Summary: Veterans Entitlement to Service Act of 2009 or the VETS Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to acknowledge the receipt of any claim for medical services, disability compensation, or pension under laws administered by the Secretary, or any other communication relating to such services, compensation, or pension, within 30 days after its receipt.

service act vets act directs secretary veterans_affairs acknowledge receipt claim medical services disability compensation pension laws administered secretary communication relating services compensation pension days receipt


Summary: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 - Title I: Department of Defense - Appropriates funds for FY2010 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) the Homeowners Assistance Fund; (6) chemical demilitarization construction; and (7) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this title and in other military construction appropriations Acts. (Sec. 113) Directs the Secretary of Defense to notify the appropriate congressional committees 30 days in advance of the plans and scope of any proposed military exercise involving U.S. personnel if construction costs are anticipated to exceed $100,000. (Sec. 118) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriations committees on actions taken by DOD and the Department of State during the previous fiscal year to encourage other member nations of NATO, Japan, South Korea, and U.S. allies bordering the Arabian Sea to assume a greater share of the common defense burden of such nations and the United States. (Sec. 121) Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned, at least 60 days prior to issuing any solicitation for a contract with the private sector for military family housing, to notify the appropriations committees of any guarantee (including the making of mortgage or rental payments) proposed to be made to the private party in the event of: (1) the closure or realignment of the installation for which housing is provided; (2) a reduction in force of units stationed at such installation; or (3) the extended deployment overseas of units stationed at such installation. (Sec. 122) Authorizes the transfer of DOD funds for expenses associated with the Homeowners Assistance Program under the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966. (Sec. 125) Places specified restrictions and limitations on the obligation or expenditure of funds made available in this title or in any other military construction appropriations Act to carry out a military construction, land acquisition, or family housing project at or for a military installation approved for closure, or for supporting a function that has been approved for realignment to another installation, in 2005 under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. Title II: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) veterans benefits programs; (2) readjustment benefits; (3) veterans insurance and indemnities; (4) the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund; (5) the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program; (6) the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program; (7) guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans; (8) the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) (including for medical support and compliance and prosthetic research); (9) the National Cemetery Administration; (10) VA general operating expenses and information technology systems; (11) the Office of the Inspector General; (12) construction for major and minor projects; and (13) grants for the construction of state extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries. Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this title. (Sec. 210) Makes funds from this title available to reimburse expenses of the Office of Resolution Management and the Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication, within specified limits. (Sec. 211) Makes appropriations unavailable to enter into any new lease of real property if the estimated annual rental is more than $1,000,000 unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary, for purposes of this title) submits a report which the appropriations committees approve within 30 days after receipt. (Sec. 212) Makes appropriations unavailable for hospital or nursing home care or medical services for a non-service-connected disability unless such person has disclosed to the Secretary current and accurate third-party reimbursement information. (Sec. 216) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with local community health centers, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to provide health care, including behavioral health and dental care, to Native American and Indian veterans residing in rural Alaska. (Sec. 219) Directs the Secretary to report quarterly to the appropriations committees on the financial status of the VHA. (Sec. 223) Requires the VA to continue research into Gulf War illness at levels not less than those made available in FY2009, within available funds under this Act. (Sec. 224) Directs the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer specified funds to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for the Graduate Psychology Education Program, which includes the treatment of veterans, to support increased training of psychologists in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and related disorders. Requires the Secretary to notify Congress of any such transfers. Title III: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (3) cemeterial expenses, Army; and (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Title IV: Overseas Contingency Operations - Appropriates funds for overseas contingency operations for military construction for the Army and Air Force. Title V: Department of Veterans Affairs - Appropriates funds for the VHA for: (1) medical services; (2) medical support and compliance; and (3) medical facilities. Title VI: General Provisions - Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act.

military construction veterans_affairs related agencies appropriations act title department defense appropriates funds fy2010 department_of_defense dod military construction army navy marine_corps air_force military departments dod army air_national_guard army navy air_force reserves north_atlantic_treaty_organization nato security investment program family housing related operation maintenance military departments dod department_of_defense_family_housing_improvement_fund chemical demilitarization construction department_of_defense_base_closure_accounts specifies restrictions authorizations use funds appropriated title military construction appropriations acts sec directs secretary defense notify appropriate congressional committees days advance plans scope proposed military exercise involving personnel construction costs anticipated exceed sec directs secretary report appropriations committees actions taken dod department_of_state previous fiscal year encourage member nations nato japan south_korea allies bordering assume greater share common defense burden nations united_states sec requires secretary military department concerned days prior issuing solicitation contract private sector military family housing notify appropriations committees guarantee including making mortgage rental payments proposed private party event closure realignment installation housing provided reduction force units stationed installation extended deployment overseas units stationed installation sec authorizes transfer dod funds expenses associated homeowners_assistance_program demonstration_cities_and_metropolitan_development_act sec places specified restrictions limitations obligation expenditure funds available title military construction appropriations act carry military construction land acquisition family housing project military installation approved closure supporting function approved realignment installation defense base closure realignment_act title department veterans affairs makes appropriations department_of_veterans_affairs veterans benefits programs readjustment benefits veterans insurance indemnities veterans_housing_benefit_program_fund vocational_rehabilitation_loans_program native american veteran housing loan program guaranteed transitional housing loans homeless veterans veterans_health_administration vha including medical support compliance prosthetic research national_cemetery_administration general operating expenses information technology systems office_of_the_inspector_general construction major minor projects grants construction state extended care facilities veterans cemeteries specifies restrictions authorizations use funds appropriated title sec makes funds title available reimburse expenses office_of_resolution_management office_of_employment_discrimination_complaint_adjudication specified limits sec makes appropriations unavailable enter new lease real property estimated annual rental secretary veterans_affairs secretary purposes title submits report appropriations committees approve days receipt sec makes appropriations unavailable hospital nursing home care medical services non service connected disability person disclosed secretary current accurate party reimbursement information sec authorizes secretary enter agreements local community health centers indian tribes tribal organizations provide health care including behavioral health dental care native american indian veterans residing rural alaska sec directs secretary report quarterly appropriations committees financial status vha sec requires continue research gulf war illness levels available fy2009 available funds act sec directs secretary national interest transfer specified funds secretary health_and_human_services includes treatment veterans support increased training psychologists treatment post traumatic stress disorder traumatic brain injury related disorders requires secretary notify congress transfers title iii related agencies appropriates funds american_battle_monuments_commission veterans claims cemeterial expenses army armed_forces_retirement_home title overseas contingency operations appropriates funds overseas contingency operations military construction army air_force title department veterans affairs appropriates funds vha medical services medical support compliance medical facilities title general provisions specifies restrictions authorizations use funds appropriated act


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 179 days for a contingency operation or a homeland defense mission be: (1) retained on active duty in the Armed Forces for 90 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. Allows a member to be released from such retention if the member requests release after the first 15 days of the retention. Directs 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 end member demobilization deployment allowed use accrued leave paid specified pay allowances allows member released retention member requests release days retention directs secretary military department concerned provide member retained practicable appropriate family members reintegration counseling services


Summary: Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2009 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) to revise requirements for the audit capacity of voting systems, particularly those for a permanent paper record. Requires the voting system to require the use of an individual, durable, voter-verified paper ballot of the voter's vote that shall be marked and made available for inspection by the voter before the voter's vote is cast and counted, and which shall be counted by hand or read by an optical scanner or other counting device. Requires the voting system to provide the voter with an opportunity to correct any system-made error in the voter-verified paper ballot before it is permanently preserved. Requires each paper ballot used to be: (1) suitable for a manual audit; and (2) counted by hand in any recount or audit conducted with respect to any federal election. Sets forth a special rule for treatment of disputes when paper ballots have been shown to be compromised. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to make grants to eligible entities to study, test, and develop accessible ballot voting, verification, and casting mechanisms and devices and best practices to enhance the accessibility of paper ballot voting and verification mechanisms for individuals with disabilities, for voters whose primary language is not English, and for voters with difficulties in literacy. Specifies additional voting system requirements and prohibitions. Requires the NSF Director to make grants to eligible entities to conduct research on the development of election-dedicated voting system software. Makes available additional funding to enable states to meet the costs of the requirements imposed by this Act. Provides for complaints to the Attorney General by persons aggrieved by violations of HAVA. Requires each state to administer audits of federal election results, without advance notice to the precincts selected, consisting of random hand counts of the voter-verified paper ballots. Makes an exception from this requirement for elections in which the winning candidate had no opponent or received 80% or more of the vote total. Prescribes requirements for determination of the number of ballots counted under the audit. Prescribes the process for administering audits. Requires the Election Auditor of a state, as soon as practicable after the completion of an audit, to submit the results to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) for publication. Prohibits certification of the results of any election until completion of audits. Provides for payments to states for the costs of conducting audits. Exempts from this Act any election for which a recount under state law will commence before certification of the election results. Repeals the EAC's exemption from certain federal government contracting requirements.

increased accessibility act amends help america vote act hava revise requirements audit capacity voting systems particularly permanent paper record requires voting system require use individual durable voter verified paper ballot voter vote shall marked available inspection voter voter vote cast counted shall counted hand read optical counting device requires voting system provide voter opportunity correct system error voter verified paper ballot permanently preserved requires paper ballot suitable manual audit counted hand recount audit conducted respect federal election sets forth special rule treatment disputes paper ballots shown compromised requires director national_science_foundation nsf grants eligible entities study test develop accessible ballot voting verification casting mechanisms devices best practices enhance accessibility paper ballot voting verification mechanisms individuals disabilities voters primary language english voters difficulties literacy specifies additional voting system requirements prohibitions requires nsf director grants eligible entities conduct research development election dedicated voting system software makes available additional funding enable states meet costs requirements imposed act provides complaints attorney general persons aggrieved violations hava requires state administer audits federal election results advance notice precincts selected consisting random hand counts voter verified paper ballots makes exception requirement elections winning candidate opponent received vote total prescribes requirements determination number ballots counted audit prescribes process administering audits requires election auditor state soon practicable completion audit submit results election_assistance_commission eac publication prohibits certification results election completion audits provides payments states costs conducting audits exempts act election recount state law commence certification election results repeals eac exemption certain federal government contracting requirements


Summary: Wounded Warrior Retention Act of 2009 - Sets forth requirements applicable to the retention in the Armed Forces of members of the Armed Forces, including members of the National Guard or Reserve, who seek to remain in military service following an injury or disability suffered or incurred in the line of duty.

wounded warrior retention act sets forth requirements applicable retention armed_forces members armed_forces including members seek remain military service following injury disability suffered incurred line duty


Summary: Military Family Leave Act of 2009 - 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: Compensation Owed for Mental Health Based on Activities in Theater Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Act or COMBAT PTSD Act - Defines "combat with the enemy," for purposes of proof of service-connection for veterans' disability compensation, as service on active duty: (1) in a theater of combat operations during a period of war; or (2) in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities.

compensation owed mental health based activities traumatic stress disorder act combat ptsd act defines combat enemy purposes proof service connection veterans disability compensation service active duty theater combat operations period war combat hostile force period hostilities


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to permit a state home to provide VA nursing home care to parents who had any children who died while serving in the Armed Forces.

authorizes secretary veterans_affairs permit state home provide nursing home care parents children died serving armed_forces


Summary: Lance Corporal Josef Lopez Fairness for Servicemembers Harmed by Vaccines Act of 2009 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) from excluding from coverage under traumatic injury provisions with respect to the Servicemember's Group life Insurance program a member suffering a qualifying loss resulting from an adverse reaction to a vaccination administered by the Department of Defense (DOD), whether voluntarily or involuntarily, for purposes of military accession, training, or deployment. Makes such amendment retroactive to the establishment of such coverage under the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, 2005.

lance corporal fairness servicemembers harmed prohibits secretary veterans_affairs excluding coverage traumatic injury provisions respect servicemember program member suffering qualifying loss resulting adverse reaction vaccination administered department_of_defense dod voluntarily involuntarily purposes military accession training deployment makes amendment retroactive establishment coverage emergency supplemental appropriations act defense global war terror


Summary: Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinic in Alexandria, Minnesota, that is expected to open in September 2009, as the Max J. Beilke Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.

designates_the_department_of_veterans_affairs outpatient clinic alexandria minnesota expected open september max department veterans_affairs_outpatient_clinic


Summary: Department of Veterans Affairs Reorganization Act of 2009 - Increases the authorized number of Assistant Secretaries in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from seven to eight and requires that one be the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction. Increases the authorized number of Deputy Assistant Secretaries from 19 to 27 and authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to appoint not more than 8 Deputy Assistant Secretaries to manage VA construction, facilities, asset management, and information technology programs. Repeals provisions requiring that there be in the VA a Director of Construction and Facilities Management.

increases authorized number department_of_veterans_affairs seven requires assistant secretary construction increases authorized number deputy authorizes secretary veterans_affairs appoint deputy assistant secretaries manage construction facilities asset management information technology programs repeals provisions requiring director


Summary: Veteran Voting Support Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide mail voter registration application forms to each veteran who: (1) seeks to enroll in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system at the time of such enrollment; and (2) is already enrolled in such system when there is a change in the veteran's enrollment status or when there is a change in the veteran's address. Requires the Secretary to accept completed application forms for transmittal to appropriate state election officials. Instructs that forms accepted at VA medical centers, community living centers, community-based outpatient centers, and domiciliaries be transmitted within ten days of acceptance, unless a completed form is accepted within five days before the last day for registration to vote in an election in which case the application shall be transmitted to the appropriate state election official within five days of acceptance. Prohibits any information relating to registering to vote or a declination to register to vote under this Act from being used for any purpose other than voter registration. Requires each Director of a VA community living center, domiciliary, or medical center to provide assistance in voting by absentee ballot to resident veterans. Requires such assistance to include: (1) providing information relating to the opportunity to request an absentee ballot; (2) making available absentee ballot applications upon request, as well as assisting in completing such applications and ballots; and (3) working with local election administration officials to ensure the proper transmission of the applications and ballots. Directs the Secretary to permit nonpartisan organizations to provide voter registration information and assistance at facilities of the VA health care system. Prohibits the Secretary from banning any election administration official, whether state or local, party-affiliated or non-party affiliated, or elected or appointed, from providing voting information to veterans at any VA facility. Directs the Secretary to provide reasonable access to facilities of the VA health care system to state and local election officials for the purpose of providing nonpartisan voter registration services to individuals.

veteran voting support act directs secretary veterans_affairs provide mail voter registration application forms veteran seeks enroll department_of_veterans_affairs health care system time enrollment enrolled system change veteran enrollment status change veteran address requires secretary accept completed application forms transmittal appropriate state election officials instructs forms accepted medical centers community living centers community based outpatient centers transmitted days acceptance completed form accepted days day registration vote election case application shall transmitted appropriate state election official days acceptance prohibits information relating registering vote register vote act purpose voter registration requires director community living center domiciliary medical center provide assistance voting absentee ballot resident veterans requires assistance include providing information relating opportunity request absentee ballot making available absentee ballot applications request assisting completing applications ballots working local election administration officials ensure proper transmission applications ballots directs secretary permit nonpartisan organizations provide voter registration information assistance facilities health care system prohibits secretary banning election administration official state local party affiliated non party affiliated elected appointed providing voting information veterans facility directs secretary provide reasonable access facilities health care system state local election officials purpose providing nonpartisan voter registration services individuals


Summary: Reserve Officers Association Modernization Act of 2009 - Revises the federal charter of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States to include the president elect of the Association on the national executive committee as a non-voting member. Specifies that there shall be a minimum of three national executive committee members on the Association's national executive committee. (Under current law, the limit for such members on the committee is three.) Makes the president elect of the Association an officer. Specifies that there shall be a minimum of three national executive committee members who are officers of the Association. (Under current law, the limit for such members on the committee is three.) Eliminates the specific inclusion among the officers of a surgeon, a chaplain, a historian, and a public relations officer. Allows the addition as officers of any others specified in the Association's constitution (currently, as decided at the national convention). Declares that the officers shall take office at the national convention. Requires the judge advocate to be appointed by the national executive committee. Allows for appointment by the national executive committee of any other national officers specified in the Association's constitution. Revises the requirement that minutes be kept of the proceedings of the national council. Eliminates specification of the national council and replaces it with other national entities of the Association (the minutes of whose proceedings must be kept).

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


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

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


Summary: Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to extend the $250 economic recovery payment payable to certain individuals through calendar year 2010. Applies the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance tax in 2010 to certain earnings in excess of $250,000.

emergency senior citizens relief act amends american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act extend economic recovery payment payable certain individuals calendar year applies old age survivors disability_insurance tax certain earnings excess


Summary: Adds Parkinson's disease (manifested to a degree of disability of 10% or more) to the list of diseases presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by military service in Vietnam (and therefore compensable under veterans' disability compensation), notwithstanding that there is no evidence of the disease during the period of service, provided a veteran served between specified dates and was exposed to a herbicide used in military operations during that period.

adds parkinson disease manifested degree disability list diseases presumed incurred aggravated military service vietnam compensable veterans disability compensation notwithstanding evidence disease period service provided veteran served specified dates exposed herbicide military operations period


Summary: Health Care for Veterans Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009 - Makes any veteran who was exposed in the line of duty to an occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern to the Secretary of Defense eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for any disability, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the disability may be associated with such exposure.

chemical hazards act makes veteran exposed line duty occupational environmental health chemical hazard particular concern secretary defense eligible hospital care medical services nursing home care department_of_veterans_affairs disability notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence conclude disability associated exposure


Summary: Honor America's Guard-Reserve Retirees Act - Deems as active-duty service, for purposes of benefits provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the service of a person entitled to retired pay for nonregular (reserve) service or, but for age, would be so entitled.

honor_america act deems active duty service purposes benefits provided department_of_veterans_affairs service person entitled retired pay nonregular reserve service age entitled


Summary: Automatic Reserve Component Enrollment Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to jointly provide for the enrollment of members of the National Guard and reserve being discharged or released from active duty in the health and dental care programs for veterans of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during their participation in the demobilization and discharge process. Requires for such members: (1) the protection of privacy and personal information; (2) appropriate assistance in the completion of enrollment activities; and (3) education and outreach about the VA programs, benefits, and services for which they may be eligible.

automatic reserve component enrollment act directs secretaries defense veterans_affairs jointly provide enrollment members national_guard reserve discharged released active duty health dental care programs veterans department_of_veterans_affairs participation demobilization discharge process requires members protection privacy personal information appropriate assistance completion enrollment activities education outreach programs benefits services eligible


Summary: Authorizes the burial in a national cemetery of a parent of a deceased veteran who, at the time of the parent's death, does not have a spouse, surviving spouse, or child who has been interred, or who, if deceased, would be eligible to be interred, in a national cemetery.

authorizes burial national cemetery parent deceased veteran time parent death spouse surviving spouse child interred deceased eligible interred national cemetery


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to complete, and report to the congressional veterans committees on, a study of the effects on children of their parents' exposure to herbicides used in support of U.S. and allied military operations in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era.

directs secretary veterans_affairs complete report congressional veterans committees study effects children parents exposure herbicides support allied military operations republic_of_vietnam vietnam era


Summary: Authorizes the burial in a national cemetery of a parent of a deceased veteran who, at the time of the parent's death, does not have a spouse, surviving spouse, or child who has been interred, or who, if deceased, would be eligible to be interred, in a national cemetery. Provides additional conditions for such burial.

authorizes burial national cemetery parent deceased veteran time parent death spouse surviving spouse child interred deceased eligible interred national cemetery provides additional conditions burial


Summary: Small Business and Military Family Assistance Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2010 the tax credit for differential wages paid to employees while on active duty in the uniformed services for a period of more than 30 days.

small business military family assistance act amends internal revenue code extend tax credit differential wages paid employees active duty uniformed services period days


Summary: Military Families Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General 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; (3) pays the application fee (unless waived); and (4) is physically present in the United States. Applies such provision to an alien who is: (1) a parent, spouse, child, son, or daughter (and their spouse, child, son, or daughter, if any) 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) a son or daughter of a Filipino parent who was naturalized based upon active duty World War II service in the Philippine Army, Philippine Scouts, or a recognized guerilla unit. Defines "Armed Forces member" as a person who: (1) is, or was at the time of the person's death, a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident; (2) is serving, or has 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.

military families act directs secretary homeland_security attorney general 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 pays application fee waived physically present united_states applies provision alien parent spouse child son daughter spouse child son daughter living armed_forces member deceased armed_forces member died result service incurred injury disease son daughter filipino parent naturalized based active duty world war service philippine_scouts recognized unit defines armed forces member person time person death citizen lawfully admitted permanent resident serving served honorably october member active duty status military separated service separated honorable conditions waives specified grounds inadmissibility authorizes waiver additional grounds inadmissibility


Summary: Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements Act of 2009 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to treat as a disability for OASDI and SSI disability payment purposes any service-connected total disability, as rated and certified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Applies the same treatment to related child's insurance and widow's and widower's insurance benefits.

benefit rating acceleration veteran entitlements act amends titles survivors disability insurance oasdi xvi supplemental security income ssi social security act treat disability oasdi ssi disability payment purposes service connected total disability rated certified secretary veterans_affairs applies treatment related child insurance widow widower insurance benefits


Summary: Increases and extends through FY2010 the annual authorization of appropriations for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans.

increases extends fy2010 annual authorization appropriations department_of_veterans_affairs comprehensive service programs homeless veterans


Summary: Military Families Affordable Homes Act - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax-exempt facility bonds to expand the eligibility of military personnel for low-income residential rental housing financed by such bonds.

military families affordable homes act amends internal revenue code provisions relating tax exempt facility bonds expand eligibility military personnel low income residential rental housing financed bonds


Summary: Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 - Title I: Department of State Authorities and Activities - Subtitle A: General Matters - (Sec. 101) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to credit to the International Litigation Fund proceedings- or claims-related funds received by the Department of State (Department) as a result of a decision of an international tribunal or from another U.S. agency, or pursuant to the Department of State Appropriations Act of 1937. (Sec. 102) Transfers statutory responsibility for performing actuarial duties related to the Department's retirement systems from the Secretary of the Treasury to the Secretary of State (Secretary). (Sec. 103) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize Department and Foreign Service special agents to investigate: (1) illegal passport or visa issuance or use; (2) Department-related identity theft and document fraud; and (3) federal offenses committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdictions (nonmilitary) of the United States. (Sec. 104) Amends the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 to: (1) include Pakistan among the countries (Afghanistan and Iraq) for which the Secretary is not required to convene an Accountability Review Board in an instance of serious injury, loss of life, or significant property destruction related to a U.S. government mission; and (2) extend such authority through September 30, 2012. (Sec. 105) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Department to provide physical security enhancements at overseas U.S. schools. (Sec. 106) Authorizes the Secretary to use Department uniformed guards to protect buildings and areas in the United States for which the Department provides protective services. Authorizes such officers to make arrests without warrant for: (1) any offense against the United States committed in their presence; and (2) felonies relating to their protective functions. (Sec. 107) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to revise provisions regarding local guard contracts abroad. (Sec. 108) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to revise provisions regarding overseas procurement. (Sec. 109) Renames the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs as the Bureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science. (Sec. 110) Amends the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 to extend the U.S. reimbursement period regarding seized commercial fishermen until October 1, 2013. (Sec. 111) Provides subpoena authorities for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security's performance of protective duties and investigation of passport and visa fraud cases. (Sec. 112) Authorizes the Department to provide home-to-work transportation for the Deputy Secretary of State and the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. (Sec. 113) Permits recruitment, relocation, and retention bonuses to be paid to members of the Foreign Service other than chiefs of mission, ambassadors at large, and certain other members of the Foreign Service. (Sec. 114) Amends the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 to increase funding authorization levels for the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Account. (Sec. 115) Amends the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to change the reporting date for the Annual Report on International Religious Freedom to April 1. (Sec. 116) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to increase the maximum number of Assistant Secretaries of State to 25. Establishes an Assistant Secretary for International Information Programs who shall: (1) oversee the Bureau of International Information Programs; and (2) be responsible for matters pertaining to the engagement of international audiences on issues of U.S. policy, society, and values. (Sec. 117) Provides that funds received by the Department in connection with the use of government vehicles may be credited to the appropriate Department account and shall be available only for expenses related to such vehicles' purchase, lease, maintenance, or operation. Subtitle B: Public Diplomacy - (Sec. 121) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should: (1) initiate a reexamination of the U.S. public diplomacy platform strategy with a goal of reestablishing publicly accessible American Centers; and (2) consider placing U.S. public diplomacy facilities at locations conducive to maximizing their safe use. (Sec. 122) Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to permit aliens to be hired for service in the United States relating to the translation or narration of colloquial speech in foreign languages or the preparation and production of foreign language programs when U.S. citizen applicants who are equally or better qualified are not available. (Sec. 123) Provides Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty employees with federal service parity of pay. (Sec. 124) Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to make permanent the authority of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (Board) to make grants to operate Radio Free Asia. (Sec. 125) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 to extend the International Broadcasting Bureau personal services contractor program through December 31, 2011. Eliminates the "pilot program" designation. (Sec. 126) Amends the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 to: (1) reauthorize the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy through October 1, 2011; (2) require that at least four Commission members have substantial experience in public diplomacy or comparable private sector activities, and that no member may be a U.S. officer or employee; and (3) require the Commission to conduct a study of U.S. public diplomacy programs and policies at least every two years. (Sec. 127) Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to allow the Board to make available to the Archivist of the United States for domestic distribution motion pictures, films, videotape, and other material prepared by the Board for dissemination abroad two years after the initial dissemination of the material abroad, or in the case of such material not disseminated abroad, two years after its preparation. (Sec. 128) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) increase the number of scientific, medicine, research, and academic educational and cultural exchange activities; and (2) establish science and technology fellowship programs. (Sec. 129) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to U.S. nongovernmental organizations that use independently-produced documentary films to promote better understanding of the United States abroad. Authorizes FY2010-FY2011 appropriations. (Sec. 130) Amends the Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 2000 to revise provisions regarding the Vietnam Education Foundation. Transfers the Foundation to the Department's Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. Authorizes grants for academic and public policy management programs in Vietnam. (Sec. 131) Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to: (1) eliminate editorials as a broadcasting requirement; and (2) extend civil liability immunity to members of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. (Sec. 132) States that is U.S. policy to: (1) recognize the work of citizen diplomacy organizations and individual citizen diplomat volunteers; (2) encourage more Americans to engage in global citizenship activities; and (3) expand existing U.S. government programs that foster citizen diplomacy and international volunteerism in development work, including the Fulbright Program, Volunteers for Prosperity, and the Peace Corps. (Sec. 133) Amends the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 to direct the President to report annually to Congress regarding the performance of the Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' international secondary education exchange programs. (Sec. 134) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Board should expand international broadcasting in Iran, including through increased Farsi language news programming, counter-jamming and Internet censorship circumvention measures, and other means which provide for the dissemination of independent information to the people of Iran through radio, television, Internet, mobile devices, and other forms of connective technology. Subtitle C: Consular Services and Related Matters - (Sec. 141) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to eliminate the requirement that refugees who do not file for status adjustment by the one year anniversary of achieving refugee status must be detained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). (Sec. 142) States that that for purposes of certain passport and visa crimes the terms "use" and "uses" shall be given their plain meaning, to include use of such documents for identification purposes. (Sec. 143) Amends INA to extend visa ineligibility for aliens involved in U.S. child abductions to situations in which the child is located in a foreign state that is a party to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. (Sec. 144) Includes in the definition of "child," and thus in the exemption from required admissions vaccination documentation, certain children who have been adopted in a foreign country that is a signatory to the Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption or who are emigrating from such a country for U.S. adoption. (Sec. 145) Eliminates the requirement that visa applicants submit signed photographs with their visa applications. (Sec. 146) Amends the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 to permit the Department to provide certain required information on legal rights and resources for immigrant victims of domestic violence to K visa (fiancé/fiancee) applicants by e-mail if the applicant so consents. (Sec. 147) Amends INA to provide that an adopted child under the age of 18 will be classified as an immediate relative when a natural sibling has also been adopted by a U.S. citizen from a country with which the Hague Convention is in force for the United States. (Sec. 148) Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to: (1) require that systems to detect fraudulent documents must be compatible with those of both DHS and the Department; and (2) transfer to DHS responsibility for securing transit passage areas at U.S. ports of entry. (Sec. 149) Authorizes the Secretary to develop a two-year pilot program that uses secure remote videoconferencing technology to conduct tourist visa interviews. Title II: Organization and Personnel of the Department of State - Subtitle A: Modernizing the Department of State - (Sec. 201) Authorizes for each of FY2010-FY2011: (1) the Secretary to hire an additional 750 Foreign Service members (above attrition); and (2) the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to hire an additional 350 Foreign Service members (above attrition). (Sec. 202) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to provide for Foreign Service officer training in conflict resolution, and in the ability to function in unstable areas or areas without civil authority. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress an assessment of current methods to monitor indicators of potential mass atrocities. (Sec. 204) Amends the Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act of 2008 to amend the definition of "personnel" to include certain individuals: (1) employed by personal services contract, including those employed under the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) appointed under the Foreign Service Act of 1980; and (3) who are locally employed staff. Subtitle B: Foreign Services Overseas Pay - Foreign Service Overseas Pay Act of 2009 - (Sec. 212) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to extend comparability pay adjustments on a phased-in schedule to (non-Senior) Foreign Service members assigned abroad. Treats such payments as basic pay. Subtitle C: Other Organization and Personnel Matters - (Sec. 221) Revises provisions concerning the computation of the death gratuity payable to surviving dependents of Foreign Service employees who die from injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad. (Sec. 222) Amends the the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to, respectively: (1) extend annuitant waver authority through October 1, 2012; and (2) include Response Readiness Corps personnel under such waiver. (Sec. 223) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to revise the Secretary's authority to reemploy Foreign Service annuitants to: (1) make such authority permanent; and (2) eliminate, in the case of a position for which there is exceptional difficulty in recruiting or retaining a qualified employee, applicability only to assignments in Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. (Sec. 224) Directs the Secretary to: (1) assess the adequacy of locally employed staff compensation and establish a related compensation database; and (2) report to Congress on efforts to implement such recommendations and related recruitment, retention and compensation issues. (Sec. 225) Repeals the recertification requirement for Senior Foreign Service members. (Sec. 226) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary to: (1) establish exchange programs under which Department officers or employees and members of the Foreign Service may be temporarily assigned to a position with any foreign government or international entity that permits an employee to be assigned to the Department; and (2) provide for non-reciprocal assignments of personnel on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis. (Sec. 227) Authorizes the Inspector General to: (1) waive on a case-by-case basis the application of specified provisions of law on behalf of any reemployed annuitant serving in a position within the Office Of Inspector General; and (2) contract with U.S. citizens for personal services to support the Office's oversight activities. Requires a report to Congress regarding such hirings. (Sec. 228) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a pilot personal service contractor program (through September 30, 2014) with U.S. nationals and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence to provide personal services in the United States or in the United States and outside the United States. (Sec. 229) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 with respect to certain audit and investigation procedures of the Inspector General. (Sec. 230) Establishes the Office for Global Women's Issues in the Department, which shall be headed by an Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues. Authorizes the Ambassador-at-Large to coordinate and advise on U.S. programs, policies, and funding regarding: (1) gender integration, (2) women's and girls' economic, social, and legal development; and (3) prevention and response to violence against women and girls, including child and forced marriage. Authorizes FY2011-FY2015 appropriations. (Sec. 231) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to authorize the Department to pay authorized or required home leave, including optional home leave travel, for family members residing at: (1) the employee's assignment post; and (2) other authorized locations when they are officially prevented from residing at such post. (Sec. 232) Enlarges the scope of personnel who may be hired as part of training support services. (Sec. 233) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government should promote the participation of minorities and women in the Foreign Service; and (2) such participation would help promote U.S. foreign policy goals. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress concerning Department employment of minorities and women, including Civil Service and the Foreign Service employment. Authorizes FY2010-FY2011 appropriations for the recruitment of minorities and women for careers in the Foreign Service and international affairs. Title III: International Organizations - (Sec. 301) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should: (1) ensure that U.S. missions are staffed to represent the United States at international organizations and multilateral institutions, including missions in New York, Brussels, Geneva, Rome, Montreal, Nairobi, Vienna, and Paris; (2) develop persons with specialized skills necessary to become experts in multilateral diplomacy; and (3) consider as a promotion factor whether a Foreign Service member has served in a position whose primary responsibility is to formulate policy toward, or represent the United States at, international or multilateral fora. (Sec. 302) Authorizes appropriations for the synchronization of U.S. contributions to international organizations. (Sec. 303) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 to authorize the U.S. share of assessed contributions for each U.N. peacekeeping operation, beginning in 2010, at 27.5%. (Sec. 304) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish in the Treasury the Buying Power Maintenance, International Organizations Account to offset the impact of exchange rate fluctuations that adversely affect U.S. contributions to international organizations. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary to request funds for the United States to rejoin the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). (Sec. 306) Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to revise living and expense allowance provisions for the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, and other U.S. representatives to the United Nations (U.N.). (Sec. 307) Directs the Secretary to continue efforts to increase the number of qualified U.S. citizens employed by the U.N. and by other international organizations. (Sec. 308) Authorizes U.S. membership in the International Renewable Energy Agency. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - (Sec. 401) Limits specified assistance to governments of countries in default to the United States. (Sec. 402) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to allow assistance to law enforcement forces to: (1) enhance professional training; (2) foster civilian police roles that support democratic governance; (3) combat trafficking in persons, address gender-based violence, reduce corruption, prevent conflict, and respond to disasters; (4) address inhumane prison conditions; and (5) support humanitarian operations. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Administrator of USAID to encourage the people of the United States to further dialogue and understanding of development, humanitarian, and foreign assistance programs. Provides specified funds for such purpose. (Sec. 404) Authorizes the Administrator of USAID, regarding a multiple award task order or indefinite delivery or indefinite quality contract, to make an exception to the fair opportunity process for placing task orders when such order is placed with any category of small or small disadvantaged business. (Sec. 405) Amends the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 to authorize the Millennium Challenge Compact, upon approval by the Board of Directors, to: (1) enter into separate concurrent compacts with partner countries; and (2) extend the duration of a five-year compact term for two additional years. (Sec. 406) Authorizes the Inspector General of USAID to temporarily reemploy annuitants for positions in the Office of Inspector General in Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Terminates such authority on October 1, 2012, but permits an annuitant reemployed before such date to continue employment until September 30, 2013. Authorizes the Inspector General of USAID to contract with U.S. citizens for personal services to support the Office's oversight of programs and operations. Provides that Foreign Service criminal investigators at USAID shall have pay parity with Civil Service criminal investigators. (Sec. 407) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit assistance to a country to build or expand the capacity of its producers to produce an agricultural commodity if: (1) the commodity is likely to be available in surplus quantities on the world market; and (2) such production or expanded production would cause substantial injury to U.S. producers of that commodity or a similar or competing commodity. Exempts from such prohibition a country that: (1) is eligible for assistance from the International Development Association, is not eligible for assistance from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and does not consistently export the agricultural commodity with respect to which assistance is furnished; or (2) the President determines is recovering from widespread conflict, a humanitarian crisis, or a complex emergency. Prohibits assistance to a country to carry out any testing, breeding feasibility studies, variety improvement efforts, introduction efforts, publications, conferences, or training with respect to the production of an agricultural commodity if: (1) the commodity is or will be produced to be an export; and (2) such exportation will result in increased competition for that commodity, or a similar or competing agricultural commodity, produced in the United States. Exempts from such prohibition assistance to a developing country to increase food security in that country if such activity will not have a significant impact on the exportation of a similar U.S. agricultural commodity. Exempts from such prohibition assistance to a country: (1) that is eligible for assistance from the International Development Association, is not eligible for assistance from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and does not export on a consistent basis the agricultural commodity with respect to which assistance is furnished; or (2) the President determines is recovering from widespread conflict, a humanitarian crisis, or a complex emergency. (Sec. 408) Expresses the sense of Congress regarding extractive industry transparency. (Sec. 409) Expresses the sense of Congress that it is critical for the United States to engage with the countries of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. (Sec. 410) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Internet access and freedom are U.S. foreign policy priorities; and (2) the U.S. government should help to expand Internet access in places where the Internet and other forms of connective technology are limited, censored, or restricted. (Sec. 411) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Global Health Initiative presents an opportunity to build upon current successes and to promote further advances in global health, in accordance with the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008; and (2) a full-time country level coordinator should head the interagency country team for U.S. missions in each Global Health Initiative Plus country. Directs the President to report to Congress regarding implementation of the Global Health Initiative. (Sec. 412) Urges the Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor to designate an officer or officers to track violence, criminalization, and restrictions on freedoms in foreign countries based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. Directs the Secretary to encourage foreign governments to reform or repeal laws criminalizing homosexuality or consensual homosexual conduct. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to include information on sexual orientation-based discrimination or violence in annual country reports on human rights. Authorizes related training for Foreign Service officers. Title V: Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion - Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act of 2010 - (Sec. 503) Requires the Director of the Peace Corps to complete an assessment of how best to: (1) strengthen Peace Corps management capabilities and program effectiveness; (2) expand opportunities for Peace Corps volunteers; and (3) increase the size of the Peace Corps. Requires the Director to: (1) develop, based on the assessment, a strategic plan for the Peace Corps; and (2) report to Congress regarding such assessment and plan. Expresses the sense of Congress that, except for appointments to the Peace Corps National Advisory Council, the President should not make more than 15 concurrent appointments under the Peace Corps Act. Title VI: Authorization of Appropriations - Subtitle A: Department of State - (Sec. 601) Authorizes FY2011 appropriations to the Department for: (1) diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the Capital Investment Fund; (3) embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (4) the Civilian Stabilization Initiative; (5) educational and cultural exchange programs; (6) representation allowances; (7) protection of foreign missions and officials; (8) diplomatic and consular service emergencies; (9) repatriation loans; (10) the American Institute in Taiwan; and (11) the Office of the Inspector General. (Sec. 602) Authorizes FY2011 appropriations for: (1) contributions to international organizations; (2) contributions for international peacekeeping; and (3) foreign currency exchange rates. (Sec. 603) Authorizes FY2011 appropriations for: (1) international commissions; (2) the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico; (3) the International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada; (4) the International Joint Commission; and (5) international fisheries commissions, including amounts to fulfill U.S. obligations to Canada under the Pacific Salmon Treaty. (Sec. 604) Authorizes FY2011 appropriations for migration and refugee assistance. Amends the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 to increase appropriation limits for the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund. (Sec. 605) Authorizes FY2011 appropriations for: (1) the Asia Foundation; (2) the National Endowment for Democracy; and (3) the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West (East-West Center). Subtitle B: United States International Broadcasting Activities - (Sec. 611) Authorizes FY2011 appropriations for: (1) international broadcasting operations; and (2) broadcasting capital improvements. Subtitle C: Peace Corps - (Sec. 621) Authorizes FY2011 appropriations for the Peace Corps.

foreign relations authorization act fiscal years title activities subtitle general matters sec amends state_department basic authorities act credit claims related funds received result decision international tribunal agency pursuant sec transfers statutory responsibility performing actuarial duties related department retirement systems secretary treasury secretary state secretary sec amends state_department basic authorities act authorize special agents investigate illegal passport visa issuance use department related identity theft document fraud federal offenses committed special maritime territorial jurisdictions nonmilitary united_states sec amends antiterrorism act include pakistan countries afghanistan iraq secretary required convene instance injury loss life significant property destruction related government mission extend authority september sec amends state_department basic authorities act authorize department provide physical security enhancements overseas schools sec authorizes secretary use department uniformed guards protect buildings areas united_states department provides protective services authorizes officers arrests warrant offense united_states committed presence felonies relating protective functions sec amends foreign relations authorization act fiscal years revise provisions local guard contracts abroad sec amends state_department basic authorities act revise provisions overseas procurement sec renames environment science sec amends fishermen protective act extend reimbursement period seized commercial fishermen october sec provides subpoena authorities bureau_of_diplomatic_security performance protective duties investigation passport visa fraud cases sec authorizes department provide home work transportation deputy secretary state deputy secretary state sec permits recruitment relocation retention bonuses paid members foreign_service chiefs mission large certain members foreign_service sec amends migration_and_refugee_assistance_act increase funding authorization levels sec amends international religious freedom act change reporting date annual report international religious freedom april sec amends state_department basic authorities act increase maximum number assistant secretaries state establishes assistant secretary shall oversee responsible matters pertaining engagement international audiences issues policy society values sec provides funds received department connection use government vehicles credited appropriate department account shall available expenses related vehicles purchase lease maintenance operation subtitle public diplomacy sec expresses sense congress secretary initiate public diplomacy platform strategy goal reestablishing publicly accessible consider placing public diplomacy facilities locations conducive maximizing safe use sec amends educational exchange act permit aliens hired service united_states relating translation speech foreign languages preparation production foreign language programs citizen applicants equally better qualified available sec provides radio free europe employees federal service parity pay sec amends united_states_international_broadcasting_act permanent authority broadcasting_board_of_governors board grants operate radio_free_asia sec amends foreign relations authorization act fiscal year extend personal services contractor program december eliminates pilot program designation sec amends foreign affairs reform reauthorize public diplomacy october require commission members substantial experience public diplomacy comparable private sector activities member officer employee require commission conduct study public diplomacy programs policies years sec amends educational exchange act allow board available archivist united_states domestic distribution motion pictures films material prepared board dissemination abroad years initial dissemination material abroad case material disseminated abroad years preparation sec authorizes secretary increase number scientific medicine research academic educational cultural exchange activities establish science technology fellowship programs sec authorizes secretary grants nongovernmental organizations use independently produced documentary films promote better understanding united_states abroad authorizes fy2010 fy2011 appropriations sec amends revise provisions transfers foundation department authorizes grants academic public policy management programs vietnam sec amends united_states_international_broadcasting_act eliminate broadcasting requirement extend civil liability immunity members sec states policy recognize work citizen diplomacy organizations individual citizen volunteers encourage americans engage global citizenship activities expand existing government programs foster citizen diplomacy international volunteerism development work including peace_corps sec amends direct president report annually congress performance international secondary education exchange programs sec expresses sense congress board expand international broadcasting iran including increased language news programming counter jamming internet censorship circumvention measures means provide dissemination independent information people iran radio television internet mobile devices forms technology subtitle sec amends immigration nationality act ina eliminate requirement refugees file status adjustment year anniversary achieving refugee status detained department_of_homeland_security dhs sec states purposes certain passport visa crimes terms use uses shall given plain meaning include use documents identification purposes sec amends ina extend visa ineligibility aliens involved child abductions situations child located foreign state party convention civil aspects international child abduction sec includes definition child exemption required admissions vaccination documentation certain children adopted foreign country signatory country adoption sec eliminates requirement visa applicants submit signed photographs visa applications sec amends violence women department_of_justice reauthorization act permit department provide certain required information legal rights resources immigrant victims domestic violence visa fiancee applicants mail applicant consents sec amends ina provide adopted child age classified immediate relative natural sibling adopted citizen country hague_convention force united_states sec amends intelligence reform terrorism prevention act require systems detect fraudulent documents compatible dhs department transfer dhs responsibility securing transit passage areas ports entry sec authorizes secretary develop year pilot program uses secure remote videoconferencing technology conduct tourist visa interviews title organization personnel modernizing department state sec authorizes fy2010 fy2011 secretary hire additional foreign_service members attrition administrator united_states_agency international_development usaid hire additional foreign_service members attrition sec amends foreign service act provide foreign_service officer training conflict resolution ability function unstable areas areas civil authority sec directs secretary submit congress assessment current methods monitor indicators potential mass atrocities sec amends act amend definition personnel include certain individuals employed personal services contract including employed state_department basic authorities act foreign assistance act appointed foreign service act locally employed staff subtitle foreign services overseas pay foreign service overseas pay act sec amends foreign service act extend comparability pay adjustments phased schedule non senior foreign_service members assigned abroad treats payments basic pay subtitle organization personnel matters sec revises provisions concerning computation death gratuity payable surviving dependents foreign_service employees die injuries sustained performance duty abroad sec amends state department basic authorities act foreign assistance act respectively extend annuitant authority october include personnel waiver sec amends foreign service act revise secretary authority foreign_service annuitants authority permanent eliminate case position exceptional difficulty recruiting retaining qualified employee applicability assignments iraq pakistan afghanistan sec directs secretary assess adequacy locally employed staff compensation establish related compensation database report congress efforts implement recommendations related recruitment retention compensation issues sec repeals recertification requirement members sec amends state_department basic authorities act authorize secretary establish exchange programs department officers employees members foreign_service temporarily assigned position foreign government international entity permits employee assigned department provide non reciprocal assignments personnel reimbursable non reimbursable basis sec authorizes inspector general waive case case basis application specified provisions law behalf reemployed annuitant serving position office_of_inspector_general contract citizens personal services support office oversight activities requires report congress sec authorizes secretary establish pilot personal service contractor program september nationals aliens lawfully admitted permanent residence provide personal services united_states united_states outside united_states sec amends foreign service act respect certain audit investigation procedures inspector general sec shall headed ambassador large global women issues authorizes ambassador large coordinate advise programs policies funding gender integration women girls economic social legal development prevention response violence women girls including child forced marriage authorizes fy2011 fy2015 appropriations sec amends foreign service act authorize department pay authorized required home leave including optional home leave travel family members residing employee assignment post authorized locations officially prevented residing post sec scope personnel hired training support services sec expresses sense congress government promote participation minorities women foreign_service participation help promote foreign policy goals directs secretary report employment minorities women including foreign_service employment authorizes fy2010 fy2011 appropriations recruitment minorities women careers foreign_service international affairs title iii international organizations sec expresses sense congress secretary ensure missions staffed represent united_states international organizations multilateral institutions including missions new_york geneva montreal vienna develop persons specialized skills necessary experts multilateral diplomacy consider promotion factor foreign_service member served position primary responsibility formulate policy represent united_states international multilateral fora sec authorizes appropriations contributions international organizations sec amends foreign_relations_authorization_act fiscal years authorize share assessed contributions peacekeeping operation beginning sec amends state_department basic authorities act establish treasury buying power maintenance international organizations account offset impact exchange rate fluctuations adversely affect contributions international organizations sec authorizes secretary request funds united_states sec amends united_nations participation act revise living expense allowance provisions united_states united_nations deputy permanent representative united_states united_nations representatives united_nations sec directs secretary continue efforts increase number qualified citizens employed international organizations sec authorizes membership title miscellaneous provisions sec limits specified assistance governments countries default united_states sec amends foreign assistance act allow assistance law enforcement forces enhance professional training foster civilian police roles support democratic governance combat trafficking persons address gender based violence reduce corruption prevent conflict respond disasters address inhumane prison conditions support humanitarian operations sec authorizes administrator usaid encourage people united_states dialogue understanding development humanitarian foreign assistance programs provides specified funds purpose sec authorizes administrator usaid multiple award task order indefinite delivery indefinite quality contract exception fair opportunity process placing task orders order placed category small small disadvantaged business sec amends millennium challenge act authorize millennium challenge compact approval board_of_directors enter separate concurrent compacts partner countries extend duration year compact term additional years sec authorizes inspector general usaid temporarily annuitants positions office_of_inspector_general iraq pakistan afghanistan terminates authority october permits annuitant reemployed date continue employment september authorizes inspector general usaid contract citizens personal services support office oversight programs operations provides foreign_service criminal investigators usaid shall pay parity criminal investigators sec amends foreign assistance act prohibit assistance country build expand capacity producers produce agricultural commodity commodity likely available surplus quantities world market production expanded production cause substantial injury producers commodity similar competing commodity exempts prohibition country eligible assistance international_development_association eligible assistance consistently export agricultural commodity respect assistance furnished president determines recovering widespread conflict humanitarian crisis complex emergency prohibits assistance country carry testing breeding feasibility studies variety improvement efforts introduction efforts publications conferences training respect production agricultural commodity commodity produced export exportation result increased competition commodity similar competing agricultural commodity produced united_states exempts prohibition assistance developing country increase food security country activity significant impact exportation similar agricultural commodity exempts prohibition assistance country eligible assistance international_development_association eligible assistance export consistent basis agricultural commodity respect assistance furnished president determines recovering widespread conflict humanitarian crisis complex emergency sec expresses sense congress industry transparency sec expresses sense congress critical united_states engage countries central_asia including kazakhstan kyrgyzstan tajikistan turkmenistan uzbekistan sec expresses sense congress internet access freedom foreign policy priorities government help expand internet access places internet forms technology limited restricted sec expresses sense congress global health initiative presents opportunity build current successes promote advances global health accordance tom_lantos united states global leadership hiv aids tuberculosis time country level coordinator head interagency country team missions country directs president report congress implementation sec urges assistant secretary labor designate officer officers track violence restrictions freedoms foreign countries based actual perceived sexual orientation gender identity directs secretary encourage foreign governments reform repeal laws criminalizing homosexuality consensual homosexual conduct amends foreign assistance act include information sexual orientation based discrimination violence annual country reports human rights authorizes related training foreign_service officers title peace corps improvement expansion peace corps improvement expansion act sec requires director peace_corps complete assessment best strengthen peace_corps management capabilities program effectiveness expand opportunities peace_corps volunteers increase size peace_corps requires director develop based assessment strategic plan peace_corps report congress assessment plan expresses sense congress appointments president concurrent appointments peace corps act title authorization appropriations subtitle department_of_state sec authorizes fy2011 appropriations diplomatic consular programs embassy security construction maintenance civilian stabilization initiative educational cultural exchange programs representation allowances protection foreign missions officials diplomatic consular service emergencies repatriation loans american_institute taiwan office_of_the_inspector_general sec authorizes fy2011 appropriations contributions international organizations contributions international peacekeeping foreign currency exchange rates sec authorizes fy2011 appropriations international commissions international_boundary_and_water_commission united_states mexico united_states canada international fisheries commissions including amounts fulfill obligations canada pacific salmon treaty sec authorizes fy2011 appropriations migration refugee assistance amends migration_and_refugee_assistance_act increase appropriation limits sec authorizes fy2011 appropriations east west east west center subtitle sec authorizes fy2011 appropriations international broadcasting operations broadcasting capital improvements subtitle peace corps sec authorizes fy2011 appropriations peace_corps


Summary: Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide that the federal share of the cost of projects assisted by economic adjustment grants made to communities that have suffered economic injury as a result of a military base closure or realignment, defense contractor reduction in force, or Department of Energy (DOE) defense-related funding reduction shall be 100%.

amends public_works_and_economic_development_act provide federal share cost projects assisted economic adjustment grants communities suffered economic injury result military base closure realignment defense contractor reduction force department_of_energy doe defense related funding reduction shall


Summary: Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010 - Repeals current Department of Defense (DOD) policy concerning homosexuality in the Armed Forces. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense (Secretary), and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation against any member of the Armed Forces or any person seeking to become a member. Authorizes the re-accession into the Armed Forces of otherwise qualified individuals previously separated on the basis of sexual orientation. Directs the Secretary to establish in DOD the Pentagon Working Group to report recommendations regarding the implementation of this Act. Requires such report to be submitted to the congressional defense committees. Requires the Secretary to: (1) revise DOD regulations and issue new regulations as necessary to implement this Act; and (2) direct each military department Secretary to do the same. Directs the Secretary to report on the compliance of institutions of higher education with federal law concerning the denial of access by such institutions to Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) military recruiting on campus, as well as a description of actions taken to effect the denial of certain federal funding to institutions that continue to prevent ROTC access.

military readiness enhancement act repeals current department_of_defense dod policy concerning homosexuality armed_forces prohibits secretary defense secretary secretary homeland_security dhs respect coast_guard operating service navy discriminating basis sexual orientation member armed_forces person seeking member authorizes accession armed_forces qualified individuals previously separated basis sexual orientation directs secretary establish dod report recommendations implementation act requires report submitted congressional defense committees requires secretary revise dod regulations issue new regulations necessary implement act direct military department secretary directs secretary report compliance institutions higher education federal law concerning denial access institutions rotc military recruiting campus description actions taken effect denial certain federal funding institutions continue prevent rotc access


Summary: Includes within authorized work-study activities, for individuals entitled to work-study allowances through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in connection with VA rehabilitation, education, or training programs, the following activities carried out at offices of Members of Congress: (1) the distribution of information to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents concerning available benefits and services under governmental and nongovernmental programs; and (2) the preparation and processing of papers and other documents, including those used to assist in the preparation and presentation of veterans' benefits claims.

includes authorized work study activities individuals entitled work study allowances department_of_veterans_affairs connection rehabilitation education training programs following activities carried offices members congress distribution information members armed_forces veterans dependents concerning available benefits services governmental nongovernmental programs preparation processing papers documents including assist preparation presentation veterans benefits claims


Summary: Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of December 1, 2010, 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: Rural Community Flood Protection Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, upon receipt of a request from a non-federal interest, to conduct a levee system evaluation and certification of a federally authorized levee or a non-federally authorized levee for purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program. Limits the non-federal share of the cost of carrying out a levee system evaluation and certification to 35% of the total cost, but requires the Secretary to adjust the non-federal share to zero if: (1) the non-federal interest is located in an area with a population of 10,000 or fewer individuals; or (2) the division of the non-federal interest with responsibility for the applicable levee is staffed by individuals operating on a volunteer basis.

directs secretary army receipt request non federal interest conduct levee system evaluation certification federally authorized levee non federally authorized levee purposes national_flood_insurance_program limits non federal share cost carrying levee system evaluation certification total cost requires secretary adjust non federal share zero non federal interest located area population fewer individuals division non federal interest responsibility applicable levee staffed individuals operating volunteer basis


Summary: Veterans Pensions Protection Act - Excludes monetary veterans' benefits paid to a veteran from a state or municipality from consideration as income for purposes of pension benefits paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA).

act excludes monetary veterans benefits paid veteran state municipality consideration income purposes pension benefits paid secretary veterans_affairs


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

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


Summary: Fair Access to Veterans Benefits Act of 2010 - Extends the 120-day limit for the filing of an appeal to the Court of Veterans Appeals after a final decision of the Board of Veterans' Appeals upon a showing of good cause for such time as justice may require. Makes such extension applicable to appeals of final Board decisions issued on or after July 24, 2008.

veterans benefits act extends day limit filing appeal final decision showing good cause time justice require makes extension applicable appeals final board decisions issued july


Summary: Directs the President, by the earlier of January 1, 2011, or 90 days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress a plan for the safe, orderly, and expeditious redeployment of U.S. Armed Forces from Afghanistan, including military and security-related contractors, together with a timetable for the completion of such redeployment and information regarding variables that could alter that timetable. Requires plan updates every 90 days. Directs the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction to: (1) issue recommendations for increasing oversight of contractors in Afghanistan that have a record of engaging in waste, fraud, or abuse; and (2) report on the status of efforts of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the State Department to implement existing recommendations regarding oversight of such contractors. Requires the recommendations issued to include recommendations for reducing U.S. reliance on security contractors or subcontractors responsible for the deaths of Afghan civilians and on Afghan militias, contractors, subcontractors, or other armed groups that are not part of the Afghan National Security Forces.

directs president earlier january days enactment act submit congress plan safe orderly expeditious redeployment afghanistan including military security related contractors timetable completion redeployment information variables alter timetable requires plan updates days directs special inspector general afghanistan_reconstruction issue recommendations increasing oversight contractors afghanistan record engaging waste fraud abuse report status efforts department_of_defense dod state_department implement existing recommendations oversight contractors requires recommendations issued include recommendations reducing reliance security contractors subcontractors responsible deaths afghan civilians afghan militias contractors subcontractors armed groups afghan_national_security_forces


Summary: Military Spouses Employment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include spouses of members of the Armed Forces on extended active duty (more than 90 days or for an indefinite period) as members of a targeted group for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit (thus giving employers a tax incentive for hiring military spouses).

military spouses employment act amends internal revenue code include spouses members armed_forces extended active duty days indefinite period members targeted group purposes work opportunity tax credit giving employers tax incentive hiring military spouses