Defence

Conan Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 December 2019

Conan Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 100,000 $5 gold coins and 350,000 $1 silver coins in commemoration of Conan, the military working dog of the U.S. Special Operations Forces who took part in the nighttime raid that resulted in the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS (the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). All surcharges received by Treasury from sales of such coins shall be transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs, where they may be used to provide additional funds for the service-dog veterinary-health benefit.

Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on the policies and procedures relating to patient safety and quality of care and the steps the VA has taken to improve such care at VA medical centers. After any investigation or trial concludes, the VA must also report on the events involving deaths that occurred at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and the actions the VA has taken to prevent any similar reoccurrence.

Identifying Barriers and Best Practices Study Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

Identifying Barriers and Best Practices Study Act of 2019 This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report on disability and pension benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to members of the National Guard and members of reserve components of the Armed Forces.

PAVE Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

Providing Accountability for Veterans Affairs Executives Act of 2019 or the PAVE Act of 2019 This bill requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and other specified officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as a condition of office and employment, and for the duration of their terms, to receive hospital care and nonemergency medical services solely from the VA.

SOS Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

Survey Our Servicemembers Act or the SOS Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with an experienced nongovernment entity to conduct an annual survey to determine the experiences of veterans in obtaining hospital care and medical services at each VA medical facility. Such surveys must be conducted over a five-year period and must include questions related to the experiences of veterans in seeking care at both VA and non-VA facilities. The VA shall make the survey results publicly available on its website.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability Entitlement Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability Entitlement Act This bill modifies eligibility requirements for a veteran or service member to transfer unused educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to a dependent.

Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into a contract with a state in order to carry out, coordinate, improve, or otherwise enhance health and wellness programs, comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programs, and outreach by the VA and the state. The VA is authorized to award a grant to a state to (1) carry out, coordinate, improve or otherwise enhance health and wellness programs, comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programs, outreach activities, or activities to assist with benefits claims for veterans; or (2) hire additional county veterans service officers.

To repeal the Military Selective Service Act, and thereby terminate the registration requirements of such Act and eliminate civilian local boards, civilian appeal boards, and similar local agencies of the Selective Service System.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

This bill repeals the requirement for males between the ages of 18 and 26 to register with the Selective Service. The bill provides that an individual shall not be penalized for prior failure to register with the Selective Service.

Body Armor for Females Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

Body Armor for Females Modernization Act This bill requires each department of the U.S. Armed Forces to provide specified data and assessment concerning personal protection equipment. In addition, the Defense Health Agency must track and report on injuries among service members during the use of such equipment.

Desert National Wildlife Refuge and Nevada Test and Training Range Withdrawal and Management Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

Desert National Wildlife Refuge and Nevada Test and Training Range Withdrawal and Management Act This bill provides for the termination or expansion of certain withdrawn and reserved military lands in Nevada and designates certain lands within the Desert National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The bill terminates the withdrawal and reservation of lands for the Naval Air Station Fallon Ranges and the Nevada Test and Training Range in 2021 and 2041, respectively. The bill expands the boundaries of Nellis Air Force Range to comprise 3,006,386 acres of land. The Department of the Air Force and the Department of the Interior shall not withdraw the new lands until they implement a cultural resources plan. The bill provides for fish and wildlife habitat support in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. Mitigation payments shall be provided by the Air Force to Interior for such support on lands withdrawn and reserved for use by the Air Force within the refuge. Interior and the Air Force must jointly establish (1) an interagency committee to facilitate coordination and minimize potential conflict regarding joint operating areas within the refuge, and (2) an intergovernmental executive committee for the management of the natural and cultural resources of the withdrawn and reserved lands of the ranges and certain other ranges. Interior shall facilitate public access to portions of the joint use area of the refuge for tribal, recreational, educational, and research purposes. The bill sets the western boundary of refuge between the refuge and the land jointly managed by the Air Force and Interior concerning Nellis Air Force Range.

Increasing Efficiency of All United States-Based Terrorism Information Sharing Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

Increasing Efficiency of All United States-Based Terrorism Information Sharing Act of 2019 This bill directs the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to establish a commission to review the interagency sharing of information about terrorist threats in the United States between all levels of government. The commission shall report to Congress the results of its review. The report shall contain (1) an assessment of current capabilities and gaps in information sharing, (2) a review of the types of information being shared about different types of terrorist groups, (3) information about which entities receive such terrorism-related information, and (4) recommendations to improve information sharing. The commission shall terminate 30 days after submitting the report.

Servicemembers Self-Defense Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

Servicemembers Self-Defense Act of 2019 This bill allows members of the Armed Forces to carry firearms on military installations and other Department of Defense properties and to generally carry concealed firearms, subject to certain state and local restrictions.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to reorganize the Chaplain Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

This bill reorganizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Chaplain Service, allows chaplains to provide clinical services, and prohibits the VA from requiring chaplains to perform any rite, ritual, or ceremony that is contrary to their conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress an annual report on suicide among veterans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to annually report on suicide among veterans, specifying the number of veterans who committed suicide and organizing such information demographically.

Veterans Cemetery Grants Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019

Veterans Cemetery Grants Improvement Act This bill increases to $10 million (currently $5 million) the maximum amount the Department of Veterans Affairs may grant in a fiscal year to states and tribal organizations for operating and maintaining veterans' cemeteries.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the limitation on pay for certain high-level employees and officers of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019

This bill excludes certain appointed positions within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from current executive schedule salary caps. Specifically, the current salary caps do not apply for (1) appointed directors of VA medical centers, (2) appointed directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks, and (3) appointees of the Office of the Under Secretary for Health. The bill authorizes the VA to waive the salary limitations on such employees who were appointed during the period beginning on November 1, 2010, and ending on the day before the enactment of this bill.

To prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from denying home loans for veterans who legally work in the marijuana industry on the basis of the nature of such work, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019

This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from denying a veteran a home loan because the veteran works in the marijuana industry in a state where the industry is legal.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the eligibility of children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida for benefits of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019

This bill states that the effective date for an award of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits for a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida is the date of the child's birth. Under current law, the effective date for the provision of such benefits is January, 1, 1997 (but not before receipt of the application for benefits). This bill thus provides benefit eligibility for children born before January 1, 1997.

To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to ensure that politically derived information is not used in an application to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court for an order under title I or III of such Act.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019

This bill requires an application under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 for electronic surveillance or a physical search to include a certification by a designated executive branch official that none of the facts or circumstances included in the application's statement of facts were solely produced by, derived from, or collected using funds of, a political organization for gaining an advantage against an opposing political candidate.

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2019 This bill extends increased dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving spouse of a veteran who dies from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) regardless of how long the veteran had such disease prior to death. Under current law, such compensation is paid for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death.

BUILD for Veterans Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019

Build, Utilize, Invest, Lease, and Deliver for Veterans Act of 2019 or the BUILD for Veterans Act of 2019 This bill modifies policies and procedures related to medical facility leases and projects of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from denying home loans for veterans who legally work in the marijuana industry on the basis of the nature of such work, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019

This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from denying a veteran a home loan because the veteran works in the marijuana industry in a state where the industry is legal.

Cambodia Democracy Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019

Cambodia Democracy Act of 2019 This bill directs the President to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for acts to undermine democracy in Cambodia, including acts that constituted serious human rights violations. The sanctions shall be directed at senior Cambodian government, military, or security forces officials responsible for such actions, as well as entities controlled or owned by such individuals. The sanctions shall include blocking assets and restricting the entry of sanctioned individuals into the United States, and shall not apply to the importation of goods. The President may waive the sanctions with respect to a person or entity if it is in the national interest of the United States. The President may suspend the sanctions if Cambodia makes meaningful progress toward ending government efforts to undermine democracy or committing human rights violations.

Strategic Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019

Strategic Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019 This bill articulates the policy of the United States with respect to the Arctic. Specifically, it shall be the policy of the United States to prioritize Navy and Coast Guard missions, infrastructure and capability development, training, and stationing of assets in the Arctic. The Department of Defense, in consultation with the Coast Guard, shall submit a report on the development and execution of a strategic plan that focuses on addressing U.S. Arctic policy.

A resolution condemning the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola on Friday, December 6, 2019, honoring the members of the Navy who lost their lives in the attack, and expressing support and prayers for all individuals affected by the attack.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019

This resolution condemns the terrorist attack on members of the U.S. Navy that occurred on December 6, 2019, at Naval Air Station Pensacola and memorializes those killed.

Family Medical Leave Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2019

Family Medical Leave Modernization Act This bill amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to expand the number of individuals who are permitted to take leave under that Act. The bill grants leave to private sector and federal employees to care for a domestic partner and any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with such employees is the equivalent of a family relationship if (1) such individual has a serious health condition, or (2) there is a qualifying exigency due to such employees' active duty in the Armed Forces. The bill entitles an employee who is a domestic partner, next of kin of a member of the Armed Forces, or any individual related by blood or affinity to a service member whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship to take leave to care for the service member. The bill entitles private sector and federal employees to take additional leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's school or community organization activities, meet routine family medical care needs, or care for their elderly relatives.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide certain veterans with nonarticulating trailers in furnishing adaptive equipment to veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2019

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide non-articulating trailers (adaptive equipment) to veterans with specified disabilities or diseases incurred or aggravated due to their military service.

Family Medical Leave Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2019

Family Medical Leave Modernization Act This bill amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to expand the number of individuals who are permitted to take leave under that Act. The bill grants leave to private sector and federal employees to care for a domestic partner and any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with such employees is the equivalent of a family relationship if (1) such individual has a serious health condition, or (2) there is a qualifying exigency due to such employees' active duty in the Armed Forces. The bill entitles an employee who is a domestic partner, next of kin of a member of the Armed Forces, or any individual related by blood or affinity to a service member whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship to take leave to care for the service member. The bill entitles private sector and federal employees to take additional leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's school or community organization activities, meet routine family medical care needs, or care for their elderly relatives.

Remembering the Life of Kyle Poteat Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2019

Remembering the Life of Kyle Poteat Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award grants for a period of three years to eligible entities for the provision of post-traumatic stress disorder prevention services to veterans. Under the bill, eligible entities include tribally designated housing entities, community-based organizations, and other private entities that meet certain requirements. Entities must submit an application to receive financial assistance that includes a description of the services they propose to provide, among other elements. The bill requires the VA to equitably distribute grants across geographic regions and areas with the most need. Additionally, the VA shall give preference to entities that are experienced in providing post-traumatic stress disorder prevention services. Entities receiving funding must notify service recipients that funding is wholly or partially from the VA. The bill also expands VA patient advocate responsibilities by requiring them to share specified information with a family member who is a caregiver of a veteran.

EXAMINING THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT'S IMPLEMENTATION OF BORROWER DEFENSE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 December 2019

America's Conservation Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019

America's Conservation Enhancement Act This bill reauthorizes or establishes several programs or Acts that conserve or manage wildlife, including by reauthorizing through FY2025 the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act, the Chesapeake Bay Program, the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998, and the Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense grant program.

Lifting Up Our First Responders Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019

Lifting Up Our First Responders Act of 2019 This bill allows the Department of Defense (DOD) to transfer certain excess personal property from DOD to other federal or state agencies for purposes of disaster-related emergency preparedness.

COAL TeCC Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019

Creating Opportunities And Leveraging Technologies for Coal Carbon Act of 2019 or the COAL TeCC Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish two programs concerning coal-derived carbon products. First, DOE must establish a program of research, development, and demonstration for carbon engineering solutions to enable new uses for coal-derived carbon for a variety of purposes, such as commercial, military, or medical purposes. Second, DOE must establish a pilot and demonstration program to accelerate the commercial deployment of coal-carbon products.

VHA CRED Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019

Veterans Health Administration Caregiver Retention and Eligibility Determination Act of 2019 or the VHA CRED Act of 2019 This bill requires the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prescribe regulations, administrative guidance, and management controls applicable to the credentialing of certain appointed health care positions. Under the bill, VHA personnel who verify credentials for appointees, review qualifications for such persons, or hire such persons must undergo periodic training to review relevant law and policy regarding provider qualifications for VHA employment. The bill requires the VHA to enroll health care appointees in continuous query of their record within the National Practitioner Data Bank. The VHA must also develop and implement a mechanism for monitoring the continuous query and updating information within the VA's credentialing system. At least once a year, the VHA must audit its appointed health care employees who have an adverse action reported on the National Practitioner Data Bank.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program to conduct cemetery research and produce educational materials for the Veterans Legacy Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a grant program to conduct cemetery research and produce educational materials for the Veterans Legacy Program. The program provides the public with engagement and educational opportunities regarding veterans interred in national, state, or tribal veterans' cemeteries. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to report on the efficacy of the grant program.

A joint resolution approving the request of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for a waiver under section 1703E(f) of title 38, United States Code.

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019

This joint resolution approves the request of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a waiver of specified statutory requirements for the purposes of implementing a pilot program as a part of the VA's Center for Innovation for Care and Payment. Specifically, the VA needs a waiver of certain dental care eligibility requirements in order to implement a pilot program focused on expanding veteran access to dental care services.

Approving the request of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for a waiver under section 1703E(f) of title 38, United States Code.

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2019

This joint resolution approves the request of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a waiver of specified statutory requirements for the purposes of implementing a pilot program as a part of the VA's Center for Innovation for Care and Payment. Specifically, the VA needs a waiver of certain dental care eligibility requirements in order to implement a pilot program focused on expanding veteran access to dental care services.

FISA Improvements Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2019

FISA Improvements Act of 2019 This bill makes various changes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, such as by requiring amicus curiae (i.e., outside parties that assist in consideration of a case) involvement in certain matters. An amicus curiae shall assist the court when it is considering an initial application seeking permission to target an identifiable U.S. person for certain types of foreign intelligence investigative activities (such as electronic surveillance or a physical search). An application to the court for an order for electronic surveillance shall include a statement fully disclosing any information used in the application that the government cannot substantiate. The bill also requires transcriptions of proceedings before the court. The Department of Justice shall maintain all written communications with the court and written summaries of oral communications with the court.

Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2019

Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into a contract with a state in order to carry out, coordinate, improve, or otherwise enhance health and wellness programs, comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programs, and outreach by the VA and the state. The VA is authorized to award a grant to a state to (1) carry out, coordinate, improve or otherwise enhance health and wellness programs, comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programs, outreach activities, or activities to assist with benefits claims for veterans; or (2) hire additional county veterans service officers.

Expressing that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Russian Federation interfered in the 2016 United States Presidential election and deliberately spread false information to implicate the Republic of Ukraine.

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2019

This resolution condemns Russia for its interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and ongoing disinformation campaigns. The resolution reaffirms U.S. support for Ukraine in its efforts to combat Russian interference and military aggression.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3) to establish a fair price negotiation program, protect the Medicare program from excessive price increases, and establish an out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare part D enrollees, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5038) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for terms and conditions for nonimmigrant workers performing agricultural labor or services, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (S. 1790) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2020 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2019

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3) to establish a fair price negotiation program, protect the Medicare program from excessive price increases, and establish an out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare part D enrollees, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5038) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for terms and conditions for nonimmigrant workers performing agricultural labor or services, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (S. 1790) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2020 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year.

Second Lieutenant Richard W. Collins III Memorial Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2019

Second Lieutenant Richard W. Collins III Memorial Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to provide the death gratuity and casualty assistance to the survivors of a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps who received a commission but died before receiving a first duty assignment.

Armed Forces Digital Advantage Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2019

Armed Forces Digital Advantage Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to (1) maintain digital expertise and software development as core competencies of civilian and military workforces to support the National Defense Strategy, (2) appoint a civilian officer responsible for the development and implementation of a policy to promote and maintain such expertise, and (3) create a plan to carry out the policy.

STRATEGIC THREATS, ONGOING CHALLENGES, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION

United States · United States Senate · 5 December 2019

Sergeant Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019

Sergeant Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a two-year pilot program on information sharing between the VA and designated persons regarding the assistance and benefits available to veterans. Under the program, volunteer participants who are in the Armed Forces and are transitioning to civilian life shall designate up to 10 persons to receive information on specified services and benefits from the VA.

Freedom from Government Competition Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019

Freedom from Government Competition Act of 201 9 This bill requires the federal government to procure from the private sector the goods and services necessary for the operations and management of government agencies. Specifically, it requires each executive or military department or independent establishment to obtain all goods and services necessary for or beneficial to the accomplishment of its authorized functions by procurement from private sources, with specified exceptions, such as where there is no private source capable of providing the good or service. This bill requires such private sector provision of goods and services to be performed through (1) the divestiture of federal involvement, (2) the award of a contract using competitive procedures, or (3) conducting a public-private competitive sourcing analysis in accordance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) procedures and determining that using the private sector is in the best interest of the United States and provides the best value to the taxpayer. The bill authorizes an agency to utilize federal employees to provide goods or services previously provided by a private sector entity upon completion of a public-private competitive sourcing analysis and after determining that provision by federal employees provides the best value. The OMB must carry out a study to evaluate the activities carried out in each agency.

Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019

Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill provides federal housing assistance to Indians and Native Hawaiians. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2024 and otherwise revises housing assistance block grants for Indians and Native Hawaiians. Among other things, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must award competitive grants to eligible recipients of block grants to carry out affordable housing activities, such as housing rehabilitation projects. The bill authorizes HUD to guarantee housing loans for Indians and Native Hawaiians through FY2024. Additionally, the bill provides statutory authority for the Tribal HUD-VASH program, which provides rental assistance and supportive services to Indians who (1) are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, (2) are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and (3) live in or near an area where a tribe or tribally designated housing entity provides assistance for affordable housing. The program must be carried out by HUD in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Under the program, grants must be made to entities eligible for housing assistance block grants. HUD may also make renewal grants to entities that have received prior program grants. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to set aside and reserve certain rural housing funds for Indian tribes.

FRAME Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019

First Responder Access to Mobile Exchanges Act or the FRAME Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to allow an emergency response provider (e.g., law enforcement or emergency medical personnel) to use a mobile commissary or exchange store deployed to an area covered by a declaration of a major disaster or emergency.

Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019

Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on the policies and procedures relating to patient safety and quality of care and the steps the VA has taken to improve such care at VA medical centers. After any investigation or trial concludes, the VA must also report on the events involving deaths that occurred at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and the actions the VA has taken to prevent any similar reoccurrence.

Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019

Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to report on the deaths of covered veterans who died by suicide during the last five years, regardless of whether information relating to such deaths has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A covered veteran is any veteran who received VA hospital care or medical services during the five-year period preceding the veteran's death. Among other elements, the report shall include the total number of covered veterans who died by suicide, violent death, or accidental death, as well as certain demographic information.