Summary: Helping Homeless Heroes Act of 2011 - Allows grants made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) for homeless veterans' comprehensive services programs (outreach, rehabilitation, vocational counseling, and transitional housing assistance) to be used for the construction of new facilities. Prohibits the Secretary from denying applications for such grants solely on the basis that the grant entity proposes to use funding from other private or public sources, as long as such entity demonstrates that a private nonprofit organization will provide project oversight and site control. Revises eligibility: (1) under the grant program for entities serving homeless veterans with special needs, and (2) for treatment and rehabilitation of homeless veterans who are not seriously mentally ill. Includes all individuals caring for minor dependents (current law applies only to women caring for minor dependents) within the definition of "homeless veterans with special needs." Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a comprehensive plan to end homelessness among veterans. Requires the plan to consider circumstances and requirements unique to veterans located in rural areas. Extends provisions concerning: (1) homeless veterans' health care to December 31, 2012; (2) centers for provision of comprehensive services and property transfers for housing assistance to December 31, 2014; and (3) the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans to December 30, 2013.

heroes act allows grants secretary veterans_affairs homeless veterans comprehensive services programs outreach rehabilitation vocational counseling transitional housing assistance construction new facilities prohibits secretary denying applications grants solely basis grant entity proposes use funding private public sources long entity demonstrates private nonprofit organization provide project oversight site control revises eligibility grant program entities serving homeless veterans special needs treatment rehabilitation homeless veterans seriously mentally ill includes individuals caring minor dependents current law applies women caring minor dependents definition homeless veterans special needs directs secretary submit congress comprehensive plan end homelessness veterans requires plan consider circumstances requirements unique veterans located rural areas extends provisions concerning homeless veterans health care december centers provision comprehensive services property transfers housing assistance december advisory_committee homeless veterans december


Summary: Veterans Affairs Active Shooter Training Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish policies and promulgate guidelines to ensure that law enforcement personnel charged with security functions at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers receive active shooter training, as described in the Department of Defense (DOD) document entitled "Protecting the Force: Lessons from Fort Hood."

shooter training act directs secretary veterans_affairs establish policies promulgate guidelines ensure law enforcement personnel charged security functions department_of_veterans_affairs medical centers receive active shooter training described department_of_defense dod document entitled protecting force lessons fort hood


Summary: Victims of Agent Orange Relief Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of State to provide assistance to address the health care needs of covered individuals. Defines a "covered individual" as an individual who is: (1) a resident of Vietnam, and (2) affected by health issues related to exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam era. Requires such assistance to include assistance to: (1) institutions in Vietnam that provide health care to such individuals, (2) repair and rebuild substandard homes in Vietnam, (3) remediate areas in Vietnam that continue to contain high levels of contaminants, and (4) support research relating to health issues of covered individuals. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) establish at least two regional medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) designed to address the medical needs of descendants of Vietnam era veterans, (2) make grants to appropriate public health organizations and Vietnamese-American organizations to conduct a broad health assessment of Vietnamese-Americans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange and their children, and (3) ensure that the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study is expanded to include a mortality and morbidity study examining the health outcomes of Vietnam veterans. Defines a "victim" as any individual who is a Vietnamese national, Vietnamese-American, or U.S. veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange, or the progeny of such an individual, and who has a disease or disability associated with this exposure.

victims agent orange relief act directs secretary state provide assistance address health care needs covered individuals defines covered individual individual resident vietnam affected health issues related exposure agent orange vietnam era requires assistance include assistance institutions vietnam provide health care individuals repair rebuild substandard homes vietnam remediate areas vietnam continue contain high levels contaminants support research relating health issues covered individuals requires secretary veterans_affairs establish regional medical centers department_of_veterans_affairs designed address medical needs descendants vietnam era veterans grants appropriate public health organizations vietnamese american organizations conduct broad health assessment vietnamese americans exposed agent orange children ensure expanded include mortality morbidity study examining health outcomes vietnam veterans defines victim individual vietnamese national vietnamese american veteran exposed agent orange progeny individual disease disability associated exposure


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

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


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on September 20, 2011. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011 - (Sec. 2) Authorizes, within specified amounts, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out certain FY2012 major medical facility construction projects (projects) at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers in Seattle, Washington and West Los Angeles, California. (Sec. 3) Modifies authorizations for certain previously authorized projects in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Orlando, Florida area, Palo Alto, California, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Louis, Missouri. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out FY2012 major medical facility leases (leases) at specified outpatient and community-based outpatient clinics in Alabama, California, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, New York, and Oregon. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations for such projects and leases. Provides project and lease funding limitations. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to include in the prospectus required to be submitted to Congress with a request for funding of a major medical facility project or lease: (1) a detailed estimate of the total costs of the medical facility including the number of personnel and itemized costs for construction, activation, special purpose alteration, ancillary services, and equipment; and (2) data concerning demographics, workload, utilization, and operating costs over a 5-, 10-, and 20-year period. Requires further, in the case of a proposed new or replacement facility, a detailed: (1) report of the consideration given to acquiring an existing facility by lease or purchase and to the sharing of health-care resources with the Department of Defense (DOD), and (2) total cost estimate and a cost-benefit comparison for each considered alternative to construction of the facility and an explanation of why the preferred alternative is the most effective means to achieve the stated project goals. (Sec. 7) Prohibits the Secretary from using bid savings on a major construction project to expand the purpose of such a project until after submitting specified information to the congressional veterans committees, including the major project that is the source of the bid savings and the major project for which the Secretary intends to expand the purpose. (Sec. 8) Designates the VA telehealth clinic in Craig, Colorado, as the "Major William Edward Adams Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic." (Sec. 9) Designates the VA medical center in Big Spring, Texas, as the "George H. O'Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center." (Sec. 10) Extends through 2012 specified authority for: (1) treatment, rehabilitation, and additional services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, (2) housing assistance for homeless veterans, and (3) the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. Extends through FY2012 the authority of the Secretary of Labor to conduct homeless veterans reintegration programs. Extends through 2018 the authority for transfers of real property under the Secretary's jurisdiction or control. Extends to September 30, 2020, the recovery audit program for certain fee basis and other medical services contracts concerning non-VA care and services for veterans and beneficiaries. (Sec. 11) Increases authorized amounts for the VA comprehensive service programs for FY2012. Provides a reduced amount for FY2013 and thereafter. (Sec. 12) Increases and extends through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for the VA program of financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families residing in permanent housing. (Sec. 13) Extends through: (1) FY2012 a VA grant program for homeless veterans with special needs, and (2) the end of 2012 specially adapted housing assistance for disabled veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member. (Sec. 15) Extends through November 18, 2011, VA authority to: (1) charge a loan fee for certain subsequent housing loans made to veterans, and (2) verify veterans' income information from the Secretary of the Treasury or the Commissioner of Social Security. (Sec. 17) Extends through November 18, 2011, VA authority to verify veterans' income information through the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) before terminating or reducing certain benefits and services. Makes a conforming amendment to part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act authorizing the release of such information by the HHS Secretary.

measure amended passed house september summary version repeated improvement act sec authorizes specified amounts secretary veterans_affairs carry certain fy2012 major medical facility construction projects projects department_of_veterans_affairs medical centers seattle washington california sec modifies authorizations certain previously authorized projects arkansas florida area palo_alto california san_juan puerto_rico missouri sec authorizes secretary carry fy2012 major medical facility leases leases specified outpatient community based outpatient clinics alabama california georgia indiana missouri new_york oregon sec authorizes appropriations projects leases provides project lease funding limitations sec directs secretary include prospectus required submitted congress request funding major medical facility project lease detailed estimate total costs medical facility including number personnel itemized costs construction activation special purpose alteration ancillary services equipment data concerning demographics workload utilization operating costs year period requires case proposed new replacement facility detailed report consideration given acquiring existing facility lease purchase sharing health care resources department_of_defense dod total cost estimate cost benefit comparison considered alternative construction facility explanation preferred alternative effective means achieve stated project goals sec prohibits secretary bid savings major construction project expand purpose project submitting specified information congressional veterans committees including major project source bid savings major project secretary intends expand purpose sec designates telehealth clinic colorado major veterans_affairs_clinic sec designates medical center texas department_of_veterans_affairs_medical_center sec extends specified authority treatment rehabilitation additional services seriously mentally ill homeless veterans housing assistance homeless veterans advisory_committee extends fy2012 authority secretary labor conduct homeless veterans reintegration programs extends authority transfers real property secretary jurisdiction control extends september recovery audit program certain fee basis medical services contracts concerning non-va care services veterans beneficiaries sec increases authorized amounts comprehensive service programs fy2012 provides reduced fy2013 sec increases extends fy2012 authorization appropriations program financial assistance supportive services low income veteran families residing permanent housing sec extends fy2012 grant program homeless veterans special needs end specially adapted housing assistance disabled veterans residing temporarily housing owned family member sec extends november authority charge loan fee certain subsequent housing loans veterans verify veterans income information secretary treasury commissioner_of_social_security sec extends november authority verify veterans income information secretary health_and_human_services hhs terminating reducing certain benefits services makes conforming amendment child support establishment paternity title social security act authorizing release information hhs secretary


Summary: Don't Default on Military Families Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to, during a funding gap affecting the Armed Forces: (1) require a court order to evict a servicemember (or dependents) from a primary residence during a period of the servicemember's military service (currently, such a court order is required only when monthly rent for the residence is below a specified amount); (2) bar subjecting such premises to distress; and (3) prohibit, after a servicemember enters military service, rescinding or terminating a contract for the purchase, lease, or bailment of real or personal property for a breach occurring before or during that person's military service (currently, such protections apply only when a servicemember pays a deposit or installment before entering military service). Modifies existing requirements for staying proceedings, adjusting obligations, or selling, foreclosing, or seizing property for a breach of obligation when an underlying mortgage or other secured interest on real or personal property originates before a funding gap that is the cause of such actions (currently, such protections apply only when the obligations originated before the period of the servicemember's military service). Prohibits a servicemember's failure or delay to make a mortgage payment (without regard to other considerations) from providing a basis for an adverse credit report if in good faith such servicemember notifies the creditor that such a funding gap is the cause of the failed or delayed payment.

families act amends servicemembers civil relief act funding gap affecting armed_forces require court order evict servicemember dependents primary residence period servicemember military service currently court order required monthly rent residence specified bar subjecting premises distress prohibit servicemember enters military service rescinding terminating contract purchase lease real personal property breach occurring person military service currently protections apply servicemember pays deposit installment entering military service modifies existing requirements staying proceedings adjusting obligations selling seizing property breach obligation underlying mortgage secured interest real personal property originates funding gap cause actions currently protections apply obligations originated period servicemember military service prohibits servicemember failure delay mortgage payment regard considerations providing basis adverse credit report good faith servicemember notifies creditor funding gap cause failed delayed payment


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

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


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate one city in the United States each year as an "American World War II City" based on: (1) contributions to the war effort during World War II; and (2) efforts to preserve the history of such contributions, including preservation organizations or museums, restoration of World War II facilities, and recognition of World War II veterans. Designates Wilmington, North Carolina, as the first such city.

directs secretary veterans_affairs designate city united_states year american world war city based contributions war effort world war efforts preserve history contributions including preservation organizations museums restoration world war facilities recognition world war veterans designates wilmington north_carolina city


Summary: Limits the role of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in interments or funerals, memorial services, or ceremonies of deceased veterans to providing: (1) such veterans with benefits earned by serving the United States, (2) any necessary maintenance of national cemeteries and other facilities under control of the National Cemetery Administration, and (3) any necessary security or traffic control with respect to such services at national cemeteries and facilities under such Administration's control. Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) a suitable chapel is provided to the deceased's family, and (2) any requested honor guard or other nongovernmental group is provided access to such services and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facilities. Requires each VA cemetery director to be a veteran. Prohibits federal government officials, including the Secretary, from interfering with the content and creed of such services, as expressed by the last will and testament of the individual or as determined by the family or agent of the individual, as provided under state law.

limits role secretary veterans_affairs funerals memorial services ceremonies deceased veterans providing veterans benefits earned serving united_states necessary maintenance national cemeteries facilities control national_cemetery_administration necessary security traffic control respect services national cemeteries facilities administration control directs secretary ensure suitable provided deceased family requested honor guard nongovernmental group provided access services department_of_veterans_affairs health care facilities requires cemetery director veteran prohibits federal government officials including secretary interfering content creed services expressed individual determined family agent individual provided state law


Summary: Combat Veterans Back to Work Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow nongovernmental employers an exemption from, or reduction in, employment taxes for the period beginning after the enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2012, for wages paid to a qualified individual; and (2) allow an employer a business tax credit for each such worker retained by such employer who has been employed for not less than 52 consecutive weeks at a specified wage level.  Defines a "qualified individual" as any individual who: (1) begins employment after June 30, 2011, and before January 1, 2013; (2) is a current member of the National Guard or a reserve component; (3) within 18 months before beginning such employment, returned from a deployment of at least 180 days in support of a contingency operation; and (4) has not been hired to replace another employee unless such other employee separated from employment voluntarily or for cause.

amends internal revenue code allow nongovernmental employers exemption reduction employment taxes period beginning enactment act ending december wages paid qualified individual allow employer business tax credit worker retained employer employed consecutive weeks specified wage level defines qualified individual individual begins employment june january current member national_guard reserve component months beginning employment returned deployment days support contingency operation hired replace employee employee separated employment voluntarily cause


Summary: Veterans' Religious Freedom Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that: (1) the family members of each veteran who is buried in a national cemetery or is eligible for certain veterans' burial benefits are informed of all options available for the funeral or memorial service for such veteran, and (2) the director of each national cemetery is a qualified veteran. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) prescribing regulations to censor or otherwise limit the type of religious speech that may be performed by a member of a veterans service organization at the funeral or memorial service of a veteran, or (2) censoring or otherwise limiting the type of religious speech of private speakers who have been invited to speak on property of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

veterans religious freedom act directs secretary veterans_affairs ensure family members veteran buried national cemetery eligible certain veterans burial benefits informed options available funeral memorial service veteran director national cemetery qualified veteran prohibits secretary prescribing regulations limit type religious speech performed member veterans service organization funeral memorial service veteran limiting type religious speech private speakers invited speak property department_of_veterans_affairs


Summary: Strengthening Homeland Security, Intelligence, and Essential Law Enforcement Departments Act of 2011 or SHIELD Act of 2011 - Requires, in the event that the U.S. public debt limit is reached, priority payment of the pay and allowances of: (1) members of the Armed Forces, including reserves, who perform active service; and (2) critical law enforcement officers employed by federal agencies. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, during a period of lapsed appropriations for the Armed Forces or federal agencies employing critical law enforcement officers, to make available necessary amounts to continue such pay and allowances.

strengthening homeland security intelligence essential law enforcement departments act shield act requires event public debt limit reached priority payment pay allowances members armed_forces including reserves perform active service critical law enforcement officers employed federal agencies requires secretary treasury period lapsed appropriations armed_forces federal agencies employing critical law enforcement officers available necessary amounts continue pay allowances


Summary: Help Veterans Own Franchises Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business-related tax credit for 25% of a qualified franchise fee of up to $400,000 paid or incurred by a veteran for the purchase of a franchise. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide information about the tax credit allowed by this Act to veterans service organizations and veteran advocacy groups.

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


Summary: Josh Birchfield Security Contractor Oversight Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to establish a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan setting standards to be incorporated in DOD oversight plans governing all security contractors operating in Afghanistan, and other future contingency operations, under a contract or subcontract funded by DOD. Requires: (1) the plan to be implemented within six months after the enactment of this Act, and (2) the Comptroller General to assess DOD compliance with the plan and report assessment results to Congress.

security contractor oversight improvement act directs secretary defense dod establish quality assurance surveillance plan setting standards incorporated dod oversight plans governing security contractors operating afghanistan future contingency operations contract subcontract funded dod requires plan implemented months enactment act comptroller general assess dod compliance plan report assessment results congress


Summary: Veteran's I.D. Card Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue a veteran's identification card to any veteran who requests such card and is neither entitled to military retired pay nor enrolled in the VA system of patient enrollment. Requires such card, among other things, to: (1) display their name and photograph, and (2) serve as proof that the veteran honorably served in the Armed Forces and has a DD-214 form or other official document in their personnel file that describes their military service. Directs the Secretary to charge a card fee. States that such card shall not serve as proof of entitlement to any benefits.

veteran secretary veterans_affairs issue veteran identification card veteran requests card entitled military retired pay enrolled system patient enrollment requires card things display photograph serve proof veteran honorably served armed_forces form official document personnel file describes military service directs secretary charge card fee states card shall serve proof entitlement benefits


Summary: Post 9-11 GI Jobs Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an increased work opportunity tax credit for hiring post 9-11 veterans and other veterans; and (2) a tax deduction, up to $1,000, for the qualified job training expenses of post 9-11 veterans in the area of green jobs or sustainable manufacturing.  Defines "post 9-11 veteran" as any individual who, after September 11, 2001: (1) served on active duty in the Armed Forces or full-time in the National Guard for more than 180 days, or (2) was discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability. Terminates the increase in the tax credit and the tax deduction allowed by this Act after 2014.

post jobs act amends internal revenue code allow increased work opportunity tax credit hiring post veterans veterans tax deduction qualified job training expenses post veterans area green jobs sustainable manufacturing defines post veteran individual september served active duty armed_forces time national_guard days discharged released active duty service connected disability terminates increase tax credit tax deduction allowed act


Summary: Gulf War Syndrome "Presumptive Illness" Extension Act of 2011 - Extends to December 31, 2018, the period of time following service in the Persian Gulf War or in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, or New Dawn during which there is a presumption that certain chronic disabilities or illnesses that become manifest in former active-duty veterans are service-connected and therefore compensable through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

gulf war syndrome presumptive illness extension act extends december period time following service persian_gulf_war operations enduring freedom iraqi_freedom new dawn presumption certain chronic disabilities illnesses manifest active duty veterans service connected compensable department_of_veterans_affairs


Summary: Military Spouse Job Continuity Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces (military spouse) who moves with such member to another state under a permanent change of station order a tax credit for up to $500 of qualified relicensing costs incurred by such spouse. Defines "qualified relicensing costs" as costs for a state license or certification to engage in the profession that such military spouse engaged in while residing in the former state.

military spouse job continuity act amends internal revenue code allow spouse member armed_forces military spouse moves member state permanent change station order tax credit qualified relicensing costs incurred spouse defines qualified relicensing costs costs state license certification engage profession military spouse engaged residing state


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

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


Summary: Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Act of 2011 or the VET Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a veterans small business entrepreneurship program under which the Secretary may approve an eligible veteran entitled to certain VA educational assistance (under the all-volunteer force or post-9/11 educational assistance programs) to use up to a specified amount of such entitlements to start or acquire a qualifying business enterprise. Limits eligibility for the program to veterans who: (1) have completed at least 36 months of full-time active duty service in the Armed Forces or 24 months of such service before being discharged or separated for a service-connected disability, (2) are entitled to 36 months of such educational assistance, and (3) has last been discharged or separated from active duty service a maximum of 15 years before submitting an application with specified information. Allows a participating veteran to use program benefits, in accordance with limitations the Secretary establishes by rule, for purposes related to starting or acquiring a qualifying business enterprise, including: (1) purchasing goods or services necessary for the operation, expansion, or startup of such an enterprise; (2) funding a project directed toward any economic development objective described under specified provisions of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958; (3) attending an entrepreneurship readiness program to prepare the veteran for, and lead to the immediate subsequent ownership and management by the veteran of, such an enterprise; and (4) acquiring such an enterprise. Directs the Secretary to establish a list of qualifying business enterprise categories including: (1) small businesses, (2) franchise business enterprises, (3) existing business enterprises in which the veteran has an ownership stake, and (4) any other business enterprise determined appropriate by the Secretary. Requires that benefits made available to veterans under the program be taken into account in determining a veteran's creditworthiness for small business loans guaranteed under the Small Business Act and for farm loans made or guaranteed pursuant to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Authorizes the Secretary, in the event a veteran dies before receiving the balance of benefits payable under this Act, to pay the approved benefits to a survivor designated by the veteran under specified circumstances.

vet act directs secretary veterans_affairs establish veterans small business entrepreneurship program secretary approve eligible veteran entitled certain educational assistance volunteer force educational assistance programs use specified entitlements start acquire qualifying business enterprise limits eligibility program veterans completed months time active duty service service discharged separated service connected disability entitled months educational assistance discharged separated active duty service maximum years submitting application specified information allows participating veteran use program benefits accordance limitations secretary establishes rule purposes related starting acquiring qualifying business enterprise including purchasing goods services necessary operation expansion startup enterprise funding project directed economic development objective described specified provisions small_business_investment_act attending entrepreneurship readiness program prepare veteran lead immediate subsequent ownership management veteran enterprise acquiring enterprise directs secretary establish list qualifying business enterprise categories including small businesses franchise business enterprises existing business enterprises veteran ownership stake business enterprise determined appropriate secretary requires benefits available veterans program taken account determining veteran creditworthiness small business loans guaranteed small business act farm loans guaranteed pursuant consolidated_farm rural development act authorizes secretary event veteran dies receiving balance benefits payable act pay approved benefits survivor designated veteran specified circumstances


Summary: Makes eligible for interment in a national cemetery any individual who: (1) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines served in combat support of the Armed Forces in Laos during the period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 15, 1975; and (2) at the time of death was a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien. Applies this Act to any qualifying individual who dies on or after January 1, 2011.

makes eligible interment national cemetery individual secretary veterans_affairs determines served combat support armed_forces laos period beginning february ending time death citizen lawfully admitted alien applies act qualifying individual dies january


Summary: VHA Ophthalmologic Service Establishment Act of 2011 - Establishes an ophthalmologic service in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Adds a Director of Ophthalmologic Service to the VA's Office of the Under Secretary for Health.

vha service establishment act establishes service veterans_health_administration vha department_of_veterans_affairs adds director office secretary health


Summary: Efficient Service for Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to jointly ensure that certain VA readjustment counseling centers have access to the Defense Personnel Record Image Retrieval and the VA/DOD Identity Repository Systems.

veterans act directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary defense dod jointly ensure certain readjustment counseling centers access


Summary: PROTECT Act or Protecting the Retirement of Our Troops by Ensuring Compensation is Timely Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the military department concerned from presuming deceased a military retiree missing in Iraq or Afghanistan on or after October 7, 2001, until the earlier of 11 years after the person was declared missing or the date the death is confirmed and a death certificate is delivered to the next of kin. Requires monthly retired pay to be resumed and any retired pay that may have been due following the declaration of the presumption of death to be retroactively paid to the family of the retiree.

protect act protecting retirement troops ensuring compensation timely act prohibits secretary military department concerned deceased military retiree missing iraq afghanistan october earlier years person declared missing date death confirmed death certificate delivered kin requires monthly retired pay resumed retired pay following declaration presumption death retroactively paid family retiree


Summary: Makes family caregivers of certain veterans with a serious illness eligible for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program of comprehensive assistance and support services. (Under current law, only family caregivers of certain veterans with a serious injury are so eligible.)

makes family caregivers certain veterans illness eligible department_of_veterans_affairs program comprehensive assistance support services current law family caregivers certain veterans injury eligible


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD), and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) with respect to the Coast Guard, to design a military service identification card to identify and recognize the service of a member of the Armed Forces after the retirement or other separation of the member from the Armed Forces. Requires the card to include, at a minimum, the information contained on the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Directs the Secretary concerned to: (1) establish an application process for a person to request such a card, and (2) make the card available to retired and former members of the Armed Forces who retired or were separated before enactment of this Act. Conditions the issuance of the card upon the payment of an amount sufficient to cover the costs incurred by the United States to manufacture and issue it.

directs secretary defense dod secretary homeland_security dhs respect coast_guard design military service identification card identify recognize service member armed_forces retirement separation member armed_forces requires card include minimum information contained discharge active duty directs secretary concerned establish application process person request card card available retired members armed_forces retired separated enactment act conditions issuance card payment sufficient cover costs incurred united_states manufacture issue


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

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


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

national parks freedom pass act directs secretary interior secretary agriculture usda available members armed_forces members national_guard_or_reserves reduced rate equal cost pass sold public makes pass valid year date issuance requires passes available cost veterans separated military service conditions dishonorable makes pass valid lifetime


Summary: Help Inspire and Retrain our Exceptional Veterans Act of 2011 or HIRE Veterans Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program to award grants to local chambers of commerce to provide veterans with apprenticeships and career advice. Prohibits more than one grant from being awarded to a local chamber during each five-year period. Provides individual grant amounts of at least $10,000 and not more than $20,000. Terminates the grant program at the end of FY2022. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to Congress after each year of the grant program.

help retrain exceptional veterans act hire veterans act directs secretary commerce establish program award grants local chambers commerce provide veterans apprenticeships career advice prohibits grant awarded local chamber year period provides individual grant amounts terminates grant program end fy2022 requires annual report secretary congress year grant program


Summary: Veterans Travel Benefits Modernization Act - Allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to waive the $6 round-trip deductible paid by veterans in order to receive travel costs necessitated by required VA medical care until the earlier of: (1) one year after the waiver is granted, or (2) the date on which the Secretary determines that the deduction would no longer cause the veteran severe financial hardship. Makes any waiver granted beginning on January 1, 2011, and ending on June 1, 2012, valid until the earlier of: (1) the birthday of the veteran occurring after June 1, 2012; or (2) the date of the Secretary's determination described above. Requires the Secretary to revise the Veterans Health Administration Handbook to include such waiver periods.

veterans_travel benefits secretary veterans_affairs waive round trip deductible paid veterans order receive travel costs necessitated required medical care earlier year waiver granted date secretary determines deduction longer cause veteran severe financial hardship makes waiver granted beginning january ending june valid earlier birthday veteran occurring june date secretary determination described requires secretary revise include waiver periods


Summary: Franchise Education for Veterans Act - Allows eligible individuals to use Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) veterans' educational assistance benefits for franchise training. Provides training assistance limits for each 12-month period, prohibiting an individual from receiving more than 12 months and more than $15,000 of such assistance. Authorizes such training assistance under the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program, with the same assistance limits.

veterans act allows eligible individuals use department_of_veterans_affairs veterans educational assistance benefits franchise training provides training assistance limits month period prohibiting individual receiving months assistance authorizes training assistance veterans educational assistance program assistance limits


Summary: Heroes Hiring Heroes Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a program to award grants to states to assist the employment of veterans. Allows the Secretary to award more than one grant per state. Limits grant amounts to $100,000. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2016 the work opportunity tax credit for employers hiring previously unemployed veterans after 2011 and before 2017. Increases such credit with respect to such veterans. Provides a special tax credit for veteran-owned employers who hire previously unemployed veterans through a state job fair or forum after 2016.

heroes hiring heroes act directs secretary veterans_affairs establish program award grants states assist employment veterans allows secretary award grant state limits grant amounts amends internal revenue code extend work opportunity tax credit employers hiring previously unemployed veterans increases credit respect veterans provides special tax credit veteran owned employers hire previously unemployed veterans state job fair forum


Summary: Latin America Military Training Review Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army to suspend operation of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (Institute). Suspends the authority of the Secretary of Defense to operate such an education and training facility until submission of a report containing the results of an investigation in response to violations of human rights to which training at such Institute contributed. Establishes: (1) a joint congressional task force to assess appropriate education and training for DOD to provide to military personnel of Latin American nations; and (2) a commission to investigate activities of the United States Army School of the Americas and its successor institution, the Institute.

secretary army suspend operation suspends authority secretary defense operate education training facility submission report containing results investigation response violations human rights training institute contributed establishes joint congressional task force assess appropriate education training dod provide military personnel latin american nations commission investigate activities americas successor institution institute


Summary: Wounded Warriors Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $12,000 to $24,000 in taxable years ending before January 1, 2017, the amount of wages which may be taken into account in determining the allowable work opportunity tax credit for the hiring of certain disabled veterans who have been unemployed for six months or more during the one-year period ending on the hiring date.

wounded warriors employment opportunity act amends internal revenue code increase taxable years ending january wages taken account determining allowable work opportunity tax credit hiring certain disabled veterans unemployed months year period ending hiring date


Summary: Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention Act or STOP Act - Establishes a Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Council, composed mainly of civilians, as an independent entity from the chain of command of the Department of Defense (DOD). Directs the Council to: (1) appoint personnel to the Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Office, and advise such Office; (2) appoint the Director of Military Prosecutions (Director); (3) review each request of the Director with respect to a case stemming from a sexual-related offense that has been referred to a military appellate court or to the Department of Justice (DOJ); and (4) submit to the Secretary of Defense, Congress, and the Attorney General a report on each Director request for referral to a higher court. Requires the Council to advise on the development of sexual assault reporting protocols, risk-reduction and response training, and policy. Establishes within DOD the Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Office, headed by an Executive Director, to undertake specified duties and responsibilities relating to the investigation, prevention, and reduction of sexual assault incidents within the Armed Forces. Requires the Office to establish protocols to ensure that all reports of sexual assault are taken out of the chain of command and reported directly to the Office. Establishes the position of Director of Military Prosecutions, appointed by the Council, to have independent and final authority to oversee the prosecution of all sexual-related offenses committed by a member of the Armed Forces, and to refer such cases to trial by courts-martial. Amends the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 to require the Secretary to implement a centralized database, known as the Military Sexual Registry, for the collection of information regarding sexual assaults within the military, including the nature of the assault, the victim, the offender, and the outcome of associated legal proceedings. Requires the Registry to be housed and maintained within the Office.

prevention act stop act establishes sexual assault oversight composed civilians independent entity chain command department_of_defense dod directs council appoint personnel response_office advise office appoint director military prosecutions director review request director respect case stemming sexual related offense referred military appellate court department_of_justice doj submit secretary defense congress attorney general report director request referral higher court requires council advise development sexual assault reporting protocols risk reduction response training policy establishes dod sexual assault oversight response_office headed executive director undertake specified duties responsibilities relating investigation prevention reduction sexual assault incidents armed_forces requires office establish protocols ensure reports sexual assault taken chain command reported directly office establishes position appointed council independent final authority oversee prosecution sexual related offenses committed member armed_forces refer cases trial courts martial amends duncan hunter national defense authorization act fiscal year require secretary implement centralized database known collection information sexual assaults military including nature assault victim offender outcome associated legal proceedings requires registry housed maintained office


Summary: Keeping Our Promises Act of 2011 - Makes any change regarding the entitlement of members or former members of the Armed Forces to retired or retainer pay or to the computation of such pay inapplicable to an individual who first became a member or former member before the effective date of the change, unless: (1) the member or former member affirmatively accepts the change, or (2) the change would have the effect of expanding the member's entitlement or eligibility to such pay or increasing its amount.

keeping promises act makes change entitlement members members armed_forces retired retainer pay computation pay inapplicable individual member member effective date change member member affirmatively accepts change change effect expanding member entitlement eligibility pay increasing


Summary: Military Families Child Care Assistance Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase: (1) the tax credit for household and dependent care expenses for individuals who have served on active duty in the Armed Forces for a period of 120 days or more beginning after September 11, 2001; and (2) the exclusion from gross income for employer-provided dependent care assistance provided to such individuals.

military families child care assistance act amends internal revenue code increase tax credit household dependent care expenses individuals served active duty days beginning september exclusion gross income employer provided dependent care assistance provided individuals


Summary: Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2011- Includes as part of the Republic of Vietnam its territorial seas for purposes of the presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure by veterans to certain herbicide agents while in Vietnam.

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


Summary: Veterans Accelerated License Obtainment and Recertification Act of 2011 or VALOR Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish accelerated licensing procedures to assist veterans to acquire commercial driver's licenses. Requires such procedures to apply to any veteran attempting to acquire a commercial driver's license who, during military service, obtained driving experience that makes the use of accelerated licensing procedures appropriate.

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


Summary: Amends detainee and military custody provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, with respect to the authority of the President and the U.S. Armed Forces pursuant the Authorization for Use of Military Force (P.L. 107-40), to specify that no U.S. citizen may be detained against his or her will without all the rights of due process afforded to the citizen in a court ordained or established by or under Article III of the U.S. Constitution.

amends detainee military custody provisions national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year respect authority president pursuant authorization use military force specify citizen detained rights process afforded citizen court established article iii constitution


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

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


Summary: Freedom to Mourn in Peace Act of 2011 - Expands the prohibition on demonstrations at certain funerals, memorial services, or bereavement ceremonies for a deceased veteran to any property where such a service is held unless the demonstration has been approved by the cemetery superintendent or the owner of the property on which the funeral is held. (Current law only prohibits such demonstrations on property of a cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration or on the property of Arlington National Cemetery.) Extends to 1,000 feet the distance within which certain demonstrations that impede access to or egress from such a cemetery or property are prohibited during the period beginning 60 minutes before and ending 60 minutes after such a service, provided that there is a visible sign at applicable distances stating the time interval during which a service will be held.

freedom peace act expands prohibition demonstrations certain funerals memorial services bereavement ceremonies deceased veteran property service held demonstration approved cemetery superintendent owner property funeral held current law prohibits demonstrations property cemetery control national_cemetery_administration property arlington national cemetery extends feet distance certain demonstrations impede access egress cemetery property prohibited period beginning minutes ending minutes service provided visible sign applicable distances stating time interval service held


Summary: Support and Defend Our Military Personnel and Their Families Act - States that any person who serves or has served under honorable conditions as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces in support of contingency operations shall be eligible for naturalization as if the person had served during a period of presidentially-designated military hostilities. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to extend the period for filing a naturalization application to one year after completion of eligible military service. Exempts from worldwide immigrant visa numerical limitations an alien who is eligible for a family-sponsored immigrant visa and is either the spouse or child of a permanent resident alien who is serving in the Armed Forces. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to adjust to permanent resident status an alien who is a parent, spouse, child, son or daughter, or minor sibling of a person who is serving or has served in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions. Permits posthumous benefits under specified circumstances. Permits the military enlistment of an alien who takes the oath set forth in this Act during any period of contingency operations. States that with respect to a removal proceeding under INA: (1) a notice to appear shall not be issued against an alien who serves or has served under honorable conditions in the Armed Forces without the Secretary's prior approval; (2) the Secretary, in determining whether to issue a notice, shall consider the alien's eligibility for naturalization, military service record, grounds of deportability, and any hardship to the Armed Forces, the alien, and his or her family if the alien were to be placed in removal proceedings; and (3) an alien who serves or has served under honorable conditions in the Armed Forces shall not be removed from the United States under specified grounds.

support families act states person serves served honorable conditions member support contingency operations shall eligible naturalization person served period presidentially designated military hostilities amends immigration nationality act ina extend period filing naturalization application year completion eligible military service exempts worldwide immigrant visa numerical limitations alien eligible family sponsored immigrant visa spouse child permanent resident alien serving secretary homeland_security dhs adjust permanent resident status alien parent spouse child son daughter minor sibling person serving served armed_forces honorable conditions permits posthumous benefits specified circumstances permits military enlistment alien takes oath set forth act period contingency operations states respect removal proceeding ina notice appear shall issued alien serves served honorable conditions armed_forces secretary prior approval secretary determining issue notice shall consider alien eligibility naturalization military service record grounds deportability hardship armed_forces alien family alien placed removal proceedings alien serves served honorable conditions armed_forces shall removed united_states specified grounds


Summary: Military Religious Freedom Protection Act - Requires the sincerely held religious or moral beliefs of a member of the Armed Forces concerning the appropriate and inappropriate expression of human sexuality to be accommodated and not the basis of any adverse personnel action, discrimination, or denial of promotion, schooling, training, or assignment (adverse actions). Prohibits a military chaplain from being directed, ordered, or required to perform any duty, rite, ritual, ceremony, service, or function (ceremony) that is contrary to the conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs (beliefs) of the chaplain or the chaplain's faith group. Prohibits the refusal of a chaplain to perform a ceremony that is contrary to such beliefs from being the basis of any adverse actions. Requires the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations setting forth guidance to implement such requirements and prohibitions. Prohibits a military installation or other property owned, rented, or otherwise under the jurisdiction or control of the Department of Defense (DOD) from being used to officiate, solemnize, or perform a marriage or marriage-like ceremony involving anything other than the union of one man with one woman.

military religious freedom protection act requires sincerely held religious moral beliefs member armed_forces concerning appropriate inappropriate expression human sexuality accommodated basis adverse personnel action discrimination denial promotion schooling training assignment adverse actions prohibits military chaplain directed ordered required perform duty ceremony service function ceremony contrary conscience moral principles religious beliefs beliefs chaplain chaplain faith group prohibits refusal chaplain perform ceremony contrary beliefs basis adverse actions requires secretary defense issue regulations setting forth guidance implement requirements prohibitions prohibits military installation property owned rented jurisdiction control department_of_defense dod perform marriage marriage like ceremony involving union man woman


Summary: Help Veterans Return to Work Act - Requires full reinstatement of all appropriate employment and reemployment rights of an individual called away from employment with a small business employer due to active-duty service who subsequently returns, unless the employer can show that such employment or reemployment would impose an undue hardship on the employer.

help veterans return work act requires reinstatement appropriate employment reemployment rights individual called away employment small business employer active duty service subsequently returns employer employment reemployment impose undue hardship employer


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

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


Summary: Keep America's Promises Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to include under the temporary early retirement authority provided under amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 those members of the Armed Forces who: (1) were separated on or after March 1, 2011, but before the effective date of the amendments (December 31, 2011); and (2) had at least 15 years of service on their date of separation. States that this Act will protect 157 Air Force officers who were involuntarily separated as a result of a March 2011 continuation board.

america promises act amends national defense authorization act fiscal year include temporary early retirement authority provided amendments national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year members armed_forces separated march effective date amendments december years service date separation states act protect air_force officers involuntarily separated result march continuation board


Summary: Veterans Gardens Employment and Opportunity Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to award grants to eligible entities to establish gardens that are fully operated by veterans and are designed to produce food that can be sold to individuals, schools, and restaurants through farmers' markets or otherwise. Gives priority to entities seeking to establish a garden located on, or convenient to, the grounds of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility.

opportunity act directs secretary agriculture usda award grants eligible entities establish gardens fully operated veterans designed produce food sold individuals schools restaurants farmers markets gives priority entities seeking establish garden located convenient grounds department_of_veterans_affairs medical facility


Summary: Improving Contracting Opportunities for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for purposes of meeting Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracting goals with respect to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans, to include the acquisition of goods and services through the use of a federal supply schedule of the General Services Administration (GSA).

improving contracting opportunities directs secretary veterans_affairs purposes meeting department_of_veterans_affairs contracting goals respect small businesses owned controlled veterans include acquisition goods services use federal supply schedule general_services_administration gsa


Summary: Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act of 2012 - Transfers, as of October 1, 2013, to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) specified veterans-related programs of the Department of Labor, including: (1) job counseling, training, employment, and placement services; (2) administration of employment and reemployment rights of members of the reserves; and (3) homeless veterans reintegration programs. Directs the President, for FY2014 and thereafter, to include in the budget request funding for the VA for such functions. Establishes a Deputy Under Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training, to formulate all VA policies and procedures with respect to veterans' employment, unemployment, and training programs. Consolidates provisions establishing VA disabled veterans' outreach program specialists and local veterans' employment representatives into a single provision establishing veteran employment specialists, which shall perform both tasks. Provides similar eligibility and reporting requirements for such specialists.

improved performance act transfers october secretary veterans_affairs specified veterans related programs department_of_labor including job counseling training employment placement services administration employment reemployment rights members reserves homeless veterans reintegration programs directs president fy2014 include budget request funding functions establishes deputy secretary training formulate policies procedures respect veterans employment unemployment training programs consolidates provisions establishing disabled veterans outreach program specialists local veterans employment representatives single provision establishing veteran employment specialists shall perform tasks provides similar eligibility reporting requirements specialists


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

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


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

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


Summary: Helping Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Return to Employment at Home Act or HIRE at HOME Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), as a condition of a grant or contract to a state for certain veterans' employment and training programs, to require the state to demonstrate the consideration of any military training received by a veteran when approving or denying a commercial driver's license or a certification to be a nursing assistant or certified nursing assistant, a registered nurse, or an emergency medical technician.

helping iraq afghanistan veterans return employment home act hire home act directs secretary veterans_affairs condition grant contract state certain veterans employment training programs require state demonstrate consideration military training received veteran approving denying commercial driver license certification nursing assistant certified nursing assistant registered nurse emergency medical technician


Summary: American Heroes COLA Act - Requires that, whenever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall increase by the same percentage the amounts payable as veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

cola act requires increase benefit amounts payable title survivors disability insurance social security act secretary veterans_affairs shall increase percentage amounts payable veterans disability compensation additional compensation dependents clothing allowance certain disabled adult children dependency indemnity compensation surviving spouses children


Summary: Caring for the Fallen Act - Makes the American Battle Monuments Commission responsible for Clark Veterans Cemetery in the Philippines, including ensuring its ongoing maintenance.

caring fallen act makes american responsible philippines including ensuring ongoing maintenance


Summary: Citizen Soldier Equality Act of 2012 - Requires that, in the case of a member of the reserves who is retired or placed on the temporary disability retired list because of an incurred disability for which the member is awarded the Purple Heart, the member shall be credited with the number of years of service that would be counted under the computation of years of service for retired pay for non-regular service.

citizen soldier equality act requires case member reserves retired placed temporary disability retired list incurred disability member awarded purple heart member shall credited number years service counted computation years service retired pay non regular service


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

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


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

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


Summary: Makes eligible for interment or inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery members of the Army who served honorably for at least nine months in the Tomb Guard Platoon of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment which provides sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknowns at such Cemetery.

makes eligible interment members army served honorably months tomb guard 3rd provides tomb cemetery


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

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


Summary: Gold Star Fathers Act of 2012 - Includes as a preference eligible for federal employment purposes a parent (currently, the mother only) of either an individual who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving in the Armed Forces during a war, in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, or during the period beginning April 28, 1952, and ending July 1, 1955, or a service-connected permanently and totally disabled veteran, if: (1) the spouse of such parent is totally and permanently disabled; or (2) such parent, when preference is claimed, is unmarried or legally separated from his or her spouse.

gold star fathers act includes preference eligible federal employment purposes parent currently mother individual lost life honorable conditions serving armed_forces war campaign expedition campaign badge authorized period beginning april ending july service connected permanently totally disabled veteran spouse parent totally permanently disabled parent preference claimed unmarried legally separated spouse


Summary: Tinnitus Research and Treatment Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) recognize tinnitus as a mandatory condition for research and treatment by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Auditory Centers of Excellence, (2) ensure that research is conducted at VA facilities on the prevention and treatment of tinnitus, and (3) ensure VA cooperation with the Hearing Center of Excellence established by the Department of Defense (DOD) to further research on tinnitus.

treatment act directs secretary veterans_affairs recognize tinnitus mandatory condition research treatment department_of_veterans_affairs auditory centers excellence ensure research conducted facilities prevention treatment tinnitus ensure cooperation established department_of_defense dod research tinnitus


Summary: Disabled Military Child Protection Act of 2012 - Authorizes monthly annuity payments under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to a supplemental or special needs trust established for the sole benefit of a disabled dependent child who is incapable of self-support because of mental or physical incapacity.

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


Summary: Expresses the sense of Congress, among other things, that: (1) children of members of the Armed Forces deserve health-care practices and policies that are designed to meet their pediatric-specific needs and ensure and maintain their access to pediatric-specific treatment, providers, and facilities; and (2) the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) should meet the needs of such children, including those with special needs and chronic conditions. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a working group to review the TRICARE program and make appropriate recommendations with respect to pediatric-specific health care and health care settings. Requires an initial and final report from the working group to the congressional defense and appropriations committees.

expresses sense congress things children members armed_forces deserve health care practices policies designed meet pediatric specific needs ensure maintain access pediatric specific treatment providers facilities tricare program department_of_defense dod managed health care program meet needs children including special needs chronic conditions directs secretary defense establish working group review tricare program appropriate recommendations respect pediatric specific health care health care settings requires initial final report working group congressional defense appropriations committees


Summary: Fairness for World War II and Korean War Spouses Act - Makes the annual rate of pension paid to the surviving spouses of veterans of World War II or the Korean conflict the greater of the following amounts, reduced by the survivor's annual income: (1) the current limit applicable to surviving spouses of veterans of any period of war; or (2) the amount equal to the poverty line, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the prior year. Prohibits benefits paid by any federal entity from being included in the determination of annual income.

fairness world war korean war spouses act makes annual rate pension paid surviving spouses veterans world war korean conflict greater following amounts reduced survivor annual income current limit applicable surviving spouses veterans period war equal poverty line determined secretary health_and_human_services hhs prior year prohibits benefits paid federal entity included determination annual income


Summary: Right to Habeas Corpus Act - States that nothing in the Authorization for Use of Military Force or the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 shall be construed to deny the availability of the writ of habeas corpus in a court ordained or established by or under Article III of the Constitution for any person detained in the United States pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

right habeas corpus act states authorization use military force national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year shall construed deny availability writ habeas corpus court established article iii constitution person detained united_states pursuant authorization use military force


Summary: Veterans Affairs Employee Accountability Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that no employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who violates any civil law covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation receives any retention incentive, payment, or award for or during the year of such violation.

veterans_affairs employee accountability act directs secretary veterans_affairs ensure employee department_of_veterans_affairs violates civil law covered federal_acquisition_regulation receives retention incentive payment award year violation


Summary: Fairness for Military Homeowners Act of 2012 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to prohibit the absence of a servicemember from his or her principal place of residence due to active-duty military service from preventing such servicemember from refinancing a mortgage on such residence. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to a servicemember who entered into a refinancing on such residence within the past five years.

fairness military homeowners act amends servicemembers civil relief act prohibit absence servicemember principal place residence active duty military service preventing servicemember refinancing mortgage residence makes prohibition inapplicable servicemember entered refinancing residence past years


Summary: Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD), within 60 days after the enactment of this Act, to ensure the continuous military command responsibility and accountability for the care, handling, and transportation of the remains of each deceased member of the Armed Forces who dies overseas, beginning with initial recovery of the remains, through the defense mortuary system, until their interment or when the remains are otherwise accepted by the person designated to direct their disposition.

requires secretary defense dod days enactment act ensure continuous military command responsibility accountability care handling transportation remains deceased member armed_forces dies overseas beginning initial recovery remains defense system interment remains accepted person designated direct disposition


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

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


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

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


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

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


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) (Secretary) to: (1) assess and develop a uniform definition of hazing, applicable to members of the Armed Forces (members), for inclusion in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ); and (2) submit such definition to Congress. Expresses the sense of Congress that such definition should cover, at a minimum, any situation in which a member suffers or is exposed to any cruelty, indignity, humiliation, hardship, harm, harassment, or oppression, or the deprivation or abridgment of any right, by another member. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the prevention of and response to hazing involving members. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and implement a centralized, case-level database for the collection and maintenance of information regarding hazing, including incidents occurring at officer candidate schools, military academies and their preparatory schools, and basic training and professional schools for enlisted members. Requires such Secretaries to: (1) submit to Congress a plan to implement the database, and (2) complete implementation within 15 months after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress: (1) a description of the current status of the Defense Incident-Based Reporting System, and (2) an explanation of how such System will relate to the database. Requires annual reports from each Secretary on the hazing incidents involving members. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to report to Congress on the policies to prevent hazing and the systems initiated to track incidents of hazing in each of the military departments.

directs secretary defense dod secretary assess develop uniform definition hazing applicable members armed_forces members inclusion uniform code military justice ucmj submit definition congress expresses sense congress definition cover minimum situation member suffers exposed cruelty hardship harm harassment deprivation abridgment right member requires secretary develop implement comprehensive policy prevention response hazing involving members directs secretary secretary homeland_security dhs develop implement centralized case level database collection maintenance information hazing including incidents occurring officer candidate schools military academies preparatory schools basic training professional schools enlisted members requires secretaries submit congress plan implement database complete implementation months enactment act directs secretary report congress description current status explanation system relate database requires annual reports secretary hazing incidents involving members directs comptroller_general gao report congress policies prevent hazing systems initiated track incidents hazing military departments


Summary: Renovate and Enhance Veterans' Meeting Halls and Posts Act of 2012 or REVAMP Act of 2012- Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible veterans service organizations for repairs and rehabilitation of their existing facilities. Defines "eligible veterans service organization" as: (1) a tax-exempt entity organized on a local or area basis; and (2) a local or area chapter, post, or other unit of a national, regional, statewide, or other larger entity of which local or area chapters, posts, or units are members (but not any such national, regional, statewide, or other larger entity itself). Prohibits an eligible veterans service organization from receiving such grant amounts, for any single fiscal year, in an amount exceeding the lesser of the cost of the proposed repair or rehabilitation or $250,000. Makes a grant recipient ineligible to receive another such grant until after five succeeding fiscal years. Prohibits the use of such grants for construction or acquisition of a new facility.

renovate enhance veterans meeting halls posts act revamp act amends housing_and_community_development_act require secretary housing_and_urban_development hud grants competitive basis eligible veterans service organizations repairs rehabilitation existing facilities defines eligible veterans service organization tax exempt entity organized local area basis local area chapter post unit national regional statewide larger entity local area chapters posts units members national regional statewide larger entity prohibits eligible veterans service organization receiving grant amounts single fiscal year exceeding lesser cost proposed repair rehabilitation makes grant recipient ineligible receive grant succeeding fiscal years prohibits use grants construction acquisition new facility


Summary: Service Member Anti-Hazing Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to: (1) develop and implement a policy to prevent and respond to hazing of members of that military department; (2) develop and implement a program to train such members on the dangers of, and need to, avoid hazing and a program of training on issues of diversity, which each member shall attend at least annually; (3) expand any policies for reporting incidents to include a phone service for the anonymous reporting of such incidents; and (4) develop and implement a procedure to transfer to another unit a victim of a substantial hazing incident. Establishes the Military Hazing Prevention Oversight Panel to make recommendations to the Secretary concerned on the development of the policies, programs, and procedures required above, and on ways to improve them.

service member anti hazing act directs secretary military department concerned develop implement policy prevent respond hazing members military department develop implement program train members dangers need avoid hazing program training issues diversity member shall attend annually expand policies reporting incidents include phone service anonymous reporting incidents develop implement procedure transfer unit victim substantial hazing incident establishes military hazing prevention oversight panel recommendations secretary concerned development policies programs procedures required ways improve


Summary: Make Our Veterans Smile Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), beginning on January 1, 2013, to provide necessary outpatient dental services and treatment and related dental appliances to veterans awarded the Purple Heart.

veterans act directs secretary veterans_affairs beginning january provide necessary outpatient dental services treatment related dental appliances veterans awarded purple heart


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to establish within Arlington National Cemetery a Tomb of Remembrance for the interment of cremated fragments of the remains of members of the Armed Forces killed in Afghanistan, Iraq, or any subsequent war or contingency operation if such fragments are: (1) unidentifiable by use of DNA testing or other means, (2) unclaimed after a reasonable period, (3) identified and authorized for such interment by the person designated to direct disposition, or (4) designated as "No Further Pursuit" remains.

directs secretary defense dod establish arlington national cemetery tomb interment remains members armed_forces killed afghanistan iraq subsequent war contingency operation use dna testing means unclaimed reasonable period identified authorized interment person designated direct disposition designated pursuit remains


Summary: Military Family Home Protection Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow a court, in an action to enforce an obligation on real or personal property secured by a mortgage against a servicemember on active duty, a totally disabled veteran, or the surviving spouse of a member who died during military service, to either: (1) stay the proceedings for a period of time as justice and equity require, or (2) adjust the obligation to preserve the interests of all parties. Prohibits the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of the subject property for the service period, as well as the 12-month period after: (1) the servicemember is discharged or redeployed from a contingency operation, (2) the veteran is retired, or (3) the death of the servicemember (in the case of a surviving spouse). Increases the civil penalties for violations of the sale or foreclosure prohibitions. Prohibits an individual from being denied or refused credit solely by reason of eligibility for relief under this Act. Requires each lending institution acting as a creditor to such servicemember, veteran, or surviving spouse to designate an employee responsible for ensuring the institution's compliance with the requirements of this Act. Requires any such institution that had prior annual assets of $10 billion or more to maintain on its primary website a toll-free number for information with respect to the protections afforded under this Act.

military family home protection act amends servicemembers civil relief act allow court action enforce obligation real personal property secured mortgage servicemember active duty totally disabled veteran surviving spouse member died military service stay proceedings period time justice equity require adjust obligation preserve interests parties prohibits sale foreclosure seizure subject property service period month period servicemember discharged redeployed contingency operation veteran retired death servicemember case surviving spouse increases civil penalties violations sale foreclosure prohibitions prohibits individual denied refused credit solely reason eligibility relief act requires lending institution acting creditor servicemember veteran surviving spouse designate employee responsible ensuring institution compliance requirements act requires institution prior annual assets billion maintain primary website toll free number information respect protections afforded act


Summary: Gender Equality Combat Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to report to the congressional defense committees on the implementation of a termination of the ground combat exclusion policy for female members of the Armed Forces (DOD policy under which female members are excluded from units and positions below brigade level whose primary mission is to engage in direct combat on the ground).

gender equality combat act directs secretary defense dod report congressional defense committees implementation termination ground combat exclusion policy female members armed_forces dod policy female members excluded units positions brigade level primary mission engage direct combat ground