Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2021 This bill modifies and implements policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), which is generally defined as physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment that occurred while the veteran was serving in the military. The VA must revise its regulations to update the definition of MST to include matters relating to technological abuse. In the case of any veteran who claims that a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on MST was incurred or aggravated by active service, the VA must accept specified diagnoses and evidence as proof of service-connection. The VA may not deny a veteran's claim of compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST without first (1) advising the veteran that nonmilitary evidence and behavioral evidence may constitute credible corroborating evidence, and (2) allowing the veteran an opportunity to furnish the corroborating evidence or advise the VA of potential sources of such evidence. The Veterans Benefits Administration must conduct an annual special focus review on the accuracy of the processing of claims for disability compensation for disabilities relating to MST. Additionally, the bill (1) expands access to mental health care at VA facilities for survivors of MST, and (2) requires the VA and the Government Accountability Office to report on access to such care for MST survivors.
This resolution expresses that the House of Representatives applauds the Biden administration for reaffirming the U.S. commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change and to our collective responsibility to globally combat climate change; encourages the Biden administration to implement measures to ensure global climate change remains a top priority for this and future administrations and to cement the United States as a global leader in the fight to mitigate its most severe consequences; voices strong commitment as legislators toward achieving the climate goals of the Paris Agreement, fulfilling the forthcoming pledges from the COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, and advancing other international efforts to keep global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius and realize global net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 using a whole-of-government approach; and recognizes the critical responsibility of the United States and other developed nations to ensure all societies have the capabilities to transition to a clean energy economy, the resources to protect against climate-induced disasters, and the necessary assistance to endure climate-related challenges to food security, regional migration, and public health.
Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act of 20 21 This bill prohibits private health insurance plans from imposing higher cost-sharing requirements on breast cancer diagnostic examinations than initial breast cancer screening examinations. Diagnostic examinations are generally required after an initial screening detects an abnormality and typically require additional mammogram images (e.g., x-rays).
This resolution expresses the Senate's support for the celebration of Filipino American History Month in October 2021 as a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans and a time to renew efforts toward researching and examining the history of Filipino Americans to give all people of the United States an opportunity to learn about their contributions.
This symbolic Senate resolution supports designating October 28, 2021, as "Honoring the Nation's First Responders Day." It recognizes first responders - including firefighters, police, EMTs, and emergency medical workers - and encourages Americans to observe the day with ceremonies highlighting their contributions to public safety. The resolution has no legal effect but formally expresses the Senate's support for honoring these workers. It directly affects public awareness of first responders' roles, not policy or funding.
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should enact the Voters with Disabilities Bill of Rights to ensure that voters with disabilities have equal access to the ballot.
This resolution supports the designation of Oxi Day in commemoration of Greece's refusal to submit to the Axis Powers during World War II and notes that this resistance likely led to the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany. (Greece's Prime Minister at the time, Ioannis Metaxas, had responded to Italy's demand for surrender with the single word Oxi! or No! )
HRES 752 is a symbolic House resolution (not a binding law) introduced on October 28, 2021, that urges U.S. House members to stand in solidarity with workers advocating for fair pay, quality retirement benefits, and safer workplaces. It references widespread strike activity in 2021 (including nurses, auto workers, and theater employees) and highlights statistics showing growing worker demands and public support for unions (68% of Americans support labor unions). The resolution does not create new policies or change existing laws - it serves solely as a statement of support for workers' efforts to secure better compensation and working conditions through collective action.
Gun Violence Prevention Through Financial Intelligence Act This bill directs the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to collect information from financial institutions and develop an advisory regarding the reporting of suspicious transactions related to gun violence. Specifically, FinCEN must gather information and develop an advisory related to (1) the procurement of firearms and firearm accessories for the purpose of carrying out lone-wolf acts of terror, and (2) how the U.S. firearms market facilitates gun violence.
Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2021 This bill provides legal protections for a noncitizen (i.e., an individual referred to as an alien in federal law) who is detained or subject to immigration-related proceedings. The Department of Justice (DOJ), or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in a case involving an unaccompanied child, may appoint or provide counsel at the government's expense to noncitizens in removal proceedings and related appeals. An unaccompanied child must be represented by counsel paid for and appointed by the government at every stage of such proceedings unless the child has obtained counsel at their own expense. If HHS fails to provide counsel to an unaccompanied child, the deadline for filing a motion to reopen a proceeding shall not apply, and the filing of such a motion shall stay the child's removal from the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must provide a complete copy of a noncitizen's immigration file to the noncitizen (or the noncitizen's counsel) within seven days of a notice to appear for an immigration proceeding, and failure to provide the file shall result in a delay in the proceeding. DHS must provide access to counsel for all detained noncitizens. The bill authorizes HHS to enter into contacts or award grants for providing immigration-related legal services to children. The Office of Refugee Resettlement must develop model guidelines for representing noncitizen children in immigration proceedings.
Sustainable International Financial Institutions Act of 2021 This bill directs specified international financial institutions to use the influence of the United States to advance the cause of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transition the global economy to a clean energy economy. It also prohibits the United States from providing direct or indirect assistance to any country or entity to support any fossil fuel activity.
Gun Violence Prevention Through Financial Intelligence Act This bill directs the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to collect information from financial institutions and develop an advisory regarding the reporting of suspicious transactions related to gun violence. Specifically, FinCEN must gather information and develop an advisory related to (1) the procurement of firearms and firearm accessories for the purpose of carrying out lone-wolf acts of terror, and (2) how the U.S. firearms market facilitates gun violence.
