Summary: Justice for Victims of Torture and Terrorism Act - Terminates the authority of the President to grant the government of Iraq immunity from actions by victims of terrorism seeking compensation for injuries caused by officials, employees, or agents of the government of Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War when such government was classified as a state sponsor of terrorism, unless the President certifies to Congress that Iraq has adequately settled specified claims of U.S. soldiers and civilians held in Iraq as POWs and hostages and subject to state-sponsored torture and terrorism. Provides an exception to the termination of such authority if the President certifies that: (1) Iraq has not compensated any foreign persons or entities for claims or liabilities incurred by or under the control of the Saddam Hussein regime, including commercial or financial claims and claims for acts against individuals similar to those described above; or (2) negotiations are ongoing with Iraq to settle the American claims, and the President believes that those negotiations are being conducted in good faith and could lead to a satisfactory settlement. Limits the latter certification period to 180 days (with authorized renewals by the President). Defines various adequate settlement amounts, depending on the victim, length of torture or detainment, etc. Prohibits the use of any U.S. funds to pay any claim covered under this Act.

justice victims torture terrorism act terminates authority president grant government iraq immunity actions victims terrorism seeking compensation injuries caused officials employees agents government iraq gulf war government classified state sponsor terrorism president certifies congress iraq adequately settled specified claims soldiers civilians held iraq pows hostages subject state sponsored torture terrorism provides exception termination authority president certifies iraq compensated foreign persons entities claims liabilities incurred control regime including commercial financial claims claims acts individuals similar described negotiations ongoing iraq settle american claims president believes negotiations conducted good faith lead satisfactory settlement limits certification period days authorized renewals president defines adequate settlement amounts depending victim length torture detainment etc prohibits use funds pay claim covered act


Summary: Protect Our Troops and Our Constitution Act of 2008 - Prohibits funds from being used to: (1) establish or maintain any permanent or long-term U.S. military base or facility in Iraq; or (2) implement any agreement that is consistent with U.S. security commitments to Iraq under the Declaration of Principles or any agreement that provides "authority to fight" for U.S. Armed Forces engaged in combat operations other than for self-defense purposes, unless the agreement is an Article II treaty with respect to which the Senate has given its advice and consent to ratification or the agreement is approved by an Act of Congress enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) long-term U.S.-Iraq relations should be determined by the U.S. Administration taking office on January 20, 2009; (2) in determining its policy toward Iraq such Administration should consult with Congress, the government of Iraq, Coalition partners, and Iraq's neighbors; and (3) to maintain international legal authority as well as immunity from Iraqi prosecution for U.S. Armed Forces and other Coalition forces operating in Iraq while such Administration determines policy toward Iraq the current U.S. Administration should encourage the government of Iraq to request renewal of the U.N. mandate for Iraq beyond December 31, 2008.

protect troops constitution act prohibits funds establish maintain permanent long term military base facility iraq implement agreement consistent security commitments iraq declaration principles agreement provides authority fight engaged combat operations self defense purposes agreement article treaty respect senate given advice consent ratification agreement approved act congress enacted date enactment act expresses sense congress long term relations determined taking office january determining policy iraq administration consult congress government iraq coalition partners iraq neighbors maintain international legal authority immunity iraqi prosecution coalition forces operating iraq administration determines policy iraq current encourage government iraq request renewal mandate iraq december


Summary: Homefront Heroes Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for up to $500 of amounts paid to provide care packages to members of the Armed Forces serving in a combat zone.

amends internal revenue code allow tax credit amounts paid provide care packages members armed forces serving combat zone


Summary: Providing Responsible Oversight and Testing of Equipment for Combat Troops Act of 2008 or the PROTECT Act of 2008 - Removes provisions requiring the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation in the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide guidance to and consult with the Secretary of Defense, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, and the Secretaries of the military departments with respect to operational test and evaluation or survivability testing (or both) in the DOD of force protection equipment (including nonlethal weapons). Adds items of (or key components of) personal equipment designed to provide some degree of protection to the user in combat to provisions requiring survivability and lethality testing before full-scale production.

providing responsible oversight testing equipment combat troops act protect act removes provisions requiring director operational test evaluation department_of_defense dod provide guidance consult secretary defense secretary logistics secretaries military departments respect operational test evaluation survivability testing dod force protection equipment including nonlethal weapons adds items key components personal equipment designed provide degree protection user combat provisions requiring survivability testing scale production


Summary: Iraq Shared Investment Act - Requires that amounts made available under the Iraq Security Forces Fund shall be provided as loans subject to full repayment to the U.S. government. Amends the the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 to provide that: (1) for each of FY2008-FY2009, the Secretary of Defense shall withhold from obligation and expenditure not less than 20% of the amount made available for the Commanders' Emergency Response Program until the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that the government of Iraq has agreed to provide an amount equal to 20% of the amount made available under the Commanders' Emergency Response Program from its own resources to be used to enable military commanders in Iraq to respond to urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction requirements; and (2) if the Secretary is unable to make such certification the amount withheld from obligation and expenditure shall be available for national debt reduction.

iraq shared investment act requires amounts available iraq_security_forces_fund shall provided loans subject repayment government amends national defense authorization act fiscal year provide fy2008 fy2009 secretary defense shall withhold obligation expenditure available secretary certifies congressional defense committees government iraq agreed provide equal available commanders emergency response program resources enable military commanders iraq respond urgent humanitarian relief reconstruction requirements secretary unable certification withheld obligation expenditure shall available national debt reduction


Summary: Boumediene Jurisdiction Correction Act - Allows any person being held under military authority in the part of Cuba leased to the United States to challenge the circumstances and legality of that person's detention to the same extent and with the same rights as are provided under the writ of habeas corpus. Grants the courts established under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and operating in that part of Cuba exclusive original jurisdiction to hear and determine any such challenge.

jurisdiction correction act allows person held military authority cuba leased united_states challenge circumstances legality person detention extent rights provided writ habeas corpus grants courts established uniform code military justice operating cuba exclusive original jurisdiction hear determine challenge


Summary: Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the position of White House Coordinator for Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons who shall: (1) develop and implement U.S. policies, and coordinate federal functions, to address the protection, resettlement, and assistance needs of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons; (2) monitor the development and implementation of assistance strategies to countries in the Middle East hosting Iraqi refugees; (3) ensure that the President's budget requests to Congress are sufficient to meet the needs of such persons, including providing assistance for international efforts on behalf of such persons; (4) serve as principal liaison with the government of Iraq and the international community and organizations that are assisting such persons; and (5) ensure that the U.S. government will encourage refugee returns only when conditions permit safe and voluntary returns.

establishes executive_office president position white_house_coordinator iraqi refugees internally displaced persons shall develop implement policies coordinate federal functions address protection resettlement assistance needs iraqi refugees displaced persons monitor development implementation assistance strategies countries middle_east hosting iraqi refugees ensure president budget requests congress sufficient meet needs persons including providing assistance international efforts behalf persons serve principal liaison government iraq international community organizations assisting persons ensure government encourage refugee returns conditions permit safe voluntary returns


Summary: Iraq Security Agreement Act of 2008 - Directs the President to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees respecting U.S. security commitments to, and arrangements with, other countries. Directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to consult with the appropriate congressional committees respecting negotiations pursuant to the Declaration of Principles between the United States and Iraq. Prohibits any agreement (or the obligation of implementing funds) containing a security commitment to, or security arrangement with, the Republic of Iraq, from entering into force except pursuant to Article II, section 2, clause 2 (relating to treaties) or Article I, section 7, clause 2 (relating to enactment of laws) of the Constitution of the United States.

iraq security agreement act directs president report annually appropriate congressional committees respecting security commitments arrangements countries directs secretary state secretary defense consult appropriate congressional committees respecting negotiations pursuant declaration principles united_states iraq prohibits agreement obligation implementing funds containing security commitment security arrangement republic_of_iraq entering force pursuant article section clause relating treaties article section clause relating enactment laws constitution united_states


Summary: Republic of Georgia Enhanced Trade Assistance, Economic Recovery, and Reconstruction Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce to work with the governments of the Republic of Georgia, Ukraine, Turkey, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia to expand trade, business, and economic opportunities, including through the existing free trade zone at the Georgian port of Poti and the Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe (e-PINE). Directs: (1) the Secretary of State to provide assistance for Georgia's economic recovery and infrastructure reconstruction; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury to use U.S. influence at international financial institutions to expand assistance for Georgia's reconstruction and development.

republic economic recovery reconstruction act directs secretary state secretary commerce work governments ukraine turkey latvia lithuania estonia azerbaijan armenia expand trade business economic opportunities including existing free trade zone port pine directs secretary state provide assistance georgia economic recovery infrastructure reconstruction secretary treasury use influence international financial institutions expand assistance georgia reconstruction development


Summary: Establishes the World War I Centennial Commission to: (1) plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I; (2) encourage private organizations and state and local governments to organize and participate in such activities; (3) facilitate and coordinate such activities throughout the United States; and (4) serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about centennial events and plans.

establishes world war centennial commission plan develop execute programs projects activities commemorate centennial world war encourage private organizations state local governments organize participate activities facilitate coordinate activities united_states serve clearinghouse collection dissemination information centennial events plans


Summary: Prohibits U.S. assistance for the acquisition, conversion, rehabilitation, or installation of facilities in Iraq, with exemptions for: (1) amounts made available under the Commanders' Emergency Response Program (CERP) (project amounts in excess of $1 million only to be allowed with the Secretary of Defense's approval and congressional notification); and (2) technical assistance for the government of Iraq. Directs the Secretary of State to conclude an agreement under which the government of Iraq shares with the U.S. government the costs of combined operations of the government of Iraq and the Multi-National Force in Iraq undertaken as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

prohibits assistance acquisition conversion rehabilitation installation facilities iraq exemptions amounts available commanders emergency response program project amounts excess million allowed secretary defense approval congressional notification technical assistance government iraq directs secretary state conclude agreement government iraq shares government costs combined operations government iraq iraq undertaken operation iraqi freedom


Summary: Ensuring Safe Facilities and Equipment for American Troops Overseas Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense, in order to assure the safe utilization by the Armed Forces of expeditionary facilities, infrastructure, and equipment supporting U.S. military operations overseas, to certify to the congressional defense committees that: (1) generally accepted industry safety standards are incorporated into military regulations establishing requirements for such facilities, infrastructure, and equipment; (2) each contract or task or delivery order for the construction, installation, repair, maintenance, or operation of overseas expeditionary facilities incorporates such industry standards; and (3) such standards apply in all current and future U.S. military operations overseas.

overseas act directs secretary defense order assure safe utilization armed_forces expeditionary facilities infrastructure equipment supporting military operations overseas certify congressional defense committees generally accepted industry safety standards incorporated military regulations establishing requirements facilities infrastructure equipment contract task delivery order construction installation repair maintenance operation overseas expeditionary facilities incorporates industry standards standards apply current future military operations overseas


Summary: Human Costs in Iraq Act of 2008 - Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2008 to require, in a report concerning Department of Defense (DOD) progress toward military and political stability in Iraq, additional information concerning: (1) the total number of Iraqis killed by violence; (2) best efforts to distinguish between combatants, noncombatants, and official Iraqi Security Force personnel killed; and (3) details of the incidents involving each casualty.

human costs iraq act amends department_of_defense_appropriations_act require report concerning department_of_defense dod progress military political stability iraq additional information concerning total number iraqis killed violence best efforts distinguish combatants official personnel killed details incidents involving casualty


Summary: States that it is U.S. policy to redeploy U.S. forces within 180 days after enactment of this Act while maintaining in Iraq the minimal level of U.S. forces sufficient to engage directly in targeted counterterrorism activities, train Iraq security forces, and protect U.S. infrastructure and personnel in Iraq. Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State to jointly submit to Congress a report setting forth the strategy for such redeployment.

states policy forces days enactment act maintaining iraq minimal level forces sufficient engage directly targeted counterterrorism activities train iraq security forces protect infrastructure personnel iraq directs secretary defense secretary state jointly submit congress report setting forth strategy redeployment


Summary: Waives application of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act to a specified parcel of real property transferred by the United States to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue a new deed to the Tribes to such parcel that shall not include: (1) any restriction on the right to alienate the parcel; or (2) any reference to any provision of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. Prohibits Class II and Class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act on such real property.

waives application assistance act specified parcel real property transferred united_states confederated tribes siletz indians oregon confederated tribes grand ronde community oregon directs secretary interior issue new deed tribes parcel shall include restriction right alienate parcel reference provision indian self determination education assistance act prohibits class class iii gaming indian gaming regulatory act real property


Summary: United States-Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Program Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of State, in cooperation with the government of Poland, to establish a United States-Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Program for American and Polish secondary students under 19 years old who have been accepted for up to one academic year of study abroad in a credit-approved program. States that eligible participants shall: (1) live in and attend a public secondary school in the host country for one academic year; (2) undertake academic studies in the host country, with particular emphasis on the history, constitution, and political development of the host country; and (3) be eligible for an internship in the host country. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees respecting the Program. Authorizes FY2008 appropriations.

youth exchange program act authorizes secretary state cooperation government poland establish youth exchange program american secondary students years old accepted academic year study abroad credit approved program states eligible participants shall live attend public secondary school host country academic year undertake academic studies host country particular emphasis history constitution political development host country eligible internship host country directs secretary report annually appropriate congressional committees respecting program authorizes fy2008 appropriations


Summary: Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese descent. Directs the Commission to: (1) extend the study of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians to investigate U.S. relocation, internment, and (in some cases) deportation to Axis countries of Latin Americans of Japanese descent held in U.S. custody from December 1941 through February 1948, including the review of relocation-related U.S. Armed Forces and Department of State directives; (2) recommend appropriate remedies to Congress based on preliminary findings by the original Commission and new discoveries; and (3) report to Congress. Sets forth Commission authorities and administrative and personnel provisions. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its congressional report. Authorizes appropriations.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

commission internment latin americans japanese descent act establishes commission internment latin americans japanese descent directs commission extend study commission internment civilians investigate relocation internment cases deportation countries latin americans japanese descent held custody december february including review relocation related directives recommend appropriate remedies congress based preliminary findings original commission new discoveries report congress sets forth commission authorities administrative personnel provisions terminates commission days submission congressional report authorizes appropriations


Summary: Iraq Troop Protection and Reduction Act of 2007 - Prohibits, with a limited presidential national security waiver, U.S. military force levels in Iraq after the date of the enactment of this Act from exceeding such levels as of January 1, 2007. Prohibits appropriations for security and reconstruction assistance to the government of Iraq 90 days after enactment of this Act unless the President provides Congress with a specified certification respecting Iraq's: (1) security forces; (2) oil revenue distribution; (3) civil rights and political accommodation concerning its ethnic and sectarian groups; and (4) policy towards the participation of former Baath party members in the Iraqi government. Terminates authority for the use of U.S. military forces in Iraq 90 days after enactment of this Act unless the use of such forces is specifically authorized by Congress in a statute enacted after enactment of this Act or the President provides Congress with a specified certification respecting: (1) U.S. redeployment and mission transition; (2) Iraq's security forces; (3) oil revenue distribution; (4) civil rights and political accommodation concerning Iraq's ethnic and sectarian groups; (5) the participation of former Baath party members in the Iraqi government; and (6) the convening of an international conference on Iraq. States that the termination shall: (1) continue in effect if Congress enacts a joint resolution disapproving the President's certification; and (2) not be construed to prohibit the use of U.S. military forces in Iraq for force protection, force security, or similar purposes during the U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds to deploy U.S. military forces to Iraq unless the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that such forces are adequately equipped and trained for their missions.

prohibits limited presidential national security waiver military force levels iraq date enactment act exceeding levels january prohibits appropriations security reconstruction assistance government iraq days enactment act president provides congress specified certification respecting iraq security forces oil revenue distribution civil rights political accommodation concerning ethnic sectarian groups policy participation party members iraqi government terminates authority use military forces iraq days enactment act use forces specifically authorized congress statute enacted enactment act president provides congress specified certification respecting redeployment mission transition iraq security forces oil revenue distribution civil rights political accommodation concerning iraq ethnic sectarian groups participation party members iraqi government convening international conference iraq states termination shall continue effect congress enacts joint resolution disapproving president certification construed prohibit use military forces iraq force protection force security similar purposes military withdrawal iraq prohibits obligation expenditure funds deploy military forces iraq secretary defense certifies congress forces adequately equipped trained missions


Summary: Expresses the sense of Congress against any congressional action, including the elimination or reduction of funds, that will impair the mission of the U.S. military forces in the field, undermine their safety, or harm their effectiveness. Directs the Commander, Multi-National Forces-Iraq to report to Congress within 120 days respecting the status of the achievement of specified benchmarks and the Commander's assessment whether or not each such benchmark has been met.

expresses sense congress congressional action including elimination reduction funds impair mission military forces field undermine safety harm effectiveness directs commander report congress days respecting status achievement specified benchmarks commander assessment benchmark met


Summary: Support Our Troops Act of 2007 - Makes emergency appropriations for FY2007 for the Global War on Terror, including for: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Foreign Agricultural Service; and (2) the Department of Justice for salaries and expenses, the U.S. Marshals Service, the National Security Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Prison System. Makes emergency appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund; (4) the Iraq Security Forces Fund; (5) the Iraq Freedom Fund; (6) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (7) procurement; (8) research, development, test and evaluation; (9) revolving and management funds; (10) the Defense Health Program; (11) defense drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; and (12) the Intelligence Community Management Account. Makes emergency appropriations for: (1) the Department of Energy (DOE) for defense nuclear nonproliferation; (2) DOD for military construction; (3) diplomatic and consular programs; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) educational and cultural exchange programs; (6) international peacekeeping activities; (7) international broadcasting operations; (8) the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Child Survival and Health Programs Fund; (9) international disaster and famine assistance; and (10) the Economic Support Fund. Makes emergency appropriations for the Department of State for: (1) assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic states; (2) international narcotics and law enforcement; (3) migration and refugee assistance; (4) the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; and (5) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs. Makes emergency appropriations for: (1) the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance; (2) the Foreign Military Financing Program; (3) peacekeeping operations; and (3) the Department of Defense Base Closure Account, 2005.

support troops act makes emergency appropriations fy2007 global war terror including department_of_justice salaries expenses federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi explosives makes emergency appropriations department_of_defense dod military personnel operation maintenance afghanistan_security_forces_fund iraq_security_forces_fund iraq freedom fund joint_improvised_explosive_device_defeat_fund procurement research development test evaluation revolving management funds defense_health_program defense drug interdiction counter drug activities intelligence_community_management_account makes emergency appropriations department_of_energy doe defense nuclear nonproliferation dod military construction diplomatic consular programs office_of_inspector_general educational cultural exchange programs international peacekeeping activities international broadcasting operations united_states_agency international_development usaid international disaster assistance economic_support_fund makes emergency appropriations department_of_state assistance eastern_europe states international narcotics law enforcement migration refugee assistance nonproliferation anti terrorism demining related programs makes emergency appropriations department_of_the_treasury international affairs technical assistance peacekeeping operations department_of_defense_base_closure_account


Summary: Iraq Study Group Recommendations Implementation Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) that the President should formulate a comprehensive plan to implement the Iraq Study Group recommendations; (2) respecting diplomatic efforts in Iraq; and (3) respecting redeployment of U.S. combat brigades not necessary for force protection and other specified duties by the first quarter of 2008. States U.S. policy respecting: (1) security and military forces in Iraq; (2) strengthening the U.S. military; (3) police and criminal justice in Iraq; (4) the oil sector in Iraq; (5) improving assistance programs in Iraq; (6) budgetary preparation; and (7) conditions for continued U.S. assistance to Iraq based upon the government of Iraq meeting specified milestones. Requires the President to report to Congress every 90 days respecting such policies' implementation.

implementation act expresses sense congress president formulate comprehensive plan implement recommendations respecting diplomatic efforts iraq respecting redeployment combat necessary force protection specified duties quarter states policy respecting security military forces iraq strengthening military police criminal justice iraq oil sector iraq improving assistance programs iraq budgetary preparation conditions continued assistance iraq based government iraq meeting specified milestones requires president report congress days respecting policies implementation


Summary: Requires that, when transportation of the remains of a deceased member of the Armed Forces who dies during active duty or inactive-duty training includes transportation by aircraft, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall provide for the delivery of such remains to the commercial, general aviation, or military airport nearest to the place selected by the deceased's designee, or if such a selection is not made, nearest to the cemetery selected by the Secretary.

requires transportation remains deceased member armed_forces dies active duty inactive duty training includes transportation aircraft secretary military department concerned shall provide delivery remains commercial general aviation military airport nearest place selected deceased designee selection nearest cemetery selected secretary


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on contingency planning for the redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq. Requires the report to include: (1) specified elements; and (2) contingency planning for each of the specified scenarios.

directs secretary defense report congress contingency planning redeployment forces iraq requires report include specified elements contingency planning specified scenarios


Summary: Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed as a recommendation by Congress that any particular contingency plan be exercised; (2) it is necessary and prudent for the Department of Defense (DOD) to undertake robust and comprehensive contingency planning; (3) contingency planning for a redeployment of Armed Forces from Iraq should address appropriate protection for U.S. Armed Forces, civilians, contractors, and third party and Iraqi nationals who have aided the U.S. mission in Iraq, and the preservation of military equipment; and (4) such planning should describe a range of scenarios and timetables for redeployment, and describe possible missions of Armed Forces remaining in Iraq. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the congressional defense and appropriations committees on the status of planning for the redeployment of Armed Forces from Iraq. Requires the Secretary and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to brief such committees on matters contained in the reports.

expresses sense congress act shall construed recommendation congress particular contingency plan exercised necessary prudent department_of_defense dod undertake robust comprehensive contingency planning contingency planning redeployment armed_forces iraq address appropriate protection civilians contractors party iraqi nationals aided mission iraq preservation military equipment planning describe range scenarios timetables redeployment describe possible missions armed_forces remaining iraq directs secretary defense report congressional defense appropriations committees status planning redeployment armed_forces iraq requires secretary chairman joint_chiefs_of_staff brief committees matters contained reports


Summary: Allows the Secretary of Defense to transfer the amount of any congressionally directed spending item in or in connection with the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2008 (division A of P.L. 110-116) to one or more of the accounts of the Department of State, Department of Defense (DOD), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), or accounts or other agencies conducting operations or activities in Iraq or Afghanistan, for the purpose of funding such operations or activities.Defines "congressionally directed spending item" as language included primarily at the request of a Member of Congress providing, authorizing, or recommending a specific amount of discretionary budget authority, credit authority, or other spending authority for a contract, loan, loan guarantee, grant, loan authority, or other expenditure with or to an entity, or targeted to a specific state, locality, or congressional district other than through a statutory or administrative formula-driven or competitive award process. Terminates the budget, credit, or other spending authority for the congressionally directed spending item upon the transfer of the amount of such item.

allows secretary defense transfer congressionally directed spending item connection department_of_defense_appropriations_act division accounts department_of_state department_of_defense dod international_development usaid accounts agencies conducting operations activities iraq afghanistan purpose funding operations activities defines congressionally directed spending item language included primarily request member congress providing authorizing recommending specific discretionary budget authority credit authority spending authority contract loan loan guarantee grant loan authority expenditure entity targeted specific state locality congressional district statutory administrative formula driven competitive award process terminates budget credit spending authority congressionally directed spending item transfer item


Summary: Directs the President to transition the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq to the following purposes: (1) conducting limited scope and duration operations against al Qaeda and other international terrorist organizations; (2) providing security for U.S. infrastructure and personnel; (3) training and equipping Iraqi security services and U.S. forces; and (4) redeploying U.S. forces from Iraq. Exempts such activities from the funding and redeployment provisions of this Act. Directs the President to begin the phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq. Prohibits funds from being obligated or expended to continue the U.S. Armed Forces deployment in Iraq as of 120 days after the enactment of this Act.

directs president transition mission forces iraq following purposes conducting limited scope duration operations al_qaeda international terrorist organizations providing security infrastructure personnel training equipping iraqi security services forces forces iraq exempts activities funding redeployment provisions act directs president begin phased redeployment forces iraq prohibits funds obligated expended continue deployment iraq days enactment act


Summary: Iraq Responsibility Act - Requires that: (1) funds appropriated or otherwise made available for assistance to Iraq for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for FY2009, FY2010, or FY2011, shall be made available only to the extent that the government of Iraq matches such assistance on a dollar-for-dollar basis; and (2) the Secretary of State certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that such requirement has been met before the initial obligation of any such funds. Exempts from such requirement funds for: (1) grants and cooperative agreements for democracy and human rights programs; (2) humanitarian demining; or (3) assistance for refugees and internally displaced persons.

iraq responsibility act requires funds appropriated available assistance iraq department_of_state foreign operations related programs fy2009 fy2010 fy2011 shall available extent government iraq matches assistance dollar dollar basis secretary state certifies appropriate congressional committees requirement met initial obligation funds exempts requirement funds grants cooperative agreements democracy human rights programs humanitarian demining assistance refugees internally displaced persons


Summary: Protection from Enemy Combatants Act - Defines a "covered alien" as an alien who was detained as an enemy combatant by the United States at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Prohibits: (1) a U.S. court from ordering the release or parole into the United States of a covered alien; (2) the Secretary of State from issuing any visa to a covered alien that would permit such alien to enter, or be admitted to, the United States; and (3) the Secretary of Homeland Security from admitting or providing any type of immigration status to a covered alien that would permit such alien to enter, or be admitted to, the United States. Authorizes the President to waive restrictions by the Secretaries if consistent with U.S. national security.

protection enemy combatants act defines covered alien alien detained enemy combatant united_states guantanamo_bay cuba prohibits court ordering release parole united_states covered alien secretary state issuing visa covered alien permit alien enter admitted united_states secretary homeland_security admitting providing type immigration status covered alien permit alien enter admitted united_states authorizes president waive restrictions secretaries consistent national security


Summary: Military Success in Iraq Commemoration Act of 2009 - States that the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (P.L. 107-243) is the basis of authority under which the President launched the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, and that such Resolution authorized the President to use military force against Iraq to defend U.S. national security and to enforce all relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq. Encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the United States to observe a national day of celebration commemorating military success in Iraq. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to award grants to state and local governments for suitable activities to commemorate such success. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award to each veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom a grant of $5,000 to facilitate the veteran's transition to civilian life.

military success iraq commemoration act 2009_-_states authorization use military force iraq resolution basis authority president launched invasion iraq march resolution authorized president use military force iraq defend national security enforce relevant united_nations security_council resolutions iraq encourages president issue proclamation calling united_states observe national day commemorating military success iraq authorizes secretary defense award grants state local governments suitable activities commemorate success directs secretary veterans_affairs award veteran operation iraqi freedom grant facilitate veteran transition civilian life


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct, and report to Congress on, a study on the acquisition of a specified parcel of land in Beaufort, South Carolina, to be used for expansion of the Beaufort National Cemetery.

directs secretary veterans_affairs conduct report congress study acquisition specified parcel land beaufort south_carolina expansion


Summary: Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any enemy combatant detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar, California, or the Camp Pendleton Base Brig, California; or (2) construct housing facilities for such individuals at the California locations.

prohibits federal funds transfer enemy combatant detained united_states naval station guantanamo bay cuba california california construct housing facilities individuals california locations


Summary: Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any enemy combatant detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any facility in Oklahoma; or (2) construct housing facilities for such individuals in Oklahoma.

prohibits federal funds transfer enemy combatant detained united_states naval station guantanamo bay cuba facility oklahoma construct housing facilities individuals oklahoma


Summary: Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Safe Closure Act of 2009 - Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any enemy combatant detained at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States; or (2) coordinate with any other department or agency to transfer any such individual to the United States. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from: (1) using any facility closed through a base closure process for housing any such individual; or (2) constructing, modifying, or improving any facility in the United States or its territories for housing any such individual.

prohibits federal funds transfer enemy combatant detained naval station guantanamo bay cuba united_states coordinate department agency transfer individual united_states prohibits secretary defense facility closed base closure process housing individual constructing modifying improving facility united_states territories housing individual


Summary: Prohibits an enemy combatant detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from receiving medical treatment at: (1) a military medical facility of the Department of Defense (DOD) that provides medical treatment to members of the Armed Forces; or (2) a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

prohibits enemy combatant detained united_states naval station guantanamo bay cuba receiving medical treatment military medical facility department_of_defense dod provides medical treatment members armed_forces medical facility department_of_veterans_affairs


Summary: World War II War Crimes Accountability Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States should encourage extradition and prosecution of the remaining Nazi war criminals; (2) the Simon Wiesenthal Center should be commended for its historic work in bringing to light the atrocities of the Holocaust and in advancing justice for Nazi war criminals through Operation: Last Chance; and (3) the Office of Special Investigation of the Department of Justice is advancing U.S. foreign policy by bringing wanted World War II criminals to justice and should be commended for its actions. Directs the Attorney General, in evaluating the effect on U.S. law enforcement and security interests for purposes of a country's eligibility for visa waiver program designation, to consider the extent to which such country is: (1) cooperating in extraditing or prosecuting Nazi war criminals; and (2) admitting into its territory aliens ordered removed from the United States because of participation in Nazi persecution, genocide, torture, or extrajudicial killing. Authorizes the President, after congressional notification, to not terminate a country's designation based upon such evaluation if in the national interest.

world war war crimes accountability act expresses sense senate united_states encourage extradition prosecution remaining nazi war criminals commended historic work bringing light atrocities holocaust advancing justice nazi war criminals operation chance advancing foreign policy bringing wanted world war criminals justice commended actions directs attorney general evaluating effect law enforcement security interests purposes country eligibility visa waiver program designation consider extent country cooperating prosecuting nazi war criminals admitting territory aliens ordered removed united_states participation nazi persecution genocide torture extrajudicial killing authorizes president congressional notification terminate country designation based evaluation national interest


Summary: Services, Education, and Rehabilitation for Veterans Act or the SERV Act - Requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to delegate to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the authority to administer the veteran's treatment courts program established by this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to states and other entities: (1) to develop, implement, or enhance veteran's treatment courts or to expand operational drug courts to serve veterans; and (2) for programs that involve continuing judicial supervision over nonviolent offenders with substance abuse or mental health problems who have served in the U.S. military. Requires such programs to include mandatory periodic testing for the use of drugs, substance abuse and mental health treatment, opportunities for diversion, probation, or supervised release, and programmatic, offender management, and aftercare services. Directs the National Drug Court Institute to conduct national training programs for state and local communities to improve the professional skills of drug court practitioners and provide comprehensive technical assistance to adult, juvenile, and family dependency drug courts.

services education act requires director office_of_national_drug_control_policy delegate department_of_justice doj authority administer veteran treatment courts program established act authorizes attorney general grants states entities develop implement enhance veteran treatment courts expand operational drug courts serve veterans programs involve continuing judicial supervision nonviolent offenders substance abuse mental health problems served military requires programs include mandatory periodic testing use drugs substance abuse mental health treatment opportunities diversion probation supervised release programmatic offender management aftercare services directs conduct national training programs state local communities improve professional skills drug court practitioners provide comprehensive technical assistance adult juvenile family dependency drug courts


Summary: Agent Orange Equity Act of 2009 - Includes as part of the Republic of Vietnam, for purposes of the presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure by veterans to certain herbicide agents while in Vietnam, such Republic's inland waterways, ports, and harbors, waters offshore, and airspace above. Includes as veterans eligible for such presumption those who: (1) served on Johnston Island during the period beginning on April 1, 1972, and ending on September 30, 1977; or (2) received the Vietnam Service Medal or the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

agent orange equity act includes republic_of_vietnam purposes presumption service connection diseases associated exposure veterans certain herbicide agents vietnam republic inland waterways ports harbors waters offshore airspace includes veterans eligible presumption served period beginning april ending september received vietnam campaign medal


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress, by December 31, 2009, outlining the exit strategy for U.S. military forces in Afghanistan participating in Operation Enduring Freedom.

directs secretary defense submit report congress december outlining exit strategy military forces afghanistan participating operation enduring freedom


Summary: VA Case Backlog Alleviation and Economic Stimulus Act of 2009 - Rescinds 2% of the total amount of the unobligated balances of discretionary appropriations made available by division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5). Makes such funds available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to hire claims processors. Requires the Secretary to ensure that such processors are assigned proportionately to each state according to the percentage of veterans residing in that state.

case backlog economic stimulus act rescinds total unobligated balances discretionary appropriations available division american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act makes funds available secretary veterans_affairs hire claims processors requires secretary ensure processors assigned proportionately state according percentage veterans residing state


Summary: Share the Sacrifice Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a temporary income-based surtax beginning after 2010 on the net income tax liability of individual taxpayers, trusts, estates, and corporations to cover federal expenditures for the war in Afghanistan. Exempts members of the Armed Forces who have received combat zone compensation, family members of such members who received a death gratuity on or after September 11, 2001, and taxpayers whose adjusted gross income does not exceed $30,000. Authorizes the President to delay the implementation of such tax for up to one year if the President determines that the U.S. economy is too weak to absorb it.

share sacrifice act amends internal revenue code impose temporary income based surtax beginning net income tax liability individual taxpayers trusts estates corporations cover federal expenditures war afghanistan exempts members armed_forces received combat zone compensation family members members received death gratuity september taxpayers adjusted gross income exceed authorizes president delay implementation tax year president determines economy


Summary: United States War Bonds Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue United States War Bonds to aid in the funding of the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Authorizes appropriations to implement a marketing program to encourage sales of such bonds.

united_states war bonds act authorizes secretary treasury issue aid funding operations iraq afghanistan authorizes appropriations implement marketing program encourage sales bonds


Summary: Detainee Transfer and Release Security Act of 2010 - Prohibits the President from releasing or transferring an individual currently detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the custody of the individual's country of origin or to a third country unless the President certifies to Congress that: (1) such country is not a designated state sponsor of terrorism; (2) such country's government can secure and exercise control over all of its territory; (3) no portion of such country's territory serves as a safe haven for terrorists or insurgent groups, particularly al Qaeda; and (4) there is no confirmed case of any individual who had been detained at Guantanamo who reengaged in terrorist activities subsequent to being transferred or released to such country.

release security act prohibits president releasing transferring individual currently detained naval station guantanamo_bay cuba custody individual country origin country president certifies congress country designated state sponsor terrorism country government secure exercise control territory portion country territory serves safe haven terrorists insurgent groups particularly al_qaeda confirmed case individual detained guantanamo terrorist activities subsequent transferred released country


Summary: Stopping Criminal Trials for Guantanamo Terrorists Act of 2010 - Prohibits funds made available to the Department of Justice (DOJ) from being used to prosecute an individual who was detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on or after January 22, 2009, in a criminal court in the United States or in any U.S. territory or possession.

prohibits funds available department_of_justice doj prosecute individual detained naval station guantanamo_bay cuba january criminal court united_states territory possession


Summary: Prohibits funds from being made available to any specified U.S. agency, instrumentality, or representative for the transfer or release any individual currently detained at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base to the custody of the individual's country of origin or a third country unless the President certifies to Congress that: (1) the government of the country controls all of its territory, does not allow its territory to be used as a safe haven by terrorists or insurgent groups, including Al Qaeda, and has effectively tracked the activities of all Guantanamo-detained individuals who are transferred into its custody; and (2) there is no confirmed case of any Guantanamo-detained individual who reengaged in any actual or planned act of terrorism against U.S. citizens or members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Prohibits, with a national security waiver, funds made available to the Department of State from being used for assistance to the government of a country to which an individual currently detained at Guantanamo is to be transferred or released for use by such country's security forces unless the President makes such certification.

prohibits funds available specified agency instrumentality representative transfer release individual currently detained guantanamo bay naval base custody individual country origin country president certifies congress government country controls territory allow territory safe haven terrorists insurgent groups including al_qaeda effectively tracked activities guantanamo detained individuals transferred custody confirmed case guantanamo detained individual actual planned act terrorism citizens members prohibits national security waiver funds available department_of_state assistance government country individual currently detained guantanamo transferred released use country security forces president makes certification


Summary: Considers the period spent by an alien working as an interpreter or translator with the U.S. Armed Forces or federal agencies under the Chief of Mission in Afghanistan and Iraq as a period of residence and physical presence in the United States for naturalization purposes.

considers period spent alien working interpreter translator federal agencies chief mission afghanistan iraq period residence physical presence united_states naturalization purposes


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish, upon request, an appropriate government headstone or marker for the grave of any veteran who died before November 1, 1990, in active military service while participating in a contingency operation, but is buried in a private cemetery.

directs secretary veterans_affairs furnish request appropriate government headstone marker grave veteran died november active military service participating contingency operation buried private cemetery


Summary: Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Safe Closure Act of 2009 - Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any detainee at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any facility in the United States or its territories; (2) construct or enhance any facility in the United States in order to house any such detainee; or (3) house or otherwise incarcerate any such detainee in the United States or its territories.

prohibits federal funds transfer detainee naval station guantanamo bay cuba facility united_states territories construct enhance facility united_states order house detainee house detainee united_states territories


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund and to allow individual taxpayers to designate on their tax returns $3.00 of income taxes ($6.00 in the case of joint returns) to be paid over to such Fund to provide assistance to homeless veterans. Requires that the President's annual budget submission for FY2011 and subsequent years contain a description of the use of funds from the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund.

amends internal revenue code establish treasury homeless_veterans_assistance_fund allow individual taxpayers designate tax returns income taxes case joint returns paid fund provide assistance homeless veterans requires president annual budget submission fy2011 subsequent years contain description use funds homeless_veterans_assistance_fund


Summary: World War II War Crimes Accountability Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States should encourage extradition and prosecution of the remaining Nazi war criminals; (2) the Simon Wiesenthal Center should be commended for its historic work in bringing to light the atrocities of the Holocaust and in advancing justice for Nazi war criminals through Operation: Last Chance; and (3) the Office of Special Investigation of the Department of Justice (DOJ) is advancing U.S. foreign policy by bringing wanted World War II criminals to justice and should be commended for its actions. Directs the Attorney General, in evaluating the effect on U.S. law enforcement and security interests for purposes of a country's eligibility for visa waiver program designation, to consider the extent to which such country is: (1) cooperating in extraditing or prosecuting Nazi war criminals; and (2) admitting into its territory aliens ordered removed from the United States because of participation in Nazi persecution, genocide, torture, or extrajudicial killing. Authorizes the President, after congressional notification, to not terminate a country's designation based upon such evaluation if in the national interest.

world war war crimes accountability act expresses sense senate united_states encourage extradition prosecution remaining nazi war criminals commended historic work bringing light atrocities holocaust advancing justice nazi war criminals operation chance doj advancing foreign policy bringing wanted world war criminals justice commended actions directs attorney general evaluating effect law enforcement security interests purposes country eligibility visa waiver program designation consider extent country cooperating prosecuting nazi war criminals admitting territory aliens ordered removed united_states participation nazi persecution genocide torture extrajudicial killing authorizes president congressional notification terminate country designation based evaluation national interest


Summary: United States War Bonds Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue United States War Bonds to aid in the funding of the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

united_states war bonds act authorizes secretary treasury issue aid funding operations iraq afghanistan


Summary: Veteran Employment Transition Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the definition of "qualified veteran" for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit to mean recently discharged veterans and disadvantaged veterans. Defines "recently discharged veteran" to mean: (1) any individual who has served on active duty (other than active duty for training) in the Armed Forces for more than 180 total days (whether consecutive or not); (2) any individual who has been discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability; and (3) any member of the National Guard who has served for more than 180 total days (whether consecutive or not) in active duty, full-time National Guard duty, or duty in state status. Defines "disadvantaged veteran" as any veteran who is certified as being a member of a family receiving assistance under a supplemental nutrition assistance program and is entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability. Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Guard to inform military personnel who are discharged or released from active duty of the work opportunity tax credit and provide them with documentation relating to eligibility for and use of such credit.

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


Summary: Fiduciary Benefits Oversight Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to require any person appointed or recognized as a fiduciary for a VA beneficiary to provide authorization for the Secretary to obtain from any financial institution any financial record with respect to the fiduciary or the beneficiary when necessary: (1) for the administration of a VA program; or (2) in order to safeguard the beneficiary's benefits against neglect, misappropriation, misuse, embezzlement, or fraud. Provides a conditional time limit on such authorization. Provides that if the fiduciary refuses to provide such authorization, the Secretary may revoke the fiduciary's appointment or recognition.

fiduciary benefits authorizes secretary veterans_affairs require person appointed recognized fiduciary beneficiary provide authorization secretary obtain financial institution financial record respect fiduciary beneficiary necessary administration program order safeguard beneficiary benefits neglect misappropriation misuse embezzlement fraud provides conditional time limit authorization provides fiduciary refuses provide authorization secretary revoke fiduciary appointment recognition


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay to a state veterans home the cost of nursing home care provided to a covered veteran that is in excess of the amount paid for such care under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Defines a covered veteran as one: (1) in need of nursing home care for a service-connected disability; or (2) with a service-connected disability rated at 70% or more and in need of such care. Replaces provisions providing for payment of nursing home care at the lesser of the prevailing rate or the cost of daily care with provisions providing for payment at the applicable or prevailing rate in the area in which the state home is located. Directs the Secretary to reimburse a state home for any Medicare copayment required of a covered veteran. Permits a state home, in lieu of receiving payment under the above provisions, to elect to receive payment to furnish nursing home care to a veteran through a specified agreement entered into by the Secretary and the state home.

directs secretary veterans_affairs pay state veterans home cost nursing home care provided covered veteran excess paid care title xviii medicare title xix medicaid social security act defines covered veteran need nursing home care service connected disability service connected disability rated need care replaces provisions providing payment nursing home care lesser prevailing rate cost daily care provisions providing payment applicable prevailing rate area state home located directs secretary reimburse state home medicare copayment required covered veteran permits state home lieu receiving payment provisions elect receive payment furnish nursing home care veteran specified agreement entered secretary state home


Summary: Deems any reference to Operation Iraqi Freedom in a provision of federal law providing a benefit for service in the Armed Forces to include a reference to Operation New Dawn, unless otherwise terminated by an explicit delimiting or other termination date. Considers active-duty service in Operation New Dawn as service on active duty in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities, for purposes of eligibility for certain veterans' benefits.

deems reference operation iraqi freedom provision federal law providing benefit service armed_forces include reference operation new dawn terminated explicit termination date considers active duty service operation new dawn service active duty combat hostile force period hostilities purposes eligibility certain veterans benefits


Summary: Military Success in Iraq and Diplomatic Surge for National and Political Reconciliation in Iraq Act of 2011 - Makes specified declarations of policy, including that: (1) the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (the Iraq Resolution) is the sole basis of authority under which the President launched the invasion of Iraq in 2003; (2) Congress authorized the use of such force to defend U.S. national security and to enforce all relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq; and (3) Congress has the ultimate authority to determine whether such objectives have been achieved. Repeals the Iraq Resolution. Requires the withdrawal, by the earlier of October 1, 2011, or 90 days after the enactment of this Act, of all units and members of U.S. Armed Forces deployed in Iraq, as well as all security forces under federal contract and working in Iraq. Provides exceptions. States as the policy of the United States to pursue regional and international initiatives to assist Iraq in achieving certain security, political, and economic milestones. Sets forth presidential actions to implement such policy.

military success iraq diplomatic surge national political reconciliation iraq act makes specified declarations policy including authorization use military force iraq resolution iraq resolution sole basis authority president launched invasion iraq congress authorized use force defend national security enforce relevant united_nations security_council resolutions iraq congress ultimate authority determine objectives achieved repeals iraq resolution requires withdrawal earlier october days enactment act units members deployed iraq security forces federal contract working iraq provides exceptions states policy united_states pursue regional international initiatives assist iraq achieving certain security political economic milestones sets forth presidential actions implement policy


Summary: Veterans' Employment Transition Support Act of 2011or the VETS Act of 2011- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a general business tax credit for hiring certain veterans certified by designated local agencies as having served on active duty (other than for training) in the Armed Forces for a period of more than 180 days or having been discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability. Sets the amount of such credit at 40% of the first-year wages of such veterans and increases the percentage of such credit for disabled veterans based upon their disability ratings.

vets act amends internal revenue code allow employers general business tax credit hiring certain veterans certified designated local agencies having served active duty training days having discharged released active duty service connected disability sets credit year wages veterans increases percentage credit disabled veterans based disability ratings


Summary: True Cost of War Act of 2011 - Directs the President, with contributions from the Secretary of Defense (DOD), the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), to report to Congress an estimate of the long-term costs of Operation New Dawn (the successor contingency operation to Operation Iraqi Freedom) and Operation Enduring Freedom under three specified scenarios based on the number of U.S. troops deployed in such operations, as well as contingency operation and withdrawal plans. Requires the President, in preparing such report, to make estimates and projections through at least FY2020, and to take into account specified cost factors, including: (1) the deployment of U.S. military personnel, contractors, and private security firms; (2) the number of veterans in need of medical or mental health care due to injuries and illnesses; (3) pending veterans' disability compensation claims; (4) total casualties and injuries; (5) current and future operational expenses and related costs; and (6) the amount of money borrowed to pay for such operations, the sources of that money, and the interest on the money borrowed.

true cost war act directs president contributions secretary defense dod secretary state secretary veterans_affairs report congress estimate long term costs operation new dawn successor contingency operation operation iraqi freedom operation enduring freedom specified scenarios based number troops deployed operations contingency operation withdrawal plans requires president preparing report estimates projections fy2020 account specified cost factors including deployment military personnel contractors private security firms number veterans need medical mental health care injuries illnesses pending veterans disability compensation claims total casualties injuries current future operational expenses related costs money borrowed pay operations sources money interest money borrowed


Summary: Restoring Essential constitutional Constraints for Libyan Action Involving the Military Act or RECLAIM Act - Directs the President to cease the use of force in, or directed at, Libya by U.S. Armed Forces, unless a subsequent Act specifically authorizes such use of force. Prohibits any funds available to any U.S. department or agency from being used for such use of force, unless a subsequent Act specifically so authorizes.

restoring essential constitutional constraints reclaim act directs president cease use force directed libya subsequent act specifically authorizes use force prohibits funds available department agency use force subsequent act specifically authorizes


Summary: Protect America from U.S. Military Expenses in Libya Act of 2011 - Directs the President, in order to ensure that the cost of Operation Odyssey Dawn (international military operation in Libya) (Operation) does not increase the federal deficit or reduce the capability of U.S. Armed Forces, to submit to Congress a list of recommendations for specific rescissions of nonsecurity discretionary appropriations for FY2011, for purposes of reappropriation to accounts of the Department of Defense (DOD) to replace amounts obligated for such Operation. Requires the aggregate amount of the recommended rescissions to be at least equal to the projected cost of such Operation. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prepare and submit to Congress and the President the projected cost of such Operation through May 15, 2011.

protect_america military expenses libya act directs president order ensure cost operation dawn international military operation libya operation increase federal deficit reduce capability submit congress list recommendations specific rescissions nonsecurity discretionary appropriations fy2011 purposes accounts department_of_defense dod replace amounts obligated operation requires aggregate recommended rescissions equal projected cost operation directs secretary defense prepare submit congress president projected cost operation


Summary: Protect America from U.S. Military Expenses in Libya Act of 2011 - Directs the President, in order to ensure that the cost of military operations in Libya does not increase the federal deficit or reduce the capability of U.S. Armed Forces, to submit to Congress a list of recommendations for specific rescissions of nonsecurity discretionary appropriations for FY2011, for purposes of reappropriation to accounts of the Department of Defense (DOD) to replace amounts obligated for such operations. Requires the aggregate amount of the recommended rescissions to be at least equal to the projected cost of such operations. Directs the Secretary of Defense to determine and submit to the President and Congress the projected cost of such operations through May 15, 2011.

protect_america military expenses libya act directs president order ensure cost military operations libya increase federal deficit reduce capability submit congress list recommendations specific rescissions nonsecurity discretionary appropriations fy2011 purposes accounts department_of_defense dod replace amounts obligated operations requires aggregate recommended rescissions equal projected cost operations directs secretary defense determine submit president congress projected cost operations


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to take all necessary steps to: (1) exhume the remains of 13 deceased U.S. sailors buried in or near Protestant Cemetery and Tripoli Castle in Tripoli, Libya; (2) transfer such remains for laboratory identification; (3) in the case of identified remains, transport such remains to a veterans cemetery located near the closest living family member of the deceased (or to another cemetery, as determined by the Secretary); (4) in the case of identified remains, provide a military funeral and burial; and (5) in the case of unidentified remains, transport such remains to Arlington National Cemetery for interment at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

directs secretary defense dod necessary steps remains deceased buried near libya transfer remains laboratory identification case identified remains transport remains veterans cemetery located near closest living family member deceased cemetery determined secretary case identified remains provide military funeral burial case unidentified remains transport remains interment tomb


Summary: Prohibits any funds available to the Department of Defense (DOD) or any other federal department or agency from being used to support Operation Odyssey Dawn (the U.S. portion of a United Nations-sponsored military operation in Libya).

prohibits funds available department_of_defense dod federal department agency support operation dawn portion united_nations sponsored military operation libya


Summary: Afghanistan Exit and Accountability Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress, within 60 days after the enactment of this Act, a plan with a time frame and completion date for the accelerated transition of U.S. military and security operations in Afghanistan to the government of Afghanistan. Directs the President, within 90 days after the submission of such plan and every 90 days thereafter, to report on the plan's current status. Requires such reports to include the estimated savings, immediately and over 5-, 10-, and 20-year periods, if U.S. military and security operations in Afghanistan were concluded and U.S. Armed Forces were redeployed from Afghanistan within 180 days after the date of each report.

afghanistan exit accountability act requires president submit congress days enactment act plan time frame completion date accelerated transition military security operations afghanistan government afghanistan directs president days submission plan days report plan current status requires reports include estimated savings immediately year periods military security operations afghanistan concluded redeployed afghanistan days date report


Summary: Directs the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from operations in Libya within 30 days after enactment of this Act. Prohibits using funds available to the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct further operations in Libya, except for continuing such withdrawal.

directs president withdraw operations libya days enactment act prohibits funds available department_of_defense dod conduct operations libya continuing withdrawal


Summary: Defund Libya Act - Prohibits federal funds from being expended, obligated, or used in any manner to support directly or indirectly operations in or over Libya, including operations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or in accordance with United Nations (U.N.) Security Council Resolution 1973. Requires rescission of any obligated, but not expended, funds to support such operations.

defund libya act prohibits federal funds expended obligated manner support directly indirectly operations libya including operations north_atlantic_treaty_organization nato accordance united_nations security council resolution requires rescission obligated expended funds support operations


Summary: Repeal of the Authorization for Use of Military Force - States that the Authorization for Use of Military Force (P.L. 107-40) has been used to justify an open-ended authorization for the use of military force and such an interpretation is inconsistent with the authority of Congress to declare war and make all laws for executing powers vested by the Constitution in the U.S. government. Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force (P.L. 107-40), effective 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

repeal authorization use military force states authorization use military force justify open ended authorization use military force interpretation inconsistent authority congress declare war laws executing powers vested constitution government repeals authorization use military force effective days date enactment act


Summary: Due Process Guarantee Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to specify that an authorization to use military force, a declaration of war, or any similar authority shall not authorize the detention without charge or trial of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident apprehended in the United States, unless an Act of Congress expressly authorizes such detention. Applies this Act to any such authorizations or declarations enacted before, on, or after the enactment of this Act.

process guarantee act amends federal criminal code specify authorization use military force declaration war similar authority shall authorize detention charge trial citizen lawful permanent resident apprehended united_states act congress expressly authorizes detention applies act authorizations declarations enacted enactment act


Summary: Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the use of extrajudicial force against a citizen of the United States. Prohibits anyone, including the President, from instructing an employee or an agent of the United States from engaging in, or conspiring to engage in, the extrajudicial killing of a U.S. citizen. Requires the President to submit to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate: (1) a report on the identity of each U.S. citizen that is on the list of the Joint Special Operations Command or the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a high value individual or a high value target, and (2) a written assurance that no U.S. citizens are being added to such list. Defines "extrajudicial killing" to mean a premeditated and intentional use of lethal force against a U.S. citizen, but excludes from such definition the use of force in certain circumstances, including against a U.S. citizen whose guilt has been adjudicated consistent with due process of law, who is directly participating in hostilities in a zone of active armed conflict and the United States is a party to such conflict, or against whom force is required by law enforcement personnel for purposes of self defense, defense of others, or enabling the release of hostages.

expresses sense congress respect use extrajudicial force citizen united_states prohibits including president instructing employee agent united_states engaging conspiring engage extrajudicial killing citizen requires president submit report identity citizen list central_intelligence_agency cia high value individual high value target written assurance citizens added list defines extrajudicial killing mean intentional use lethal force citizen excludes definition use force certain circumstances including citizen adjudicated consistent process law directly participating hostilities zone active armed conflict united_states party conflict force required law enforcement personnel purposes self defense defense enabling release hostages


Summary: Afghan Responsibility for Afghan Security Act - Directs the President to: (1) establish, and update, benchmarks to evaluate progress being made toward the transition of security responsibilities in Afghanistan to the government of Afghanistan; and (2) include the most current benchmarks with each report on progress toward security and stability in Afghanistan submitted to Congress pursuant to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008.

afghan security act directs president establish update benchmarks evaluate progress transition security responsibilities afghanistan government afghanistan include current benchmarks report progress security stability afghanistan submitted congress pursuant national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year


Summary: Prohibits any direct U.S. assistance to the government of Pakistan unless the President certifies to Congress that: (1) Dr. Shakil Afridi has been released from prison in Pakistan and any criminal charges brought against Dr. Afridi, including treason, have been dropped; and (2) if necessary to ensure his freedom, Dr. Afridi has been allowed to leave Pakistan.

prohibits direct assistance government pakistan president certifies congress released prison pakistan criminal charges brought afridi including treason dropped necessary ensure freedom afridi allowed leave pakistan


Summary: Afghan Women and Girls Security Promotion Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit to the congressional defense and foreign relations committees a Department of Defense (DOD) strategy to promote the security of Afghan women during the security transition process. Requires such strategy to include a strategy to: (1) monitor and respond to changes in women's security conditions in areas undergoing transition, (2) increase gender awareness and responsiveness among Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP) personnel, and (3) increase the number of female members of the ANA and ANP. Directs the Secretary to include in each report on progress toward security and stability in Afghanistan (as required under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008) a description of actions taken to implement the above strategy.

directs secretary defense submit congressional defense foreign relations committees department_of_defense dod strategy promote security afghan women security transition process requires strategy include strategy monitor respond changes women security conditions areas undergoing transition increase gender awareness responsiveness ana personnel increase number female members ana directs secretary include report progress security stability afghanistan required national defense authorization act fiscal year description actions taken implement strategy


Summary:
Repeal of the Authorization for Use of Military Force - States that the Authorization for Use of Military Force (P.L. 107-40) has been used to justify an open-ended authorization for the use of military force and such an interpretation is inconsistent with the authority of Congress to declare war and make all laws for executing powers vested by the Constitution in the U.S. government.

Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force, effective 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.


Summary: Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2013 - Includes as part of the Republic of Vietnam its territorial seas for purposes of the presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure by veterans to certain herbicide agents while in Vietnam.

vietnam veterans act includes republic_of_vietnam territorial seas purposes presumption service connection diseases associated exposure veterans certain herbicide agents vietnam


Summary: Blue Water Navy Ship Accountability Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to: (1) review the logs of each Navy ship known to have operated in the waters near Vietnam during the Vietnam Era (January 9, 1962, through May 7, 1975); (2) determine, for each such ship, the date(s) so operated and its closest proximity to shore during such operation; and (3) provide such information to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires the VA Secretary to make such unclassified information publicly available.

ship accountability act directs secretary defense dod review logs navy ship known operated waters near vietnam january determine ship operated closest proximity shore operation provide information secretary veterans_affairs requires secretary unclassified information publicly available


Summary: Sunset to the Authorization for Use of Military Force Act - Repeals, effective December 31, 2014, the Authorization for Use of Military Force (authorized the President to use force against those nations, organizations, or persons that committed or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or that harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States).

sunset authorization use military force act repeals effective december authorization use military force authorized president use force nations organizations persons committed aided terrorist attacks occurred september organizations persons order prevent future acts international terrorism united_states


Summary:
Due Process and Military Detention Amendments Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (such Act) to provide that, in the case of a person detained in the United States pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force or such Act, disposition under the law of war shall occur immediately upon custody and shall only mean transfer for trial and proceedings by a court established under article III of the Constitution or an appropriate state court. Requires such trial and proceedings to have all due process provided under the Constitution.

Prohibits any person detained, captured, or arrested in the United States or a U.S. territory or possession from being transferred to the custody of the Armed Forces for detention under the Authorization for Use of Military Force or such Act.

Repeals the requirement of detention in military custody pending disposition under the law of war for individuals determined to be a member or part of al Qaeda or an associated force who has participated in planning or carrying out an attack or attempted attack against the United States or its coalition partners.

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


Summary:
Immigrant Detainee Legal Rights Act - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish and maintain, within the Executive Office for Immigration Review, an Office of Legal Access Programs to develop and administer a system of legal orientation programs to make immigration proceedings more efficient and cost-effective by educating aliens regarding administrative procedures and legal rights under U.S. immigration law and to establish other programs to assist in providing aliens access to legal information; and (2) submit to Congress within 180 days a plan that includes a schedule to develop and deploy legal orientation programs for all detainees within 1 year after enactment of this Act.

Requires the legal orientation programs to: (1) provide programs to assist detained aliens in making decisions regarding their removal and eligibility for relief from removal in order to increase efficiency and reduce costs in immigration proceedings and federal custody processes and to improve access to legal services; (2) ensure that programs and written notice of rights are available in English and the five most common native languages spoken by the detainees held in custody at that location during the preceding fiscal year; and (3) identify unaccompanied alien children, aliens with a serious mental disability, and other particularly vulnerable aliens for right to counsel considerations.

Authorizes such programs to provide services to detained aliens in specified immigration (detention and removal) and asylum proceedings.

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish procedures: (1) that ensure that legal orientation programs are available for all detained aliens within five days of arrival into custody; and (2) to inform such aliens of the basic procedures of immigration hearings, their rights relating to those hearings, information that may deter such aliens from filing frivolous legal claims, and a contact list of potential legal resources and providers.

immigrant rights act directs attorney general establish maintain executive_office_for_immigration_review develop administer system legal orientation programs immigration proceedings efficient cost effective educating aliens administrative procedures legal rights immigration law establish programs assist providing aliens access legal information submit congress days plan includes schedule develop deploy legal orientation programs detainees year enactment act requires legal orientation programs provide programs assist detained aliens making decisions removal eligibility relief removal order increase efficiency reduce costs immigration proceedings federal custody processes improve access legal services ensure programs written notice rights available english common native languages spoken detainees held custody location preceding fiscal year identify unaccompanied alien children aliens mental disability particularly vulnerable aliens right counsel considerations authorizes programs provide services detained aliens specified immigration detention removal asylum proceedings directs secretary homeland_security dhs establish procedures ensure legal orientation programs available detained aliens days arrival custody inform aliens basic procedures immigration hearings rights relating hearings information deter aliens filing frivolous legal claims contact list potential legal resources providers