through the U.S. Coordinator for International Cultural Property Protection, to report to Congress annually for seven years regarding activities of the U.S. Coordinator and the Coordinating Committee, the Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice to protect international cultural property. Authorizes any agency involved in international cultural property protection activities to enter into agreements with the Smithsonian Institution to engage Smithsonian personnel temporarily to assist in such activities. Directs the President to apply specified import restrictions with respect to any archaeological or ethnological material of Syria as if Syria were a State Party to the Convention on prohibiting and preventing the illicit import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property. Sets forth the conditions for termination of such restrictions. Authorizes the President to waive such import restrictions for specified cultural property if the President certifies to Congress that: the foreign owner or custodian of the specified cultural property has requested that such property be temporarily located in the United States for protection purposes, such property shall be returned upon request to the foreign owner or custodian, and the grant of a waiver will not contribute to illegal trafficking in cultural property or financing of criminal or terrorist activities.

Federal Information Security Management Reform Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Federal Information Security Management Reform Act of 2015 Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in administering federal agencies' implementation of information system security policies, to: (1) operate consolidated intrusion detection, prevention, or protective capabilities and use of associated countermeasures to protect agency information and systems from security threats; (2) provide incident detection, analysis, mitigation, and response information and remote or onsite technical assistance; (3) develop and conduct impact assessments in consultation with other agencies and private entities; (4) foster development of technologies for use across multiple agencies in conjunction with other agencies and the private sector; and (5) coordinate such information security policies with standards for national security systems and policies issued by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Director of National Intelligence. Authorizes the DHS Secretary to acquire, intercept, retain, use, and disclose communications and system traffic transiting to or from or stored on agency information systems and deploy countermeasures if the Secretary certifies that: (1) the measures are reasonably necessary to protect agency information systems from security threats; (2) content of communications will not be retained, and traffic will not be subject to countermeasures, unless associated with a known or reasonably suspected information security threat; (3) the information will be used for law enforcement purposes only with the Attorney General's approval when the information is evidence of a crime; (4) system users have been notified of the potential for such an acquisition or disclosure; and (5) the procedures have been approved by the Attorney General. Allows agency heads to disclose such information to the Secretary notwithstanding any other law that would otherwise restrict or prevent such disclosures. Provides liability protections to private entities authorized to assist the Secretary for such purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) issue a directive to an agency to take any lawful action with respect to the operation of a system that maintains agency information in response to a known or reasonably suspected information security threat, vulnerability, or incident that represents a substantial threat to an agency's information security; or (2) authorize, without prior consultation with the affected agency, the use of protective capabilities under the Secretary's control if there is an imminent threat and a directive is unlikely to be timely. Exempts DOD and the intelligence community from such procedures.

Defense Against Digital Theft Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Defense Against Digital Theft Act This bill directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to provide individuals who have been affected by a breach of personnel records in a database network maintained by the Department of the Interior or OPM with complimentary identity protection coverage that: (1) is not less comprehensive than the complimentary identity protection coverage provided before the enactment date of this Act, (2) is effective for a period of not less than 10 years, and (3) includes not less than $5 million in identity theft insurance. The bill requires OPM to: (1) issue regulations to ensure that affected individuals whose credit scores have been negatively impacted by a data breach are not disqualified from access to classified information solely on the basis of a compromised credit score, and (2) establish a task force to develop specific recommendations on mitigating adverse consequences relating to data breaches.

Azores Cooperative Initiative Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Azores Cooperative Initiative Program Act This bill authorizes the Department of State to establish the Azores Cooperative Initiative Program to provide bilateral cooperation, expertise, and resources to design and implement solutions to the provisions of the 1995 United States-Portugal Agreement on Cooperation and Defense in areas of science, technology, education, environment and agriculture in order to further Luso-American relations.

Fair Opportunities for American Manufacturers Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Fair Opportunities for American Manufacturers Act This bill directs the Department of Defense to report to Congress on: efforts to engage U.S. manufacturers regarding opportunities to equip foreign military entities that receive U.S. assistance; an assessment of the estimated cost, including training, upgrading equipment, and meeting specifications, to U.S. manufacturers that wish to provide such goods; and strategies to engage U.S. manufacturers regarding such opportunities.

HIRE Vets Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2015 or the HIRE Vets Act This bill directs the Department of Labor to establish a HIRE Vets Medallion Program to solicit voluntary information from employers for purposes of recognizing, by the award of a HIRE Vets Medallion, verified efforts by these employers to: (1) recruit, employ, and retain veterans; and (2) provide community and charitable services supporting the veteran community.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the House should consider legislation to protect traditional marriage and prevent taxpayer funding of abortion.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Calls upon the Speaker of the House of Representatives to encourage committee chairs to schedule the following legislation for immediate consideration and, if reported favorably by their respective committees, for votes on the House floor: H.R. 2802, the First Amendment Defense Act; H. Res. 359, providing that the House of Representatives disagrees with the Supreme Court's majority opinion in Obergefell v . Hodges ; H.R. 3134, the Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2015; and H.R. 3197, the Protecting Life and Taxpayers Act of 2015.

Condemning Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army for continuing to perpetrate crimes against humanity, war crimes, and mass atrocities, and supporting ongoing efforts by the United States Government, the African Union, and governments and regional organizations in central Africa to remove Joseph Kony and Lord's Resistance Army commanders from the battlefield and promote protection and recovery of affected communities.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Condemns Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) for perpetrating crimes against humanity and mass atrocities, and supports efforts by the United States, the African Union (AU), the international community, and governments in central Africa to remove Joseph Kony and LRA commanders from the battlefield and promote protection and recovery for affected communities. Supports efforts to provide the Regional Task Force with the logistics support and authorizations needed to access areas of suspected LRA activity in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Urges the President to reauthorize the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces personnel in support of Operation Observant Compass. Urges the AU and the Regional Task Force, with the support of the European Union (EU), as well as the governments of Uganda, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to implement the United Nations (U.N.) Regional Strategy. Welcomes the continued LRA defections, and calls on governments in the region and the international community to support such demobilization. Calls on the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the heads of relevant U.S. agencies to utilize funds to: (1) enhance intelligence support to the Regional Task Force; (2) work with the U.N., the AU, and regional government partners to help non-indicted LRA members, abductees, and noncombatants defect; (3) expand efforts to prevent the LRA from funding its operations through the theft and trade of illicit ivory, gold, and diamonds; and (4) support rehabilitation and reintegration programs for abducted children, youth, and adults. Commends those members of the U.S. Armed Forces previously or currently deployed in support of Operation Observant Compass for their critical contributions to efforts to remove Joseph Kony and LRA commanders and protect civilians. Urges the President to develop a strategy aimed at supporting sustainable recovery and security within areas affected by the LRA in partnership with other donors and multilateral bodies, including the World Bank, the EU, and others.

Cyber Defense of Federal Networks Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Cyber Defense of Federal Networks Act of 2015 Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to implement plans to: (1) detect, identify, and remove intruders in federal agencies' information systems; and (2) make advanced network security tools available for agencies to improve visibility of network activity to detect and mitigate intrusions and anomalous activity. Directs DHS to coordinate with the OMB to: (1) update government information security metrics to include measures of intrusion and incident detection and response times, and (2) display additional metrics about agency cybersecurity postures on federal government performance websites. Authorizes DHS, upon an agency's request, to operate and maintain technology that is deployed to agencies to diagnose and mitigate cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Requires DHS to regularly assess and require implementation of best practices for securing agency information systems and preventing data exfiltration. Redefines for purposes of DHS's national cybersecurity and communications integration center: (1) "cybersecurity risk" to exclude actions that solely involve a violation of a consumer term of service or a consumer licensing agreement; and (2) "incident" to include occurrences that actually or imminently jeopardize, without lawful authority, an information system, thereby replacing a standard that currently includes a violation or imminent threat of violation of law, security policies, security procedures, or acceptable use policies. Requires DHS to assist agencies in implementing information security practices by: (1) providing incident detection, analysis, mitigation, and response information, disseminating related homeland security information, and providing remote or onsite technical assistance; (2) developing and conducting impact assessments in consultation with other governmental and private entities; (3) assessing and fostering technologies for use across multiple agencies; and (4) ensuring that policies are coordinated with standards for national security systems and policies of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Director of National Intelligence. Authorizes the DHS Secretary to: (1) issue a directive to an agency to take any lawful action with respect to the operation of an agency's information system in response to a known or reasonably suspected information security threat, vulnerability, risk, or incident, including an act of terrorism, that represents a substantial threat to information security; or (2) authorize, without prior consultation with the affected agency, the use of protective capabilities under the Secretary's control for communications or system traffic transiting to or from or stored on an agency information system if there is an imminent threat and a directive is unlikely to be timely. Exempts DOD and the intelligence community from such procedures.

Veterans Benefits Network Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Veterans Benefits Network Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to make a grant to an eligible entity to establish or expand a regional technology system to provide an active database and enrollment system that can be used by a network of private, public, and non-profit entities to assist veterans and their family members in applying for benefits and services offered by such entities.

Veterans Dignified Burial Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Veterans Dignified Burial Act Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) upon confirming the veteran status of a deceased veteran in the custody of a local medical examiner, funeral director, county service group, or other similar entity, to request from that entity the specific date of the veteran's scheduled interment; and (2) during each 30-day period following the request to repeat it until the entity confirms the scheduled internment date or that the veteran has been interred. Requires the VA, by March 1 of each year, to report to the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees on unclaimed deceased veterans interred after the 30-day period following the initial VA request.

Prohibiting Assistance to Nuclear Iran Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Prohibiting Assistance to Nuclear Iran Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to provide Iran with assistance (including the use of the U.S. Armed Forces) to develop, use, or protect any technology or other assets of its nuclear program. The President may waive such prohibition on a case-by-case basis if: (1) the President submits to Congress a certification that it is necessary to U.S. national interests to do so, and (2) Congress enacts a joint resolution approving such certification within five days of its submission.

To authorize the use of the Armed Forces of the United States against Iran if Iran commits a serious violation of its commitments or obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

This joint resolution expresses the sense of Congress that: the President should be commended for the commitment to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon and the willingness to explore a peaceful path to ensure Iran remains free of nuclear weapons; the President and the administration should be commended for exhausting diplomatic means in working with the P5+1 countries to reach the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) agreement with Iran that will ensure that Iran's civilian nuclear program becomes compliant with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) without jeopardizing the capability of the United States and U.S. allies to intervene militarily if such an option becomes necessary; and if the President determines that Iran's nuclear program becomes noncompliant under the JCPA agreement and poses a threat to U.S. national security, then the President should work with Congress to utilize appropriate measures, not limited to military intervention, to eliminate thath threat. The President is authorized to use the U.S. Armed Forces against Iran to dismantle Iran's nuclear infrastructure if the President: certifies to Congress that IAEA inspectors have determined that Iran has failed to comply with its JCPA obligations and the President determines that such failure is serious and a threat to U.S. national security; certifies to Congress that the provisions of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions relating to the application of sanctions against Iran have been re-imposed as a result of such failure; and provides to Congress a scope and strategy for the use of the Armed Forces. Congress declares that this Act is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution, and that nothing in this joint resolution supersedes any requirement of the War Powers Resolution. The President shall report to, and consult with, Congress on matters relevant to this joint resolution. Nothing in this joint resolution shall be construed to interfere or violate the President's inherent right to authorize limited military force in self-defense pursuant to the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution.

Supporting the goals and ideals of "Vietnam Veterans Day".

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Honors and recognizes the contributions of veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in Vietnam. Encourages states and local governments to designate a Vietnam Veterans Day. Encourages the people of the United States to observe Vietnam Veterans Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that: provide the appreciation that such veterans deserve, but did not receive upon returning home from the war; demonstrate the resolve that never again shall the people of the United States disregard or denigrate a generation of veterans; promote awareness of the contributions of such veterans during military service as well as to their communities; promote awareness of the importance of entire communities empowering veterans and their families readjust to civilian life after military service; and promote opportunities for Vietnam veterans to assist younger veterans returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

CONTINUING CONCERNS WITH THE FEDERAL SELECT AGENT PROGRAM: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SHIPMENTS OF LIVE ANTHRAX

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 July 2015

DXM Abuse Prevention Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2015

DXM Abuse Prevention Act of 2015 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the sale of a drug containing dextromethorphan (DXM) to an individual under age 18 unless the individual has a prescription or is actively enrolled in the military. Civil monetary penalties that escalate upon repeated violation are imposed. To possess or receive unfinished DXM, a person must be registered with the Department of Health and Human Services as a producer of a drug or medical device or otherwise allowed to engage in the practice of pharmacy, pharmaceutical production, or manufacture or distribution of drug ingredients. Unfinished DXM may be distributed only to these authorized persons. Common carriers distributing unfinished DXM between authorized persons are exempted. Civil monetary penalties are imposed for possession and distribution violations.

Afghanistan Accountability Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2015

Afghanistan Accountability Act of 2015 This bill expresses the sense of Congress with respect to U.S. assistance and accountability in Afghanistan. The Department of State shall develop an interagency strategy for U.S. assistance that is sustainable and is not counter-productive to combating corruption in Afghanistan. The President is authorized to provide technical and financial assistance to official government of Afghanistan anti-corruption and audit institutions and Afghan civil society watchdog groups in support of the anti-corruption priorities identified by the governments of Afghanistan and the United States. The State Department is urged to provide support for efforts of the government of Afghanistan to improve oversight and accountability of the Afghan National Security Forces, including the Afghan national and local police, and strengthen Afghan civil society and investigative journalists to provide oversight of these institutions. A Regional Economic Connectivity Fund is established from which funds may be made available to enhance regional economic connectivity between Afghanistan and the countries of South and Central Asia. The State Department shall submit an annual report through 2024, that identifies corrupt Afghanistan government officials, senior associates, or close relatives. The Government Accountability Office shall submit a report on civilian-military assistance efforts in Afghanistan.

To provide for the conveyance of land of the Illiana Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Danville, Illinois.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2015

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to convey to the Danville Area Community College of Danville, Illinois, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to certain real property, including improvements, known as Building Number 48, which is part of the VA Illiana Health Care System. As consideration for such conveyance the College shall convey to the United States all right, title, and interest in and to certain real property, including improvements, near the College Library Building.

VA Medical Center Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2015

Failing VA Medical Center Recovery Act This bill establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) an Office of Failing Medical Center Recovery, and (2) the position of Under Secretary for Failing Medical Center Recovery to head the Office. The Office shall carry out the managerial and day-to-day operational control of each VA failing medical center. The VA shall: publish in the Federal Register and on a publicly available VA website a compilation of key health metrics for each VA medical center; certify semiannually that each VA medical center ranked as "failing" is subject to managerial and day-to-day operational control by the Office; revoke the certification of a VA medical center as a failing medical center if it achieves a ranking of "satisfactory" or better for three consecutive fiscal quarters; submit to Congress a quarterly report on the Office, including actions taken by the Under Secretary regarding covered failing medical centers; and transfer each covered failing medical center from the direct control of the relevant Veterans Integrated Service Network to the direct control of the Under Secretary. The Inspector General of the VA shall prioritize investigations relating to covered failing medical centers, and the Office of Accountability Review shall prioritize investigations of whistle blower retaliation relating to such centers. Office employees shall be included in the VA education tuition reimbursement program.

State-Based Universal Health Care Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2015

State-Based Universal Health Care Act of 2015 This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to allow states to apply for waivers to health benefits coverage requirements in order to implement a universal health care plan. The state universal health care plan must be at least as comprehensive and affordable as coverage under federal health programs and cover substantially all state residents. States may apply to waive requirements for: health insurance exchanges, plans sold on exchanges, and the program to support nonprofit insurance issuers; reduced cost-sharing for individuals meeting income criteria; health insurance premium subsidies, employer shared responsibility payments, and minimum essential coverage; health benefits under titles XI (General Provisions), XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP) of the Social Security Act; federal employee health benefits; health benefits for members of the military; and health insurance under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must pay a state that assumes responsibility for health coverage currently provided under a federal health program the amount that would otherwise have been spent under the program. HHS, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Departments of the Treasury, Defense, and Labor must coordinate and consolidate this state waiver process with existing waiver processes to ensure consistency and avoid duplication of effort.