Summary: Veterans Health Equity Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with respect to each of the 48 contiguous states, to ensure that veterans eligible for hospital care and medical services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have access to: (1) at least one full-service VA medical center in the state, or (2) hospital care and medical services comparable to that provided in full-service VA medical centers through contract with other health providers in the state. Makes such requirement effective only to the extent and in amounts provided in advance in appropriations Acts. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on compliance with such requirement, including its effect on improving the quality and standards of veterans' care.

requires secretary veterans_affairs respect contiguous states ensure veterans eligible hospital care medical services department_of_veterans_affairs access service medical center state hospital care medical services comparable provided service medical centers contract health providers state makes requirement effective extent amounts provided advance appropriations acts directs secretary report congress compliance requirement including effect improving quality standards veterans care


Summary: Veterans Outreach Enhancement Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a five-year program of outreach to veterans to increase: (1) their access and use of federal, state, and local programs providing compensation and other benefits for service in the Armed Forces; and (2) their awareness of and eligibility for such programs. Allows the Secretary, under the program, to enter into agreements with other federal and state agencies and specified authorities and commissions to carry out projects to further such purposes.

veterans outreach enhancement act directs secretary veterans_affairs carry year program outreach veterans increase access use federal state local programs providing compensation benefits service armed_forces awareness eligibility programs allows secretary program enter agreements federal state agencies specified authorities commissions carry projects purposes


Summary: Detaining Terrorists to Secure America Act of 2011 - Reaffirms that the U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (Guantanamo), is and shall be a location for the detention of individuals in the custody or control of the Department of Defense (DOD) who have engaged in or supported hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners on behalf of al Qaeda, the Taliban, or an affiliated group to which the Authorization for Use of Military Force (P.L. 107-40) applies. Directs the Secretary of Defense to maintain Guantanamo as an open and operating facility for the current and future detention of such individuals. Amends the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 to make permanent (under current law, terminates on January 7, 2012) a prohibition on the use of any federal funds (under current law, only DOD funds) to transfer any individual detained at Guantanamo to the individual's country of origin or any other foreign country or entity unless the Secretary makes a specified certification to Congress relating to such transfer. Prohibits any federal funds (under current law, only DOD funds) from being used to construct or modify any facility in the United States or its territories or possessions to house any individual in the custody or control of DOD or under detention at Guantanamo for the purpose of detention or imprisonment.

detaining terrorists secure america act reaffirms guantanamo_bay cuba guantanamo shall location detention individuals custody control department_of_defense dod engaged supported hostilities united_states coalition partners behalf al_qaeda taliban affiliated group authorization use military force applies directs secretary defense maintain guantanamo open operating facility current future detention individuals amends ike skelton national defense authorization act fiscal year permanent current law terminates january prohibition use federal funds current law dod funds transfer individual detained guantanamo individual country origin foreign country entity secretary makes specified certification congress relating transfer prohibits federal funds current law dod funds construct modify facility united_states territories possessions house individual custody control dod detention guantanamo purpose detention imprisonment


Summary: Hiring Heroes Act of 2011- (Sec. 2) Amends the Wounded Warriors Act to extend through 2014 the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide the same rehabilitation and vocational benefits to members of the Armed Forces (members) with severe injuries or illnesses as are provided to veterans. (Sec. 3) Authorizes the VA Secretary to make payments to employers to provide on-job training to veterans who have not been rehabilitated to the point of employability. (Sec. 4) Entitles certain veterans with service-connected disabilities who have already completed a VA rehabilitation program and have exhausted their rights to unemployment benefits to participation in an additional VA rehabilitation program. Limits the latter program to 24 months. Makes the 12-year post-service period of eligibility for a VA rehabilitation program inapplicable with respect to the additional program. (Sec. 5) Directs the VA Secretary to follow-up (at least once every six months for a year and a half) on the employment status of veterans who participate in a VA rehabilitation program. (Sec. 6) Requires (current law encourages) participation by eligible members in the Transitional Assistance Program (TAP) of the Department of Defense (DOD). Requires (under current law, authorizes) the provision of preseparation counseling to members whose discharge or release is anticipated. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary of Labor to follow-up (at least three times over a one-year period) on the employment status of members who complete their participation in the TAP. Requires such Secretary to contract for TAP audits, to be conducted at least every three years. Requires audit reports. (Sec. 8) Directs the VA Secretary to award grants to up to three nonprofit organizations under a collaborative veterans' training, mentoring, and placement program for eligible veterans seeking employment. Requires program reports from such Secretary to the congressional veterans committees. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretaries of DOD, VA, and Labor to jointly contract with an organization or entity to conduct a study to identify any equivalences between the skills developed by members through military occupational specialties and the qualifications required for various positions of civilian employment in the private sector. Requires the organization or entity chosen to report study results to such Secretaries, who shall transmit the report to Congress. Requires TAP participants to receive individualized assessments of civilian positions for which they may be qualified based on the study. Authorizes the Secretaries of VA and Labor to use the assessments for employment-related assistance in an individual's transition from military service to civilian life. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the head of an executive agency to appoint an honorably discharged member to a position in the civil service, without regard to specified civil service examination, certification, and appointment provisions, if such individual is otherwise qualified. Requires executive agencies to establish programs to provide employment assistance to members being separated from active duty. (Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary of Labor to carry out an outreach program to provide employment assistance to individuals recently separated from service who have been receiving assistance under the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers program for more than 105 days. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the DOD Secretary to carry out a a two-year pilot program to assess the feasibility of providing work experience to certain members who are on terminal leave. Requires such Secretary to report to the defense and veterans committees on the pilot program. (Sec. 13) Requires (under current law, authorizes) a VA demonstration project on the credentialing and licensing of veterans for the purpose of facilitating the seamless transition of members from service on active duty to civilian employment. Reduces from 10 to 5 the minimum number of occupational specialties to be considered under the project. Limits the project to two years. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training to carry out a study comparing costs incurred by the DOD Secretary in training members for military occupational specialties with costs incurred by the Secretaries of VA and Labor in providing employment-related assistance to veterans. Directs the Assistant Secretary to report study results to Congress. (Sec. 14) Allows the Secretaries of DOD and Homeland Security to allow members eligible for assistance under a DOD employment, job training, and transitional assistance program to participate in an apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program that provides members with education, training, and services necessary to transition to employment that leads to economic self-sufficiency. (Sec. 15) Extends through FY2014 VA authority to collect a loan fee for certain subsequent VA-guaranteed housing loans. Revises loan fee amounts.

hiring heroes act sec amends wounded warriors act extend authority secretary veterans_affairs provide rehabilitation vocational benefits members armed_forces members severe injuries illnesses provided veterans sec authorizes secretary payments employers provide job training veterans rehabilitated point employability sec entitles certain veterans service connected disabilities completed rehabilitation program exhausted rights unemployment benefits participation additional rehabilitation program limits program months makes year post service period eligibility rehabilitation program inapplicable respect additional program sec directs secretary follow months year half employment status veterans participate rehabilitation program sec requires current law encourages participation eligible members tap department_of_defense dod requires current law authorizes provision preseparation counseling members discharge release anticipated sec directs secretary labor follow times year period employment status members complete participation tap requires secretary contract tap audits conducted years requires audit reports sec directs secretary award grants nonprofit organizations collaborative veterans training mentoring placement program eligible veterans seeking employment requires program reports secretary congressional veterans committees authorizes appropriations sec directs secretaries dod labor jointly contract organization entity conduct study identify skills developed members military occupational specialties qualifications required positions civilian employment private sector requires organization entity chosen report study results secretaries shall transmit report congress requires tap participants receive individualized assessments civilian positions qualified based study authorizes secretaries labor use assessments employment related assistance individual transition military service civilian life sec authorizes head executive agency appoint honorably discharged member position civil service regard specified civil service examination certification appointment provisions individual qualified requires executive agencies establish programs provide employment assistance members separated active duty sec directs secretary labor carry outreach program provide employment assistance individuals recently separated service receiving assistance unemployment compensation servicemembers program days sec authorizes dod secretary carry year pilot program assess feasibility providing work experience certain members terminal leave requires secretary report defense veterans committees pilot program sec requires current law authorizes demonstration project credentialing licensing veterans purpose facilitating seamless transition members service active duty civilian employment reduces minimum number occupational specialties considered project limits project years directs assistant secretary labor training carry study comparing costs incurred dod secretary training members military occupational specialties costs incurred labor providing employment related assistance veterans directs assistant secretary report study results congress sec allows secretaries dod homeland_security allow members eligible assistance dod employment job training transitional assistance program participate apprenticeship pre apprenticeship program provides members education training services necessary transition employment leads economic self sufficiency sec extends fy2014 authority collect loan fee certain subsequent guaranteed housing loans revises loan fee amounts


Summary: Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvements Act of 2011 - Includes within a program of individualized rehabilitation and reintegration plans for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI): (1) the goal of maximizing the individual's independence and quality of life, and (2) improving such veterans' behavioral and mental health functioning. Requires the inclusion of rehabilitative services in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) comprehensive program of long-term care for veterans' TBI that has residential, community, and home-based components utilizing interdisciplinary treatment teams.

veterans traumatic brain injury rehabilitative services improvements act includes program individualized rehabilitation reintegration plans veterans traumatic brain injury tbi goal maximizing individual independence quality life improving veterans behavioral mental health functioning requires inclusion rehabilitative services department_of_veterans_affairs comprehensive program long term care veterans tbi residential community home based components utilizing interdisciplinary treatment teams


Summary: Detaining Terrorists to Secure America Act of 2011 - Reaffirms that the U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (Guantanamo), is and shall be a location for the detention of individuals in the custody or control of the Department of Defense (DOD) who have engaged in or supported hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners on behalf of al Qaeda, the Taliban, or an affiliated group to which the Authorization for Use of Military Force (P.L. 107-40) applies. Directs the Secretary of Defense to maintain Guantanamo as an open and operating facility for the current and future detention of such individuals. Amends the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 to make permanent (under current law, terminates on January 7, 2012) a prohibition on the use of any federal funds (under current law, only DOD funds) to transfer any individual detained at Guantanamo on or after October 1, 2009, to the individual's country of origin or any other foreign country or entity unless the Secretary makes a specified certification to Congress relating to such transfer. Prohibits any federal funds (under current law, only DOD funds) from being used to construct or modify any facility in the United States or its territories or possessions to house any individual in the custody or control of DOD or under detention at Guantanamo on or after the above date for the purpose of detention or imprisonment.

detaining terrorists secure america act reaffirms guantanamo_bay cuba guantanamo shall location detention individuals custody control department_of_defense dod engaged supported hostilities united_states coalition partners behalf al_qaeda taliban affiliated group authorization use military force applies directs secretary defense maintain guantanamo open operating facility current future detention individuals amends ike skelton national defense authorization act fiscal year permanent current law terminates january prohibition use federal funds current law dod funds transfer individual detained guantanamo october individual country origin foreign country entity secretary makes specified certification congress relating transfer prohibits federal funds current law dod funds construct modify facility united_states territories possessions house individual custody control dod detention guantanamo date purpose detention imprisonment


Summary: Wounded Warrior Tax Equity Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prevent any extension of the tax collection period after assessment for taxpayers who are members of the Armed Forces due to a hospitalization for combat zone injuries.

wounded warrior tax equity act amends internal revenue code prevent extension tax collection period assessment taxpayers members armed_forces hospitalization combat zone injuries


Summary: Fourth Amendment Restoration Act - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to impose limits on roving electronic surveillance by revising specifications and adding directions required to be included in the order of a designated judge approving such surveillance, including, in cases where the facility or place at which the electronic surveillance will be directed is unknown at the time the order is issued, that the electronic surveillance be conducted only for such time as reasonable to presume that the target of the surveillance is or was reasonably proximate to the particular facility or place. Amends the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 to make the following FISA provisions, subject to exceptions, read as they read on October 25, 2001 (prior to enactment of the USA PATRIOT Act on October 26, 2001): (1) effective December 31, 2013, provisions specifying the directions to be contained in orders approving electronic surveillance of a foreign power or agent of a foreign power; and (2) effective February 28, 2011, provisions authorizing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to apply for orders requiring production of business records and other tangible things in investigations related to foreign intelligence and international terrorism and directing the Attorney General (AG) to annually inform Congress of such requests. Directs the AG to establish minimization and destruction procedures, as specified, governing the acquisition, retention, and dissemination of any records received by the FBI: (1) in response to a national security letter issued under specified federal criminal code provisions authorizing the FBI to request telephone toll and transactional records from wire or electronic communication service providers for counterintelligence purposes, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978, or the National Security Act of 1947; or (2) pursuant to the above FISA provisions authorizing the FBI to apply for production of business records and other tangible things and directing the AG to inform Congress of such requests. Sets forth provisions requiring judicial review of certain national security letters and suspicious activity reports.

fourth amendment restoration act amends foreign intelligence surveillance act fisa impose limits roving electronic surveillance revising specifications adding directions required included order designated judge approving surveillance including cases facility place electronic surveillance directed unknown time order issued electronic surveillance conducted time reasonable presume target surveillance reasonably proximate particular facility place amends usa_patriot_improvement reauthorization act following fisa provisions subject exceptions read read october prior enactment usa patriot act october effective december provisions specifying directions contained orders approving electronic surveillance foreign power agent foreign power effective february provisions authorizing federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi apply orders requiring production business records tangible things investigations related foreign intelligence international terrorism directing attorney general annually inform congress requests directs establish minimization destruction procedures specified governing acquisition retention dissemination records received fbi response national security letter issued specified federal criminal code provisions authorizing fbi request telephone toll transactional records wire electronic communication service providers counterintelligence purposes fair credit reporting act right_to_financial_privacy_act national security act pursuant fisa provisions authorizing fbi apply production business records tangible things directing inform congress requests sets forth provisions requiring judicial review certain national security letters suspicious activity reports


Summary: Honoring All Veterans Act of 2011 - Increases, from 2,700 to 3,000 each fiscal year, the maximum number of participants in independent living and assistance programs for veterans with serious employment handicaps from certain service-connected disabilities and with respect to whom a vocational goal currently is not reasonably feasible. Authorizes veterans, during the one-year period after discharge or separation from service in the Armed Forces, to participate in the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), under specified conditions, to fund offices of veterans affairs at eligible institutions of higher learning for veterans' certification, outreach, recruitment, and special education programs. Requires the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy to: (1) provide technical assistance to employers and entities in the workforce development system to help veterans with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder obtain and retain employment; (2) receive referrals from specified reserve components, business organizations, and federal agencies; (3) conduct outreach through regional offices of the Department of Labor; and (4) establish an interagency working group with representatives of federal agencies with such programs. Amends the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) to make permanent (currently, set to expire on December 31, 2012) specified extended protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages and foreclosures under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. (The HERA extended from 90 days to 9 months the period for staying proceedings, adjusting obligations, and prohibiting sales, foreclosures, and seizures of property.) Revises provisions concerning payments for providing services for homeless veterans to direct the VA Secretary to annually adjust the rate of such payment to reflect anticipated changes in the cost of furnishing services and to take into account the cost of providing services in a particular geographic area. Directs the VA Secretary to make such payments quarterly, while requiring quarterly statements from recipients on amounts expended. Directs the DOD and VA Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a mental health care referral monitoring and reviewing mechanism for individuals identified as having a potential mental health condition during a DOD post deployment health assessment, and (2) develop a systemwide monitoring mechanism to address issues arising out of facilities and offices involved in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System. Requires the rehabilitation plans for veterans or Armed Forces members receiving VA rehabilitative hospital care or medical services for a traumatic brain injury to include independent living programs for certain veterans and specified employment support services. Sets forth provisions authorizing: (1) professional and family counseling, training, and mental health services to immediate family of deployed Armed Forces members; (2) graduates of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Care Sciences to perform civilian service with VA community-based outpatient clinics and centers for readjustment counseling and related veterans' mental health services; and (3) disclosing information, subject to exceptions, about a veteran or a veteran's dependant to state controlled substance monitoring programs to prevent misuse and diversion of prescription medicines. Specifies the circumstances under which a document shall be treated as a motion for reconsideration when a person adversely affected by a final decision of the Board of Veterans' Appeals, who has not filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims within a specified period, files a document with the Board or the agency of original jurisdiction expressing disagreement with such decision. Authorizes the Comptroller General and the DOD and VA Inspectors General to form an independent board to review the process by which Armed Forces members transition from the DOD to the VA for the receipt of benefits and services. Increases to $31,305 the combined annual rate of pension for two married veterans meeting specified disability and service or age and service requirements when both such veterans need regular aid and attendance.

honoring veterans act increases fiscal year maximum number participants independent living assistance programs veterans employment certain service connected disabilities respect vocational goal currently reasonably feasible authorizes veterans year period discharge separation service armed_forces participate transition_assistance_program_of_the_department_of_defense dod requires secretary veterans_affairs specified conditions fund offices veterans affairs eligible institutions higher learning veterans certification outreach recruitment special education programs requires assistant secretary labor disability employment policy provide technical assistance employers entities workforce development system help veterans traumatic brain injury post traumatic stress disorder obtain retain employment receive referrals specified reserve components business organizations federal agencies conduct outreach regional offices department_of_labor establish interagency working group representatives federal agencies programs amends housing_and_economic_recovery_act permanent currently set expire december specified extended protections servicemembers relating mortgages foreclosures servicemembers civil relief act extended days months period staying proceedings adjusting obligations prohibiting sales foreclosures seizures property revises provisions concerning payments providing services homeless veterans direct secretary annually adjust rate payment reflect anticipated changes cost furnishing services account cost providing services particular geographic area directs secretary payments quarterly requiring quarterly statements recipients amounts expended directs dod jointly establish mental health care referral monitoring reviewing mechanism individuals identified having potential mental health condition dod post deployment health assessment develop monitoring mechanism address issues arising facilities offices involved requires rehabilitation plans veterans armed_forces members receiving rehabilitative hospital care medical services traumatic brain injury include independent living programs certain veterans specified employment support services sets forth provisions authorizing professional family counseling training mental health services immediate family deployed armed_forces members graduates perform civilian service community based outpatient clinics centers readjustment counseling related veterans mental health services disclosing information subject exceptions veteran veteran state controlled substance monitoring programs prevent misuse diversion prescription medicines specifies circumstances document shall treated motion reconsideration person adversely affected final decision filed notice appeal veterans claims specified period files document board agency original jurisdiction expressing disagreement decision authorizes comptroller general dod form independent board review process armed_forces members transition dod receipt benefits services increases combined annual rate pension married veterans meeting specified disability service age service requirements veterans need regular aid attendance


Summary: Requires the Commandant of the United States Air Force Institute of Technology (Institute) to be selected by the Secretary of the Air Force. Outlines eligibility requirements and qualifications for such position. Allows a term of five years, with the authority to continue in such position for an additional five years. Establishes at the Institute the civilian positions of Provost and Academic Dean, to be appointed by such Secretary for five-year periods. Allows the person currently serving as the Institute's Commandant to serve as Acting Commandant until the appointment is made under this Act.

requires commandant united states air force institute technology institute selected secretary air_force outlines eligibility requirements qualifications position allows term years authority continue position additional years establishes institute civilian positions appointed secretary year periods allows person currently serving serve acting commandant appointment act


Summary: Declares that failure by a financial institution or any of its directors, officers, employees, or agents to report a suspicious transaction is not a violation of specified monetary transaction reporting requirements if the institution or person has: (1) in effect an established decision-making process with respect to suspicious transactions, (2) made a good faith effort to follow existing policies, procedures, and processes with respect to such transactions; and (3) determined not to file a report with respect to a particular transaction. Deems failure to submit a suspicious transaction report to be a violation of such reporting requirements if it is accompanied by evidence of bad faith on the part of either the financial institution or other person.

declares failure financial institution directors officers employees agents report suspicious transaction violation specified monetary transaction reporting requirements institution person effect established decision making process respect suspicious transactions good faith effort follow existing policies procedures processes respect transactions determined file report respect particular transaction deems failure submit suspicious transaction report violation reporting requirements accompanied evidence bad faith financial institution person


Summary: Prohibits an officer or employee of the United States from issuing a national security letter under specified provisions of the federal criminal code, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978, or the National Security Act of 1947 unless: (1) the letter is submitted to a designated judge of the court established under specified provisions of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and (2) such judge issues an order finding that a warrant could be issued under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to search for and seize the information sought to be obtained in such a letter.

prohibits officer employee united_states issuing national security letter specified provisions federal criminal code fair credit reporting act right_to_financial_privacy_act national security act letter submitted designated judge court established specified provisions foreign_intelligence_surveillance_act judge issues order finding warrant issued federal_rules_of_criminal_procedure search seize information sought obtained letter


Summary: Providing Real Outreach for Veterans Act of 2011 or PRO-VETS Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for the transfer of data to the Secretary for providing members of the Armed Forces and veterans with individualized information concerning veterans' benefits that each member and veteran may be eligible for. Requires the Secretary, after receiving such data, to: (1) compile a list of all benefits for which each member or veteran may be eligible; (2) notify the member or veteran (or their legal representative) of such benefits; and (3) provide a second notification if the member or veteran does not apply for a listed benefit within 60 days, as well as annual notifications thereafter. Requires additional notifications based on changed circumstances. Allows each member or veteran the option to decline further notifications. Directs the Secretary to use transferred data to reduce the amount of information that a member or veteran must provide when applying for benefits. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a member or veteran the opportunity to decline authorization for the transfer of information under this Act. Directs the Secretary to enroll within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical system members being discharged or released after active-duty service in a theater of combat operations. Requires such enrollment within 45 days of the discharge or release. Requires: (1) such former members to be provided a veterans identification card, as well as access to VA hospital care and medical services; and (2) the Secretary to provide to each such member the option to decline such enrollment.

providing real outreach veterans act pro vets act directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary enter agreement secretary defense transfer data secretary providing members armed_forces veterans individualized information concerning veterans benefits member veteran eligible requires secretary receiving data compile list benefits member veteran eligible notify member veteran legal representative benefits provide second notification member veteran apply listed benefit days annual notifications requires additional notifications based changed circumstances allows member veteran option decline notifications directs secretary use transferred data reduce information member veteran provide applying benefits requires secretary defense provide member veteran opportunity decline authorization transfer information act directs secretary enroll department_of_veterans_affairs medical system members discharged released active duty service theater combat operations requires enrollment days discharge release requires members provided veterans identification card access hospital care medical services secretary provide member option decline enrollment


Summary: Veteran Transition Assistance Program Audit Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into a contract for audits of the Transition Assistance Program (a job training, benefits, and transitional services program of the Department of Defense [DOD] in conjunction with other federal agencies for members of the military separated or recently separated from active duty) with a private, unaffiliated organization. Requires such audits at least once every three years. Directs the contracted organization to measure the effectiveness of the program, identify any necessary improvement measures, and submit a related report to the Secretary of Labor, DOD Secretary, Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Congress. Requires such Secretaries to implement any necessary improvement measures.

veteran transition assistance program audit act directs secretary labor enter contract audits transition_assistance_program job training benefits transitional services program department_of_defense dod conjunction federal agencies members military separated recently separated active duty private unaffiliated organization requires audits years directs contracted organization measure effectiveness program identify necessary improvement measures submit related report secretary labor dod secretary secretary homeland_security dhs secretary veterans_affairs congress requires secretaries implement necessary improvement measures


Summary: Justice for Troops Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to provide support to public or private programs designed to connect attorneys who provide pro bono legal assistance with members of the Armed Forces who are in need of such assistance. Limits the total amount of financial support in any fiscal year to $500,000. Directs such financial support to be derived from amounts authorized to be appropriated for DOD operation and maintenance.

justice troops act authorizes secretary defense dod provide support public private programs designed connect attorneys provide pro bono legal assistance members armed_forces need assistance limits total financial support fiscal year directs financial support derived amounts authorized appropriated dod operation maintenance


Summary: Military Families Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to adjust the status of an eligible alien to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if the alien: (1) applies for adjustment (with a time limit for an alien applying as a family member of a deceased Armed Forces member), (2) is admissible to the United States as an immigrant, and (3) is physically present in the United States. Applies such provision to an alien who is: (1) a parent, spouse, child, son, daughter, or the legal guardian of a child of a living Armed Forces member or of a deceased Armed Forces member who died as a result of service-incurred injury or disease; or (2) the spouse, child, son, or daughter of an alien described in clause (1). Defines "Armed Forces member" as a person who: (1) is, or was at the time of the person's death, a U.S. national or lawfully admitted permanent resident; (2) served honorably on or after October 7, 2001, as a member of the National Guard or the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, or in an active-duty status in the U.S. military; and (3) if separated from service was separated under honorable conditions. Waives specified grounds of inadmissibility and authorizes the waiver of additional grounds of inadmissibility. Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from worldwide or numerical limitations on immigrant visas the sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who were naturalized under the Immigration Act of 1990 or other specified federal law.

military families act amends immigration nationality act direct secretary homeland_security dhs adjust status eligible alien alien lawfully admitted permanent residence alien applies adjustment time limit alien applying family member deceased armed_forces member admissible united_states immigrant physically present united_states applies provision alien parent spouse child son daughter legal guardian child living armed_forces member deceased armed_forces member died result service incurred injury disease spouse child son daughter alien described clause defines armed forces member person time person death national lawfully admitted permanent resident served honorably october member active duty status military separated service separated honorable conditions waives specified grounds inadmissibility authorizes waiver additional grounds inadmissibility filipino veterans family reunification act amends immigration nationality act exempt worldwide numerical limitations immigrant visas sons daughters filipino world war veterans naturalized immigration act specified federal law


Summary: Military Family Leave Act of 2011 - Entitles an employed family member of a member of the Armed Forces who receives notification of a call or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation, or who is deployed in connection with a contingency operation, to two workweeks of leave per year for each family member who is so called or deployed. Allows such leave to: (1) be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule; and (2) consist of paid or unpaid leave, as the employer considers appropriate. Allows an employer to require certification of entitlement to such leave within a leave request. Provides employment and benefits protection for employees upon their return from such leave. Prohibits an employer from interfering with or otherwise denying the exercise of such leave rights.

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


Summary: Honoring Promises to Service-Disabled Veterans Act of 2011 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the head of each executive department to submit a quarterly report to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) containing the percentage of the total value of all prime contracts awarded by the executive department during the preceding three-month period to small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, including, along with other specified percentages, for contracts awarded to certain contractors required to submit a subcontracting plan, the negotiated percentage goal for utilization of such subcontractors and the total value of subcontracts entered into by the contractor awarded to service-disabled veteran small business concerns. Requires the Administrator to: (1) annually rank the executive departments and contractors concerned based on specified contracting and subcontracting percentages; (2) publish and update at least quarterly, on a publicly accessible website, subject to exceptions for information detrimental to national security, such information reported by the executive departments and the Administrator's annual rankings; and (3) submit to Congress an annual report on the progress of each executive department toward meeting the government-wide goal for service-disabled veterans (a government-wide goal that at least 3% of the total value of all prime contracts and subcontracts be awarded to small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans each fiscal year) established in the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999.

honoring promises veterans act amends small business act direct head executive department submit quarterly report administrator small_business_administration sba containing percentage total value prime contracts awarded executive department preceding month period small business concerns owned controlled service disabled veterans including specified percentages contracts awarded certain contractors required submit subcontracting plan negotiated percentage goal utilization subcontractors total value subcontracts entered contractor awarded service disabled veteran small business concerns requires administrator annually rank executive departments contractors concerned based specified contracting subcontracting percentages publish update quarterly publicly accessible website subject exceptions information detrimental national security information reported executive departments administrator annual submit congress annual report progress executive department meeting government wide goal service disabled veterans government wide goal total value prime contracts subcontracts awarded small business concerns owned controlled service disabled veterans fiscal year established veterans entrepreneurship small business development act


Summary: Amends procedures of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) by requiring the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit, within seven days, a written report to the CAVC and the appellant describing the basis upon which the Secretary remains opposed to a remand if: (1) the CAVC directs representatives and self-represented parties to participate in a staff conference (where parties refine issues and consider matters to help the court resolve a case) pursuant to applicable CAVC Rules of Practice and Procedure or any corresponding similar rule, and (2) an agreement to remand the matter has not been reached before the end of such conference. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) seeking a remand without the appellant's agreement if such a written report is submitted, and (2) opposing any subsequent filing by the appellant for specified fees and other expenses under the federal judicial code if the Secretary seeks a remand after the seven-day period. Allows the CAVC to impose sanctions, including money sanctions, if the Secretary fails to comply with this Act.

amends procedures veterans claims requiring secretary veterans_affairs submit seven days written report appellant describing basis secretary remains opposed remand directs representatives self represented parties participate staff conference parties refine issues consider matters help court resolve case pursuant applicable procedure corresponding similar rule agreement remand matter reached end conference prohibits secretary seeking remand appellant agreement written report submitted opposing subsequent filing appellant specified fees expenses federal judicial code secretary seeks remand seven day period allows impose sanctions including money sanctions secretary fails comply act


Summary: Directs that any business determined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to have misrepresented its status as a small business owned and controlled by veterans or service-disabled veterans in order to increase its contracting opportunities shall be debarred from contracting with the VA for not less than five years (under current law, for a reasonable period as determined by the Secretary). Requires the Secretary to commence the debarment action within 30 days after the misrepresentation determination, and to complete such action within 90 days after such determination. Includes in the debarment all principals in the business.

directs business determined secretary veterans_affairs misrepresented status small business owned controlled veterans service disabled veterans order increase contracting opportunities shall debarred contracting years current law reasonable period determined secretary requires secretary commence debarment action days misrepresentation determination complete action days determination includes debarment principals business


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish minimum funding levels for specified veterans' benefits contracts and grants to ensure that each state receives sufficient funding to support at least one disabled veterans' outreach program specialist and one local veterans' employment representative per 5,000 square miles of service delivery area within the state. Allows the Secretary, in establishing such minimum levels, to establish hold-harmless criteria for states and exclude consideration of counties with a population density of less than one person per square mile. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the needs of veterans residing in an area consisting of a county or counties with fewer than seven persons per square mile.

directs secretary labor establish minimum funding levels specified veterans benefits contracts grants ensure state receives sufficient funding support disabled veterans outreach program specialist local veterans employment representative square miles service delivery area state allows secretary establishing minimum levels establish hold harmless criteria states exclude consideration counties population density person square mile requires secretary report congress needs veterans residing area consisting county counties fewer seven persons square mile


Summary: Honoring Service Through National Park Access Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available to members of the uniformed services or members of the National Guard or Reserves at a reduced rate equal to 50% of the cost of the Pass that is sold to the public. Makes such a Pass valid for one year after its date of issuance. Requires Passes to be made available, at a cost of $10, to veterans who were separated from military service under conditions other than dishonorable. Makes such a Pass valid for the lifetime of a passholder.

honoring service national park access act directs secretary interior secretary agriculture usda available members uniformed services members national_guard_or_reserves reduced rate equal cost pass sold public makes pass valid year date issuance requires passes available cost veterans separated military service conditions dishonorable makes pass valid lifetime


Summary: Protecting Military Pay Act of 2011 - Sets forth the priority for the payment of obligations incurred by the U.S. government in the event that U.S. debt reaches the statutory limit. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, during any funding gap impacting the Armed Forces, to make available, out of any amounts in the general fund of the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, amounts necessary to continue to provide pay and allowances (without interruption) to: (1) members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including the reserve components thereof, who perform active service; and (2) at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, such civilian personnel of the Department of Defense (DOD) who are providing support to the such Armed Forces members. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from making any such transfers after December 31, 2011.

protecting military pay act sets forth priority payment obligations incurred government event debt reaches statutory limit directs secretary treasury funding gap impacting armed_forces available amounts general fund treasury appropriated amounts necessary continue provide pay allowances interruption members army navy air_force marine_corps coast_guard including reserve components thereof perform active service discretion secretary defense civilian personnel department_of_defense dod providing support armed_forces members prohibits secretary treasury making transfers december


Summary: Veterans Travel Tax Relief Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow veterans a deduction from gross income, up to $400 a year, for their travel expenses, including those of a family member, to a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center for treatment related to a service-connected disability or for an examination related to a claim for disability compensation or a pension.

veterans_travel tax relief act amends internal revenue code allow veterans deduction gross income year travel expenses including family member department_of_veterans_affairs medical center treatment related service connected disability examination related claim disability compensation pension


Summary: Foreign Service Line of Duty Death Gratuity Act of 2011 - Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to provide increased group life insurance benefits for a Foreign Service or government executive branch employee killed in a location designated as a danger pay post. Directs the Secretary of State to provide a specified death gratuity payment to the surviving dependents of a Foreign Service or a government executive branch employee serving at a U.S. diplomatic or consular mission abroad without a regular salary who was killed in the August 7, 1998, bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. Authorizes appropriations for such payments.

amends foreign service act provide increased group life insurance benefits foreign_service government executive branch employee killed location designated danger pay post directs secretary state provide specified death gratuity payment surviving dependents foreign_service government executive branch employee serving diplomatic consular mission abroad regular salary killed august bombing authorizes appropriations payments


Summary: Help Veterans Own Franchises Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business-related tax credit of up to $100,000 for 25% of the franchise fees paid or incurred by a veteran for the purchase of a franchise. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide information about the tax credit allowed by this Act to veterans service organizations and veteran advocacy groups.

help veterans franchises act amends internal revenue code allow business related tax credit franchise fees paid incurred veteran purchase franchise directs administrator small_business_administration sba secretary veterans_affairs provide information tax credit allowed act veterans service organizations veteran advocacy groups


Summary: Agent Orange Equity Act of 2011 - 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.

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


Summary: Authorizes the American Legion under its federal charter to provide guidance and leadership to its state and territorial organizations and local chapters. Prohibits it from controlling or otherwise influencing their specific activities and conduct.

authorizes federal charter provide guidance leadership state territorial organizations local chapters prohibits controlling influencing specific activities conduct


Summary: Equal Justice for Our Military Act of 2011 - Amends the federal judicial code to allow for review by writ of certiorari of certain cases denied relief or review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. Declares that the time for application for such a writ shall be as prescribed by rules of the Supreme Court.

equal_justice military act amends federal judicial code allow review writ certiorari certain cases denied relief review declares time application writ shall prescribed rules supreme_court


Summary: Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement, by February 1, 2012, a centralized and comprehensive policy on reporting and tracking sexual assaults and other safety incidents at each medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including: (1) risk-assessment tools; (2) mandatory security training; (3) physical security precautions (surveillance camera systems and panic alarm systems); (4) criteria and guidance for employees communicating and reporting incidents to specified supervisory personnel, VA law enforcement officials, and the Office of Inspector General; (4) an oversight system within the Veterans Health Administration; (5) procedures for VA law enforcement officials investigating, tracking, and closing reported incidents; and (6) clinical guidance for treating sexual assaults reported over 72 hours after assault. Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit an annual report to Congress on such incidents and policy implementation, and (2) prescribe applicable regulations. Repeals required annual reports concerning registered nurse staffing at VA health care facilities.

veterans sexual assault prevention act directs secretary veterans_affairs develop implement february centralized comprehensive policy reporting tracking sexual assaults safety incidents medical facility department_of_veterans_affairs including risk assessment tools mandatory security training physical security precautions surveillance camera systems alarm systems criteria guidance employees communicating reporting incidents specified supervisory personnel law enforcement officials office_of_inspector_general oversight system veterans_health_administration procedures law enforcement officials investigating tracking closing reported incidents clinical guidance treating sexual assaults reported hours assault requires secretary submit annual report congress incidents policy implementation prescribe applicable regulations repeals required annual reports concerning registered nurse staffing health care facilities


Summary: Commission on the Review of the Overseas Military Facility Structure of the United States Act of 2011 - Establishes the Commission on the Review of the Overseas Military Facility Structure of the United States to: (1) conduct a thorough study of matters relating to the U.S. overseas military facility structure, and (2) report study findings and conclusions to the President and Congress. Requires the report to include a proposal for an overseas basing strategy for the Department of Defense (DOD) to meet current and future DOD missions during periods of heightened fiscal constraints.

commission review overseas military facility structure united states act establishes commission review overseas military facility structure united_states conduct thorough study matters relating overseas military facility structure report study findings conclusions president congress requires report include proposal overseas basing strategy department_of_defense dod meet current future dod missions periods heightened fiscal constraints


Summary: Authorizes payment under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiary travel program of travel expenses in connection with medical examination, treatment, or care of a veteran with vision impairment, a spinal cord injury or disorder, or double or multiple amputations whose travel is in connection with inpatient care in a VA special disabilities rehabilitation program.

authorizes payment department_of_veterans_affairs beneficiary travel program travel expenses connection medical examination treatment care veteran vision impairment spinal cord injury disorder double multiple travel connection inpatient care special disabilities rehabilitation program


Summary: Expands the authority of the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to accept travel benefits to facilitate the travel of members of the Armed Forces during leave from active duty to include, as part of such benefits, points or awards for free or reduced-cost hotel accommodations. Includes as benefits purposes: (1) providing humanitarian support to members and eligible beneficiaries receiving care through the military health care system, and (2) support to allow participation by members and their families in DOD-sponsored and authorized programs.

expands authority secretary defense dod accept travel benefits facilitate travel members armed_forces leave active duty include benefits points awards free reduced cost hotel accommodations includes benefits purposes providing humanitarian support members eligible beneficiaries receiving care military health care system support allow participation members families dod sponsored authorized programs


Summary: Directs the Comptroller General, annually from 2013 through 2018, to submit to Congress an assessment of the performance of the major automated information system programs of the Department of Defense (DOD). Requires a preliminary report by the end of FY2012.

directs comptroller_general annually submit congress assessment performance major automated information system programs department_of_defense dod requires preliminary report end fy2012


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 remains that cannot be identified, 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 remains identified transport remains interment tomb


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to commence a three-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using service dog training activities as components of integrated post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rehabilitation programs at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers to positively affect veterans with such symptoms and to produce specially trained service dogs for veterans. Requires the pilot program to be carried out at one VA medical center selected by the Secretary other than the VA health care system in Palo Alto, California. Makes veteran participation voluntary. Requires the Secretary to: (1) collect program data to determine its effectiveness, as well as the advisability of expanding the program to additional VA medical centers; and (2) report annually to Congress for the duration of the pilot program.

directs secretary veterans_affairs commence year pilot program assess feasibility advisability service dog training activities components integrated post deployment mental health post traumatic stress disorder ptsd rehabilitation programs department_of_veterans_affairs medical centers positively affect veterans symptoms produce specially trained service dogs veterans requires pilot program carried medical center selected secretary health care system palo_alto california makes veteran participation voluntary requires secretary collect program data determine effectiveness advisability expanding program additional medical centers report annually congress duration pilot program


Summary: National Guard and Reserve Soft Landing Reintegration Act - Requires that a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who was deployed for more than 269 days for a contingency operation or a homeland defense mission be: (1) retained on active duty in the Armed Forces for 45 days after the end of the member's demobilization from a deployment, (2) allowed to use accrued leave, and (3) paid specified pay and allowances. Requires a member requesting an early release from such active duty to be released within 14 days after such request. Allows such request to be denied only for medical or personal safety reasons. Allows the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide each member so retained (and, as practicable, appropriate family members) reintegration counseling and services.

reintegration act requires member reserve component armed_forces deployed days contingency operation homeland defense mission retained active duty armed_forces days end member demobilization deployment allowed use accrued leave paid specified pay allowances requires member requesting early release active duty released days request allows request denied medical personal safety reasons allows secretary military department concerned provide member retained practicable appropriate family members reintegration counseling services


Summary: Nationwide Network of Support for Veterans and Their Families Act of 2011 - Establishes the National Veterans Support Foundation to, among other things: (1) analyze and organize resources that list and describe organizations, programs, events, and other activities that provide assistance specifically to veterans; (2) provide support and help align and scale resources that support veterans and their families; and (3) encourage and promote participation by private organizations in activities that serve and support veterans. Requires the Foundation to establish a direct community reintegration support program to award grants to create or expand community-based veterans reintegration and support programs. Prohibits the Foundation from accepting any federal funds. Requires annual Foundation audits and reports to Congress.

veterans families act establishes things analyze organize resources list describe organizations programs events activities provide assistance specifically veterans provide support help align scale resources support veterans families encourage promote participation private organizations activities serve support veterans requires foundation establish direct community reintegration support program award grants create expand community based veterans reintegration support programs prohibits foundation accepting federal funds requires annual foundation audits reports congress


Summary: Protect Our Disabled Heroes Act of 2011 - Provides criminal penalties against any person who solicits, contracts for, charges, or receives any fee or compensation from a veteran, other than that currently permitted under law, for: (1) advice on how to file a benefits claim; or (2) the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a claim before the date on which a notice of disagreement is filed in a proceeding on the claim.

protect disabled heroes act provides criminal penalties person solicits contracts charges receives fee compensation veteran currently permitted law advice file benefits claim preparation presentation prosecution claim date notice disagreement filed proceeding claim


Summary: Honoring Ezeagwula and Long Act or the HEAL Act - Requires that Armed Forces members who were killed or wounded in the attack that occurred at a recruiting station in Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 1, 2009, be treated as having been killed or wounded in a combat zone as the result of an act of an enemy of the United States for the purposes of all applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies.

heal act requires armed_forces members killed wounded attack occurred recruiting station little_rock arkansas june treated having killed wounded combat zone result act enemy united_states purposes applicable federal laws regulations policies


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: Requires that the principal office of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) be in the metropolitan area of Washington, DC, but allows the CAVC to sit any place within the United States. Requires judges in active service on the CAVC to: (1) have their official duty station at the principal office; and (2) reside within 50 miles of such metropolitan area. Allows the President to remove judges violating that residency requirement who were confirmed on or after January 1, 2012. Sets forth exceptions for recall-eligible retired judges.

requires principal office veterans claims metropolitan area allows sit place united_states requires judges active service official duty station principal office reside miles metropolitan area allows president remove judges violating residency requirement confirmed january sets forth exceptions recall eligible retired judges


Summary: Fair Military Leave Act - Directs the Secretary concerned to make a payment to each member of the Armed Forces who was eligible to participate in the Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence program, but did not participate for one or more days due to government error. Makes such payment: (1) $200 for each day of non-participation, and (2) in lieu of any authorized administrative absence for such day(s).

secretary concerned payment member armed_forces eligible participate program participate days government error makes payment day non participation lieu authorized administrative absence


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish accelerated licensing procedures to assist Armed Forces veterans to acquire commercial driver's licenses. Requires such procedures to apply to any veteran attempting to acquire a commercial driver's license who, during military service, obtained driving experience that makes the use of accelerated licensing procedures appropriate.

directs secretary transportation dot establish accelerated licensing procedures assist armed_forces veterans acquire commercial driver licenses requires procedures apply veteran attempting acquire commercial driver license military service obtained driving experience makes use accelerated licensing procedures appropriate


Summary: Honoring Our Nations Outstanding Rifle Squads Act or HONOR Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, if determined appropriate to meet the needs of an eligible organization with respect to performing funeral and other ceremonies, to: (1) loan or donate excess small arms; (2) authorize the organization to retain small arms other than M-1 rifles; or (3) if excess small arms stock is insufficient to meet organizational requirements, provide excess small arms on a rotational basis with other eligible organizations pursuant to a program and procedures prescribed by the Secretary.

honoring nations outstanding rifle act secretary army determined appropriate meet needs eligible organization respect performing funeral ceremonies loan donate excess small arms authorize organization retain small arms rifles excess small arms stock insufficient meet organizational requirements provide excess small arms rotational basis eligible organizations pursuant program procedures prescribed secretary


Summary: Provides that, as of October 1, 2011, changes made to the program guidance relating to the award of Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence administrative absence days to members of the reserves under a specified Department of Defense (DOD) instruction shall not apply to reservists whose qualified mobilization commenced before October 1, 2011, and continued until the termination of the mobilization.

provides october changes program guidance relating award administrative absence days members reserves specified department_of_defense dod instruction shall apply reservists qualified mobilization commenced october continued termination mobilization


Summary: Veterans Conservation Corps Authorization Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a veteran conservation corps (corps) to: (1) provide training and employment to unemployed veterans not enrolled in any other federal training program, (2) assist veterans in their transition from military service to civilian life, and (3) assist the government in maintaining federal land and water. Directs the Secretary to employ such veterans for a one-year period, with an option for employment for an additional one-year period. Allows the Secretary to establish a corps program for the short-term employment of veterans attending institutions of higher education. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide to such veterans any education or training necessary to carry out assigned work projects.

authorization act directs secretary interior establish veteran conservation corps corps provide training employment unemployed veterans enrolled federal training program assist veterans transition military service civilian life assist government maintaining federal land water directs secretary employ veterans year period option employment additional year period allows secretary establish corps program short term employment veterans attending institutions higher education directs secretary establish program provide veterans education training necessary carry assigned work projects


Summary: Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to classify military working dogs as canine members of the Armed Forces. Requires that such dogs no longer be classified as equipment. Provides that if a dog should be retired, and no suitable adoption is available at the military facility where the dog is located, the dog may transferred to the 341st Training Squadron or to another location for adoption. Authorizes the acceptance of the donation of frequent traveler miles to facilitate the adoption of a dog. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a system to provide for the lifetime veterinary care of retired, adopted dogs. Requires the Secretary to administer the system under a contract awarded by the Secretary to a private non-profit entity. Requires such care to meet standards that the Secretary shall establish and periodically update. Requires any costs of the operation and administration of the system and of any veterinary care provided under the system to be covered by such combination of the following as the Secretary and the non-profit entity jointly consider appropriate: (1) contributions from the non-profit entity, (2) payments for such care by owners or guardians of such dogs, and (3) other appropriate non-federal sources of funds. Prohibits the use of federal funds to provide care or operate the system, except for funds used to establish or administer the system, establish standards of care, or prescribe related regulations. Directs the Secretary to create a decoration or other appropriate recognition to recognize dogs that are killed in action or perform an exceptionally meritorious or courageous act in service to the United States.

canine members secretary defense dod classify military working dogs canine members armed_forces requires dogs longer classified equipment provides dog retired suitable adoption available military facility dog located dog transferred location adoption authorizes acceptance donation frequent traveler miles facilitate adoption dog directs secretary establish maintain system provide lifetime veterinary care retired adopted dogs requires secretary administer system contract awarded secretary private non profit entity requires care meet standards secretary shall establish periodically update requires costs operation administration system veterinary care provided system covered combination following secretary non profit entity jointly consider appropriate contributions non profit entity payments care owners guardians dogs appropriate non federal sources funds prohibits use federal funds provide care operate system funds establish administer system establish standards care prescribe related regulations directs secretary create appropriate recognition recognize dogs killed action perform exceptionally meritorious act service united_states


Summary: Prohibits providing a waiver for commissioning or enlistment in the Armed Forces for any individual convicted under federal or state law of the felony offense of rape, sexual abuse, sexual assault, incest, or any other sexual offense.

prohibits providing waiver commissioning enlistment armed_forces individual convicted federal state law felony offense rape sexual abuse sexual assault incest sexual offense


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

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


Summary: Military and Veterans Educational Reform Act of 2012 - Allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) or a state approving agency (SAA) to approve, for purposes of veterans' educational assistance provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a course that leads to an associate or higher degree only when such course is an eligible program offered by an institution of higher education that has entered into and is complying with a program approved by the Secretary of Education under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides conditions under which the Secretary or a SAA may approve a course that does not lead to an associate or higher degree. Prohibits the approval of a non-degree course of education unless, among other things, the course is determined to further the purposes of the VA program. Provides additional requirements for the VA approval of nonaccredited courses. Requires additional requirements imposed by SAAs to be approved by the Secretary prior to use under the VA program. Provides additional requirements for the approval of programs of educational assistance for persons enlisting for active duty. Requires educational institutions to inform participants on matters relating to accreditation and educational outcomes as a condition of approval under educational assistance programs offered by the VA and Department of Defense (DOD). Directs an educational institution with 20 or more VA program participants enrolled, prior to approval, to provide adequate academic and student support services, including remediation, tutoring, and job placement counseling. Requires each SAA, as a condition of receiving VA reimbursement for program approval activities, to conduct education and outreach activities to assist participants in making well-informed choices about their education and successful transition into an educational environment. Requires SAAs to conduct annual audits of institutions that have VA program participants. Directs the Secretary to conduct mandatory annual compliance reviews of such institutions. Directs the Secretary to provide individualized, one-on-one counseling to veterans and members of the Armed Forces who are considering a program of education with assistance through the VA or DOD. Requires the Secretaries of VA and DOD to each establish a process whereby individuals are able to submit complaints regarding educational institutions relevant to the provision of educational assistance, including complaints regarding misrepresentation, fraud, waste, and abuse.

military veterans educational reform act allows secretary veterans_affairs secretary state approving agency saa approve purposes veterans educational assistance provided department_of_veterans_affairs course leads associate higher degree course eligible program offered institution higher education entered complying program approved secretary education higher education act provides conditions secretary saa approve course lead associate higher degree prohibits approval non degree course education things course determined purposes program provides additional requirements approval courses requires additional requirements imposed approved secretary prior use program provides additional requirements approval programs educational assistance persons active duty requires educational institutions inform participants matters relating accreditation educational outcomes condition approval educational assistance programs offered department_of_defense dod directs educational institution program participants enrolled prior approval provide adequate academic student support services including remediation tutoring job placement counseling requires saa condition receiving reimbursement program approval activities conduct education outreach activities assist participants making informed choices education successful transition educational environment requires conduct annual audits institutions program participants directs secretary conduct mandatory annual compliance reviews institutions directs secretary provide individualized counseling veterans members armed_forces considering program education assistance dod requires secretaries dod establish process individuals able submit complaints educational institutions relevant provision educational assistance including complaints misrepresentation fraud waste abuse


Summary: Veteran Skills to Jobs Act - Directs the head of each federal licensing authority to consider, and authorizes such official to accept, any relevant training received by an individual while serving as a member of the Armed Forces for the purpose of satisfying the license requirements.

head federal licensing authority consider authorizes official accept relevant training received individual serving member armed_forces purpose satisfying license requirements


Summary: Veterans Missing in America Act of 2012 - Recognizes the tireless work and dedication of the Missing in America Project, in conjunction with numerous veterans service organizations, in identifying unclaimed remains of veterans. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cooperate with such organizations to assist entities in possession of unclaimed or abandoned human remains in determining if any such remains are the remains of veterans or other individuals eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Requires the Secretary, upon a positive determination with respect to any such remains, to provide for and cover the cost of the burial and funeral expenses if the Secretary determines that: (1) there is no next of kin or other person claiming the remains, and (2) there are no other sufficient resources to cover such expenses. Directs the Secretary to establish a publicly accessible database of the names of any veteran or other individual so identified.

veterans missing america act recognizes work dedication missing america project conjunction numerous veterans service organizations identifying unclaimed remains veterans directs secretary veterans_affairs cooperate organizations assist entities possession unclaimed abandoned human remains determining remains remains veterans individuals eligible burial national cemetery requires secretary positive determination respect remains provide cover cost burial funeral expenses secretary determines kin person claiming remains sufficient resources cover expenses directs secretary establish publicly accessible database names veteran individual identified


Summary: Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of December 1, 2012, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

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


Summary: Remembering America's Forgotten Veterans Cemetery Act of 2012 - Treats Clark Veterans Cemetery in the Republic of the Philippines as a permanent military cemetery in a foreign country for purposes of the purview of the American Battle Monuments Commission. Directs the Commission to restore, operate, and maintain such Cemetery in cooperation with the government of the Republic of the Philippines. Subjects such requirement to the availability of appropriations for such purpose.

america cemetery act treats republic_of_the_philippines permanent military cemetery foreign country purposes purview american_battle_monuments_commission directs commission restore operate maintain cemetery cooperation government republic_of_the_philippines subjects requirement availability appropriations purpose


Summary: Iron Dome Support Act - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to the government of Israel for the procurement, maintenance, and sustainment of the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system for purposes of intercepting short-range missiles launched against Israel.

iron_dome support act authorizes president provide assistance government israel procurement maintenance sustainment iron_dome anti missile defense system purposes intercepting short range missiles launched israel


Summary: Military Reservists Access to Mental Health Services Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide care for behavioral health conditions to any member of the Selected Reserve for whom such Secretary determines, based on the member's most recent medical exam or mental health assessment, that the receipt of such care will ensure that the member meets applicable standards of medical readiness. Provides funding for such care through the Defense Health Program.

military reservists access mental health services act authorizes secretary military department concerned provide care behavioral health conditions member selected_reserve secretary determines based member recent medical exam mental health assessment receipt care ensure member meets applicable standards medical readiness provides funding care defense_health_program


Summary: Service Members and Communities Count Act of 2012 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce, beginning with the 2020 census, to ensure that all members of the Armed Forces deployed abroad are fully and accurately counted in the tabulation of total population by states and are properly attributed to the state in which their permanent duty station or homeport is located.

service members communities count act requires secretary commerce beginning census ensure members armed_forces deployed abroad fully accurately counted tabulation total population states properly attributed state permanent duty station located


Summary: Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense (DOD), and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) with respect to the Coast Guard, should duly honor those members of the Armed Forces who are killed or wounded in the United States in terrorist attacks that are inspired by the ideology that gives rise to terrorism, as defined by the Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. Provides that, for purposes of awarding the Purple Heart, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall treat a member of the Armed Forces who is killed or wounded in a terrorist attack within the United States in the same manner as a member killed or wounded in action due to an act of an enemy of the United States. Makes this Act effective as of January 1, 2009. Directs the Secretaries concerned to: (1) review each death or wounding of a member within the United States between January 1, 2009, and the date of enactment of this Act to determine whether such death or wounding qualifies as a death or wounding resulting from a terrorist attack for purposes of this Act; and (2) upon a positive determination, take appropriate action.

expresses sense congress secretary defense dod secretary homeland_security dhs respect coast_guard duly honor members armed_forces killed wounded united_states terrorist attacks ideology gives rise terrorism defined united_states provides purposes awarding purple heart secretary military department concerned shall treat member armed_forces killed wounded terrorist attack united_states manner member killed wounded action act enemy united_states makes act effective january directs secretaries concerned review death member united_states january date enactment act determine death qualifies death resulting terrorist attack purposes act positive determination appropriate action


Summary: Includes as a homeless veteran, for purposes of eligibility for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a veteran or veteran's family fleeing domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions in the current housing situation, including where the health and safety of children are jeopardized, there is no other residence, and there is a lack of resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.

includes homeless veteran purposes eligibility benefits department_of_veterans_affairs veteran veteran family fleeing domestic dating violence sexual assault stalking dangerous life threatening conditions current housing situation including health safety children jeopardized residence lack resources support networks obtain permanent housing


Summary: Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, during and as part of any electronic process for the filing of applications by claimants for benefits provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to: (1) notify each claimant or claimant representative that application services may be available from veterans service organizations (VSOs), and (2) provide such claimant or representative with a list of such VSOs.

requires secretary veterans_affairs electronic process filing applications claimants benefits provided department_of_veterans_affairs notify claimant claimant representative application services available veterans service organizations provide claimant representative list


Summary: Nationwide Network of Support for Veterans and Military Families Act of 2012 - Establishes the National Veterans Support Network to, among other things: (1) carry out national activities to raise awareness of the challenges facing military families and veterans, with related media campaigns; (2) provide support to communities that include veterans or members of the Armed Forces; and (3) encourage and promote participation by private organizations in activities that serve and support veterans. Requires the Network to establish a community support grant program to award grants to create or expand community-based veterans readjustment and support programs. Prohibits the Network from accepting any federal funds. Requires annual Network audits and reports to Congress.

veterans military families act establishes things carry national activities raise awareness challenges facing military families veterans related media campaigns provide support communities include veterans members armed_forces encourage promote participation private organizations activities serve support veterans requires network establish community support grant program award grants create expand community based veterans readjustment support programs prohibits network accepting federal funds requires annual network audits reports congress


Summary: VISN Reorganization Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to organize the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) into 12 geographically defined Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs). Directs the Secretary to ensure that each VISN: (1) is aligned with the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the specific health care requirements of veterans in that network; (2) implements VA national goals within their network and associated medical centers; (3) maintains a regional integrated health care system; (4) identifies and reduces the duplication of functions in VHA clinical, administrative, and operational processes and practices; (5) works to achieve maximum effectiveness in patient care and safety, graduate medical education, and research; (6) assesses the consolidation or realignment of institutional functions, in collaboration and cooperation with other VISNs and specified offices or entities within their network; and (7) develops and shares innovations and best practices with each other at the local, regional, and national levels. Prohibits more than one headquarters for each VISN, with no more than 65 full-time employees. Requires the Secretary to report at least annually to the congressional veterans committees on employment at VISN headquarters. Directs the Secretary, at least every three years, to: (1) review and assess VISN structure and operations, and (2) submit review results to such committees. Requires the Secretary, in order to comply with the requirements of this Act, to realign and combine the current 21 VISNs into 12 geographically defined VISNs, and to appropriately consolidate VISN headquarters. Directs the Secretary to submit to such committees a realignment implementation plan. Provides for the relocation of leased VISN headquarters, requiring the Secretary to notify such committees if renewing or engaging in a new lease for any headquarters. Directs the Secretary to establish up to four regional support centers within the VHA to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the VISNs.

visn reorganization act directs secretary veterans_affairs organize veterans_health_administration vha geographically defined veterans_integrated_service_networks visns directs secretary ensure visn aligned mission department_of_veterans_affairs specific health care requirements veterans network implements national goals network associated medical centers maintains regional integrated health care system identifies reduces duplication functions vha clinical administrative operational processes practices works achieve maximum effectiveness patient care safety graduate medical education research assesses consolidation realignment institutional functions collaboration cooperation visns specified offices entities network develops shares innovations best practices local regional national levels prohibits headquarters visn time employees requires secretary report annually congressional veterans committees employment visn headquarters directs secretary years review assess visn structure operations submit review results committees requires secretary order comply requirements act realign combine current visns geographically defined visns appropriately consolidate visn headquarters directs secretary submit committees realignment implementation plan provides relocation leased visn headquarters requiring secretary notify committees renewing engaging new lease headquarters directs secretary establish regional support centers vha assess effectiveness efficiency visns


Summary: Servicemember Housing Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to protect against a mortgage foreclosure or residential lease termination the surviving spouse who is the successor in interest to a servicemember who dies while in military service from a service-connected cause. Extends such protection for the nine-month period following the death of the servicemember. Allows the termination of an existing lease by the lessee, without penalties, when the lessee is assigned to or otherwise relocates to federal quarters or military housing. Requires, in such case, the lessee to notify the lessor, which shall include a letter from the servicemember's commanding officer indicating such relocation.

servicemember housing protection act amends servicemembers civil relief act protect mortgage foreclosure residential lease termination surviving spouse successor interest servicemember dies military service service connected cause extends protection month period following death servicemember allows termination existing lease lessee penalties lessee assigned relocates federal quarters military housing requires case lessee notify lessor shall include letter servicemember commanding officer indicating relocation


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing and plan that outlines Department of Defense (DOD) efforts to: (1) prevent the hazing of members of the Armed Forces (members) by other members; (2) provide hazing prevention training to members; (3) improve methods of reporting hazing incidents, including anonymous procedures; and (4) respond to and resolve alleged hazing incidents, including prosecution through the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Requires the plan to include the establishment of a database for improving DOD ability to: (1) determine the extent to which hazing incidents are occurring and their nature; and (2) track, respond to, and resolve such incidents.

directs secretary defense provide congressional defense committees briefing plan outlines department_of_defense dod efforts prevent hazing members armed_forces members members provide hazing prevention training members improve methods reporting hazing incidents including anonymous procedures respond resolve alleged hazing incidents including prosecution uniform code military justice requires plan include establishment database improving dod ability determine extent hazing incidents occurring nature track respond resolve incidents


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a plan to measure Department of Defense (DOD) efforts to achieve a dynamic, sustainable level of members of the Armed Forces that will reflect the diverse population of the United States eligible to serve, including gender-specific, racial, and ethnic populations. Requires the Secretary, in developing and implementing the plan, to develop a standard set of metrics and collection procedures that are uniform across the military departments. Requires progress made in implementing such plan to be included in currently-required annual DOD manpower requirements reports.

directs secretary defense develop implement plan measure department_of_defense dod efforts achieve dynamic sustainable level members armed_forces reflect diverse population united_states eligible serve including gender specific racial ethnic populations requires secretary developing implementing plan develop standard set metrics collection procedures uniform military departments requires progress implementing plan included currently required annual dod manpower requirements reports