zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Services for Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to design national strategies and implement programs to address chronic homelessness.

To promote an end to chronic homelessness, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants to provide:

 mental health services; substance use disorder treatment; integrated, coordinated treatment for co-occurring disorders; health education; services designed to help individuals and families make progress toward self-sufficiency; and other supportive services that promote an end to chronic homelessness. Priority for grants is given to applicants that target services to individuals and families who have experienced more homelessness, use more public emergency care, or have a history with the criminal justice system.

Grantees must: (1) contribute matching funds, (2) not spend more than 20% of a grant providing services to recipients who are not chronically homeless, and (3) annually report specific performance outcomes to HHS.

Date: 2015-03-04
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Health
Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund Act of 2015

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish in the Treasury the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund; (2) allow individual taxpayers to designate on their tax returns a specified portion (not less than $1) of any overpayment of tax, and to make a contribution of an additional amount, to be paid over to such Fund to provide services to homeless veterans; and (3) require the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, and Housing and Urban Development, each year beginning with the President's annual budget submission for FY2017, to include a description of the use of funds from the Fund in the previous fiscal year and the proposed use of such funds for the next fiscal year.

Date: 2015-06-01
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Taxation
Shelter Our Servicemembers Act

 Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to jointly establish a two-year pilot program of grants to nonprofit organizations to provide elderly homeless veterans with non-transitional housing.

Allows recipients to use such grant to: (1) purchase real property to provide up to 200 homeless veterans with non-transitional housing, and (2) refurbish or renovate such property.

Makes eligible for such housing veterans of at least 55 years of age who: (1) have been continuously homeless for a year or more or, during the last three years, had at least four separate periods of living on the streets, in an emergency shelter, or a combination thereof; and (2) have a condition that limits their ability to work or perform activities of daily living.

 Requires VA to provide case management for elderly veterans receiving such assistance.

Date: 2015-06-17
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Reduce Homelessness for Female Veterans Act

This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs to contract for a survey of a statistically valid sample of homeless female veterans which shall be made available to the public.

Date: 2015-11-05
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Housing Our Heroes Act

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to begin a three-year pilot grant program to assess the feasibility of awarding grants to eligible entities to purchase and renovate abandoned homes for homeless veterans.

Eligible entities are: (1) veterans service agencies and organizations, (2) homeless organizations, and (3) other nongovernmental organizations.

The Veterans Homelessness Grant Fund is established in the Treasury.

The VA shall give grant priority to communities with the greatest need of homeless services, and may give grant priority to achieve geographic grant distribution.

Date: 2015-11-05
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Ending Homelessness Act of 2016

This bill amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to make additional FY2017-FY2021 appropriations available for: (1) emergency relief grants to address the unmet needs of homeless populations in jurisdictions with the highest need, (2) rental assistance under the United States Housing Act of 1937 for persons and households who are homeless, and (3) homeless outreach and coordination services.

Beginning in FY2017, the bill also provides annual additional funds for: (1) the Housing Trust Fund to provide grants to states for use to increase homeownership and the supply of rental housing for extremely low- and very low-income families, including homeless families; and (2) incremental project-based voucher or rental assistance under the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992.

When the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates grants to states from the Housing Trust Fund for rental housing, the dwelling units must be subject to legally binding commitments to ensure that the residing family's contribution toward rent does not exceed 30% of the family's adjusted income.

The bill provides funding to HUD to expand the Healthcare and Housing (H2) Systems Integration Initiative by assisting states and localities in coordinating policies among Medicaid programs, behavioral health providers, housing providers, and finance support services for homeless persons.

The bill also makes permanent: (1) certain housing assistance programs under the Homeless Assistance Act, and (2) the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

Date: 2016-03-23
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Housing and community development
PATH Fairness Act of 2016

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness, which provide services to individuals who: (1) are suffering from serious mental illness, or are suffering from serious mental illness and from substance abuse; and (2) are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. The minimum allotment of program funding for each state and territory is increased on the condition that appropriations are sufficient to provide the minimum allotment to all states and territories.

Date: 2016-11-17
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Health
Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2015

 Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to redefine "homeless," "homeless individual," or "homeless person."

 Modifies requirements relating to an individual or family who will imminently lose their housing, including housing they own, rent, or live in without paying rent.

Revises criteria for unaccompanied youth and homeless families with children and youth defined as homeless under other federal statutes to require that they:

 are certified as homeless by the director or designee of a program funded under any other federal statute; or have been certified by a director of a program funded under this Act or a director of a public housing agency (PHA) as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, which shall include: (1) temporarily sharing the housing of another person due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or other similar reason; or (2) living in a room in a motel or hotel. Requires the information provided to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from a collaborative applicant about project sponsors in a community-wide homeless management information system (HMIS) to be made publicly available on HUD's website in aggregate, non-personally identifying reports, and updated at least annually.

Prohibits the Secretary, in awarding grants for continuum of care programs, from considering or prioritizing the specific homeless populations intended to be served by the applicant if the applicant demonstrates that the project: (1) would meet the priorities identified in the applicant's plan, and (2) is cost-effective in meeting the overall goals and objectives identified in that plan.

Repeals certain requirements regarding collaborative applicants.

Modifies requirements for selection criteria for the award of grants through a national competition between geographic areas.

Requires annual reports to Congress on housing assistance for the homeless to include data: (1) required to be made publicly available in the HMIS report, and (2) on programs funded under other specified federal statutes.

Date: 2015-01-27
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Housing and community development
Homeless Veterans Prevention Act of 2015 

Increases the per diem payment for transitional housing assistance for homeless veterans who are placed in housing that will become permanent upon the termination of such assistance to a maximum of 150% of the per diem rate authorized for veterans receiving domiciliary care in state homes.

Allows services for which a homeless veteran receives a grant under the comprehensive service programs to include furnishing care for a dependent.

Authorizes the the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into partnerships with public or private entities to provide legal services to homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness.

Revises VA authority to provide dental care to veterans receiving certain other assistance through the VA to include those veterans receiving assistance under the United States Housing Act of 1937.

Repeals the September 30, 2013, sunset on the authority of the VA and the Department of Labor to carry out a program of referral and counseling for veterans who are at risk of homelessness and are transitioning from certain institutions, including penal institutions.

 Extends supportive services assistance for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing.

Directs the VA to: (1) assess and measure the capacity of programs for which entities receive grants or per diem payments to assist homeless veterans, and (2) use such information to ensure that such programs effectively serve the needs of such veterans. Requires a VA report on activities under such programs. (Current law requires annual reports.)

Requires a Comptroller General study of VA assistance to homeless veterans.

Repeals the requirement for annual VA reports on assistance to homeless veterans.

Date: 2015-03-10
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Allows services for which a homeless veteran receives a grant under the Department of Veterans Affairs comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans to include furnishing care for a dependent.

Date: 2015-04-28
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Housing for Homeless Students Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify low-income building units that provide housing for homeless students and veterans who are full-time students for the low-income housing tax credit. To qualify for the credit the student must have been a homeless child or youth during any portion of the seven-year period prior to occupying the housing unit and the veteran must have been homeless for a similar five-year period.

Date: 2015-05-21
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Taxation
Homeless Veterans Services Protection Act of 2015

 (Sec. 2) This bill eliminates the minimum continuous active duty service requirement for homeless veterans to receive certain benefits, including: (1) outreach, (2) rehabilitative services, (3) vocational counseling and training, (4) transitional housing assistance, (5) supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing, and (6) health care for homeless veterans with special needs.

(Sec. 3) Homeless veterans are exempted from disqualification for such benefits because of discharge or dismissal from the Armed Forces under conditions other than honorable, except for discharge by reason of a general court-martial.

(Sec. 4) Veteran is defined for purposes of such benefits as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, regardless of length of service, and who was discharged or released therefrom, except for a person who: (1) received a dishonorable discharge, or (2) was discharged or dismissed by reason of a general court-martial.

 (Sec. 5) The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall conduct related training and education for appropriate VA and grant recipient personnel.

(Sec. 6) The services for which a recipient of a grant under the VA comprehensive service program for homeless veterans may receive per diem payments may include furnishing care for a dependent under the care of a veteran who is receiving program services.

(Sec. 7) The VA shall prescribe implementing regulations within 270 days.

Date: 2015-07-09
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veteran Housing Stability Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide:

 intensive case management interventions for veterans enrolled in the VA's homeless registry and the annual patient enrollment system, and case management services to improve housing retention by veterans who were previously homeless and are transitioning to permanent housing and veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless. The VA housing assistance program is expanded to include: (1) veterans and their families who are at risk of becoming homeless, and very low-income veteran families; and (2) assistance for acquiring and transitioning to, and maintaining occupancy in, permanent housing.

The VA shall:

 conduct outreach to realtors, landlords, property management companies, and developers to educate them about the housing needs of veterans and the benefits of having veterans as tenants; and establish and operate a National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans which shall carry out research into the causes of and contributing factors to veteran homelessness, assess the effectiveness of VA homeless veterans programs, and serve as a center for the exchange of information regarding activities carried out by the VA and by other federal and non-federal entities for veteran homelessness. Each year the VA shall review each grant recipient and eligible entity that received a per diem payment for furnishing services to homeless veterans to evaluate its performance with respect to:

 the success of the grant recipient or eligible entity in assisting veterans to obtain, transition into, and retain permanent housing; and increasing the income of veterans by helping them obtain either employment or appropriate income-related benefits.

Date: 2015-07-29
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2015

This bill extends through FY2016 authority for the following Department of Veterans Affairs programs:

 homeless veterans reintegration programs; the homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegration program; referral and counseling services for certain veterans at risk of homelessness; treatment and rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, including a program to provide homeless veterans with benefits and services at certain locations; housing assistance for homeless veterans; financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing; and the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs. Extends through December 31, 2016, authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans.

Date: 2015-09-17
Topic: Housing (Homeless)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
NATO Freedom Consolidation Act of 2007 - Designates Albania, Croatia, Georgia, Macedonia, and Ukraine as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994. States that such designation: (1) is in addition to the designation of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia pursuant to the NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act of 1996, the designation of Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Bulgaria pursuant to the European Security Act of 1998, and the designation of Slovakia pursuant to the Gerald B. H. Solomon Freedom Consolidation Act of 2002 as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994; and (2) shall not preclude the designation by the President of other countries as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994. Authorizes FY2008 appropriations for: (1) Albania; (2) Croatia; (3) Georgia; (4) Macedonia; and (5) Ukraine.

Date: 2007-02-12
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
Latin America Military Training Review Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to suspend operation of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (Institute). Suspends the authority of the Secretary of Defense to operate such an education and training facility until submission of a report containing the results of an investigation in response to violations of human rights to which training at such Institute contributed. Establishes: (1) a joint congressional task force to assess appropriate education and training for DOD to provide to military personnel of Latin American nations; and (2) a commission to investigate activities of the United States Army School of the Americas and its successor institution, the Institute.

Date: 2007-03-27
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
United States-Republic of Korea Defense Cooperation Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to include the Republic of Korea among those countries given preferential consideration with respect to certain: (1) arms export presidential certification and legislative review requirements; and (2) military training reporting requirements.

Date: 2008-02-14
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
NATO Freedom Consolidation Act of 2007 - Designates Albania, Croatia, Georgia, Macedonia (FYROM), and Ukraine as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994. States that such designation: (1) is in addition to the designation of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia pursuant to the NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act of 1996, the designation of Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Bulgaria pursuant to the European Security Act of 1998, and the designation of Slovakia pursuant to the Gerald B. H. Solomon Freedom Consolidation Act of 2002 as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994; and (2) shall not preclude the designation by the President of other countries as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994. Authorizes FY2008 appropriations for security assistance to: (1) Albania; (2) Croatia; (3) Georgia; (4) Macedonia (FYROM); and (5) Ukraine.

Date: 2007-02-06
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
Aviation Jobs Outsourcing Prevention Act - Requires a domestic or a foreign air carrier to file with the Secretary of Transportation any agreement, a request to discuss cooperative arrangements, or a modification or cancellation of an agreement between the domestic or foreign air carrier and another air carrier, a foreign carrier, or another carrier. Requires the Secretary to disapprove or, after periodic review, end approval of, an agreement, a request to discuss cooperative arrangements, or a modification that provides for or permits the sharing or pooling of revenue or profits between participating carriers earned in covered operations, unless the Secretary finds that each participating air carrier's share of the pooled revenue or pooled profits (whichever is greater) contributed by covered operations in any consecutive 12-month period does not exceed 130% of the participating carrier's share of pooled available seat miles (ASMs) in covered operations during the period.

Date: 2010-03-09
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: Transportation and public works
NATO First Act - States that it is U.S. policy on force structure in Europe to permit the United States to: (1) satisfy its commitments under article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949; (2) address the current security environment in Europe, including U.S. participation in theater cooperation activities; and (3) contribute to peace and stability in Europe. Requires a report from the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to the congressional defense committees evaluating potential changes in the composition and capabilities of such force structure. Directs the Secretary to notify Congress at least 30 days before the permanent relocation of a military unit stationed outside the United States. Provides exceptions, including relocation due to deployment to a combat zone. Repeals a superseded reporting requirement under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2010. Amends the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2006 to increase funding limits for, and extend through FY2013, a program to build the capacity of foreign military forces to support the European Command and other geographic combatant commands. Requires a program implementation plan by the Secretary. Sets forth U.S. policy on its extended deterrence commitment to Europe. Provides specific limitations on reductions in U.S. nuclear forces based in Europe, including that such reduction is requested by the government of the host nation and that the President makes certain certifications concerning the effects of such reduction. Requires the President to notify the defense committees of any such reduction, including a justification therefor, and prohibits the reduction until 180 days after such notification. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) developing the F-35 Lightning II aircraft into a dual-capable aircraft; and (2) supporting the life extension program for the B61 gravity bomb. Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to long-range missile defenses in Europe, including defending all North American Treaty Organization (NATO) allies from intercontinental and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, and continuing development and testing of the two-stage ground-based interceptor. Reserves FY2012-FY2013 funding for such purposes. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning the effects on U.S. missile defense of the New STAR treaty between the United States and Russia. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to establish and maintain a scholarship program to allow personnel of air forces of foreign signatories of the Partnership for Peace Framework Document to receive undergraduate pilot and related training through the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program.

Date: 2010-05-18
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Improvement Act of 2009 - Prohibits more than 10% of amounts appropriated or otherwise made available in any fiscal year for Department of Defense (DOD) Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) programs from being expended to promote bilateral and multilateral activities relating to nonproliferation and disarmament. Requires the Secretary of Defense to notify the congressional defense, appropriations, and foreign relations committees at least 15 days before expending funds under such authority. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) continued expansion of CTR programs requires increased cooperation with all unified combatant commands in which such activities are carried out; and (2) DOD should undertake a review of CTR contracting procedures, umbrella agreements, and program metrics to ensure that they are being undertaken consistently with CTR program urgency and necessity. Establishes in the Treasury the Cooperative Threat Reduction Partnership Account, to be used for CTR programs without further specific authorization in law.

Date: 2009-04-23
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Prohibits, unless otherwise specifically authorized by law, funds appropriated or otherwise available to the Department of Defense (DOD) from being obligated or expended for U.S. Armed Forces in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Operation Unified Protector with respect to Libya, except for: (1) search and rescue; (2) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; (3) aerial refueling; and (4) operational planning.

Date: 2011-06-22
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
NATO Enhancement Act of 2012 - Designates Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994. Authorizes FY2012 appropriations for security assistance to: (1) Bosnia and Herzegovina, (2) Montenegro, (3) Georgia, (4) the Republic of Macedonia, and (5) Ukraine. Directs the President to establish and update bilateral programs to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, the Republic of Macedonia, and Montenegro achieve full North Atlantic Treaty Organization Alliance (NATO) membership. States that such programs shall not inhibit security cooperation with nations previously designated as eligible to receive security assistance but no longer expressing an intent to join NATO. Gives priority to the provision and delivery of excess defense articles to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, the Republic of Macedonia, and Montenegro.

Date: 2012-03-22
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
States that it is the policy of the United States: (1) to protect the role of Congress as a coequal branch of government and ensure protection of its constitutional authority to declare war and support the Armed Forces; (2) to prevent the need for U.S. and international military intervention abroad through the utilization of diplomacy to resolve issues of concern to the United States and the international community; and (3) that no federal funds may be used to carry out any North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military operation or to deploy a unit of individual of the U.S. Armed Forces or an element of the intelligence community (IC) in support of a NATO military operation unless the President determines that such operation is warranted and seeks express prior authorization by Congress, as required under the Constitution. Provides an exception in the case of a military operation to directly thwart or repel an offensive military action launched against the United States or an ally with whom the United States has a mutual defense assistance agreement. Prohibits any unit or individual of the U.S. Armed Forces or IC element from being deployed in support of a NATO military operation absent express prior statutory authorization from Congress, unless under the exception described above.

Date: 2012-08-02
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Terminates the Islamic Republic of Pakistan's designation as a major non-NATO ally. Prohibits the President from issuing a separate designation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally. Directs the President to submit an annual report to Congress containing a list of each country designated as a major non-NATO ally and a justification as to why each such country should continue to be so designated.

Date: 2012-09-13
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
Taiwan Air Power Modernization Act of 2011 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a critical element to maintaining peace and stability in Asia in the face of China's military expansion is ensuring a militarily strong Taiwan, (2) the United States has a statutory obligation under the Taiwan Relations Act to help Taiwan maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities, and (3) the proposed fighter aircraft sale to Taiwan would have significant economic benefits to the U.S. economy. Directs the President to carry out the sale of no fewer than 66 F-16C/D multirole fighter aircraft to Taiwan.

Date: 2011-09-12
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on June 27, 2012. The summary of that version is repeated here.) United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012 - (Sec. 3) States that it is U.S. policy to: (1) reaffirm the commitment to Israel's security as a Jewish state, (2) support Israel's right to self-defense and help Israel preserve its qualitative military edge, (3) expand military and civilian cooperation, (4) assist in a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that results in two states living side-by-side in peace and security, and (5) veto any one-sided anti-Israel U.N. Security Council resolutions. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should take specified actions to assist in Israel's defense, including: (1) enhancing development and production of joint missile defense systems, (2) providing appropriate defense articles and services, (3) strengthening security initiatives and bilateral training exercises, and (4) encouraging an expanded role for Israel with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). (Sec. 5) Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 to extend authority to transfer certain obsolete or surplus Department of Defense (DOD) items to Israel. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend authority to make additions to foreign-based defense stockpiles. Amends the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 to extend specified loan guarantee authority to Israel. (Sec. 6) Directs the President to submit reports to Congress regarding: (1) the status of Israel's qualitative military edge; (2) actions that could improve the process related to Israel's purchase of F-35 aircraft; (3) cooperation between the United States and Israel in homeland security, counter-terrorism, maritime security, energy, cyber-security, and other related areas; and (4) actions to integrate Israel into the defense of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Date: 2012-03-06
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
NATO Enhancement Act of 2012 - Designates Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994. Authorizes FY2012 appropriations for security assistance to: (1) Bosnia and Herzegovina, (2) Montenegro, (3) Georgia, (4) the Republic of Macedonia, and (5) Ukraine. Directs the President to establish and update bilateral programs to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, the Republic of Macedonia, and Montenegro achieve full North Atlantic Treaty Organization Alliance (NATO) membership. States that such programs shall not inhibit security cooperation with nations previously designated as eligible to receive security assistance but no longer expressing an intent to join NATO. Gives priority to the provision and delivery of excess defense articles to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, the Republic of Macedonia, and Montenegro.

Date: 2012-03-08
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
Conditioning United States-Egypt Military Exercises Act of 2012 - Prohibits FY2013 funds from being used for U.S. participation in joint military exercises with Egypt if, during FY2013, Egypt abrogates, terminates, or withdraws from the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty. Authorizes the President to waive such limitation if the President certifies to Congress that the waiver is in U.S. national security interests.

Date: 2012-12-12
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to treat each North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member nation as a nation with which there is in effect a free trade agreement and thus eligible for expedited application and approval for the importation or exportation of natural gas.

Date: 2012-12-12
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
States that it is U.S. policy that: (1) the constitutional authority of Congress and the system of self-government and popular control established by the framers of the Constitution shall be protected, and (2) any vote of the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council or any party to a mutual security treaty shall only be advisory and does not constitute authority to deploy U.S. Armed Forces.

Prohibits: (1) any unit or individual of the U.S. Armed Forces from being deployed in support of a U.N. or a mutual security treaty military operation absent prior statutory authorization from Congress; and (2) funds from being appropriated or otherwise made available to any U.S. executive agency in order to carry out any U.N. or mutual security treaty military operation unless the President obtains prior authorization by Congress, as required under article I, section 8 of the Constitution.

Date: 2013-06-25
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
Latin America Military Training Review Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army to suspend operation of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (Institute). Suspends the authority of the Secretary of Defense to operate such an education and training facility until submission of a report containing the results of an investigation in response to violations of human rights to which training at such Institute contributed.

Establishes: (1) a joint congressional task force to assess appropriate education and training for DOD to provide to military personnel of Latin American nations, and (2) a commission to investigate activities of the United States Army School of the Americas and its successor institution, the Institute.

Date: 2013-08-02
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
NATO Alliance Recognition and Promotion Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should remain committed to maintaining a military presence in Europe to promote allied interoperability and provide assurance to North American Treaty Alliance (NATO) allies in the region; and (2) at the September 2014 NATO Summit in Wales, the United States, along with NATO allies, should continue to pursue enlargement initiatives for the aspirant countries.

Date: 2014-03-27
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
Korea Security Partnership Act - Deems the Republic of Korea to be a "favorable treatment country" eligible for the export license exception for encryption commodities, software and technology under the Export Administration Regulations.

Date: 2014-05-15
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
NATO Alliance Recognition and Promotion Act - Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) reaffirming the commitment of the United States to collective defense under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Treaty; (2) that NATO members should ensure sufficient funding related to individual and collective capacity; and (3) that the United States, together with NATO allies, should pursue enlargement initiatives for aspirant countries.

Date: 2014-05-01
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
U.S.-India Defense Technology and Partnership Act

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S.-India defense partnership is vital to regional and international stability and security, and (2) the President should take action to formalize India's status as a U.S. major partner.

The President should coordinate with India annually to develop military contingency plans for addressing threats to mutual security interests.

The President shall: (1) annually assess the extent to which India possesses strategic operational capabilities to execute military operations of mutual interest to the United States and India; and (2) ensure that such assessment is used in reviewing applications to sell or export defense articles, defense services, or technical data.

The Arms Export Control Act is amended to extend special foreign military sales status to India.

Date: 2016-03-22
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative Act of 2016

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should support the efforts of the Southeast Asian nations to strengthen their maritime security capacity, and (2) the maritime security of U.S. allies and partners bordering the South China Sea would be enhanced by the transfer of an Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate to an appropriate regional country.

In selecting Asia-Pacific region countries to receive maritime capacity building assistance, the Department of State may prioritize those countries that will contribute to achieving the following regional objectives:

 retaining access to waterways that are critical to the security and free flow of commerce and U.S. security objectives, improving maritime domain awareness, countering piracy, disrupting maritime trafficking that benefits organizations that are threats to U.S. security, and enhancing country or regional organization capabilities to respond to emerging maritime security threats. The bill urges the State Department to seek a bilateral memorandum of understanding with each of the governments of the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia to outline the delivery of planned maritime security capabilities through FY2020.

The bill authorizes: (1) international military education/training and foreign military financing for the Asia-Pacific region, and (2) the Southeast Asia Maritime Law Enforcement Initiative.

The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended to provide priority delivery of excess defense articles to Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia for articles that are used for maritime security-related missions.

The President shall ensure that the U.S. government treats proposed arms sales for Taiwan with the same procedures that are accorded to all other countries.

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
Expresses the sense of Congress that:

 the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) poses an acute threat to the people and territorial integrity of Iraq, including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, and the security and stability of the Middle East and the world; defeating ISIL is critical to maintaining a unified Iraq in which all faiths and ethnicities are afforded equal protection and full integration into the government and society; and any outstanding issues between the government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) should be resolved expeditiously to allow for a resumption of normal relations. Authorizes the President to: (1) provide defense articles, defense services, and related training directly to the KRG military and security services to support international coalition efforts against ISIL or any successor group; and (2) issue licenses authorizing U.S. exporters to export defense articles, defense services, and related training directly to the KRG military and security services.

 States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as establishing a precedent for the future provision of such assistance to organizations other than a country or international organization.

Date: 2015-05-05
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Specifies the findings of Congress that:

 as of January 22, 2015, the United States has provided over $3 billion in assistance to respond to the Syria humanitarian crisis, of which nearly $467 million has been provided to Jordan; as of January 2015, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there were 621,937 registered Syrian refugees in Jordan, 83.8% of whom lived outside refugee camps; in 2000 the United States and Jordan signed a free-trade agreement that went into force in 2001; in 1996 the United States granted Jordan major non-NATO ally status; and Jordan is suffering from the Syrian refugee crisis and the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). (Sec. 3) Urges that U.S. policy should be to:

 support Jordan in its response to the Syrian refugee crisis, provide necessary assistance to support the basic needs of the assimilated Syrian refugees, cooperate with Jordan to combat the terrorist threat from ISIL or other terrorist organizations, and help secure the border between Jordan and Syria and Iraq. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of Congress that expeditious consideration of certifications of letters of offer to sell defense articles, defense services, design and construction services, and major defense equipment to Jordan is fully consistent with U. S. security and foreign policy interests and the objectives of world peace and security.

(Sec. 5) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to include Jordan among the countries eligible for certain streamlined defense sales for three years.

(Sec. 6) Authorizes the Department of State to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Jordan to increase economic support funds and military cooperation, including joint military exercises, personnel exchanges, support for international peacekeeping missions, and enhanced strategic dialogue.

Date: 2015-07-16
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative Act of 2016

This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Maritime Security Initiative to provide assistance and training through September 30, 2022, for maritime security and domain awareness for countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

DOD shall prioritize assistance in order to:

 retain access to international waterways to ensure the free flow of commerce and achieve U.S. national security objectives, improve maritime domain awareness, counter piracy, disrupt illicit maritime trafficking activities of organizations that are a U.S. security threat, and enhance the maritime capabilities of a country or regional organization to respond to emerging maritime security threats. Assistance and training shall also promote observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for legitimate civilian authority.

DOD may use funds provided for by this bill to pay incremental training-connected expenses if such payment will facilitate the participation of organization personnel in Brunei, Singapore, and Taiwan.

 The Arms Export Control Act is amended to extend special foreign military sales status to the Philippines.

FY2017 international military education and training funds and foreign military financing assistance funds are authorized for activities in the region.

The Department of State may prioritize the provision of maritime capacity building assistance to countries in the region that will contribute to the same objectives as provided in this bill for DOD.

FY2017 funds are authorized for support of the Southeast Asia Maritime Law Enforcement Initiative.

The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended to give priority for the transfer of excess defense articles to: (1) other major U.S. non-North American Treaty Organization allies in the region (including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand); and (2) other Association of Southeast Asian Nations maritime states.

The bill authorizes the transfer of one OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigate on a grant basis to a foreign government pursuant to the Maritime Security Initiative.

The President shall ensure that the U.S. government treats every proposed arms sale for Taiwan with the same time lines, processes, and procedures accorded to proposed arms transfers for all other countries.

Date: 2016-04-27
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
Advancing U.S.-India Defense Cooperation Act

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that:

 the U.S.-India defense partnership is vital to regional and international stability and security, and the President's commitment to enhancing defense and security cooperation with India should be considered a priority with respect to advancing U.S. interests in the South Asia and greater Indo-Pacific regions. The bill declares that the President should:

 take action to formalize India's status as a U.S. major partner; resolve issues impeding U.S.-India defense trade, security cooperation, and coproduction and chemotherapeutic opportunities; pursue greater U.S.-India government-to-government and commercial military transactions; and facilitate the transfer of advanced technology with the Indian military for missions such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter piracy, and maritime domain awareness. The President is encouraged to coordinate with India annually to develop military contingency plans for addressing threats to mutual security interests.

The President shall: (1) annually assess the extent to which India possesses strategic operational capabilities to execute military operations of mutual interest to the United States and India; and (2) ensure that such assessment is used in reviewing applications to sell or export defense articles, defense services, or technical data.

The Arms Export Control Act is amended to extend special foreign military sales status to India.

Date: 2016-05-09
Topic: Defense (Alliances)
Subject: International affairs
Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area Education and Tourism Act of 2007 - Establishes the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area which may consist of the 175-mile region following the Route 15 corridor and surrounding areas through Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. Designates the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership as the management entity for the Area. Requires the membership on the Board of Trustees of the Partnership to be open to the public and to include representatives from a broad cross-section of individuals, agencies, organizations, states, and governments participating in the Area that will oversee the development of the management plan. Requires the Partnership to develop a management plan for the Area that presents strategies and recommendations for promoting tourism within the Area and for educating the public about the historic significance of the Area. Makes the Federal Advisory Committee Act inapplicable to the Board of Trustees.

Date: 2007-03-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Tourism)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Travel Promotion Act of 2008 - Establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a nonprofit corporation that is not an agency or establishment of the U.S. government. Makes the Corporation subject to the provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Corporation shall not engage in any lobbying activities with any employee or branch of the federal government. Requires the Corporation, among other things, to provide information to people interested in traveling to the United States, identify and address perceptions in other countries regarding U.S. entry policies, and promote U.S. travel. Requires annual reports from the Corporation to the Secretaries of Commerce and Homeland Security, for transmittal to Congress. Establishes in the Treasury the Travel Promotion Fund. Sets forth funding and matching funds provisions. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to collect a user fee of at least $10 from each alien utilizing the electronic travel authorization system for alien travel to the United States, to be used to offset appropriations made to the Corporation. Prohibits amounts raised by the Fund or the Corporation from being used to directly promote or advertise a specific corporation. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to replace references to the United States National Tourism Organization with references to the Corporation. Modifies various requirements applicable to the Tourism Policy Council, including membership, meetings, and the provision of tourism information. Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003 to remove provisions establishing the United States Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board. Directs the Government Accountability Office to: (1) initiate a study to assess barriers to entry into the United States by foreign travelers; and (2) report study findings to the appropriate congressional committees.

Date: 2007-07-31
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Tourism)
Subject: Transportation and public works