Summary: Ports as Small Business Incubators Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish the Ports as Small Business Incubators Program. Requires the Administrator to award grants of at least $300,000 and up to $500,000 to port authorities selected by the Administrator. Allows grant funds to be used only for the costs of providing selected small businesses with access to commercial real property. Requires each Program participant, in providing such access, to give a priority to small businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, as well as those that the participant determines would create "green" jobs (jobs involving the development of clean energy and the improvement of air and water quality).

amends small business act direct administrator small_business_administration sba establish ports small business incubators program requires administrator award grants port authorities selected administrator allows grant funds costs providing selected small businesses access commercial real property requires program participant providing access priority small businesses owned controlled women veterans socially economically disadvantaged individuals participant determines create green jobs jobs involving development clean energy improvement air water quality


Summary: Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 - Increases the authorized allowance for burial and funeral expenses for deceased veterans who: (1) at the time of death were in receipt of veterans' disability compensation or veterans' pension benefits, or (2) were veterans of any war or were discharged or released from active military service for a service-connected disability and have no next of kin or sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial costs. Increases the burial and funeral allowances for veterans who: (1) at the time of death, were receiving hospital or nursing home care in or through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); or (2) die as a result of a service-connected disability. Authorizes the annual adjustment of such allowances by the same percentage increase as adjustments to benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Authorizes a burial plot allowance, as well as reimbursement for a burial headstone or marker, for a veteran of any war. Authorizes the VA to cover the burial and funeral expenses of a deceased veteran: (1) who is homeless, has no next of kin or other person claiming the body, and does not have sufficient resources to cover such expenses; (2) whose service in the Armed Forces was not during wartime; and (3) who was either discharged under honorable conditions or died during a period deemed to be active service. Prohibits any deduction from the burial allowance because of a veteran's assets or because of any contribution toward the burial and funeral expenses, unless the expenses incurred are covered by the United States, a state, an agency or political subdivision of the United States or a state, or the veteran's employer.

veterans burial benefits improvement act increases authorized allowance burial funeral expenses deceased veterans time death receipt veterans disability compensation veterans pension benefits veterans war discharged released active military service service connected disability kin sufficient resources cover funeral burial costs increases burial funeral allowances veterans time death receiving hospital nursing home care department_of_veterans_affairs die result service connected disability authorizes annual adjustment allowances percentage increase adjustments benefit amounts payable title survivors disability insurance social security act authorizes burial plot allowance reimbursement burial headstone marker veteran war authorizes cover burial funeral expenses deceased veteran homeless kin person claiming body sufficient resources cover expenses service armed_forces wartime discharged honorable conditions died period deemed active service prohibits deduction burial allowance veteran assets contribution burial funeral expenses expenses incurred covered united_states state agency political subdivision united_states state veteran employer


Summary: Veterans Access to Capital Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), using up to 20% of annual amounts available for SBA loans to state and local development companies, to make loans directly to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans to be used on projects having a sound business purpose. Provides loan limits and requires partial project funding by such small business. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator to make up to 20% of the annual amounts available for SBA section 7(a) general small business loans available for loans to veteran-owned small businesses. Directs the Administrator, for purposes of loans or loan guarantees to veteran- or disabled veteran-owned small businesses, to reduce any applicable requirement relating to the veteran's credit score, as long as the veteran has complied with other conditions that the Administrator may require.

amends small_business_investment_act authorize administrator small_business_administration sba annual amounts available sba loans state local development companies loans directly small businesses owned controlled veterans projects having sound business purpose provides loan limits requires partial project funding small business amends small_business_act authorize administrator annual amounts available sba section general small business loans available loans veteran owned small businesses directs administrator purposes loans loan guarantees disabled veteran owned small businesses reduce applicable requirement relating veteran credit score long veteran complied conditions administrator require


Summary: Entitles the spouse or unremarried widow or widower of either a veteran who performed certain active duty or a current member of the Armed Forces to receive an additional five points preference for entrance into the competitive service.

entitles spouse unremarried widow widower veteran performed certain active duty current member armed_forces receive additional points preference entrance competitive service


Summary: Veterans Disability Examination Access Improvement Act - Amends the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 to extend through 2012 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) authority for the performance of medical disability evaluations by contract physicians.

veterans benefits act extend authority performance medical disability evaluations contract physicians


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax deduction for charitable contributions to a post or organization of war veterans, to treat recipients of the Korea Defense Service Medal as war veterans.

amends internal revenue code respect tax deduction charitable contributions post organization war veterans treat recipients war veterans


Summary: Civil Liberties Act of 2012 - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (such Act) to provide that, in the case of a person detained in the United States pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force or such Act, disposition under the law of war shall occur immediately upon custody and shall only mean transfer for trial and proceedings by a court established under article III of the Constitution or an appropriate state court. Requires such trial and proceedings to have all due process provided under the Constitution. Prohibits any person detained, captured, or arrested in the United States or a U.S. territory or possession from being transferred to the custody of the Armed Forces for detention under the Authorization for Use of Military Force or such Act. Repeals the requirement of detention in military custody pending disposition under the law of war for individuals determined to be a member or part of al Qaeda or an associated force who has participated in planning or carrying out an attack or attempted attack against the United States or its coalition partners.

civil liberties act amends national defense authorization act fiscal year act provide case person detained united_states pursuant authorization use military force act disposition law war shall occur immediately custody shall mean transfer trial proceedings court established article iii constitution appropriate state court requires trial proceedings process provided constitution prohibits person detained captured arrested united_states territory possession transferred custody armed_forces detention authorization use military force act repeals requirement detention military custody pending disposition law war individuals determined member al_qaeda associated force participated planning carrying attack attempted attack united_states coalition partners


Summary: Military Savings Act of 2012 - Directs the Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller) to carry out a five-year pilot program to develop innovative consumer financial products that encourage savings and wealth-creation among active-duty servicemembers. Requires the program to be carried out in such a way that it does not exacerbate the incidence of servicemember credit overextension. Directs the Undersecretary to choose at least 10 military installations at which to implement the program. Directs the Undersecretary to contract for an annual independent program evaluation until its termination. Allows the Undersecretary, under certain conditions, to expand the program to a nationwide program and to extend its duration.

military savings act directs undersecretary defense comptroller carry year pilot program develop innovative consumer financial products encourage savings wealth creation active duty servicemembers requires program carried way incidence servicemember credit directs undersecretary choose military installations implement program directs undersecretary contract annual independent program evaluation termination allows undersecretary certain conditions expand program nationwide program extend duration


Summary: Veterans Fiduciary Reform and Honoring Noble Service Act - (Sec. 2) Provides that, when in the opinion of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) a temporary fiduciary is needed to protect the benefits of a VA beneficiary while a determination of incompetency is being made or appealed or a fiduciary is appealing a determination of misuse, the Secretary may appoint one or more temporary fiduciaries for up to 120 days. Requires the Secretary to provide a written statement to a beneficiary determined by the Secretary to be mentally incompetent for purposes of appointing a fiduciary. Allows the beneficiary to appeal such determination. Allows a beneficiary for whom the Secretary appoints a fiduciary to, at any time, request the Secretary to remove such fiduciary and appoint a new one. Requires the Secretary to comply with any such request made in good faith. Prohibits any such removal or new appointment from delaying or interrupting the beneficiary's receipt of benefits. Requires a appointed fiduciary appointed by the Secretary to act independently of the VA and in the interest of the beneficiary. Provides for the predesignation of a fiduciary. Provides that, if a beneficiary does not designate a fiduciary, the Secretary shall appoint, to the extent possible, a fiduciary who is: (1) a relative, (2) a guardian, or (3) authorized to act on their behalf under a durable power of attorney. Provides for: (1) fiduciary commissions when necessary; and (2) the temporary payment of benefits to a person having custody and control of an incompetent or minor beneficiary, to be used solely for the benefit of the beneficiary. Directs the Secretary to maintain a list of state and local agencies and nonprofit social service agencies that are qualified to act as a fiduciary. Requires any certification of a fiduciary to be made on the basis of an inquiry or investigation of his or her fitness and qualifications. Requires the investigation to include a face-to-face interview and a background check. Allows a person convicted of a federal or state offense to serve as a fiduciary only when the Secretary finds such person to be appropriate under the circumstances. Requires each fiduciary to disclose the number of beneficiaries that the fiduciary acts on behalf of. Requires the Secretary to: (1) maintain records of any person who has previously served as a fiduciary and had such status revoked, and (2) notify the beneficiary within 14 days after learning that the fiduciary has been convicted of a crime. Directs the Secretary, upon reason to believe that a fiduciary may be misusing all or part of a beneficiary benefit, to: (1) conduct a thorough investigation, and (2) report results to the Attorney General and the head of each federal department or agency that pays a beneficiary benefit to such fiduciary. Requires each Veterans Benefits Administration regional office to maintain specified fiduciary information. Requires (under current law, permits) a fiduciary to file an annual accounting of the administration of beneficiary benefits. Requires the Secretary to conduct annual random audits of fiduciaries who receive a commission for such service. Requires fiduciary repayment of misused benefits. Requires a report from the Secretary to the congressional veterans committees on the implementation of this section. (Sec. 3) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to establish at Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia) a Place of Remembrance for the interment of the unidentified remains of members of the Armed Forces who died while on active duty in a war or contingency operation, or in the line of duty. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to furnish an appropriate casket or urn for the burial in a national cemetery of a deceased veteran with no known next of kin. (Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary, in the case of a deceased veteran with no apparent next of kin and without sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial expenses, to ensure that the entity responsible for transporting the body to a national cemetery for burial notifies the VA as to whether such veteran was cremated and steps taken to ensure that such veteran has no next of kin. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to report to the veterans committees on VA compliance with industry standards for caskets and urns. (Sec. 7) Excludes from interment or memorialization in a national cemetery any person convicted of a tier III sex offender offense and sentenced to a minimum of life imprisonment. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary, with respect to the interment, funeral, memorial service, or ceremony (service) of a deceased veteran at a national cemetery, to ensure that: (1) the expressed wishes of the next of kin or other agent of such veteran are given deference when determining whether such service affects the safety and security of the cemetery and its visitors; (2) all appropriate public cemetery areas may be used by the family for contemplation, prayer, mourning, or reflection; and (3) during such service, the family may display any chosen religious or other symbols. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to provide veterans' case-tracking information access to employees of a Member of Congress or of a state or local governmental agency who assist veterans with benefit claims. Directs the Secretary to ensure that such access does not: (1) allow the employee to modify the data in the case-tracking system, and (2) include access to medical records. (Sec. 10) Requires the Secretary, in the event of a data breach with respect to sensitive personal information that is processed or maintained by the Secretary, to notify Congress and each individual whose sensitive personal information is involved in the data breach. Directs the Secretary to make such notifications within: (1) 10 business days, or (2) 15 business days upon determining that providing the earlier notification is not feasible due to circumstances necessary to accurately identify the individuals whose sensitive personal information is involved or to prevent further breach or unauthorized disclosure and reasonably restore the integrity of the data system. Requires such notification, in writing or by email or other electronic means, to include: (1) a description of the sensitive personal information involved, (2) a telephone number that the individual may use to contact the VA, (3) notice that the individual is entitled to receive certain credit protection services at no cost, (4) the toll-free contact telephone numbers and addresses for the major credit reporting agencies, and (5) a toll-free telephone number and website address to obtain identity theft information. Directs the Secretary to notify the general public concerning any data breach involving sensitive personal information within 10 business days or as soon as possible under the infeasibility exception, above. (Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to ensure that no VA employee who violates any federal civil law or regulation covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or any internal VA policy, receives any retention incentive, payment, or award for or during the year of such violation. (Sec. 12) Places a specified limit, for each of FY2013-FY2017, on the total amount of awards and bonuses for VA employees.

veterans fiduciary reform honoring service act sec provides opinion secretary veterans_affairs temporary fiduciary needed protect benefits beneficiary determination appealed fiduciary appealing determination misuse secretary appoint temporary fiduciaries days requires secretary provide written statement beneficiary determined secretary mentally incompetent purposes appointing fiduciary allows beneficiary appeal determination allows beneficiary secretary appoints fiduciary time request secretary remove fiduciary appoint new requires secretary comply request good faith prohibits removal new appointment delaying beneficiary receipt benefits requires appointed fiduciary appointed secretary act independently interest beneficiary provides fiduciary provides beneficiary designate fiduciary secretary shall appoint extent possible fiduciary relative guardian authorized act behalf durable power attorney provides fiduciary commissions necessary temporary payment benefits person having custody control incompetent minor beneficiary solely benefit beneficiary directs secretary maintain list state local agencies nonprofit social service agencies qualified act fiduciary requires certification fiduciary basis inquiry investigation fitness qualifications requires investigation include face face interview background check allows person convicted federal state offense serve fiduciary secretary finds person appropriate circumstances requires fiduciary disclose number beneficiaries fiduciary acts behalf requires secretary maintain records person previously served fiduciary status revoked notify beneficiary days learning fiduciary convicted crime directs secretary reason believe fiduciary beneficiary benefit conduct thorough investigation report results attorney general head federal department agency pays beneficiary benefit fiduciary requires veterans benefits administration regional office maintain specified fiduciary information requires current law permits fiduciary file annual accounting administration beneficiary benefits requires secretary conduct annual random audits fiduciaries receive commission service requires fiduciary repayment misused benefits requires report secretary congressional veterans committees implementation section sec authorizes secretary army establish arlington national cemetery virginia place interment unidentified remains members armed_forces died active duty war contingency operation line duty sec directs secretary furnish appropriate casket urn burial national cemetery deceased veteran known kin sec requires secretary case deceased veteran apparent kin sufficient resources cover funeral burial expenses ensure entity responsible transporting body national cemetery burial notifies veteran steps taken ensure veteran kin sec directs secretary report veterans committees compliance industry standards sec excludes interment national cemetery person convicted tier iii sex offender offense sentenced minimum life imprisonment sec directs secretary respect interment funeral memorial service ceremony service deceased veteran national cemetery ensure expressed wishes kin agent veteran given deference determining service affects safety security cemetery visitors appropriate public cemetery areas family prayer service family display chosen religious symbols sec directs secretary provide veterans case tracking information access employees member congress state local governmental agency assist veterans benefit claims directs secretary ensure access allow employee modify data case tracking system include access medical records sec requires secretary event data breach respect sensitive personal information processed maintained secretary notify congress individual sensitive personal information involved data breach directs secretary notifications business days business days determining providing earlier notification feasible circumstances necessary accurately identify individuals sensitive personal information involved prevent breach unauthorized disclosure reasonably restore integrity data system requires notification writing email electronic means include description sensitive personal information involved telephone number individual use contact notice individual entitled receive certain credit protection services cost toll free contact telephone numbers addresses major credit reporting agencies toll free telephone number website address obtain identity theft information directs secretary notify general public concerning data breach involving sensitive personal information business days soon possible exception sec directs secretary ensure employee violates federal civil law regulation covered federal_acquisition_regulation internal policy receives retention incentive payment award year violation sec places specified limit fy2013 fy2017 total awards bonuses employees


Summary: Housing for Blinded Veterans Act - Changes from "5/200 visual acuity or less" to "central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of standard correcting lenses" the standard of visual acuity required for eligibility for veterans' specially adapted housing assistance provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

housing veterans act changes visual acuity central visual acuity better eye use standard correcting lenses standard visual acuity required eligibility veterans specially adapted housing assistance provided department_of_veterans_affairs


Summary: Vocational Employment and Technical Skills Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to require a state applicant for a grant or contract for certain veterans' employment and training programs to demonstrate that when that state approves or denies any required professional certification or license (including a driver's license), it takes into consideration any training received by the veteran while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces.

secretary veterans_affairs require state applicant grant contract certain veterans employment training programs demonstrate state approves denies required professional certification license including driver license takes consideration training received veteran serving active duty armed_forces


Summary: Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2012 - Waives a state's sovereign immunity with respect to the enforcement of uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). Makes unenforceable agreements between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of disputes arising under USERRA. Provides exceptions. Requires the validity and enforceability of such an agreement to be determined by a court (as opposed to the arbitrator). Provides increased liquidated damages, and authorizes punitive damages, against state or private employer violations of USERRA. Provides a right to a jury trial in such cases. Requires (under current law, authorizes) the award of attorney fees in actions to enforce USERRA. Requires (under current law, authorizes) a court to use equitable relief, including injunctions and restraining orders when appropriate, for USERRA violations. Requires federal procurement contracts to include a notice that the contractor may have USERRA obligations. Requires a Comptroller General study on the effectiveness of federal education and outreach programs on employer obligations under USERRA.

servicemembers access justice act waives state sovereign immunity respect enforcement uniformed services members employment reemployment rights benefits uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act userra makes unenforceable agreements employer employee requiring arbitration disputes arising userra provides exceptions requires validity enforceability agreement determined court opposed arbitrator provides increased liquidated damages authorizes punitive damages state private employer violations userra provides right jury trial cases requires current law authorizes award attorney fees actions enforce userra requires current law authorizes court use equitable relief including injunctions restraining orders appropriate userra violations requires federal procurement contracts include notice contractor userra obligations requires comptroller general study effectiveness federal education outreach programs employer obligations userra


Summary: Volunteer Veterans for Cemetery Service Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Secretary of the military department concerned to accept voluntary services performed by a veteran or veterans organization at a national cemetery, including the veteran's sharing with visitors of the story of the veteran's military service.

cemetery service act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs secretary military department concerned accept voluntary services performed veteran veterans organization national cemetery including veteran sharing visitors story veteran military service


Summary: Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act of 2012 - Considers a person a spouse, for purposes of military personnel policies and military and veterans' benefits, if the marriage of the individual is valid in the state in which the marriage was entered into or, in the case of a marriage entered into outside any state, if the marriage is valid in the place in which the marriage was entered into and the marriage could have been entered into in a state. Includes as a state the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. territories and possessions.

military spouses equal treatment act considers person spouse purposes military personnel policies military veterans benefits marriage individual valid state marriage entered case marriage entered outside state marriage valid place marriage entered marriage entered state includes state district_of_columbia commonwealths puerto_rico northern_mariana_islands territories possessions


Summary: Dignified Burial of Veterans Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish a casket or urn of sufficient quality for a dignified burial for the burial in a national cemetery of a deceased veteran with no next of kin, or other person claiming the body of the deceased veteran, and who is without sufficient resources to cover burial and funeral expense. Prohibits the furnishing of such casket or urn in the case of a veteran convicted of a federal or state capital crime. Requires the Secretary, in the case of a deceased veteran with no next of kin and without sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial expenses, to ensure that the entity responsible for transporting the body to a national cemetery for burial notifies the VA as to whether such veteran was cremated and steps taken to ensure that such veteran has no next of kin. Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional veterans committees on VA compliance with industry standards for caskets and urns.

dignified burial veterans act directs secretary veterans_affairs furnish casket urn sufficient quality dignified burial burial national cemetery deceased veteran kin person claiming body deceased veteran sufficient resources cover burial funeral expense prohibits furnishing casket urn case veteran convicted federal state capital crime requires secretary case deceased veteran kin sufficient resources cover funeral burial expenses ensure entity responsible transporting body national cemetery burial notifies veteran steps taken ensure veteran kin directs secretary report congressional veterans committees compliance industry standards


Summary: Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2012 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exclude as family income for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing assistance purposes any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) payments made to veterans in need of regular aid and attendance for expenses related to such aid and attendance.

vulnerable veterans housing reform act amends united_states housing act exclude family income department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud housing assistance purposes department_of_veterans_affairs payments veterans need regular aid attendance expenses related aid attendance


Summary: Surplus Property for Veterans Act of 2012 - Authorizes the transfer of federal surplus property to a state agency for distribution through donation within the state for purposes of education or public health for organizations whose membership comprises substantially veterans and whose representatives are recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Secretary.

surplus property veterans act authorizes transfer federal surplus property state agency distribution donation state purposes education public health organizations membership comprises substantially veterans representatives recognized secretary veterans_affairs preparation presentation prosecution claims laws administered secretary


Summary: Military Family Leave Act of 2012 - Entitles an employed family member of a member of the Armed Forces who receives notification of a call or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation, or who is deployed in connection with a contingency operation, to two workweeks of leave per year for each family member who is so called or deployed. Allows such leave to: (1) be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule; and (2) consist of paid or unpaid leave, as the employer considers appropriate. Allows an employer to require certification of entitlement to such leave within a leave request. Provides employment and benefits protection for employees upon their return from such leave. Prohibits an employer from interfering with or otherwise denying the exercise of such leave rights.

military family leave act entitles employed family member member armed_forces receives notification order active duty support contingency operation deployed connection contingency operation workweeks leave year family member called deployed allows leave taken intermittently reduced leave schedule consist paid unpaid leave employer considers appropriate allows employer require certification entitlement leave leave request provides employment benefits protection employees return leave prohibits employer interfering denying exercise leave rights


Summary: Armed Services Always Paid Act of 2012 or ASAP Act of 2012 - Provides for funding the pay and allowances, without interruption, of members of the Armed Forces, including reserve personnel, during any period of lapsed appropriations.

armed services paid act asap act provides funding pay allowances interruption members armed_forces including reserve personnel period lapsed appropriations


Summary: Reducing Barriers to Veterans' Benefits Act - Presumes a service connection, for veterans' benefits purposes, for diagnosed hearing loss, tinnitus, or both, for veterans who, during active military service: (1) were assigned to a military occupational specialty in which the veterans were likely to be exposed to a level of acoustic trauma sufficient to result in permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or both; or (2) served in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities. Directs the Secretary of each military department to ensure that each member of the Armed Forces under their jurisdiction receives an audiometric test at the 8000 Hz frequency (or an equivalent test) to evaluate the hearing of such member during the 90-day period before the member is discharged, separated, or retired.

reducing barriers veterans benefits act presumes service connection veterans benefits purposes diagnosed hearing loss tinnitus veterans active military service assigned military occupational specialty veterans likely exposed level acoustic trauma sufficient result permanent hearing loss tinnitus served combat hostile force period hostilities directs secretary military department ensure member armed_forces jurisdiction receives test frequency equivalent test evaluate hearing member day period member discharged separated retired


Summary: Recovering Service Members Disability Benefits Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to create an exception from the required waiting period for disability insurance benefits in the case of recovering service members (of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve component, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy while recovering from a serious bodily injury or physical illness related to the member's military service).

members disability benefits act_-_amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act create exception required waiting period disability insurance benefits case recovering service members armed_forces including member national_guard_or_a_reserve component undergoing medical treatment recuperation therapy recovering bodily injury physical illness related member military service


Summary: Veterans Jobs Corps Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) (Secretary) to establish a veteran jobs corps to employ veterans: (1) in conservation, resource management, and historic preservation projects on public lands and maintenance and improvement projects for cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the National Cemetery Administration; and (2) as firefighters and law enforcement officers. Requires priority employment for veterans who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Provides for such employment in coordination with the Attorney General, the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, and the Interior. Directs the Secretary to establish a steering committee for assistance in providing such employment. Directs the Secretary of Labor to commence a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing veterans seeking employment with access to computing facilities in order to: (1) match veterans with available jobs based on veterans' skills acquired as members of the Armed Forces, and (2) allow employers to post information about available jobs. Directs the Secretary, as a condition of a grant or contract to a state for certain veterans' employment and training programs, to require the state to demonstrate the consideration of any military training received by a veteran when approving or denying a commercial driver's license or a certification to be a nursing assistant or certified nursing assistant, or an emergency medical technician or paramedic. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish minimum funding levels for specified veterans' benefits contracts and grants to ensure that each state receives sufficient funding to support at least one disabled veterans' outreach program specialist and one local veterans' employment representative per 5,000 square miles of service delivery area within the state. Directs the Secretary of Labor, during the one-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, to provide the Transition Assistance Program to veterans and their spouses at locations other than military installations in at least three and up to five states selected by the Secretary based on the highest rates of veteran unemployment. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a 100% continuous levy upon the property and rights of Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) providers and suppliers neglecting or refusing to pay taxes. Repeals provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 providing for a program for the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of technologies for ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resource exploration and production. Permits the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport to any individual upon receiving certification from the Secretary of the Treasury that such individual has a delinquent tax debt in an amount in excess of $50,000.

veterans jobs corps act directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary establish veteran jobs corps employ veterans conservation resource management historic preservation projects public lands maintenance improvement projects cemeteries jurisdiction national_cemetery_administration firefighters law enforcement officers requires priority employment veterans served active duty september provides employment coordination attorney general commanding general homeland_security interior directs secretary establish steering committee assistance providing employment directs secretary labor commence pilot program assess feasibility advisability providing veterans seeking employment access computing facilities order match veterans available jobs based veterans skills acquired members armed_forces allow employers post information available jobs directs secretary condition grant contract state certain veterans employment training programs require state demonstrate consideration military training received veteran approving denying commercial driver license certification nursing assistant certified nursing assistant emergency medical technician paramedic directs secretary labor establish minimum funding levels specified veterans benefits contracts grants ensure state receives sufficient funding support disabled veterans outreach program specialist local veterans employment representative square miles service delivery area state directs secretary labor year period beginning date enactment act provide transition_assistance_program veterans spouses locations military installations states selected secretary based highest rates veteran unemployment amends internal revenue code provide continuous levy property rights medicare title xviii social security act providers suppliers neglecting refusing pay taxes repeals provisions energy policy act providing program research development demonstration commercial application technologies ultra deepwater unconventional natural gas petroleum resource exploration production permits secretary state deny revoke limit passport individual receiving certification secretary treasury individual delinquent tax debt excess


Summary: Military CDL Act of 2012 - Revises certain commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements with which a state must comply in order to avoid the administrative penalty of a withholding by the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) of a percentage of the state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway program funds. Permits a state to issue a CDL to an individual who operates or will operate a commercial motor vehicle and who: (1) is an active duty member of the Armed Forces, including the military reserves, National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, or Coast Guard Auxiliary; and (2) is not domiciled in the state, but whose temporary or permanent duty station is located there.

military cdl act revises certain commercial driver license cdl requirements state comply order avoid administrative penalty withholding secretary transportation dot percentage state apportionment certain federal aid highway program funds permits state issue cdl individual operates operate commercial motor vehicle active duty member armed_forces including military reserves national_guard coast_guard_auxiliary domiciled state temporary permanent duty station located


Summary: Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to accept any of the following as proof of service in determining the eligibility of an individual to receive amounts from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund: (1) the name of the eligible person included on the Approved Revised Reconstructed Guerilla Roster (commonly known as the "Missouri List"); (2) documents included in the claims folder of the eligible person that prove such service, including an affidavit from the government of the Philippines certifying such service; or (3) any other documents issued or accepted by the government of the Philippines as proof of such service. Authorizes the Secretary to make a payment to such an individual filing a claim within 180 days after the enactment of this Act.

amends american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act direct secretary veterans_affairs accept following proof service determining eligibility individual receive amounts eligible person included approved revised reconstructed commonly known documents included claims eligible person prove service including affidavit government philippines certifying service documents issued accepted government philippines proof service authorizes secretary payment individual filing claim days enactment act


Summary: Permits a member of the Armed Forces (member) who is involuntarily separated from active duty or the Selected Reserve and who has a service-connected disability (and the member's dependents) to use commissary and exchange stores on the same basis as a member entitled to retired or retainer pay. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to ensure that such authority is fully implemented within 90 days after the enactment of this Act.

permits member armed_forces member involuntarily separated active duty selected_reserve service connected disability member dependents use commissary exchange stores basis member entitled retired retainer pay directs secretary defense dod ensure authority fully implemented days enactment act


Summary: Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to facilitate collaborative research to meet the long-term reproductive health care needs of veterans who have a service-connected genitourinary disability or a condition that was aggravated in the line of active duty, such as a spinal cord injury, that affects the veterans' ability to reproduce. Includes fertility counseling and treatment within authorized VA medical services. Directs the Secretary to furnish such counseling and treatment, including the use of assisted reproductive technology, to a spouse or surrogate of a severely wounded veteran who has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and who is enrolled in the VA health care system, as long as the spouse and veteran apply jointly for such counseling and treatment. Requires the Secretary to enhance the capabilities of the VA women veterans call center: (1) to respond to requests for assistance with accessing VA health care and benefits, and (2) for referral to community resources to obtain assistance with services not furnished by the VA. Amends the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 relating to a pilot program of group retreat reintegration and readjustment counseling for women veterans recently separated from service to: (1) increase from at least 3 to at least 14 the number of locations for such counseling, and (2) extend the pilot program for an additional 2 years. Requires a pilot program under such Act relating to the provision of child care assistance for certain veterans receiving VA health care to be extended until two years after the program is established in the third Veterans Integrated Service Network. (Under current law, such program terminates two years after its original commencement.) Directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing child care assistance to veterans receiving or in need of VA readjustment counseling and related mental health services. Requires the program to continue until two years after it is begun at the last Readjustment Counseling Service Region chosen by the Secretary.

women veterans health care improvements act directs secretary veterans_affairs facilitate collaborative research meet long term reproductive health care needs veterans service connected disability condition aggravated line active duty spinal cord injury affects veterans ability reproduce includes fertility counseling treatment authorized medical services directs secretary furnish counseling treatment including use assisted reproductive technology spouse surrogate severely wounded veteran infertility condition incurred aggravated line duty enrolled health care system long spouse veteran apply jointly counseling treatment requires secretary enhance capabilities women veterans center respond requests assistance accessing health care benefits referral community resources obtain assistance services furnished amends caregivers veterans_omnibus_health_services act relating pilot program group retreat reintegration readjustment counseling women veterans recently separated service increase number locations counseling extend pilot program additional years requires pilot program act relating provision child care assistance certain veterans receiving health care extended years program established veterans_integrated_service_network current law program terminates years original commencement directs secretary carry pilot program assess feasibility advisability providing child care assistance veterans receiving need readjustment counseling related mental health services requires program continue years begun chosen secretary


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a special record to be known as the Canadian Forces Base Gagetown Health Registry containing the name of each individual who, while serving in the Armed Forces, was stationed at or underwent training at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada (Gagetown), during the period beginning on January 1, 1956, and ending on December 31, 2005, and who: (1) applies for care or services from the VA; (2) files a claim for compensation on the basis of any disability which may be associated with such service; (3) dies and is survived by a spouse, child, or parent who files a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation on the basis of such service; (4) requests a health examination from the VA; or (5) receives such health examination and requests inclusion in the Registry. Requires the Secretary, upon request, to provide such health examination, as well as consultation and counseling with respect to examination results. Directs the Secretary to: (1) notify individuals in the Registry of significant developments in research on the health consequences of potential exposure to a toxic substance or environmental hazard related to service at Gagetown; and (2) carry out appropriate outreach activities with respect to such health examinations, consultation, and counseling.

directs secretary veterans_affairs establish maintain special record known containing individual serving armed_forces stationed training canada period beginning january ending december applies care services files claim compensation basis disability associated service dies survived spouse child parent files claim dependency indemnity compensation basis service requests health examination receives health examination requests inclusion registry requires secretary request provide health examination consultation counseling respect examination results directs secretary notify individuals registry significant developments research health consequences potential exposure toxic substance environmental hazard related service carry appropriate outreach activities respect health examinations consultation counseling


Summary: Veterans Jobs Corps Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) (Secretary) to establish a veteran jobs corps to employ veterans: (1) in conservation, resource management, and historic preservation projects on public lands and maintenance and improvement projects for cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the National Cemetery Administration; and (2) as firefighters and law enforcement officers. Requires priority employment for veterans who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Provides for such employment in coordination with the Attorney General, the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, and the Interior. Directs the Secretary to establish a steering committee for assistance in providing such employment. Directs the head of each federal agency to develop a plan for exercising, during the five-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act, current Department of Defense (DOD) and VA authority to hire qualified veterans for positions within the federal government. Includes as qualified veterans those who: (1) are disabled or recently separated; (2) served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized; or (3) while serving on active duty, participated in a military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to ensure that, under such plans, agencies shall appoint no less than 10,000 qualified veterans during the five-year period. Requires the Director to report to the congressional veterans and oversight committees on activities carried out under this section. Requires a state, as a condition for receipt of a grant or contract from the VA for support of disabled veterans' outreach specialists and local veterans' employment representatives, to establish a program which issues a license or credential to a veteran without requiring any training or apprenticeship if such veteran: (1) receives a satisfactory score on completion of an examination administered by that state, and (2) has at least 10 years of experience in a military occupational specialty that is similar to the civilian occupation for which such license or credential is required. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) furnish each one-stop (job search) center with a list of all Internet websites and applications identified as beneficial for veterans in pursuit of employment; (2) coordinate with public and private entities to identify websites and applications not included on such list that match veterans seeking employment with available jobs based on skills acquired as members of the Armed Forces, and allow employers to post information about available jobs; and (3) report on such websites and applications to the veterans and education committees. Directs the Secretary, as a condition of a grant or contract to a state for certain veterans' employment and training programs, to require the state to demonstrate the consideration of any military training received by a veteran when approving or denying a license or certification as a nursing assistant, certified nursing assistant, commercial driver, emergency medical technician EMT-B or EMT-1, or emergency medical technician-paramedic. Directs the Secretaries of Labor and Education to jointly conduct and report to Congress on a study to determine the value and utility of a registry of recognized postsecondary credentials valued by employers, individuals, providers of education and training, economic development professionals, state and local officials, and other relevant stakeholders. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish minimum funding levels for specified veterans' benefits contracts and grants to ensure that each state receives sufficient funding to support at least one disabled veterans' outreach program specialist and one local veterans' employment representative per 5,000 square miles of service delivery area within the state. Directs the Secretary of Labor, during the three-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, to provide the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to veterans and their spouses at locations other than military installations in at least three and up to five states selected by the Secretary based on the highest rates of veteran unemployment. Requires reports from such Secretary and the Comptroller General to Congress on such TAP training. Expands VA small business contracting goals to include small businesses fully, but conditionally, owned by one or more veterans. Treats the surviving spouse of a service-disabled veteran who acquires the ownership interest in a small business of the deceased veteran as such veteran, for purposes of eligibility for VA service-disabled small business contracting goals and preferences, for a period of: (1) 10 years after the veteran's death, if such veteran was either 100% disabled or died from a service-connected disability; or (2) 3 years after such death, if the veteran was less than 100% disabled and did not die from a service-connected disability. Treats a small business acquired by the surviving spouse or dependent from a member of the Armed Forces killed during active duty as a small business owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran, for purposes of VA small business contracting goals and preferences. Continues such treatment for the period beginning on the date of the member's death and ending on the earlier of: (1) the date on which the surviving spouse remarries or relinquishes such ownership interest or ten years after the member's death, or (2) the date on which the surviving dependent relinquishes such ownership interest or ten years after the member's death. Provides that if the Secretary determines, for purposes of VA small business contracting goals, that an individual would have had a greater degree of ownership of a small business in a state other than a community property state, then the Secretary shall treat such small business as licensed in a non-community property state. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a 100% continuous levy upon the property and rights of Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) providers and suppliers neglecting or refusing to pay taxes. Permits the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport to any individual upon receiving certification from the Secretary of the Treasury that such individual has a delinquent tax debt in an amount in excess of $50,000. Extends through March 31, 2017, the current $90 limit on VA pension paid to veterans residing in nursing homes when their nursing costs are paid through title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Increases, for corporations with assets of at least $1 billion, the required estimated income tax payments otherwise due in the third quarter of: (1) 2013 by 0.25%, and (2) 2017 by 0.50%. Requires the next required installment to be appropriately reduced to reflect the amount of this increase.

veterans jobs corps act directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary establish veteran jobs corps employ veterans conservation resource management historic preservation projects public lands maintenance improvement projects cemeteries jurisdiction national_cemetery_administration firefighters law enforcement officers requires priority employment veterans served active duty september provides employment coordination attorney general commanding general homeland_security interior directs secretary establish steering committee assistance providing employment directs head federal agency develop plan exercising year period beginning enactment act current department_of_defense dod authority hire qualified veterans positions federal government includes qualified veterans disabled recently separated served active duty war campaign expedition campaign badge authorized serving active duty participated military operation armed_forces service medal awarded requires director ensure plans agencies shall appoint qualified veterans year period requires director report congressional veterans oversight committees activities carried section requires state condition receipt grant contract support disabled veterans outreach specialists local veterans employment representatives establish program issues license credential veteran requiring training apprenticeship veteran receives satisfactory score completion examination administered state years experience military occupational specialty similar civilian occupation license credential required directs secretary labor furnish stop job search center list internet websites applications identified beneficial veterans pursuit employment coordinate public private entities identify websites applications included list match veterans seeking employment available jobs based skills acquired members armed_forces allow employers post information available jobs report websites applications veterans education committees directs secretary condition grant contract state certain veterans employment training programs require state demonstrate consideration military training received veteran approving denying license certification nursing assistant certified nursing assistant commercial driver emergency medical technician emt emergency medical technician paramedic directs secretaries labor education jointly conduct report congress study determine value utility registry recognized postsecondary credentials valued employers individuals providers education training economic development professionals state local officials relevant stakeholders directs secretary labor establish minimum funding levels specified veterans benefits contracts grants ensure state receives sufficient funding support disabled veterans outreach program specialist local veterans employment representative square miles service delivery area state directs secretary labor year period beginning date enactment act provide transition_assistance_program tap veterans spouses locations military installations states selected secretary based highest rates veteran unemployment requires reports secretary comptroller_general congress tap training expands small business contracting goals include small businesses fully conditionally owned veterans treats surviving spouse service disabled veteran acquires ownership interest small business deceased veteran veteran purposes eligibility service disabled small business contracting goals preferences period years veteran death veteran disabled died service connected disability years death veteran disabled die service connected disability treats small business acquired surviving spouse dependent member armed_forces killed active duty small business owned controlled service disabled veteran purposes small business contracting goals preferences continues treatment period beginning date member death ending earlier date surviving spouse remarries relinquishes ownership interest years member death date surviving dependent relinquishes ownership interest years member death provides secretary determines purposes small business contracting goals individual greater degree ownership small business state community property state secretary shall treat small business licensed non community property state amends internal revenue code provide continuous levy property rights medicare title xviii social security act providers suppliers neglecting refusing pay taxes permits secretary state deny revoke limit passport individual receiving certification secretary treasury individual delinquent tax debt excess extends march current limit pension paid veterans residing nursing homes nursing costs paid title xix medicaid social security act increases corporations assets billion required estimated income tax payments quarter requires required installment appropriately reduced reflect increase


Summary: Servicemember Mental Health Review Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to establish within each military department a board of review to review determinations previously made that covered individuals separated from the Armed Forces have a mental condition not amounting to disability. Defines "covered individuals" as members and former members of the Armed Forces who have been separated from the Armed Forces since September 11, 2001, because of unfitness for duty because of a mental condition not amounting to disability, including separation on the basis of a personality disorder or adjustment disorder. Requires the Secretary to ensure that covered individuals receive notification of their right to a separation review by the appropriate Mental Health Discharge Board of Review. Requires the establishment of such Boards. Permits a Board to make specified recommendations to the Secretary with respect to a covered individual, including the recharacterization of the separation.

secretary defense dod establish military department board review review determinations previously covered individuals separated armed_forces mental condition disability defines covered individuals members members armed_forces separated armed_forces september unfitness duty mental condition disability including separation basis personality disorder adjustment disorder requires secretary ensure covered individuals receive notification right separation review appropriate requires establishment boards permits board specified recommendations secretary respect covered individual including separation


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to provide transportation on scheduled and unscheduled military flights within the United States and on scheduled overseas flights on a space-available basis for veterans with a service-connected disability rated as total.

directs secretary defense dod provide transportation scheduled unscheduled military flights united_states scheduled overseas flights space available basis veterans service connected disability rated total


Summary: Amends the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to permit retraining assistance under the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program to be used by a veteran to pursue a program of education for training on a less than full-time basis if the program consists of at least 16 seat-time hours (or the equivalent).

amends permit retraining assistance veteran pursue program education training time basis program consists seat time hours equivalent


Summary: Fort Hood Casualties Benefits Clarification Act - Requires that members of the Armed Forces or civilian employees of the Department of Defense (DOD) who were killed or wounded in the attack that occurred at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009, and their family members be accorded the same treatment, benefits, and honors as were accorded the victims and the families of victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

fort hood casualties benefits clarification act requires members armed_forces civilian employees department_of_defense dod killed wounded attack occurred fort hood texas november family members accorded treatment benefits honors accorded victims families victims september terrorist attacks


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to permit any former member of the armed forces who is entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability rated total by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to travel on military aircraft to the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces.

directs secretary defense dod permit member armed forces entitled compensation service connected disability rated total secretary veterans_affairs travel military aircraft extent retired members armed_forces


Summary: Authorizes use of Department of Defense (DOD) commissary and exchange stores by former prisoners of war who have been honorably separated from service and have a service-connected disability rated at 30% or more.

authorizes use department_of_defense dod commissary exchange stores prisoners war honorably separated service service connected disability rated


Summary: Military Family-Friendly Employer Award Act - Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) an annual award to be known as the Military Family-Friendly Employer Award (Award) for non-federal employers who have developed and implemented workplace flexibility policies and practices: (1) to assist the working spouses and caregivers of members of the Armed Forces who are deployed away from home, and to assist such members upon their return from deployment; and (2) that reflect a deep awareness and commitment in response to the needs of the military family unit. Establishes in DOD a Military Family-Friendly Special Task Force to provide specified assistance in the making of such Awards.

military family friendly employer award act establishes department_of_defense dod annual award known award non federal employers developed implemented workplace flexibility policies practices assist working spouses caregivers members armed_forces deployed away home assist members return deployment reflect deep awareness commitment response needs military family unit establishes dod military family friendly special task force provide specified assistance making awards


Summary: Veteran Employment Transition Act of 2011- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the definition of "qualified veteran" for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit to mean recently discharged veterans and any veteran receiving specified benefits. Defines "recently discharged veteran" to mean: (1) any individual who has served on active duty (other than active duty for training) in the Armed Forces for more than 180 consecutive days, (2) any individual who has been discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability, and (3) any member of the National Guard who has served for more than 180 consecutive days in active duty, full-time National Guard duty, or duty in state status. Defines "veteran receiving specified benefits" as any veteran who is certified as being a member of a family receiving assistance under a supplemental nutrition assistance program and is entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability. Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Guard to inform military personnel who are discharged or released from active duty of the work opportunity tax credit and provide them with documentation relating to eligibility for and use of such credit.

veteran employment transition act amends internal revenue code revise definition qualified veteran purposes work opportunity tax credit mean recently discharged veterans veteran receiving specified benefits defines recently discharged veteran mean individual served active duty active duty training armed_forces consecutive days individual discharged released active duty service connected disability member national_guard served consecutive days active duty time national_guard duty duty state status defines veteran receiving specified benefits veteran certified member family receiving assistance supplemental nutrition assistance program entitled compensation service connected disability requires department_of_defense dod national_guard inform military personnel discharged released active duty work opportunity tax credit provide documentation relating eligibility use credit


Summary: Safe and Responsible Redeployment of United States Combat Forces from Afghanistan Act of 2011 - States that is U.S. policy to begin the phased redeployment of U.S. combat forces from Afghanistan by July 1, 2011. Requires the President to submit a plan to Congress, by July 31, 2011, for the phased redeployment of U.S. combat forces from Afghanistan, including a completion date for such redeployment.

safe responsible redeployment united states states policy begin phased redeployment combat forces afghanistan july requires president submit plan congress july phased redeployment combat forces afghanistan including completion date redeployment


Summary: Prohibits the use of federal funds to transfer to the United States any individual who is: (1) detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; or (2) a foreign national who is captured or detained outside the United States as an enemy belligerent, and in the custody or control of the Department of Defense (DOD).

prohibits use federal funds transfer united_states individual detained united_states naval station guantanamo_bay cuba foreign national captured detained outside united_states enemy belligerent custody control department_of_defense dod


Summary: Freedom Fuels Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of liquid transportation fuel, including jet fuel, that: (1) meets requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 relating to the procurement and acquisition of alternative fuels; (2) uses a feedstock produced within a state; and (3) is refined, manufactured, or produced in a state. Prohibits any contract options that extend the overall contract period beyond 10 years. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on performance under each contract.

freedom fuels act authorizes secretary defense dod enter contracts procurement liquid transportation fuel including jet fuel meets requirements energy_independence_and_security_act relating procurement acquisition alternative fuels uses feedstock produced state refined manufactured produced state prohibits contract options extend overall contract period years requires report secretary congress performance contract


Summary: Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to: (1) conduct a study on the ability of the major air test and training range infrastructure to support the full spectrum of Air Force operations; (2) develop a master plan for requirements and proposed investments to meet Air Force training and test needs through 2025; and (3) submit to the congressional defense and appropriations committees interim reports and a final report on the master plan.

directs secretary air_force conduct study ability major air test training range infrastructure support spectrum air_force operations develop master plan requirements proposed investments meet air_force training test needs submit congressional defense appropriations committees interim reports final report master plan


Summary: Citizen Soldier Support Act - Amends provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 relating to the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (Program) (a program providing access to services supporting the health and well-being of members of the reserves and their families through the entire deployment cycle) to include outreach programs within such services. Includes as an additional function of the Center of Excellence in Reintegration within the Department of Defense (DOD) Office for Reintegration Programs (Office) the development and implementation of a process for identifying best practices in the delivery of information and services in outreach programs. Authorizes the Office to assist states and appropriate organizations in developing and carrying out outreach programs for members and their families under the Program.

citizen soldier support act amends provisions national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year relating program providing access services supporting health members reserves families entire deployment cycle include outreach programs services includes additional function center_of_excellence reintegration department_of_defense dod office reintegration programs office development implementation process identifying best practices delivery information services outreach programs authorizes office assist states appropriate organizations developing carrying outreach programs members families program


Summary: Repeals certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military retired pay or would be entitled to such pay, except for being under 60 years of age. Prohibits recoupment by the Secretary of Defense (DOD) of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund. Repeals the optional authority of (and instead requires) the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to a member's dependent children when there is no eligible surviving spouse. Directs the Secretary concerned to restore annuity eligibility to a surviving spouse who earlier agreed to transfer such eligibility to a surviving child or children of a member.

repeals certain provisions require offset amounts paid dependency indemnity compensation survivor_benefit_plan sbp annuities surviving spouses military personnel entitled military retired pay entitled pay years age prohibits recoupment secretary defense dod certain amounts previously paid sbp recipients form retired pay refund repeals optional authority instead requires secretary military department concerned pay annuity member dependent children eligible surviving spouse directs secretary concerned restore annuity eligibility surviving spouse earlier agreed transfer eligibility surviving child children member


Summary: Fort Hood Victims and Families Benefits Protection Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) any member of the Armed Forces who was killed or wounded in the attack at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009, and the family members of those victims, should receive the same treatment and benefits as the victims and families of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States; (2) such members and families have made tremendous sacrifices, and the United States should provide them with the maximum level of benefits available, identical to that available to those killed or wounded in an overseas combat zone such as Iraq or Afghanistan; and (3) the Department of Defense (DOD) should honor the Americans killed or injured in such attack with awards that recognize their sacrifices, including the Purple Heart for members and the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom for civilian DOD employees. Treats members and DOD civilian employees killed or wounded in the shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, as members killed or wounded in a combat zone or civilian employees killed or wounded in a terrorist attack or while serving in a contingency operation, respectively, for purposes of specified laws, regulations, and policies concerning compensation, awards, and other benefits for which such members and employees are eligible.

fort hood victims families benefits protection act expresses sense congress member armed_forces killed wounded attack fort hood texas november family members victims receive treatment benefits victims families september terrorist attacks united_states members families tremendous sacrifices united_states provide maximum level benefits available identical available killed wounded overseas combat zone iraq afghanistan department_of_defense dod honor americans killed injured attack awards recognize sacrifices including purple heart members secretary defense medal defense freedom civilian dod employees treats members dod civilian employees killed wounded shootings fort hood texas members killed wounded combat zone civilian employees killed wounded terrorist attack serving contingency operation respectively purposes specified laws regulations policies concerning compensation awards benefits members employees eligible


Summary: Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2011 - Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (under current law, only a disability rated at 50% or more). Makes eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans' disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related special pay those individuals who were retired or separated from military service due to a service-connected disability.

retired pay restoration act allows receipt military retired pay veterans disability compensation respect service connected disability current law disability rated makes eligible concurrent receipt veterans disability compensation military retired pay combat related special pay individuals retired separated military service service connected disability


Summary: Directs each Secretary of the military department concerned to: (1) establish procedures to implement flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) for military health care and dependent care for active-duty military personnel on a pre-tax basis; and (2) consider life events of members of the Armed Forces that are unique to them, including changes relating to permanent changes of duty station and deployments to overseas contingency operations. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to submit to Congress recommendations on the advisability of authorizing FSAs for members of the reserves.

directs secretary military department concerned establish procedures implement flexible spending arrangements fsas military health care dependent care active duty military personnel pre tax basis consider life events members armed_forces unique including changes relating permanent changes duty station deployments overseas contingency operations directs secretary defense dod submit congress recommendations advisability authorizing fsas members reserves


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide an effective date of an award of disability compensation, in the case of a veteran who submits a fully-developed claim, of up to one year before the date of receipt of such claim.

authorizes secretary veterans_affairs provide effective date award disability compensation case veteran submits fully developed claim year date receipt claim


Summary: Service Members Permanent Change of Station Relief Act - Sets at the business standard mileage rate of the Internal Revenue Service the monetary allowance for a member of the Armed Forces for travel by privately owned vehicles in lieu of government transportation in the case of: (1) a change of permanent station, (2) travel to the first station upon call to active duty, and (3) travel from a last duty station upon separation from service. Sets the monetary allowance for authorized travel by a member's dependent at the rate per mile established by the Administrator of General Services instead of the actual expenses for such transportation. Revises requirements allowing the transport at government expense of one motor vehicle owned or leased by a member (or member's dependent) to the new station of the member who has been ordered to make a change of permanent station. Authorizes the transport at government expense of one additional motor vehicle of a member (or member's dependent) if: (1) the member is ordered to make a change of permanent station to or from a nonforeign area outside the continental United States and the member has at least one dependent of driving age who will use the motor vehicle, or (2) the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that a replacement for the transported motor vehicle is necessary for reasons beyond the member's control and is in the interest of the United States.

service members permanent change station relief act sets business standard mileage rate internal_revenue_service monetary allowance member armed_forces travel privately owned vehicles lieu government transportation case change permanent station travel station active duty travel duty station separation service sets monetary allowance authorized travel member dependent rate mile established administrator general_services instead actual expenses transportation revises requirements allowing transport government expense motor vehicle owned leased member member dependent new station member ordered change permanent station authorizes transport government expense additional motor vehicle member member dependent member ordered change permanent station area outside continental united_states member dependent driving age use motor vehicle secretary military department concerned determines replacement transported motor vehicle necessary reasons member control interest united_states


Summary: Gold Star Fathers Act of 2011 - Includes as a preference eligible for federal employment purposes a parent (currently, the mother only) of either an individual who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving in the Armed Forces during a war, in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, or during the period beginning April 28, 1952, and ending July 1, 1955, or a service-connected permanently and totally disabled veteran, if: (1) the spouse of such parent is totally and permanently disabled; or (2) such parent, when preference is claimed, is unmarried or legally separated from his or her spouse.

gold star fathers act includes preference eligible federal employment purposes parent currently mother individual lost life honorable conditions serving armed_forces war campaign expedition campaign badge authorized period beginning april ending july service connected permanently totally disabled veteran spouse parent totally permanently disabled parent preference claimed unmarried legally separated spouse


Summary: Support for Survivors Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to identify the most appropriate and effective means for the preservation by the Department of Defense (DOD) of documentary evidence of incidents of sexual assault or harassment in which a member of the Armed Forces is the victim (covered incidents), which shall be a single means to be used by all the military departments. Requires the means identified to be in electronic form and to include the full protection of the victim's privacy and lifetime access to such evidence. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a joint task force to determine whether to establish a documentary evidence form, report, or document in lieu of forms, reports, and documents currently generated by DOD. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress on the means of preservation identified; and (2) provide for the implementation of such means by the military departments within 18 months after the enactment of this Act.

support survivors act directs secretary defense identify appropriate effective means preservation department_of_defense dod documentary evidence incidents sexual assault harassment member armed_forces victim covered incidents shall single means military departments requires means identified electronic form include protection victim privacy lifetime access evidence directs secretary secretary veterans_affairs establish joint task force determine establish documentary evidence form report document lieu forms reports documents currently generated dod requires secretary report congress means preservation identified provide implementation means military departments months enactment act


Summary: Treats Vet Centers as Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities for purposes of authorized payments or allowances for beneficiary travel to or from a VA facility in connection with medical care.

department_of_veterans_affairs facilities purposes authorized payments allowances beneficiary travel facility connection medical care


Summary: Military Spouse Job Continuity Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces (military spouse) who moves with such member to another state under a permanent change of station order a tax credit for up to $500 of qualified relicensing costs incurred by such spouse. Defines "qualified relicensing costs" as costs for a state license or certification to engage in the profession that such military spouse engaged in while residing in the former state.

military spouse job continuity act amends internal revenue code allow spouse member armed_forces military spouse moves member state permanent change station order tax credit qualified relicensing costs incurred spouse defines qualified relicensing costs costs state license certification engage profession military spouse engaged residing state


Summary: Prohibits: (1) more than one gravesite from being provided at Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington) to a veteran or member of the Armed Forces who is eligible for burial there and family members also eligible for burial there, and (2) a gravesite from being reserved at Arlington before an individual's death. Provides an exception under (2) above, in the case of a request submitted to the Secretary of the Army before January 1, 1962. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on reservations made for interment at Arlington.

prohibits gravesite provided arlington national cemetery arlington veteran member armed_forces eligible burial family members eligible burial gravesite reserved arlington individual death provides exception case request submitted secretary army january requires report secretary congress reservations interment arlington


Summary: Ensuring Pay for Our Military Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, during a federal funding gap impacting the Armed Forces, to transfer to the Secretary of Defense (DOD), and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) in the case of the Coast Guard, amounts necessary to continue to provide pay and allowances to members of the Armed Forces, including the reserves, who perform active service during the funding gap. Prohibits any such transfer after December 31, 2011.

ensuring pay military act requires secretary treasury federal funding gap impacting armed_forces transfer secretary defense dod secretary homeland_security dhs case coast_guard amounts necessary continue provide pay allowances members armed_forces including reserves perform active service funding gap prohibits transfer december


Summary: Ensuring Pay for Our Military Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, during a federal funding gap impacting the Armed Forces, to transfer to the Secretary of Defense (DHS), and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) in the case of the Coast Guard, amounts necessary to continue to provide pay and allowances to members of the Armed Forces, including the reserves, who perform active service during the funding gap. Allows for the provision of such pay and allowances, at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, for: (1) civilian DOD personnel providing support to such members; and (2) DOD contractor personnel providing direct support to such members. Prohibits any such transfer after December 31, 2011.

ensuring pay military act requires secretary treasury federal funding gap impacting armed_forces transfer secretary defense dhs secretary homeland_security dhs case coast_guard amounts necessary continue provide pay allowances members armed_forces including reserves perform active service funding gap allows provision pay allowances discretion secretary defense civilian dod personnel providing support members dod contractor personnel providing direct support members prohibits transfer december


Summary: Veterans Equal Treatment for Service Dogs Act of 2011 or VETS Dogs Act of 2011 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) from prohibiting the use of service dogs in or on any VA facility or property or any facility or property that receives VA funding.

vets dogs act prohibits secretary veterans_affairs prohibiting use service dogs facility property facility property receives funding


Summary: Enduring Support for Defenders of Freedom and Their Families Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, during a funding gap impacting the Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to make available to the Secretaries of Defense (DOD) and Homeland Security (Secretaries) amounts necessary to continue to provide pay and allowances to: (1) members of the Armed Forces and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection who perform active service during the funding gap, and (2) DOD and DHS civilian and contractor personnel who provide support to the above personnel. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make available to such Secretaries amounts necessary to continue carrying out programs that provide direct support to members of the Armed Forces and DHS, including family support and medical treatment programs.

defenders freedom families act directs secretary treasury funding gap impacting dhs available secretaries_of_defense dod homeland_security secretaries amounts necessary continue provide pay allowances members armed_forces perform active service funding gap dod dhs civilian contractor personnel provide support personnel directs secretary treasury available secretaries amounts necessary continue carrying programs provide direct support members armed_forces dhs including family support medical treatment programs


Summary: Temporary Military Pay Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD), during a funding gap impacting the Armed Forces, to provide pay and allowances to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who perform active service. Authorizes, at the Secretary's discretion, such pay and allowances to DOD civilian and contractor personnel who provide support to such members. Terminates such authority at the end of FY2011.

temporary military pay act directs secretary defense dod funding gap impacting armed_forces provide pay allowances members army navy air_force marine_corps coast_guard perform active service authorizes secretary discretion pay allowances dod civilian contractor personnel provide support members terminates authority end fy2011


Summary: Veterans Pensions Protection Act of 2011 - Excludes from annual income, for purposes of eligibility for pensions for veterans and their surviving spouses and children, reimbursements resulting from: (1) any accident; (2) any theft or loss; (3) any casualty loss; (4) medical expenses resulting from any such accident, theft, or loss; and (5) pain and suffering (including insurance settlement payments and general damages awarded by a court) related to such accident, theft, or loss.

excludes annual income purposes eligibility pensions veterans surviving spouses children reimbursements resulting accident theft loss casualty loss medical expenses resulting accident theft loss pain suffering including insurance settlement payments general damages awarded court related accident theft loss


Summary: Requires that an appointee to the position of Chief of the Army Medical Specialist Corps be of a rank not less than lieutenant colonel. (Current minimum rank is captain.) Requires an appointee to such position holding a lower grade to be appointed in the regular grade of brigadier general.

requires appointee position chief army medical specialist corps rank lieutenant colonel current minimum rank captain requires appointee position holding lower grade appointed regular grade brigadier general


Summary: Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans Act of 2011 or SERVE Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code concerning the prohibition on disruptions of funerals of members or former members of the Armed Forces to increase the period covered under such prohibition from one to two hours before and after a military funeral. Includes within such unlawful conduct any disturbance or disruption occurring within 500 feet of the residence of a surviving member of a deceased's immediate family. Provides civil remedies, including actual and statutory damages. Makes identical changes under federal veterans' provisions concerning the prohibition on certain demonstrations and disruptions at national cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery.

sanctity rest veterans act serve act amends federal criminal code concerning prohibition disruptions funerals members members armed_forces increase period covered prohibition hours military funeral includes unlawful conduct disturbance disruption occurring feet residence surviving member deceased immediate family provides civil remedies including actual statutory damages makes identical changes federal veterans provisions concerning prohibition certain demonstrations disruptions national cemeteries including arlington national cemetery


Summary: Military Spouse Employment Programs Evaluation Act - Directs the Comptroller General to annually: (1) review all current Department of Defense (DOD) military spouse employment programs; and (2) report review results to the congressional defense committees. Requires the Secretary of Defense to annually submit to such committees the number of military spouses who have obtained employment following participation in such DOD programs.

military comptroller general annually review current department_of_defense dod military spouse employment programs report review results congressional defense committees requires secretary defense annually submit committees number military spouses obtained employment following participation dod programs


Summary: Pay Our Troops Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, during a federal funding gap impacting the Armed Forces, to transfer to the Secretary of Defense (DOD), and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) in the case of the Coast Guard, amounts necessary to continue to provide pay and allowances to members of the Armed Forces, including the reserves, who perform active service during the funding gap.

pay troops act requires secretary treasury federal funding gap impacting armed_forces transfer secretary defense dod secretary homeland_security dhs case coast_guard amounts necessary continue provide pay allowances members armed_forces including reserves perform active service funding gap


Summary: Reserve Retirement Deployment Credit Correction Act - Requires the days of active duty or active service used to reduce the minimum age at which a member of the reserves may retire for non-regular (reserve) service to occur in in any two consecutive fiscal years (under current law, in the same fiscal year).

reserve retirement deployment credit correction act requires days active duty active service reduce minimum age member reserves retire non regular reserve service occur consecutive fiscal years current law fiscal year


Summary: Makes eligible for certain medical services and benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a child with spina bifida whose veteran-parent served on active duty during the Vietnam era at a location outside Vietnam where exposure to a herbicide agent during such service was likely, and is determined to have been exposed to such agent during such service.

makes eligible certain medical services benefits department_of_veterans_affairs child spina bifida veteran parent served active duty vietnam era location outside vietnam exposure herbicide agent service likely determined exposed agent service


Summary: Entitles a surviving spouse to a benefit for the month of a veteran's death if, at the time of the veteran's death: (1) the veteran was receiving veterans' disability compensation or veteran's pension, or (2) the veteran was not receiving such compensation or pension but had a claim pending for the month of the veteran's death for which benefits would have been payable had the veteran not died. Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) from requesting the return of a check or payment made to a surviving spouse, in the month in which the veteran's death occurs, as additional compensation for a dependent or additional pension as a married veteran. Includes under the VA's presidential memorial certificate program (a program presenting a presidential certificate of appreciation for service in the Armed Forces) an individual who dies during active service. Considers a veteran who is unable to occupy a home because of active-duty status to have satisfied the occupancy requirement relating to housing financed through the VA if the veteran's dependent child is occupying or will occupy the home and the veteran's attorney or a legal guardian of the dependent child makes the VA-required occupancy certification. Authorizes the VA to guarantee a veterans' housing loan regardless of whether such loan is subordinate to a lien created in favor of a public entity that provides assistance in response to a major disaster.

entitles surviving spouse benefit month veteran death time veteran death veteran receiving veterans disability compensation veteran pension veteran receiving compensation pension claim pending month veteran death benefits payable veteran died prohibits secretary veterans_affairs requesting return check payment surviving spouse month veteran death occurs additional compensation dependent additional pension married veteran includes presidential memorial certificate program program presenting presidential certificate appreciation service armed_forces individual dies active service considers veteran unable occupy home active duty status satisfied occupancy requirement relating housing financed veteran dependent child occupying occupy home veteran attorney legal guardian dependent child makes required occupancy certification authorizes guarantee veterans housing loan regardless loan subordinate lien created favor public entity provides assistance response major disaster


Summary: Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of December 1, 2011, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

directs secretary veterans_affairs increase december rates veterans disability compensation additional compensation dependents clothing allowance certain disabled veterans dependency indemnity compensation surviving spouses children requires increase percentage increase benefits provided title survivors disability insurance social security act effective date