Summary: Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - (Sec. 101) Title I: Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Coast Guard for: (1) operations and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, renovation, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and Survivor Benefit Plans, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents; (4) environmental compliance and restoration; (5) research, development, testing, and evaluation programs; (6) operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard reserve program; and (7) construction of a new Chelsea Street Bridge in Chelsea, Massachusetts. (Sec. 102) Authorizes FY2008 levels of Coast Guard active duty military personnel and average military training student loads. (Sec. 103) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2009 to the Coast Guard to continue deployment of a World Wide Web-based risk management system to help reduce accidents and fatalities. Title II: Organization - (Sec. 201) Gives the Coast Guard's Vice Commandant the rank of admiral while serving as Vice Commandant. (Currently, the Vice Commandant is given the rank of vice admiral.) Replaces provisions authorizing the appointment of a Commander for each of the Atlantic and Pacific Areas with provisions authorizing the appointment of four officers, with the rank of vice admiral while so serving, to positions of importance and responsibility. Repeals provisions authorizing the appointment of a Coast Guard Chief of Staff. (Sec. 202) Establishes the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, or other agreements with, international maritime organizations to acquire information or data about merchant vessel inspections, security, safety and environmental requirements, classification, and port state or flag state law enforcement or oversight. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Commandant, provided the Secretary of State approves, to transfer or expend funds from any appropriation available to the Coast Guard for various activities relating to interaction with foreign governments. Title III: Personnel - (Sec. 301) Revises various provisions relating to leave retention, legal assistance for Coast Guard reservists, reimbursement for certain medical-related travel expenses, the number and distribution of commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list, the appointment of temporary commissioned officers, and officer promotion. (Sec. 307) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the appointment of civilian employees of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as appellate military judges, available for assignment to the Coast Guard Court of Criminal Appeals. (Sec. 308) Amends the Armed Forces Retirement Home Act of 1991 to include the Coast Guard in the Armed Forces retirement home system. Title IV: Administration - (Sec. 401) Authorizes the Coast Guard industrial activities to accept orders for work and material and enter into reimbursable agreements with establishments, agencies, and departments of the Department of Defense and the DHS. (Sec. 402) Includes in the definition of "Coast Guard vessels and aircraft," for purposes of provisions relating to stopping and firing at or into vessels, any vessel or aircraft under the tactical control of the Coast Guard on which one or more members of the Coast Guard are assigned and conducting Coast Guard missions. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Coast Guard Yard, the Aviation Repair and Supply Center, or other similar Coast Guard industrial establishments, for purposes of entering into joint public-private partnerships or other cooperative arrangements for the performance of work to provide supplies or services for government use, to enter into agreements or other arrangements with public or private entities, foreign or domestic. (Sec. 404) Revises Coast Guard housing authorities to authorize entering into public-private partnerships for the construction of Coast Guard recreational facilities. Title V: Shipping and Navigation - (Sec. 501) Amends provisions relating to commercial instruments and maritime liens to replace references to the Secretary of Transportation with references to the Secretary of Homeland Security. Revises provisions relating to the Secretary of Commerce or Transportation as a mortgagee. Removes provisions imposing a civil fine on a mortgagee who, on final discharge of indebtedness, fails to provide a discharge certificate. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to maintain the LORAN-C navigation system until authorized by statute, explicitly referencing specified provisions, to cease operating the system. (Sec. 504) Requires the National Weather Service (NWS) to deploy a weather buoy adjacent to the main ship channel of Nantucket Sound. (Sec. 505) Prevents a maritime lien from attaching to a federal or state permit that authorizes use of a vessel to engage in fishing. (Sec. 506) Requires a report to specified congressional committees on Coast Guard rebuild determinations. Title VI: Maritime Law Enforcement - (Sec. 601) Makes it unlawful to transport or facilitate the transportation, harboring, or concealment of an alien on board a vessel, having reason to believe that the alien is attempting to unlawfully enter the United States, or to attempt or conspire to do so. Provides for: (1) fines and imprisonment; (2) criminal and civil vessel forfeiture; and (3) extraterritorial jurisdiction. Title VII: Oil Pollution Prevention - (Sec. 701) Requires a report to specified congressional committees on the status of all Coast Guard rulemakings required (but not yet issued) under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 for automatic identification systems and inspection requirements for towing vessels. Sets a deadline for issuance of the final rules. (Sec. 702) Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in issuing regulations for towing vessels, to: (1) give priority to completing regulations for towing operations involving tank vessels; and (2) consider the possible application of standards that apply to self-propelled tank vessels and any modifications that may be necessary for application to towing vessels. Requires an annual report to specified congressional committees on the extent to which tank vessels in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, are using routes recommended by the Coast Guard. (Sec. 703) Requires issuance of regulations to reduce the risks of oil spills in operations involving the transfer of oil from or to a tank vessel. Allows state laws that are at least as stringent as the regulations. (Sec. 704) Requires a report to specified congressional committees regarding: (1) the types of human errors that account for over 50% of all vessel oil spills in the past 10 years; (2) the most frequent types of near-miss oil spill incidents in the past 10 years; and (3) the extent to which there are data gaps. (Sec. 705) Requires revision of the area to be avoided off the coast of the state of Washington so that restrictions apply to all vessels required to prepare a response plan under specified provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (other than fishing or research vessels while engaged in fishing or research within the area to be avoided). Requires the conducting of a Safe Seas oil spill drill in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary in FY2008. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 706) Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish an oil spill prevention and education program for small vessels. Authorizes the Under Secretary to make grants to sea grant colleges and institutes designated under specified provisions of the National Sea Grant College Program Act and to state agencies, tribal governments, and other appropriate entities to carry out: (1) regional assessments; (2) clean marina programs; (3) cooperative oil spill prevention education programs; and (4) outreach and education regarding the threat of derelict vessels sinking and discharging oil and other hazardous substances. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 707) Provides for a variety of measures to improve consultation, inclusion, cooperation, and coordination with the governments of federally recognized Indian tribes regarding oil spills. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 708) Requires a report to specified congressional committees on the availability, feasibility, and potential cost of technology to detect the loss of oil carried as cargo or as fuel on tank and non-tank vessels greater than 400 gross tons. (Sec. 709) Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to allow a limited amount of money from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to be available for response and damage assessment capabilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (Sec. 710) Directs the Secretary to ensure that the Coast Guard pursues stronger enforcement in the International Maritime Organization of agreements related to oil discharges. (Sec. 711) Establishes a grant program for the development of cost-effective technologies for detecting discharges of oil from vessels as well as methods and technologies for improving detection and recovery of submerged and sinking oils. Requires a report to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 712) Modifies the definition, in a specified Coast Guard regulation, of "higher volume port area" with regard to areas in or near the Strait of Juan De Fuca and Puget Sound, Washington. Requires the Coast Guard, within five years after enactment of this Act, to complete its review of any changes to emergency response plans resulting from that definition change. (Sec. 713) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the stationing of a year-round response tug of a specified minimum pulling capacity in the entry to the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Neah Bay capable of providing rapid assistance and towing capability to disabled vessels during severe weather conditions. Requires a contract with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of regional response tug and salvage needs for Washington's Olympic coast. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 714) Directs the Secretary of State to negotiate with the government of Canada to ensure that tugboat escorts are required for all tank ships with a capacity over 40,000 deadweight tons in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Strait of Georgia, and Haro Strait. (Sec. 715) Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to require the responsible party for any tank vessel over 100 gross tons (except a non-self-propelled vessel that does not carry oil as cargo) using any place subject to U.S. jurisdiction to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet their maximum amount of liability they could be subjected to. (Sec. 716) Requires a vessel traffic risk assessment for Cook Inlet, Alaska, and the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 717) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to increase the amount invested in income producing securities under specified provisions of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 by a specified amount. (Sec. 718) Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to revise the definition of "responsible party" to include (after December 31, 2010) the owner of oil being transported in a single-hulled tank vessel if the owner of the oil knew, or should have known, that the vessel had a poor safety or operational record. Title VIII: Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security - (Sec. 801) Directs the Secretary to establish a committee within the International Maritime Organization that includes representatives of United States trading partners that supply tank, bulk, or break-bulk vessel shipments of especially hazardous cargo to the United States. Requires an annual report to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 802) Requires development and implementation of: (1) a voluntary program under which foreign ports and facilities can certify their compliance with applicable International Ship and Port Facility Code standards; and (2) a program under which independent, third-party entities are certified to validate a foreign port's or facility's compliance under such voluntary program. Requires an annual report to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 803) Directs the Secretary to establish a strategic plan to use assistance programs to assist ports and facilities in the implementation of port security antiterrorism measures in foreign countries and U.S. territories. (Current law directs the Secretary to establish a program to use the programs that are capable of implementing such measures at ports in such locations.) (Sec. 804) Authorizes the Secretary to lend, lease, donate, or otherwise provide equipment, and provide technical training and support, to the owner or operator of a foreign port or facility to meet or exceed applicable International Ship and Port Facility Code standards and standards under provisions enacted by this Act. (Sec. 805) Directs the Commandant to identify facilities sited or constructed on or adjacent to U.S. navigable waters that receive, handle, load, or unload especially hazardous cargos that pose a risk greater than an acceptable risk threshold. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a security cost-share plan to assist the Coast Guard in providing security for the transportation of especially hazardous cargo to such facilities. (Sec. 806) Requires Area Maritime Transportation Security plans to establish regional response and recovery protocols regarding transportation security incidents. (Sec. 807) Requires that government personnel responsible for the safety and security of vessels in port carrying especially hazardous cargo successfully complete training in the DHS's incident command system protocols. (Sec. 808) Directs the Secretary to ensure that interoperable communications technology capable of reestablishing communications when existing infrastructure is damaged or destroyed in an emergency or a major disaster is deployed at all interagency operational centers established under the SAFE Port Act. (Sec. 809) Defines "especially hazardous cargo," for purposes of this title, as any substance identified by the Secretary as especially hazardous cargo transported by tank, bulk, or break-bulk vessel. Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions - (Sec. 901) Requires a report to specified congressional committees on Coast Guard activities regarding the protection of marine mammals and sea turtles under U.S. statutes and international agreements. (Sec. 902) Authorizes the conveyance to Douglas County, Oregon, of the Umpqua Lighthouse property for use as a park. (Sec. 903) Requires transfer of administrative jurisdiction over lands in Coos County, Oregon (including Cape Arago Light Station on Chief's Island), in the areas commonly known as Gregory Point and Chief's Island to the Secretary of the Interior to hold in trust for the benefit of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians. Allows the Coast Guard to retain easements for access to aids to navigation so long as required by the Coast Guard. (Sec. 904) Authorizes appropriations to NOAA to acquire, through the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, data to improve the management of natural disasters, the safety of marine and aviation transportation, and fisheries enforcement. (Sec. 905) Amends the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 to require an annual report by the Delaware River and Bay Oil Spill Advisory Committee. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Committee and sets a date certain for its termination. (Sec. 906) Authorizes the construction or leasing of hangar, berthing, and messing facilities in the Aleutian Island-Bering Sea operating area. (Sec. 907) Authorizes the construction of an enclosed hangar at Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii. (Sec. 908) Requires, on the decommissioning of the Coast Guard Cutter STORIS, conveyance of the vessel to the USCG Cutter STORIS Museum and Maritime Education Center, LLC, in Alaska. (Sec. 909) Authorizes transfer to Presque Isle Township, Michigan, possession of the Historic Fresnel Lens from the Presque Isle Light Station Lighthouse, Michigan, for the purpose of operating the lens and lighthouse as a private aid to navigation. (Sec. 910) Repeals provisions terminating the authority to enter into transmissions under provisions relating to Coast Guard housing. Repeals provisions requiring that the initial appointment of the Director of the Boating Safety Office be in the grade of Captain. (Sec. 911) Requires an annual report to specified congressional committees on the volume of foreign flag ships entering waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction. (Sec. 912) Modifies the definition of "fish processing vessel" to provide special provisions applicable to certain salmon fishing vessels operating in Alaskan waters. (Sec. 913) Grants the Town of Jupiter Island, Florida, notwithstanding any other law, the right of first refusal to select and take, without consideration, title to certain real property in the town's jurisdiction. (Sec. 914) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to convene a working group of senior representatives from the Maritime Administration, Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Navy to make recommendations on environmental practices for the storage and disposal of obsolete vessels owned or operated by the federal government. (Sec. 915) Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to construct a full multi-mission Coast Guard Response Station in Valdez, Alaska. (Sec. 916) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) to require a bond or surety as an alternative to withholding or revoking clearance to facilitate an investigation or adjudication of any matter related to the administration or enforcement of any treaty, law, or regulation by the Coast Guard; (2) pay necessary support of any seafarer who enters, remains, or has been paroled into the United States and is involved in such an investigation or adjudication and any seafarer abandoned in the United States; and (3) reimburse a ship owner who has provided necessary support of a seafarer who has been paroled into the United States to facilitate such an investigation or adjudication. Establishes the "Support of Seafarers Fund" in the Treasury, consisting of appropriated amounts and, in certain circumstances, amounts recovered from a ship owner who failed to provide seafarer support and against whom a criminal penalty is imposed, or who abandons a seafarer. Provides for proceedings in rem. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 917) Directs the Secretary to acquire or construct two polar icebreakers in addition to the Coast Guard's existing polar icebreaker fleet. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 918) Amends the Fur Seal Act of 1966 to extend the authorization of appropriations for grants to certain city governments, village corporations, or tribal councils of St. George, Alaska, or St. Paul, Alaska. (Sec. 919) Requires the Commandant to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the most cost-effective method for providing shore facilities to meet the operational requirements of the area commonly referred to as Coast Guard Sector Buffalo of the Ninth Coast Guard District, New York; and (2) the feasibility of consolidating and relocating shore facilities on a portion of the existing site. (Sec. 920) Requires the conveyance of the Point No Point Lighthouse to Kitsap County, Washington. (Sec. 921) Requires each facility security plan approved under specified provisions to provide a system for seamen assigned to a vessel at that facility, pilots, and representatives of seamen's welfare and labor organizations to board and depart the vessel through the facility in a timely manner at no cost to the individual. (Sec. 922) Requires that any class action suit for seaman's wages and provisions on a vessel with more than 500 passengers be commenced within three years of the end of the last voyage for which wages are claimed. Allows a seaman on such a vessel to authorize deposit of the seaman's wages into a checking, savings, investment, retirement, or other account to secure a payroll or debit card for the seaman. (Sec. 923) Requires the Inspector General of the DHS to report to specified congressional committees on the circumstances surrounding the accidental death of Coast Guard crew members on a training dive while serving aboard the Coast Guard icebreaker HEALY. Title X: Vessel Conveyance - Vessel Conveyance Act - (Sec. 1002) Requires that the conveyance of a U.S. government vessel for use for an educational, cultural, historical, charitable, recreational, or other public purpose be made subject to any conditions as the Secretary considers necessary. Requires inclusion of a reversionary provision. (Sec. 1003) Requires the Secretary of Transportation to convene a working group with representatives from the Maritime Administration, Coast Guard, and Navy to review and to make recommendations on a common set of conditions for the conveyance of U.S. vessels to defined eligible entities. (Sec. 1004) Imposes a civil penalty on any entity found to have failed to comply with the terms and conditions under which a vessel was conveyed to it.

coast guard authorization act fiscal year sec title authorizations authorizes appropriations fy2008 coast guard operations maintenance acquisition construction renovation improvement aids navigation shore offshore facilities vessels aircraft retired pay payments retired survivor benefit plans payments medical care retired personnel dependents environmental compliance restoration research development testing evaluation programs operation maintenance coast_guard reserve program construction new street bridge massachusetts sec authorizes fy2008 levels coast_guard active duty military personnel average military training student loads sec authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2009 coast_guard continue deployment world wide web based risk management system help reduce accidents fatalities title organization sec vice commandant rank admiral serving vice commandant currently vice commandant given rank vice admiral replaces provisions authorizing appointment commander atlantic pacific areas provisions authorizing appointment officers rank vice admiral serving positions importance responsibility repeals provisions authorizing appointment coast_guard chief staff sec establishes merchant mariner medical advisory committee sec authorizes commandant coast guard grants enter cooperative agreements contracts agreements international maritime organizations acquire information data merchant vessel inspections security safety environmental requirements classification port state flag state law enforcement oversight sec authorizes commandant provided secretary state approves transfer expend funds appropriation available coast_guard activities relating interaction foreign governments title iii personnel sec revises provisions relating leave retention legal assistance coast_guard reservists reimbursement certain medical related travel expenses number distribution commissioned officers active duty promotion list appointment temporary commissioned officers officer promotion sec amends homeland security act authorize appointment civilian employees department_of_homeland_security dhs appellate military judges available assignment sec amends include coast_guard armed_forces retirement home system title administration sec authorizes coast guard industrial activities accept orders work material enter reimbursable agreements establishments agencies departments department_of_defense dhs sec includes definition coast_guard vessels aircraft purposes provisions relating stopping firing vessels vessel aircraft tactical control coast_guard members coast_guard assigned conducting coast_guard missions sec authorizes similar coast_guard industrial establishments purposes entering joint public private partnerships cooperative arrangements performance work provide supplies services government use enter agreements arrangements public private entities foreign domestic sec revises coast guard housing authorities authorize entering public private partnerships construction coast_guard recreational facilities title shipping amends provisions relating commercial instruments maritime liens replace references secretary transportation references secretary homeland_security revises provisions relating secretary commerce transportation mortgagee removes provisions imposing civil fine mortgagee final discharge indebtedness fails provide discharge certificate sec directs secretary transportation maintain loran navigation system authorized statute explicitly referencing specified provisions cease operating system sec requires national_weather_service nws deploy weather buoy adjacent main ship channel sec prevents maritime lien federal state permit authorizes use vessel engage fishing sec requires report specified congressional committees coast_guard rebuild determinations title maritime law enforcement sec makes unlawful transport facilitate transportation harboring concealment alien board vessel having reason believe alien attempting unlawfully enter united_states attempt conspire provides fines imprisonment criminal civil vessel forfeiture extraterritorial jurisdiction title vii oil pollution prevention sec requires report specified congressional committees status coast_guard rulemakings required issued oil pollution act automatic identification systems inspection requirements towing vessels sets deadline issuance final rules sec directs secretary department coast_guard operating issuing regulations towing vessels priority completing regulations towing operations involving tank vessels consider possible application standards apply self propelled tank vessels modifications necessary application towing vessels requires annual report specified congressional committees extent tank vessels bay massachusetts routes recommended coast_guard sec requires issuance regulations reduce risks oil spills operations involving transfer oil tank vessel allows state laws stringent regulations sec requires report specified congressional committees types human errors account vessel oil spills past years frequent types near oil spill incidents past years extent data gaps sec requires revision area avoided coast state washington restrictions apply vessels required prepare response plan specified provisions federal_water_pollution_control_act fishing research vessels engaged fishing research area avoided requires conducting safe seas oil spill drill fy2008 authorizes appropriations sec directs secretary commerce oceans atmosphere establish oil spill prevention education program small vessels authorizes secretary grants sea grant colleges institutes designated specified provisions state agencies tribal governments appropriate entities carry regional assessments clean marina programs cooperative oil spill prevention education programs outreach education threat derelict vessels sinking discharging oil hazardous substances authorizes appropriations sec provides variety measures improve consultation inclusion cooperation coordination governments federally recognized indian tribes oil spills authorizes appropriations sec requires report specified congressional committees availability feasibility potential cost technology detect loss oil carried cargo fuel tank non tank vessels greater gross tons sec amends oil pollution act allow limited money oil_spill_liability_trust_fund available response damage assessment capabilities national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa sec directs secretary ensure coast_guard stronger enforcement international_maritime_organization agreements related oil discharges sec establishes grant program development cost effective technologies detecting discharges oil vessels methods technologies improving detection recovery submerged sinking oils requires report specified congressional committees authorizes appropriations sec modifies definition specified coast_guard regulation higher volume port area regard areas near washington requires coast_guard years enactment act complete review changes emergency response plans resulting definition change sec amends federal_water_pollution_control_act require stationing year round response tug specified minimum capacity entry strait_of_juan_de_fuca bay capable providing rapid assistance towing capability disabled vessels severe weather conditions requires contract national_academy_of_sciences conduct study regional response tug salvage needs washington olympic coast authorizes appropriations sec directs secretary state negotiate government canada ensure escorts required tank ships capacity tons georgia haro_strait sec amends oil pollution act require responsible party tank vessel gross tons non self propelled vessel carry oil cargo place subject jurisdiction establish maintain evidence financial responsibility sufficient meet maximum liability subjected sec requires vessel traffic risk assessment alaska alaska authorizes appropriations sec directs secretary treasury increase invested income producing securities specified provisions oil pollution act specified sec amends oil pollution act revise definition responsible party include december owner oil transported single tank vessel owner oil knew known vessel poor safety operational record title viii maritime hazardous cargo security sec directs secretary establish committee international_maritime_organization includes representatives united_states trading partners supply tank bulk break bulk vessel shipments especially hazardous cargo united_states requires annual report specified congressional committees sec requires development implementation voluntary program foreign ports facilities certify compliance applicable international ship port facility code standards program independent party entities certified validate foreign port facility compliance voluntary program requires annual report specified congressional committees sec directs secretary establish strategic plan use assistance programs assist ports facilities implementation port security antiterrorism measures foreign countries territories current law directs secretary establish program use programs capable implementing measures ports locations sec authorizes secretary lend lease donate provide equipment provide technical training support owner operator foreign port facility meet exceed applicable international ship port facility code standards standards provisions enacted act sec directs commandant identify facilities sited constructed adjacent navigable waters receive handle load especially hazardous pose risk greater acceptable risk threshold authorizes secretary establish security cost share plan assist coast_guard providing security transportation especially hazardous cargo facilities sec requires area maritime transportation security plans establish regional response recovery protocols transportation security incidents sec requires government personnel responsible safety security vessels port carrying especially hazardous cargo successfully complete training dhs incident command system protocols sec directs secretary ensure interoperable communications technology capable reestablishing communications existing infrastructure damaged destroyed emergency major disaster deployed interagency operational centers established safe port act sec defines especially hazardous cargo purposes title substance identified secretary especially hazardous cargo transported tank bulk break bulk vessel title miscellaneous provisions sec requires report specified congressional committees coast_guard activities protection marine mammals sea turtles statutes international agreements sec authorizes conveyance douglas_county oregon umpqua lighthouse property use park sec requires transfer administrative jurisdiction lands coos_county oregon including cape light station chief island areas commonly known chief island secretary interior hold trust benefit confederated tribes coos lower umpqua siuslaw indians allows coast_guard retain easements access aids navigation long required coast_guard sec authorizes appropriations noaa acquire use unmanned aerial vehicles data improve management natural disasters safety marine aviation transportation fisheries enforcement sec amends coast_guard maritime transportation act require annual report delaware_river extends authorization appropriations committee sets date certain termination sec authorizes construction leasing hangar berthing facilities operating area sec authorizes construction enclosed hangar hawaii sec requires decommissioning coast_guard_cutter_storis conveyance vessel llc alaska sec authorizes transfer presque_isle_township michigan possession historic lens presque_isle_light_station_lighthouse michigan purpose operating lens lighthouse private aid navigation sec repeals provisions terminating authority enter transmissions provisions relating coast_guard housing repeals provisions requiring initial appointment director grade captain sec requires annual report specified congressional committees volume foreign flag ships entering waters subject jurisdiction sec modifies definition fish processing vessel provide special provisions applicable certain salmon fishing vessels operating alaskan waters sec grants town florida notwithstanding law right refusal select consideration title certain real property town jurisdiction sec directs secretary transportation convene working group senior representatives maritime_administration epa national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa navy recommendations environmental practices storage disposal obsolete vessels owned operated federal government sec authorizes secretary department coast_guard operating construct multi mission valdez alaska sec authorizes secretary require bond surety alternative withholding revoking clearance facilitate investigation adjudication matter related administration enforcement treaty law regulation coast_guard pay necessary support enters remains paroled united_states involved investigation adjudication abandoned united_states reimburse ship owner provided necessary support paroled united_states facilitate investigation adjudication establishes support seafarers fund treasury consisting appropriated amounts certain circumstances amounts recovered ship owner failed provide support criminal penalty imposed provides proceedings rem authorizes appropriations sec directs secretary acquire construct polar icebreakers addition coast_guard existing polar icebreaker fleet authorizes appropriations sec amends fur seal act extend authorization appropriations grants certain city governments village corporations tribal councils alaska alaska sec requires commandant report specified congressional committees cost effective method providing shore facilities meet operational requirements area commonly referred coast_guard new_york feasibility consolidating relocating shore facilities portion existing site sec requires conveyance washington sec requires facility security plan approved specified provisions provide system seamen assigned vessel facility pilots representatives seamen welfare labor organizations board depart vessel facility timely manner cost individual sec requires class action suit seaman wages provisions vessel passengers commenced years end voyage wages claimed allows seaman vessel authorize deposit seaman wages checking savings investment retirement account secure payroll debit card seaman sec requires inspector general dhs report specified congressional committees circumstances surrounding accidental death coast_guard crew members training serving aboard coast_guard icebreaker title vessel conveyance vessel conveyance act sec requires conveyance government vessel use educational cultural historical charitable recreational public purpose subject conditions secretary considers necessary requires inclusion reversionary provision sec requires secretary transportation convene working group representatives maritime_administration coast_guard navy review recommendations common set conditions conveyance vessels defined eligible entities sec imposes civil penalty entity found failed comply terms conditions vessel conveyed


Summary: Reinforce First Responders and Emergency Employees Deployed Overseas in the Military Act of 2007 or the Reinforce FREEDOM Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make a grant to a first responder agency (a law enforcement or fire agency of a state or local government or an ambulance service) an employee of which (or a significant portion of the voluntary staff of which) is: (1) a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces; and (2) on active duty or has received orders to begin active duty. Authorizes the use of grant funds for: (1) the salary of an individual hired to replace such employee or volunteer; (2) overtime expenses for an employee performing tasks that would have been performed by such employee or volunteer; and (3) the cost of equipment, maintenance, or other activities that a first responder agency was unable to acquire or perform because of the costs of replacing such employee or volunteer or the need for which was caused by such employee's or volunteer's deployment.

military act freedom act authorizes secretary homeland_security grant responder agency law enforcement fire agency state local government ambulance service employee significant portion voluntary staff member reserve component armed_forces active duty received orders begin active duty authorizes use grant funds salary individual hired replace employee volunteer overtime expenses employee performing tasks performed employee volunteer cost equipment maintenance activities responder agency unable acquire perform costs replacing employee volunteer need caused employee volunteer deployment


Summary: Hire a Hero Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the federal government should support private sector employment initiatives for military personnel to help ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces have access to gainful employment. Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Chief) to award grants to nonprofit organizations to assist the following individuals in securing employment in the private sector: (1) a member of the National Guard or reserve; (2) a member of the Armed Forces who is nearing separation, discharge, or release; and (3) a former member of the Armed Forces. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Chief, in awarding such grants, should consider organizations that partner with private entities and associations involved in construction, energy, transportation, aerospace, domestic security, and other areas in which the employment of individuals having past military service would be of particular utility. Requires the Chief to establish fiscal control, accountability, and program performance measures for grantees.

hire hero act expresses sense congress federal government support private sector employment initiatives military personnel help ensure serve served armed_forces access gainful employment authorizes chief national_guard_bureau chief award grants nonprofit organizations assist following individuals securing employment private sector member national_guard reserve member armed_forces nearing separation discharge release member armed_forces expresses sense congress chief awarding grants consider organizations partner private entities associations involved construction energy transportation aerospace domestic security areas employment individuals having past military service particular utility requires chief establish fiscal control accountability program performance measures grantees


Summary: Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense (DOD) should undertake actions to ensure that family members of National Guard and Reserve personnel who are deployed have full access to mental health care during the periods of mobilization, deployment, and demobilization.Requires the Secretary of Defense to undertake an initiative to increase access to mental health care, including education concerning mental health challenges and information on available resources, for family members of such personnel who are mobilized.Requires reimbursement under the TRICARE program for certain mental health care services, including chemical dependency treatment, provided to a family member of a covered Guard or Reserve member during a period of deployment on active duty for more than 30 days in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom who, while on such duty, is covered by the TRICARE program on a for self and family basis.Requires regular reports from the Secretary assessing the access and quality of such family mental health care services and recommendations for legislative and administrative action.

expresses sense congress department_of_defense dod undertake actions ensure family members national_guard_and_reserve personnel deployed access mental health care periods mobilization deployment demobilization requires secretary defense undertake initiative increase access mental health care including education concerning mental health challenges information available resources family members personnel mobilized requires reimbursement tricare program certain mental health care services including chemical dependency treatment provided family member covered member period deployment active duty days connection operation iraqi freedom operation enduring freedom duty covered tricare program self family basis requires regular reports secretary assessing access quality family mental health care services recommendations legislative administrative action


Summary: National Guard Empowerment and State-National Defense Integration Act of 2008 - Adds the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Chief) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Requires the Chief to: (1) identify gaps between federal and state military capabilities to prepare for and respond to emergencies; and (2) make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense for military assistance to civil authorities to address such gaps. Requires annual defense budget documents to specify separate amounts for training and equipment for the National Guard for military assistance to civil authorities and other domestic operations. Redesignates the: (1) Director and Deputy Director of the Army National Guard as the Vice Chief and Deputy Vice Chief of the Army National Guard; and (2) Director and Deputy Director of the Air National Guard as the Vice Chief and Deputy Vice Chief of the Air National Guard. Treats Vice Chief service as an adjutant general as joint duty experience for assignment or promotion purposes. States that the United States Northern Command and the United States Pacific Command shall be the combatant commands principally responsible for the military support of civil authorities in the United States. Requires the Commander of each Command and the Chief to enter into a memorandum of understanding setting forth the operational relationships, and individual roles and responsibilities, during responses to domestic emergencies among such Commands and the National Guard Bureau. Directs the Secretary to assure that tactical control of the Armed Forces on duty within a state or possession is vested in the governor thereof when such forces are engaged in emergency response activities. Requires the officer serving as: (1) Commander of Army North Command to be an officer in the Army National Guard; and (2) Commander of Air Force North Command to be an officer in the Air National Guard. Expresses the sense of Congress that, in assigning officers to such positions, the President should afford a preference to officers who have served as a state adjutant general. Requires at least one of each of three specified commander and deputy commander joint task force positions to be an officer in the Army or Air National Guard.

state national defense integration act adds chief national_guard_bureau chief joint_chiefs_of_staff requires chief identify gaps federal state military capabilities prepare respond emergencies recommendations secretary defense military assistance civil authorities address gaps requires annual defense budget documents specify separate amounts training equipment national_guard military assistance civil authorities domestic operations redesignates director deputy director army_national_guard vice chief deputy vice chief army_national_guard director deputy director air_national_guard vice chief deputy vice chief air_national_guard treats vice chief service adjutant general joint duty experience assignment promotion purposes states shall combatant commands principally responsible military support civil authorities united_states requires commander command chief enter memorandum understanding setting forth operational relationships individual roles responsibilities responses domestic emergencies commands national_guard_bureau directs secretary assure tactical control armed_forces duty state possession vested governor thereof forces engaged emergency response activities requires officer serving commander officer army_national_guard commander officer air_national_guard expresses sense congress assigning officers positions president afford preference officers served state adjutant general requires specified commander deputy commander joint task force positions officer army air_national_guard


Summary: Reserve Component Residence Protection Act of 2008 - Requires a second basic allowance for housing to be provided to: (1) a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces with or without dependents who is called or ordered to active duty to attend accession training, in support of a contingency operation, or for a period of more than 30 days; or (2) a retired Armed Forces member with or without dependents who is ordered to active duty in support of a contingency operation or for a period of more than 30 days. (Under current law, the allowance is authorized but not required and is not payable to a member with dependents.)Makes payment retroactive for a member of a reserve component or a retired member with dependents who is on active duty as of the enactment of this Act.

reserve component residence protection act requires second basic allowance housing provided member reserve component armed_forces dependents called ordered active duty attend accession training support contingency operation period days retired armed_forces member dependents ordered active duty support contingency operation period days current law allowance authorized required payable member payment retroactive member reserve component retired member dependents active duty enactment act


Summary: FDA Food Safety Modernization Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to regulate food, including by authorizing the Secretary to: (1) suspend the registration of a food facility; and (2) order a cessation on distribution or recall of food.Directs the Secretary to allocate resources based on the risk profile of food facilities or food.Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to prepare a National Agriculture and Food Defense Strategy.Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist state, local, and tribal governments in preparing for, assessing, decontaminating, and recovering from an agriculture or food emergency. Requires the Secretary to: (1) assess fees on domestic food facilities and food importers; (2) promulgate regulations on sanitary transportation practices for food; and (3) develop a policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools and early childhood education programs.Directs the Secretary to: (1) recognize accreditation bodies that accredit food testing laboratories; and (2) improve the capabilities to track and trace raw agricultural commodities.Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enhance foodborne illness surveillance systems.Provides for: (1) foreign supplier verification programs; (2) a voluntary qualified importer program; and (3) the inspection of foreign facilities registered to import food.

cosmetic act expand authority secretary health_and_human_services secretary regulate food including authorizing secretary suspend registration food facility order cessation distribution recall food directs secretary allocate resources based risk profile food facilities food requires secretary secretary agriculture prepare requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa assist state local tribal governments preparing assessing recovering agriculture food emergency requires secretary assess fees domestic food facilities food importers promulgate regulations sanitary transportation practices food develop policy manage risk food allergy anaphylaxis schools early childhood education programs directs secretary recognize accreditation bodies accredit food testing laboratories improve capabilities track trace raw agricultural commodities requires secretary acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc enhance foodborne illness surveillance systems provides foreign supplier verification programs voluntary qualified importer program inspection foreign facilities registered import food


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with respect to veterans who have been discharged from active-duty service for 365 days or less and for whom a permanent disability rating is not immediately assignable, to assign a pre-stabilization disability rating of: (1) 100%, for a veteran with a severe disability for whom substantially gainful employment is not feasible or advisable; and (2) 50%, for a veteran with a wound or injury for whom material impairment of employability is likely. Terminates the pre-stabilization rating: (1) when a veteran receives a permanent disability rating based on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) schedule for rating disabilities; or (2) 365 days after the veteran's last separation or release from active duty. Allows the Secretary, when appropriate, to extend the pre-stabilization rating beyond such date.

directs secretary veterans_affairs respect veterans discharged active duty service days permanent disability rating immediately assignable assign pre stabilization disability rating veteran severe disability substantially gainful employment feasible advisable veteran wound injury material impairment employability likely terminates pre stabilization rating veteran receives permanent disability rating based department_of_veterans_affairs schedule rating disabilities days veteran separation release active duty allows secretary appropriate extend pre stabilization rating date


Summary: Excludes funds provided for the National Guard Youth Challenge Program by federal agencies other than the Department of Defense (DOD) from the matching-funds requirement. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010 to the Secretary of Defense to carry out the Program.

excludes funds provided national_guard_youth_challenge_program federal agencies department_of_defense dod matching funds requirement authorizes appropriations fy2010 secretary defense carry program


Summary: Ready Employers Willing to Assist Reservists' Deployment Act of 2009 or the REWARD Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a tax credit for 50% of the wages paid to their employees on active military duty for more than 90 days as Ready Reserve or National Guard and for 50% of the wages paid to temporary replacement employees.

ready employers willing assist reservists deployment act reward act amends internal revenue code allow employers tax credit wages paid employees active military duty days ready_reserve national_guard wages paid temporary replacement employees


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide employers a business tax credit for up to ten percent of compensation not paid to their employees who were members of the Ready Reserve or National Guard absent from work to perform active duty. Limits such credit to $2,000 for any one Ready Reserve-National Guard employee per year.

amends internal revenue code provide employers business tax credit percent compensation paid employees members ready_reserve national_guard absent work perform active duty limits credit ready_reserve-national_guard employee year


Summary: Eliminates the requirement that a member or former member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired pay for non-regular (reserve) service be at least 60 years of age before being eligible for medical and dental care in a military health care facility.

eliminates requirement member member armed_forces entitled retired pay non regular reserve service years age eligible medical dental care military health care facility


Summary: Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned, at the request of a state or local government that has one or more first responder employees who are also members of a reserve component and absent from their employment as first responders under a call or order to serve on active duty for more than 30 days, to reimburse the state or local government by the amount actually paid by the state or local government to such employees during their absence.

requires secretary military department concerned request state local government responder employees members reserve component absent employment responders order serve active duty days reimburse state local government actually paid state local government employees absence


Summary: National Guard Technician Recruitment and Retention Act - Provides that if an individual is first employed by the National Guard as a military technician (dual status) while already a member of a reserve component, the Secretary of the military department concerned may not require the individual to repay any enlistment, reenlistment, or affiliation bonus connected with the individual's enlistment or reenlistment before such employment. Prohibits such individual from being precluded from receiving any such bonus or denied the opportunity to participate in any Department of Defense (DOD) educational loan repayment program as an additional incentive to accept and maintain reserve membership. Repeals the prohibition against overtime pay for such technicians.

retention act provides individual employed national_guard military technician dual status member reserve component secretary military department concerned require individual repay enlistment reenlistment affiliation bonus connected individual enlistment reenlistment employment prohibits individual precluded receiving bonus denied opportunity participate department_of_defense dod educational loan repayment program additional incentive accept maintain reserve membership repeals prohibition overtime pay technicians


Summary: National Guard Technician Equity Act - Authorizes the employment of a person as a non-dual status technician if: (1) the technician position has been designated to be filled only by a non-dual status technician; or (2) the person occupying the technician position has at least 20 years of service as a dual status military technician. Repeals: (1) the permanent limitation on the number of non-dual status technicians; and (2) the prohibition against overtime pay for National Guard technicians. Provides for: (1) up to 12 months of continued compensation for a military technician who was hired as a dual status technician but who is no longer a member of the Selected Reserve; (2) an extended deployment bonus for military technicians; (3) certain enlistment, reinlistment, and student loan benefits for military technicians. Reduces the eligibility age for retired pay to 55 years old. Makes a dual status military technician eligible for early retirement if separating from the Selected Reserve or ceasing to hold a specified military grade after: (1) completing 25 years of technician service; or (2) becoming 50 years old and completing 20 years of such service. Increases annual paid employment leave to 30 days for Reserve or National Guard duty. Revises specified provisions regarding employer health plan contributions for members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces.

employment person non dual status technician technician position designated filled non dual status technician person occupying technician position years service dual status military technician repeals permanent limitation number non dual status technicians prohibition overtime pay national_guard technicians provides months continued compensation military technician hired dual status technician longer member selected_reserve extended deployment bonus military technicians certain enlistment student loan benefits military technicians reduces eligibility age retired pay years old makes dual status military technician eligible early retirement separating selected_reserve ceasing hold specified military grade completing years technician service years old completing years service increases annual paid employment leave days duty revises specified provisions employer health plan contributions members reserve component armed_forces


Summary: Makes funds appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) available for costs incurred by the National Guard in conducting international military-to-civilian contacts, civilian-to-civilian contacts, and comparable activities in order to: (1) support objectives of the commander of the combatant command for the theater of operations in which the contacts occur; (2) build international civil-military partnerships and capacity; (3) strengthen cooperation between U.S. and foreign departments and agencies; (4) facilitate intergovernmental collaboration between the U.S. government and foreign governments; and (5) facilitate the exchange of information between the U.S. government and foreign governments on matters relating to defense and security.

makes funds appropriated department_of_defense dod available costs incurred national_guard conducting international military civilian contacts civilian civilian contacts comparable activities order support objectives commander combatant command theater operations contacts occur build international civil military partnerships capacity strengthen cooperation foreign departments agencies facilitate intergovernmental collaboration government foreign governments facilitate exchange information government foreign governments matters relating defense security


Summary: Revises the federal charter of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States to include the president elect of the Association on the national executive committee as a non-voting member. Specifies that the three national executive committee members on the national executive committee are a minimum of three (thus allowing for an increase in such number). Makes the president elect of the Association an officer. Specifies that the three national executive committee members who are officers of the Association are a minimum of three (thus allowing for an increase in such number). Eliminates the specific inclusion among the officers of a surgeon, a chaplain, a historian, and a public relations officer. Allows the addition as officers of any others specified in the Association's constitution (currently, as decided at the national convention). Declares that the officers shall take office at the national convention. Requires the judge advocate to be appointed by the national executive committee. Allows for appointment by the national executive committee of any other national officers specified in the Association's constitution. Revises the requirement that minutes be kept of the proceedings of the national council. Eliminates specification of the national council and replaces it with other national entities of the Association (the minutes of whose proceedings must be kept).

revises federal charter united_states include president elect association national executive committee non voting member specifies national executive committee members national executive committee minimum allowing increase number makes president elect association officer specifies national executive committee members officers association minimum allowing increase number eliminates specific inclusion officers surgeon chaplain public relations officer allows addition officers specified association constitution currently decided national convention declares officers shall office national convention requires judge advocate appointed national executive committee allows appointment national executive committee national officers specified association constitution revises requirement minutes kept proceedings national council eliminates specification national council replaces national entities proceedings kept


Summary: National Guard Youth Challenge Enhancement Act - Amends the National Guard Youth Challenge Program (a training program to improve life skills and employment potential of civilian youth participants) to increase the authorized Department of Defense (DOD) share of expenses to 100% of operating costs for the first three years of a state program of the Program.

act amends national_guard_youth_challenge_program training program improve life skills employment potential civilian youth participants increase authorized department_of_defense dod share expenses operating costs years state program program


Summary: Hire A Hero Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain employers a work opportunity tax credit for hiring members of the Ready Reserve or National Guard.

hire hero act amends internal revenue code allow certain employers work opportunity tax credit hiring members ready_reserve national_guard


Summary: Reserve Retirement Deployment Credit Correction Act - Removes the requirement that days of active duty or active service used to reduce the minimum age at which a member of the reserves may retire for non-regular (reserve) service must occur in the same fiscal year.

reserve retirement deployment credit correction act removes requirement days active duty active service reduce minimum age member reserves retire non regular reserve service occur fiscal year


Summary: National Guard Border Enforcement Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) (Secretary) to deploy at least an additional 10,000 members of the National Guard for border control activities along the U.S.-Mexico border until the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) certifies that the federal government has achieved operational control of the border. Authorizes the Secretary to exceed 10,000 upon the request of a state that shares a portion of the U.S.-Mexico border if, despite deployment of the additional 10,000, operational control of the border has not been achieved. Requires the Secretary to provide funding to a state that submits to the Secretary of State a state border control activities plan meeting certain requirements. Limits the number of National Guard that may be so deployed.

secretary defense dod secretary deploy additional members national_guard border control activities border secretary homeland_security dhs certifies federal government achieved operational control border authorizes secretary exceed request state shares portion border despite deployment additional operational control border achieved requires secretary provide funding state submits secretary state state border control activities plan meeting certain requirements limits number national_guard deployed


Summary: Guardians of Freedom Act of 2010 - Directs the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Chief) to serve as an advocate and liaison for the National Guard of each state, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands (the states and such areas) and inform such National Guards of all actions that could affect their federal or state missions, including any equipment level or force structure changes. Requires the Chief to: (1) be a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with responsibility for advocating for the National Guards of the states and such areas; and (2) consult with state governors and adjutant generals before any changes are made in National Guard force structure or equipment levels.

guardians freedom act directs chief national_guard_bureau chief serve advocate liaison national_guard state commonwealth_of_puerto_rico district_of_columbia guam virgin_islands states areas inform national guards actions affect federal state missions including equipment level force structure changes requires chief member joint_chiefs_of_staff responsibility advocating states areas consult state governors adjutant changes national_guard force structure equipment levels


Summary: Fortifying Operational Reserve Component Efforts Act of 2009 or FORCE Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to conduct a review of Department of Defense (DOD) communications to reserve members of the Armed Forces and their families on health benefits, family support, and other resources available through DOD. Requires: (1) the review to include member and family surveys on their participation in programs and activities associated with member mobilization and demobilization; and (2) the Secretary, using review results, to enhance DOD educational materials provided to such members and families on such benefits, support, and resources.Directs: (1) the Secretary of the military department concerned (Secretary concerned) to assign to each unit of a reserve component under their jurisdiction full-time personnel to provide assistance to the family of a member during, and in connection with, the mobilization and deployment of such unit; and (2) the Secretary to ensure a minimum number of Transition Assistance Advisors in each state.Requires: (1) the Secretary to provide a post-deployment health reassessment to each reserve member returning from deployment in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom; and (2) the Secretary concerned to provide each reserve member an annual briefing on health benefits available to members and dependents under the TRICARE program (a DOD managed care program).Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay to a reserve member activated for more than 30 days a monthly stipend to cover, during the activation period, the cost of private health insurance for the spouse and dependents of such member who reside more than 50 miles from the nearest military medical treatment facility or TRICARE services provider.Directs the Secretary to provide to reserve units comprehensive training on mental health matters.Provides funding for mental health care for National Guard members who incurred a psychological or mental illness or injury while on active duty.Requires the Secretary to: (1) measure the achievement of DOD objectives for reserve member participation in the Transition Assistance Program; and (2) ensure that each member of the Individual Ready Reserve who deploys as an individual is provided the same pre- and post-deployment information as provided to members who deploy as a unit.Expresses the sense of Congress that National Guard members returning from deployment in a contingency operation or homeland defense mission of one year or longer should: (1) not be required to commence full-time National Guard duty immediately upon their return; and (2) be permitted to elect to postpone commencement of deactivation from active-duty status until at least 90 days after such return.

directs secretary defense secretary conduct review department_of_defense dod communications reserve members armed_forces families health benefits family support resources available dod requires review include member family surveys participation programs activities associated member mobilization demobilization secretary review results enhance dod educational materials provided members families benefits support resources directs secretary military department concerned secretary concerned assign unit reserve component jurisdiction time personnel provide assistance family member connection mobilization deployment unit secretary ensure minimum number state requires secretary provide post deployment health reassessment reserve member returning deployment operations iraqi freedom enduring_freedom secretary concerned provide reserve member annual briefing health benefits available members dependents tricare program dod managed care secretary concerned pay reserve member activated days monthly stipend cover activation period cost private health insurance spouse dependents member reside miles nearest military medical treatment facility tricare services provider directs secretary provide reserve units comprehensive training mental health matters provides funding mental health care national_guard members incurred psychological mental illness injury active duty requires secretary measure achievement dod objectives reserve member participation transition_assistance_program ensure member individual_ready_reserve individual provided pre- post deployment information provided members deploy unit expresses sense congress national_guard members returning deployment contingency operation homeland defense mission year longer required commence time national_guard duty immediately return permitted elect postpone commencement active duty status days return


Summary: Amends the National Guard Youth Challenge Program (a training program to improve life skills and employment potential of civilian youth participants) to increase the Department of Defense (DOD) share of expenses to: (1) 100% of operating costs, in the first two years of a state program of the Program; and (2) 75% of operating costs, in the case of any other state program of the Program.

amends national_guard_youth_challenge_program training program improve life skills employment potential civilian youth participants increase department_of_defense dod share expenses operating costs years state program program operating costs case state program program


Summary: Makes a member of the Retired Reserve who is qualified for a non-regular (reserve) retirement at age 60, but is not yet 60, eligible for health benefits under TRICARE Standard (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program for members of the reserves). Terminates such eligibility when the member becomes eligible for TRICARE Standard at age 60. Includes immediate family members under such coverage. Requires members to pay a premium for such coverage.

makes member qualified non regular reserve retirement age eligible health benefits tricare_standard department defense dod managed health care program members reserves terminates eligibility member eligible tricare standard age includes immediate family members coverage requires members pay premium coverage


Summary: Voluntary Support for Reservists and National Guard Members Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to designate that a portion (but not less than $5) of any income tax overpayment be paid over to the Reserve Income Replacement Program to benefit reservists and National Guard members.

reservists national guard members act amends internal revenue code allow taxpayers designate portion income tax overpayment paid benefit reservists national_guard members