Defence

National Security Reforms and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

National Security Reforms and Accountability Act This bill limits presidential authorities related to, and increases congressional oversight of, introducing U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities, arms transactions, and national emergencies. The bill makes various changes to the War Powers Resolution, which provides procedures for Congress and the President to participate in decisions to send U.S. forces into hostilities. These changes include requiring specific statutory authorization for, and revising congressional procedures to approve or disapprove of, the introduction of U.S. forces into hostilities. The bill also prohibits the use of federal funds for any activity of U.S. forces that lacks the required authorization. The President must also seek congressional approval before entering, renewing, or extending an arms sale or related transaction if the transaction exceeds specified dollar thresholds. This does not apply to transactions with NATO and its member countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, New Zealand, or Taiwan. The bill also prohibits transfers of defense articles and services to countries that commit genocide or otherwise violate international humanitarian law. The bill restricts presidential authorities related to national emergencies, including by limiting the period of a declared emergency to 30 days unless Congress authorizes an extension. The bill also establishes procedures for approving or disapproving an extension, requires the President to provide more detailed reports to Congress about national emergencies, and sets out specific provisions for terminating an emergency.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4366) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 9) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment"; and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 24) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat".

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4366) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 9) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment"; and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 24) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat".

To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a standardized training curriculum for military vehicle operations.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

The Project Spectrum Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

To amend title 10, United States Code, to establish the Office of Strategic Capital in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Strategic Lebanon Security Reporting Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Strategic Lebanon Security Reporting Act This bill requires the Department of State to provide Congress with a report addressing security in Lebanon. Specifically, the report must include details regarding the extent of Iranian and Syrian influence in Lebanon, the capability of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Lebanese Armed Forces' actions to prevent the forced return of refugees to Syria, Hezbollah's influence on governmental and financial institutions in Lebanon, and implementation activities related to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and successor resolutions.

A bill to require reporting on sexual assault in surveys.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

This bill expands the matters that must be included in the Armed Forces Workplace and Gender Relations Surveys conducted by the Department of Defense. Specifically, the surveys must solicit information on indicators of an assault that give reason to believe that the victim was targeted or discriminated against (or both) for their sexual orientation or status in a group.

A bill to require a report on Department of Defense security clearance process updates, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

This bill requires the Department of Defense to report on its updates to the security clearance process and the methods it is pursuing to ensure its security clearance process continues to protect national security.

A bill to require a report on the effect of the phase-out of the reduction of Survivor Benefit Plan survivor annuities by the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

This bill requires the Department of Defense to report to Congress on the effect of the phase-out of the reduction of the Survivor Benefit Plan annuities by the amount of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation received by survivors.

Artificial Intelligence Bug Bounty Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Artificial Intelligence Bug Bounty Act of 2023 This bill requires the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) within the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a bug bounty program for foundational artificial intelligence products being incorporated by DOD. Generally, a bug bounty program provides incentives to individuals to discover and report on vulnerabilities in an organization's software or systems. Not later than one year after the enactment of this bill, CDAO must brief Congress on the development of bug bounty programs and long-term plans with respect to such programs.

Ukraine Aid Oversight Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Ukraine Aid Oversight Act The bill expands the duties and authorities of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction to include oversight over aid to Ukraine. The bill also renames the office to the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction and Ukraine Aid . In addition to its existing duties relating to oversight of Afghanistan reconstruction activities, the renamed office's duties shall include (1) conducting and coordinating audits and investigations of the handing of funds made available for aid to Ukraine, and (2) monitoring and reviewing contracts and activities involving those funds. The Special Inspector General shall report directly to, and be under the general supervision of, the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense. Federal agencies may not prevent the office from carrying out any audit or investigation related to aid to Ukraine. The office shall terminate on September 30, 2027.

Stopping Genetic Monitoring by China Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Stopping Genetic Monitoring by China Act This bill imposes export controls on genetic testing and sequencing technologies and bars exports of such technologies to specific countries. The bill also imposes sanctions on foreign persons (individuals and entities) involved with certain activities, including human rights violations. Specifically, the End-User Review Committee must place on the Commerce Control List (CCL) technologies identified as genetic instruments by the Department of Defense, the Department of State, or the Department of Energy. The committee must also deny licenses required to export or transfer such technology to countries specified in this bill (e.g, Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia) unless the license applicant demonstrates that the technology will not be used for human rights abuses or by an entity engaged in human rights abuses. (Items covered by the CCL are subject to export controls and typically may not be exported without a license.) The bill also requires the President to impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on certain foreign persons, including (1) persons that are responsible for or complicit in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, (2) persons that conduct genetic testing and analysis and are located in a country targeted by the export controls in this bill, (3) any university in China involved in genetic monitoring and human rights abuses, (4) any private company in China with an owner or senior management official who is a delegate to the National People's Conference, and (5) corporate officers of entities sanctioned under this bill.

A bill to provide support for military families with dependents in the Exceptional Family Member Program.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

A bill to require verification of the financial independence of financial services counselors in the Department of Defense.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Military Recreational Land Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to allow certain military spouses employed by the Department of Defense to telework full time.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual report on certain out-of-cycle or premature personnel transfers.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report on the number and nature of out-of-cycle or premature personnel transfers carried out during the preceding fiscal year for specified individuals as a result of such individuals or their dependents being affected by certain issues. Specifically, the report must focus on members of the Armed Forces on active duty, members of the Armed Forces in a reserve component, members of the National Guard, and civilian employees of DOD or dependents of the listed individuals who are being affected by (1) sexual assault or sexual harassment; (2) humanitarian or compassionate requests; (3) discrimination, harassment, bullying, reprisals, or threats based on the race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity) or sexual orientation of such individuals or dependents; (4) medical issues, including lack of access to care; or (6) child custody agreements. Each report must be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex to protect sensitive information. Additionally, the reports must exclude personally identifiable information. 

A bill to name the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the "Henry Parham VA Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the Henry Parham Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic or the Henry Parham VA Clinic.

Veterans Accessibility Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Derek H. Chollet, of Nebraska, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, vice Colin Hackett Kahl, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 25 July 2023

End Birthright Citizenship Fraud Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

End Birthright Citizenship Fraud Act of 2023 This bill limits birthright citizenship to certain individuals, whereas currently, nearly all individuals born in the United States are U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals at birth. Under this bill, an individual born in the United States shall receive U.S. citizenship and U.S. nationality only if the individual is born to a parent who at the time of the birth is a (1) U.S. national, (2) refugee, (3) lawful permanent resident, or (4) non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who is performing active service in the Armed Forces. (All U.S. citizens are U.S. nationals, but some individuals, such as those born in an outlying U.S. possession, obtain U.S. nationality but not citizenship through birth, unless the individual is entitled to citizenship through some other means.)

9–8–8 Implementation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

9-8-8 Implementation Act of 2023 This bill modifies programs and activities that support access to behavioral health services, with a focus on crisis services and the 9-8-8 telecommunication system that provides callers with mental health or suicide crisis support and resources. For example, the bill establishes a national suicide prevention media campaign and grant programs to support crisis call centers and the behavioral health workforce. It also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to convene a panel to develop recommendations for 9-1-1 dispatchers on how respond to callers experiencing behavioral health crises, including with respect to utilizing the 9-8-8 system. The bill also expands coverage under Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), private insurance, and insurance programs for members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and federal employees to include crisis response services.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a retroactive effective date of law regarding charge to entitlement to Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance for individuals who do not transfer credits from certain closed or disapproved programs of education.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

ACES Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

ACES Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study and report on the prevalence and mortality of cancers among veterans who served on active duty as aircrew members and regularly flew in fixed-wing aircraft.

Acknowledging the service, sacrifice, and courage of veterans and ensuring that Congress imposes no additional fee or cost for benefits earned through service.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

This resolution supports the benefits veterans have earned through service and opposes any efforts to impose new fees or burdens on veterans for veterans benefits.

A bill to provide for an enhanced domestic content requirement for Navy shipbuilding programs.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

DOULA for VA Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act of 2023 or the DOULA for VA Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a five-year pilot program to furnish doula services to pregnant veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system. The program must furnish doula services through eligible entities by expanding the VA's Whole Health model to measure the impact that doula support services have on birth and mental health outcomes of pregnant veterans. The Whole Health model is a holistic approach that looks at the many areas of life that may affect health in order to make a health plan suited for each individual based on his or her health goals.

Strategic Defense Logistics Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

A resolution recognizing the historic significance of the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program and its outsized influence in developing and supporting enduring relationships around the world. The resolution also expresses deep gratitude for the service of members of the National Guard to the program.

Taxpayer-Funded Facility Restoration Stewardship Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Taxpayer-Funded Facility Restoration Stewardship Act This bill authorizes departments or organizations within the Department of Defense (DOD) to place an order with any other such department or organization, on a reimbursable basis, for a project for the maintenance and repair of a DOD facility or for a minor military construction project.

Mighty Eighth Air Force National Museum Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Mighty Eighth Air Force National Museum Act This bill designates the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, Georgia (or any successor location), as the official National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force of the United States.

Combat Power Preservation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON DISCUSSION DRAFT OF H.R., TO PROMOTE AND ENHANCE OUTDOOR RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS ON FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LANDS, "MILITARY AND VETERANS IN PARKS (MVP) ACT"; H.R. 1786, TO DIRECT THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO SUBMIT TO CONGRESS A REPORT ON THE WARRIOR TRAINING ADVANCEMENT COURSE, TO DIRECT THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR TO ADMINISTER A PILOT PROGRAM TO EMPLOY VETERANS IN POSITIONS THAT RELATE TO CONSERVATION AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, "GET REWARDING OUTDOOR WORK FOR OUR VETERANS ACT, OR (GROW) ACT; H.R. 1829, TO REQUIRE THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE TO CONVEY THE PLEASANT VALLEY RANGER DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE SITE TO GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA; AND H.R. 2468, TO REQUIRE THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR TO CONVEY TO THE STATE OF UTAH CERTAIN FEDERAL LAND UNDER THE ADMINISTRATIVE JURISDICTION OF THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF CAMP WILLIAMS, UTAH, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, "MOUNTAIN VIEW CORRIDOR COMPLETION ACT"

United States · United States House of Representatives · 20 July 2023

To amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the non-premium war risk insurance program.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

This bill extends the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Non-premium War Risk Insurance Program through FY2025. This program provides aviation insurance without a premium to eligible air carriers at the request of the Department of Defense or another federal agency, provided that the agency agrees to indemnify the FAA from all losses covered under the insurance. Eligible air carriers include those whose operations are under a federal contract and are necessary for national security or to carry out U.S. foreign policy.   

SAVES Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

RVC ARE Neo-Nazis Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Requiring Verification of Compliance with Abandoning Ruthless Evil Neo-Nazis Act or RVC ARE Neo-Nazis Act This bill prohibits the Department of Defense from providing security assistance to Ukraine authorized under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative until the President certifies to Congress that the government of Ukraine is not providing funding, equipment, training, fuel, or other support to the Russian Volunteer Corps, the Azov Battalion, or any neo-Nazi militia.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the majority of NATO member countries have failed to meet their defense spending commitment and that the United States should not continue to subsidize the security of countries that choose not to invest in their own defense.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

This resolution denounces NATO member countries that have not met their obligations under the 2014 Wales Summit Defense Spending Benchmark, a pledge by member countries to spend a minimum of 2% of their nation's gross domestic product on their defense. The resolution affirms that the benchmark is the best common defense to safeguard members in the event a mutual military response is warranted.

Armed Forces Facility Conditions and Quality of Life Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 This bill provides FY2024 appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy (DOE), and several independent agencies. The bill provides appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, including for Investigations; Planning, Engineering, and Design; Construction; Mississippi River and Tributaries; Operation and Maintenance; the Regulatory Program; the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program; Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies; Expenses; the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works; and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project and the Bureau of Reclamation. The bill provides appropriations to DOE for energy programs, including Industrial Emissions and Technology Coordination; Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response; Electricity; Grid Development; Nuclear Energy; Fossil Energy and Carbon Management; Energy Projects; Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves; the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve; the Energy Information Administration; Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup; the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund; Science; Nuclear Waste Disposal; Technology Transitions; Clean Energy Demonstrations; the Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy; the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program; the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program; the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program; Indian Energy Policy and Programs; Departmental Administration; and the Office of the Inspector General. The bill also provides appropriations to DOE for Atomic Energy Defense Activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration, Environmental and Other Defense Activities, and the Power Marketing Administrations. The bill provides appropriations to several independent agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Unmet Needs Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

HUBS for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

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

ARCA Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Streamline Pentagon Budgeting Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Enlist Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Enlist Act of 2023 This bill authorizes certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) to enlist in the Armed Forces, including individuals who are beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. (DACA provides eligible individuals, generally individuals who unlawfully entered the United States as a child, with protection from deportation.) Under this bill, a non-U.S. national may be eligible to enlist in the Armed Forces if the individual (1) is a beneficiary of DACA or a successor policy, even if a court terminates such a policy; (2) has temporary protected status; or (3) has an approved immigrant visa application but has been unable to adjust to lawful permanent resident status because a visa is not available (or the individual turned 21 years old before a visa became available). Furthermore, to be eligible to enlist under this bill, the individual must also (1) meet the security and suitability requirements related to enlistment; and (2) have been continuously physically present in the United States for five years, with certain exceptions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must stay removal proceedings against an individual who has enlisted under this bill if the individual (1) has served honorably in the Armed Forces, or (2) is a veteran and was not separated from service except under honorable conditions. If an individual has enlisted under this bill, DHS must consider the individual's honorable service in the Armed Forces when determining, for immigration purposes, whether the individual has good moral character.

Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act This bill prohibits a debt collector from threatening a service member with a reduction of rank, revocation of their security clearance, or military prosecution in the course of collecting a debt. The Government Accountability Office must report on the impact of this prohibition on the timely delivery of information to service members, military readiness, and national security.

A bill to extend the prohibition on certain reductions to the B-1 bomber aircraft squadrons.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

A bill to provide an additional $30,000,000 for the testing of hypersonic weapon systems with the B-1 bomber, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

This bill authorizes an additional FY2024 appropriation to the Department of Defense for the testing of hypersonic weapon systems with the B-1 bomber.

Servicemember Mental Health Support Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Servicemember Mental Health Support Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense to report on (1) the policies of the Armed Forces for mental health referrals; and (2) the impact of removing requirements for a primary care referral for outpatient mental health care on the readiness of the military, the utilization of outpatient mental health care services by members of the Armed Forces, and suicide prevention.

Protect Patriot Spouses Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Protect Patriot Spouses Act This bill makes certain military spouses who are non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) eligible for lawful permanent resident status (also known as a green card ). To be eligible for a green card under this bill, an individual must be the current or former spouse of a U.S. citizen who serves or served in the Armed Forces, either on active duty or in a reserve component. If the U.S. citizen has been discharged from the Armed Forces, such discharge must be under honorable conditions. Certain factors that would otherwise make an individual inadmissible, such as having entered the United States without being admitted, shall not apply to a spouse seeking a green card under the bill. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may also waive certain factors that would otherwise make an individual inadmissible, such as having misrepresented a material fact to secure a visa, if the individual does not pose a threat to the public and has not committed any crimes that are unrelated to immigration status. The bill also requires DHS and the Department of State to allow a qualifying non-U.S. national spouse to (1) apply for an immigrant visa to enter the United States under this bill; and (2) enter and stay in the United States to reunite with their U.S. citizen spouse while the application is pending, if the non-U.S. national spouse does not pose a threat to the public or national security.

U.S.-Israel Anti-Killer Drone Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

U.S.-Israel Anti-Killer Drone Act of 2023 This bill increases the authorization of appropriations for the Department of Defense in carrying out research, development, test, and evaluation activities, on a joint basis with Israel, to establish capabilities for countering unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The bill also requires DOD to report to Congress on the status of U.S.-Israeli cooperation to counter UAS capabilities and to provide an assessment of the UAS threat to the United States and Israel from Iran and associated proxies of Iran.