Afghanistan Transparency Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report to Congress on U.S. military capability, intelligence, and command matters concerning Afghanistan. The bill specifies the matters that must be included in the report, including a current assessment of over-the-horizon capabilities to address terrorist threats. The bill also requires DOD to provide biannual briefings through December 31, 2026, on the matters included in the report.
Prohibition of Medicaid Funding for Conversion Therapy Act This bill prohibits state Medicaid programs from covering conversion therapy. The bill defines conversion therapy as any practice or treatment that seeks to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity in exchange for monetary compensation.
This resolution expresses support for the 2021 National Recovery Month theme (Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community). National Recovery Month is an annual observance held in September to support the community of individuals in recovery from substance use, promote treatments and practices, and recognize service providers.
Emergency Repatriation Assistance for Returning Americans Act This bill increases the maximum amount of funding available in FY2021 and FY2022 for temporary assistance for U.S. citizens and their dependents who are returning from foreign countries due to a crisis and are without available resources. Under current law, the Department of Health and Human Services may provide assistance such as money payments and medical care to these individuals on a temporary basis. The bill designates the funding as emergency spending that is exempt from pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rules and other budget enforcement procedures.
Realizing Efforts for Military Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Act or the REMEDI Act This bill provides statutory authority for and expands the requirements regarding diversity and inclusion training for military personnel. The bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to ensure that each military department conducts ongoing training programs regarding human relations, diversity, equity, and inclusion for all members of the Armed Forces, civilian employees of DOD, and contractors or subcontractors providing support to DOD. Such training must be tailored to specific leadership levels and local area requirements. DOD must ensure that an individual preparing to enter an officer accession program, execute an original enlistment agreement, or serve as a civilian employee is (1) provided information concerning the meaning of the oath of office or oath of enlistment for service in the Armed Forces with regards to the equal protection and civil liberties guarantees of the Constitution, and (2) informed that if supporting such guarantees is not possible for that individual, the individual should decline to join the Armed Forces.
Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the 369th Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the Harlem Hellfighters, in recognition of their bravery and outstanding service during World War I.
Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act or the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act This bill implements a program and a policy related to service dog therapy for veterans. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a five-year pilot program to provide canine training to eligible veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as an element of a complementary and integrative health program. Eligible veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system and have been recommended for participation by a qualified mental health care provider or clinical team. The VA must seek to enter agreements containing specified elements with accredited nongovernmental entities that have demonstrated ability to provide canine training. Veterans who participate in the program are authorized to adopt the dog they assisted in training if their health provider determines it is in the best interest of the veteran. The VA must establish processes to document and track the progress of participating veterans with respect to health benefits and improvements. The Government Accountability Office must brief Congress and submit a report on the program. The bill also authorizes the VA to provide service dogs to veterans with mental illnesses, regardless of whether they have a mobility impairment.
Veterans Equitable Taxation of Student Loans Act or the V.E.T. Student Loans Act This bill excludes from the gross income of veterans, for income tax purposes, income attributable to the discharge of student loan debt. The exclusion is permanent and is retroactive beginning in 2001.
Quality Higher Education Act of 2021 This bill revises the accreditation standards under which an accrediting agency or association must assess an institution of higher education (IHE), and it requires the Department of Education to establish procedures for an agency or association to follow when an IHE fails to meet these standards. An accrediting agency or association must measure an IHE's success in student achievement against at least one standard each in the categories of completion, workforce participation, and progress toward meeting such completion and workforce participation standards. An agency or association must also make certain information such as student achievement standards and IHE performance benchmarks available on a publicly accessible website. Additionally, the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity must evaluate the effectiveness of the revised standards and compare similar accrediting agencies or associations based on their assessments of IHEs.
This resolution expresses the commitment of the House of Representatives to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 3684 (providing funding for infrastructure projects) not later than September 28, 2021.
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that policies concerning medication abortions should be grounded in science, be based on a review of medical evidence, and ensure equitable access for patients.
This resolution supports the designation of National Health Care Awareness Month.
