Defence

Taiwan Peace through Strength Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2022

Taiwan Peace through Strength Act of 2022 This bill addresses military-related assistance to Taiwan. For example, the bill (1) requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of State to prioritize processing Taiwan's requests under the Foreign Military Sales program; (2) authorizes additional Foreign Military Financing grant assistance to Taiwan, subject to various requirements; and (3) requires DOD to establish a comprehensive training program with Taiwan designed to achieve interoperability and improve Taiwan's defense capabilities.

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-82] ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 April 2022

Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022

Spectrum Innovation Act of 2021 This bill specifies a process for auctioning a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between 3100 megahertz (MHz) and 3540 MHz for nonfederal use, shared federal and nonfederal use, or a combination of those uses. Most wireless technologies (e.g., mobile communication) rely on the electromagnetic spectrum to transmit signals. Specifically, the Office of Management and Budget must transfer funding from the Spectrum Reallocation Fund to federal entities for planning related to the reallocation. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Executive Office of the President must oversee the planning. Informed by the planning, the Department of Commerce must identify at least 200 MHz of spectrum for reallocation. In identifying the spectrum, Commerce must consult with the Department of Defense, the Office of National Science and Technology Policy, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC must (1) adopt rules authorizing the use of the identified spectrum in consultation with the NTIA, and (2) auction licenses for the identified spectrum within seven years of the bill's enactment. Additionally, the President must modify or withdraw (subject to certain limits) current federal assignments of the identified spectrum to increase nonfederal use. The FCC must allow for opportunistic uses (i.e., allow devices to opportunistically identify and transmit on unused spectrum without infringing on the rights of the spectrum license holder) of a withdrawn or modified assignment. An allowed opportunistic use must cease after the auction if the use is inconsistent with the rights of the licensee that obtains its license through the auction.

Veterans First Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022

Veterans First Act of 2022 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from obligating or expending any amounts to provide emergency assistance in response to an emergency at the southern border directly resulting from the repeal of certain public health orders from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Specifically, the bill prohibits such emergency assistance in response to the repeal of the order issued on August 2, 2021, titled Public Health Reassessment and Order Suspending the Right To Introduce Certain Persons From Countries Where a Quarantinable Communicable Disease Exists ; the order issued on April 1, 2022, titled Public Health Determination and Order Regarding Suspending the Right To Introduce Certain Persons From Countries Where a Quarantinable Communicable Disease Exists ; and an order relating to the same public health concerns as the listed orders.

Honoring the life and legacy of Ulysses S. Grant in commemoration of his 200th Birthday.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022

This concurrent resolution honors Ulysses S. Grant for his efforts and leadership in defending the union of the United States and affirms that he is among the most influential military commanders in the history of the country.

Authorization for Use of Military Force to defend America’s Allies Resolution of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022

Authorization for Use of Military Force to defend America's Allies Resolution of 2022 This joint resolution authorizes the President, upon making a determination that Russia has used chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons in the territory of Ukraine, to use the Armed Forces as necessary and appropriate to (1) protect U.S. national security interests with respect to Ukraine, and (2) assist in defending and restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine. No later than 48 hours after exercising such authority, the President shall make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate the President's determination that reliance by the United States on further diplomatic or other peaceful means alone either (1) will not adequately protect U.S. national security interests with respect to Ukraine, or (2) is not likely to defend and restore Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022

Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act This bill implements policies and procedures within the Department of Defense (DOD) related to the harm of civilians during U.S. military operations.

Department of Defense Civilian Harm Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022

Department of Defense Civilian Harm Transparency Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to designate a senior official to serve as the civilian harm investigation coordinator to conduct a review of each investigation of civilian harm and assess whether applicable laws, policies, guidelines, and processes were followed during the investigations. DOD must also appoint a general counsel to assist the coordinator with such duties. The coordinator must annually submit to Congress a report on civilian harm resulting from U.S. military operations during the preceding year. DOD must make publicly available in an electronic format a detailed list of all ex gratia payments (i.e., payments that are not legally required) and other payments in response to civilian harm paid by the United States. Some information may be excluded to ensure safety or privacy of payment recipients. DOD must provide specified information to Congress to certify the need for confidentiality. DOD must provide an easily accessible electronic method by which individuals may request ex gratia or other condolence payments.

Veterans for Mustangs Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022

Veterans for Mustangs Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to prioritize use of nonsurgical, medically safe on-range fertility controls to manage populations of wild, free-roaming horses and burros. In implementing such fertility controls, the Bureau of Land Management shall prioritize the recruitment of military veterans to train and become certified in the application of fertility controls, including the certified PZP applicator certification offered by the Science and Conservation Center's Certification Program. Interior shall provide appropriate compensation to military veterans participating in such a certification program. The bill authorizes Interior to contract with military veterans who have completed the training program to carry out fertility control activities.

Expressing the profound sorrow of the House of Representatives on the death of Texas Army National Guard Specialist Bishop E. Evans.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022

This resolution acknowledges that Specialist Bishop E. Evans was discovered, deceased, along the Rio Grande, near Eagle Pass, Texas. The resolution also honors the life and service of Specialist Evans and recognizes that his actions resulted in the survival of two migrants.

Sexual Harassment Independent Investigations and Prosecution Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022

Sexual Harassment Independent Investigations and Prosecution Act This bill provides for the inclusion of sexual harassment as an offense subject to the authority of special trial counsel under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and sets forth requirements related to independent investigations of sexual harassment under the UCMJ.

Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022

Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act This bill implements policies and procedures within the Department of Defense (DOD) related to the harm of civilians during U.S. military operations.

Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022

Spectrum Innovation Act of 2021 This bill specifies a process for auctioning a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between 3100 megahertz (MHz) and 3540 MHz for nonfederal use, shared federal and nonfederal use, or a combination of those uses. Most wireless technologies (e.g., mobile communication) rely on the electromagnetic spectrum to transmit signals. Specifically, the Office of Management and Budget must transfer funding from the Spectrum Reallocation Fund to federal entities for planning related to the reallocation. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Executive Office of the President must oversee the planning. Informed by the planning, the Department of Commerce must identify at least 200 MHz of spectrum for reallocation. In identifying the spectrum, Commerce must consult with the Department of Defense, the Office of National Science and Technology Policy, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC must (1) adopt rules authorizing the use of the identified spectrum in consultation with the NTIA, and (2) auction licenses for the identified spectrum within seven years of the bill's enactment. Additionally, the President must modify or withdraw (subject to certain limits) current federal assignments of the identified spectrum to increase nonfederal use. The FCC must allow for opportunistic uses (i.e., allow devices to opportunistically identify and transmit on unused spectrum without infringing on the rights of the spectrum license holder) of a withdrawn or modified assignment. An allowed opportunistic use must cease after the auction if the use is inconsistent with the rights of the licensee that obtains its license through the auction.

Department of Defense Civilian Harm Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022

Department of Defense Civilian Harm Transparency Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to designate a senior official to serve as the civilian harm investigation coordinator to conduct a review of each investigation of civilian harm and assess whether applicable laws, policies, guidelines, and processes were followed during the investigations. DOD must also appoint a general counsel to assist the coordinator with such duties. The coordinator must annually submit to Congress a report on civilian harm resulting from U.S. military operations during the preceding year. DOD must make publicly available in an electronic format a detailed list of all ex gratia payments (i.e., payments that are not legally required) and other payments in response to civilian harm paid by the United States. Some information may be excluded to ensure safety or privacy of payment recipients. DOD must provide specified information to Congress to certify the need for confidentiality. DOD must provide an easily accessible electronic method by which individuals may request ex gratia or other condolence payments.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 27 April 2022

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE'S FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 April 2022

[H.A.S.C. No. 117-81] Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request of the Department of Defense for Fixed-Wing Tactical and Training Aircraft Programs

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 April 2022

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 27 April 2022

A bill to prohibit nationals of the Russian Federation and Belarus from working in Department of Energy National Laboratories.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2022

This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to take actions to, immediately after the enactment of this bill, terminate the employment of all nationals of Russia and Belarus (other than such nationals who are lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States) working in DOE National Laboratories. DOE must prohibit such nationals from working in such laboratories until (1) the armed forces of Russia and any country that is an ally of Russia are no longer present in Ukraine, and (2) all sanctions imposed by the United States in response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia that began on February 24, 2022, have been terminated.

Providing for consideration of the bill (S. 3522) to provide enhanced authority for the President to enter into agreements with the Government of Ukraine to lend or lease defense articles to that Government to protect civilian populations in Ukraine from Russian military invasion, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2022

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (S. 3522) to provide enhanced authority for the President to enter into agreements with the Government of Ukraine to lend or lease defense articles to that Government to protect civilian populations in Ukraine from Russian military invasion, and for other purposes.

A concurrent resolution honoring the life and legacy of Ulysses S. Grant in commemoration of his 200th Birthday.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2022

This concurrent resolution honors Ulysses S. Grant for his efforts and leadership in defending the union of the United States and affirms that he is among the most influential military commanders in the history of the country.

To prohibit the appeal of the decision issued by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida determining that the mask mandate is unlawful, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2022

This bill prohibits federal funds from being used by the Department of Justice or any other federal agency to appeal the April 18, 2022, decision in Health Freedom Defense Fund, Inc., et al. v. Biden, et al . This decision struck down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mask mandate for public transportation.

Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2022

Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 This bill temporarily waives certain requirements related to the President's authority to lend or lease defense articles if the defense articles are intended for Ukraine's government or the governments of other Eastern European countries affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For FY2022 and FY2023, an agreement to lend or lease defense articles under this bill shall not be subject to certain requirements and provisions that typically apply to such lend-lease agreements, including a requirement that generally prohibits a loan or lease period from exceeding five years. The President must establish expedited procedures to ensure the timely delivery of defense articles loaned or leased to Ukraine under this bill.

Recognizing the 47th anniversary of Black April and the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2022

This resolution recognizes the significance of the 47th anniversary of Black April and the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. The resolution honors the contributions of Vietnamese Americans and honors the service of members of the U.S. Armed Forces and the South Vietnamese forces who fought in Vietnam, including those who gave their lives.

TASK Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2022

Transaction and Sourcing Knowledge Act or the TASK Act This bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to mandate the reporting of certain information by publicly traded companies. Specifically, companies must report on the sourcing and due diligence involving products imported into the United States utilizing forced labor from Xinjiang, China; transactions with companies on the Department of Commerce's trade restriction list or designated as Chinese military-industrial complex companies; and for U.S. companies with facilities in China, whether there is a Chinese Communist Party committee in the operations of the company, and a summary of that committee's activity.

A resolution honoring military children during the National Month of the Military Child.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2022

This resolution honors the children of members of the Armed Forces and recognizes that they share in the burden of protecting the country.

Stop Reckless Student Loan Actions Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2022

Stop Reckless Student Loan Actions Act of 2022 This bill limits executive authority to (1) suspend or defer federal student loan payments or interest accrual on such loans, and (2) cancel federal student loans. Specifically, the bill prohibits the President or the Department of Education (ED) from suspending or deferring federal student loan payments or the accrual of interest on such loans for borrowers with annual household incomes over 400% of the federal poverty line. Further, ED may only suspend or defer federal student loan payments or the accrual of interest for such loans for a total of 90 days after the declaration of a national emergency by the President. ED must submit recommendations to Congress on relief necessary for recipients of student financial-aid assistance. Additionally, the bill prohibits the President or ED from cancelling the outstanding balances or portions of balances on student loans due to the COVID-19 national emergency or any other national emergency. Executive or regulatory action to suspend or defer federal student loan payments or to cancel federal student loans shall be subject to congressional review. The bill also revises the definition of affected individual for purposes of the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROES) Act of 2003 to exclude from relief under the act (1) an individual who resides or is employed in an area that is declared a disaster area in connection with a national emergency; or (2) an individual who suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of a war, military operation, or national emergency.

STOP CCP Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2022

Sanction Transactions Originating from Pernicious Chinese Companies and Policies Act of 2022 or the STOP CCP Act of 2022 This bill prohibits U.S. persons (generally individuals and entities subject to U.S. jurisdiction) from trading in the publicly traded securities of certain entities that operate or have operated in certain sectors in China, including the defense or surveillance technology sectors.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 AND THE FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 26 April 2022

THE HEALTH OF THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE

United States · United States Senate · 26 April 2022

Reduce and Eliminate Mental Health Outpatient Veteran Copays Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2022

Reduce and Eliminate Mental Health Outpatient Veteran Copays Act or the REMOVE Copays Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from imposing or collecting any co-payment for the first three mental health outpatient care visits in a calendar year for a veteran who is enrolled in the VA health care system.

Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2022

Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act of 2022 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from charging any entitlement to retraining assistance under the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program in situations where an individual was unable to complete a course or program as a result of the closure of an educational institution or the disapproval of a program by the state approving agency or the VA. The period for which retraining assistance is not charged must be equal to the full amount of retraining assistance provided for enrollment in the program of education. In the event of a closure or disapproval, the educational institution must not receive any further payments under the program, and any payment already made must be considered an overpayment and constitute a liability of the institution to the United States.

Defense Budget Transparency Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2022

Defense Budget Transparency Act of 2022 This bill requires research and specified action related to pass-through budgeting for military departments. Pass-through budgeting refers to the practice by which certain funds allocated for a military department are subject to the authority of other departments and agencies of the federal government but are included in the overall budget of the military department despite the department's lack of authority over the funds. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to seek to enter a contract with an independent research organization to conduct a study on the effects of pass-through budgeting on the Department of the Air Force and other DOD organizations and elements. For each fiscal year beginning with FY2024, the budget justification materials submitted in support of the DOD budget must include separate line items for each military department to clearly identify any amounts requested that are subject to pass-through budgeting.

A bill to prohibit the use by the Department of Veterans Affairs of funds to provide emergency assistance at the southern border of the United States resulting from the repeal of certain public health orders, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2022

This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from obligating or expending any amounts to provide emergency assistance in response to an emergency at the southern border directly resulting from the repeal of certain public health orders from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Specifically, the bill prohibits such emergency assistance in response to the repeal of the order issued on August 2, 2021, titled Public Health Reassessment and Order Suspending the Right To Introduce Certain Persons From Countries Where a Quarantinable Communicable Disease Exists ; the order issued on April 1, 2022, titled Public Health Determination and Order Regarding Suspending the Right To Introduce Certain Persons From Countries Where a Quarantinable Communicable Disease Exists ; and an order relating to the same public health concerns as the listed orders.

To establish certain protections for individuals involuntarily separated from the Armed Forces solely on the basis of refusing to receive vaccinations against COVID-19.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2022

This bill requires the reinstatement of individuals who were discharged or dismissed from the Armed Forces solely because they refused to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, such individuals must be reinstated, at their request, in the same rank and grade they held at the time of their separation from the Armed Forces. The discharge or dismissal of such individuals must be characterized as honorable. Such individuals may not be denied retired or retainer pay or any benefits through the Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs solely on the basis they refused to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2022

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2022 This bill implements programs and policies related to veterans' benefit claims.

Increasing Homeownership for Servicemembers Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2022

Increasing Homeownership for Servicemembers Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center or nonprofit entity to study and report on the barriers to home ownership for members of the Armed Forces.

Building More Housing for Servicemembers Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2022

Building More Housing for Servicemembers Act This bill addresses the availability and quality of housing for members of the Armed Forces. First, the bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report to Congress on the housing shortage for members of the Armed Forces. DOD must prescribe guidance for eligible entities and landlords regarding acceptable housing standards for privatized military housing. Under the bill, an eligible entity is any private person, corporation, firm, partnership, company, or state or local government that is prepared to enter into a contract for the construction of housing units and ancillary supporting facilities. DOD must establish a five-year pilot program to assess the feasibility of using the rental partnership programs of the Armed Forces to assure tenants for eligible entities to secure financing to construct privatized military housing. Additionally, DOD must coordinate with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop a five-year pilot program to provide financial incentives to eligible entities to build privatized military housing, or to purchase or lease existing facilities, to house members of the Armed Forces and their dependents and low-income individuals and families. Finally, DOD and HUD may jointly operate a grant program through the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation within DOD to build housing for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents, and low-income individuals and families. Household income limits for eligible entities to receive a grant must not differ based on whether a household includes a member of the Armed Forces.

BAH Calculation Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2022

BAH Calculation Improvement Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to submit to Congress a report on the basic allowance for housing for members of the uniformed services that includes elements related to the calculation of such allowance.

BAH Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2022

BAH Restoration Act This bill increases the monthly amount of the basic housing allowance for members of the uniformed services inside the United States. Specifically, the monthly amount of allowance for a member must be the amount of the monthly cost of adequate housing in the area, as determined by the Department of Defense, for members of the uniformed services serving in the same pay grade and same dependency status as the member.

Sexual Harassment Independent Investigations and Prosecution Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2022

Sexual Harassment Independent Investigations and Prosecution Act This bill provides for the inclusion of sexual harassment as an offense subject to the authority of special trial counsel under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and sets forth requirements related to independent investigations of sexual harassment under the UCMJ.

Fiscal Year 2022 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2022

Fiscal Year 2022 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out specified major medical facility projects during FY2022. The bill also indicates the maximum amount that can be spent on each project.

Improving Specialty Care for Women Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2022

Improving Specialty Care for Women Veterans Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a program for the recruitment, retention, and training of specialty care providers for former members of the Armed Forces who are women. Individuals serving in a medical internship or residency program or nurses and physicians who are covered providers (i.e., employees of the VA or persons providing care under the Veterans Community Care Program) may participate in the program. The VA may target individuals with expertise in certain specialty care areas for recruitment. Additionally, the VA may offer targeted individuals appropriate incentives (e.g., monetary incentives). The VA must provide individuals participating in the program with training and support related to the unique needs of women veterans. Finally, the VA must (1) provide veterans enrolled in the VA health care system with information that indicates whether a provider has participated in the program, and (2) improve the timeliness of appointments scheduled with such providers.

ACES Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2022

Aviator Cancer Examination Study Act or the ACES Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study the incidence and mortality of cancer among individuals who served in the regular or reserve components of the Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps as air crew members of a fixed-wing aircraft or personnel supporting generation of such an aircraft.

Condemning the rape and assault of women by Russian forces in the occupied area of Bucha, Ukraine, and calling on Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation to remove all Russian forces from Ukraine, and to cease all hostilities, protect human rights, and allow the free flow of aid.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2022

This resolution condemns the rape and assault of women by Russian forces in the occupied area of Bucha, Ukraine. The resolution condemns the deliberate disruption of the free flow of humanitarian aid that is harming innocent civilians, particularly women. The resolution also highlights the critical importance of ensuring women meaningfully participate in the planning and execution of humanitarian actions and the negotiation of peace agreements to meet their unique needs and to protect their human rights. Finally, the resolution calls on Vladimir Putin to condemn sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls in this conflict; hold all perpetrators who commit acts of sexual and gender-based violence accountable; cease all hostilities, protect human rights, and allow unencumbered humanitarian access; and remove all Russian Armed Forces, and other armed groups, from Ukraine.

Repeal Hague Invasion Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2022

Repeal Hague Invasion Act This bill repeals the American Servicemembers' Protection Act of 2002, which (1) generally prohibits U.S. cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), and (2) prohibits participation by members of the Armed Forces in certain U.N. operations unless the President certifies that U.S. national interests justify such participation or that the members are not at risk of ICC prosecution.

Hold CCP Accountable Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2022

Hold CCP Accountable Act of 2022 This bill imposes certain restrictions related to China. For example, the bill (1) generally prohibits investments in certain Chinese military companies and entities reasonably believed to be involved in activities contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests; (2) withdraws normal trade relations treatment from China and expands the bases of ineligibility for this treatment to include specified human rights violations by China; and (3) requires the Department of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors at certain multilateral development banks, such as the Asian Development Bank, to oppose providing a loan, financial assistance, or technical assistance to China.

Digital Civil and Human Rights Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2022

Digital Civil and Human Rights Act of 2022 This bill establishes prohibitions on the use of automated systems in a discriminatory manner. Specifically, the bill prohibits (1) a federal agency, U.S. court, or state, local, or tribal government from using any automated decision system that has a disparate impact on the basis of race, national origin, color, religion, disability, or sex; or (2) the use of automated systems with bias by the Department of Defense. Each federal agency must maintain on its public website a bias data sheet for each automated decision system used by such agency with the potential for a disparate impact on such bases. The bill prohibits a respondent, in connection with the selection or referral of applicants or candidates for employment or promotion, from using any automated decision system that has a disparate impact on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The bill prohibits places of public accommodation from using in their operations that affect commerce any decision system that has a disparate impact on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The bill requires (1) the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a report on the use within the intelligence community of automated decision systems with an adverse distinction based on race, religion, sex, health, age, or any other similar criteria; and (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop, publish, and maintain standards for reporting bias in an automated decision system.

A resolution recognizing, honoring, and commending the women of Ukraine who have contributed to the fight for freedom and the defense of Ukraine.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2022

This resolution recognizes, honors, and commends the women of Ukraine who have contributed to the fight for freedom and the defense of Ukraine. The resolution acknowledges the women who have risked their lives to travel through territory controlled by Russia, break siege tactics surrounding cities, and ensure the safety of children and the elderly. The resolution acknowledges the important role women must play in resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia as outlined in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325 (2016) and required by the laws of the United States and regulations of Ukraine. The resolution further calls on all countries to promote the meaningful inclusion of women in negotiations and decision-making at all levels, including security decisions. Finally, the resolution commits to supporting the women of Ukraine wherever they are as they fight back against tyranny and work for the free and democratic future of Ukraine.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the quality assurance program of the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2022

This bill implements oversight procedures related to quality assurance in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill requires the VA to implement a plan to strengthen oversight of the quality assurance program in the VBA. The VA must monitor the plan to address any deficiencies. The VBA must annually compile a list of common recurring deficiencies and action items relating to disability compensation identified in its ongoing reviews of the functions of each of its principal organizational elements. Additionally, the VBA must develop and carry out a plan to address the recurring deficiencies and action items. The Government Accountability Office must conduct a feasibility study of the VA entering a contract with a nongovernmental entity to carry out the quality assurance program in the VBA.