Defence

To require the Comptroller General of the United States to report on the country of origin of end items and components procured by the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study the degree to which the Department of Defense is dependent on entities located in foreign countries for the procurement of end items (i.e., final products when assembled or completed and ready for issue, delivery, or deployment) and components (i.e., parts of end items or other components).

Abbey Gate Gold Star Families Dignified Transport Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

A resolution honoring the 50th anniversary of the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

This resolution recognizes the National Cemetery Administration on its 50th anniversary and commends the individuals who work for the administration.

Responsible Legislating Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2023

Responsible Legislating Act This bill establishes or modifies various federal programs, including programs to increase participation in tax-exempt retirement plans, assist members of the Armed Forces, and increase penalties for human trafficking. Among other provisions, the bill extends through FY2024 livestock mandatory reporting requirements under the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999; provides for apprenticeship training for members of the Armed Forces; makes various changes to tax-exempt pension plan provisions, including expanding automatic enrollment, increasing the tax credit for retirement savings contributions, and increasing the age for mandatory minimum distributions; establishes a Boots to Business Program to assist current and former members of the Armed Forces, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, interested in business ownership; increases criminal penalties for human trafficking and coercion and enticement in school zones; establishes the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture; requires a report on increasing foreign direct investment in semiconductor-related manufacturing and production; and directs the Federal Maritime Commission, through a federally-funded research and development center, to evaluate the effect of foreign ownership of marine terminals at the 15 largest U.S. container ports on U.S. economic security. The bill appropriates funds in FY2024 for programs or divisions of the Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, State, Defense, Homeland Security, and Energy.

Supporting Armenians Against Azerbaijani Aggression Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2023

Supporting Armenians Against Azerbaijani Aggression Act of 2023 This bill directs and authorizes certain actions aimed at supporting Armenia in its conflict with Azerbaijan. For example, the bill repeals presidential waiver authority that allows for certain foreign assistance to Azerbaijan; authorizes foreign military financing grants to Armenia for FY2024; requires the Department of State to submit a detailed strategy to Congress to ensure the durable security for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and a detailed report on alleged Azerbaijani atrocities in its attacks on Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh in 2022 and 2023; authorizes the State Department and USAID to implement activities related to development of Armenia's energy sector; requires the State Department to seek opportunities for partnership between U.S. and Armenian entities on science and technology; and requires the President to impose sanctions on certain Azerbaijani officials determined to have directed (1) operations instigating the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, (2) attacks on Armenia in September 2022, (3) the blockade of the Lachin corridor beginning in December 2022, or (4) attacks on Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023.

Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2023

Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act This bill prohibits a debt collector from threatening a service member with a reduction of rank, revocation of their security clearance, or military prosecution in the course of collecting a debt. The Government Accountability Office must report on the impact of this prohibition on the timely delivery of information to service members, military readiness, and national security.

Pay Our Military Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

Pay Our Military Act This bill provides continuing appropriations for military pay for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2024 are not in effect (i.e., a government shutdown). Specifically, the bill provides FY2024 continuing appropriations for the pay and allowances of (1) members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, who perform active service or inactive-duty training during the period; and (2) civilian employees and contractors of the Department of Defense (and the Department of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy) who are providing support to such members of the Armed Forces. If a government shutdown occurs, the bill provides the continuing appropriations until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) January 1, 2025. 

Pay Our Troops Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

Pay Our Troops Act This bill provides continuing appropriations for military pay for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2024 are not in effect (i.e., a government shutdown). Specifically, the bill provides FY2024 continuing appropriations for the pay and allowances of (1) members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, who perform active service during the period; and (2) civilian employees and contractors of the Department of Defense (and the Department of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy) who are providing support to such members of the Armed Forces. If a government shutdown occurs, the bill provides the continuing appropriations until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) January 1, 2025. 

Veteran Suicide Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

Veteran Suicide Prevention Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to complete a review of the deaths of all covered veterans who died by suicide during the five-year period preceding the enactment of this bill. Covered veterans are those who received VA hospital care or medical services during the five-year period preceding the death of the veteran. The VA shall report on the results of the review and make such report publicly available.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4365) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1130) to repeal restrictions on the export and import of natural gas; and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 684) condemning the actions of Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, for subverting the Second Amendment to the Constitution and depriving the citizens of New Mexico of their right to bear arms.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4365) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1130) to repeal restrictions on the export and import of natural gas; and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 684) condemning the actions of Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, for subverting the Second Amendment to the Constitution and depriving the citizens of New Mexico of their right to bear arms.

Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

Designating the week of September 24 through September 30, 2023, as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week".

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

This resolution designates an annual Gold Star Families Remembrance Week and recognizes the sacrifices made by veterans' families and the families of members of the Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to defend freedom and protect the United States.

TAP Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

TAP Promotion Act This bill requires that pre-separation counseling under the Transition Assistance Program include a presentation that promotes the benefits available to veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill also requires the VA to annually report on the presentation to (1) identify veterans service organizations that participate, (2) provide the number of members of the Armed Forces who attend, and (3) provide any recommendations for changes to the presentation.

Supporting Armenians Against Azerbaijani Aggression Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

Supporting Armenians Against Azerbaijani Aggression Act of 2023 This bill directs and authorizes certain actions aimed at supporting Armenia in its conflict with Azerbaijan. For example, the bill repeals presidential waiver authority that allows for certain foreign assistance to Azerbaijan; authorizes foreign military financing grants to Armenia for FY2024; requires the Department of State to submit a detailed strategy to Congress to ensure the durable security for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and a detailed report on alleged Azerbaijani atrocities in its attacks on Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh in 2022 and 2023; authorizes the State Department and USAID to implement activities related to development of Armenia's energy sector; requires the State Department to seek opportunities for partnership between U.S. and Armenian entities on science and technology; and requires the President to impose sanctions on certain Azerbaijani officials determined to have directed (1) operations instigating the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, (2) attacks on Armenia in September 2022, (3) the blockade of the Lachin corridor beginning in December 2022, or (4) attacks on Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023.

[H.A.S.C. No. 118-40] INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES ON DEFENSE INNOVATION AND DETERRENCE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 20 September 2023

Sanctions Lists Harmonization Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023

Sanctions List Harmonization Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Defense to notify each other when placing a foreign individual or entity on specified sanctions lists. Each department receiving a notification must conduct a review and determine whether to place such individual or entity on the lists under department responsibility. If a receiving department determines that the individual or entity does not belong on the department's lists, it must report the determination and reasons to Congress. Each of the departments must also notify Congress when it first considers placing an individual or entity on a list but determines not to place the individual or entity on the list.

To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Bloomington, Illinois, as the "Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Bloomington, Illinois, as the Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.

Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023

Put Our Neighbors to Work Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023

A bill to name the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Guntersville, Alabama, as the "Colonel Ola Lee Mize Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Guntersville, Alabama, as the Colonel Ola Lee Mize Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.

Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023

Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act This bill establishes the Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services. Among other duties, the commission must (1) identify and compile information on the policing of sexual orientation and gender identify in the uniformed services from the beginning of World War II and onward, (2) gather testimonies from LGBTQ members of the Armed Forces and veterans about their experiences, (3) examine the impacts of discriminatory policies and corresponding actions on the physical and mental well-being of members of the Armed Forces, and (4) recommend appropriate remedies to address the findings of the commission. The commission must submit a report of its findings to Congress no later than one year after its first meeting. 

Veterans Affairs Opportunity for Women-Owned Small Businesses Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023

[H.A.S.C. No. 118-39] Defense Cooperation with Taiwan

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 September 2023

Safe Medicine Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

Safe Medicine Act This bill addresses issues related to the manufacture of drugs, including essential medicines. The Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs must jointly develop and implement a strategy to increase the domestic production of essential medicines, medical countermeasures, and critical inputs. If the Food and Drug Administration determines that a drug or active pharmaceutical ingredient is manufactured in a country that may be producing contaminated drugs or ingredients due to systemic manufacturing-related problems, the labeling for that drug or ingredient must have a boxed warning about the potential for contamination. For government procurement purposes, the President's authority to waive certain purchasing requirements that discriminate against foreign products may not be used to waive any preferences for goods that are essential medicines, medical countermeasures, or critical inputs.

Protecting Veterans Claim Options Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with the city of Fargo, North Dakota, for the conveyance of certain land of the Department of Veterans Affairs at Fargo National Cemetery, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to, if certain conditions are met, enter into an agreement with the city of Fargo, North Dakota, to convey to the city an approximately 2.73-acre parcel of land located in the southeast corner of the proposed expansion of the Fargo National Cemetery. Specifically, after the VA acquires 29.06 acres adjacent to the original acreage of Fargo National Cemetery, the VA must convey such parcel upon written request from the city for the conveyance of the parcel. Under the agreement, the city must pay the VA an amount equal to the market value of the parcel as determined by a VA appraisal.

Preserve Military Recognition Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

Protecting American Food Producers from Russia’s Market Distortions Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

Protecting American Food Producers from Russia's Market Distortions Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the importation of certain agricultural products, raw materials, and food from Russia if the Russian government prohibits the importation of these products from the United States. Specifically, the bill prohibits the importation of Russian products that are classified under chapters 1-24 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (which includes, among other products, live animals, animal and vegetable products, seafood, prepared foodstuffs, and beverages). Further, the bill prohibits federal funds from being obligated or expended for the procurement of these products from Russia. These prohibitions shall terminate on the date on which the President determines and certifies to Congress that (1) the Russian government has terminated its prohibition on the importation of these products from the United States, (2) the Russian government and its proxies have withdrawn all military and paramilitary forces from Ukraine, and (3) the President has received credible commitments from the Russian government that it will not engage in hostile action against Ukraine in the future.

VA Emergency Transportation Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023

Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023

Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024 This bill provides continuing FY2024 appropriations for federal agencies through October 31, 2023. It also makes various changes to immigration law, including by imposing limits on asylum eligibility. DIVISION A--CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024 Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 This division provides continuing FY2024 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of October 31, 2023, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2024 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2024 begins on October 1, 2023. The CR generally funds defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and disaster relief programs at the FY2023 levels and reduces funding for other programs by 8.1%. It also includes several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. The division extends the National Flood Insurance Program and the Department of Agriculture's Livestock Mandatory Reporting program through October 31, 2023. The division also includes several provisions that prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from using the funds provided by the CR for various purposes related to immigration. DIVISION B--OTHER MATTERS This division exempts the budgetary effects of this division and each succeeding division from (1) the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO Act), (2) the Senate PAYGO rule, and (3) certain budget scorekeeping rules. DIVISION C--BORDER SECURITY This division requires certain actions related to border security. (Sec. 102) This section requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume all activities related to constructing a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border that were underway or planned prior to January 20, 2021. (Sec. 103) This section imposes additional requirements on DHS related to the construction of barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border. For example, the bill requires DHS to construct a border wall (including related infrastructure and technology) along at least 900 miles of that border, whereas currently DHS is required to have at least 700 miles of reinforced fencing along that border. This section also requires DHS to waive all legal requirements necessary to ensure the expeditious construction of the border barriers, whereas currently DHS is authorized to waive such requirements. (Sec. 104) This section requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to submit a strategic five-year technology investment plan to Congress. (Sec. 105) This section imposes certain documentation and acquisition-related standards on major border security technology acquisitions, generally those that cost at least $100 million based on FY2023 constant dollars. (Sec. 106) This section requires CBP to (1) ensure that each CBP officer or agent is equipped with a two-way communication device, (2) fully implement the Border Security Deployment Program (a border surveillance program), and (3) upgrade license plate readers as needed at ports of entry along the northern and southern borders. (Sec. 107) This section authorizes retention bonuses for eligible frontline U.S. Border Patrol law enforcement agents. The section also requires CBP to maintain an active duty presence of at least 22,000 full-time equivalent Border Patrol agents by September 30, 2025. (Sec. 108) This section modifies a provision that exempts certain applicants for CBP law enforcement positions from having to take a polygraph test. For example, this section provides this exemption to certain law enforcement officers, whereas currently the waiver is only available to eligible veterans. The waiver provision established by this section is not applicable during periods when CBP certifies that it has met certain staffing requirements. (Sec. 109) This section requires CBP to implement a workload staffing model for the Border Patrol and CBP Air and Marine Operations. (Sec. 110) This section provides statutory authorization for Operation Stonegarden, a program which provides grants to law enforcement agencies that are (1) in a state with an international land or maritime border, and (2) involved in an active CBP operation coordinated through the Border Patrol. (Sec. 111) This section establishes certain requirements for CBP Air and Marine Operations. For example, CBP must ensure that its Air and Marine Operations (1) carry out at least 110,000 flight hours each year, and (2) operate unmanned aircraft systems (drones) on the southern border 24 hours a day. (Sec. 112) This section requires DHS to hire contractors to begin eradicating certain plant growth along the Rio Grande River that impedes border security operations. (Sec. 113) This section requires the Border Patrol to issue a Border Patrol Strategic Plan to enhance border security. (Sec. 115) This section prohibits DHS from (1) processing the entry of non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) arriving in between ports of entry; (2) providing funds to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that facilitate or encourage unlawful activity; or (3) providing funds to NGOs that provide certain services, such as lodging or immigration legal services, to inadmissible non-U.S. nationals who enter the United States. (Sec. 116) This section requires DHS to ensure that CBP is, within 14 days of this bill's enactment, fully compliant with federal DNA and biometric collection requirements at U.S. land borders. (Sec. 117) This section requires CBP to periodically review and update, as necessary, manuals and policies related to inspections at ports of entry to ensure the uniformity of inspection practices to effectively detect illegal activity along the border, such as the smuggling of drugs and humans. (Sec. 118) This section requires CBP to publish information monthly about CBP encounters with non-U.S. nationals, including the total number of encounters and the nationalities of the individuals encountered. (Sec. 119) This section requires CBP to, within seven days of this bill's enactment, certify to Congress that CBP has real-time access to the criminal history databases of all countries of origin and transit for non-U.S. nationals encountered by CBP. (Sec. 120) This section prohibits the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from accepting as proof of identification certain documents, such as a warrant issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or an employment authorization issued by DHS. The TSA must collect the biometric information of any individual who (1) seeks to enter the aircraft boarding area of an airport where access is controlled by the TSA, (2) does not present an accepted identification document, and (3) the TSA cannot verify is a U.S. national. The TSA must share this collected biometric information with the Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT). (Sec. 121) This section prohibits DHS from (1) issuing any COVID-19 vaccine mandate unless expressly authorized by Congress, or (2) taking any adverse action against an employee based solely on the employee's refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. (Sec. 122) This section limits the use of the CBP One mobile application or a similar program. Specifically, DHS may only use such an application for inspecting perishable cargo. (Sec. 124) This section requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report to Congress on the costs incurred by states in support of the federal mission to secure the southwest border and the feasibility of reimbursing states for such costs. (Sec. 125) This section requires the Office of Inspector General of DHS to annually report to Congress on the economic and security impact of mass migration to municipalities and states along the southwest border. (Sec. 126) This section specifies that no funds are authorized to be appropriated for specified DHS activities, including a pilot program for alternatives to detention or purchasing electric vehicles. (Sec. 128) This section requires the Office of Inspector General of DHS to report to Congress an assessment of CBP's ability to mitigate unmanned aircraft systems along the southwest border. DIVISION D--IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS TITLE I--ASYLUM REFORM AND BORDER PROTECTION This title imposes additional requirements for asylum eligibility. (Sec. 101) This section expands provisions that bar certain individuals from applying for asylum. Currently, an individual may not apply for asylum if that individual may be removed to a third country (i.e., a country that is not the applicant's country of nationality or last habitual residence) if that third country has (1) a full and fair asylum process that the individual could use, and (2) an agreement with the United States allowing for such removals. This section expands this provision by authorizing removal to third countries that do not have an agreement with the United States. This section also bars an individual from applying for asylum if the individual traveled through at least one third country before arriving in the United States, with certain exceptions (e.g., the individual applied for and was denied asylum in that third country). (Sec. 102) This section modifies the standard for establishing an asylum applicant's credible fear of persecution. Specifically, to find credible fear, an asylum officer must find that the applicant could more likely than not establish eligibility for asylum. Currently, an asylum officer must conclude that there is a significant possibility that the applicant could establish eligibility for asylum. (Sec. 103) This section limits asylum eligibility to individuals who arrived in the United States at a port of entry. (Sec. 104) This section expands the types of crimes that may make an individual ineligible for asylum, such as a conviction for (1) a misdemeanor relating to the unlawful possession or use of an identification, (2) an offense for driving while intoxicated causing another person's serious bodily injury or death, or (3) any felony. This section further expands this bar to asylum eligibility by broadening the definition of felony to include any crime that is punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. (Some states have misdemeanors that are punishable by imprisonment of more than a year.) Currently, a felony is generally not a bar against asylum eligibility, though certain felonies, such as one for a particularly serious crime, would bar an individual if the individual constitutes a danger to the community. (Sec. 105) This section establishes a duration of six months for an employment authorization for an applicant for asylum. Such an employment authorization may also be renewed for six months or terminated under specified conditions. (Sec. 106) This section requires DHS to charge a fee for each asylum application, except for one filed by an unaccompanied alien child. Currently, DHS is authorized but not required to charge such fees. The section also authorizes DHS to charge fees for a refugee's application for employment authorization or for lawful permanent resident status. (Sec. 107) This section increases the requirements for qualifying as a refugee. Generally, a refugee must have a well-founded fear of persecution based on certain characteristics, such as the individual's race, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The section establishes additional requirements for meeting these criteria. For example, such persecution may not be based solely on (1) infrequently enforced laws or government policies unless there is credible evidence that the law or policy would be personally applied to the individual, or (2) conduct of rogue government officials acting outside their official capacity. Furthermore, to be a member of a particular social group, the asylum applicant must establish that the group exists independently of the alleged acts of persecution (i.e., the group cannot be defined solely as the victims of the alleged persecution). The section also imposes limits on when DHS or DOJ may exercise discretion in favor of an asylum applicant. For example, favorable discretion may not be exercised, with certain exceptions, for an applicant who (1) has been unlawfully present in the United States for more than one year before applying for asylum; or (2) failed to file federal, state, or local tax returns. (Sec. 108) This section establishes certain situations when an asylum applicant must be considered to have firmly resettled in another country. (Generally, an individual who has firmly resettled in a country that is not their country of nationality is not eligible for asylum.) For example, an individual must be considered to have firmly resettled in another country if, after the events giving rise to the asylum claim, the individual resided in a country where the individual was eligible for any permanent or indefinitely renewable legal immigration status, such as refugee status. (Sec. 109) This section establishes a statutory definition of what constitutes a frivolous asylum application, whereas currently this definition is defined in regulations. Under this bill, an application is frivolous if (1) it is so insufficient in substance that it is clear that it was filed to achieve another objective, such as to delay removal; or (2) any material elements are knowingly fabricated. (Sec. 111) This section requires DOJ to establish procedures to expedite the adjudication of asylum applications from individuals who are (1) subject to formal removal proceedings; and (2) nationals of a Western Hemisphere country subject to sanctions related to Cuba, Nicaragua, or Venezuela. TITLE II--BORDER SAFETY AND MIGRANT PROTECTION (Sec. 201) This section expands the category of non-U.S. nationals who are subject to expedited removal (i.e., removal without further hearing or review) and addresses related issues. Specifically, this section requires expedited removal for individuals who are unlawfully present or who unlawfully entered the United States. (Currently, DHS may, but is not required to, apply expedited removal to unlawfully present individuals who have been physically present in the United States for less than two years.) This section also requires, with certain exceptions, detention for individuals who (1) are subject to expedited removal, (2) are subject to expedited removal and have expressed an intention to apply for asylum, or (3) have established a credible fear of persecution and are awaiting consideration of an asylum application. If DHS cannot comply with this detention requirement or remove an individual to a safe third country, DHS must return the individual to the neighboring country that the individual traveled through to reach the United States while the individual's case is pending. A state may sue DHS to enforce the requirements imposed by this section. This section also authorizes DHS to suspend the introduction of certain non-U.S. nationals at an international border if DHS determines that the suspension is necessary to achieve operational control of that border. (Sec. 202) This section requires DHS to take all actions necessary to reopen or restore all ICE detention facilities that were in operation on January 20, 2021. TITLE III--PREVENTING UNCONTROLLED MIGRATION FLOWS IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE (Sec. 302) This section requires the Department of State to seek to negotiate agreements with Western Hemisphere countries on cooperation and burden sharing on issues related to asylum seekers and immigration. (Sec. 303) This section requires the State Department to periodically brief Congress on the process of its negotiations pursuant to the previous section of this bill. TITLE IV--ENSURING UNITED FAMILIES AT THE BORDER (Sec. 401) This section statutorily establishes that there is no presumption that an alien child (other than an unaccompanied child) should not be detained for immigration purposes. Specifically, the section states that the detention of such minors shall be governed by specified sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act and not any other provision of law, judicial ruling, or settlement agreement. (A 1997 settlement agreement, commonly known as the Flores agreement, imposes requirements relating to the treatment of detained alien minors, including requiring such minors to be released or placed in a nonsecure facility after a certain amount of time in detention.) If an adult enters the United States unlawfully with their child, DHS must detain the adult and child together if the only criminal charge against the adult is for unlawful entry. This section also prohibits states from imposing licensing requirements on immigration detention facilities used to detain minors or families with minors. TITLE V--PROTECTION OF CHILDREN (Sec. 502) This section modifies the treatment of unaccompanied alien children, including by requiring DHS to remove such children, with some exceptions, from the United States. Current law authorizes DHS to remove an unaccompanied alien child to their country of nationality or last habitual residence if that country is next to the United States. This section (1) eliminates the requirement that the country is next to the United States; and (2) requires DHS to remove the child, whereas currently DHS is authorized to do so. This section also authorizes immigration officers to permit such a child to withdraw their application for admission into the United States even if the child is unable to make an independent decision to withdraw the application. This section also establishes and modifies deadlines for the handling of unaccompanied alien children. For example, if the child is a victim of a severe form of human trafficking or has a credible fear of persecution, the child must be placed in formal removal proceedings and have a hearing before an immigration judge within 14 days of screening. Furthermore, before DHS places an unaccompanied alien child with an individual, the Department of Health and Human Services must provide DHS with certain information about the individual, including the individual's social security number and immigration status. DHS must initiate removal proceedings if the individual is unlawfully present. (Sec. 503) This section tightens the eligibility requirements for Special Immigrant Juvenile visas (immigrant visas for qualifying non-U.S. nationals under 21 years of age who are in the United States and have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent). Currently, an otherwise eligible individual may qualify for the visa if the individual cannot reunite with one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment (i.e., an individual may qualify even if reunification with one parent is possible). Under this section, an individual shall not qualify for the visa if reunification is possible with any parent or legal guardian. TITLE VI--VISA OVERSTAYS PENALTIES (Sec. 601) This section increases the civil penalties for unlawful entry into the United States and establishes criminal penalties for overstaying a visa. An individual apprehended while unlawfully entering the United States shall be subject to a fine of at least $500 and up to $1,000 (currently at least $50 and up to $250). If an individual overstays a visa (or otherwise fails to comply with the conditions of a visa) for 10 days or more, on first offense the individual shall be subject to fines or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. For subsequent violations, the individual shall be subject to fines or imprisonment of up to two years, or both. TITLE VII--IMMIGRATION PAROLE REFORM (Sec. 701) This section limits the authority of DHS to grant parole (temporary admission into the United States for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit that is granted on a case-by-case basis). Under this section, DHS may not grant parole based on eligibility criteria describing an entire class of potential parole recipients. This section restricts DHS from granting parole to non-U.S. nationals who are already in the United States, with specified exceptions, such as for certain individuals who already have an approved petition for a family-sponsored visa and are the spouse or child of an active duty member of the Armed Forces. The section further restricts the authority of DHS to grant parole, including by limiting (1) what constitutes granting parole on a case-by-case basis, (2) the authority to grant parole to purposes laid out in the section, and (3) the length of the parole period that may be granted to an individual. (Sec. 702) This title takes effect 30 days after enactment of this bill, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 703) This section authorizes persons (individuals or entities), states, and local governments to sue the federal government for failing to comply with this title's requirements if the person or government bringing the lawsuit suffered at least $1,000 of financial harm as a result of the failure.

To authorize the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Marcelino Serna for acts of valor as a private in the Army during World War I.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023

This bill authorizes the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Marcelino Serna for acts of valor during his service in the Army during World War I, for which he was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

Pay Our Military Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023

Pay Our Military Act of 2023 This bill provides continuing appropriations for military pay for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2024 are not in effect (i.e., a government shutdown). Specifically, the bill provides FY2024 continuing appropriations for the pay and allowances of (1) members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, who perform active service during the period; and (2) civilian personnel and contractors of the Department of Defense (and the Department of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard) who are providing support to such members of the Armed Forces. If a government shutdown occurs, the bill provides the continuing appropriations until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) January 1, 2025. 

A resolution designating the week of September 24 through September 30, 2023, as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week".

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023

This resolution designates the week of September 24 through September 30, 2023, as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week and recognizes the sacrifices made by veterans' families and the families of members of the Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to defend freedom and protect the United States.

To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Guntersville, Alabama, as the "Colonel Ola Lee Mize Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Guntersville, Alabama, as the Colonel Ola Lee Mize Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.

Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to Dustoff crews (helicopter air ambulance crews) of the Vietnam War in recognition of their heroic military service.

Veteran Medical Exams for Distant Areas Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the employment and reemployment rights of members of the uniformed services to other law.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

To amend title 10, United States Code, to give the Secretary of Defense authority to build capacity of foreign security forces with respect to certain fishing operations.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

Expressing the sense of Congress that all trade agreements the United States enters into, should provide reasonable access and collaboration of each nation involved in such an agreement, for the purpose of search and recovery activities relating to members of the United States Armed Forces still missing and unaccounted for from prior wars or military conflicts.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that all trade agreements the United States enters into with a foreign country should provide reasonable collaboration with that country for the purpose of search, investigation, and recovery activities for U.S. personnel missing and unaccounted for from prior wars or military conflicts.

To prohibit the use of Federal funds to provide to certain aliens covered shelter or housing on military installations located in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

This bill prohibits federal funds from being spent on providing shelter or housing to certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) on military installations in any state or the District of Columbia. Specifically, this prohibition shall apply to non-U.S. nationals who were not admitted into the United States. 

Wounded Warrior Access Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

Wounded Warrior Access Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a secure online tool or website to enable a claimant or their representative to make records requests related to VA claims and benefits. Requests for records must specify in which format the copy is desired. The VA must notify a requester within 10 days that their request has been received and must fulfill the request within 120 days. The bill also requires the VA to ensure that each time a claimant logs in to a website or online tool of the VA, the website or online tool displays in plain language (1) a warning regarding violations of laws related to agents and attorneys, (2) a link to an online tool to report violations, (3) a link to an online tool to search for a VA-recognized agent or attorney, and (4) a link to a website or online tool providing final decisions on discipline of agents and attorneys for violations.

A resolution urging all members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to spend a minimum of 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

This resolution expresses that a lack of sufficient progress by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries in achieving a minimum of 2% of gross domestic product on defense spending is politically and economically unsustainable. The resolution also (1) commends certain NATO member countries for contributing to 10% or more of NATO's direct funding and programs budget, (2) commends certain NATO member countries for meeting or exceeding their defense spending commitment, and (3) commends certain NATO member countries for contributing significant weapons and equipment to Ukraine.

Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act This bill authorizes through FY2027 construction grants under the Impact Aid program. The Impact Aid program provides funding to local educational agencies (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). Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Education (ED), based on applications submitted by LEAs that are eligible to receive payments under the Impact Aid program, to establish a priority listing for grant awards based on facility condition. Further, ED must comply with specified requirements when making grant payments under this bill. For example, ED must provide a grant in full to an LEA that (1) has a facility in violation of a building code that represents a health hazard and which fails to meet other standards, and (2) has no capacity to issue bonds. ED must also require an LEA that has the capacity to issue bonds to pay a percentage of the total cost of the project supported with grant funds. ED must annually report to Congress on the projects carried out under this bill.

A bill to provide for the equitable settlement of certain Indian land disputes regarding land in Illinois, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

This bill confers jurisdiction to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma's land claim arising under the Treaty of Grouseland. The court must render judgement without regard to the statute of limitations or any delay-based defense. This jurisdiction expires unless such a claim is filed within one year. All other claims, including any future claims, of the tribe to land in Illinois are extinguished.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend and modify certain authorities and requirements relating to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

This bill extends the eligibility or applicability of various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and benefits. First, the bill extends from three to five years the authority for additional licensed health care professionals (i.e., physician assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, and psychologists) to perform medical disability examinations as part of the existing VA pilot program related to the use of contract physicians for disability examinations. Currently, when an individual transfers fewer than 12 credits from a program of education that is closed or disapproved, the individual is deemed to have not received those credits, and no charge from the individual's entitlement to education assistance may be made for that period of enrollment. Under the bill, this period of relief for those affected by a closure or disapproval is extended by two years to apply to programs that close or discontinue before September 30, 2025. The bill extends through FY2028 the authorization for VA emergency preparedness for public health emergencies. The bill also extends the applicability of certain loan fee rates through November 15, 2031, under the VA's home loan program.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1435) to amend the Clean Air Act to prevent the elimination of the sale of internal combustion engines, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4365) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1435) to amend the Clean Air Act to prevent the elimination of the sale of internal combustion engines, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4365) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.

Nuclear Forensics Authority Realignment Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

Drone Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

Drone Reform Act This bill prohibits the use of armed unmanned aerial vehicles (e.g., drones) by any department or agency other than the Department of Defense. Further, the bill provides that only uniformed members of the Armed Forces may (1) operate or order the operation of an armed unmanned aerial vehicle; or (2) operate, fire, or order the operation or firing of any weapon or other munition carried on an armed unmanned aerial vehicle.