Defence

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018

United States · United States Senate · 31 December 2018

To provide further additional continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2019, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2018

DIVISION A--FURTHER ADDITIONAL CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019 Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019 (Sec. 101) This division amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019 to provide continuing FY2019 appropriations to several federal agencies through the earlier of February 8, 2019 (December 21, 2018, under current law), or the enactment of the applicable appropriations legislation. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and ends the partial government shutdown that began when the existing CR expired because seven of the remaining FY2019 appropriations bills have not been enacted. (Five of the FY2019 appropriations bills were enacted earlier this year, including: the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019; the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2019; and the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019.) The CR extends through February 8, 2019: the Department of Homeland Security Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program; the authority for the Department of Health and Human Services Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to withhold from public disclosure certain technical data or scientific information that reveals vulnerabilities of existing medical or public health defenses against biological, chemical, nuclear, or radiological threats; and an exemption from antitrust laws for meetings and consultations to discuss the development of certain vaccines and drugs related to public health threats such as bioterrorism, pandemics, or epidemics. Additionally, the CR has the effect of extending through February 8, 2019, several authorities and programs that were extended in prior CRs, including: the National Flood Insurance Program, the Violence Against Women Act, the authority for the Environmental Protection Agency to collect and spend certain fees related to pesticides, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and several authorities related to immigration. The CR also delays the release of required Congressional Budget Office and Office of Management and Budget sequestration reports. DIVISION B--MEDICAID EXTENDERS (Sec. 101) The division amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to make appropriations for FY2019, and otherwise revise, the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration Program (Under this program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must award grants to state Medicaid programs to assist states in increasing the use of home and community care for long-term care and decreasing the use of institutional care.) (Sec. 102) Additionally, the division temporarily extends the applicability of Medicaid eligibility criteria that protect against spousal impoverishment for recipients of home and community-based services. (Sec. 103) The division also reduces the federal medical assistance percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for states that have not implemented asset-verification programs for determining Medicaid eligibility. (Sec. 104) The division reduces funding available to the Medicaid Improvement Fund beginning in FY2021. (Sec. 105) This section exempts the budgetary effects of this division from: (1) the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) rules established by the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 and the FY2018 congressional budget resolution, and (2) certain budget scorekeeping guidelines. It also requires any debits on the statutory PAYGO scorecard for 2019 to be transferred to the 2020 scorecard. (The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 prohibits certain legislation from increasing the budget deficit. PAYGO scorecards are used to enforce the requirements and determine whether a sequestration order implementing spending cuts is necessary.)

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the letter of resignation of Secretary of Defense James Mattis and on the decision of President Trump to rapidly withdraw United States forces from Syria.

United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2018

This resolution expresses gratitude to Secretary of Defense James Mattis for his service to the country. It also expresses strong support for U.S. alliances and partnerships around the world, and concern with the President's decision to rapidly withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.

Children of Fallen Servicemembers AMT Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2018

Children of Fallen Servicemembers AMT Relief Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the individual alternative minimum tax (AMT), to specify that any annuity paid under the Department of Defense (DOD) Survivor Benefit Plan is considered earned income of a child. This prevents the benefits paid to children from being subject to the AMT. (The DOD program provides a lifetime annuity to survivors of military service members and retirees.)

Financial Protection for Our Military Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2018

Financial Protection for Our Military Families Act This bill extends the supervisory authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to credit protections applicable to certain active duty members of the armed forces and their dependents.

A resolution honoring the life of Admiral James A. Lyons.

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2018

Notes with deep sorrow and solemn mourning the death of Admiral James A. Lyons. Honors and expresses deep appreciation for the outstanding and important service of Admiral James A. Lyons to the United States.

Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 88) to modify the boundary of the Shiloh National Military Park located in Tennessee and Mississippi, to establish Parker's Crossroads Battlefield as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and for other purposes; providing for proceedings during the period from December 24, 2018, through January 3, 2019.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2018

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 88) to modify the boundary of the Shiloh National Military Park located in Tennessee and Mississippi, to establish Parker's Crossroads Battlefield as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and for other purposes; providing for proceedings during the period from December 24, 2018, through January 3, 2019.

VA Procurement Efficiency and Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2018

VA Procurement Efficiency and Transparency Act This bill addresses procurement procedures in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill requires the VA to record the amount of any cost savings realized by using competitive procedures in awarding contracts reported in the Federal Procurement Data System (or successor systems). The VA shall make available and use on a VA-wide basis the standardized procurement templates already used internally at certain VA offices.

A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on cyberexploitation of members of the Armed Forces and their families, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2018

This bill directs the Department of Defense to complete a study on the malicious, unauthorized digital access of the personal information and accounts of members of the Armed Forces and their families.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should continue its limited military activities within Syria and that ending such activities at this time would embolden ISIS, Bashar al-Assad, Iran, and Russia and put our Kurdish allies in great jeopardy.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2018

Calls on the President to reconsider the decision to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from Syria and urges any future withdrawal decision to be based on a robust interagency process and on conditions in the region.

A resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps and expressing the appreciation of the Senate for the contribution of the members of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2018

Recognizes the 75th anniversary of the formation of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps.

A resolution condemning the mass atrocities committed against the Rohingya in Burma and urging accountability for the Burmese military.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2018

Condemns the Burmese military's atrocities against Burma's minority Rohingya population, and calls on the Department of State to formally determine whether such acts amount to genocide. Commends the government of Bangladesh for receiving Rohingya refugees, and calls on Burma's government to immediately release journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo.

Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2018

Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a team of experts to report to Congress addressing issues in the implementation of educational housing assistance for veterans. Specifically, the team will address issues with the payment of educational housing stipends to eligible veterans, as a result of amendments made to the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, commonly known as the Forever GI Bill. Among other things, changes made to the act affected the calculation of the housing stipend amount based on campus location.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to establish the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2018

This bill establishes the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space.

Protecting Financial Aid for Students and Taxpayers Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2018

Protecting Financial Aid for Students and Taxpayers Act This bill amends the Higher Education Opportunity Act to prohibit an institution of higher education or postsecondary educational institution from using revenues derived from federal educational assistance funds for recruiting or marketing activities. Federal educational assistance funds include federal student aid under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, education benefits for military personnel and veterans, and grants for workforce development programs.

Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2018

Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2018 This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to specify the types of water bodies that are "navigable waters" and therefore fall under the scope of the Act.

A joint resolution supporting a Diplomatic Solution in Yemen and Condemning the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2018

This joint resolution expresses the Senate's belief that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is responsible for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It criticizes Saudi Arabia's cooperation with, and military equipment purchases from, Russia and China as challenges to the country's long-term relationship with the United States. The joint resolution calls for an immediate cease-fire in the civil war in Yemen and for the two sides to negotiate a peace agreement. It declares that there is no statutory authority for U.S. involvement in the conflict, including for providing in-air refueling to Saudi aircraft flying missions against the Houthi rebels. The resolution also condemns the Houthi rebels for human rights violations and the government of Iran for supplying them with weapons.

ASSURE Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2018

Annuity Safety and Security Under Reasonable Enforcement Act of 2018 or the ASSURE Act of 2018 This bill (1) requires additional disclosures regarding financial products that use federal and military pension benefits as consideration, (2) limits the maximum interest rates on these financial products, (3) provides for a private right of action with respect to prohibited assignments of specified benefits for veterans and military retirees, and (4) otherwise revises provisions related to these benefits and products.

Ronald V. Dellums Memorial Fellowship for Women of Color in STEAM and National Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2018

Ronald V. Dellums Memorial Fellowship for Women of Color in STEAM and National Security Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to establish a program that provides scholarships and internships to underrepresented students who have high potential talent in science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics in exchange for those students working in the federal government upon graduation.

Protecting Financial Aid for Students and Taxpayers Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2018

Protecting Financial Aid for Students and Taxpayers Act This bill amends the Higher Education Opportunity Act to prohibit an institution of higher education or postsecondary educational institution from using revenues derived from federal educational assistance funds for recruiting or marketing activities. Federal educational assistance funds include federal student aid under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, education benefits for military personnel and veterans, and grants for workforce development programs.

DEVELOPMENT, DIPLOMACY, AND DEFENSE: PROMOTING U.S. INTERESTS IN AFRICA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 December 2018

Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2018

Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a team of experts to report to Congress addressing issues in the implementation of educational housing assistance for veterans. Specifically, the team will address issues with the payment of educational housing stipends to eligible veterans, as a result of amendments made to the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, commonly known as the Forever GI Bill. Among other things, changes made to the act affected the calculation of the housing stipend amount based on campus location.

Veterans' Right to Breathe Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2018

Veterans' Right to Breathe Act This bill provides a presumption of service connection for certain diseases for burn pit-exposed veterans. Under a presumption of service connection, specific disabilities 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. A burn pit-exposed veteran is a veteran who was stationed at a location where an open burn pit (an area used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) was used while deployed on or after September 11, 2001.

Jennifer Kepner HOPE Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2018

Jennifer Kepner Healthcare for Open air burn Pit Exposure Act or the Jennifer Kepner HOPE Act This bill extends eligibility to hospital, nursing home, and medical services from the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans who were exposed to burn pits (areas used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment).

Prevention of Unconstitutional War with Iran Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2018

Prevention of Unconstitutional War with Iran Act of 2018 This bill prohibits funds from being used for military operations against Iran unless Congress authorizes such an action, with various exceptions such as in response to an imminent threat.

Keeping Guns From Criminals Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2018

Keeping Guns From Criminals Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to modify the criminal liability standard for certain firearm sales or transfers. Current law makes it a crime for any person to knowingly sell or transfer a firearm to a prohibited person (i.e., a person who is prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm). This legislation eliminates the "knowingly" standard to impose criminal liability on any person who sells or transfers a firearm to a prohibited person, regardless of whether such seller or transferor knows that the buyer is a prohibited person. A defendant seller or transferor may assert as an affirmative defense against prosecution evidence to prove that the buyer or recipient passed a background check or possessed a valid concealed carry permit in the state of transfer. The affirmative defense does not apply if defendant knew or had reasonable cause to believe the buyer or recipient was a prohibited person.

DEFEND Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2018

Deterring Espionage by Foreign Entities through National Defense Act of 2018 or the DEFEND Act This bill makes changes to provisions governing federal civil claims for trade secret misappropriation. Specifically, it does the following: increases punitive damages for a victim, extends the statute of limitations for filing a claim, and allows claims for conduct that occurs outside the United States if the offense causes substantial economic harm in the United States.

[H.A.S.C. No. 115-122] Department of Defense's Artificial Intelligence Structure, Investments, and Applications

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 December 2018

To recognize and honor the service of individuals who served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2018

This bill recognizes service in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II as active military service. Individuals who served in the corps are eligible for specified honors but shall not be entitled by reason of such service to veterans' benefits generally.

Veterans Affairs Medical-Surgical Purchasing Stabilization Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2018

Veterans Affairs Medical-Surgical Purchasing Stabilization Act This bill makes changes to the process by which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) procures certain medical, surgical, dental or laboratory supplies for its medical centers. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to (1) award contracts to multiple regional prime vendors instead of a single nationwide prime vendor, and (2) prohibit a prime vendor from solely designing the formulary (list of medicines covered) for such supplies. The VA shall ensure that VA employees who conduct formulary analyses or makes decisions about including items on the formulary have relevant medical expertise. Additionally, the VA shall provide Congress with periodic lists of such individuals and their medical expertise listed by categories of formulary items.

A resolution designating October 26, 2018, as "Day of the Deployed".

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2018

Designates October 26, 2018, as Day of the Deployed in honor of the deployed members of the armed forces and their families.

A resolution designating December 15, 2018, as "Wreaths Across America Day".

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2018

Designates December 15, 2018, as Wreaths Across America Day to honor the service of veterans and members of the Armed Forces.

Reserve Component DD-214 Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2018

Reserve Component DD-214 Act of 2018 This bill requires that the final pay and certificate of release from active status for a reserve member of the U.S. Armed Forces be ready for delivery before such reserve member is released from duty.

Encouraging the Department of Defense and the Department of the Navy to enter into an international joint-build, cost-sharing program for the next generation nuclear-powered fast attack submarine program, and encouraging the Department of the Navy to maximize the utility of autonomous underwater vehicles.

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2018

Encourages: (1) the Department of Defense and the Department of the Navy to enter into an international joint-build, cost-sharing program for the next generation nuclear-powered fast attack submarine program along specified guidelines; and (2) the Department of the Navy to maximize the utility of autonomous underwater vehicles.

To designate the Manhattan Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs as the "Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System".

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2018

This bill designates the Manhattan Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs in New York, New York, as the "Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System."

Veterans and Servicemembers Employment Rights and Housing Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2018

Veterans and Servicemembers Employment Rights and Housing Act of 2018 This bill prohibits employment practices that discriminate based on an individual's military service and amends the Fair Housing Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to prohibit housing discrimination against members of the uniformed services.

Recognizing the honorable service of military working dogs and soldier handlers in the tactical explosive detection dog program of the Army and encouraging the Army and other government agencies, including law enforcement agencies, with former tactical explosive detection dogs to prioritize adoption of the dogs to former tactical explosive detection dog handlers.

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2018

Recognizes the service of, and honors the sacrifices made by, military working dogs and soldier handlers from the tactical explosive detection dog program.

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2018

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2018 This bill recognizes service in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II as active military service. Individuals who served in the corps are eligible for specified honors but shall not be entitled by reason of such service to veterans' benefits generally.

Modernizing the Trusted Workforce for the 21st Century Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2018

Modernizing the Trusted Workforce for the 21st Century Act of 2018 This bill directs the Security, Suitability, and Credentialing Performance Accountability Council to prepare various reports and strategies related to improving the framework for vetting individuals for security clearances. The council shall also revise the security clearance process to improve promptness, specifically so that 90% of determinations on clearances at the secret level are issued within 30 days and clearances at the top secret are issued within 90 days.

A concurrent resolution recognizing the honorable service of military working dogs and soldier handlers in the tactical explosive detection dog program of the Army and encouraging the Army and other government agencies, including law enforcement agencies, with former tactical explosive detection dogs to prioritize adoption of the dogs to former tactical explosive detection dog handlers.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2018

Recognizes the service of, and honors the sacrifices made by, military working dogs and soldier handlers from the tactical explosive detection dog program.

Fix IOUs for Student Veterans Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2018

Fix Immediately Outstanding Underpayments for Student Veterans Act of 2018 or the Fix IOUs for Student Veterans Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay the difference to individuals who received a deficient monthly educational assistance stipend during a specific time span due to difficulties encountered in implementing amendments made to the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act , commonly known as the Forever GI Bill. Among other things, changes made to the act affected the calculation of the housing stipend amount based on campus location.

Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2019, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2018

This joint resolution amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019 to provide continuing FY2019 appropriations to several federal agencies through December 21, 2018 (December 7, 2018, under current law). The resolution is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a partial government shutdown that would otherwise occur when the existing CR expires if any of the 7 remaining FY2019 appropriations bills have not been enacted. (Five of the FY2019 appropriations bills were enacted earlier this year, including: the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019; the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2019; and the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019.) The resolution extends the National Flood Insurance Program through December 21, 2018. It also has the effect of extending through December 21, 2018, several additional authorities and programs that were extended in the existing CR, including the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant.

National POW/MIA Flag Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2018

National POW/MIA Flag Act The bill changes the days on which the POW/MIA flag is required to be displayed at specified locations to all days on which the U.S. flag is displayed. (Current law requires the POW/MIA flag to be displayed only on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Veterans Day.)

National Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

National Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Support Act This bill makes various Small Business Administration (SBA) programs currently available to active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces also available to those on full-time National Guard duty. The bill also (1) makes SBA outreach programs available to the spouses of Armed Forces reserve component members and veterans, and (2) establishes the National Guard and Reserve Deployment Support and Business Training Program to provide business-related assistance to Armed Forces reserve component members and veterans and their spouses.

To amend the VA MISSION Act of 2018 to expand the veterans healing veterans medical access and scholarship program to include more students and schools.

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

This bill expands the Department of Veterans Affairs medical education pilot program, which currently provides funding for the medical education of two eligible veterans at each of the nine covered medical schools. The bill adds five schools to the list of covered medical schools, increasing the number of veterans covered from 18 to 28.

Directing the President to terminate the use of the United States Armed Forces with respect to the military intervention led by Saudi Arabia in the Republic of Yemen.

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

This joint resolution directs the President to terminate use of U.S. Armed Forces with respect to the Saudi Arabia-led military intervention in Yemen within 30 days, unless a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of the Armed Forces has been enacted.

Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Yemen, except those authorized in 2001 in response to the September 11 attacks.

Burma Human Rights and Freedom Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

Burma Human Rights and Freedom Act of 2018 This bill addresses the humanitarian crisis in Burma (Myanmar) related to the displacement of the Rohingya people. Specifically, the bill authorizes humanitarian assistance and reconciliation programs in the region, establishes prohibitions on military and security assistance for Burma's armed forces, and places sanctions and visa or import restrictions on various Burmese officials and goods.

A bill to designate the Manhattan Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs as the "Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System".

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

This bill designates the Manhattan Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs in New York, New York, as the "Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System."

A bill to designate the outstation of the Department of Veterans Affairs in North Ogden, Utah, as the Major Brent Taylor Vet Center Outstation.

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

This bill designates the outstation of the Department of Veterans Affairs in North Ogden, Utah, as the "Major Brent Taylor Vet Center Outstation."