zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the Montford Point Marines, United States Marine Corps, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. (Camp Montford Point, North Carolina, was the site for the training of the first African-American Marines.) Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the Montford Point Marines. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals.

Date: 2009-09-23
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Captain Emil Kapaun for acts of valor during the Korean War.

Date: 2009-10-15
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration Commission to plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities appropriate to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, and to carry out other specified duties. Directs the National Endowment for the Humanities to award grants for appropriate activities relating to the Civil War sesquicentennial, and to consider for such grants university, museum, or academic programs with national scope that sponsor multidisciplinary projects, including those that concentrate on the role of African Americans in the Civil War.

Date: 2009-10-22
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Social sciences and history
Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to issue the Cold War Service Medal to members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions after having: (1) served on active duty for at least 24 consecutive months during the Cold War (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991); (2) deployed outside the continental United States for at least 30 days during such period; or (3) performed other Cold War service as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should expedite the design of the Medal as well its issuance to eligible members.

Date: 2009-11-05
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to arrange for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor collectively the World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in recognition of their military service and exemplary record during World War II. Requires the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the CAP. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals.

Date: 2010-04-21
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Achievements of the GI Bill Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a single gold medal in honor of the recipients of assistance under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (commonly know as the GI Bill of Rights), in recognition of their great contributions in both their military and civilian life, and the contributions of Harry W. Colmery in initiating actions which led to the enactment of that Act. Requires the medal, following its award, to be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display. Expresses the sense of Congress that the medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at appropriate locations selected by the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense (DOD), or Education.

Date: 2010-04-29
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Congress
Waives certain time limitations with respect to the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for acts of heroism during World War II as a member of the United States Navy.

Date: 2011-01-18
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Captain Emil Kapaun for acts of valor during the Korean War.

Date: 2011-01-25
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
In Memory Medal For Forgotten Veterans Act - Establishes the "Jesus (Chuchi) Salgado Medal" to be issued by the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to a veteran who died after serving in the Vietnam War but whose death is determined to be a direct result of such service and whose name is not eligible for placement on the wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Date: 2011-02-08
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Honor and Remember Flag Recognition Act - Designates the Honor and Remember Flag, created by Honor and Remember, Inc., as the official symbol of our country's concern and commitment to honoring and remembering all members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty. Provides days of the year, and memorials and other locations, on or at which the Flag shall be displayed.

Date: 2011-02-08
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to arrange for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor collectively the World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in recognition of their military service and exemplary record during World War II. Requires the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the CAP. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals.

Date: 2011-02-15
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to ensure that whenever the official flags of all 50 states are displayed by the Armed Forces, such display shall include the flags of the District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Date: 2011-03-09
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Medal of Honor Gold Content Act - Requires the metal content of the Medal of Honor to be 90% gold and 10% alloy. Makes such requirement inapplicable with respect to the issuance of a duplicate Medal.

Date: 2011-03-17
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
William Shemin Jewish World War I Veterans Act - Directs the Secretaries of the Army and the Navy to: (1) review the service records of certain Jewish-American World War I veterans to determine whether that veteran should be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor; and (2) upon a positive determination, submit a recommendation to the President that the President make such award. Makes eligible for such review and award each Jewish-American World War I veteran: (1) who was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or other military decoration for service during World War I; or (2) whose name is submitted to either Secretary by the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America within one year after the enactment of this Act.

Date: 2011-04-08
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Gold Medal of Remembrance for the Sons and Daughters of Our Fallen Act - Directs that a medal, to be known as the Gold Medal of Remembrance, be presented to the child of a member of the Armed Forces who dies: (1) while serving on active duty in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, or New Dawn; or (2) as a result of wounds, injuries, or illness incurred during such service. Expresses the sense of Congress that such Medal should be presented by military commanders in ceremonies recognizing the support and sacrifice of children of members of the Armed Forces. Makes the Medal presentation requirement applicable retroactively with respect to covered deaths of members occurring after September 11, 2001.

Date: 2011-05-13
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to issue the Cold War Service Medal to members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions after having: (1) served on active duty for at least 24 consecutive months during the Cold War (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991), (2) deployed outside the continental United States for at least 30 days during such period, or (3) performed other Cold War service as the Secretary of Defense (DOD) may prescribe. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should expedite the design of the Medal as well its issuance to eligible members.

Date: 2011-05-24
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to former Private First Class William P. Fesken of the U.S. Army for acts of valor during the Vietnam War, notwithstanding specified time limitations with respect to awarding such medals. Describes such acts of valor as actions of Private First Class Fesken who, while serving with Company A, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, risked his life above and beyond the call of duty on May 2, 1967, while protecting wounded members of his squad during repeated attacks by a Viet Cong force until his death on such date.

Date: 2011-08-01
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Revises the membership eligibility requirements of the federal charter for the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. Redefines "mother" to mean a woman who filled the role of birth mother. Adds, in addition to adoptive mother and stepmother (as in the current charter), foster-mother, grandmother, or legal guardian of a person who is serving in the Armed Forces or has served in, or has been honorably discharged from it (as in the current charter). Repeals the limitation to service in World War II or the Korean hostilities of the Armed Forces service of the eligible mother's son or daughter. Allows the eligible mother to be a U.S. citizen living outside the United States. (Currently the charter limits membership to eligible mothers living in the United States.)

Date: 2011-08-09
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to issue the Combat Medevac Badge to each person who served in combat on or after June 25, 1950, as a pilot or crew member of a helicopter medical evacuation ambulance.

Date: 2011-11-04
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor to Arthur Jibilian for his actions, while a member of the Navy and OSS, during the successful 1944 operation by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), code-named "Operation Halyard," to protect and facilitate in the rescue of over 500 allied airmen behind enemy lines.

Date: 2011-12-08
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Protect Veterans' Memorials Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit transporting, transmitting, or transferring in interstate or foreign commerce any grave marker, headstone, monument, or other object intended to permanently honor a veteran or mark a veteran's grave, or any monument that signifies an event of national military historical significance, knowing the same to have been stolen, converted, or taken by fraud.

Date: 2011-12-12
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Louis Zamperini Congressional Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Louis Zamperini in recognition of his service to the United States, his sacrifice during World War II, and his inspiration to others through his courage as a survivor. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicate bronze medals, with amounts received from the sale to be deposited in the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

Date: 2011-12-16
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the troops from the United States and the Philippines who defended Bataan, Philippines, and were subsequently prisoners of war, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country during World War II. Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the prisoners of war at Bataan.

Date: 2011-12-16
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the award, on behalf of Congress, of two gold medals to the First Special Service Force (a joint American-Canadian unit), collectively, in recognition of their World War II service. Directs one such gold medal to be given to the Smithsonian Institution and the other to the First Special Service Force Association in Helena, Montana. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates with proceeds deposited in the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund. Declares that medals struck under this Act are national medals for purposes of specified coins and currency provisions.

Date: 2011-12-23
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Honoring Our Nation's Outstanding Rifle Squads Act or HONOR Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, if determined appropriate to meet the needs of an eligible organization with respect to performing funeral and other ceremonies, to: (1) loan or donate excess small arms; (2) authorize the organization to retain small arms other than M-1 rifles; or (3) if excess small arms stock is insufficient to meet organizational requirements, prescribe policies and procedures to establish a rotational loan program based on the organization's needs.

Date: 2012-02-08
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant Alonzo H. Cushing for acts of valor during the Civil War.

Date: 2012-04-26
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to former Major Dominic S. Gentile, U.S. Army Air Forces, for acts of valor as a pilot during World War II.

Date: 2012-06-07
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Morris Soskil Path to the Purple Heart Act - Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned, in the case of an individual who served as a member of the Armed Forces during World War II and whose service records are incomplete because of damage while in the possession of the Department of Defense (DOD), to provide an exception to the standards for awarding the Purple Heart and consider unofficial sources of information, including eyewitness statements, to determine whether the individual is so eligible as a member killed or wounded in action as the result of an enemy act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to make such an award based upon a positive determination by the Secretary concerned. Allows such an award to be made posthumously.

Date: 2012-07-10
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Captain Emil Kapaun for acts of valor during the Korean War.

Date: 2011-01-27
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to issue the Cold War Service Medal to members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions after having: (1) served on active duty for at least 24 consecutive months during the Cold War (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991), (2) deployed outside the continental United States for at least 30 days during such period, or (3) performed other Cold War service as the Secretary of Defense (DOD) may prescribe. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should expedite the design of the Medal as well its issuance to eligible members.

Date: 2011-02-17
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration Commission to plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities appropriate to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, and to carry out other specified duties. Directs the National Endowment for the Humanities to award grants for appropriate activities relating to the Civil War sesquicentennial, and to consider and give priority to programs carried out by institutions of higher education, museums, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, or state sesquicentennial commissions that support the duties of the Commission, including those that concentrate on the role of African Americans in the Civil War.

Date: 2011-03-16
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Social sciences and history
Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the award, on behalf of Congress, of two gold medals to the First Special Service Force (a joint American-Canadian unit), collectively, in recognition of their World War II service. Directs one such gold medal to be given to the Smithsonian Institution and the other to the First Special Service Force Association in Helena, Montana. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates with proceeds deposited in the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund. Declares that medals struck under this Act are national medals for purposes of specified coins and currency provisions.

Date: 2011-08-01
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Revises the membership eligibility requirements of the federal charter for the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. Redefines "mother" to mean a woman who filled the role of birth mother. Adds, in addition to adoptive mother and stepmother (as in the current charter), foster-mother, grandmother, or legal guardian of a person who is serving in the Armed Forces or has served in, or has been honorably discharged from it (as in the current charter). Repeals the limitation to service in World War II or the Korean hostilities of the Armed Forces service of the eligible mother's son or daughter. Allows the eligible mother to be a U.S. citizen living outside the United States. (Currently the charter limits membership to eligible mothers living in the United States.)

Date: 2011-09-12
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
William Shemin Jewish World War I Veterans Act - Directs the Secretaries of the Army and the Navy to: (1) review the service records of certain Jewish-American World War I veterans to determine whether that veteran should be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor; and (2) upon a positive determination, submit a recommendation to the President that the President make such award. Makes eligible for such review and award each Jewish-American World War I veteran: (1) who was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or other military decoration for service during World War I; or (2) whose name is submitted to either Secretary by the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America within one year after the enactment of this Act.

Date: 2011-10-18
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the troops from the United States and the Philippines who defended Bataan, Philippines, and were subsequently prisoners of war, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country during World War II. Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the prisoners of war at Bataan.

Date: 2011-12-15
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act - Repeals certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military retired pay or who would be entitled to retired pay except for being under 60 years of age. Prohibits requiring repayment of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund. Repeals the optional authority of (and instead requires) the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to a member's dependent children when there is no eligible surviving spouse. Directs the Secretary concerned to restore annuity eligibility to a surviving spouse who earlier agreed to transfer such eligibility to a surviving child or children of a member.

Date: 2013-01-03
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish, maintain, and modify as necessary procedures for ensuring the effective coordination of outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) between and among the Office of the Secretary, the Office of Public Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration.

Directs the Secretary to give priority to state and county outreach assistance in locations that: (1) have relatively large concentrations of veterans; or (2) are experiencing growth in veteran populations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to state or county veterans agencies for state and local outreach services.

Date: 2013-01-04
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award a decoration called the Department of Veterans Affairs Medal for Distinguished Public Service to a veteran who, during the period after the date of the veteran's discharge or release from the active military, naval, or air service, has: (1) made remarkable and distinguished contributions to the community of the veteran; and (2) exemplified the virtues of honor, duty, and commitment to service that originally led the veteran to service in the Armed Forces.

Allows the Secretary to award such medal posthumously to such a veteran who is deceased.

Date: 2013-01-04
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to provide transportation on scheduled and unscheduled military flights within the United States and on scheduled overseas flights on a space-available basis for veterans with a service-connected, permanent disability rated as total.

Date: 2013-01-04
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Franchise Education for Veterans Act - Allows eligible individuals to use Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) veterans' educational assistance benefits for franchise training. Provides training assistance limits for each 12-month period, prohibiting an individual from receiving more than 12 months and more than $15,000 of such assistance.

Authorizes such training assistance under the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program, with the same assistance limits.

Date: 2013-01-04
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program for assessing the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms through a therapeutic medium of service dog training and handling for veterans with disabilities. Requires such program to be carried out at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers that can provide training areas for such purposes.

Date: 2013-01-04
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration program for states with a shortage of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to streamline state requirements and procedures to assist veterans who completed military EMT training while serving in the Armed Forces to meet state EMT certification, licensure, and other requirements.

Authorizations appropriations for this Act out of funding for area health education centers.

Date: 2013-01-14
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Health
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Stolen Valor Act of 2013 - Amends the federal criminal code to rewrite provisions relating to fraudulent claims about military service to subject to a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both an individual who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, fraudulently holds himself or herself out to be a recipient of:

 a Congressional Medal of Honor, a distinguished-service cross, a Navy cross, an Air Force cross, a silver star, a Purple Heart, a Combat Infantryman's Badge, a Combat Action Badge, a Combat Medical Badge, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Combat Action Medal, or any replacement or duplicate medal for such medal as authorized by law.

Date: 2013-01-15
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Retired Pay Restoration Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that military retired pay should not be reduced because a military retiree is also eligible for veterans' disability compensation awarded for a service-connected disability.

Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (under current law, only a disability rated at 50% or more). Repeals provisions phasing in the full concurrent receipt of such pay through December 31, 2013.

Makes eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans' disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related special pay those individuals who were retired or separated from military service due to a service-connected disability.

Date: 2013-01-15
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends veterans' educational assistance program reporting requirements under which enrolled veterans (or eligible persons) and educational institutions must report enrollment information to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires individuals and educational institutions participating in the post-Vietnam era and post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance programs to report to the Secretary such enrollment and any updates on interruption or termination of the education (thereby making the enrollment reporting requirements for the post-Vietnam and post-9/11 programs consistent with other veterans' educational programs).

Defines "educational institution" to permit the inclusion of groups, districts, or consortiums of separately accredited educational institutions located in the same state that are organized in a manner facilitating the centralized reporting of enrollments.

Date: 2013-01-22
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act - Amends federal military retired pay provisions to: (1) permit veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 50% to concurrently receive both retired pay and disability compensation; (2) eliminate provisions requiring a phase-in between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2013, of concurrent receipt of retired pay and disability compensation; (3) eliminate a phase-in of concurrent receipt of retired pay and disability compensation for disabled veterans determined to be individually unemployable; and (4) require a limited reduction in retired pay for qualified disability retirees with less than 20 years of retirement-creditable service.

Date: 2013-01-22
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Fort McClellan Health Registry Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a special record to be known as the Fort McClellan Health Registry containing the name of each individual who, while serving in the Armed Forces, was stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, during the period beginning on January 1, 1935, and ending on May 20, 1999, and who: (1) applies for care or services from the VA; (2) files a claim for compensation on the basis of any disability which may be associated with such service; (3) dies and is survived by a spouse, child, or parent who files a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation on the basis of such service; (4) requests a health examination from the VA; or (5) receives such health examination and requests inclusion in the Registry. Requires the Secretary, upon request, to provide such health examination, as well as consultation and counseling with respect to examination results.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) notify individuals in the Registry of significant developments in research on the health consequences of potential exposure to a toxic substance or environmental hazard related to service at Fort McClellan; and (2) carry out appropriate outreach activities with respect to such health examinations, consultation, and counseling.

Date: 2013-01-23
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to accept any of the following as proof of service in determining the eligibility of an individual to receive amounts from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund: (1) the name of the eligible person included on the Approved Revised Reconstructed Guerilla Roster (commonly known as the "Missouri List"); (2) documents included in the claims folder of the eligible person that prove such service, including an affidavit from the government of the Philippines certifying such service; or (3) any other documents issued or accepted by the government of the Philippines as proof of such service.

Authorizes the Secretary to make a payment to such an individual filing a claim within 180 days after the enactment of this Act.

Date: 2013-02-04
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
VRAP Extension Act of 2013 - Amends the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to extend through June 30, 2014, the veterans retraining assistance program.

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit to Congress an interim report on the retraining assistance provided under such program.

Date: 2013-02-06
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of December 1, 2013, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, 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.

Date: 2013-02-06
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
American Heroes COLA Act - Requires that, whenever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall increase by the same percentage the amounts payable as 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, but only if such percentage increase is calculated using the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.

Increases the rate of VA special monthly pay for severely injured veterans. Provides a temporary rate for such pay during the period beginning December 1, 2014, and ending September 30, 2018.

Date: 2013-02-06
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Servicemembers' Choice in Transition Act of 2013 - Amends provisions concerning the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense (DOD) (employment and job training assistance and related services for members of the Armed Forces being separated from active duty, and for their spouses) to require such Program to consist of at least five days of instruction as follows: (1) at least one day of service-specific pre-separation training; (2) up to one day each for instruction in preparation for employment, preparation for education or career or technical training, preparation for entrepreneurship, or other options determined by the Secretary of the military department concerned; (3) at least two days of in-depth instruction of the participant's choice in any of the subjects described under (2), above; and (4) up to one day in benefits provided under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and in other subjects determined by the Secretary concerned.

Requires the VA Secretary to submit to the congressional veterans committees the results of a study to determine the feasibility of providing veterans' benefits instruction at all overseas locations where such instruction is provided through a joint contract with the Secretary of Labor.

Date: 2013-02-13
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor to Arthur Jibilian for his actions, while a member of the Navy and OSS, during the successful 1944 operation by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), code-named "Operation Halyard," to protect and facilitate in the rescue of over 500 allied airmen behind enemy lines.

Date: 2013-02-13
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on May 17, 2013. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Ruth Moore Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report to Congress in each of 2014 through 2018 on claims submitted for disabilities based on a covered mental health condition alleged to have been incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma during active duty. Includes as a covered mental health condition post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or any other mental health diagnosis that the Secretary determines to be related to military sexual trauma.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should update and improve VA regulations with respect to military sexual trauma by: (1) ensuring that it is specified as an in-service stressor in determining the service-connection of PTSD, and (2) recognizing the full range of physical and mental disabilities that can result from such trauma. Requires each veteran submitting such a claim to be provided the most recently updated regulations concerning such trauma, as well as other information designed to aid such claims.

Extends until FY2019 the required rounding to the nearest dollar of VA basic educational assistance and survivors' and dependents' educational assistance.

Date: 2013-02-13
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide veterans' case-tracking information access to employees of a Member of Congress or of a state or local governmental agency assisting veterans with benefit claims. Directs the Secretary to ensure that such access does not: (1) allow the employee to modify the data in the case-tracking system, and (2) include access to medical records. Requires such employees to complete a certification course on privacy issues before receiving such access.

Date: 2013-02-14
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013 - (Sec. 3) Authorizes the provision of advance appropriations for the following discretionary (under current law, medical care) accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Veterans Health Administration Medical Services, Medical Support and Compliance, Medical Facilities, and Medical and Prosthetic Research; (2) National Cemetery Administration; and (3) Veterans Benefits Administration, Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program.

Authorizes the provision of advance appropriations for the following VA discretionary administration accounts: (1) general operating expenses, (2) information technology systems, (3) the Office of the Inspector General, (4) construction for major and minor projects, and (5) grants for the construction of state extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries.

(Sec. 4) Requires the Comptroller General, for each of FY2015-FY2017, to: (1) review the budget requests for the VA Medical Services, Medical Support and Compliance, and Medical Facilities accounts contained in the President's budget request for that fiscal year; and (2) report review results to the congressional veterans, appropriations, and budget committees.

(Sec. 5) Directs the VA Secretary to submit annually to Congress a future-years veterans program reflecting estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations included in the budget for that fiscal year. Requires each program to set forth a five-year VA plan to address the U.S. commitment to veterans and the resources necessary to meet that commitment. Requires the Secretary, in 2017 and quadrennially thereafter, to conduct a review of the strategy for meeting such commitment and resources requirement (quadrennial veterans review). Requires each review to be coordinated with the future-years veterans program. Directs the Secretary to report to the veterans committees on each review. Directs the Secretary to provide annually to the appropriate VA officials written policy guidance for the preparation and review of the planning and program recommendations and budget proposals of the VA elements of such officials. Requires the Secretary to designate a Chief Strategy Officer to advise the Secretary on long-range VA strategy and implications.

(Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to: (1) study and report to the veterans committees on the functions and organizational structure of the Office of the Secretary and the VA, and (2) contract for an independent study covering the same matters.

(Sec. 7) Prohibits the Secretary from paying any performance award to a VA Senior Executive Service employee during FY2014-FY2018.

Date: 2013-02-25
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exclude as family income for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing assistance purposes any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) payments made to veterans in need of regular aid and attendance for expenses related to such aid and attendance.

Date: 2013-02-26
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
VetSuccess Enhancement Act - Extends from 12 to 17 years after discharge or release from active-duty service the authorized period for veterans with service-connected disabilities to enroll in certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) vocational training and rehabilitation programs.

Date: 2013-02-26
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate at least one city in the United States each year as an "American World War II City" based on: (1) contributions to the war effort during World War II; and (2) efforts to preserve the history of such contributions, including preservation organizations or museums, restoration of World War II facilities, and recognition of World War II veterans.

Designates Wilmington, North Carolina, as the first such city.

Date: 2013-02-27
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Permits the posthumous transfer of Post 9/11 Educational Assistance (an educational assistance entitlement for certain members of the Armed Forces serving on or after September 11, 2001) to the spouse or children of eligible Armed Forces members when the application of a member electing to transfer such assistance was not approved before the member died in the line of duty.

Allows transfers of such entitlements by individuals honorably discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces due to a service-connected disability or after sustaining an injury in line of duty requiring hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care or treatment. (Current law requires an individual to be serving as a member of the Armed Forces when the transfer is executed.) Sets forth extended and alternative eligibility periods for such individuals.

Applies this Act to individuals who become eligible to transfer such benefits on or after August 1, 2009.

Date: 2013-02-28
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Includes as a homeless veteran, for purposes of eligibility for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, a veteran or veteran's family who: (1) is fleeing domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions in the individual's or family's current housing situation; and (2) has no other residence and lacks the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.

Date: 2013-02-28
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2013 - Includes fertility counseling and treatment within authorized Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical services. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish such counseling and treatment, including the use of assisted reproductive technology, to a spouse or surrogate of a severely wounded, ill, or injured veteran who has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and who is enrolled in the VA health care system, as long as the spouse and veteran apply jointly for such counseling and treatment.

Authorizes the Secretary to pay to any such veteran an amount to assist in the adoption of one or more children.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) report annually to the congressional veterans committees on the counseling and treatment provided under this Act; (2) prescribe regulations on the furnishing of such counseling, treatment, and adoption assistance; and (3) coordinate the furnishing of such counseling and treatment with that provided by the Department of Defense (DOD).

Directs the Secretary to facilitate research conducted collaboratively by the Secretaries of Defense and Health and Human Services (HHS) in order to improve VA's ability to meet the long-term reproductive health care needs of veterans who have a service-connected genitourinary disability or a condition that was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, such as a spinal cord injury, that affects the veterans' ability to reproduce.

Requires the Secretary to enhance the capabilities of the VA women veterans contact center: (1) to respond to requests for assistance with accessing VA health care and benefits, and (2) for referral to community resources to obtain assistance with services not furnished by the VA.

Amends the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 relating to a pilot program of group retreat reintegration and readjustment counseling for women veterans recently separated from service to: (1) increase from at least 3 to at least 14 the number of locations for such counseling, and (2) extend the pilot program for an additional 2 years.

Directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program of providing child care assistance to veterans receiving or in need of VA readjustment counseling and related mental health services.

Directs the Secretary to impose, as a contract condition, a contractor user fee with respect to each contract entered into by the VA for a good or service. Provides for the determination of fee amounts. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such fee if the contractor is an individual or a small business. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Veterans Affairs Fertility Counseling and Treatment Fund. Provides for the deposit into such Fund of all contractor user fee amounts.

Date: 2013-03-05
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Servicemember Mental Health Review Act - Extends through 2014 (under current law, through 2009) the authority of the Physical Disability Board of Review (Board) to review the disability determinations of individuals who, since September 11, 2001, are separated from the Armed Forces due to unfitness for duty because of a mental condition with a disability rating of 20% or less and are found to be ineligible for retirement. Adds to those eligible for such review individuals who, before December 31, 2014, are separated due to unfitness because of a mental condition not amounting to disability, including separation based on a personality or adjustment disorder. Requires the Board to: (1) review, upon request, the findings and decisions of the appropriate physical evaluation board with respect to such latter individuals; and (2) include as Board members at least one licensed psychologist and one licensed psychiatrist who have had no fiduciary relationship to the Department of Defense (DOD) since December 31, 2001. Allows the Board to review disability determinations of non-requesting individuals, after obtaining their consent.

Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to correct the military records of individuals in accordance with Board recommendations, unless such Secretary finds that the Board has made a clearly erroneous recommendation.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to ensure that eligible individuals receive notification of their right to a separation review by the Board, including the right to obtain counsel.

Date: 2013-03-05
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Permits a member of the Armed Forces (member) who is involuntarily separated from active duty or the Selected Reserve and who has a service-connected disability (and the member's dependents) to use commissary and exchange stores on the same basis as a member entitled to retired or retainer pay.

Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to ensure that such authority is fully implemented within 90 days after the enactment of this Act.

Date: 2013-03-13
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security