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51 records in US in 2020
United States · United States Congress · 1 January 2021
This joint resolution prohibits the issuance of an export license with respect to a specified proposed export of certain defense articles, including defense services and technical data, to Saudi Arabia.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2020
Military Domestic Violence Prevention Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to take various actions and implement programs related to the prevention of and response to domestic violence and child abuse and neglect among military families, including by ensuring information sharing among the Armed Forces about incidents reported to the Family Advocacy Programs of the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2020
Volunteers Improving Social Isolation and loneliness Together Act of 2020 or the VISIT Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a pilot program in two tiers to assess the feasibility and advisability of assisting veterans, members of the Armed Forces or National Guard, or family members of such individuals who are at risk of social isolation and loneliness through the funding of specified national service programs (VISIT pay for results projects).
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2020
Vet Center Improvement Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to evaluate productivity expectations for readjustment counselors of Vet Centers, including by obtaining feedback from counselors that must be audited annually for five years by the Government Accountability Office. The VA must also (1) develop and implement a staffing model for Vet Centers, (2) standardize descriptions of position responsibilities at Vet Centers, and (3) award grants to address food insecurity among veterans and family members of veterans who receive services through Vet Centers or other VA facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2020
Intelligence Community Congressional Whistleblowing Improvement Act This bill expands protections for whistleblowers who are employed by a covered agency in the intelligence community (or by a contractor of such an agency) to apply to protected disclosures made to any Member of Congress. Currently, when a protected disclosure is made to Congress, whistleblower protections generally apply only if the disclosure was made to a congressional intelligence committee or to a member of such a committee.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2020
FISA Oversight Correction Act This bill authorizes a court to disclose to a person information related to evidence collected about the person using certain foreign intelligence surveillance powers if the disclosure would likely promote a more accurate determination of the legality of the surveillance. (Currently, a court may disclose such information to the person only if the disclosure is necessary to make an accurate determination of the legality of the surveillance.)
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2020
Emergency Direct Payments Act This bill provides an additional recovery rebate (i.e., refundable tax credits) beginning in 2020 to individual taxpayers whose adjusted gross income does not exceed $75,000 ($150,000 for joint return filers). The increased amount is $1,200 per taxpayer ($2,400 for joint return filers) and $500 for each dependent of the taxpayer. To be eligible for the increased rebate amount, a taxpayer must provide a valid identification number (i.e., Social Security account number). The bill allows an exemption from the identification requirement for members of the Armed Forces if at least one military spouse provides a valid identification number. It also provides for a qualified exemption for the recovery rebate from garnishments and other offsets. The Department of the Treasury must conduct a public awareness campaign regarding the availability of the recovery rebate.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2020
Office for Access to Justice Establishment Act of 2020 This bill establishes the Office for Access to Justice within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to advise on matters relating to justice for low-income and other people in the criminal and civil justice systems. Additionally, DOJ must establish a Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable to raise the awareness of executive branch agencies of the ways in which civil legal aid and indigent defense can help advance federal objectives, including those related to employment, family stability, housing, consumer protection, health services, and public safety.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2020
Priority Response for Veterans Impacted by Disasters and Emergencies Act or the PROVIDE Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to set forth criteria (1) for the priority processing of claims related to compensation for service-connected disability for certain veterans (e.g., veterans affected by homelessness or major disasters), and (2) to establish flexible evidence requirements for veterans who are unable to meet ordinary evidence requirements for such priority claims due to a major disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2020
Realizing Efforts for Military Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Act or the REMEDI Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to ensure that military departments conduct ongoing training programs regarding human relations, diversity, equity, and inclusion for members of the Armed Forces, civilian employees of DOD, and contract employees of DOD.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2020
Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act of 2020 or the DOULA for VA Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a five-year pilot program to furnish doula services to pregnant veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system. The program must furnish doula services through eligible entities by expanding the VA's Whole Health model to measure the impact that doula support services have on birth and mental health outcomes of pregnant veterans. The Whole Health model is a holistic approach that looks at the many areas of life that may affect health in order to make a health plan suited for each individual based on his or her health goals.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2020
National Critical Capabilities Defense Act of 2020 This bill establishes the Committee on National Critical Capabilities to review specified forms of outbound investment, including any merger, acquisition, or takeover of a foreign person by or with a U.S. business that could result in a threat to national critical capabilities. Further, the bill establishes a congressional commission to review the activities of the committee, and it authorizes the President to suspend or prohibit transactions that pose a threat to national critical capabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2020
Office for Access to Justice Establishment Act of 2020 This bill establishes the Office for Access to Justice within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to advise on matters relating to justice for low-income and other people in the criminal and civil justice systems. Additionally, DOJ must establish a Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable to raise the awareness of executive branch agencies of the ways in which civil legal aid and indigent defense can help advance federal objectives, including those related to employment, family stability, housing, consumer protection, health services, and public safety.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2020
Qualified Immunity Abolition Act This bill eliminates the defense of qualified immunity in civil actions for deprivation of rights. Qualified immunity is a judicially created doctrine that protects government employees or those acting with state authority from being held personally liable for constitutional violations. The bill provides that under the statute allowing a civil action alleging deprivation of rights under color of law, it shall not be a defense or immunity to any such action that (1) the defendant was acting in good faith or believed that his or her conduct was lawful at the time it was committed; (2) the rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution or laws were not clearly established at the time of their deprivation; or (3) the state of the law was such that the defendant could not reasonably have been expected to know whether his or her conduct was lawful.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2020
Protect Our Civil Liberties Act This bill limits government surveillance, including by repealing the USA PATRIOT Act and certain provisions of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008, and contains other intelligence-related provisions. Specifically, the bill repeals all provisions of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 except for a provision requiring certain Department of Justice reports to Congress and another provision authorizing the acquisition of foreign intelligence from certain entities engaged in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Information that concerns a U.S. person must be destroyed if it was previously collected under the laws repealed by the bill. The bill also prohibits the federal government from (1) acquiring information relating to a U.S. person by using certain foreign intelligence gathering authority without a warrant, (2) requiring electronics or software manufacturers to install a mechanism for the government to bypass encryption or privacy technology, or (3) retaliating against intelligence community whistleblowers. The bill also extends the terms of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court judges from 7 to 10 years and makes such judges eligible for reappointment. Such judges may also appoint special masters to advise the court on technical issues. The Government Accountability Office must annually evaluate the federal government's compliance with certain laws concerning the collection of foreign intelligence.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2020
This joint resolution redesignates the memorial to Robert. E. Lee in Arlington National Cemetery as the Arlington House.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2020
Pandemic Supplies Production Act This bill directs the President to immediately use existing authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to ensure the supply of ventilators, N-95 respirator masks, and other personal protective equipment to address COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). That act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense. It also directs the Defense Logistics Agency within the Department of Defense to take certain actions to manage the distribution of materials to respond the COVID-19 emergency, as well as future emergencies or disasters. This agency is responsible for supply or service activities common to all military departments.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2020
Limiting and Enabling Gathering Awards Commemorating Yesteryear Act or the LEGACY Act This bill authorizes the purchase and importation for historical and educational purposes of military decorations, medals, and related items that are located abroad, and it requires the President to impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on a person who makes unauthorized use of military medals or decorations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2020
Defending Pensions from the Chinese Communist Threat Act This bill prohibits pension plans from investing in certain Chinese military companies.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2020
Federal System Incident Response Act of 2020 This bill requires federal agencies to notify impacted individuals following major or significant cybersecurity incidents, or incidents determined to have involved sensitive personal information. Each agency must make available information relating to an incident to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Department of Defense, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to help mitigate future incidents. CISA shall perform continuous monitoring of incidents of federal information systems and produce an annual report. OMB shall develop guidance on what constitutes a major incident. Each agency must develop training on how to identify and respond to an incident.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2020
Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020 This bill establishes the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ). The initiative shall serve as legal and policy advisor on DOJ's efforts to enforce criminal and civil laws that impact service members, veterans, and their families; develop policy recommendations for improved enforcement of federal law to support service members, veterans, and their families; serve as the liaison and point of contact between DOJ and the military departments; provide counsel for the Office of Justice Programs to ensure that funding decisions take into account service members, veterans, and their families; serve as a liaison and point of contact with the Consumer Protection Branch of DOJ's Civil Division with respect to the prosecution of federal crimes involving fraud that target service members; and serve as a liaison and point of contact with other DOJ components as needed to support the enforcement of other federal laws that protect service members and veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2020
Ensuring Vastly Improved Performance (eVIP) for Mail Service for our Veterans Act or the eVIP Mail Service for Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a strategy to improve its printing and mailing operations (excluding the mailing of prescription and over-the-counter drugs).
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2020
This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Wreaths Across America Day.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2020
This bill requires the Department of Defense to implement a program for the development of rapid and cost-effective medical countermeasures to pandemics.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2020
Holyoke Veterans Act This bill requires state homes that receive funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to have a governing body that is legally responsible for establishing and implementing policies regarding the management and operation of the home. A state home is a home established by a state for veterans disabled by age, disease, or otherwise and who are incapable of earning a living because of such disability. The term also includes a home that furnishes nursing home care for veterans. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to assist state homes in the hiring and retention of infection preventionists.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2020
This bill provides statutory authority for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Department of State to compensate employees and certain family members for qualifying brain injuries sustained while stationed in a foreign country. Under the bill, the CIA and the State Department may provide compensation for a covered individual who has a partial or total disability resulting from a qualifying brain injury for which the individual is not receiving disability payments from the United States. Existing requirements and limitations related to compensation for injuries sustained by CIA and State Department employees shall apply to compensation provided under the bill. The bill shall apply to qualifying injuries sustained before or after the bill's enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2020
Creating Helpful Incentives for Producing Semiconductors for America and Foundries Act This bill establishes measures to incentivize semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing. These measures include creating (1) a financial assistance program for investment in semiconductor facilities and equipment, (2) a public-private partnership with the Department of Defense to ensure the development and production of secure microelectronics, and (3) a Multilateral Semiconductors Security Fund to support the development and adoption of secure semiconductors and semiconductor supply chains.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2020
Israel CENTCOM Reclassification Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to direct a study on potentially transferring Israel from the area of responsibility of the U.S. European Command to the U.S. Central Command.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2020
Sgt. Isaac Woodard, Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Repair Act of 2020 This bill provides eligibility for the Department of Veterans Affairs home loan guaranty program and the Post-9/11 GI Bill to Black veterans who served on active duty during World War II and the surviving spouse, child, grandchild, or other direct descendant of such a veteran who is living on the date of the enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2020
No Funds to China's Military Act This bill prohibits using federal funds to purchase goods or services from an individual or entity that the Department of Defense has determined is controlled by or affiliated with China's military or defense industrial base. This prohibition applies to federal funds provided to a state or local government or private entity. Before an executive agency provides federal funds to such a government or private entity, the recipient shall certify that it will comply with this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020
Badr Organization Designation Act of 2020 This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to support the Badr Organization, and it requires the Department of State to determine whether the organization meets criteria for (1) designation as a foreign terrorist organization, and (2) the imposition of certain sanctions. The Badr Organization is an Iran-based political party and the military arm of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020
Strengthening VA Whistleblower Protection Act of 2020 This bill modifies provisions relating to whistleblower protection at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including by requiring the General Counsel of the VA to establish an independent Office of General Counsel for the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020
Cat Abuse in Testing Stops Act of 2020 or the CATS Act of 2020 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs, in carrying out research within the Veterans Health Administration, from purchasing, breeding, transporting, housing, feeding, maintaining, disposing of, or experimenting on cats as part of the conduct of any study that causes significant pain or distress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020
This resolution condemns the December 6, 2019, terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola and commemorates in sorrow the service members and civilians who lost their lives, or who were injured, and the harm caused to the surrounding community as a result of the terrorist attack. The resolution also expresses gratitude for the heroic actions that the civilians, uniformed personnel, and law enforcement performed in the aftermath of the terrorist attack.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020
This resolution expresses support for democracy in Thailand and urges against the use of a military coup to resolve Thailand's current political crisis.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2020
This resolution expresses the support of the House of Representatives for a policy that prioritizes vaccination of military personnel and trainees against COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2020
This resolution designates December 19, 2020, as National Wreaths Across America Day.
United States · United States Senate · 30 November 2020
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2020
This bill authorizes the Maritime Administrator of the Department of Transportation to purchase duplicate medals for U.S. merchant mariners who engaged in qualified service during World War II. To be eligible, a merchant mariner must submit an application to the Maritime Administrator. The bill sets forth what constitutes qualified service, including time frame of service and licensing requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2020
Keeping Guns From Criminals Act This bill modifies 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 the defendant knew or had reasonable cause to believe the buyer or recipient was a prohibited person.
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 2020
This resolution expresses the support of the House of Representatives for a policy that prioritizes vaccination of military personnel and trainees against COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 2020
Geospatial Partnership for Security Act of 2020 or the GPS Act This bill authorizes for FY2021 National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency activities to partner with and provide support to commercial geospatial, open source, and emerging space companies.
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 2020
Transparency for Wounded Warriors Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide specified information to a member of the uniformed services regarding a denial for traumatic injury benefits under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to provide the member with (1) the reason for the denial, including a description of all the information upon which the denial is based; and (2) an explanation and citation of the applicable laws, regulations, or policies upon which the denial is based. The bill also requires the VA to provide each favorable finding, which shall be binding on all subsequent reviews or appeals of the denial unless clear and convincing evidence is provided to rebut the finding.
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 2020
Solid Start Act of 2020 This bill permanently authorizes and expands the Solid Start program, which is an outreach program for veterans in their first year of separation from the military. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to coordinate with the Department of Defense to collect updated contact information during transition classes or separation counseling for members of the Armed Forces who are separating from service, explain the existence and purpose of the program, call veterans at least twice within the first year of separation, publish information about the program in booklets and on the VA website, provide information about veterans' eligibility for VA programs and benefits, and prioritize outreach to veterans who have accessed mental health resources prior to separation from the Armed Forces. Under the bill, the VA is authorized to (1) encourage members of the Armed Forces to provide additional contact information if they are unreachable following their separation, (2) follow up on missed phone calls, and (3) reach out to veterans who separated prior to the initiation of the Solid Start program. The Government Accountability Office must assess and report on the Solid Start program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2020
American Financial Markets Integrity and Security Act This bill generally prohibits investments in certain Chinese military companies and entities reasonably believed to be involved in activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. These entities may not sell securities to U.S. markets. Investment companies, insurance companies, and retirement plans are prohibited from investing in these entities. The bill also prohibits the use of federal funds to enter into or renew a contract with these entities. Furthermore, the Department of Commerce and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence—in addition to the Department of Defense as under current law—are allowed to add entities to the list of Chinese military companies.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2020
This joint resolution prohibits the proposed foreign military sale of specified defense articles to the United Arab Emirates.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2020
This joint resolution prohibits the proposed foreign military sale of specified defense articles to the United Arab Emirates.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2020
This joint resolution prohibits the proposed foreign military sale of specified defense articles to the United Arab Emirates.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2020
This joint resolution prohibits the proposed foreign military sale of specified defense articles to the United Arab Emirates.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2020
This concurrent resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against the Houthis in Yemen unless and until a declaration of war or a specific authorization for this use of U.S. Armed Forces is enacted. This removal requirement does not include U.S. Armed Forces engaged in operations directed against Al Qaeda or associated forces in the Arabian Peninsula, and the resolution may not be construed as authorizing the use of military force.