Defence

Chinese Military and Surveillance Company Sanctions Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

Chinese Military and Surveillance Company Sanctions Act of 2021 This bill requires the President to impose property-blocking sanctions on Communist Chinese military companies upon certain findings. Specifically, if the President determines that imposing sanctions on a foreign person would address certain threats related to the financing of Chinese Communist military companies, the President must impose sanctions on that person provided that the person is identified (1) as a Communist Chinese military company in a specified report to Congress or in a November 17, 2020, executive order, or (2) by the Department of the Treasury as having engaged in transactions in the publicly traded securities (or derivatives) of a Communist Chinese military company.

Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 19 through September 25, 2021, as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week".

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

This resolution supports the designation of 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.

No Militarization of Space Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

No Militarization of Space Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop and report on a plan to transfer all authorities, duties, functions, missions, personnel, units, facilities, and assets from the Space Force to the appropriate commands of the Armed Forces. As soon as practicable after such report is submitted and no later than one year after the enactment of this bill, DOD must abolish the Space Force as an armed force within the Department of the Air Force. During the period preceding the abolishment of the Space Force, DOD is prohibited from transferring any authorities, duties, functions, missions, personnel, units, facilities, or assets from another armed force to the Space Force. Any authorities, duties, functions, missions, personnel, units, facilities, and assets of the Space Force must be transferred to the Air Force Space Command (or other applicable command) upon the abolishment of the Space Force.

Preventing the Recognition of Terrorist States Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

Preventing the Recognition of Terrorist States Act of 2021 This bill imposes sanctions related to the Taliban and addresses other related issues. The President must impose sanctions on foreign individuals and entities that knowingly provide significant support to the Taliban or senior Taliban members. The bill also repeals an exception to existing sanctions against certain entities related to energy, shipping, and shipbuilding in Iran. Specifically, the bill repeals a provision authorizing the President to exempt certain entities involved in the reconstruction of Afghanistan from such sanctions. No federal department or agency may take any action that states or implies recognition of the Taliban's claim of sovereignty over Afghanistan. The bill also bars the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Department of Defense from using federal funds to prepare or implement any policy that extends diplomatic recognition to the Taliban-controlled government in Afghanistan. The State Department must designate (1) the government of Afghanistan as a state sponsor of terrorism, and (2) the Taliban as a foreign terrorist organization. Furthermore, USAID must take appropriate steps to ensure that certain foreign assistance provided in or for certain countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, is not going to or through any individual or entity involved in terrorist activity. The bill also prohibits using certain federal funds to provide direct assistance to any country where the duly elected head of government has been deposed in a coup or decree in which the military played a decisive role.

Prime CUTS Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

Prime Cancel Unnecessary Transactions and Spending Act or the Prime CUTS Act This bill restricts certain spending by federal agencies. It also authorizes the U.S. Mint to modify the metallic composition of circulating coins to a new metallic composition under specified circumstances and terminates the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. Specifically, the bill limits the amount of discretionary spending that an executive agency may obligate in the two-month period immediately preceding the end of a fiscal year. The bill authorizes the Department of Defense to consolidate infrastructure at its distribution centers to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the supply chain and inventory management. The bill prohibits specified federal spending to purchase, acquire, or distribute swag and requires each agency to report on public relations and advertising spending. Swag is merchandise (typically displaying an agency's name or seal) that is commonly distributed to all employees or participants at a particular event for the sole purpose of promoting or advertising the agency or organization. The bill prohibits the use of federal funds for certain transit and rail projects.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 This bill authorizes Department of Defense (DOD) activities for FY2022 and addresses related issues. For example, the bill provides or extends procurement authority for certain helicopters and amphibious shipbuilding programs; requires DOD to establish executive education activities on emerging technologies for certain officers and civilian leaders; provides statutory authority related to DOD Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories, including direct hire authority with respect to advanced degree holders for positions at such laboratories; establishes within DOD a working group to develop a plan for creating a digital development infrastructure that supports tools and processes for developing and fielding applications powered by artificial intelligence; requires DOD core processes, such as acquisition and infrastructure planning, to fully consider and make needed adjustments to account for current and emerging climate and environmental challenges and to ensure climate resilience; expands Selective Service registration to include women; requires DOD to track allegations of retaliation against individuals who have made complaints of sexual assault or sexual harassment; requires DOD to implement certain recommendations from the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military; repeals a preference for fixed-price contracts in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; prohibits DOD from acquiring personal protective equipment from non-allied foreign nations, with some exceptions; extends and modifies authorities to assist vetted Syrian groups and individuals, provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, and support the activities of the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq; and extends and modifies the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative and the Pacific Deterrence Initiative.

Full Faith and Credit Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

Full Faith and Credit Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to prioritize certain obligations if the federal debt limit is reached and provides for a limited increase in the debt limit to fund these priorities. If the federal government reaches the debt limit, the following obligations must be given equal priority over all other federal obligations: the principal and interest on the debt held by the public; Social Security benefits; pay and allowances for members of the Armed Forces on active duty and members of the U.S. Coast Guard; compensation, pensions, and payments for medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Medicare programs. If the debt limit has been reached and incoming revenue will be insufficient to pay the priority obligations over an upcoming two-week period, the bill requires (1) Treasury to notify Congress of the expected revenue shortfall for the two-week period, and (2) the debt limit to be increased by the amount of the expected shortfall. If the incoming revenue exceeds the expected shortfall, the excess revenue must be held in reserve and applied to the following two-week period.

Ulysses S. Grant Bicentennial Recognition Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

Ulysses S. Grant Bicentennial Recognition Act This joint resolution authorizes the President to posthumously appoint Ulysses S. Grant to the grade of General of the Armies of the United States, effective on April 27, 2022.

A bill to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Angelo, Texas, as the "Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Angelo, Texas, as the Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic or the Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the role of doctors of podiatric medicine in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

This bill generally aligns the position of podiatrists with that of physicians for pay and grade purposes within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Additionally, the bill replaces the Director of Podiatric Service position with a Podiatric Medical Director to be responsible for the operation of the podiatric service at the VHA. Such director must be a qualified doctor of podiatric medicine.

VA Governors Challenge Expansion Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

VA Governors Challenge Expansion Act of 2021 This bill provides statutory authority for the Governors Challenge Program and otherwise revises the program. The program assists states and local communities with developing and implementing veteran suicide prevention activities. In particular, the bill expands the program by directing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make grants to states and American Indian and Alaska Native tribes for developing and implementing plans to prevent veteran suicides. Further, the bill requires the VA to provide technical assistance to tribes.

Unlawful Turn-Aways Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

Unlawful Turn-Aways Act of 2021 This bill addresses training for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees regarding discharge eligibility standards for VA benefits and services, requires notification of eligibility for VA benefits and services for individuals who were discharged or released from active service under conditions characterized as neither honorable nor dishonorable, and modifies the requirements of eligibility for certain mental and behavioral health care related to military sexual trauma, readjustment counseling, and related mental health services.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3755) to protect a person’s ability to determine whether to continue or end a pregnancy, and to protect a health care provider’s ability to provide abortion services; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4350) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2022 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5305) making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for providing emergency assistance, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3755) to protect a person's ability to determine whether to continue or end a pregnancy, and to protect a health care provider's ability to provide abortion services; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4350) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2022 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5305) making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for providing emergency assistance, and for other purposes.

To appropriate amounts to be made available for the procurement of an Iron Dome system by Israel, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

This bill provides $1 billion in appropriations for the Department of Defense to provide to the government of Israel for the procurement of the Iron Dome defense system to counter short-range rocket threats.

REEF Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

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

Enhanced Protection from Unmanned Aircraft Attacks Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

Enhanced Protection from Unmanned Aircraft Attacks Act This bill allows the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, and Energy to contract with other entities in order to protect U.S. facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft. The Federal Acquisition Regulation must be updated accordingly within 180 days of the date of enactment of the bill.

Unlawful Turn-Aways Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

Unlawful Turn-Aways Act of 2021 This bill addresses training for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees regarding discharge eligibility standards for VA benefits and services, requires notification of eligibility for VA benefits and services for individuals who were discharged or released from active service under conditions characterized as neither honorable nor dishonorable, and modifies the requirements of eligibility for certain mental and behavioral health care related to military sexual trauma, readjustment counseling, and related mental health services.

Acting on the Annual Duplication Report Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

Acting on the Annual Duplication Report Act of 2021 This bill establishes requirements to facilitate the implementation of certain recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office. Specifically, the Department of Defense, through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, must review options for expanding the use of administrative surcharges under the foreign military sales program. The bill modifies the calculation of military housing contractor pay for privatized military housing. With respect to the Department of Education, the bill revises requirements regarding forbearance rules and default rates. The Department of Energy must conduct a review of options for a long-range target for the optimal size and configuration of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The Department of Housing and Urban Development must report on the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), including (1) the adequacy of Ginnie Mae's guarantee fee for single-family mortgage-backed securities, (2) Ginnie Mae's workforce, and (3) alternate ways of overseeing Ginnie Mae. The Department of the Treasury must prescribe certain standards for the security of tax return information and information technology systems. The bill establishes a penalty for authorized providers of electronic filing services that fail to comply with electronic return security standards. The Internal Revenue Service must develop an organizational plan to coordinate all aspects of its efforts to protect return information while it is being held or transmitted by authorized providers of electronic filing services.

COVID–19 Vaccine Dishonorable Discharge Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Dishonorable Discharge Prevention Act This bill provides that a member of the Armed Forces who was discharged on the basis of choosing not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine may only receive an honorable discharge.

A resolution designating the week of September 19 through September 25, 2021, as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week".

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

This resolution designates the week of September 19 through September 25, 2021, 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.

Nickolas Guertin, of Virginia, to be Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, Department of Defense, vice Robert Behler.

United States · United States Senate · 20 September 2021

John Bradley Sherman, of Texas, to be Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense, vice Dana S. Deasy.

United States · United States Senate · 20 September 2021

Every Veteran Counts Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2021

Every Veteran Counts Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a database of specified demographics (e.g., age) of veterans. The data must be in a machine-readable format and anonymized to protect sensitive personal information. The VA must provide access to the database on a publicly accessible website that is updated at least once a year. Additionally, the VA must report on the progress, challenges, performance, and opportunities of implementing its data strategy. The report must be made available on the VA's open data website in a machine-readable format.

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2021

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2021 This bill extends various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs. First, the bill permanently extends the VA's authority to administer a dental insurance plan for veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and certain survivors and dependents of veterans. Next, the bill extends through FY2022 the expansion of the program that authorizes payments and allowances for beneficiary travel in connection with veterans who are receiving care from Vet Centers. Finally, the bill extends authority through December 16, 2026, for the pilot program under which the VA may accept donations of real property or facilities from specified entities (e.g., a state or local authority).

To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a tiger team to perform outreach regarding the process by which a member of the Armed Forces, discharged on the basis of sexual orientation, may apply for review of the characterization of such discharge.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2021

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct outreach to build awareness among former members of the Armed Forces of the process established for the review of discharge characterizations related to sexual orientation (i.e., on the basis of Don't Ask, Don't Tell or a similar policy). DOD must also provide for specified relief for former members of the Armed Forces who were impacted by the discharge characterizations and ensure that DOD oral historians review related facts and receive testimony from affected individuals.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide technical assistance to recipients of grants for supportive services for very low-income families in permanent housing and comprehensive service programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2021

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide training and technical assistance to grant recipients and recipients of per diem payments regarding the planning, development, and provision of services for homeless veterans for which the grants or payments are made. Additionally, the bill removes the cap on the amount available under the Supportive Services for Veterans Families program for training and technical assistance.

National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2021

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.

A resolution designating September 25, 2021, through October 3, 2021, as "Blue Star Welcome Week".

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2021

This resolution designates September 25-October 3, 2021, as Blue Star Welcome Week and expresses gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members, transitioning veterans, and their families.

Every Veteran Counts Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2021

Every Veteran Counts Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a database of specified demographics (e.g., age) of veterans. The data must be in a machine-readable format and anonymized to protect sensitive personal information. The VA must provide access to the database on a publicly accessible website that is updated at least once a year. Additionally, the VA must report on the progress, challenges, performance, and opportunities of implementing its data strategy. The report must be made available on the VA's open data website in a machine-readable format.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to authorize travel and transportation allowances for family members to attend the funeral and memorial services of members of the uniformed services.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2021

This bill authorizes travel and transportation allowances for family members to attend funeral and memorial services of members of the uniformed services.

Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2021

This resolution recognizes the harm caused to members of the Armed Forces by the Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue policy and commemorates the repeal of the policy as a day in which service members were free to serve openly and be honored for such service without caveat. The resolution also reaffirms the commitment to honor the service of all members and former members of the military, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

U.S.-Israel Military Technology Cooperation Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2021

U.S.-Israel Military Technology Cooperation Act This bill modifies the required actions of the United States-Israel Defense Acquisition Advisory Group and requires the establishment of the United States-Israel Operations-Technology Working Group to address such operations and technology matters required of the group.

Restore Honor to Service Members Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2021

Restore Honor to Service Members Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct outreach to build awareness among former members of the Armed Forces of the process established for the review of discharge characterizations related to sexual orientation (i.e., on the basis of Don't Ask, Don't Tell or a similar policy). DOD must also provide for specified relief for former members of the Armed Forces who were impacted by the discharge characterizations and ensure that DOD oral historians review related facts and receive testimony from affected individuals.

Protecting Americans from Corporate Human Rights Abusers Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2021

Protecting Americans from Corporate Human Rights Abusers Act This bill prohibits transactions in the securities of certain Chinese entities. The Department of State must report to Congress a list identifying entities incorporated in China that have a presence in U.S. capital markets and (1) are responsible for or complicit in gross violations of human rights in China; (2) pose an unusual or extraordinary threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy, or economic interests; or (3) pose an increased financial risk exposure to U.S.-based investors. A U.S. entity or individual may not purchase or sell the publicly traded securities (or derivatives of such securities) of (1) the entities on the above list; or (2) certain entities that have been designated as Communist Chinese military companies or Chinese military-industrial complex companies. The bill provides certain exceptions for transactions that are made solely for the purpose of divesting in such securities. The bill prohibits judicial review of certain actions related to this bill, including a decision by the State Department to list a company as one that is responsible for gross human rights violations in China.

Supporting the goals to protect United States military personnel from malaria.

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2021

This resolution expresses that the House of Representatives supports the goals of researching new interventions to prevent and treat malaria and encourages continued leadership by the United States to ensure that service member health is not jeopardized by vector-borne disease. The resolution also supports sustained or enhanced efforts to ensure that once malaria is eliminated in a country it does not return.

Diversity in Apprenticeships Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2021

Diversity in Apprenticeships Act This bill provides that the Department of Defense must require each offeror for a contract for a military construction project to (1) certify it will establish a goal that not less than 20% of the total workforce for the contract are qualified apprentices, and (2) ensure each contractor and subcontractor that employs four or more workers in a particular classification on the contract must employ one or more qualified apprentices.

Preventing Future Tragedies Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2021

Preventing Future Tragedies Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to implement various recommendations relating to the mitigation and prevention of training accidents. Specifically, the bill requires DOD to develop clearly defined roles for vehicle commanders, establish mechanisms and procedures for tactical vehicle risk management to be used by first-line supervisors (including vehicle commanders), evaluate the number of personnel responsible for tactical vehicle safety and determine if their units are appropriately staffed or if any adjustments are needed to implement operational unit ground-safety programs, ensure that tactical vehicle driver training programs include a well-defined process with specific performance criteria and measurable standards to identify driver skills and experience under diverse conditions, and evaluate the extent to which ranges and training areas are identifying and communicating hazards to units. Additionally, the Department of the Army and the Department of the Navy must jointly establish a formal collaboration forum amongst range officials through which such officials must share methods for identifying and communicating hazards to units.

Climate Security Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2021

Climate Security Jobs Act This bill provides that for FY2022 and the fiscal years thereafter, the baseline personnel limitations for certain Department of Defense offices must not apply to personnel deemed as necessary to accommodate increases in workload or modify the type of personnel required to accomplish specified work related to military resilience to environmental risks.

Securing Technology Against Climate Impacts Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2021

Securing Technology Against Climate Impacts Act This bill expands the Department of Defense (DOD) requirements for its annual report on the national technology and industrial base. Specifically, the bill requires DOD to include in such report information on vulnerabilities related to the current and projected impacts of climate change, as well as vulnerabilities related to cyberattacks or disruptions.

Local Resiliency Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2021

Local Resiliency Act This bill authorizes the Department of Defense to make grants, conclude cooperative agreements, and supplement other federal funds to assist a state or local government in planning and implementing measures and projects that will contribute to maintaining or improving military installation resilience. Funds that are provided for projects involving the preservation, maintenance, or restoration of natural features to maintain or enhance military installation resilience may be provided in a lump sum and include an amount intended to cover future costs.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives related to the Department of Defense's consideration of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report.

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2021

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Department of Defense (DOD) should take the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report into consideration when carrying out resiliency efforts and making energy and transportation decisions for military bases and installations. The resolution also expresses that DOD should consider adding the recommendations of the Sixth Assessment Report to the Unified Facilities Criteria where appropriate.

Defense Energy Efficiency Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2021

Defense Energy Efficiency Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to amend the Unified Facilities Criteria relating to military construction planning and design to ensure that DOD building practices and standards incorporate the latest consensus-based codes and standards for energy efficiency and conservation. Not more than 25% of the funds authorized for FY2022 for DOD planning and design accounts relating to military construction projects may be obligated until DOD certifies that it has initiated the Unified Facilities Criteria amendment process and intends to complete the process by September 1, 2022. Any DOD Form 1391 submitted after September 1, 2022, must comply with the amended Unified Facilities Criteria. Not later than March 1, 2023, DOD must certify to Congress the completion and full incorporation of the amendments to the Unified Facilities Criteria into military construction planning and design. DOD must annually review the Unified Facilities Criteria to compare it to industry best practices for energy efficiency and energy conservation.

Do No Harm Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2021

Do No Harm Act This bill prohibits the application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) to specified federal laws or the implementation of such laws. Currently, RFRA prohibits the government from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest when using the least restrictive means. Under the bill, RFRA is inapplicable to laws or the implementation of laws that protect against discrimination or the promotion of equal opportunity (e.g., the Civil Rights Act of 1964); require employers to provide wages, other compensation, or benefits, including leave; protect collective activity in the workplace; protect against child labor, abuse, or exploitation; or provide for access to, information about, referrals for, provision of, or coverage for, any health care item or service. The bill prevents RFRA from being used to deny (1) goods or services the government has contracted, granted, or made an agreement to provide to a beneficiary of or participant in a program or activity funded by such government contract, grant, agreement, or other award; or (2) a person's full and equal enjoyment of a government-provided good, service, benefit, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation. In order for a person to assert a RFRA claim or defense in a judicial proceeding, the government must be a party to the proceeding.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the withdrawal of Armed Forces from Afghanistan does not undermine or diminish the sacrifice, efforts, and accomplishments of the members of the Armed Forces, diplomats, humanitarians, allies, and partners.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2021

This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the men and women who undertook efforts in Afghanistan over the years have provided heroic service to the country and the peace experienced by the United States is a direct result of the actions of the service members, diplomats, and humanitarians. The concurrent resolution also expresses that veterans who feel stress, anger, or disappointment over the end of operations in Afghanistan should seek resources and reach out to friends, mentors, and caregivers.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2021

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Protection Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to close or relocate Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, in California, or to conduct any planning or other activity related to such closure or relocation.

A bill to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal, in commemoration of the service members who perished as a result of the attack in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, during the evacuation of citizens of the United States and Afghan allies at Hamid Karzai International Airport, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2021

This bill posthumously provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of the 13 service members who died on August 26, 2021, while stationed at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan.

A resolution honoring Missourians who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2021

This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz and his fellow Missourians who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war in Afghanistan represent the best of Missouri and the United States. The resolution also honors those service members and their families.

Northern Nevada Economic Development, Conservation, and Military Modernization Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2021

Northern Nevada Economic Development, Conservation, and Military Modernization Act of 2021 This bill provides for the designation, withdrawal, conveyance, exchange, sale, or disposal of certain federal and nonfederal lands in Nevada, including land associated with the Fallon Range Training Complex, a naval training installation. The bill designates the Fox Peak, Grimes Point, and Pistone-Black Mountain National Conservation Areas. The bill also designates specified parcels of federal land as wilderness and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The bill establishes a federal complex for specified Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bureau of Indian Affairs offices or headquarters in Nevada. The bill requires the issuance of corrective patents for private lands adjacent to public land in White Pine County when (1) a cloud on the title demonstrates that the private land had been patented before 1976, and (2) the correction is for five acres or less. The bill includes additional provisions, including ones resolving certain tribal claims.

To expand eligibility for certain burial benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2021

This bill specifies that the requirement for the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish a headstone or marker for the grave of a veteran who is buried in a private cemetery applies to any veteran who dies on or after December 30, 1960.

Directed Energy Threat Emergency Response Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2021

Directed Energy Threat Emergency Response Act This bill requires actions to address anomalous health incidents. The President must designate an appropriate senior official as the Anomalous Health Incidents Interagency Coordinator. The interagency coordinator must (1) coordinate the U.S. government's response to anomalous health incidents, (2) ensure that affected personnel and dependents get access to care, and (3) ensure adequate training and education for relevant U.S. government personnel. The President must also appoint an appropriate senior official as the Deputy Anomalous Health Incidents Interagency Coordinator. The bill also requires certain agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, to designate an appropriate senior official to serve as the Anomalous Health Incident Agency Coordination Lead. These officials must work with the interagency coordinator to (1) achieve objectives related to anomalous health incidents, and (2) jointly provide quarterly briefings to Congress on its activities. Such agencies must also develop updated workplace guidance to address anomalous health incidents. The bill authorizes the Department of State to take certain actions, such as increasing staffing for the Health Incident Response Task Force and collecting data related to anomalous health incidents.