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51 records in US in 2021
United States · United States Congress · 27 December 2021
Climate Readiness Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Defense to report on the national security implications associated with climate change and strategies and approaches for responding to climate change. The report must be submitted in an unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
United States · United States Congress · 23 December 2021
Military Spouse Entrepreneurs Act of 2021 This bill requires the Small Business Administration to conduct a pilot program to award federal contracts to small businesses owned and controlled by military spouses. It also generally authorizes federal contracting officers to limit contract awards to only small businesses owned and controlled by military spouses under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2021
Planning for Aging Veterans Act of 2021 This bill addresses the long-term care of veterans, including by implementing policies for the administration of state homes. First, the bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a strategy for the long-term care of veterans. The VA must develop a standardized process for entering into sharing agreements between state homes and VA medical centers. A state home is a home established by a state for veterans who are disabled by age, disease, or otherwise and incapable of earning a living because of such disability. The term also includes a home that furnishes nursing home care for veterans. Under the bill, the VA must furnish prescribed drugs and medicines to veterans who are catastrophically disabled and for whom the VA is paying a per diem for nursing home or domiciliary care in a state home. Generally, veterans are catastrophically disabled if they have a permanent severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease that compromises the ability to carry out the activities of daily living. The VA must monitor any contractor it uses to conduct inspections of state homes, including by reviewing inspections, reporting deficiencies, and publishing inspection results and any planned corrective actions on a public VA website. The VA must implement a two-year pilot program to provide geriatric psychiatry assistance to eligible veterans at state homes. Finally, the VA must work with public housing authorities and local organizations to assist aging homeless veterans in accessing existing housing and supportive services.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2021
Helping Unleash Benefits and Services for Veterans Act of 2021 or the HUBS for Veterans Act of 2021 This bill establishes a grant program to assist the transition of military personnel to civilian life. It directs the Department of Labor to carry out a five-year program of grants to nonprofit organizations that assist the transition of the following persons from Armed Forces service to civilian life: members eligible for preseparation counseling, former members who are transitioning to civilian life, and spouses of such members or former members. Funds must be used for a broad range of supportive programs, such as job recruitment training.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2021
Western Wildfire Support Act of 2021 This bill establishes activities to address wildfires. The bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to establish spatial fire management plans before the end of FY2024. The bill establishes accounts in the Treasury for addressing wildfires, a program to train and certify citizens who wish to be able to volunteer to assist USDA or Interior during a wildland fire incident, a program to award grants to eligible states or units of local government to acquire slip-on tank and pump units for a surge capacity of resources for fire suppression, the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species, and the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board. The bill also requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to reimburse a state or federal agency for the costs of wildfire suppression as a result of a fire caused by DOD activity, requires the Joint Fire Science Program to work with unmanned aircraft test ranges to carry out research and development of unmanned aircraft system fire applications, requires federal and state disaster preparedness programs to include postdisaster assistance, and authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide funding to a state agency to establish and operate a website to provide information relating to postfire recovery funding and resources to a community or an individual impacted by a wildland fire.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2021
This bill establishes a U.S. policy to oppose certain financial assistance to Burma (Myanmar) and addresses related issues. Specifically, the Department of the Treasury must instruct U.S. representatives to the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, and the Asian Development Bank to inform the respective institution that it is U.S. policy to oppose and vote against any loan or financial assistance to Burma through the State Administration Council or any successor entity controlled by Burma's military. This policy shall not apply to humanitarian assistance implemented by an entity not controlled by Burma's military. The President may waive this policy on a case-by-case basis upon certifying that doing so would substantially promote delivering humanitarian assistance to Burma's civilian population or otherwise support U.S. national interests. This policy shall be repealed upon the earlier of (1) the President certifying that certain events have occurred, including Burma's military releasing all political prisoners and the instatement of an elected government following free and fair elections; or (2) 10 years after this bill's enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2021
National Critical Capabilities Defense Act of 2021 This bill establishes the Committee on National Critical Capabilities to review certain transactions by U.S. businesses, including those transactions that could result in an unacceptable risk to national critical capabilities. Further, the bill authorizes the President to suspend or prohibit transactions that pose an unacceptable risk to national critical capabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2021
This concurrent resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to make corrections in the enrollment of S. 1605 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022) to amend amounts relating to the Eielson Air Force Base and AEGIS Ashore Barracks Planning and Design in Redzikowo, Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2021
This resolution condemns the December 6, 2019, terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola and commemorates the service members and civilians who lost their lives or were injured in the attack. Additionally, the resolution remembers Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, Petty Officer Third Class Mohammed Sameh Haitham, and Petty Officer Third Class Cameron Scott Walters, who were killed in the attack. Finally, the resolution commends (1) the decision to give medals and awards to the law enforcement officers, uniformed service members, and civilians who responded to the attack; and (2) the efforts undertaken by the Department of Defense to enhance security at military installations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2021
Farm to Base Food Security Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the current procurement practices of the Department of Defense (DOD) regarding food for consumption or distribution on DOD installations. Among other elements, the report must also include details on efforts by DOD to (1) establish and strengthen farm-to-base initiatives to source locally and regionally produced foods, and (2) collaborate with relevant federal agencies to procure locally and regionally produced foods.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
Tiny Homes for Homeless Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a six-year pilot program to provide grants for the creation of five villages of tiny homes for homeless veterans. Under the bill, the villages must have associated supportive services to allow veterans to build and live in energy efficient homes, maintain social connections with each other, learn skills, and receive critical counseling. Under the bill, a tiny home is an individual housing unit that is approximately 240 square feet for one person or approximately 340 square feet if the home is for a family.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in French Camp, California, as the Robert A. Pittman Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
Providing Our Law Enforcement with Adequate Resources for a Response Act or the POLAR Response Act This bill includes a polar vortex as a major disaster for which a declaration of a state of emergency can be made and provides a definition for a disaster-related emergency for purposes of the Department of Defense (DOD) excess personal property program (therefore authorizing DOD to transfer certain personal property for a polar vortex emergency).
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
TRICARE Equality Act of 2021 This bill addresses the administration of Department of Defense (DOD) health care programs and benefits in Puerto Rico. Specifically, the bill requires DOD to treat the administration of TRICARE Prime availability in Puerto Rico in a similar manner as a state. The bill also requires DOD to ensure that, in providing travel and transportation allowances related to specialty medical treatment, individuals located in Puerto Rico are eligible to receive such allowances. The Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization Office must coordinate with the Department of Health of Puerto Rico to share health information through the Joint Health Information Exchange.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
VA Safe Holidays Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to annually conduct outreach for a 10-week period starting on November 1 to veterans to promote the Veteran Identity Theft Helpline and identify other identity theft resources available to veterans and beneficiaries of VA programs. The VA must submit a plan to Congress detailing its efforts to promote identity theft awareness and to assist veterans and VA program beneficiaries who experience identity theft.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
Survivor Benefits Fairness Act This bill adjusts the effective date of a reduction or discontinuance of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or pension payments to the last day of the month during which a marriage, remarriage, or death of a payee occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
Spending Safeguard Act This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish spending limits for direct spending programs that (1) are enacted or reauthorized after the enactment of this bill, and (2) do not have a specific level of authorized spending expressed as a dollar amount. The spending limits must be equal to (1) 120% of the cost of the program for defense, health, Medicare, income security, Social Security, and veterans benefits and services programs; and (2) 110% of the cost for any other program. The OMB must maintain a publicly available scorecard that displays the spending level for any program that is subject to the limits. The OMB and the President must submit specified reports to Congress comparing current spending to the limits. The bill prohibits obligations for programs that have reached the applicable spending limit. Agencies implementing programs listed on the OMB's scorecard must ensure that any contract, offer of benefits, or other material provided to program participants specifies that the program is subject to a spending limit that may impact future availability of funds to pay benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
This resolution denounces the current Russian military buildup on the Ukraine border as provocative and contrary to established international norms. It also reaffirms the unwavering support of the United States for a secure, democratic, and independent Ukraine.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2021
Department of Defense Principal Cyber Advisor Empowerment Act of 2021 This bill requires specified cyber officials in the Department of Defense to be designated from among the personnel of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. The bill applies to the officer to serve as Principal Cyber Advisor and the officer to serve concurrently as the Senior Military Advisor for Cyber Policy and as the Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2021
Guaranteeing Ukrainian Autonomy by Reinforcing its Defense (GUARD) Act of 2021 This bill provides support for Ukraine and imposes sanctions related to Nord Stream 2, the pipeline constructed to increase exports of natural gas from Russia. If Russia or any of its proxies militarily advance into Ukraine's territory or airspace beyond the area occupied as of December 15, 2021, the Department of State must designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism. The bill authorizes the State Department to provide Foreign Military Financing assistance to Ukraine in FY2022. The bill also authorizes providing Ukraine with lethal assistance, such as anti-armor weapon systems and anti-aircraft weapons systems. From FY2022-FY2026, Ukraine shall have priority access to excess defense articles. During the same time period, the bill also authorizes providing Ukraine with assistance, including (1) International Military Education and Training assistance; (2) assistance to strengthen cybersecurity and intellectual property enforcement; (3) support and training for banking reform, subsidy reform, corporate governance, and the privatization of state-owned enterprises; and (4) assistance to combat corruption and improve the rule of law. Within 15 days of this bill's enactment, the President must impose sanctions on any entity responsible for planning, constructing, or operating Nord Stream 2, as well as any corporate officer of such an entity. The bill also subjects the President's authority to waive certain sanctions to congressional review. The bill requires reports to Congress on various topics, including a strategy on using U.S. diplomacy to support Ukraine.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2021
VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program for the purpose of improving safety and suicide care for veterans. The program must be implemented at five VA medical centers, including one that serves veterans in rural and remote areas.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021
Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2021 This bill implements programs and policies related to veterans' benefit claims.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021
Countering Assad's Proliferation Trafficking And Garnering Of Narcotics Act or the CAPTAGON Act This bill requires the Department of Defense, the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and other appropriate federal agencies to report to Congress a strategy to disrupt and dismantle narcotics production and trafficking networks linked to the regime of Bashar al Asad in Syria.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021
VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program for the purpose of improving safety and suicide care for veterans. The program must be implemented at five VA medical centers, including one that serves veterans in rural and remote areas.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021
This bill increases the penalty for unlawful enforcement of a storage lien against a servicemember for repeat offenders.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021
Casualty Assistance Reform Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Casualty Assistance Reform Working Group to, among other duties, create standards and training for casualty assistance officers of the Armed Forces. Generally, a casualty assistance officer supports and assists the next of kin after they have been notified of a casualty. The bill also requires DOD to publish an interim rule to establish standard definitions of gold star family and gold star survivor .
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021
This bill requires that a discharge or dismissal of a member of the Armed Forces must be characterized as honorable in situations where the individual was discharged or dismissed solely for refusing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Such individuals may not be denied retired or retainer pay or any benefits through the Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs solely on the basis that they refused to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021
Monitoring China-UAE Cooperation Act This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to report to Congress on cooperation between China and the United Arab Emirates on strategically sensitive matters that implicate U.S. national security interests, including defense and technology.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021
Continuing Robust and Uninhibited Drilling and Exporting Act or the CRUDE Act This bill limits the President's authority to restrict the export of crude oil from the United States. Currently, the President may restrict the export of oil for up to a year if the President declares a national emergency; the restrictions apply to countries, persons, or organizations for reasons of national security; or the Department of Commerce finds and reports to the President that the export of crude oil has caused sustained material oil supply shortages or sustained oil prices significantly above world market levels and those shortages or price increases have caused or are likely to cause sustained material adverse employment effects. However, this bill only allows the President to make such restrictions if the restrictions apply to countries, persons, or organizations for reasons of national security; or the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and Commerce jointly make those findings and report them to the President and Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021
This bill requires the Department of the Air Force to report on the integration of the Adaptive Engine Transition Program propulsion system into the F-35A aircraft. Additionally, the Department of the Navy must report on the integration of an advanced propulsion system into F-35B and F-35C aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021
This bill requires the Department of Defense, the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and other appropriate federal agencies to report to Congress a strategy to disrupt and dismantle narcotics production and trafficking networks linked to the regime of Bashar al Asad in Syria.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2021
Stand Your Ground Act of 2021 This bill establishes affirmative defenses for individuals who use (or threaten or attempt to use) force in the commission of certain federal criminal violations. First, an individual is justified in using (or threatening or attempting to use) non-deadly force if the individual reasonably believes it is necessary to defend against an imminent use of unlawful force. An individual who uses or threatens to use non-deadly force in accordance with this affirmative defense does not have a duty to retreat before using or threatening to use such force. Second, an individual is justified in using (or threatening or attempting to use) deadly force if the individual reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony. An individual who uses, threatens, or attempts to use deadly force in accordance with this affirmative defense does not have a duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground so long as the individual is not engaged in a criminal activity and is in a place where he or she has a right to be.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2021
Defense Language Continuing Education Act of 2021 This bill requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness within the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish policies and procedures to provide continuing language education to linguists of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force who have made the transition from formal training programs to operational and staff assignments. The office must establish a procedure by which the military branches may reimburse a DOD organization that provides continuing language education. The office must brief Congress on the implementation of the policies and procedures established by this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2021
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Review Act of 2021 This bill requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment within the Department of Defense (DOD) to review DOD's system for categorizing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as described in Joint Publication 3-30, titled Joint Air Operations . The office must also determine whether modifications should be made in DOD's grouping of unmanned aerial systems into five broad categories. If revisions are needed, the office must consider the effect a revision would have on (1) the future capability and employment needs to support current and emerging warfighting concepts, (2) advanced systems and technologies available in the current commercial marketplace, (3) the rapid fielding of UAS technology, and (4) the integration of UAS into the National Airspace System.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2021
This bill designates the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Greenville, South Carolina, as the Lance Corporal Dana Cornell Darnell Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic or the Lance Corporal Dana Cornell Darnell VA Clinic.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
Max Cleland VA Medical Center Act This bill designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Atlanta, Georgia, as the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center or the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
No Foreign Adversaries Residing in our Communities Act or the No FARC Act This bill bars any alien who is a present or former member of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (also known as FARC) from being admitted into the United States or receiving a visa. The President may waive this prohibition on a case-by-case basis only by certifying to Congress that the waiver is in the U.S. national interest.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
Protecting Our Gold Star Families Education Act This bill moves the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant program into the Pell Grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
This bill addresses Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and care for covered children. Under the bill, a covered child is an individual, regardless of age or marital status, who is the natural child of a Vietnam veteran or a veteran of specified service in Korea or Thailand who was conceived after the date on which the veteran entered service in Vietnam, Korea, or Thailand. The bill requires the VA to establish an advisory council on health care and benefits for covered children. Additionally, the VA must establish care and coordination teams for covered children. At least every 180 days, the teams must conduct outreach to ensure the continued care of the children and assist with any necessary changes in care. The VA must report to Congress a list of conditions that will trigger outreach to covered children, and contact such children as soon as practicable after the identification of a condition. The bill requires the VA to provide a covered child with health care and benefits for the duration of the child's life, regardless of the death of a parent preceding the death of the child. The Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health Administration must enter into a memorandum of understanding to better assist covered children and establish conditions to be included in the report required by this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
Veterans Pro Bono Corps Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study the feasibility and advisability of establishing a five-year pilot program to provide assistance to entities that provide aid to veterans applying for compensation for a service-connected disability, specifically by helping them substantiate their claims with independent medical examinations and opinions. The study must also assess the use of the VA disability benefits questionnaire forms to support the pilot program. Under the program, eligible entities are those that administer a non-VA medical residency or medical fellowship program in the United States (or a territory of the United States) and are accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations Act of 2021 or the VET CARE Act of 2021 This bill addresses dental care programs for veterans. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish administrative support to a dental care provider that provides services to a veteran that would not be covered by VA benefits. The bill also requires the VA to implement a pilot program to provide free outpatient dental services and treatment, and related dental appliances, to eligible veterans. Eligible veterans are those who are (1) enrolled in the VA health care system but are not eligible for VA dental care, (2) not receiving regular periodontal care, (3) between 40 and 70 years old, and (4) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
Max Cleland VA Medical Center Act This bill designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Atlanta, Georgia, as the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center or the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
VITAL Assessment Act of 2021 This bill implements changes related to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program, which focuses on enhancing student veterans' academic success and retention by assisting with things like mental and physical health. The VA must report on the program and establish best practices, goals, and measures for the program that are uniform among the VA's medical centers. The bill also requires the VA to conduct outreach among the Armed Forces, veterans service organizations, institutions of higher learning, and noncollege degree programs regarding the VITAL program. Additionally, the VA must assess the feasibility and advisability of including the suicide rate for student veterans in the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
This bill authorizes Hershel Woodrow Williams, who is the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor for acts performed during World War II, to lie in state in the Capitol rotunda upon his death.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
Strengthening Relations in Military Communities Act of 2021 This bill requires the Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity within the Department of Defense (DOD) to survey members of the Armed Forces and their family members who live in covered communities regarding relations between such individuals and their communities. Under the bill, covered community means a military installation and the area within 10 miles of the installation. DOD must report on the survey results every other year. The bill requires DOD to designate 10 geographically diverse military installations for review in each survey and make the results of the survey reports publicly available on a DOD website.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
Oversight of Independent Review Commission Recommendations Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to report on the status of the implementation of specified recommendations set forth in the July 2, 2021, report by the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military titled Hard Truths and the Duty to Change: Recommendations from the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military .
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2021 This bill allows certain dependent children in households of active duty members of the Armed Forces to qualify for free and reduced-price school meals through a direct certification process.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
Military Justice Reporting Improvement Act This bill requires each military department to submit to the Department of Defense (DOD) a report on racial, ethnic, and sex demographics in the military justice system during the preceding year. There must be separate reports for the Navy and Marine Corps as well as for the Air Force and Space Force. DOD must forward such reports to Congress. DOD must prescribe a policy requiring information on the race and ethnicity of accused individuals to be included to the maximum extent practicable in the annual report regarding sexual assaults involving members of the Armed Forces. Such information must be made publicly available, but information may be excluded based on privacy concerns, impacts on accountability efforts, or other matters of importance.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2021
This resolution designates December 18, 2021, as National Wreaths Across America Day and honors the Wreaths Across America project, patriotic escort units, the U.S. trucking industry, and the volunteers and donors involved in this tradition. Additionally, the resolution recognizes the service and sacrifices of veterans and members of the Armed Forces and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2021
VA Electronic Health Record Transparency Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on the costs of its Electronic Health Record Modernization Program, including by describing all expenses driven by the program.