Defence

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2022

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023 This bill provides FY2023 appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military construction for the Army; the Navy and Marine Corps; the Air Force; Defense-wide agencies and activities; the Army and Air National Guard; and the Army, Navy, and Air Force Reserves. The bill also provides appropriations to DOD for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; the Base Closure Account; Construction and Operation and Maintenance of Family Housing for the Army, the Navy and Marine Corps, the Air Force, and Defense-wide agencies and activities; the Family Housing Improvement Fund; and the Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund. Within the VA budget, the bill provides appropriations for the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Veterans Health Administration, the National Cemetery Administration, and Departmental Administration. The bill provides appropriations for related agencies and programs, including the American Battle Monuments Commission, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Cemeterial Expenses of the Army, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

Expressing support for the designation of the month of June 2022 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month" and June 27, 2022, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2022

This resolution supports the designations of National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month and National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day. The resolution supports (1) the education of members of the Armed Forces, veterans, their families, and the public about post-traumatic stress; and (2) efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to foster cultural change around the issue of post-traumatic stress. The resolution also encourages the leadership of the Armed Forces to support treatment of members of the Armed Forces who suffer from post-traumatic stress.

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2022

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2023 This bill provides FY2023 appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military activities. (The bill excludes military construction, military family housing, civil works projects of the Army Corps of Engineers, and nuclear warheads, which are all considered in other appropriations bills.) Within the DOD budget, the bill provides appropriations for Military Personnel; Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; and Revolving and Management Funds. The bill provides appropriations for Other Department of Defense Programs, including the Defense Health Program, Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, and the Office of the Inspector General. In addition, the bill provides appropriations for Related Agencies, including (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund, and (2) the Intelligence Community Management Account. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the treatment of anesthesiologist assistants in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2022

This bill specifies that anesthesiologist assistants qualify for appointment to the Veterans Health Administration and additional pay.

DPA Reform Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2022

DPA Reform Act of 2022 This bill modifies the Defense Production Act of 1950, including by requiring that there must be a declaration of war to exercise authority under the act.

Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022

Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2022 This bill prohibits discrimination against individuals based on their source of income, veteran status, or military status in the sale or rental of housing and other related real estate transactions and services.

Ensuring the Best Schools for Veterans Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022

Ensuring the Best Schools for Veterans Act of 2022 This bill makes adjustments to the process by which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates programs of education for violations of the 85/15 Rule. The rule generally prohibits the VA from approving the enrollment of a veteran in any course at an educational institution where more than 85% of the students are having all or part of their tuition or other charges paid by the institution or the VA. The bill adds an exception for tuition or charges paid under a payment plan at an educational institution with a history of offering payment plans that are completed within 180 days after the end of the applicable term, quarter, or semester. The bill also requires the VA to establish a process by which an educational institution may request a review of a determination that the institution has more than 85% of enrolled students that have all or part of their tuition or other charges paid by the institution or the VA. The bill adjusts the existing 35% exemption by exempting courses from the 85/15 Rule if the majority of courses at the institution are approved by the state approving agency, and the total number of veterans, reservists, or eligible beneficiaries who are enrolled at the institution equals 35% or less of the total student enrollment at the institution. Additionally, the 85/15 Rule does not apply with respect to the enrollment of a veteran in a program of education with fewer than 10 students who are having all or part of their tuition or other charges paid to or for them by the educational institution or the VA.

VOICE Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022

Veterans Online Information and Cybersecurity Empowerment Act of 2022 or the VOICE Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to promote digital citizenship and media literacy among veterans by awarding grants to eligible entities, which include civil society organizations and congressionally chartered veterans service organizations.

Defense Access Roads Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022

Defense Access Roads Improvement Act This bill updates provisions and requirements related to defense access roads, including by requiring the Department of Defense to establish a formal mechanism under which a state, county, or municipality may petition to certify roads as defense access roads.

Ensuring the Best Schools for Veterans Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022

Ensuring the Best Schools for Veterans Act of 2022 This bill makes adjustments to the process by which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates programs of education for violations of the 85/15 Rule. The rule generally prohibits the VA from approving the enrollment of a veteran in any course at an educational institution where more than 85% of the students are having all or part of their tuition or other charges paid by the institution or the VA. The bill adds an exception for tuition or charges paid under a payment plan at an educational institution with a history of offering payment plans that are completed within 180 days after the end of the applicable term, quarter, or semester. The bill also requires the VA to establish a process by which an educational institution may request a review of a determination that the institution has more than 85% of enrolled students that have all or part of their tuition or other charges paid by the institution or the VA. The bill adjusts the existing 35% exemption by exempting courses from the 85/15 Rule if the majority of courses at the institution are approved by the state approving agency, and the total number of veterans, reservists, or eligible beneficiaries who are enrolled at the institution equals 35% or less of the total student enrollment at the institution. Additionally, the 85/15 Rule does not apply with respect to the enrollment of a veteran in a program of education with fewer than 10 students who are having all or part of their tuition or other charges paid to or for them by the educational institution or the VA.

CLIMB Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022

Children's Literacy Initiative on Military Bases Act of 2022 or the CLIMB Act of 2022 This bill authorizes the Department of Defense to implement a program to promote early literacy among children whose caregivers are members of the Armed Forces as part of the pediatric primary care of such children.

Veterans Equal Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022

Veterans Equal Access Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to authorize VA health care providers to (1) provide veterans with recommendations and opinions regarding participation in their state's marijuana programs, and (2) complete forms reflecting such recommendations and opinions.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Australia of certain defense articles and services.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022

This joint resolution prohibits the proposed foreign military sale of specified defense articles and services to Australia.

Defense Infrastructure Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022

Defense Infrastructure Support Act This bill extends to September 30, 2025, the authority of the Department of Defense to use a working capital fund for unspecified minor military construction projects to revitalize and recapitalize defense industrial base facilities.

VOICE Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022

Veterans Online Information and Cybersecurity Empowerment Act of 2022 or the VOICE Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to promote digital citizenship and media literacy among veterans by awarding grants to eligible entities, which include civil society organizations and congressionally chartered veterans service organizations.

Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022

Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2022 This bill prohibits discrimination against individuals based on their source of income, veteran status, or military status in the sale or rental of housing and other related real estate transactions and services.

Preventing Terrorist Transfers to Afghanistan Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022

Preventing Terrorist Transfers to Afghanistan Act This bill prohibits Department of Defense funds from being used to transfer, release, or assist in the transfer or release of any individual detained in the custody or control of the Department of Defense at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the custody or control of Afghanistan.

Fourth Amendment Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2022

Fourth Amendment Restoration Act This bill limits surveillance conducted for foreign intelligence purposes. Specifically, the bill repeals provisions authorizing without a court order various types of searches and surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes, including electronic surveillance and access to business records. An officer of the U.S. government must obtain a warrant for certain search and surveillance activities against a U.S. citizen, including (1) conducting electronic surveillance, (2) conducting physical searches of property under a U.S. citizen's exclusive control, or (3) targeting a U.S. citizen to acquire foreign intelligence information. The bill provides for criminal penalties for a person who knowingly violates these requirements or otherwise obtains such information under color of law without statutory authorization. Information about a U.S. citizen acquired under Executive Order 12333 (relating to intelligence gathering) or during surveillance of a non-U.S. citizen shall not be used against the U.S. citizen in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding or investigation.

Commending United States Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards for her commitment, determination, and heroic service in defense of American democracy during the January 6, 2021, assault on the United States Capitol.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2022

This resolution commends U.S. Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards for protecting Members of Congress, staff, and others during the events of January 6, 2021.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide for peer support specialists for claimants who are survivors of military sexual trauma, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2022

This bill prescribes that a peer support specialist of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must not be responsible for providing assistance to a veteran regarding a claim for compensation for a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced during active service. Such specialists must only provide counseling services, guidance, and support and must not participate in the adjudication of the claim. As part of the forms for claims for compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST, the VA must include an option for a veteran to elect to be referred to a MST trauma coordinator at the VA facility closest to the veteran's residence. Additionally, the VA must (1) ensure that its peer support specialists receive annual training on providing peer support regarding MST, and (2) provide annual training on the processing of claims for compensation for covered mental health conditions based on MST to its MST coordinators and peer specialists.

A bill to prohibit certain former employees of the intelligence community from providing certain services to governments of countries that are state sponsors of terrorism, the People's Republic of China, and the Russian Federation, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2022

This bill prohibits certain former employees of any intelligence community element from providing services related to intelligence, military, or internal security to the government of China, Russia, or a country that is a state sponsor of terrorism. Generally, this restriction shall apply to any employee, including any contractor or detailee, who had a level of access to sensitive information such that the relevant intelligence community element determines that such restrictions are necessary.

Buzz Off Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2022

Buzz Off Act This bill prohibits federal law enforcement from using unmanned aerial vehicles to intentionally conduct surveillance of a specifically targeted U.S. citizen or the property of such an individual, with certain exceptions. Specifically, this prohibition shall not apply if (1) the federal law enforcement agency in question first obtains a search warrant, (2) the Department of Homeland Security certifies that such surveillance is necessary to counter a high risk of a terrorist attack by a specified person or organization, or (3) the citizen gives written consent.

Base Access Privileges Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2022

Base Access Privileges Improvement Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to maintain access standards applicable to all military installations in the United States that include specified screening requirements. The bill also requires DOD to address its policies and procedures for physical entrances to certain military installations, access cards, unescorted access for certain civilians, and protocol for certain deliveries.

Expressing support for the designation of November 9, 2022, as "Gold Star Father's Day".

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2022

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

Resilient Defense Assistance Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2022

Resilient Defense Assistance Act of 2022 This bill authorizes the Department of Defense to utilize various funds and programs to contribute to military climate resilience, including by authorizing funding from the Combatant Commander Initiative Fund to be used for climate resilience of military installations and essential civilian infrastructure.

Lone Star Reimbursement Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2022

Lone Star Reimbursement Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to provide approximately $1.43 billion to the state of Texas as reimbursement for the costs of Operation Lone Star incurred in FY2021 and FY2022. (Operation Lone Star is a border security operation initiated and carried out by the state of Texas.)

Department of Defense Law Enforcement Credential Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2022

Department of Defense Law Enforcement Credential Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a standardized identification credential for DOD law enforcement officers and issue such credentials at no cost to the officers. DOD must ensure that any issued common access card clearly identifies the officer as a DOD law enforcement officer.

Warrior Brain Health Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2022

Warrior Brain Health Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative to unify efforts and programs across DOD to improve the cognitive performance and brain health of members of the Armed Forces. DOD must submit a report to Congress setting forth a strategy and implementation plan to achieve the objectives of the initiative. Additionally, DOD must include a budget justification display for activities relating to the initiative in budget justification materials submitted for FY2025-FY2029.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States expects the Government of Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, to comply with the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, also known as the Humanitarian Law of Armed Conflicts.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2022

This resolution expresses that the House of Representatives demands the government of Russia treat all forcibly detained people with dignity and abide by the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, also known as the Humanitarian Law of Armed Conflicts; urges the United States and members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to closely monitor the treatment of prisoners of war and ensure appropriate actions are taken to verify their safety and health; urges that the global community hold Vladimir Putin, the Russian government, and its allies accountable for war crimes committed during the military invasion of Ukraine; and condemns the continued use of unlawful and indiscriminate violence against civilian populations by the Russian government, its allies, and any other parties to the conflict.

Recognizing the exemplary service of the soldiers of the 30th Infantry Division of the Army during World War I and World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2022

This resolution recognizes the exemplary service of the soldiers of the 30th Infantry Division of the Army, known as "Old Hickory," during World War II.

HBCU Research, Innovation, Security, and Excellence Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2022

HBCU Research, Innovation, Security, and Excellence Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a pilot program to increase capacity for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that are designated as high research activity status to achieve and maintain very high research activity status. High research activity status (known as R2 status) and very high research activity status (known as R1 status) are classifications by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. DOD must award grants to support research activities in the areas of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) and critical technologies. DOD may expand the program to other HBCUs beyond those that are classified as high research activity status if DOD determines that the program can support such an expansion. DOD must annually establish a list of research areas for STEM and critical technologies for which grant applicants may seek funding.

Ukrainian Fighter Pilots Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2022

Ukrainian Fighter Pilots Act This bill authorizes providing assistance and training to Ukrainian military pilots and other Ukrainian forces involved in flying or maintaining F-15 and F-16 aircraft.

Fighting Foreign Influence Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2022

Fighting Foreign Influence Act This bill addresses foreign influence in federal elections. For example, the bill (1) requires tax-exempt charitable organizations to disclose in annual reports contributions and gifts exceeding $50,000 received from foreign governments and foreign political parties; and (2) prohibits any individual from registering or otherwise serving as the agent of a foreign principal if the individual at any time served as a Member of Congress, a senior political appointee, or a general or flag officer of the Armed Forces.

Taiwan Policy Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2022

Taiwan Policy Act of 2022 This bill provides support to Taiwan and addresses related issues. For example, the bill (1) establishes the Taiwan Security Assistance Initiative, which shall provide foreign military financing assistance for Taiwan and contain other measures to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan defense relationship; (2) establishes a comprehensive training program with Taiwan's government to familiarize the U.S. military and Taiwan's military with each other and achieve interoperability; and (3) authorizes the Department of State to take actions to help Taiwan become a non-borrowing member of the Inter-American Development Bank.

Military Family Protection from Debt Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2022

Military Family Protection from Debt Act This bill expands eligibility for certain debt protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to the dependents of members of the Armed Forces.

Expedited Hiring for VA Trained Psychiatrists Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2022

Expedited Hiring for VA Trained Psychiatrists Act of 2022 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to appoint a psychiatrist who completes a residency at a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility to a VHA health care position immediately after such residency, without regard to civil service or classification laws, if (1) the psychiatrist meets the qualifications established in regulations prescribed for the position, and (2) the position has been unfilled for at least 35 days.

Expanding Trade Sanctions on Russia Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2022

Expanding Trade Sanctions on Russia Act This bill prohibits the importation of certain products from Russia. This prohibition applies to, among other products, uranium, plywood, silver, and platinum. The President may waive this prohibition for one or more of these products, subject to congressional disapproval, if the President certifies that such waiver is in the national interest. Additionally, the President may terminate this prohibition, subject to congressional disapproval, if the President certifies that Russia (1) has reached an agreement to withdraw Russian forces and cease military hostilities in Ukraine, (2) poses no immediate military threat of aggression to any North Atlantic Treaty Organization member, and (3) recognizes the right of the Ukrainian people to independently and freely choose their own government.

Dental Care for Our Troops Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2022

Dental Care for Our Troops Act This bill allows the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a premium-free dental plan for members of the Selected Reserve. Participants in this dental plan may not be charged copays for services covered by the plan. (Current law requires DOD to offer a dental plan to members of the Selected Reserve, but the plan has premiums and copays.)

Defense Semiconductor Stockpile Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2022

Defense Semiconductor Stockpile Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to study and report on the strategic materials (e.g., semiconductors and related manufacturing equipment) it requires to execute its operational plans in a conflict with a strategic competitor (e.g., China) lasting not less than six months. The bill also requires DOD to implement a pilot program to acquire the highest priority minerals, materials, or equipment for the National Defense Stockpile.

Honoring the life of Petty Officer Raul Guerra of Montebello, California, who perished on October 8, 1967, during military operations off northern Vietnam, and the work of the Bring Raul Home Committee to have Petty Officer Raul Guerra's remains laid to rest in California.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2022

This resolution extends sympathies to the friends and loved ones of fallen Petty Officer Raul Guerra of Montebello, California, and honors the courage and character of Raul Guerra for protecting the United States and defending the freedom of Americans.

Urging the use of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to expand short-term refinery capacity.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2022

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should support policies that increase oil refinery capacity to meet short-term fuel demands while considering the United States' long-term climate and sustainability goals. The resolution also expresses the sense that the President should provide targeted assistance to restart idled refineries.

Radha Iyengar Plumb, of New York, to be a Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, vice Alan Ray Shaffer.

United States · United States Senate · 15 June 2022

Assessing Chinese Special Operations Forces Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2022

Assessing Chinese Special Operations Forces Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense's annual report on China's military strategy to include analyses, forecasts, and assessments relating to the Chinese military's special operations forces.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a joint training pipeline between the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2022

This bill requires the Department of Defense to carry out an exchange program for Australian submarine officers. Under this program, two such officers shall be selected each year to receive training and, after completing such training, be assigned to duty on an operational U.S. submarine at sea.

Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2022

Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act The bill establishes the Office of the Special Inspector General for Ukrainian Military, Economic, and Humanitarian Aid. The office's duties shall include conducting and coordinating audits and investigations of the handing of funds made available for aid to Ukraine.

Military STUDY Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2022

Military School Temporary Uprooting Duty Year Act or the Military STUDY Act This bill permits the military departments to authorize temporary duty status, and travel and transportation allowances, for members who are reassigned between duty stations within the United States for not more than one year for the purpose of participating in professional military education or training classes with orders to return to the duty station of primary residence and where the dependents of such members reside. If the military department assigns permanent duty status to such a member, the member must be eligible for travel and transportation allowances at specified rates, including per diem while traveling between the permanent duty station and professional military education institution or training site.

Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2022

Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to establish a policy (containing specified elements) to ensure accountability for actions taken under the authorities of the Defense Health Agency and the military departments concerning wounded, ill, and injured members of the Armed Forces during the integrated disability evaluation system process. The bill also specifies that each military department must maintain personnel authority over, and responsibility for, its members during medical evaluation board consideration.

A resolution recognizing the exemplary service of the soldiers of the 30th Infantry Division (Old Hickory) of the United States Army during World War I and World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2022

This resolution recognizes the exemplary service of the soldiers of the 30th Infantry Division of the Army during World War I and World War II.

A resolution recognizing the service of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine the USS Oklahoma City and the crews of the USS Oklahoma City, who served the United States with valor and bravery.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2022

This resolution recognizes the USS Oklahoma City and its crew for serving the country bravely.

GRID Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2022

Guaranteeing Resilient Installations for Defense Act or the GRID Act This bill gives the Department of Energy (DOE) the authority to address the vulnerability of critical defense facilities to electric energy supply disruptions. Specifically, DOE may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with external providers of electric energy to (1) improve the resilience of defense critical electric infrastructure, or (2) reduce such vulnerability.