Defence

HEROES Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2019

Heroes Entering Roles Of Education Service Act or the HEROES Act This bill revises and expands the Troops-to-Teachers Program, which supports the transition of current and former military personnel to employment positions in education. The program places personnel in (1) elementary and secondary schools that serve more than a certain percentage of lower-income students or those who qualify for aid under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and (2) Bureau of Indian Affairs-funded schools. The bill renames the program as the Troops-to-Support-Education Program and expands the positions covered to include a number of teaching support, administrative, and security personnel. Excluded from eligibility are positions performed outside the grounds of a school or for a contractor. For placement in non-teacher positions, the service member must obtain credentials required by the state in which the position is located. The bill increases the total number of stipends and bonuses provided. It also increases the limit on the amount of obligations for the program for each fiscal year. The Department of Defense may enter into partnership agreements with tax-exempt charitable organizations to assist with the placement of participants.

David L. Norquist, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Defense, vice Patrick M. Shanahan, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 23 July 2019

TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019

Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act or the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act The bill revises the administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregiver programs. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to formally recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying any caregiver in the health record of the veteran. Such caregivers covered by the bill include those participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and those participating in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. The bill requires the VA to notify veterans and their caregivers regarding any clinical determinations made relating to claims under, or eligibility for, the specified caregiver programs. The notifications must be standardized and contain specified details regarding the decisions. The bill also requires the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for at least 90 days after the receipt of notice that a veteran is no longer clinically eligible for the program. Such an extension shall not apply to the termination of caregiver benefits (1) for cause, (2) because the veteran died, or (3) upon request of the caregiver or veteran.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the monthly housing stipend under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for individuals who pursue programs of education solely through distance learning on more than a half-time basis.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019

This bill increases the amount payable for a monthly housing stipend under the Post-9/11 GI Bill for an individual pursuing a program of education solely through distance learning on a more than half-time basis.

Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019

Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 This bill increases discretionary spending limits, suspends the debt limit, and modifies budget enforcement procedures. The bill increases the FY2020 and FY2021 discretionary spending limits for defense and nondefense spending. The bill also (1) specifies limits for Overseas Contingency Operations funding, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits; and (2) requires the FY2020 discretionary spending limits to be adjusted to accommodate specified funding for the 2020 Census. The bill suspends the public debt limit through July 31, 2021. On August 1, 2021, the limit will be increased to accommodate obligations issued during the suspension period. The bill also includes provisions that set forth procedures for enforcing spending and revenue levels consistent with this bill as if they were included in congressional budget resolutions for FY2020 and FY2021; specify limits on advance appropriations; extend the sequestration (automatic spending cuts) for certain mandatory spending programs through FY2029; extend the authority to collect certain customs user fees through FY2029; extend and modify Senate points of order regarding advance appropriations, certain changes in mandatory programs (CHIMPs), and designations of funds for Overseas Contingency Operations; and reset the balances on the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) scorecards established by the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

Honoring the 50th anniversary of the return of the Indiana Rangers.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the return from service in the Vietnam War of the Indiana Rangers.

National Defense Cybersecurity Consortia Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019

National Defense Cybersecurity Consortia Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish one or more consortia, comprising certain universities, to advise and assist on matters relating to cybersecurity. DOD must establish procedures for organizations within DOD to access such expertise.

A bill to posthumously advance Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Cole, United States Air Force, to colonel on the retired list.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019

This bill posthumously advances Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Cole, U.S. Air Force (retired), to the rank of colonel on the retired list of the Air Force.

Lisa W. Hershman, of Indiana, to be Chief Management Officer of the Department of Defense, vice John H. Gibson II, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 22 July 2019

Violence Against Women Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2019

Violence Against Women Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take actions to improve assistance to veterans who experience domestic violence or sexual assault. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to implement a program to assist veterans who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault in accessing VA benefits. The VA shall carry out the program in partnership with domestic violence shelters and programs, rape crisis centers, state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, and other appropriate service providers. The bill authorizes the VA to establish local coordinators to provide outreach under the program to effectively assist veterans who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault. The VA must consult with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a national task force to develop a comprehensive national program to address domestic violence and sexual assault among veterans by integrating VA facilities, services, and benefits into existing networks of community-based domestic violence and sexual assault services. The VA must consult with DOJ to conduct a national baseline study to examine the scope of the problem of domestic violence and sexual assault among veterans and spouses of veterans. Finally, the bill requires the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to include in its biennial report an assessment of the effects of intimate partner violence on women veterans.

Hear our Heroes Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2019

Hear our Heroes Act of 2019 This bill provides a presumption of service-connection for hearing-related issues in certain veterans for purposes of wartime disability compensation. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded. Per the bill, certain veterans with diagnosed hearing loss, tinnitus, or both shall be presumed to have incurred or aggravated such conditions during active military, naval, or air service. This bill applies to veterans who (1) served in combat, or (2) were assigned to a military occupational specialty that likely exposed them to a sufficiently high level of acoustic trauma. The bill also requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to adjust the schedule of rating disabilities to establish a minimum disability rating for a veteran who requires a hearing aid because of a service-connected disability.

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from transmitting certain information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) utilized by licensed importers or dealers of firearms. Specifically, the bill prohibits the VA from transmitting personally identifying information of a veteran or a beneficiary to the NICS solely on the basis that such veteran or beneficiary has an appointed fiduciary to manage their benefits, unless there is an order or finding of a judicial authority that such veteran or beneficiary is a danger to themselves or others.

National Defense Cybersecurity Consortia Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019

National Defense Cybersecurity Consortia Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish one or more consortia, comprising certain universities, to advise and assist on matters relating to cybersecurity. DOD must establish procedures for organizations within DOD to access such expertise.

Acting on the Annual Duplication Report Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019

Acting on the Annual Duplication Report Act of 2019 This bill requires specified federal agencies to address recommendations made to Congress by the Government Accountability Office and detailed in the annual duplication report. Specifically the Defense Security Cooperation Agency shall review options for expanding the use of administrative surcharges under the foreign military sales program; the Department of Energy shall review options for a long-range target for the optimal size and configuration of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; the U.S. Mint may modify the composition of circulating coins in accordance with a study and analysis conducted by the Mint if such modification will reduce costs incurred by taxpayers, be seamless, and have no impact on the public and stakeholders; and the Department of the Treasury shall require that any tax return which is prepared electronically, but is printed and filed on paper, bear a code which can, when scanned, convert such return to electronic format. Regarding student loan debt, among other things, an institution of higher education may not include placing students in forbearance as a means of reducing the cohort default rate of the institution.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding Turkey's purchase of the S-400 air and missile defense system from the Russian Federation and its membership in NATO, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019

This resolution calls for sanctions against Turkey for its receipt of the Russian S-400 air and missile defense system and asks the President to consider the continued inclusion of Turkey in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019

Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from requiring payment from a veteran for any contraceptive item or service that is required to be covered by health insurance plans without a cost-sharing requirement.

VA Child Care Protection Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019

VA Child Care Protection Act of 2019 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from making payments to any child care center, child care agency, or child care provider that employs an individual who has been charged with a sex crime, a crime involving a child victim, a violent crime, or a drug felony. The bill allows the VA to make payments if such an individual has been suspended from contact with children until the case is resolved.

Brian Tally VA Medical Care and Liability Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019

Brian Tally VA Medical Care and Liability Improvement Act This bill imposes civil liability under the federal tort claim law upon certain contractors hired by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for their negligence or malpractice in providing medical care to veterans. Such liability is waived if the VA provides a notice to affected individuals or their estates identifying the full names of the contractors involved and the nature of the health care they furnished, among other information. The VA must provide such notice within 30 days after the veteran or the veteran's estate files a claim. The bill also requires the VA to revoke a contractor's authorization to provide health care at a VA facility if the contractor is a defendant in at least three separate negligence claims during a five-year period. This revocation requirement also applies to VA physicians and other health practitioners if claims against the physicians or providers resulted in a judgment against the United States or were compromised or settled.

Protecting Immigrant Gold Star and Military Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019

Protecting Immigrant Gold Star and Military Families Act This bill limits the deportability of certain relatives of current and former members of the Armed Forces. Certain grounds of deportability shall not apply to a qualifying alien who is (1) the spouse, widow or widower, parent, child, or sibling of a member of the Armed Forces or a veteran; or (2) eligible for a Gold Star lapel button (for certain immediate relatives of a member of the Armed Forces who died while serving). A qualifying alien is one who (1) has not have been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three misdemeanors; and (2) is not a threat to national security or public safety.

Military Hunger Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019

Military Hunger Prevention Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to pay a basic needs allowance to a regular member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force who is low-income and meets other specified requirements. Specifically, DOD must pay the allowance to such a service member who (1) has completed initial entry training, (2) has a gross household income during the most recent year that does not exceed an amount equal to 130% of the federal poverty guidelines, (3) submits required information to DOD, and (4) does not elect against receiving the allowance for a given year. For purposes of determining eligibility, gross household income does not include any basic allowance for housing received during the year by the service member or by any dependents of the service member in the household. In the event a household contains two or more service members entitled to receive the allowance, only one allowance may be paid in a given year. DOD must annually notify potentially eligible service members and provide them with information on DOD financial management and assistance programs.

American Business for American Companies Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019

American Business for American Companies Act of 2019 This bill prohibits an executive agency from awarding a contract for the procurement of property or services (including a defense contract) to (1) any foreign incorporated entity determined to be an inverted domestic corporation or any subsidiary of such entity, or (2) any joint venture more than 10% of which is held by such an entity or subsidiary. An inverted domestic corporation is a company that was previously incorporated in the United States or was a partnership in the United States but is now incorporated in a foreign country despite (1) a majority of the company being owned by the owners of the former domestic entity, or (2) management of the company primarily occurring in the United States.

JROTC Cyber Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019

JROTC Cyber Training Act This bill directs the Department of Defense to implement a program to prepare Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps students for careers in computer science and cybersecurity. The program may include such elements as internships and cooperative research opportunities, funding for training of instructors, activities to improve the quality of training in these fields, and informal education.

American Business for American Companies Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019

American Business for American Companies Act of 2019 This bill prohibits an executive agency from awarding a contract for the procurement of property or services (including a defense contract) to (1) any foreign incorporated entity determined to be an inverted domestic corporation or any subsidiary of such entity, or (2) any joint venture more than 10% of which is held by such an entity or subsidiary. An inverted domestic corporation is a company that was previously incorporated in the United States or was a partnership in the United States but is now incorporated in a foreign country despite (1) a majority of the company being owned by the owners of the former domestic entity, or (2) management of the company primarily occurring in the United States.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the ability of veterans to receive in-state tuition using educational assistance administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019

This bill removes a deadline that prevents certain veterans from receiving in-state tuition, regardless of their state of residence, using Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits at public institutions of higher education. Currently, a veteran who is discharged or released after at least 90 days of active service must be within three years of their discharge from active duty to receive in-state tuition (regardless of their state of residence).

The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2019

Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2019 This bill modifies the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Defense to report on the goals and incentives used to increase awards of SBIR and STTR contracts; prioritizes innovation in manufacturing and cybersecurity; directs federal agencies to issue Phase III awards to technology developers without requiring further competition; requires agencies' senior procurement executives to coordinate with SBIR and STTR program officers to assist small businesses; requires the SBA to conduct outreach efforts at minority institutions and Hispanic-serving institutions; makes permanent (as the Civilian Agency Commercialization Readiness Program) the pilot program that a covered agency may establish for awarding SBIR and STTR Phase II and III funds for technology development and progression toward commercialization; requires all agencies participating in the SBIR program to establish a Commercialization Assistance Pilot Program to make SBIR Phase II awards to commercialize a project undertaken by a small business with SBIR Phase I awards; authorizes specified agencies to use a percentage of STTR funds for a Proof of Concept Partnership pilot program to accelerate the creation of small businesses and the commercialization of research innovations; and authorizes all agencies participating in the SBIR program, during FY2020-FY2024, to provide a SBIR Phase II award for a project to a small business concern without regard to whether such concern was provided a Phase I award for such project.

Secure American Research Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2019

Secure American Research Act of 2019 This bill directs the National Science and Technology Council to establish an interagency working group to coordinate activities to (1) protect federally funded research and development from foreign interference, cyberattacks, theft, or espionage; and (2) develop common definitions and best practices for federal science agencies and grantees, while taking into account the importance of the open exchange of ideas and international talent required for scientific progress and American leadership in science and technology. The working group's responsibilities, among other things, shall include developing unclassified policy guidance to assist federal science agencies and grantees in having consistent policies to defend against threats to federally funded research and development and the integrity of the U.S. scientific enterprise, and developing guidelines to create a consistent cybersecurity policy across federal agencies to protect federally funded research and development from foreign interference theft or espionage through cybeersecurity breaches. The Office of Science and Technology Policy must provide biennial summary reports on the working group's activities and the most current version of such policy guidance and guidelines. The National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense, and any other federal agencies, as appropriate, shall enter into a joint agreement with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to create a National Science, Technology, and Security Roundtable.

National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2019

National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2019 This bill extends for an additional four years the exemption from the means test under Chapter 7 bankruptcy for qualifying members of an Armed Forces reserve component or the National Guard. Currently, the exemption expires on December 19, 2019.

Mark T. Esper, of Virginia, to be Secretary of Defense, vice James Mattis, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 15 July 2019

Stop Discrimination Against Veteran Home Buyers Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2019

Stop Discrimination Against Veteran Home Buyers Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a two-year grant program to train veterans to become VA home loan appraisers. Grants may be awarded to (1) a congressionally chartered veterans service organization; (2) a state, local, or tribal veterans service agency; (3) a nonprofit organization serving veterans housing needs; (4) a nonprofit entity with a history of community engagement; and (5) other entities the VA deems appropriate.

A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to modify the period after retirement for authority of the Department of Defense to appoint retired members of the armed forces to positions within the Department after retirement.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2019

This bill revises restrictions on the appointment of recently retired members of the Armed Forces to civil service positions within the Department of Defense.

Legal Services for Homeless Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2019

Legal Services for Homeless Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter cooperative agreements or make grants to eligible entities that provide legal services to homeless veterans and veterans at risk for homelessness. To be eligible, an entity must (1) be a public or nonprofit private entity with the capacity to effectively administer a grant or cooperative agreement, (2) demonstrate that adequate financial support will be available to provide legal services to homeless veterans and veterans at risk for homelessness, and (3) agree to meet the VA's established requirements and demonstrate a capacity to meet such requirements.

National Center for the Right to Counsel Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2019

National Center for the Right to Counsel Act This bill establishes the National Center for the Right to Counsel. The purpose of the center is to provide support for the following: public defense systems, and training programs to improve the delivery of legal services to indigent defendants.

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2019

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act This bill provides that service as a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 31, 1948, constitutes active military service for Department of Veterans Affairs purposes. The Department of Defense shall issue an honorable discharge within one year to each person whose service warrants such discharge. Retroactive benefits shall not be paid to persons as a result of enactment of this bill.

Equal Deferment Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2019

Equal Deferment Opportunity Act This bill prohibits the Department of Defense from deploying, within a period of 12 months, a service member who gives birth, unless (1) the service member elects to deploy, and (2) such election is approved by a health care provider employed at a military medical treatment facility.

To require the Secretary of Defense to establish a process for the inspection of facilities used to house, detain, screen, and review migrants and refugees, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2019

This bill requires the Department of Defense to establish a process under which the Government Accountability Office and the Inspectors General of the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services may be provided with access—for purposes of conducting surprise inspections—to federally-owned installations where there are facilities used to house, detain, screen, or review migrants, refugees, or other persons recently arriving in the United States.

Trafficking and Smuggling Intelligence Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2019

Trafficking and Smuggling Intelligence Act of 2019 This bill directs the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to report on issues pertaining to the Northern Triangle countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) and Mexico. Specifically, the office shall report on (1) the activities of drug-trafficking organizations in such countries, (2) the human-trafficking activities of individuals and organizations, and (3) an assessment of current intelligence-collection priorities in such countries.

Retired Military Member Appointments to the Department of Defense Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2019

Retired Military Member Appointments to the Department of Defense Act This bill revises restrictions on the appointment of recently retired members of the Armed Forces to civil service positions within the Department of Defense.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit smoking on the premises of any facility of the Veterans Health Administration, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2019

This bill prohibits smoking on the premises of any Veterans Health Administration facility. The bill defines smoking as the use of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes (i.e., the heating or combustion of tobacco), as well as the use of any electronic nicotine delivery system.

National Defense Accelerator Network Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2019

National Defense Accelerator Network Act of 2019 This bill makes permanent and otherwise revises the Department of Defense's Proof of Concept Commercialization Pilot Program (which accelerates commercialization of basic research innovations). The program must focus on priority defense technology areas that attract public funding and private-sector investment.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize States and tribal organizations that receive grants from the National Cemetery Administration for establishment, expansion, or improvement of a veterans' cemeteries to use amounts of such grants for State and tribal organization cemetery personnel to train at the training center of the National Cemetery Administration, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2019

This bill expands the costs that the Department of Veterans Affairs may take into account in determining the amount of a grant awarded for the establishment, expansion, or improvement of a state-owned veterans' cemetery. Specifically the bill allows a grant to include training costs, including travel expenses, associated with attendance at training provided by the National Cemetery Administration.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit smoking on the premises of any facility of the Veterans Health Administration, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2019

This bill prohibits smoking on the premises of any Veterans Health Administration facility. The bill defines smoking as the use of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes (i.e., the heating or combustion of tobacco), as well as the use of any electronic nicotine delivery system.

DEFENSE COOPERATION: USE OF EMERGENCY AUTHORITIES UNDER THE ARMS EXPORT CONTROL ACT

United States · United States Senate · 10 July 2019

Patriotic Employer Protection Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2019

Patriotic Employer Protection Act of 2019 This bill makes various Small Business Administration programs currently available to active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces also available to those on full-time National Guard duty.

Relief for Defrauded Students Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2019

Relief for Defrauded Students Act of 2019 This bill provides statutory authority for specific borrower defenses to repayment under the Federal Direct Loan program. Specifically, the bill allows a defense to repayment of a loan under the program if (1) the institution of higher education (IHE) made a substantial misrepresentation of the nature of its educational program, its financial charges, or the employability of its graduates; (2) the IHE made an act or omission in violation of state law; or (3) the IHE made any other act or omission as specified by the Department of Education (ED). Under current law, ED is required to specify in regulation which acts and omissions of an IHE may be asserted by a borrower as a defense to repayment under the program. The bill requires ED, upon determination that a borrower is entitled to student loan relief, to cancel any outstanding balance of principal and interest due on each loan and return to the borrower the amount of any payments made on each loan.

Recognizing the importance and effectiveness of veteran-to-veteran sponsorship programs.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2019

This resolution recognizes the importance, effectiveness, and need for veteran-to-veteran sponsorship programs and encourages the use and practice of these programs within the federal government.

Gregg Wenzel Clandestine Heroes Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2019

Gregg Wenzel Clandestine Heroes Parity Act This bill requires the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to pay death benefits substantially similar to those authorized for members of the Foreign Service. CIA employees and individuals affiliated with the CIA who die during an assignment in a foreign country shall qualify for such benefits. The CIA shall pay the survivor of such a deceased individual an amount equal to one year's salary for certain senior executive branch officials, such as the Deputy Secretary of State.

PRIZE 5G Tech Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2019

Promoting Research, Innovation, and Zeal in Emerging 5G Technology Act or the PRIZE 5G Tech Act This bill directs the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to award prizes competitively to stimulate research and development relevant to fifth-generation wireless network technology.

Reducing Foreign Influence in 5G Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2019

Reducing Foreign Influence in 5G Act This bill directs the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to report to Congress on the threats to U.S. national security posed by the global adoption of fifth-generation wireless network technology built by foreign companies and the effect of possible efforts to address such threats.

A bill to address fees erroneously collected by Department of Veterans Affairs for housing loans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2019

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit a plan to identify individuals who were erroneously charged a fee between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2017, in relation to VA-backed home loans. Specifically, the bill focuses on veterans who are rated as eligible for disability compensation and are supposed to have such home loan fees waived by the VA. The VA must also submit a plan to identify individuals who were erroneously charged a fee prior to January 1, 2012. Both plans must include the number of individuals who may be due a refund and a time line for refunding the fees. The bill also requires the VA to develop an automated process for refunding fees, update policies to ensure certificates of eligibility are accurate for determining eligibility under the VA home loan guaranty program and the exemption from the collection of fees, develop a process for determining whether a fee has been collected from an individual with a waiver (due to service-connected death or disability), and develop a plan for annual audits to determine the rate at which fees are erroneously collected from individuals with waivers.

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2019

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2019, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. The percentage increase in benefits shall be the same as the cost-of-living increase for Social Security recipients.