Defence

A bill to require the Director of National Intelligence to provide notification to Congress of abandoned United States military equipment used in terrorist attacks.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2022

This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to report to Congress if an intelligence community element determines that U.S. military equipment left unsecured in Afghanistan, Iraq, or Syria has been used in a terrorist attack against the United States, U.S. allies or partners, or local populations. The report must be submitted no later than 30 days after the intelligence community determination.

THE NOMINATIONS OF: HONORABLE ROBERT P. STORCH TO BE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE; DR. LESTER MARTINEZ-LOPEZ TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR HEALTH AFFAIRS; MR. CHRISTOPHER J. LOWMAN TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR SUSTAINMENT; AND MR. PETER J. BESHAR TO BE GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

United States · United States Senate · 15 February 2022

To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in French Camp, California, as the "Richard A. Pittman VA Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2022

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in French Camp, California, as the Richard A. Pittman VA Clinic.

Never Yielding Europe’s Territory (NYET) Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2022

Never Yielding Europe's Territory (NYET) Act of 2022 This bill addresses Russia's actions against Ukraine and other countries in the region. The bill authorizes and expedites the provision of security assistance, including by (1) prioritizing delivering excess defense articles to Ukraine, (2) authorizing the Department of State to waive certain costs for defense articles leased to Ukraine, and (3) authorizing additional Foreign Military Financing for programs in Europe. The bill also provides funding for (1) Foreign Military Financing assistance to Ukraine, (2) the Global Engagement Center to counter foreign-sponsored propaganda and disinformation, (3) the Countering Russian Influence Fund to support Ukraine and other countries in response to Russia's aggression, and (4) International Military Education and Training assistance for Ukraine. Furthermore, the bill imposes sanctions, including on (1) senior Russian military officials responsible for planning or executing military operations that violated Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity, and (2) foreign individuals or entities that acted on behalf of Russia's government to destabilize Ukraine or disrupt Ukraine's critical infrastructure. The bill also addresses additional matters, including (1) prohibiting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration from sponsoring visas for Russian nationals affiliated with ROSCOSMOS, the entity that implements Russia's space program; (2) authorizing Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to explore opening new bureaus to reach audiences on Russia's periphery; and (3) providing for expedited approval of natural gas exports to qualifying nations, including NATO members, whereas currently expedited approval is only available for exports to countries that are in a free trade agreement relating to natural gas with the United States.

Never Yielding Europe’s Territory (NYET) Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2022

Never Yielding Europe's Territory (NYET) Act of 2022 This bill addresses Russia's actions against Ukraine and other countries in the region. The bill authorizes and expedites the provision of security assistance, including by (1) prioritizing delivering excess defense articles to Ukraine, (2) authorizing the Department of State to waive certain costs for defense articles leased to Ukraine, and (3) authorizing additional Foreign Military Financing for programs in Europe. The bill also provides funding for (1) Foreign Military Financing assistance to Ukraine, (2) the Global Engagement Center to counter foreign-sponsored propaganda and disinformation, (3) the Countering Russian Influence Fund to support Ukraine and other countries in response to Russia's aggression, and (4) International Military Education and Training assistance for Ukraine. Furthermore, the bill imposes sanctions, including on (1) senior Russian military officials responsible for planning or executing military operations that violated Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity, and (2) foreign individuals or entities that acted on behalf of Russia's government to destabilize Ukraine or disrupt Ukraine's critical infrastructure. The bill also addresses additional matters, including (1) authorizing Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to explore opening new bureaus to reach audiences on Russia's periphery; and (2) providing for expedited approval of natural gas exports to qualifying nations, including NATO members, whereas currently expedited approval is only available for exports to countries that are in a free trade agreement relating to natural gas with the United States.

Red Hill WAI Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2022

Red Hill Watershed and Aquifer Initiative Act or the Red Hill WAI Act This bill requires the Department of the Navy to discontinue all fuel operations at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii and permanently close the facility in accordance with relevant Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Among other responsibilities, the Navy must reimburse the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and the Hawaii State Departments of Health and Education for expenditures made in response to the threats posed by operations at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

Red Hill WAI Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2022

Red Hill Watershed and Aquifer Initiative Act or the Red Hill WAI Act This bill requires the Department of the Navy to discontinue all fuel operations at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii and permanently close the facility in accordance with relevant Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Among other responsibilities, the Navy must reimburse the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and the Hawaii State Departments of Health and Education for expenditures made in response to the threats posed by operations at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

Belarus Aggression Accountability Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2022

Belarus Aggression Accountability Act of 2022 This bill imposes sanctions on individuals and entities in Belarus that provide support to acts of military aggression by Russia's government that violate Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity. The Department of State must periodically report to Congress an assessment of activities of the armed forces of Belarus that aid or assist such military aggression by Russia's government, as well as the identities of individuals and entities in Belarus that provide such aid. The President must impose property-blocking sanctions on at least five of the identified individuals and entities (and visa-blocking sanctions in the case of an individual). The State Department report must also identify individuals and entities in Belarus that knowingly engage in a significant transaction with an individual or entity that is a part of the defense or intelligence sectors of Russia's government. The President may impose sanctions on such identified individuals and entities.

Guarding Mental Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2022

Guarding Mental Health Act This bill requires the U.S. Coast Guard to establish an interim behavioral health policy for its members that is equivalent to the behavioral health policy of the Department of Defense.

STOP CCP Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

Sanctioning Tyrannical and Oppressive People within the Chinese Communist Party Act or the STOP CCP Act This bill imposes visa- and property-blocking sanctions on any person who is or was a member of any National Communist Party Congress of China, as well as any adult family member of such a person. The President may waive the sanctions for renewable periods of 30 days by certifying to Congress that China's government and the Chinese Communist Party have ceased (1) any acts of genocide against the Uyghur Muslim population; (2) all threats, military exercises, and aggression toward Taiwan; (3) undermining the autonomy of Hong Kong; and (4) any efforts to steal the intellectual property of U.S. persons. The certification must also be publicly available on a federal government website.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the requirement to specify an effective period of transfer of Post-9/11 educational assistance to a dependent, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

This bill removes the requirement that an individual transferring a Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance entitlement must specify the period for which the transfer must be effective for each dependent who is designated to receive the transfer.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that a member of the Armed Forces, granted a general discharge under honorable conditions on the sole basis that such member failed to obey a lawful order to receive a vaccine for COVID-19, is eligible for certain educational assistance administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

This bill ensures that members of the Armed Forces who were granted a general discharge under honorable conditions (on the sole basis that the members failed to obey a lawful order to receive a vaccine for COVID-19) are eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty and Post-9/11 GI Bill programs.

Independent VA Audit Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

Independent VA Audit Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to seek to enter into an agreement with a nongovernmental entity to audit the VA's health care system, including with respect to the timeliness of available appointments for veterans to receive hospital care and medical services. The VA must submit the audit to Congress not later than December 31, 2023.

USB Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

Ukraine and Southern Border Act or the USB Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to ensure that the number of members of the Armed Forces who are deployed because of the situation in Ukraine does not exceed the number of members of the Armed Forces who are deployed to the southern border of the United States.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the equitable restoration of eligibility for provision of Department of Veterans Affairs memorial headstones and markers for eligible spouses and dependent children of veterans whose remains are unavailable.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

This bill expands eligibility for memorial headstones and markers provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to commemorate individuals whose remains are unavailable. Specifically, the bill removes a date limitation to make eligible for a headstone or marker spouses of veterans or certain servicemembers, surviving spouses of veterans, and eligible dependent children of veterans or certain servicemembers, regardless of the date the individual died.

Scholarship for Service: The Building Better Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

Scholarship for Service: The Building Better Americans Act This bill establishes a scholarship-for-service program for students who served at least two years in the military, an emergency medical service, or a police force, or as a teacher's assistant or firefighter, and who submit a certification of such service prior to enrolling as an undergraduate in an institution of higher education (IHE). An eligible undergraduate student may receive a grant in the amount equal to the cost of attendance at the IHE in which the student enrolls for two academic years.

First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during the Revolutionary War.

To amend the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 to modify the eligibility requirements for entities collaborating with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide case management services to homeless veterans under the Veterans Affairs supported housing program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

This bill creates additional eligibility requirements for entities to enter into contracts or agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide case management services to certain veterans participating in the Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. In addition to existing requirements, an eligible entity must have demonstrated experience in providing case management services to veterans for obtaining suitable housing at varying locations nationwide, or in the area or areas similar to where the services will be provided under the relevant contract or agreement.

Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act This bill updates policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances. Specifically, the bill extends the eligibility period for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and were exposed to toxic substances, radiation, or other conditions, including those who did not enroll to receive VA care during the eligibility period. The VA must incorporate into its existing health care screening a screening to help determine potential exposures to toxic substances during military service. Among other requirements, the VA must also provide annual training to health care and benefits personnel with respect to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances; analyze total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served in specified locations on specified dates; conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001; conduct a study to determine trends in the rates of the incidence of cancer in veterans; publish a list of VA resources for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, families and caregivers of such veterans, and survivors of such veterans who are receiving death benefits; and report on the data quality of the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record and its usefulness in supporting veterans in receiving VA health care and benefits.

VSO Support Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

VSO Support Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a grant program for eligible veterans service organizations to offset costs relating to the COVID-19 pandemic that were incurred between April 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020.

Protecting VA Employees Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

Protecting VA Employees Act This bill repeals certain provisions related to procedures for the removal, demotion, or suspension of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on performance or misconduct. The bill also restores certain provisions regarding disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Hire Student Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

Hire Student Veterans Act This bill expands the work opportunity tax credit to allows employers a credit for hiring veterans who are receiving educational assistance under programs provided by the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act of 2022 This bill makes permanent provisions affecting individual and business taxpayers that were enacted in 2017 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. The bill makes permanent provisions that reduce individual and capital gain tax rates. The bill increases the standard tax deduction for individual taxpayers. It also increases and modifies the child tax credit and raises the contribution base for the tax deduction of charitable contributions. The bill allows additional contributions to ABLE accounts (tax-exempt accounts designed to enable individuals with disabilities to save and pay for disability-related expenses). It exempts from taxation combat zone benefits of members of the Armed Forces serving in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt and the moving expenses of servicemembers. Additionally, the bill lowers to $750,000 the amount of mortgage debt eligible for an interest expense tax deduction; excludes from the gross income of student borrowers income attributable to the discharge after 2025 of loan debt due to death or disability; makes permanent the limitation on the tax deduction for state and local taxes and denies a deduction for foreign real property taxes; makes permanent the tax deduction of the income of certain pass-through business entities; repeals the tax deduction for personal tax exemptions and the exclusion of employer-provided bicycle commuter fringe benefits; terminates certain miscellaneous itemized tax deductions; doubles the estate and gift tax exemption amount; and makes permanent the increase of the alternative minimum tax exemption amount for individual taxpayers.

First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022

First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during the Revolutionary War.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2022

This bill expands eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimbursement of emergency treatment for veterans who are treated in a non-VA facility. Specifically, the bill waives the requirement that a veteran must have received VA care within the 24-month period preceding the furnishing of emergency treatment if the veteran receives such emergency treatment within the 60-day period following their enrollment in the VA health care system.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2022

This bill modifies policies and procedures of the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) related to whistleblower disclosures and whistleblower retaliation, including by authorizing the transfer of VA funds to be made available for the purpose of addressing whistleblower and retaliation claims in specified circumstances.

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2022

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act This bill requires the Center for Innovation for Care and Payment within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program to improve the ability of veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system to access hospital care, medical services, and extended care services through the covered care system by providing such veterans with the ability to choose health care providers. Under the bill, the covered care system includes VA medical facilities, health care providers participating in the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), and eligible entities or providers that have entered into a Veterans Care Agreement. A veteran participating in the program may elect to receive care at any provider in the covered care system. The pilot program removes certain requirements (e.g., location of the veteran) to access care at VA and non-VA facilities. After four years, the bill eliminates the requirements for accessing care under the VCCP and Veterans Care Agreements and requires the VA to provide such care under the same conditions of the pilot program. Additionally, after four years, veterans may receive care at a VA medical facility regardless of whether the facility is in the same Veterans Integrated Service Network as the veteran.

A resolution designating February 1, 2022, as "Blue Star Mother's Day".

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2022

This resolution designates February 1, 2022, as Blue Star Mother's Day and honors the contributions of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

Secure America’s Borders First Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2022

Secure America's Borders First Act This bill prohibits using federal funds to provide certain military assistance to Ukraine until a border wall system along the U.S.-Mexico border is completed and operation control of such border is achieved. Specifically, this prohibition shall apply to funds made available to the Department of Defense and funds made available for security assistance or security cooperation.

Service Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2022

Service Restoration Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to require a member of the Armed Forces to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The bill also prohibits adverse action (e.g., punishment) being taken against a member of the Armed Forces solely on the basis that the member refuses to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Individuals who were involuntarily separated from the Armed Forces solely on the basis of their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination must be reinstated in the grade they held prior to the separation. In computing retired or retainer pay, the military department concerned must include the time between the involuntary separation and reinstatement of the individual. The military department concerned must expunge adverse actions or references to involuntary separation related to the refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination from an individual's service record.

Western Hemisphere Security Strategy Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2022

Western Hemisphere Security Strategy Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of State and the Department of Defense (DOD) to implement a multiyear Western Hemisphere Security Strategy. The strategy must include elements such as (1) a proposal for increasing U.S. bilateral and multilateral security assistance and cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean, (2) activities to counter malign influence from state actors and transnational criminal organizations, (3) efforts to expand bilateral and multinational military training exercises with partner countries, (4) humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiatives, (5) continued support for State Department programs to ensure the safety and rights of women and girls, and (6) a detailed assessment of the resources to carry out the strategy. The State Department and DOD must jointly report the strategy to Congress and also provide periodic briefings on the strategy's implementation. The authorities provided under this bill shall terminate three years after this bill's enactment.

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

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2022

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

Further Additional Extending Government Funding Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2022

Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2022 This bill provides continuing FY2022 appropriations for federal agencies and extends several expiring authorities. Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2022 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of March 11, 2022, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2022 appropriations bills have not been enacted when the existing CR expires on February 18, 2022. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2021 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility or additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the CR includes provisions that address the President's authority to draw down defense articles and services to respond to unforeseen emergencies, procurement of the Columbia-class submarine, the Department of Defense's response to the contamination of drinking water near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii, and the Department of the Interior's implementation of enterprise cybersecurity safeguards. The bill also extends several expiring authorities, including the authority for the Department of Health and Human Services to make certain appointments for the National Disaster Medical System, the special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 on nonindigent people or entities convicted of certain criminal offenses (e.g., sexual abuse and trafficking), the temporary scheduling order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, and the current Medicaid federal matching rate (also known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage or FMAP) for certain territories.

To amend title XXVIII of the Public Health Service Act to eliminate the sunset of authority to make certain appointments for the National Disaster Medical System, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2022

This bill makes permanent the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to appoint personnel to the National Disaster Medical System for intermittent disaster response. (This system is a partnership between HHS, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Veterans Affairs that responds to public health and other emergencies.)

To direct the Secretary concerned to reinstate a member involuntarily separated from the Armed Forces solely on the basis of the refusal of such member to receive a vaccination against COVID-19.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2022

This bill requires the military departments to reinstate individuals (upon their request) who were involuntarily separated from the Armed Forces solely based on their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Such individuals must be reinstated in the grade they held prior to the separation.

To designate the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, Georgia, as the official National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2022

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.

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

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2022

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

Veterans Eligible to Transfer School (VETS) Credit Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2022

Veterans Eligible to Transfer School (VETS) Credit Act This bill addresses eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance for individuals who are transferring credits due to the closure or disapproval of a program of education. Currently, an individual who transfers fewer than 12 credits from a program of education that is closed or disapproved must be deemed to have not received such credits, and the period for which the entitlement is not charged must be the entire period of the individual's enrollment in the program. Under the bill, the VA must require an individual to certify in writing the transfer of fewer than 12 credits from a program of education that is closed or disapproved. The VA must accept such a certification as proof that the individual is transferring fewer than 12 credits. The VA must provide a certificate of eligibility (to demonstrate proof of full educational assistance entitlement) to individuals who make the certification and acknowledge that if 12 or more credits are transferred (1) they may not be deemed to be someone who did not receive such credits, and (2) the VA must rescind the certificate of eligibility in such cases. The VA must notify individuals who are eligible to make such a certification and receive a certificate of eligibility.

Ethiopia Stabilization, Peace, and Democracy Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2022

Ethiopia Stabilization, Peace, and Democracy Act This bill imposes sanctions and addresses other issues related to the conflict in Ethiopia. The President must impose property-blocking sanctions (and visa-blocking sanctions in the case of an individual) against a foreign entity or individual that has taken certain actions to expand or extend the civil war or other conflicts in Ethiopia. The bill prohibits assistance, with certain exceptions, to Ethiopia's security forces unless the Department of State certifies to Congress that Ethiopia's government has ceased all military operations associated with the civil war and met other specified conditions. The Department of the Treasury must instruct U.S. representatives at international financial institutions to oppose, with some exceptions, such institutions providing loans or assistance to the governments of Ethiopia or Eritrea. Furthermore, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation may not provide certain support for projects in Ethiopia. These restrictions must terminate after the State Department certifies that certain conditions, such as a cessation of military operations associated with the civil war in Ethiopia, have been met. The President may provide support for activities necessary to preserve evidence of atrocities in Ethiopia and to pursue accountability for such atrocities. Within 90 days of this bill's enactment, the State Department must report to Congress a determination of whether actions in Ethiopia by the armed forces of Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Tigrayan Peoples Liberation Front, and other armed actors constitute genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity.

Climate Security Intelligence Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2022

Climate Security Intelligence Act of 2022 This bill permanently authorizes the Climate Security Advisory Council (currently authorized until December 31, 2025). The bill also requires the advisory council to report to Congress a plan to permanently establish a Climate Security Intelligence Center within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The plan must contain recommendations relating to the proposed center's duties, which shall include (1) serving as the primary intelligence community organization addressing the climate security intelligence needs and priorities of policymakers, (2) analyzing U.S. climate security risks and U.S. influence on climate policies around the world, and (3) conducting strategic forecasting for future climate security risks and opportunities. The plan shall also include a proposed process for transferring recommended functions and duties from the advisory council to the center.

Saudi Arabia Legitimate Self Defense Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2022

Saudi Arabia Legitimate Self Defense Act This bill imposes restrictions on exports of defense services for maintaining or servicing U.S.-provided aircraft belonging to Saudi Arabian military units conducting offensive airstrikes in Yemen. Specifically, the President may not authorize (and must suspend authorizations issued before this bill's enactment) exporting such defense services for aircraft that, in the preceding year, have undertaken offensive airstrikes in Yemen not directly related to preventing or degrading the ability of Houthi (Ansar Allah) to launch missile and unmanned aircraft strikes on the territory of Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates. This restriction shall be in effect for two years starting from this bill's enactment. The Department of State must report quarterly to Congress on airstrikes by the Saudi Air Force in Yemen, including (1) information about strikes in the past three months that the U.S. government considers to be legitimate self-defense, internal security, or for preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; (2) information about strikes that do not meet such criteria; and (3) a certification that the State Department is investigating any indications that U.S.-sourced defense articles are not being used against anything other than legitimate military targets in Yemen.

To identify certain roads in the vicinity of Beale Air Force Base and Travis Air Force Base, California, as defense access roads for purposes of the Defense Access Road Program.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2022

This bill certifies specified roads in California in the vicinity of Beale Air Force Base or Travis Air Force Base as important to the national defense for purposes of the Defense Access Road Program. The program provides a means for the military to pay their share of the cost of public highway improvements necessary to mitigate an unusual impact of a defense activity (e.g., a significant increase in personnel at a military installation).

S.O.S. Veterans Caregivers Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2022

Support our Services to Veterans Caregivers Act or the S.O.S. Veterans Caregivers Act This bill expands eligibility for assistance under the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Specifically, the bill expands eligibility for such assistance to caregivers of veterans who have a serious illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military, naval, or air service. Under current law, such assistance is already provided to caregivers of veterans who sustained serious injuries in the course of their military, naval, or air service. The bill also requires the provision of an annual multidimensional assessment to measure burdens felt by family caregivers who are designated as the primary providers of personal care services to such veterans.

Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2022

Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2022 This bill provides statutory authority for the Boots to Business Program, which provides entrepreneurship training to individuals including veterans and active members of the Armed Forces, to be administered by the Small Business Administration.

Values in Arms Export Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2022

Values in Arms Export Act of 2022 This bill restricts transferring defense articles and services to countries that violate human rights, imposes such restrictions on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and addresses related issues. The bill establishes the Human Rights and Law of War Oversight Board. The board's duties shall include (1) reviewing countries that receive U.S. defense articles for strict adherence to human rights and the law of armed conflict principles, and (2) ensuring that such principles are appropriately considered in arms transfers. The President, the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the board, or Congress may designate a country (except for certain exempted countries such as NATO member countries) as a country of concern. Such a designation shall last for three years, during which the country shall be barred from receiving the defense articles that led to the designation. The bill also imposes additional restrictions on a designated country that fails to improve its adherence to human rights principles. The Department of the Treasury must impose sanctions on the appropriate government officials of a country subject to such additional restrictions. The bill designates Saudi Arabia and the UAE as countries of concern. Before certain defense articles transfers, the President must provide Congress an assessment of the risk of the defense articles being used to violate human rights. The bill also requires various government agencies to monitor and report information concerning human rights violations involving U.S. defense articles.

No PLA LOOPHOLES Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2022

No People's Liberation Army in Logistical Operations and Other Pertinent Humanitarian Operations Leading to Endangered Security Act or the No PLA LOOPHOLES Act This bill increases restrictions on military-to-military exchanges or contacts between the U.S. Armed Forces and the Chinese military. Specifically, the bill expands an existing prohibition on exchanges or contacts that include inappropriate exposure to advanced logistical operations to cover logistical operations instead. Additionally, the bill eliminates an exception to the prohibited exchanges or contacts in the case of search and rescue or humanitarian operations or exercises.

Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2022

Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2022 This bill provides a presumption of service-connection for hearing-related issues in certain veterans for purposes of wartime disability compensation. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded. Per the bill, certain veterans with diagnosed hearing loss, tinnitus, or both shall be presumed to have incurred or aggravated such conditions during active military, naval, or air service. This bill applies to veterans who (1) served in combat, or (2) were assigned to a military occupational specialty that likely exposed them to a sufficiently high level of acoustic trauma. The bill also requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to adjust the schedule of rating disabilities to establish a minimum disability rating for a veteran who requires a hearing aid because of a service-connected disability.

Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2022

Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act This bill updates policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances. Specifically, the bill extends the eligibility period for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and were exposed to toxic substances, radiation, or other conditions, including those who did not enroll to receive VA care during the eligibility period. The VA must incorporate into its existing health care screening a screening to help determine potential exposures to toxic substances during military service. Among other requirements, the VA must also provide annual training to health care and benefits personnel with respect to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances; analyze total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served in specified locations on specified dates; conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001; conduct a study to determine trends in the rates of the incidence of cancer in veterans; publish a list of VA resources for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, families and caregivers of such veterans, and survivors of such veterans who are receiving death benefits; and report on the data quality of the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record and its usefulness in supporting veterans in receiving VA health care and benefits.

Condemning the Burmese military for perpetrating gross violations of human rights as part of its brutal campaign to suppress the democratic aspirations of the people of Burma, a year after the coup d'état on February 1, 2021.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2022

This resolution condemns the military coup that took place in Burma (Myanmar) on February 1, 2021. The resolution denounces the Tatmadaw (the military of Burma) for perpetrating gross violations of human rights as part of its brutal campaign to suppress the democratic aspirations of the people of Burma and calls on the Tatmadaw to cease all violence against prodemocracy activists and reach a cease-fire with ethnic armed organizations, release all political prisoners, and engage in constructive dialogue with all parties to negotiate a pathway toward a government that reflects the will of the Burmese people. The resolution also calls on the President to enact new targeted sanctions on individuals and entities affiliated with the Tatmadaw, including an international arms embargo and a prohibition on the sale of aviation fuel.

To require the Director of National Intelligence to submit an annual report on investment by any Chinese entity in port infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2022

This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to report annually to Congress on investments by China's government (and affiliated entities) in port infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere. The reports must include assessments of whether such infrastructure may be leveraged for military purposes and any implications for the United States.