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401 records in US in 2014
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 2014
Veterans' Health Care Flexibility Act - Allows veterans who are eligible to receive hospital care and medical services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to elect to receive such care and services at non-VA facilities. Directs the VA Secretary to contract with non-VA facilities to furnish hospital care and medical services to such veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 2014
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a two-year pilot program under which: (1) eligible veterans may elect to receive hospital care and services at non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, and (2) the Secretary shall reimburse such facilities for the cost of such care and services. Defines an "eligible veteran" as a veteran who: (1) is enrolled in the VA's patient enrollment system, and (2) resides in a geographic area selected by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to select: (1) one geographic area within each Veterans Integrated Service Network, and (2) NJ-2 as the geographic area for participation in the pilot program for Veterans Integrated Service Network 4. Requires the Secretary to: (1) issue a unique identification card to each eligible veteran who elects to receive hospital care and medical services at non-VA facilities under the pilot program, and (2) take steps to ensure that such veterans receive such care and services at such non-VA facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 2014
Congratulates the people of India on holding the largest democratic exercise in the history of the world. Commits to working with the new Narendra Modi-led Indian government to advance shared values. Seeks to strengthen our strategic partnership with India, including in matters of defense, security, and trade.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2014
Global Health Worker Protection Act of 2014 - Prohibits the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and any other agency from using health or humanitarian workers or activities (including immunization and vaccination campaigns, health education and surveillance, or direct health services) in countries outside the United States for the purpose of collecting foreign intelligence. Prohibits this Act from being construed to restrict the provision of medical services to individuals involved in authorized intelligence activities on behalf of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2014
Commends the government of Afghanistan for holding a successful first round of the presidential election and expresses support for a credible second round on June 14, 2014. Supports the mandate of Afghan electoral bodies such as the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) to administer polls to prevent fraud and misconduct. Encourages the government of Afghanistan to implement measures that will increase voter participation, particularly among the Afghan female population. Recognizes the determination of the Afghan people to exercise their right to vote and determine their country's destiny. Urges the government of Afghanistan to assure that fraudulent electoral activities do not take place during the runoff. Urges: (1) communication between the IEC and the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) to provide security for vulnerable areas of the country during the election period; and (2) the ANSF to ensure the safety of voters, candidates, poll workers, and election observers. Encourages all elements of Afghan society to refrain from fomenting disturbances in voting areas. Recognizes the sacrifices of U.S. and coalition armed forces to Afghanistan's security and stability.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
Foreclosure Relief and Extension for Servicemembers Act of 2014 - Amends the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 to make permanent the extended one-year period after a servicemember's military service during which: (1) a court may stay proceedings to enforce an obligation on real or personal property owned by the servicemember prior to such military service; and (2) the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of such property is invalid without a court order or agreement. (Currently, the extended one-year period is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2014, and return to a nine-month period under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.)
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
Increasing Medical Oversight in the Department of Veterans Affairs Act of 2014 - Establishes the Office of the Medical Inspector of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) within the Office of the Under Secretary for Health. Includes among the functions of the Office to: review the quality of health care provided to veterans by the VA generally and by the VA through contracts with non-VA health care providers; review offices of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) that have an impact on the quality of health care provided to veterans by the VA and the performance of the VA in providing such care; review VHA offices and facilities to ensure that VA and VHA policies and procedures are applied consistently; investigate any systemic issues that arise within VHA, including improper issuance of credentials and privileges to health care providers, impediments to access to VA health care, wait times for appointments at VA medical facilities in excess of VA goals, and intentional falsification by VA employees of information regarding wait times; establish temporary investigative teams to carry out reviews in response to specific incidents or inquiries, including veterans' complaints and potential systemic issues within VHA that may require the conduct of surveys, the collection of data, and the analysis of VA databases; recommend policies to promote economy and efficiency in the administration of, and to prevent and detect criminal activity, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in, VHA programs and operations; and report on problems or deficiencies encountered in VHA programs and operations and recommend corrective actions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
Veteran Entrepreneurship and Training Opportunities Act of 2014 - Amends the Small Business Act to the repeal the requirement that the Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development of the Small Business Administration (SBA) increase veteran outreach by ensuring that Veteran Business Outreach Centers regularly participate, on a nationwide basis, in the workshops of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) of the Department of Labor (DOL). Establishes the Boots to Business Program under which the SBA Administrator shall provide entrepreneurship training to: members of the Armed Forces, individuals who separated from the Armed Forces during the one-year period ending on the date on which the individuals receive assistance under this Act, as well as their spouses or dependents. Requires the Administrator to make available electronically to the Secretary of Defense (DOD) all course materials created for this Program for inclusion in the TAP manual. Requires the Administrator to establish a Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Program to provide specific training for female members of the Armed Forces, veterans, or female spouses or dependents of Armed Forces members or veterans who are interested in exploring careers as small business owners. Requires the Administrator to establish an Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities Program to provide specific training for service-disabled veterans interested in exploring careers as small business owners. Directs the Associate Administrator to establish an online mechanism to assist, and coordinate and leverage the work of, veterans' assistance providers. Requires the Associate Administrator to establish a veterans' business outreach center program to provide financial assistance of between $100,000 and $300,000 per fiscal year to educational institutions, veterans' nonprofit community-based organizations, and federal, state, and local departments and agencies to conduct renewable five-year projects for the benefit of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans. Directs each assisted entity to establish a veterans' business outreach center to provide specific assistance to veterans, service-disabled veterans, and reservists, as well as their spouses, and the spouses of active duty members of the Armed Forces. Requires the Administrator to designate at least one individual in each SBA district as a veterans business ownership representative. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to: (1) report to specified congressional committees regarding the ability to access credit of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans, service-disabled veterans, reservists, as well as their spouses, or spouses of an Armed Forces member; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the veterans' business outreach center program after two years. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress at least annually: (1) discussing appointments made to, and activities of, an interagency task force established for small businesses owned and controlled by veterans and service-disabled veterans; and (2) identifying and outlining a plan for outreach and promotion of programs authorized under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
Servicemember Employment Protection Act of 2014 - Makes unenforceable any clause of an agreement between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of a dispute arising under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Provides an exception when both parties voluntarily agree to arbitration. Requires any issue as to whether such requirement applies to an arbitration clause to be determined by federal law and the validity or enforceability of an agreement to arbitrate to be determined by a court rather than an arbitrator. Protects, under USERRA, an individual who is absent from employment in order to receive medical or dental treatment for an injury or illness incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Authorizes the suspension, termination, or debarment of federal contractors for repeated failures or refusals to comply with USERRA protections.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
21st Century Buy American Act - Deems articles, materials, or supplies as made substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States if the cost of the domestic components of such articles, materials, or supplies exceeds 60% of the total cost of all components of such articles, materials, or supplies. Prohibits the use of the overseas exception to Buy American requirements unless one of the following criteria is met: (1) the articles, materials, or supplies are needed on an urgent basis; (2) the articles, materials, or supplies are to be purchased using a local supplier; or (3) a cost analysis demonstrates that the articles, materials, or supplies to be acquired would be more than 50% more expensive if made in the United States. Requires the head of a federal agency, in determining whether to apply the public interest exception to Buy American requirements, to: (1) consider the short-term and long-term effects of applying such exception on employment in the United States, and (2) determine that preserving or increasing employment in the United States is consistent with the public interest. Requires each federal agency that applies an exception or grants a waiver to Buy American requirements to submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a notification of such exception or waiver. Requires the Director to post such notification on the OMB website. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to establish and carry out a program to make or guarantee loans to certain business entities, up to $500,000 per entity, under the Defense Production Act. Specifies eligibility requirements for such entities, including requirements that such an entity is a manufacturer in the United States, is certified as eligible to apply for trade adjustment assistance, and meets criteria relating to the availability of an item.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
Recognizes the Khmer and Lao/Hmong Freedom Fighters and the people of Cambodia and Laos for their support and defense of the United States Armed Forces and freedom of democracy in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 to allow the return of personal property retained as evidence in connection with an incident of sexual assault involving a member of the Armed Forces to its rightful owner after the conclusion of all legal, adverse action, and administrative proceedings related to such incident.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
Opportunity for Military Academies and Readiness Act - Authorizes an alien who possesses an employment authorization document issued by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and who otherwise satisfies the requirements for admission to a military service academy to be appointed to and to attend such academy and, upon graduation, to be appointed as a commissioned officer in the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
Surviving Spouses' Benefit Improvement Act of 2014 - Increases the monthly rates of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Prohibits benefits under any other law (other than duplication of benefits) from being reduced or offset because the surviving spouse is eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
Care for our Heroes Act - Makes each veteran eligible to participate in a hospice program (or a similar program) conducted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) regardless of: (1) the net worth or income of the veteran, the veteran's spouse, or the veteran's child; or (2) whether or not the Secretary has otherwise furnished the veteran with any veterans' benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
Medal of Honor Priority Care Act - Increases, from third to first, the priority for enrollment in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system given to medal of honor recipients, regardless of the date on which the medal is awarded.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
21st Century Buy American Act - Deems articles, materials, or supplies as made substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States if the cost of the domestic components of such articles, materials, or supplies exceeds 60% of the total cost of all components of such articles, materials, or supplies. Prohibits the use of the overseas exception to Buy American requirements unless one of the following criteria is met: (1) the articles, materials, or supplies are needed on an urgent basis; (2) the articles, materials, or supplies are to be purchased using a local supplier; or (3) a cost analysis demonstrates that the articles, materials, or supplies to be acquired would be more than 50% more expensive if made in the United States. Requires the head of a federal agency, in determining whether to apply the public interest exception to Buy American requirements, to: (1) consider the short-term and long-term effects of applying such exception on employment in the United States, and (2) determine that preserving or increasing employment in the United States is consistent with the public interest. Requires each federal agency that applies an exception or grants a waiver to Buy American requirements to submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a notification of such exception or waiver. Requires the Director to post such notification on the OMB website. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to establish and carry out a program to make or guarantee loans to certain business entities, up to $500,000 per entity, under the Defense Production Act. Specifies eligibility requirements for such entities, including requirements that such an entity is a manufacturer in the United States, is certified as eligible to apply for trade adjustment assistance, and meets criteria relating to the availability of an item.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
Prohibiting False "Made in America" Claims Act - Requires a person convicted of intentionally affixing a "Made in America" label to any product sold in or shipped to the United States that is not made in America to be debarred from contracting with the Department of Defense (DOD) unless the Secretary of Defense waives such debarment in the interest of national security (current law requires the Secretary to decide whether a convicted person should be debarred). Directs the Secretary to notify the congressional defense committees annually of any exercise of such waiver authority.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014
Recognizes the Khmer and Lao/Hmong Freedom Fighters and the people of Cambodia and Laos for their support and defense of the United States Armed Forces and freedom of democracy in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Senate · 21 May 2014
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2014
Fairman Significant Event Tracker (SET) Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to establish a significant event tracker (SET) system to track and report individual exposures to traumatic events for members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, to show evidence of possible trauma incurred during their service and to address mental health issues. Authorizes reportable events to be entered by: (1) unit commanders and subunit leaders when an event affects the entire unit or subunit, (2) a medical treatment facility when an event affects a member undergoing treatment for an injury sustained in connection with an event, and (3) military law enforcement when an event involves victimization or witnessing of a sexual assault. Defines "reportable event" to include: (1) kinetic combat patrol; (2) witnessed loss of life, dismemberment, or significant physical injury in a combat operation, expeditionary operation, or peacetime regular training; (3) traumatic brain injury; and (4) victimization or witnessing of a sexual assault. Requires a secure central tracking database to be established as the central repository for all reportable events. Requires a unit's commanding officer to review and determine the disposition of certain reportable events by assigning designations indicating whether an event is approved, contested, or denied. Requires all reportable events to be entered in the central database regardless of designation. Permits access to such database by: (1) medical treatment facilities consulting for diagnosis; and (2) military law enforcement and criminal investigative services for purposes of obtaining a limited summary (excluding specific information about events, evidence, or members' private personal information) to diagnose patterns and trends related to crimes committed inside their jurisdiction. Allows, with the member's consent, a member's complete SET record to be reviewed by the member's: (1) military and civilian legal representatives, unit commander, or military judge in military disciplinary or judicial proceedings; and (2) civilian legal representatives in non-military proceedings. Requires the official SET record of a member to be used by: (1) the Medical Evaluation Board or Physical Evaluation Board in the case of a member preparing for medical retirement due to injury or other conditions, (2) the medical officer of the member's parent unit in the case of a member preparing for a non-medical discharge or retirement, and (3) a benefits specialist in the case of a member initiating a Benefits Delivery at Discharge claim. Requires, upon a member's separation from service in the Armed Forces, that copies of the member's SET record be distributed to: (1) the separating member; (2) the separating member's service personnel file; (3) the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and (4) if specifically designated by the member, the veteran affairs agency of the veteran's state and any other veterans service organization. Directs unit commanders to notify the appropriate military criminal investigative service of any reportable event involving the victimization or witnessing of a sexual assault.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2014
Every Child is a Blessing Act of 2014 - Prohibits recovery of damages in certain civil actions based on a claim that, but for the conduct of the defendant, a child, once conceived, would not or should not have been born. Makes such prohibition applicable to claims based on a child's disability, defect, abnormality, race, sex, or other inborn characteristic. Bars such prohibition from being construed to: (1) provide a defense against charges of intentional misrepresentation in state proceedings regulating the professional practices of health care providers and practitioners; (2) provide a defense in any criminal action, including cases of rape or incest; or (3) limit damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant caused personal injury or death to the child or gestational mother.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2014
Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act, 1974 to allow portions of the former bombardment area on the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico, to be utilized for purposes that would require decontamination at the expense of the United States. (Currently, such utilization is prohibited.) Makes the authority for such utilization applicable to portions of such island identified as having regular public access in the Department of Defense (DOD) study entitled "Study Relating to the Presence of Unexploded Ordnance in a Portion of the Former Naval Bombardment Area of Culebra Island, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico," dated April 20, 2012, which was prepared in accordance with the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2014
Space Protection Strategy Extension Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2008 to extend the time period required to be covered by the United States Space Protection Strategy through FY2030 (currently, FY2025).
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2014
Revises the definition of "entitlement land" for which the Secretary of the Interior is required to make payments to local governments in lieu of taxes to: (1) delete land on which are located semi-active or inactive installations that the Secretary of the Army keeps for mobilization and for reserve component training, and (2) include federal land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense (DOD) or the Secretary of a military department.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2014
Veterans National Remembrance Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in selecting a location for the establishment of a new national cemetery, to: (1) give priority to a state that does not have a national cemetery and that has the largest population of veterans among states without such a cemetary, and (2) ensure that such location is within 10 miles of a significant amount of the population to be served by such cemetery during the 25 years following its establishment. Permits the Secretary, after establishing two national cemeteries, to waive the requirement of giving priority to a state that does not have a national cemetery if such waiver will allow the Secretary to establish a cemetery that will serve a larger population of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2014
Commends the government of Afghanistan for holding the first round of a presidential election on April 5, 2014, and for preparing for the peaceful transition to a new government. Encourages the government of Afghanistan to implement measures that will increase voter participation, particularly among the Afghan female population. Salutes the bravery of the Afghan citizenry in facing violence and death to exercise their right to vote. Encourages all elements of Afghan society to restrain themselves and their supporters from fomenting disturbances in voting areas. Advises that the Ministry of Communications leave texting capabilities functional on election day. Commends the Afghan government for reducing the number of casualties on election day, and urges the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to continue efforts to ensure the safety of voters and candidates. Remembers those members of the ANSF who gave their lives protecting their democracy on April 5, 2014, and honors service members from U.S., coalition, and Afghan forces who have been killed or injured in defense of the democratic rights of the Afghan people. Supports the U.N. mandate to assist Afghan electoral bodies and other stakeholders with technical preparations and the promotion of an inclusive democratic process. Recommends a pause in the drawdown of U.S. and International Security Assistance Force security, intelligence, and diplomatic assets until June 14, 2014. Recognizes the substantial investments made by U.S. taxpayers in support of democracy in Afghanistan. Reaffirms the U.S. policy position that successful political transition is an essential prerequisite for sustainable security in Afghanistan. Concurs in the Senate's urging of the Secretary of State to condition financial and logistical support for future Afghanistan elections on the implementation of reforms that would increase female participation and combat fraud throughout the electoral process.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2014
Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2014 - Amends the federal judicial code to prohibit a court, in any civil action in which the pleadings state facts relevant to protecting public health or safety, from entering an order restricting the disclosure of information obtained through discovery, approving a settlement agreement that would restrict such disclosure, or restricting access to court records, subject to exceptions, unless the court has first made independent findings of fact that: (1) the order would not restrict the disclosure of information relevant to the protection of public health or safety or (2) the public interest in the disclosure of past, present, or potential health or safety hazards is outweighed by a specific and substantial interest in maintaining the confidentiality of the information and the requested protective order is no broader than necessary to protect the confidentiality interest asserted. Prohibits a court from approving any party's stipulation or request to stipulate to an order that would violate this Act. Prohibits such a court from: (1) approving or enforcing any provision of an agreement between or among parties, or an order entered under this Act, to the extent that it restricts a party from disclosing information to any federal or state agency with authority to enforce laws regulating an activity relating to such information (requires such information disclosed to a federal or state agency to be confidential to the extent provided by law); or (2) enforcing any provision of a settlement agreement described under this Act between or among parties to such civil action that prohibits a party from disclosing that a settlement was reached or the terms of the settlement, other than the amount paid, or from discussing the civil action, or evidence produced in it, that involves matters relevant to the protection of public health or safety. Excepts from this enforcement prohibition (thus allowing enforcement of) a settlement agreement provision about which the court finds that the public interest in the disclosure of past, present, or potential health or safety hazards is outweighed by a specific and substantial interest in maintaining the confidentiality of the information or records in question and that the requested protective order is no broader than necessary to protect the confidentiality interest asserted. Creates a rebuttable presumption that the interest in protecting personally identifiable information relating to an individual's financial, health, or other similar information outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit, require, or authorize the disclosure of, and no court shall be prohibited from restricting disclosure of or access to: (1) information classified under a secret Executive order concerning national defense or foreign policy, or (2) intelligence sources and methods. Bars this Act from providing a basis for: (1) granting a motion to reconsider, modify, amend, or vacate a protective or settlement order entered before the effective date of this Act; or (2) reversing such an order retroactively on appeal.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2014
Prohibits the payment of performance awards to employees in the Veterans Health Administration in FY2015.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2014
Military Opportunities for Mothers Act or the MOM Act - Requires military personnel who give birth to a child to be given 42 days of convalescent leave for use in connection with that birth. Allows military personnel up to 42 additional days of leave in connection with the birth of such child upon the expiration of the convalescent leave, but: makes them ineligible for basic pay for any day on which such additional leave is used, although they are to be considered to be on active duty for all other purposes; and their commanding officer may recall them from such leave when necessary to maintain unit readiness.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2014
Department of Defense Suicide Tracking Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to submit to Congress a policy for the development of a standard method for collecting, reporting, and assessing suicide data and suicide-attempt data involving members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, and their dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2014
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015 - Authorizes FY2014-FY2015 appropriations for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI); (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Coast Guard; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy (DOE), and Justice (DOJ); (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (10) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (11) National Reconnaissance Office; (12) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and (13) Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2014, and as of September 30, 2015, respectively, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations for FY2014 and FY2015, which shall be made available to the congressional appropriations committees and the President. Allows the DNI to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY2014 or FY2015 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification to the intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Requires the DNI to establish guidelines to govern the treatment under such authorized personnel levels of employment or assignment in: (1) a student or trainee program; (2) a reserve corps or as a reemployed annuitant; or (3) details, joint duty, or long term, full-time training. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY2014 and FY2015, as well as for personnel positions for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2014 and FY2015 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for federal employees to be increased by such additional or supplemental amounts as necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations by this Act from being deemed to constitute authority to conduct any intelligence activity not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2014
Gold Star Families Equality Act - Requires a lapel button to be designed to identify widows, parents, and next of kin of members of the Armed Forces who die, under circumstances not already prescribed for under existing eligibility standards for a gold star lapel button, while serving on active duty or while assigned to a reserve component in a drill status. Makes such next of kin button available retroactively to survivors of members of the Armed Forces who have died since September 10, 2001. Directs the Secretary of each military department and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to provide for the issuance of a Gold Star Installation Access Card to family members with gold or next of kin buttons to expedite their ability to gain unescorted access to military installations for the purpose of obtaining on-base services and benefits. Requires regulations to be prescribed to permit parents (including stepparents, parents though adoption, or foster parents who stood in loco parentis) with such buttons to use commissary stores and other military retail facilities on the same basis as surviving spouses or children.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2014
Veterans TRICARE Choice Act - Allows an individual who is eligible to participate in the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) to: (1) elect to be ineligible to enroll in such program, (2) make tax deductible contributions to a health savings account during the period such individual elects to be ineligible for TRICARE coverage, and (3) enroll in the TRICARE program at a later date during a special enrollment period.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2014
U.S. Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society Recognition Act of 2014 - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a gold medal to the U.S. Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society, in recognition of the ceaseless efforts of American aircrew members to escape captivity and evade capture and the resistance organizations and nationals who assisted them.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2014
Sets forth the rules for consideration of H.R. 4435 (Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015) and H.R. 3361 (USA FREEDOM Act).
United States · United States Senate · 19 May 2014
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2014
Public Interest Declassification Board Reauthorization Act of 2014 - Amends the Public Interest Declassification Act of 2000 to extend through December 31, 2015, the authority of the Public Interest Declassification Board (advises the President, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Office of Management and Budget [OMB], and other executive branch officials on the identification, collection, review for declassification, and release to Congress, interested agencies, and the public of declassified records and materials that are of archival value).
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2014
Guarantee Housing for Terminally Ill Veterans Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to give priority, in providing specially adapted housing assistance for disabled veterans, to an individual who is otherwise eligible and is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Requires reimbursement of the costs of specially adapted housing if such a veteran has applied for, but not yet received, assistance for acquisition and adaptation expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2014
Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act with respect to an item of adverse information about an active duty military consumer. Declares that, if the action or inaction that gave rise to the item occurred while the consumer was an active duty military consumer, then: (1) the consumer may provide appropriate proof, including official orders, to a consumer reporting agency that the consumer was an active duty military consumer at the time the action or inaction occurred; and (2) any consumer report made by the agency including that item of information shall clearly and conspicuously disclose that the consumer was an active duty military consumer when the action or inaction that gave rise to the item occurred. Requires a consumer reporting agency to notify promptly an active duty military consumer whenever it receives an item of adverse information about him or her, along with a description of the item and the method by which the consumer can dispute the validity of the item. Requires an agency also to use any separate contact information an active duty military consumer has given it for all communications while the individual is an active duty military consumer. Declares the sense of Congress that any person making use of a consumer report containing an item of adverse information that occurred while the consumer was an active duty military consumer should take that fact into account when evaluating the consumer's creditworthiness. Requires a consumer reporting agency, with respect to an item of information under dispute by an active duty military consumer, to include in the consumer's file that he or she was an active duty military consumer at the time the action or inaction that gave rise to the disputed item occurred.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2014
Servicemembers Insurance Relief Act of 2014 - Declares that a member of a servicemember's household neither loses nor acquires a residence or domicile for purposes of insuring a motor vehicle primarily for personal, family, or household use if: (1) the servicemember has temporarily moved to comply with any temporary duty or permanent change of station order, or (2) the member of the household has temporarily moved to accompany a servicemember who is complying with such an order. Defines: (1) "servicemember" as a member of the uniformed services, the National Guard, or reserve components; and (2) "member of a household" as the servicemember, the spouse of a servicemember, or any dependent residing with such a servicemember or a servicemember's spouse. Requires insurers to provide a member of a servicemember's household with a servicemembers insurance choice notice if a household member notifies the insurer of such a move. Directs the Federal Insurance Office of the Department of the Treasury to promulgate a standard servicemembers insurance choice notice that: (1) summarizes the right of servicemembers and members of their households, in addition to options available under current law, to continue an existing auto insurance policy as allowed by the insurer with appropriate adjustments that relate only to location risk factors; (2) notifies the servicemember that the insurer will explain the coverage options available to the servicemember as a result of the move; and (3) requires no alterations or additions for an insurer to be in compliance with such notification requirements. Prohibits this Act from requiring an insurer to continue providing coverage to such a member. Provides enforcement authority to the states in which the relevant auto insurance policy was issued or renewed.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2014
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4660) making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4435) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2015 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2014
Russian Weapons Embargo Act of 2014 - Prohibits the head of any executive agency from entering into a contract, subcontract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, or make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan agreement to Rosoboronexport, any subsidiary or affiliate of it, or any entity that has a business relationship with Rosoboronexport regarding the design, manufacture, or sale of military equipment. Requires the head of each executive agency to terminate any such arrangement. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if : (1) Rosoboronexport has ceased the transfer of military equipment to, and the maintenance of existing military equipment for, the government of Syria; (2) the armed forces of the Russian Federation have withdrawn from Crimea (other than forces present on certain military bases); and (3) agents of the Russian Federation are not taking measures to destabilize the control of the government of Ukraine over eastern Ukraine. Authorizes the President to reprogram Economic Support Fund assistance or security assistance for the government of any country that enters into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, or makes a grant or loan to Rosoboronexport or any subsidiary or affiliate of it in an amount up to or equal to the total amount of each such arrangement.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2014
Modifies the process for assignment of additional general officers to the National Guard Bureau by requiring that two such officers of each of the Army and the Air National Guard be recommended by the Chief of the National Guard Bureau from at least three candidates identified by the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force, respectively. (Under current law, two officers are selected by each Secretary.) Requires the Director and Deputy Director of each of the Army and the Air National Guards to assist the Chief of the National Guard Bureau in carrying out functions of the Bureau relevant to the respective branches. (Under current law, that function is carried out by the assigned general officers of the Army and the Air National Guards.)
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2014
Revises the conditions for payment of expenses to military personnel to obtain professional credentials to include those for federal occupational licenses. Adds as conditions for such payment that the credentials be necessary to meet: (1) readiness requirements or professional occupational development goals of the particular armed force or the member's self-development needs; and (2) certain International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission accreditation standards, with exceptions for a credentialing agency that agrees to seek to obtain compliance certification within three years. Authorizes the payment of the expenses from amounts available for tuition assistance for members under the jurisdiction of the appropriate Secretary. Defines "expenses" as those for classroom instruction, hands-on training (and associated materials), manuals, study guides and materials, textbooks, and processing, test, and related fees.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2014
Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey, without consideration, to the city of Norwalk, California, all U.S. interest in a parcel of real property consisting of up to 15 acres at the former Air Force Norwalk Defense Fuel Supply Point for the purpose of permitting the city to use the property for public purposes. Conditions such conveyance on the city actively assisting the United States in disposing of the residual portion of the Point (approximately 36 acres) using General Services Administration (GSA) disposal authority. Directs the Secretary to require the city to cover the administrative costs of carrying out such conveyance.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2014
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 - Authorizes FY2015 appropriations for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI); (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Coast Guard; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy (DOE), and Justice (DOJ); (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (10) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (11) National Reconnaissance Office; (12) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and (13) Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2015, for such activities are those in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the congressional appropriations committees and the President. Allows the DNI, with the approval of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY2015 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification to the intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Requires the DNI to establish guidelines to govern the treatment under such authorized personnel levels of employment or assignment in: (1) a student or trainee program; (2) a reserve corps or as a reemployed annuitant; or (3) details, joint duty, or long term, full-time training. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY2015, as well as for personnel positions for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2015 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for federal employees to be increased by such additional or supplemental amounts as necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations by this Act from being deemed to constitute authority to conduct any intelligence activity not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2014
Urges the President to immediately request the resignation of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki.
United States · United States Senate · 14 May 2014