Defence

BAH Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

BAH Restoration Act This bill increases the monthly amount of the basic housing allowance for members of the uniformed services inside the United States. Specifically, the monthly amount of allowance for a member must be the amount of the monthly cost of adequate housing in the area, as determined by the Department of Defense, for members of the uniformed services serving in the same pay grade and same dependency status as the member.

Veterans’ Entry to Apprenticeship Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023

Veterans' Entry to Apprenticeship Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide the same amount and type of educational assistance to pre-apprenticeship programs as apprenticeship programs in certain circumstances. A pre-apprenticeship program is designed to prepare individuals to enter an apprenticeship program via education and training. In cases where a state does not require any program standards, a pre-apprenticeship program may be treated like an apprenticeship program for purposes of educational assistance if (1) the curriculum of the program is approved and certified by a sponsor, and (2) the program maintains conduct and attendance policies in accordance with a sponsor.

Veterans Mental and Behavioral Health Quality of Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023

Veterans Mental and Behavioral Health Quality of Care Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use an independent and objective outside organization to study the difference in the quality of care between behavioral and mental health care provided by VA providers and care provided by non-VA providers.

USS Frank E. Evans Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023

USS Frank E. Evans Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to authorize inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in the District of Columbia of the names of the 74 crew members of the USS Frank E. Evans killed on June 3, 1969.

To authorize the Secretary of the Army to award the Air Medal to Thomas Dewey Wise for service as a member of the Army during the Vietnam War.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023

This bill authorizes the Department of the Army to award the Air Medal to Thomas Dewey Wise for his service as a member of the Army during the Vietnam War.

To prohibit the use of Department of Defense funds for adult cabaret performances.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023

This bill prohibits the use of Department of Defense funds or facilities for hosting, advertising, or otherwise supporting an adult cabaret performance (i.e., a performance that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, or male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to prurient interest).

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024

United States · United States Senate · 1 June 2023

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2023 This bill extends increased dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving spouse of a veteran who dies from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) regardless of how long the veteran had such disease prior to death. Under current law, such compensation is paid for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death. For purposes of compensation for a surviving spouse of a veteran who dies from ALS, the spouse must have been married to the veteran for a continuous period of eight years or longer prior to the death of the veteran. Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must report on service-connected disabilities the VA determines should be treated in the same manner as ALS for purposes of dependency and indemnity compensation.

U.S.-Israel Partnership and Abraham Accords Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

U.S.-Israel Partnership and Abraham Accords Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill modifies and extends certain authorities related to Israel. For example, the bill  extends the authorization for the Department of Defense (DOD) to transfer certain defense items to Israel;  extends the authorization to finance cooperative projects among the United States, Israel, and developing countries related to water resources, agriculture, and energy storage;  extends energy cooperation and authorizes the Department of Energy to make grants to Israel to support advanced nuclear technologies, as well as for carbon capture, utilization, and storage;  requires the U.S. Agency for International Development to ensure that applicants from Abraham Accord countries are eligible for Middle East Regional Cooperation grants; and  requires the Department of State to report to Congress on U.S. diplomatic efforts to oppose politically motivated investigations against the United States and Israel at the International Criminal Court.

PLUS for Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services for Veterans Act of 2023 or the PLUS for Veterans Act of 2023 This bill modifies provisions related to agents and attorneys who represent veterans in Department of Affairs (VA) benefit claims. The VA must determine whether to recognize an individual as an agent or attorney for purposes of VA benefit claims within 90 days of receiving an application from such an individual. If the VA cannot verify whether the agent or attorney meets its qualifications and standards before the end of the 90 days, the VA must recognize the agent or attorney. If the VA determines after the 90-day period that such an agent or attorney does not meet the VA's qualifications and standards, the VA may suspend the individual without regard to notice and hearing procedures. The VA may not refuse to recognize an agent or attorney solely because the agent or attorney charges a fee for services rendered in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a claim. Additionally, the bill addresses and establishes the circumstances under which fees may be charged for the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a claim for VA benefits. Finally, the bill imposes criminal penalties on individuals for directly or indirectly soliciting, contracting for, charging, or receiving any unauthorized fee or compensation with respect to the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of any claim for VA benefits. The commission or attempted commission of such offenses is punishable by a fine, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

A resolution honoring the 125th anniversary of the Rough Riders in the Spanish American War and designating June 2, 2023, as "National Rough Rider Day".

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

This resolution designates June 2, 2023, as National Rough Rider Day.

China Defense Spending Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

China Defense Spending Transparency Act This bill requires the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) to submit a report to Congress comparing the defense budgets of the United States and China. The report must be made available to the public on the DIA website.

CARE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

Veteran Caregiver Application and Appeals Reform Act of 2023 or the CARE Act of 2023 This bill modifies the administration of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). First, the bill provides that relevant medical specialists must be part of the application review process for veterans and their family members applying to participate in the program. Under current law, the VA must provide notifications regarding decisions affecting the furnishing of assistance to individuals who submit applications for the program and their family caregivers. The bill requires that the VA provide such notifications to individuals who are being reassessed for eligibility to continue in the program. Additionally, the bill requires that such notifications include all criteria used to determine eligibility for assistance and how the criteria were used to evaluate information provided in assessments to determine eligibility. The bill also requires the VA to report annually on the program. Finally, the bill requires the VA to establish a process through which it may recognize organizations and individuals to assist veterans, their family members, or caregivers, in navigating the programs and services of the Veterans Health Administration. The VA must solicit feedback and recommendations from relevant organizations in the creation of such a process. In order to be recognized under the established process, individuals and organizations must certify that no fee or compensation will be charged to individuals for the provision of assistance.

A bill to waive time limitations in order to allow the Medal of Honor to be awarded to Gary Lee McKiddy, of Miamisburg, Ohio, for acts of valor while a helicopter crew chief and door gunner with the 1st Calvary Division during the Vietnam War.

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

This bill authorizes the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Gary Lee McKiddy of Miamisburg, Ohio, for acts of valor while serving in the 1st Cavalry Division of the Army, particularly on May 6, 1970, the day he died during a combat operation in Cambodia.

United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense to establish the United States-Israel Future of Warfare Research and Development Fund to conduct collaborative defense projects between the United States and Israel in areas of emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence). The purpose of the fund is to enable the U.S. Armed Forces and the military forces of Israel to meet emerging defense challenges.

Western Wildfire Support Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023

Western Wildfire Support Act of 2023 This bill establishes activities to address wildfires. The bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to establish spatial fire management plans before the end of FY2026. The bill establishes accounts in the Treasury for addressing wildfires, a program to train and certify citizens who wish to be able to volunteer to assist USDA or Interior during a wildland fire incident, a program to award grants to eligible states or units of local government to acquire slip-on tank and pump units for a surge capacity of resources for fire suppression, the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species, and the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board. The bill also requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to reimburse a state or federal agency for the costs of wildfire suppression as a result of a fire caused by DOD activity, requires the Joint Fire Science Program to work with unmanned aircraft test ranges to carry out research and development of unmanned aircraft system fire applications, requires federal and state disaster preparedness programs to include postdisaster assistance, and authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide funding to a state agency to establish and operate a website to provide information relating to postfire recovery funding and resources to a community or an individual impacted by a wildland fire.

EQUAL Defense Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023

Ensuring Quality Access to Legal Defense Act of 2023 or the EQUAL Defense Act of 2023 This bill establishes and modifies certain programs that support the delivery of public defense services (i.e., legal services for criminal defendants who cannot afford counsel). Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award grants to state and local governments, tribal organizations, and public defender offices for public defense. A grant recipient must use the grant to establish a data collection process, develop workload limits, and satisfy specified compensation requirements (e.g., pay parity between public defenders and prosecutors). The bill also directs DOJ to award grants to nonprofits and government organizations to train public defenders, court-appointed attorneys, and contract attorneys. Additionally, a state that receives Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program funds must annually submit to DOJ information related to the legal representation of defendants in criminal cases. Finally, it reauthorizes through FY2027 the student loan repayment program for prosecutors and public defenders and otherwise revises the program, including by increasing the maximum benefit amount.

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 · 31 May 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. The United States is the only entity liable for such a claim. This jurisdiction expires unless such a claim is filed within one year. All other claims of the tribe to title arising under the Treaty of Grouseland are extinguished.

Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023

Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report annually on the number of overdoses among servicemembers. DOD must also contract with a federally funded research and development center to prepare a report that includes, among other elements, an assessment of current barriers to determining overdose data. DOD must also establish standards for the distribution of, and training for the use of, naloxone (or other similar medication), opioid disposal materials, fentanyl test strips, and other materials to prevent or reverse overdoses, substance use disorder, or impacts related to substance misuse.

Abraham Accords Cybersecurity Cooperation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023

Abraham Accords Cybersecurity Cooperation Act of 2023 This bill allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to, in consultation with the Department of State, engage in activities to strengthen network defense and cybersecurity collaboration between Abraham Accords countries and the United States. This bill may not be construed to modify or expand any existing authority granted to DHS or the State Department. (The Abraham Accords are agreements to normalize or improve relations between Israel and four members of the Arab League: the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.)

Cara L. Abercrombie, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Kevin Fahey.

United States · United States Senate · 30 May 2023

Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2023

Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report annually on the number of overdoses among servicemembers. DOD must also contract with a federally funded research and development center to prepare a report that includes, among other elements, an assessment of current barriers to determining overdose data and recommendations for increasing access to treatment and preventing overdoses. DOD must also establish standards for the distribution of, and training for the use of, naloxone (or other similar medication), opioid disposal materials, fentanyl test strips, and other materials to prevent or reverse overdoses, substance use disorder, or impacts related to substance misuse.

Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2023

Start summary here.

Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2023

Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the use of corporal punishment in schools that receive federal funding. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to take specified actions (e.g., withholding funds and issuing cease-and-desist orders) for schools that allow school personnel, law enforcement officers, or school security guards to subject students to corporal punishment. The bill also establishes enforcement provisions, including a private right of action for a student who has been subjected to corporal punishment. Each state educational agency (SEA) that receives federal funding must submit specified information to ED, including a school climate report that describes the SEA's policies and procedures related to exclusionary and aversive discipline practices in schools. Additionally, the bill authorizes ED to award three-year grants to SEAs and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies to implement positive behavioral interventions and supports to address student behavior and reduce exclusionary and aversive discipline practices. ED must promulgate regulations as necessary to ensure compliance with the bill. The Department of Defense and the Department of the Interior must ensure that the schools they operate or fund also comply with these regulations.

Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2023

Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act This bill extends the period of eligibility for health benefits under TRICARE Reserve Select for immediate family members to three years beyond the date of the death of a member of a reserve component. Under current law, the eligibility period continues for six months beyond the date of the death.

Expressing support for Black service members this Memorial Day who gave their lives to protect and defend the United States at home and abroad despite facing racism in the Armed Forces and systemic inequities on United States soil.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2023

This resolution expresses support for Black service members who gave their lives to protect and defend the United States at home and abroad.

Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

This bill establishes the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration to administer economic opportunity assistance programs for veterans and their dependents and survivors. Specifically, the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration must administer the following Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs: vocational rehabilitation and employment programs, educational assistance programs, veterans' housing loan and related programs, the Transition Assistance Program, and the database of small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans. Prior to the transfer of administrative responsibilities, the bill requires the VA to certify that (1) the transition of the provision of services will not negatively affect the provision of such services to veterans, and (2) such services are ready to be transferred. The bill also establishes a cap on the number of full-time equivalent employees authorized for the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration for FY2024 and FY2025.

To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Lynchburg, Virginia, as the "Private First Class Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lynchburg, Virginia, as the Private First Class Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic.

Helping Homeless Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Helping Homeless Veterans Act of 2023 This bill permanently extends the following Department of Veterans Affairs programs and services: treatment and rehabilitation for seriously mentally ill veterans and homeless veterans, housing assistance for homeless veterans, financial assistance for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, a grant program for homeless veterans with special needs, and the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans.

Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to review and report on the budget requests for Department of Veterans Affairs medical care accounts in the President's submitted budgets for FY2024-FY2026. Medical care accounts are the following accounts of the Veterans Health Administration: Medical Services, Medical Support and Compliance, Medical Facilities, and Medical Community Care.

HUBS for Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Helping Unleash Benefits and Services for Veterans Act of 2023 or the HUBS for Veterans Act of 2023 This bill establishes a grant program to assist the transition of military personnel to civilian life. It directs the Department of Labor to carry out a five-year grant program for nonprofit organizations, state boards, or local boards to assist the transition of the following persons from Armed Forces service to civilian life: members eligible for preseparation counseling, former members who are transitioning to civilian life, and spouses of such members or former members. Funds must be used for a range of services and assistance, such as career and training services.

Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Processing Claims Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Processing Claims Improvement Act of 2023 This bill requires the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update an ongoing, national training program for claims processors who review compensation claims for service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Such claims processors will be required to participate in the training at least once a year starting in their second year of being a VA claims processor. The training program must be standardized at regional offices of the VBA and include instruction on stressor development and verification. The VBA must establish a formal process to annually analyze training needs based on identified processing error trends. Additionally, the VBA must establish a formal process to conduct annual studies to help guide the national training program for claims processors. Finally, the VBA must evaluate the guidance relating to PTSD to determine if updates are warranted to provide claims processors with better resources regarding best practices for claims processing, including specific guidance regarding development of claims involving compensation for service-connected PTSD.

Calling upon all Americans on this Memorial Day, 2023, to honor the men and women of the Armed Forces who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

This resolution calls on the people of the United States to observe Memorial Day to honor the men and women who died in the pursuit of freedom and peace.

Corporal Fernando Ruiz Baltazar Posthumous Citizenship Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Corporal Fernando Ruiz Baltazar Posthumous Citizenship Act of 2023 This bill extends posthumous citizenship to an otherwise qualified noncitizen who enlisted, reenlisted, extended enlistment, or was inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces in the Philippines and died as a result of such active duty service during the period beginning September 1, 1939, and ending December 31, 1946. The executive department under which an individual served must determine whether the individual satisfied the requirements for posthumous citizenship under this bill. Specified naturalization and other posthumous benefit provisions shall not apply to the surviving spouse, child, or parent of such an individual.

United Nations Voting Accountability Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

United Nations Voting Accountability Act of 2023 This bill prohibits giving assistance, such as various types of economic support or military training, to countries that shared U.S. positions on less than 50% of the recorded votes in the most recent United Nations session. A country may be exempted if there has been a fundamental change in the country's leadership and policies and the Department of State determines that the country will no longer oppose U.S. positions.

TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act This bill aligns eligibility for TRICARE health coverage with the age at which personnel of the Retired Reserve (former National Guard and Reserve members) begin receiving retired pay. Specifically, personnel of the Retired Reserve who are not yet age 60 but are receiving their retirement pay may purchase TRICARE health coverage for retired military personnel, rather than the presently allowed TRICARE Retired Reserve. Under current law, Reserve Component personnel may retire below age 60, but not below 50, based on active duty performance.

Douglas Mike Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Douglas "Mike" Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to award grants to eligible entities to research the treatment of certain members of the Armed Forces through the use of specified psychedelic substances (e.g., MDMA). Specifically, the research must focus on members of the Armed Forces who are serving on active duty and have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress, a traumatic brain injury, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Under the bill, eligible entities include federal or state government entities, academic institutions, and nonprofit entities.

Designating November 9th of each year as "Gold Star Father's Day".

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

This joint resolution expresses support for the designation of Gold Star Father's Day.

Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act This bill requires the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to jointly carry out a five-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing certain services and a module comprised of specified elements as part of the pre-separation transition process for members of the Armed Forces for the purpose of reducing the incidence of suicide among veterans.

To designate the clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Indian River, Michigan, as the "Pfc. Justin T. Paton Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

This bill designates the new community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Indian River, Michigan, as the Pfc. Justin T. Paton Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.

National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Act This bill designates the memorial and museum that is being constructed on an approximately 26-acre area on the POW-MIA Memorial Parkway in Jacksonville, Florida, as the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum. The director of the memorial and museum shall submit a report to Congress that includes a budget for the memorial and museum.

Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Poppy Day".

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Poppy Day and honors past and current members of the Armed Forces and their families.

SOS Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Stop Our Scourge Act of 2023 or the SOS Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to designate illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and requires the Office of National Drug Control Policy to conduct an assessment regarding that substance. Specifically, the office must assess foreign manufacturing of illicit fentanyl, the tools and capabilities across federal agencies to address trafficking of that substance, the capabilities of the Mexican military to conduct counterdrug missions with respect to that substance, the capacities and willingness of China to take specified actions with respect to that substance, and illicit fentanyl being trafficked into the United States from Mexico.

ACT for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

Addressing Care Timelines for Veterans Act or the ACT for Veterans Act This bill modifies the Veterans Community Care Program to extend the authorization period for emergency treatment furnished by non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care providers. Specifically, the bill authorizes the VA to deem as authorized emergency treatment provided to a covered veteran by a non-VA health care provider if such veteran or provider submits notification within 96 hours (currently 72 hours under VA regulations) of such emergency treatment. Covered veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system or those who are not enrolled but are eligible for care due to a service-connected disability.

Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a five-year pilot program to furnish, under the Veterans Community Care Program, hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Love Lives On Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

Love Lives On Act of 2023 This bill extends entitlement for various benefit programs and services for surviving spouses of deceased members of the Armed Forces or veterans. First, the bill removes the expiration on a surviving spouses' entitlement to educational assistance through the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship). The bill also provides that the remarriage of a surviving spouse must not bar the furnishing of dependency and indemnity compensation to such spouse. Next, the Department of Defense may not terminate the payment of an annuity for a surviving spouse under the Survivor Benefit Plan solely because the surviving spouse remarries. Additionally, the bill provides commissary store and MWR retail facility (e.g., exchange store) access to surviving spouses regardless of the martial status of the spouse. Such spouses must be entitled to use such stores and facilities to the same extent and on the same basis as surviving spouses who did not remarry. The bill expands the definition of a dependent under TRICARE to include a remarried widow or widower whose subsequent marriage has ended due to death, divorce, or annulment. Finally, the bill modifies the definition of a surviving spouse for purposes of veterans benefits to include same sex marriages.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to rescind guidelines and ensure the removal of signs and guidance relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to immediately rescind all guidelines relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. The VA must also ensure all signs and posted guidance related to COVID-19 are removed from its facilities (e.g., signage related to masking and social distancing).

Veterans Right to Expediency Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

Veterans Right to Expediency Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to deliver notice of the denial of claims for VA benefits by certified mail.

Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act This bill provides disability pay and medical care for members of the National Guard who were physically disabled as a result of state active duty. State active duty includes training or other duty in service to the governor of a state for which the member is not entitled to federal pay, but excludes required drills and field exercises. The bill expands eligibility for Department of Defense retired pay to such members who are physically disabled as a result of state active duty after September 23, 1996. Such pay must be reduced if it is determined to duplicate any other federal or state benefit to such members based on disability. The bill also makes such members eligible for hospital care and medical services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to treat the disability and any illness or condition arising from the disability. The VA may provide reimbursement for hospital care or medical services provided to such members only after a member or the provider of care has exhausted (without success) all claims and remedies reasonably available against a third party.

READI Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

Resist Executive Amnesty on Defense Installations Act or the READI Act This bill prohibits the use of a military installation to house an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States or undergoing removal proceedings.