jiayi-li23/proxann_data huggingface dataset:
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2007-10-04 00:00:00

Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2008 - Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse certain veterans without a service-connected disability enrolled as active participants of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care plan for the cost of emergency treatment received in a non-VA facility until such time as such veterans are transferred to a VA or other federal facility. Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary to reimburse certain veterans with a service-connected disability or a non-service-connected disability associated with or aggravating a service-connected disability for the customary and usual charges of emergency treatment for which such veterans have made payment from sources other than the VA.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Taxation
Date: 2007-10-17 00:00:00

National Guard and Reservists Financial Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the exemption from tax penalties for premature distributions from retirement plans by members of the National Guard or Ready Reserve called to active duty.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2007-11-06 00:00:00

Compensation for Combat Veterans Act - Provides that, for a veteran claiming disability benefits related to combat, service in a combat zone that is recognized as such service under the Internal Revenue Code shall be considered proof that the veteran engaged in combat.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2007-12-03 00:00:00

Wounded Warrior Bonus Equity Act - Provides that, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces who is retired or separated for disability due to a combat-related injury, the Secretary of Defense shall require the continued payment of any covered bonuses or special pay to which the member: (1) was entitled to immediately before the retirement or separation; and (2) would continue to be entitled to if not retired or separated. Requires such payment in a lump sum within 90 days after such retirement or separation.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2007-12-13 00:00:00

USERRA Enforcement Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends provisions concerning uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits to: (1) require complainants to be notified of their rights within five days after receipt of the complaint by the Secretary of Labor; (2) require investigation and resolution of complaints to be completed no later than 90 days after receipt of the complaint; and (3) impose a 15-day deadline on referral to the Attorney General or to the Office of Special Counsel of an unsuccessful effort to resolve a complaint against a state or private employer or a federal executive agency, respectively. Requires the Attorney General or the Special Counsel, as appropriate, to make a decision and provide notification concerning representation of a complainant within 45 days of a referral.Modifies requirements for annual case reporting by the Secretary to include data of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and data concerning those with disabilities.Requires the Comptroller General to make quarterly reports on claims processing.Requires the Secretary to ensure that: (1) report information is categorized in a uniform way; and (2) the Secretary and the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, the Attorney General, and the Special Counsel each have electronic access to case files reviewed under the uniformed services employment and reemployment rights provisions.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2007-12-14 00:00:00

Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to require, when a court-martial sentence that resulted in forfeiture of pay and allowances is later set aside or disapproved or, as finally approved, does not provide for a punishment resulting in forfeiture, that the restoration of the forfeited amounts be adjusted for inflation.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2007-12-17 00:00:00

Military Housing Privatization Initiatives Projects Oversight and Accountability Act of 2007 - Requires each military housing privatization initiative project to be carried out under a guaranteed maximum price contract (to be reviewed by an independent third party) and accompanied by a performance schedule. Requires each Secretary concerned to prescribe regulations for effective oversight and management of projects under the Secretary's jurisdiction.Establishes requirements for: (1) combining projects in the event of termination of a lease or foreclosure on a project; (2) funding reserves; (3) sequestration and release of funds to be paid under a contract; (4) community meetings to convey project information; (5) certification of construction experience; (6) bonding levels; and (7) communication, review, and the effect of unsatisfactory performance or default (including the selection of a successor contractor).Requires annual reports on lessons learned regarding the operation of military housing privatization initiative projects.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Immigration
Date: 2007-12-18 00:00:00

Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to use the fingerprints provided by an individual at the time of military enlistment or at the time of applying for (immigration) status adjustment to satisfy any naturalization background or security requirements if: (1) the individual may be naturalized under the Immigration and Nationality Act, was fingerprinted in accordance with Department of Defense (DOD) requirements, and submits a naturalization application within 24 months of enlistment or provides the required biometric information at the time of application for status adjustment if filed within 24 months after enlistment; and (2) the Secretary determines that the biometric information provided, including fingerprints, is sufficient to conduct the naturalization background and security checks. Directs the Secretary to: (1) determine the format for biometric information, including fingerprints; (2) implement procedures for electronic transmission of biometric information that will safeguard privacy and civil liberties; and (3) provide for centralization of naturalization applications of active duty personnel serving abroad and such applications' expedited processing. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to update the appropriate Internet websites to reflect naturalization law changes. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should make necessary updates to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) application forms. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees with respect to the adjudication of military service-related naturalization applications. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report to the appropriate congressional committees with respect to implementation of this Act by the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-01-22 00:00:00

Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war after the Persian Gulf War or a combat zone after September 11, 2001, if the Secretary determines, in his or her discretion, that the termination of collection is in the best interest of the United States. Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-01-23 00:00:00

Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain members of the armed forces or veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war or a combat zone after September 11, 2001. Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Economics and public finance
Date: 2008-02-06 00:00:00

Semper Fi Act - Rescinds all amounts appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 for the city of Berkeley, California, or entities in such city. Transfers the rescinded amounts to the Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps account of the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2008, to be used for recruiting.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-02-07 00:00:00

Military Valor Roll of Honor Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Military Valor Roll of Honor registry which shall: (1) contain the names and citations of all members of the Armed Forces, members of the U.S. merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service), and civilians affiliated with the Armed Forces who have been awarded the medal of honor or any other medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces, the U.S. merchant marine, or affiliated civilians; and (2) be a publicly available database.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-02-08 00:00:00

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2008, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date. Codifies rate amounts as increased under the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-02-12 00:00:00

Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse or provide transportation to a member of the reserves on active duty for more than 30 days who is performing duty at a temporary duty station for travel from the temporary duty station to the permanent duty station in connection with authorized leave pursuant to a suspension of training or to meet minimal staffing requirements at the temporary station. Sets minimum distance requirements and reimbursement limits. Allows such reimbursement or transportation only in connection with leave of more than 96 hours.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-02-14 00:00:00

Citizen Soldier and Military Veteran Travel Reimbursement Act of 2008 - Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs adjust the amount (similar to a copay or deductible) charged to a member who is reimbursed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for travel expenses connected with the receipt of vocational rehabilitation, counseling, or required medical care. Requires the Secretary, in determining the amount of the allowance or reimbursement, to use the reimbursement rate for the use of privately-owned vehicles by government employees on official business. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse a member of the reserves for expenses incurred in connection with round-trip travel in excess of 100 miles to an inactive duty training location, requiring the same reimbursement rate as above.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-02-15 00:00:00

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt veterans with a disability rated as total from the tax on social security benefits. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to amend federal housing regulations to exclude the disability and pension benefits of veterans with a disability rated as total from income for purposes of determining eligibility for certain public housing programs.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-02-25 00:00:00

Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 1940 to extend from 90 days to one year the period following release from active duty during which a member of the Armed Forces shall be protected from mortgage foreclosure.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-02-28 00:00:00

America's Wounded Warriors Act - Amends federal armed forces provisions to add new provisions concerning the retirement for disability of members of the Armed Forces (members) following the implementation of an enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation system (implemented under this Act). Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to continue after discharge or separation from active duty respite care and aid and other extended care benefits for members who incur a serious injury or illness while serving on such duty. Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study to determine the number of retired members who will be eligible for medical and dental care following implementation of the enhanced VA disability compensation system. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to conduct a study to determine the appropriate: (1) amount of compensation for service-connected disability payable to veterans for each assigned rating of disability; and (2) amounts and duration of transition payments and rehabilitation transition allowances payable to veterans participating in a rehabilitation program. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study on measures to assist and encourage veterans in the completion of their vocational rehabilitation plans. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a proposal on the purposes and amounts of veterans' disability compensation and veterans' transition benefits. Provides for congressional consideration (by way of a joint resolution) of such proposal. Makes the effective date of implementation of the enhanced VA disability compensation system the date on which the authority of Congress to disapprove the Secretary's proposal expires, as long as Congress does not disapprove the proposal before such date. Revises the current VA schedule of disability ratings to take into account losses of earning capacity and quality of life as a result of the disability. Provides revised compensation and transition payments in connection with service-connected disabilities. Allows a retired veteran entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability to elect to provide a monthly supplemental survivor benefit to the veteran's surviving spouse and/or children. Authorizes such election by veterans: (1) at the time of award of the disability compensation; (2) not married at the time of award of the compensation who later marry; and (3) married at the time of award of the compensation who later remarry. Allows a veteran to revoke the election of a benefit to a surviving spouse. Provides for the receipt of such benefit on the first day of the first month after the veteran dies. Requires the: (1) reduction of disability compensation due to the election of the supplemental survivor benefit; and (2) offset of the supplemental survivor benefit by the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation received.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-03-03 00:00:00

Amends federal provisions concerning veterans' educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to: (1) allow the accelerated payment of such assistance for the pursuit of education leading to employment in high-technology industry only for programs of education which do not lead to an associate or higher degree; (2) terminate the June 30, 2010, delimiting period on an expanded scope of work activities that may be assigned to individuals participating in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work-study programs; and (3) authorize appropriations for VA payments to state agencies which approve programs of education for purposes of participation in the VA educational assistance program.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-03-04 00:00:00

Authorizes the provision by the Secretary of the military department concerned of a travel and transportation allowance for up to three family members of a member of the Armed Forces who is hospitalized in a military medical facility in the United States for a serious psychiatric condition, as long as such transportation is provided pursuant to travel orders issued upon the recommendation of a physician that the family's presence would be helpful and beneficial to the member's treatment and recovery.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-03-04 00:00:00

American Braille Flag Memorial Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to place in Arlington National Cemetery an American Braille tactile flag honoring blind members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and other Americans. Grants the Secretary exclusive authority to approve an appropriate design and site within Arlington National Cemetery for the memorial.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-03-04 00:00:00

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in eastern Nebraska to serve the needs of veterans and their families in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-03-10 00:00:00

Veterans' Rating Schedule Review Act - Authorizes the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to review whether, and the extent to which, the schedule of ratings for veterans' disabilities complies with statutory requirements applicable to entitlement to veterans' disability compensation for service-connected disability or death.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-03-13 00:00:00

Amends federal armed forces law to add provisions concerning investigations of suicides committed by members of the Armed Forces (members). Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, in the case of a member's suicide, to establish a board, made up of commissioned officers serving on active duty, to investigate the causes contributing to the suicide, including preventive actions that could have been taken. Requires: (1) the protection of confidentiality with respect to such investigations; (2) the investigation to be completed within 30 days after the suicide; and (3) an interim and final board report to the Secretary concerned. Directs the Secretary concerned to make public the investigation results, while protecting the confidentiality of the member. Requires all reports received by the Secretary concerned to be transmitted to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, who shall take appropriate actions to reduce the incidence of suicide among members.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-03-13 00:00:00

Armed Forces Mental Health Professionals Recruitment and Retention Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends federal military pay provisions to provide: (1) a bonus of up to $25,000 per year for officers who agree to remain on active duty as clinical psychologists; (2) an accession bonus of up to $400,000 to clinical psychologists with a critically short wartime specialty who agree to accept a commission and remain on active duty for at least four years; and (3) special pay for officers serving as clinical psychologists for at least one year. Provides: (1) an accession bonus of up to $30,000 for social workers in critically short wartime specialties agreeing to serve as officers on active duty for at least three years; and (2) special pay for officers serving as social workers for at least one year. Provides special pay for officers serving as mental health nurses for at least one year. Includes psychiatrists, social workers, and mental health nurses under Department of Defense (DOD) authority to provide retention incentives for members of the Armed Forces qualified in critical military skills or assigned to high priority units. Includes psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, and other behavioral health professionals as eligible health professions under the DOD health professions scholarship and financial assistance program. Authorizes the Secretary of each military department to use the authorities in this Act to facilitate the recruitment and retention in the reserve components of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and mental health nurses.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-03-13 00:00:00

Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and maintain an electronic database on the incidence of suicide and attempted suicide among members of the Armed Forces on active duty, as well as members of the National Guard and reserves who are demobilized from active duty. Requires: (1) regular reports from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees; and (2) such reports to be made available to the public (absent personally-identifying information).
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-04-07 00:00:00

Veterans' Compensation Equity Act of 2008 - Requires that, for each veteran requiring continuous medication or the use of one or more adaptive devices (such as a hearing aid) prescribed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or other licensed health care provider for the treatment of a service-connected disability, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall assign a disability rating of not less than 10%.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-04-09 00:00:00

National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2008 - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to back-date to September 11, 2001, the period of active duty or performed active service, in support of a contingency operation or in other emergency situations, for which members of Ready Reserve components of the armed forces shall receive credit in determining eligibility for early receipt of non-regular service retired pay.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-04-15 00:00:00

Training and Rehabilitation for Disabled Veterans Enhancement Act of 2008 - Allows services and assistance for veterans with service-connected disabilities to include services necessary to improve a veteran's quality of life. Entitles a veteran determined not capable of achieving a vocational goal to a program that improves such veteran's quality of life, in addition to other services currently provided. Directs (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide programs of independent living services and assistance to such veterans.Removes provisions limiting the initiation of programs of independent living services to no more than 2,500 veterans each fiscal year.
Topic: Defense — Personnel Issues
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-04-17 00:00:00

Authorizes payment of the expense of presenting a U.S. flag to the children of members of the Armed Forces who die in service.