Mark O'Brien VA Clothing Allowance Improvement Act This bill modifies the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clothing allowance policy for veterans who, due to a service-connected disability, wear a prosthetic, use an orthopedic appliance (e.g., a wheelchair), or use a prescription skin medication that the VA determines causes irreparable damage to clothing. The bill requires the VA to continue the clothing allowance for such a veteran on an annual basis until the veteran elects to no longer receive the allowance, or the VA determines the veteran is no longer eligible for the allowance, whichever occurs first. The bill sets forth a procedure by which the VA must conduct reviews of clothing allowance claims to determine the continued eligibility of veterans. Specifically, the VA must conduct a review (1) five years after the date on which a veteran initially receives a clothing allowance and periodically thereafter, and (2) whenever the VA receives notice that the veteran no longer meets eligibility requirements. If a veteran is eligible for a clothing allowance based on a circumstance that is not subject to change, the VA does not need to review whether the veteran has continued eligibility. If the VA determines, as the result of a review of a claim, that a veteran no longer meets the eligibility requirements for a clothing allowance, the VA must provide notice of the determination and discontinue the clothing allowance. The notice must include a description of applicable actions that may be taken following the determination (e.g., filing a notice of disagreement). The bill also extends certain loan fee rates through January 15, 2031, under the VA's home loan program.
Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide grants to states and Indian tribes to implement programs that improve outreach and assistance to veterans and their families to ensure that such individuals are fully informed about veterans' benefits and programs. Specifically, the VA may provide grants to states and tribes to (1) implement or enhance outreach activities; (2) increase the number of county or tribal veterans service officers in the state or tribe; or (3) expand, implement, or otherwise enhance existing programs and services of the existing state or tribal organization that is recognized by the VA in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for veterans benefits through representatives who hold positions as county or tribal veterans service officers. The VA must prioritize awarding grants in areas with a critical shortage of county or tribal veterans service officers, areas with high rates of suicide among veterans, and areas with high rates of referrals to the Veterans Crisis Line. The bill also extends certain loan fee rates through February 10, 2031, under the VA's home loan program. During FY2024-FY2028, the VA is authorized to hire two or more additional full-time equivalent employees in the VA's Office of General Counsel to carry out duties under the accreditation, discipline, and fees program.
Computers for Veterans and Students Act of 2022 or the COVS Act This bill requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to transfer certain surplus computers and technology equipment to nonprofit computer refurbishers for repair and eventual distribution to schools (including home schools), veterans, seniors, and other specified populations in need. Specifically, not later than 30 days after the GSA provides state agencies for surplus property an opportunity to review surplus computer or technology equipment that has been determined to be repairable, the GSA must transfer such equipment to participating nonprofit computer refurbishers for repair, distribution, and subsequent transfer to eligible recipients.
One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act of 2022 This bill authorizes grants to support community-based reentry resources for previously incarcerated individuals who return to their communities. First, the bill authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make grants for community-based nonprofit organizations to create community reentry centers. Second, the bill authorizes DOJ to make grants for states, Indian tribes, and local governments to operate reentry services assistance hotlines.
Homeland Procurement Reform Act or the HOPR Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that procurement of certain items, such as body armor and other protective gear, meets specified requirements, including that a fraction of procurement funds be used for items manufactured by U.S. small businesses. The bill sets forth requirements for waivers based on a national emergency. DHS shall (1) ensure that covered items are purchased at a fair and reasonable price, and (2) study the adequacy of uniform allowances provided to employees of frontline operational components (i.e., Customs and Border Protection and other listed agencies and entities). DHS must report to Congress with recommendations on how it could procure additional items from domestic sources and bolster the domestic supply chain for specified national security-related items, including personal protective equipment and other items necessary to respond to a pandemic such as that caused by COVID-19.
Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act of 2021 This bill addresses issues regarding inspectors general (IGs). For example, if the President fails to make a formal nomination for a vacant IG position within a certain timeline, the bill requires the President to communicate to Congress the reasons for such a failure and a target date for the nomination.
Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act of 2022 or the DOULA for VA Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study the feasibility and advisability of furnishing doula services to pregnant or formerly pregnant veterans (with respect to postpartum care) who are enrolled in the VA health care system.
Department of Homeland Security Mentor-Protege Program Act of 2022 This bill provides statutory authority for the mentor-protégé program of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under which a mentor firm enters into an agreement with a protégé firm to assist the latter to compete for prime contracts and subcontracts of DHS.
Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Technical Corrections Act of 2021 This bill makes numerous changes to the quadrennial homeland security reviews. The quadrennial homeland security review is the Department of Homeland Security's capstone strategy document, which offers recommendations on long-term strategy and priorities for homeland security. Specifically, the changes are related to consultation, prioritization, resources required, deadlines, and documentation.
This bill directs the House of Representatives to print a revised edition of its official Rules and Manual for the 118th Congress. It specifies printing 3,000 copies total, including 980 leather-bound copies with thumb indexes for internal House use. The bill is purely procedural, affecting only House operations and not the public or policy outcomes. It ensures updated internal reference materials are available for members and staff at the start of the new Congress.
This concurrent resolution authorizes the use of the rotunda of the Capitol on December 6, 2022, for a ceremony to present Congressional Gold Medals to the U.S. Capitol Police and others who protected the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
This non-binding Senate resolution (SRES 857) formally congratulates the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) for winning the 2022 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup. It recognizes LAFC's first MLS Cup championship in its five-year history, their Supporters’ Shield win for the best regular season record, and the team's overall achievements during the 2022 season. The resolution directs copies to LAFC's co-managing owners and key executives as a symbolic gesture of recognition.
