Summary:
Education Assistance to Realign New Eligibilities for Dependents (EARNED) Act of 2013 - Allows former members of the Armed Forces who have any period of service between September 11, 2001, and September 30, 2011, including at least 90 days of such service after September 10, 2001, to transfer to their dependents any remaining entitlement to educational assistance under the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program.

Allows such a transfer, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2015, in the case of an individual entitled to post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance who completed any period of service and was discharged or released under honorable conditions before September 30, 2011.

education assistance act allows members armed_forces period service september september including days service september transfer dependents remaining entitlement educational assistance veterans educational assistance program allows transfer period beginning date enactment act ending december case individual entitled veterans educational assistance completed period service discharged released honorable conditions september


Summary:
Israel QME Enhancement Act - Directs the President, on a biennial basis, to: (1) carry out an assessment of the extent to which Israel possesses a qualitative military edge over military threats to it, and (2) submit a related report to Congress. (Current law requires an assessment on an ongoing basis and a report every four years.)

Directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress on: (1) the range of cyber and asymmetric threats posed to Israel by state and non-state actors, and (2) joint U.S.-Israel efforts to address such threats.

israel enhancement act directs president biennial basis carry assessment extent israel possesses qualitative military edge military threats submit related report congress current law requires assessment ongoing basis report years directs secretary state report congress range cyber threats posed israel state non state actors joint efforts address threats


Summary:
Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to provide for a program under which postal benefits are provided to a member of the Armed Forces who is on active duty and who is either: (1) serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, or (2) hospitalized at a military medical facility as a result of such service. Provides the postal benefits in the form of coupons or other evidence of credit (vouchers) to use for postal-free mailings.

Makes the benefits program applicable during FY2014-FY2019.

supply soldiers act directs secretary defense dod provide program postal benefits provided member armed_forces active duty serving iraq afghanistan hospitalized military medical facility result service provides postal benefits form coupons evidence credit vouchers use postal free mailings makes benefits program applicable fy2014-fy2019


Summary:
Combating Military Sexual Assault Act of 2013 - Directs each military department Secretary to implement a program providing a Special Victims' Counsel (Counsel) to a victim of a sexual assault committed by a member of the Armed Forces (member). Outlines Counsel qualifications and duties, including providing legal representation and assistance in connection with criminal and civil legal matters related to the assault. Provides conditions for legal representation in court, and requires the Manual for Courts-Martial to be revised to allow for such representation.

Allows a member or member dependent who is a victim of a sexual assault by another member to receive Counsel assistance. Requires such victim to be informed of the availability of such assistance at the time the victim originally seeks assistance from a sexual response coordinator or sexual assault victim advocate, a military criminal investigator, a victim/witness liaison, a trial counsel, health care providers, or any other personnel designated by the Secretary concerned. Makes such assistance available regardless of whether the victim elects unrestricted or restricted (confidential) reporting of the incident.

Provides additional duties of the Director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office within the Department of Defense (DOD), including: (1) providing guidance and assistance for the military departments in addressing matters relating to sexual assault prevention and response, (2) acting as liaison between DOD and other federal and state agencies on sexual assault prevention and response programs, and (3) overseeing development of program guidance and joint planning objectives in support of such program. Requires the Director to also collect, maintain, and disseminate data of the military departments concerning sexual assault prevention and response.

Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to provide for disposition and other requirements in connection with sex-related offenses, and to provide for victims' rights under such actions (including the right to a Counsel).

Requires a convening authority (the official acting on the sentence of a court-martial), when taking any action other than approving a sentence, to prepare a written justification of such action which shall be made part of the record of the court-martial. Prohibits a convening authority from: (1) dismissing or setting aside a finding of guilty, or (2) reducing a finding of guilty to a finding of guilty to a lesser included offense.

Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 to require the National Guard of each state and territory to ensure that a sexual assault response coordinator is available at all times to its members.

combating military sexual assault act directs military department secretary implement program providing special victims counsel counsel victim sexual assault committed member armed_forces member outlines counsel qualifications duties including providing legal representation assistance connection criminal civil legal matters related assault provides conditions legal representation court requires revised allow representation allows member member dependent victim sexual assault member receive counsel assistance requires victim informed availability assistance time victim originally seeks assistance sexual response coordinator sexual assault victim advocate military criminal investigator victim witness liaison trial counsel health care providers personnel designated secretary concerned makes assistance available regardless victim elects unrestricted restricted confidential reporting incident provides additional duties director sexual_assault_prevention response_office department_of_defense dod including providing guidance assistance military departments addressing matters relating sexual assault prevention response acting liaison dod federal state agencies sexual assault prevention response programs overseeing development program guidance joint planning objectives support program requires director collect maintain disseminate data military departments concerning sexual assault prevention response amends uniform code military justice ucmj provide disposition requirements connection sex related offenses provide victims rights actions including right counsel requires convening authority official acting sentence court martial taking action approving sentence prepare written justification action shall record court martial prohibits convening authority dismissing setting aside finding guilty reducing finding guilty finding guilty lesser included offense amends national defense authorization act fiscal year require national_guard state territory ensure sexual assault response coordinator available times members


Summary:
Stop Taxing American Assistance to Afghanistan Act - Prohibits U.S. assistance for Afghanistan unless the United States and Afghanistan enter into a bilateral agreement which provides that work performed in Afghanistan by U.S. contractors is exempt from taxation by the government of Afghanistan.

Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if in the U.S. national interest.

Makes such prohibition inapplicable to a contract: (1) under which the contractor or subcontractor is not a U.S. national, or (2) involving commercial operations of U.S. diplomatic missions in Afghanistan.

stop taxing american assistance afghanistan act prohibits assistance afghanistan united_states afghanistan enter bilateral agreement provides work performed afghanistan contractors exempt taxation government afghanistan authorizes president waive prohibition national interest makes prohibition inapplicable contract contractor subcontractor national involving commercial operations diplomatic missions afghanistan


Summary:
Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), with respect to charges that allege an offense triable by court-martial (with certain exclusions) for which the maximum punishment includes confinement for more than one year, to direct the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to require the Secretaries of the military departments to provide for the determination of whether to try such charges by general or special court-martial to be made by a commissioned officer of grade O-6 or higher with significant experience in such trials and who is outside the chain of command of the accused. Provides that a determination not to proceed to trial shall not preclude a commanding officer from either referring such charges for trial by summary court-martial or imposing non-judicial punishment.

Requires Rule 306 (relating to policy on initial disposition of offenses) of the Manual for Courts-Martial to be amended to strike the character and military service of the accused from factors to be considered by the disposition authority.

Revises the list of officers authorized to convene general and special courts-martial to include those in grade O-6 or higher assigned such responsibility by their department chief of staff (with the same prohibition against an officer in the same chain of command as the accused). Requires each chief of staff to establish an office which shall convene general and special courts-martial and detail judges and members.

Requires a military judge to call a general or special court-martial trial into session within 90 days of the determination of its necessity.

Requires a convening authority (the official acting on the sentence of a court-martial), when taking any action other than approving a sentence, to prepare a written justification of such action which shall be made part of the record of the court-martial. Prohibits a convening authority from: (1) dismissing or setting aside a finding of guilty, or (2) reducing a finding of guilty to a finding of guilty to a lesser included offense.

Requires a commanding officer who receives a report of a sexual-related offense involving a member in such officer's chain of command to act immediately upon such report by way of referral to the appropriate criminal investigative office or service.

Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 to require an independent panel established by the DOD Secretary to monitor and assess the implementation and efficacy of this Act and its amendments.

military justice improvement act amends uniform code military justice ucmj respect charges allege offense court martial certain exclusions maximum punishment includes confinement year direct secretary defense dod require secretaries military departments provide determination try charges general special court martial commissioned officer grade higher significant experience trials outside chain command accused provides determination proceed trial shall preclude commanding officer referring charges trial summary court martial imposing non judicial punishment requires rule relating policy initial disposition offenses amended strike character military service accused factors considered disposition authority revises list officers authorized convene general special courts martial include grade higher assigned responsibility department chief staff prohibition officer chain command accused requires chief staff establish office shall convene general special courts martial detail judges members requires military judge general special court martial trial session days determination necessity requires convening authority official acting sentence court martial taking action approving sentence prepare written justification action shall record court martial prohibits convening authority dismissing setting aside finding guilty reducing finding guilty finding guilty lesser included offense requires commanding officer receives report sexual related offense involving member officer chain command act immediately report way referral appropriate criminal investigative office service amends national defense authorization act fiscal year require independent panel established dod secretary monitor assess implementation efficacy act amendments


Summary:
Veteran Employment Transition Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) revise the definition of "qualified veteran" for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit to include recently discharged veterans, and (2) make permanent the work opportunity tax credit for qualified veterans.

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.

Requires the Secretaries of Labor, Veterans Affairs, and Defense to enter into an agreement to govern the coordination of veteran job training services. Requires the Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs to prepare reports on the veteran job training programs of their respective departments.

Amends the DOD pilot program for assessing the feasibility and advisability of permitting enlisted personnel to obtain civilian credentialing or licensing for skills required for military occupational specialties to require the designation as military occupational specialties of the MOS 31B Military Police, MOS 15Q AC-Air Traffic Controller, and the MOS 12M Fire Protection, in addition to not fewer than three and not more than five additional military occupational specialties.

Amends the Small Business Act to direct the head of each executive department to submit an annual report to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) containing the percentage of the total value of all prime contracts awarded by the executive department during the preceding one-year period to small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.

veteran employment transition act amends internal revenue code revise definition qualified veteran purposes work opportunity tax credit include recently discharged veterans permanent work opportunity tax credit qualified veterans requires department_of_defense dod national_guard inform military personnel discharged released active duty work opportunity tax credit provide documentation relating eligibility use credit requires secretaries labor veterans_affairs defense enter agreement govern coordination veteran job training services requires secretaries labor veterans_affairs prepare reports veteran job training programs respective departments amends dod pilot program assessing feasibility advisability permitting enlisted personnel obtain civilian credentialing licensing skills required military occupational specialties require designation military occupational specialties military police fire protection addition fewer additional military occupational specialties amends small business act direct head executive department submit annual report administrator small_business_administration sba containing percentage total value prime contracts awarded executive department preceding year period small business concerns owned controlled service disabled veterans


Summary: Servicemember Medical Evaluations Review Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to conduct a review of, and report to the congressional defense committees on, the backlog of pending cases in DOD's Integrated Disability Evaluation System.

servicemember medical evaluations review act directs secretary defense dod conduct review report congressional defense committees backlog pending cases dod


Summary: Eliminates specific dates on which the POW/MIA flag must be displayed and provides that such flag shall be displayed on all days on which the U.S. flag is displayed.

eliminates specific dates pow mia flag displayed provides flag shall displayed days flag displayed


Summary:
Amends military pay and allowance provisions to require footwear furnished to or obtained by allowance for enlisted members of the Armed Forces upon their initial entry into service to comply with Department of Defense (DOD) requirements concerning the procurement of products through domestic sources (Buy American requirements), without regard to the applicability of any simplified acquisition threshold.

Provides an exception with respect to athletic footwear that is medically required to meet unique physiological needs that cannot be met by footwear complying with such procurement requirements.

amends military pay allowance provisions require footwear furnished obtained allowance enlisted members armed_forces initial entry service comply department_of_defense dod requirements concerning procurement products domestic sources buy american requirements regard applicability simplified acquisition threshold provides exception respect athletic footwear medically required meet unique physiological needs met footwear complying procurement requirements


Summary:
No Tolerance Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish and maintain a policy to uniformly define and prescribe what constitutes an inappropriate and prohibited relationship, communication, conduct, or contact, including when such an action is consensual, between: (1) a member of the Armed Forces (member) who is superior in rank to, exercises control over, or supervises a person during entry-level process or training; and (2) a prospective member or member undergoing such processing and training. Makes violators subject to prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Directs such Secretaries to require the processing for administrative separation of any member in response to the first substantiated violation of such policy, if the member is not otherwise punitively discharged or dismissed for such violation.

Requires the DOD Secretary to submit to the congressional defense committees a proposed UCMJ punitive article regarding such violations.

tolerance act directs secretary defense dod secretary department coast_guard operating establish maintain policy uniformly define prescribe constitutes inappropriate prohibited relationship communication conduct contact including action consensual member armed_forces member superior rank exercises control supervises person entry level process training prospective member member undergoing processing training makes violators subject prosecution uniform code military justice ucmj directs secretaries require processing administrative separation member response substantiated violation policy member discharged dismissed violation requires dod secretary submit congressional defense committees proposed ucmj punitive article violations


Summary:
Better Enforcement for Sexual Assault Free Environments Act of 2013 or BE SAFE Act - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to repeal the authority of a convening authority (the person taking action on the findings of a court-martial) to use discretion to either set aside a finding of guilty or change such finding to a finding of guilty to a lesser included offense. Requires a convening authority, when changing a charge with respect to a qualifying offense, to prepare a written explanation of such action, which shall be made part of the record. Defines a "qualifying offense" as one for which the maximum sentence of confinement does not exceed two years and for which the sentence adjudged does not include dismissal, a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge, or confinement for more than six months.

Prohibits a convening authority from reducing a sentence to less than the mandatory minimum sentence, except to reflect the substantial assistance by the accused in the investigation or prosecution of another person who has committed an offense. Requires a convening authority who disapproves, commutes, or suspends a sentence, in whole or in part, to prepare a detailed written explanation therefor, which shall be made part of the record.

Allows a complaining witness to be given an opportunity to submit matters for consideration by the convening authority in the clemency phase of a court-martial. Requires such submission to be made within 10 days after receiving matters for such consideration from the accused. Allows such period to be extended by up to an additional 20 days for good cause shown.

Requires mandatory dismissal or dishonorable discharge of a person found guilty under the UCMJ of rape, sexual assault, forcible sodomy, or an attempt thereof.

Requires: (1) a request by a defense counsel in an action under the UCMJ to interview a complaining witness to be placed through trial counsel; and (2) any such interview to take place in the presence of trial counsel, counsel for the witness, or outside counsel.

Eliminates any statute of limitations with respect to UCMJ actions for sexual assault of a child.

Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide guidance for commanders regarding their authority to make determinations, and to take action, regarding whether a member of the Armed Forces (member) serving on active duty who is alleged to have committed a sexual assault or other sex-related offense should be temporarily reassigned or removed from a position of authority or assignment in order to maintain order and discipline within the member's unit.

Requires the commanding officer of a member filing an unrestricted report on a sexual assault, within eight days after the filing of such report, to brief specified officers in that member's chain of command on the incident.

Directs the Secretary concerned to designate legal counsel (knows as a Victims' Counsel) to provide legal assistance to a member or dependent who is the victim of a sex-related offense, whether the allegation is restricted (confidential) or unrestricted. Requires enhanced training for all military and civilian attorneys providing such assistance.

Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to report to the congressional defense committees on: (1) sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimum sentencing provisions under the UCMJ, and (2) the roles of commanders in the administration of military justice and the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of UCMJ offenses.

safe act amends uniform code military justice ucmj repeal authority convening authority person taking action findings court martial use discretion set aside finding guilty change finding finding guilty lesser included offense requires convening authority changing charge respect qualifying offense prepare written explanation action shall record defines qualifying offense maximum sentence confinement exceed years sentence adjudged include dismissal dishonorable bad conduct discharge confinement months prohibits convening authority reducing sentence mandatory minimum sentence reflect substantial assistance accused investigation prosecution person committed offense requires convening authority disapproves commutes suspends sentence prepare detailed written explanation therefor shall record allows complaining witness given opportunity submit matters consideration convening authority phase court martial requires submission days receiving matters consideration accused allows period extended additional days good cause shown requires mandatory dismissal dishonorable discharge person found guilty ucmj rape sexual assault forcible sodomy attempt thereof requires request defense counsel action ucmj interview complaining witness placed trial counsel interview place presence trial counsel counsel witness outside counsel eliminates statute limitations respect ucmj actions sexual assault child authorizes secretary military department concerned provide guidance commanders authority determinations action member armed_forces member serving active duty alleged committed sexual assault sex related offense temporarily reassigned removed position authority assignment order maintain order discipline member unit requires commanding officer member filing unrestricted report sexual assault days filing report brief specified officers member chain command incident directs secretary concerned designate legal counsel knows victims counsel provide legal assistance member dependent victim sex related offense allegation restricted confidential unrestricted requires enhanced training military civilian attorneys providing assistance requires secretary defense dod report congressional defense committees sentencing guidelines mandatory minimum sentencing provisions ucmj roles commanders administration military justice investigation prosecution adjudication ucmj offenses


Summary:
Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) review practices of the military criminal investigative organizations regarding the investigation of alleged sex-related offenses involving members of the Armed Forces (members), and (2) develop a uniform policy regarding the use of case determinations to record the results of such investigations.

Amends the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 to direct the Secretary to establish minimum standards for: (1) the qualifications necessary for members or civilian employees of the Department of Defense (DOD) to be selected as a sexual assault response and prevention program manager, sexual assault response coordinator, or sexual assault victim advocate; and (2) the training, certification, and status of such members and employees assigned to such positions.

Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 to require the Secretary, by June 30, 2014, to develop a uniform curriculum to provide sexual assault prevention and response training for members and civilian DOD employees. Requires such curriculum to include lesson plans to achieve core competencies and learning objectives.

directs secretary defense review practices military criminal investigative organizations investigation alleged sex related offenses involving members armed_forces members develop uniform policy use case determinations record results investigations amends ike skelton national defense authorization act fiscal year direct secretary establish minimum standards qualifications necessary members civilian employees department_of_defense dod selected sexual assault response prevention program manager sexual assault response coordinator sexual assault victim advocate training certification status members employees assigned positions amends national defense authorization act fiscal year require secretary june develop uniform curriculum provide sexual assault prevention response training members civilian dod employees requires curriculum include plans achieve core competencies learning objectives


Summary:
Track It to Prevent It Act - Directs: (1) the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the results of command climate assessments are provided to the relevant individual commander and to the next higher level of command, (2) the Secretary of each military department to include in performance evaluations and assessments used by each Armed Force a designated form where senior commanders can indicate whether the commander has conducted the required climate assessments and to require that any failure to do so be noted in the commander's performance evaluation and considered a serious factor for any subsequent promotion, and (3) the Inspector General of the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a system to track whether commanders are conducting such climate assessments.

Requires unit commanders, working with the Inspector General, to gather all climate assessments from the unit and develop a compliance report that includes: (1) a comprehensive overview of the concerns members of the unit expressed, (2) data showing how leadership is perceived in the unit, and (3) a detailed strategic plan on how leadership plans to address the expressed concerns.

Directs the Defense Secretary to require commanders to include letters of reprimand, non-punitive letters of actions, and counseling statements involving substantiated cases of sexual harassment or sexual assault in the performance evaluation report of a member of the Armed Forces for the purpose of: (1) providing commanders increased visibility of the background information of unit members, (2) identifying and preventing trends of bad behavior early and effectively disciplining repeated actions which hinder units from fostering a healthy climate, and (3) preventing the transfer of sexual offenders.

Requires the Secretary of each military department to: (1) develop an assessment program modeled after the current Department of the Army Multi-Source Assessment and Feedback Program, (2) include individual counseling as part of the performance evaluation process, and (3) conduct health welfare inspections on a monthly basis and provide the results to both the commander and senior commander.

Directs the Defense Secretary to: (1) conduct a review of security measures and identify security gaps on military installations; (2) evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using 24-hour electronic monitoring or placing security personnel at all points of entry into barracks and multi-family residences; and (3) conduct a review of the Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity to identify and evaluate the resource and personnel gaps in the Office, identify and evaluate the Office's role in sexual harassment cases, and evaluate how the Office works with the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office to address sexual harassment in the Armed Forces.

track prevent act directs secretary defense ensure results command climate assessments provided relevant individual commander higher level command secretary military department include performance evaluations assessments designated form senior commanders indicate commander conducted required climate assessments require failure commander performance evaluation considered factor subsequent promotion inspector general department_of_defense dod develop system track commanders conducting climate assessments requires unit commanders working inspector_general gather climate assessments unit develop compliance report includes comprehensive overview concerns members unit expressed data showing leadership perceived unit detailed strategic plan leadership plans address expressed concerns directs defense secretary require commanders include letters non punitive letters actions counseling statements involving substantiated cases sexual harassment sexual assault performance evaluation report member armed_forces purpose providing commanders increased visibility background information unit members identifying preventing trends bad behavior early effectively disciplining repeated actions hinder units fostering healthy climate preventing transfer sexual offenders requires secretary military department develop assessment program modeled current include individual counseling performance evaluation process conduct health welfare inspections monthly basis provide results commander senior commander directs defense secretary conduct review security measures identify security gaps military installations evaluate feasibility effectiveness hour electronic monitoring placing security personnel points entry barracks multi family residences conduct review identify evaluate resource personnel gaps office identify evaluate office role sexual harassment cases evaluate office works sexual_assault_prevention response_office address sexual harassment armed_forces


Summary: Disabled Military Child Protection Act of 2013 - Authorizes monthly annuity payments under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to a supplemental or special needs trust established for the sole benefit of a disabled dependent child who is incapable of self-support because of mental or physical incapacity.

authorizes monthly annuity payments survivor benefit plan sbp supplemental special needs trust established sole benefit disabled dependent child incapable self support mental physical incapacity


Summary:
Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to establish an electronic means by which members of the Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces can track their operational active-duty service performed after January 28, 2008.

Requires the tour calculator to specify early retirement credit authorized for each qualifying tour of active duty, as well as cumulative early reserve retirement credit authorized to date.

directs secretary defense dod establish electronic means members ready_reserve_of_the_armed_forces track operational active duty service performed january requires tour calculator specify early retirement credit authorized qualifying tour active duty cumulative early reserve retirement credit authorized date


Summary: Allows members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and veterans to render the military salute during the recitation of the pledge of allegiance.

allows members armed_forces uniform veterans render military salute pledge allegiance


Summary:
TBI Treatment Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to carry out a five-year pilot program to establish a process for providing payments to health care facilities for investigational treatments of traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder received by members of the Armed Forces in facilities other than military treatment facilities. Subjects such payments to specified conditions, including approval of the treatment by the Secretary and demonstrated improvement by the patient.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop and maintain a database containing data from each patient case involving the use of such treatments, (2) establish a process to notify members of the Armed Forces of the opportunity to receive such treatments, and (3) report annually to Congress on the implementation of this Act and any available results of investigational treatment studies.

tbi treatment act directs secretary defense dod carry year pilot program establish process providing payments health care facilities investigational treatments traumatic brain injury post traumatic stress disorder received members armed_forces facilities military treatment facilities subjects payments specified conditions including approval treatment secretary demonstrated improvement patient requires secretary develop maintain database containing data patient case involving use treatments establish process notify members armed_forces opportunity receive treatments report annually congress implementation act available results investigational treatment studies


Summary: Prohibits funds made available to any federal department or agency for any fiscal year from being obligated or expended to provide military assistance to any of the armed combatants in Syria absent express prior statutory authorization from Congress.

prohibits funds available federal department agency fiscal year obligated expended provide military assistance armed combatants syria absent express prior statutory authorization congress


Summary: Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds made available to the Department of Defense (DOD) or any other U.S. government department or agency for military assistance to opposition forces in Syria.

prohibits obligation expenditure funds available department_of_defense dod government department agency military assistance opposition forces syria


Summary:
Helping Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish within the Department of Defense (DOD) three centers of excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of health conditions relating to exposure to open burn pits and other environmental exposures.

Requires the Secretary to select for such centers entities that: (1) are equipped with the specialized equipment needed to study, diagnose, and treat health conditions relating to such exposure; (2) have a publication track record of post-deployment health exposures among veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan; (3) have collaborated with a geosciences department that has a medical geology division; (4) have developed animal models and in vitro models of dust immunology and lung injury from Iraq and Afghanistan; and (5) have expertise in allergy and immunology, pulmonary diseases, and industrial and management engineering.

Directs the Secretary to ensure that the centers collaborate with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), institutions of higher education, and other appropriate public and private entities to carry out specified responsibilities, including to: (1) implement the comprehensive plan and strategy for DOD for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of health conditions relating to such exposure; and (2) provide for dissemination within DOD of best practices for the treatment of such conditions and the training of health professionals.

Requires the center to have access to and make use of the data accumulated by the burn pits registry established under the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012.

helping veterans exposed toxic chemicals act directs secretary defense establish department_of_defense dod centers excellence prevention diagnosis mitigation treatment rehabilitation health conditions relating exposure open burn pits environmental exposures requires secretary select centers entities equipped specialized equipment needed study diagnose treat health conditions relating exposure publication track record post deployment health exposures veterans iraq afghanistan geosciences department medical geology division developed animal models vitro models dust lung injury iraq afghanistan expertise allergy pulmonary diseases industrial management engineering directs secretary ensure centers collaborate secretary veterans_affairs institutions higher education appropriate public private entities carry specified responsibilities including implement comprehensive plan strategy dod prevention diagnosis mitigation treatment rehabilitation health conditions relating exposure provide dissemination dod best practices treatment conditions training health professionals requires center access use data accumulated burn pits registry established dignified burial veterans benefits improvement act


Summary:
21st Century Health Care for Heroes Act - Amends the Wounded Warrior Act to direct the Secretaries of Defenseand Veterans Affairs, in implementing electronic health record systems that provide for the full interoperability of personal health care information between the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to ensure that: (1) a health data authoritative source is created within 180 days, (2) the ability of patients of both Departments to download their medical records is achieved within 365 days, (3) seamless integration of personal health care information between the Departments is achieved within 365 days, (4) standardization of health care data of the Departments is achieved within 365 days, (5) acceleration of the exchange of real-time data between the Departments is achieved within 365 days, (6) the upgrade of the graphical user interface to display the new standardized health care data of the Departments is achieved within 365 days, (7) incoming members of the Armed Forces and their dependents may elect to receive an electronic copy of their health care records beginning not later than October 1, 2014, and (8) current members of the Armed Forces and their dependents may elect to receive an electronic copy of their health care records beginning not later than October 1, 2015.

Requires such Secretaries to study the feasibility of establishing a secure, remote, and network-accessible computer storage system (commonly referred to as cloud storage) to: (1) provide members of the Armed Forces and veterans the ability to upload their health care records, and (2) allow DOD and VA medical providers to access such records.

21st century health care heroes act amends wounded warrior act direct secretaries implementing electronic health record systems provide interoperability personal health care information department_of_defense dod department_of_veterans_affairs ensure health data authoritative source created days ability patients departments download medical records achieved days seamless integration personal health care information departments achieved days standardization health care data departments achieved days acceleration exchange real time data departments achieved days upgrade user interface display new standardized health care data departments achieved days incoming members armed_forces dependents elect receive electronic copy health care records beginning later october current members armed_forces dependents elect receive electronic copy health care records beginning later october requires secretaries study feasibility establishing secure remote network accessible computer storage system commonly referred cloud storage provide members armed_forces veterans ability health care records allow dod medical providers access records


Summary:
Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Planning Reform Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit annually to Congress a future-years veterans program (program) reflecting estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations included in the budget for that fiscal year. Requires each program to set forth a five-year VA plan to address the U.S. commitment to veterans and the resources necessary to meet that commitment.

Requires the Secretary, in 2017 and quadrennially thereafter, to conduct a review of the strategy for meeting such commitment and resources requirement (quadrennial veterans review). Requires each review to be coordinated with the above program. Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional veterans committees on each review.

Directs the Secretary to provide annually to the appropriate VA officials written policy guidance for the preparation and review of the planning and program recommendations and budget proposals of the VA elements of such officials.

Requires the Secretary to designate a Chief Strategy Officer to advise the Secretary on long-range VA strategy and implications.

Directs the Secretary to study (through an independent contractor) and report to the veterans committees on the functions and organizational structure of the Office of the Secretary and the VA, including the most efficient and economical allocation and structure for assisting the Secretary in carrying out duties and responsibilities.

directs secretary veterans_affairs submit annually congress future years veterans program program reflecting estimated expenditures proposed appropriations included budget fiscal year requires program set forth year plan address commitment veterans resources necessary meet commitment requires secretary conduct review strategy meeting commitment resources requirement quadrennial veterans review requires review coordinated program directs secretary report congressional veterans committees review directs secretary provide annually appropriate officials written policy guidance preparation review planning program recommendations budget proposals elements officials requires secretary designate chief strategy officer advise secretary long range strategy implications directs secretary study independent contractor report veterans committees functions organizational structure office_of_the_secretary including efficient economical allocation structure assisting secretary carrying duties responsibilities


Summary:
Stop Pay for Violent Offenders Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned (Secretary concerned) to suspend all or a portion of the pay and allowances of a member of the Armed Forces who is being held in confinement pending trial by court-martial or by civil authority for any sex-related or capital offense.

Entitles such member to: (1) written notice of the suspension, (2) a reasonable time (at least seven days) to request a suspension waiver and to furnish supporting evidence, (3) representation by an attorney or other representative in making such request, and (4) a written response by the Secretary concerned and the reasons for any denial of such request.

Requires any member who is subsequently acquitted of any such charges to be paid the full amount of the withheld pay and allowances.

stop pay violent offenders act directs secretary military department concerned secretary concerned suspend portion pay allowances member armed_forces held confinement pending trial court martial civil authority sex related capital offense entitles member written notice suspension reasonable time seven days request suspension waiver furnish supporting evidence representation attorney representative making request written response secretary concerned reasons denial request requires member subsequently charges paid withheld pay allowances


Summary:
Restore Honor to Service Members Act - Requires appropriate military record correction boards or discharge review boards to review the discharge characterization of any former members of the Armed Forces requesting a review who were discharged because of their sexual orientation. Permits such boards to change a characterization to honorable if such characterization is any characterization except honorable.

Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to ensure that any such changes are carried out consistently and uniformly across the military departments using specified criteria, including that: (1) the original discharge was based on the policy of Don't Ask Don't Tell (as in effect before it was repealed pursuant to the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010) or a similar earlier policy; and (2) the discharge characterization will be changed if, with respect to the original discharge, there were no aggravating circumstances, such as misconduct, that would have independently led to any discharge characterization except honorable.

Prohibits "aggravating circumstances" from including: (1) an offense of sodomy committed by the member against a consenting person of the same sex; or (2) statements, consensual sexual conduct, or consensual acts relating to sexual orientation or identity, or the disclosure of such statements, conduct, or acts, that were prohibited at the time of discharge but that became permitted after such discharge.

Directs the Secretary of each military department to ensure that oral historians of the department: (1) review discharges between World War II and September 2011 based on sexual orientation, and (2) receive oral testimony of individuals who personally experienced discrimination and discharge because of actual or perceived sexual orientation so that such testimony may serve as an official record of such discriminatory policies and their impact on American lives.

Requires the reissuance of specified military personnel records and discharge forms in a manner that shall not reflect the sexual orientation of the member.

Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to remove from the offense of sodomy specified activity referred to as unnatural carnal copulation with another person of the same or opposite sex.

service members act_-_requires appropriate military record correction boards discharge review boards review discharge characterization members armed_forces requesting review discharged sexual orientation permits boards change characterization honorable characterization characterization honorable directs secretary defense dod ensure changes carried consistently uniformly military departments specified criteria including original discharge based policy ask tell effect repealed pursuant ask tell repeal act similar earlier policy discharge characterization changed respect original discharge aggravating circumstances misconduct independently led discharge characterization honorable prohibits aggravating circumstances including offense sodomy committed member consenting person sex statements consensual sexual conduct consensual acts relating sexual orientation identity disclosure statements conduct acts prohibited time discharge permitted discharge directs secretary military department ensure oral department review discharges world war september based sexual orientation receive oral testimony individuals personally experienced discrimination discharge actual perceived sexual orientation testimony serve official record discriminatory policies impact american lives requires reissuance specified military personnel records discharge forms manner shall reflect sexual orientation member amends uniform code military justice remove offense sodomy specified activity referred person opposite sex


Summary: Wounded Warrior Service Dog Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretaries of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) to jointly establish the K-9 Companion Corps program for the awarding of grants to assist nonprofit organizations in establishing, planning, designing, and/or operating programs to provide assistance dogs to certain members of the Armed Forces and veterans who have certain disabilities. Defines "assistance dog" to mean a dog specifically trained to perform physical tasks to mitigate the effects of such a disability, except that such term does not include a dog specifically trained for comfort or personal defense.

dog act directs secretaries defense dod veterans_affairs jointly establish program awarding grants assist nonprofit organizations establishing planning designing operating programs provide assistance dogs certain members armed_forces veterans certain disabilities defines assistance dog mean dog specifically trained perform physical tasks mitigate effects disability term include dog specifically trained comfort personal defense


Summary: Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend the 6% interest rate limitation on debt entered into during a servicemember's military service to any debt entered into to consolidate or refinance one or more student loans incurred before such service.

amends servicemembers civil relief act extend interest rate limitation debt entered servicemember military service debt entered consolidate refinance student loans incurred service


Summary: National Guardsmen and Reservists Parity for Patriots Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to back-date to September 11, 2001, the period of active duty or performed active service, in support of a contingency operation or in other emergency situations, for which members of Ready Reserve components of the armed forces shall receive credit in determining eligibility for early receipt of non-regular service retired pay.

reservists parity patriots act amends national defense authorization act fiscal year date september period active duty performed active service support contingency operation emergency situations members ready_reserve components armed forces shall receive credit determining eligibility early receipt non regular service retired pay


Summary: Armed Services Always Paid Act or ASAP Act - 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 asap act provides funding pay allowances interruption members armed_forces including reserve personnel period lapsed appropriations


Summary:
Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide to each member of the Armed Forces who is scheduled to be separated from service a copy of such member's medical records in an electronic format.

Requires such records to include any medical records that, in connection with service in the National Guard, are maintained by the governor of the appropriate state, commonwealth, territory, or possession or the Commanding General of the National Guard of the District of Columbia.

Directs the Secretary concerned to provide to a member who is scheduled to be separated a comprehensive physical examination immediately before that separation. Repeals provisions authorizing the waiver of such examination if the member has otherwise undergone an examination within 12 months before the scheduled date of separation. Prohibits a member from being entitled to health care benefits solely by reason of being provided such examination.

directs secretary military department concerned provide member armed_forces scheduled separated service copy member medical records electronic format requires records include medical records connection service national_guard maintained governor appropriate state commonwealth territory possession commanding general directs secretary concerned provide member scheduled separated comprehensive physical examination immediately separation repeals provisions authorizing waiver examination member undergone examination months scheduled date separation prohibits member entitled health care benefits solely reason provided examination


Summary:
Justice for Fort Hood and Little Rock Heroes Act - Requires an individual who, while a member of the Armed Forces, was killed or wounded in the attack at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009, or in the attack at the recruiting station in Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 1, 2009, to be treated as if the individual has been awarded a Purple Heart as of the date of this Act's enactment for purposes of all applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies.

Requires such an individual who was wounded in either such attack to be treated as an "eligible combat-related disabled uniformed services retiree" for purposes of determining that individual's eligibility for combat-related special compensation.

Disqualifies an individual whose death or wound was the result of the individual's willful misconduct.

Encourages each state and local government to treat such an individual as eligible for any benefits provided to individuals by reason of being killed or wounded while serving in the line of duty as a member of the Armed Forces.

justice fort hood act requires individual member armed_forces killed wounded attack fort hood texas november attack recruiting station little_rock arkansas june treated individual awarded date act enactment purposes applicable federal laws regulations policies requires individual wounded attack treated eligible combat related disabled uniformed services retiree purposes determining individual eligibility combat related special compensation disqualifies individual death wound result individual willful misconduct encourages state local government treat individual eligible benefits provided individuals reason killed wounded serving line duty member armed_forces


Summary:
Battlefield Excellence through Superior Training Practices Act or the BEST Practices Act - Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD), no later than: (1) October 1, 2016, to develop, test, and validate human-based training methods for training members of the Armed Forces in the treatment of combat trauma injuries, with the goal of replacing live animal-based training methods; and (2) October 1, 2018, to use only use human-based training methods for such purposes. Prohibits the use of animals in such training after the latter date.

Requires an annual report from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees on the development and implementation of the human-based training methods.

battlefield excellence superior training practices act best practices act requires secretary defense dod later october develop test validate human based training methods training members armed_forces treatment combat trauma injuries goal replacing live animal based training methods october use use human based training methods purposes prohibits use animals training date requires annual report secretary congressional defense committees development implementation human based training methods


Summary: Pay our Guardsmen and Civilian Defense Personnel Act - Amends the Pay Our Military Act (P.L. 113-39) to make FY2014 continuing appropriations for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2014 are not in effect to provide for pay and allowances to: (1) members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, who perform inactive-duty training (under such Act only members performing active service) during such period; and (2) all civilian personnel of DOD (and the Department of Homeland Security [DHS] in the case of the Coast Guard), including all military technicians (dual status).

pay civilian defense personnel act amends pay military act fy2014 continuing appropriations period interim year appropriations fy2014 effect provide pay allowances members armed_forces including reserve components perform inactive duty training act members performing active service period civilian personnel dod department_of_homeland_security dhs case coast_guard including military technicians dual status


Summary:
Fallen Heroes and Families Assistance Act - Amends the Pay Our Military Act (P.L. 113-39) to make FY2014 appropriations, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2014 are not in effect, for such sums as are necessary to continue programs and activities concerning:

 payment of death gratuities to certain survivors of deceased military service members, including for the death of members on active duty or inactive duty training, the death of members after discharge or release from duty or training, members and employees dying outside the United States while assigned to intelligence duties, and other eligible survivors; payment of pay and allowances due a member of the Armed Forces and unpaid at the time of the member's death; payment of authorized funeral and burial expenses, including authorized funeral travel and travel related to the dignified transfer of remains and unit memorial services; and continuation of a basic allowance of housing for certain dependents of members dying on active duty.

fallen heroes families assistance act amends pay military act fy2014 appropriations money treasury appropriated period interim year appropriations fy2014 effect sums necessary continue programs activities concerning payment death gratuities certain survivors deceased military service members including death members active duty inactive duty training death members discharge release duty training members employees dying outside united_states assigned intelligence duties eligible survivors payment pay allowances member armed_forces unpaid time member death payment authorized funeral burial expenses including authorized funeral travel travel related dignified transfer remains unit memorial services continuation basic allowance housing certain dependents members dying active duty


Summary: Amends the Pay our Military Act (P.L. 113-39) to make FY2014 continuing appropriations for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2014 are not in effect to provide for military tuition assistance to members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, who perform active service during such period.

amends pay military act fy2014 continuing appropriations period interim year appropriations fy2014 effect provide military tuition assistance members armed_forces including reserve components perform active service period


Summary:
Amends the Pay Our Military Act (P.L. 113-39) to specify that FY2014 continuing appropriations provided for pay and allowances to members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, is to include cadets in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy appointed as midshipmen in Navy Reserve (including the Merchant Marine Reserve, Navy Reserve) who perform active service for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2014 are not in effect.

Makes continuing appropriations for pay and allowances to civilian personnel of the Department of Transportation (DOT) whom the Secretary of Transportation determines are providing support to such members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, performing active service during such period (under such Act only civilian personnel and contractors of the Department of Defense [DOD], and the Department of Homeland Security [DHS] in the case of the Coast Guard, whom the Secretary concerned determines are providing such support).

Provides for pay and allowances to DOD, DHS, and DOT civilian personnel providing support to those in training for such service.

amends pay military act specify fy2014 continuing appropriations provided pay allowances members armed_forces including reserve components include cadets merchant marine_academy appointed midshipmen navy_reserve including navy_reserve perform active service period interim year appropriations fy2014 effect makes continuing appropriations pay allowances civilian personnel department_of_transportation dot secretary transportation determines providing support members armed_forces including reserve components performing active service period act civilian personnel contractors department_of_defense dod department_of_homeland_security dhs case coast_guard secretary concerned determines providing support provides pay allowances dod dhs dot civilian personnel providing support training service


Summary:
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), during any period for which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2014 are not in effect for payment of military death gratuities and funeral and related transportation and housing expenses, to transfer, from unobligated amounts in the Health Insurance Reform Implementation Fund established by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-152), to the Secretary of Defense (DOD) sufficient funds to provide the following benefits on behalf of members of the Armed Forces who die during such period:

 payment of death gratuities to certain survivors of deceased military service members, including for the death of members on active duty or inactive duty training, the death of members after discharge or release from duty or training, members and employees dying outside the United States while assigned to intelligence duties, and other eligible survivors; payment of authorized funeral and burial expenses, including authorized funeral travel and travel related to the dignified transfer of remains and unit memorial services; and temporary continuation of a basic allowance of housing for certain dependents of members dying on active duty.

requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs period interim year appropriations fy2014 effect payment military death gratuities funeral related transportation housing expenses transfer unobligated amounts established health_care_and_education reconciliation act secretary defense dod sufficient funds provide following benefits behalf members armed_forces die period payment death gratuities certain survivors deceased military service members including death members active duty inactive duty training death members discharge release duty training members employees dying outside united_states assigned intelligence duties eligible survivors payment authorized funeral burial expenses including authorized funeral travel travel related dignified transfer remains unit memorial services temporary continuation basic allowance housing certain dependents members dying active duty


Summary: Amends the Pay Our Military Act (P.L. 113-39) to make appropriations for FY2014, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2014 are not in effect, such sums as are necessary to continue the provision of support of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard under specified cooperative agreements.

amends pay military act appropriations fy2014 money treasury appropriated period interim year appropriations fy2014 effect sums necessary continue provision support army_national_guard air_national_guard specified cooperative agreements


Summary: Military Retired Pay Fairness Act of 2013 - Provides limitations on the recoupment of separation pay, special separation benefits, and voluntary separation incentive payments from members of the Armed Forces subsequently receiving military retired or retainer pay. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense or Homeland Security, as applicable, to waive such recoupments in cases of financial hardship.

military retired pay fairness act provides limitations recoupment separation pay special separation benefits voluntary separation incentive payments members armed_forces subsequently receiving military retired retainer pay authorizes secretary defense homeland_security applicable waive cases financial hardship


Summary: LTC Todd J. Clark Hero Flight Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay the expenses of one stopover (either by direct or indirect routing), if requested, during the transportation of the remains of certain military decedents to the place selected by the person designated to direct disposition of such remains.

ltc hero flight act authorizes secretary military department concerned pay expenses direct indirect routing requested transportation remains certain military decedents place selected person designated direct disposition remains


Summary: Amends the Department of Defense Survivor Benefits Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 (also known as the Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers Act) to appropriate funds for fiscal years after FY2014 during any period of lapsed appropriations for the payment of death gratuities and related benefits for survivors of deceased servicemembers.

amends department_of_defense survivor benefits continuing appropriations resolution known appropriate funds fiscal years fy2014 period lapsed appropriations payment death gratuities related benefits survivors deceased servicemembers


Summary:
United We Stand to Hire Veterans Act - Requires the Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretaries of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA), to consolidate government Internet portals on employment for current and former members of the Armed Forces into one comprehensive portal for the purposes of connecting members who are seeking employment with employers who want to employ them.

Authorizes the Secretaries, in order to expedite implementation of such consolidated portal, to carry out pilot projects to evaluate the feasibility and advisability of various portal options by continuing or modifying existing programs.

united stand hire veterans act requires secretary labor conjunction secretaries_of_defense dod veterans_affairs consolidate government internet portals employment current members armed_forces comprehensive portal purposes connecting members seeking employment employers want employ authorizes secretaries order expedite implementation consolidated portal carry pilot projects evaluate feasibility advisability portal options continuing modifying existing programs


Summary: Prohibits any change from being made to the oaths required for appointment to an office in the civil service or uniformed services, enlistment in the Armed Forces or National Guard, or admission to a U.S. military service academy, except by an Act of or authorization by Congress.

prohibits change oaths required appointment office civil service uniformed services enlistment admission military service academy act authorization congress


Summary:
Veterans Conservation Corps Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a veterans conservation corps to assist unemployed veterans in the transition from service in the Armed Forces to civilian life and to employ such veterans: (1) in conservation, resource management, firefighting, law enforcement, and historic preservation projects on public lands; (2) in maintenance and improvement projects for cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the National Cemetery Administration; and (3) as firefighters, law enforcement officers, and disaster relief personnel.

Requires priority to be given to the employment of veterans who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001.

Requires, as part of the veterans conservation corps: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to award grants under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to hire veterans as firefighters, (2) the Attorney General to award grants under the public safety and community policing grant program (COPS ON THE BEAT grant program) under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to hire veterans as law enforcement officers, and (3) the DHS Secretary to provide funds to increase participation by veterans in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Corps program.

Authorizes the VA Secretary to transfer amounts to carry out the corps to the Attorney General, the Chief of Engineers, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, DHS, and Interior.

Directs the VA Secretary to establish a steering committee to establish selection criteria for, and provide advice to the VA Secretary on, the awarding of assistance under this Act.

directs secretary veterans_affairs establish veterans conservation corps assist unemployed veterans transition service armed_forces civilian life employ veterans conservation resource management firefighting law enforcement historic preservation projects public lands maintenance improvement projects cemeteries jurisdiction national_cemetery_administration firefighters law enforcement officers disaster relief personnel requires priority given employment veterans served active duty september requires veterans conservation corps secretary homeland_security dhs award grants federal_fire_prevention control act hire veterans firefighters attorney general award grants public safety community policing grant program cops beat grant program omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act hire veterans law enforcement officers dhs secretary provide funds increase participation veterans federal_emergency_management_agency fema corps program authorizes secretary transfer amounts carry corps attorney general chief engineers corporation national community service dhs interior directs secretary establish steering committee establish selection criteria provide advice secretary awarding assistance act


Summary:
Article 32 Reform Act - Revises requirements relating to an Article 32 investigative hearing under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to require a judge advocate to conduct a preliminary hearing prior to referring a charge or specification to a general court-martial for trial. Requires such judge advocate to have a grade equal to or higher than the grade of the trial counsel and any defense counsel who is representing the accused at the preliminary hearing. Limits the preliminary hearing to the purpose of determining whether there is probable cause to believe an offense has been committed and whether the accused committed it.

Requires the judge advocate conducting the preliminary hearing to prepare a report which shall include: (1) determinations as to the court-martial jurisdiction over the offense and the accused and as to probable cause, (2) a consideration of the form of charges, and (3) a recommendation as to the disposition of the case.

Allows a victim of the alleged offense to decline to testify at the preliminary hearing. Requires the preliminary hearing to be recorded by a court reporter or by a suitable recording device.

article reform act revises requirements relating article investigative hearing uniform code military justice ucmj require judge advocate conduct preliminary hearing prior referring charge specification general court martial trial requires judge advocate grade equal higher grade trial counsel defense counsel representing accused preliminary hearing limits preliminary hearing purpose determining probable cause believe offense committed accused committed requires judge advocate conducting preliminary hearing prepare report shall include determinations court martial jurisdiction offense accused probable cause consideration form charges recommendation disposition case allows victim alleged offense decline testify preliminary hearing requires preliminary hearing recorded court suitable recording device


Summary:
Transparency in Military Lending Act of 2013 - Requires a creditor to provide to a member of the Armed Forces on active regular, reserve, or National Guard duty or such member's dependent, with respect to any extension of consumer credit, and to obtain the member's or dependent's signed acknowledgement of: (1) a statement that the Department of Defense (DOD) and each service branch offers a variety of financial counseling services; (2) a statement that other, potentially lower interest rate loans may be available through other financial institutions and military relief societies; (3) contact information for the nearest DOD financial counseling office; and (4) the actual cost of the extension of credit when paid off at different points over time.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to prepare a list of DOD financial counseling offices and make such list available to creditors and the public.

transparency military lending act requires creditor provide member armed_forces active regular reserve national_guard duty member dependent respect extension consumer credit obtain member dependent signed acknowledgement statement department_of_defense dod service branch offers variety financial counseling services statement potentially lower interest rate loans available financial institutions military relief societies contact information nearest dod financial counseling office actual cost extension credit paid different points time directs secretary defense prepare list dod financial counseling offices list available creditors public


Summary: Amends trademark registration criteria under the Trademark Act of 1946 to specify that the United States, or any state, municipality, county, political subdivision, or other governmental authority in the United States, may register with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) a trademark that consists of, or comprises, its own flag, coat of arms, or other official insignia. (Currently, an applicant's trademark registration is subject to refusal if the mark consists of, or comprises, the flag or coat of arms or other insignia of the United States, or of any state or municipality, or of any foreign nation.)

amends trademark registration criteria trademark act specify united_states state municipality county political subdivision governmental authority united_states register uspto trademark consists comprises flag arms official insignia currently applicant trademark registration subject refusal mark consists comprises flag arms insignia united_states state municipality foreign nation


Summary:
Military Sexual Assault Victims Empowerment Act or the Military SAVE Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to each operate a program that ensures that veterans and members of the armed forces may receive treatment from private providers for military sexual trauma.

Requires the Secretaries: (1) after receiving from a veteran or member electing such treatment a notification that includes a written affidavit stating that the individual is a victim of military sexual trauma, to assign a voucher that such individual may use to receive such treatment; and (2) to require such individual to make a reelection during each 120-day period in which such a voucher is used following the initial 120-day period the voucher is valid.

military sexual assault victims empowerment act military save act requires secretary veterans_affairs secretary defense dod operate program ensures veterans members armed forces receive treatment private providers military sexual trauma requires secretaries receiving veteran member electing treatment notification includes written affidavit stating individual victim military sexual trauma assign voucher individual use receive treatment require individual day period voucher following initial day period voucher valid


Summary: Establishes the Office of Net Assessment within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to develop and coordinate net assessments of the standing, trends, and future prospects of the military capabilities and potential of the United States in comparison with the military capabilities and potential of other countries or groups of countries to identify emerging or future threats or opportunities for the United States.

office_of_the_secretary defense dod develop coordinate net assessments standing trends future prospects military capabilities potential united_states comparison military capabilities potential countries groups countries identify emerging future threats opportunities united_states


Summary: Prohibits the use of any funds appropriated for FY2014 for flag or general officers for each military department that are in excess to the number of such officers serving in such military department as of the date of enactment of this Act.

prohibits use funds appropriated fy2014 flag general officers military department excess number officers serving military department date enactment act


Summary: Servicemembers Opportunity Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow any appropriate indicator of military service, including a certified letter from a commanding officer or information from the Defense Manpower Database Center, as proof of service for purposes of interest rate limitations provided to servicemembers under such Act.

servicemembers opportunity act amends servicemembers civil relief act allow appropriate indicator military service including certified letter commanding officer information proof service purposes interest rate limitations provided servicemembers act


Summary:
SCRA Rights Protection Act of 2014 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow the use of arbitration to resolve a controversy that arises under a contract with a servicemember (or with a servicemember and spouse jointly) that provides for arbitration, only if all parties to the controversy consent in writing to arbitration after the controversy arises.

Allows a servicemember's waiver of any of such Act's rights and protections to be effective only if it is made after a specific dispute has arisen and the dispute is identified in the waiver.

Allows a representative of members of an aggrieved class, or a member of such class, to bring a private civil action for a violation of any rights or protections under such Act.

scra rights protection act amends servicemembers civil relief act allow use arbitration resolve controversy arises contract servicemember servicemember spouse jointly provides arbitration parties controversy consent writing arbitration controversy arises allows servicemember waiver act rights protections effective specific dispute arisen dispute identified waiver allows representative members aggrieved class member class bring private civil action violation rights protections act


Summary: Taylor Morris Act - Makes the $100,000 payment limit for qualified losses under the traumatic injury protection coverage of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance inapplicable to any loss directly caused by: (1) armed conflict, (2) training under conditions simulating armed conflict, (3) hazardous service, or (4) a traumatic event caused through an instrumentality of war.

act makes payment limit qualified losses traumatic injury protection coverage inapplicable loss directly caused armed conflict training conditions armed conflict hazardous service traumatic event caused instrumentality war


Summary:
Medical Evaluation Parity for Servicemembers Act of 2014 or the MEPS Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to: (1) provide an individual with a mental health assessment before such individual enlists or is commissioned as an officer in an Armed Force, and (2) use such results as a baseline for any subsequent mental health examinations.

Prohibits the Secretary from considering the results of such assessment in determining the assignment or promotion of a member of the Armed Forces.

Directs the Secretary to treat such assessment in the same manner as medical records with respect to laws and regulations relating to the privacy of information.

Requires the National Institute of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit to Congress and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) a report on preliminary mental health assessments of members of the Armed Forces, including recommendations regarding: (1) establishing a preliminary mental health assessment of members of the Armed Forces to establish parity with physical screenings; and (2) the composition of the mental health assessment, best practices, and how to track assessment changes relating to traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions.

medical evaluation parity servicemembers act act directs secretary military department concerned provide individual mental health assessment individual commissioned officer use results baseline subsequent mental health examinations prohibits secretary considering results assessment determining assignment promotion member armed_forces directs secretary treat assessment manner medical records respect laws regulations relating privacy information requires national_institute_of_mental_health national_institutes_of_health nih submit congress secretary defense dod report preliminary mental health assessments members armed_forces including recommendations establishing preliminary mental health assessment members armed_forces establish parity physical screenings composition mental health assessment best practices track assessment changes relating traumatic brain injuries post traumatic stress disorder conditions


Summary:
Furthering Accountability and Individual Rights within the Military Act of 2014 or the Fair Military Act - Directs each Secretary of a military department to ensure that: (1) the written performance appraisals of each member of the Armed Forces include an assessment of the extent to which the member supports that Armed Force's sexual assault prevention and response program, and (2) the performance appraisals of each commanding officer indicate the extent to which such officer has established a command climate in which allegations of sexual assault are properly managed and fairly evaluated and in which a victim can report criminal activity without fear of retaliation.

Requires modification of the Military Rules of Evidence to clarify that the general military character of an accused is not admissible for the purpose of showing the probability of his or her innocence, except that an accused may offer evidence of a trait of his or her military character when that trait is relevant to an element of the offense for which he or she has been charged.

Directs the Secretaries of the military departments and any department in which the Coast Guard is operating to ensure that the provisions of Title XVII (Sexual Assault Prevention and Response and Related Reforms) of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2014 and this Act apply to the United States Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy.

Requires the independent judicial proceedings panel to conduct assessments of: (1) the use of mental health records by the defense during preliminary hearing and court-martial proceedings, and (2) the use of such records in similar civilian proceedings to determine whether any significant discrepancies exist between the two legal systems.

Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to submit to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees a report describing the status of the implementation of the sexual assault provisions contained in the NDAAs for FY2012, FY2013, and FY2014 and the sexual assault prevention initiatives announced in memoranda by the Secretary of Defense (DOD) on May 6, 2013, and August 14, 2013.

furthering accountability individual rights military act fair military act directs secretary military department ensure written performance appraisals member armed forces include assessment extent member supports sexual assault prevention response program performance appraisals commanding officer indicate extent officer established command climate allegations sexual assault properly managed fairly evaluated victim report criminal activity fear retaliation requires modification clarify general military character accused admissible purpose showing probability innocence accused offer evidence military character relevant element offense charged directs secretaries military departments department coast_guard operating ensure provisions title xvii sexual assault prevention response related reforms national_defense_authorization_act ndaa fy2014 act apply coast_guard_academy requires independent judicial proceedings panel conduct assessments use mental health records defense preliminary hearing court martial proceedings use records similar civilian proceedings determine significant discrepancies exist legal systems directs comptroller general gao submit senate report describing status implementation sexual assault provisions contained fy2012 fy2013 fy2014 sexual assault prevention initiatives announced memoranda secretary defense dod august


Summary:
She Is Ready Act - Prohibits the Secretaries of the military departments (the Secretaries) from unduly delaying the assignment of female members of the Armed Forces to military occupational specialties, positions, and units because of the absence of a cadre or critical mass of female members available for such assignment. Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to direct the Secretaries to open for assignment of women all positions in occupations that are open to female members in any unit of the Armed Forces.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to direct: (1) the Secretaries to validate the gender-neutral occupational standards used by the Armed Forces for the purpose of ensuring that such standards: (1) are consistent with provisions requiring performance outcome-based standards for the successful accomplishment of the necessary and required specific tasks associated with the qualifications and duties performed; (2) accurately predict performance of actual, regular, and recurring duties of a military occupation; and (3) are applied equitably to measure individual capabilities.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) direct the Secretaries to provide greater transparency of women in service implementation plans and ensure that a statement of administration policy is created to reflect the mission of the plan and its intent on responsibly opening all jobs, positions, and units to female members of the Armed Forces; (2) promptly respond whenever one of the Secretaries submits a notice of newly opened jobs, positions, or units to female members of the Armed Forces; and (3) ensure all closed positions and units are open to female members of the Armed Forces by January 1, 2016, consistent with the Joint Memorandum issued on January 24, 2013, regarding the elimination of the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule.

Requires the Secretary of the Navy to provide Congress with information on: (1) what process and metrics were used to validate the physical standards applicable to members of the Navy and Marine Corps; and (2) Marine Corps research involving female members of the Marine Corps who volunteer for the Infantry Officers Course, the enlisted infantry training course, and the Ground Combat Element Experimental Task Force. Makes any female member of the Marine Corps who graduates from the enlisted infantry course eligible for assignment to an infantry occupational specialty.

Requires: (1) the Secretary of the Army to permit female members of the Army to apply to Army Ranger School for leadership training opportunities, and (2) the Secretary of Defense to direct the Special Operations Command to submit to Congress the type of approach and methodology it will be using for the integration of women into the Special Operations Forces.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to direct the Secretaries to take immediate steps to ensure that properly designed and fitted combat equipment is available and distributed to female members of the Armed Forces.

Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a review of Services' Outreach and Recruitment Efforts gauged toward women representation in the officer corps.

secretaries military departments secretaries unduly delaying assignment female members armed_forces military occupational specialties positions units absence cadre critical mass female members available assignment requires secretary defense dod direct secretaries open assignment women positions occupations open female members unit armed_forces requires secretary defense direct secretaries validate gender neutral occupational standards armed_forces purpose ensuring standards consistent provisions requiring performance outcome based standards successful accomplishment necessary required specific tasks associated qualifications duties performed accurately predict performance actual regular recurring duties military occupation applied equitably measure individual capabilities requires secretary defense direct secretaries provide greater transparency women service implementation plans ensure statement administration policy created reflect mission plan intent responsibly opening jobs positions units female members armed_forces promptly respond secretaries submits notice newly opened jobs positions units female members armed_forces ensure closed positions units open female members armed_forces january consistent joint memorandum issued january elimination direct ground combat definition requires secretary navy provide congress information process metrics validate physical standards applicable members navy marine_corps marine_corps research involving female members marine_corps volunteer enlisted training course ground combat element experimental task force makes female member marine_corps graduates enlisted course eligible assignment occupational specialty requires secretary army permit female members army apply leadership training opportunities secretary defense direct submit congress type approach methodology integration women requires secretary defense direct secretaries immediate steps ensure properly designed fitted combat equipment available distributed female members armed_forces directs comptroller general conduct review services outreach recruitment efforts women representation officer corps


Summary:
Examination of Exposures to Environmental Hazards During Military Service and Health Care for Atsugi Naval Air Facility Veterans and their Families Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretaries of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) to jointly establish the Advisory Board on Environmental Exposures at Atsugi Naval Air Facility to provide expert advice to DOD and VA on matters relating to exposure of current and former members of the Armed Forces (members) and their dependents to environmental hazards at Atsugi Naval Air Facility, Japan, during the period beginning in 1983 in which the air, water, or soil at such facility was contaminated due to an incinerator.

Requires the Board to: (1) consider and study cases of such exposure, (2) evaluate submitted exposure claims, and (3) recommend to such Secretaries that either a claim is insufficient to warrant further consideration or is sufficient to warrant health care or compensation. Authorizes the Board to convene a science panel to consider exposure claims and report results to the Board.

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to provide to such members and dependents the health care benefits recommended by the Board.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) compile a list of individuals exposed to environmental hazards at the facility during the period in which the air, water, or soil was contaminated; and (2) report to the armed services and veterans' affairs committees on the compilation of such list.

Directs the Secretary to report annually to such committees on health care and other benefits provided under this Act, including a description of procedures used to identify exposed individuals.

examination exposures environmental hazards military service health care veterans families act directs secretaries defense dod veterans_affairs jointly establish provide expert advice dod matters relating exposure current members armed_forces members dependents environmental hazards japan period beginning air water soil facility contaminated incinerator requires board consider study cases exposure evaluate submitted exposure claims recommend secretaries claim insufficient warrant consideration sufficient warrant health care compensation authorizes board convene science panel consider exposure claims report results board authorizes secretary defense secretary provide members dependents health care benefits recommended board requires secretary compile list individuals exposed environmental hazards facility period air water soil contaminated report armed services veterans affairs committees compilation list directs secretary report annually committees health care benefits provided act including description procedures identify exposed individuals


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the period in which death gratuities (less amounts contributed to a Coverdell education savings account) and insurance proceeds payable to survivors of members of the Armed Forces or the Uniformed Services may be contributed to a Roth individual retirement account (Roth IRA) from one to three years after receipt of such gratuities or proceeds.

amends internal revenue code extend period death gratuities amounts contributed coverdell education savings account insurance proceeds payable survivors members contributed roth individual retirement account roth ira years receipt gratuities proceeds


Summary:
Service Members Student Loan Relief Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow members of the Armed Forces and National Guard to defer payments of principal on their Federal Family Education Loans, William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans, and Federal Perkins Loans for the period (up to 180 days) beginning on the date they receive a call or order to duty in connection with a war, military operation, or national emergency and ending on their first day of service. (Currently, the payment of principal on those loans is also deferred during their period of service and for the 180-day period after their demobilization date.)

Allows individuals whose call to duty is cancelled before their first day of service: (1) due to a service training injury, to defer payments of principal on those loans through what would have been their period of service; and (2) for a reason other than a service training injury, to defer payments of principal on those loans for 14 days after that cancellation.

service members student loan relief act amends title student assistance higher education act allow members defer payments principal federal_family_education_loans federal direct loans federal_perkins_loans period days beginning date receive order duty connection war military operation national emergency ending day service currently payment principal loans deferred period service day period demobilization date allows individuals duty cancelled day service service training injury defer payments principal loans period service reason service training injury defer payments principal loans days cancellation


Summary:
Military Opportunities for Mothers Act or the MOM Act - Requires military personnel who give birth to a child to be given 42 days of convalescent leave for use in connection with that birth.

Allows military personnel up to 42 additional days of leave in connection with the birth of such child upon the expiration of the convalescent leave, but:

 makes them ineligible for basic pay for any day on which such additional leave is used, although they are to be considered to be on active duty for all other purposes; and their commanding officer may recall them from such leave when necessary to maintain unit readiness.

military opportunities mothers act mom act requires military personnel birth child given days convalescent leave use connection birth allows military personnel additional days leave connection birth child expiration convalescent leave makes ineligible basic pay day additional leave considered active duty purposes commanding officer recall leave necessary maintain unit readiness