The TOURS Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to produce an annual report and briefing on suicide prevention efforts for Congress. It also mandates a two-year study starting in 2027 to examine how veterans' use of chaplain services and faith-based programs relates to suicide risk. The study must track specific engagement activities while strictly protecting patient confidentiality and ensuring that using these services remains entirely voluntary. Finally, the VA must submit detailed findings and recommendations to Congress within 90 days after each year of the study concludes.
This concurrent resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honors the memory of the 2,977 victims who died. It expresses gratitude to first responders, military personnel, and civilians who sacrificed their lives during the attacks and in the years that followed, while also recognizing the ongoing support provided by charitable organizations to survivors and their families. The bill encourages Americans to observe the anniversary with moments of reflection and service and reaffirms the nation's commitment to defending freedom and remembering the events of that day. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new laws or funding but serves to formally acknowledge these historical events and values.
This bill authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Bonnie Eloise Rush Milam, a music educator who founded the Melody Maids, an all-girls singing group that supported U.S. military morale during World War II and subsequent conflicts. The legislation directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the medal's presentation on behalf of Congress, while the Secretary of the Treasury is tasked with striking the gold medal with appropriate designs. Following the ceremony, the original medal will be given to the Tyrrell Historical Library in Beaumont, Texas, for display and research, and the Secretary may also produce and sell duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.
This Senate resolution formally recognizes and honors Cambodian veterans of the Khmer National Armed Forces for their service and sacrifices during the Vietnam War era. The bill highlights their direct support of U.S. military efforts, including intelligence gathering, combat operations, and assisting in the evacuation of American personnel from Phnom Penh in 1975. It also acknowledges the hardships these veterans faced, such as the Khmer Rouge genocide and subsequent resettlement challenges in the United States. By issuing this recognition, the Senate aims to express gratitude for their historical contributions without changing any laws or policies.
This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of women enrolling in the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, and Coast Guard Academies. It formally designates a specific day to honor the history and achievements of female cadets and graduates, noting their significant contributions to military leadership and combat roles since 1976. The text highlights specific milestones, such as women earning the Army Ranger tab and commanding aircraft carriers, while acknowledging their continued service in both uniform and civilian sectors. Ultimately, the bill serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the progress made by women in the armed forces without altering any existing laws or policies.
This resolution honors the crew of the USS Liberty and calls for the release of all government records regarding the 1967 attack on the ship. It specifically urges the President to make declassified documents from agencies like the Department of Defense and the CIA available to the public. The measure also affirms that the safety of American citizens and military personnel must be the top priority in U.S. foreign policy. As a non-binding sense of the House, the bill does not change laws but expresses official support for transparency and the recognition of the crew's sacrifice.
This Senate resolution commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, which occurred in 1876 during the Great Sioux War. The bill formally recognizes the historical significance of the conflict involving the United States Army and various Tribal Nations, including the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho. It honors the soldiers, scouts, civilians, and warriors who died in the battle and encourages the public to visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument to learn about the event.
The Honor Their Service Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide grants to eligible organizations that offer immigration legal assistance to noncitizen veterans. These funds are intended to help veterans facing deportation, seeking citizenship, or needing discharge upgrades by covering legal services in removal proceedings, naturalization applications, and reentry efforts. To ensure broad access, the bill requires the VA to establish clear eligibility criteria, consult with relevant service groups, and prioritize funding for entities that can deliver services virtually or in remote areas. The legislation authorizes $20 million in funding for fiscal years 2027 through 2030 and mandates biennial reports to Congress detailing the number of assisted veterans and the effectiveness of the programs.
This resolution expresses support for designating June 2026 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27, 2026, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day. It aims to raise public awareness about post-traumatic stress among military members and veterans, reduce associated stigma, and encourage better access to treatment. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of congressional intent to highlight the importance of addressing mental health challenges related to military service.
This bill designates the Freedom Flag as the official national symbol of remembrance for the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It requires the flag to be displayed annually from September 11 through the end of September at federal locations, including the Capitol, the White House, national cemeteries, military installations, and post offices. The legislation also ensures the flag follows the POW/MIA flag in terms of display precedence and outlines proper procedures for its retirement.