HR-8354 : Became Public Law

Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020

This bill establishes the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The initiative shall, among other things

  • serve as legal and policy advisor on DOJ's efforts to enforce criminal and civil laws that impact service members, veterans, and their families;
  • develop policy recommendations for improved enforcement of federal law to support service members, veterans, and their families;
  • serve as the liaison and point of contact between DOJ and the military departments;
  • provide counsel for the Office of Justice Programs to ensure that funding decisions take into account service members, veterans, and their families; and
  • enforce federal laws that protect service members and veterans.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2021-01-05PresidentBecame Public Law No: 116-288.Library of Congress
2021-01-05PresidentSigned by President.Library of Congress
2020-12-24FloorPresented to President.House floor actions
2020-12-16FloorMessage on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
2020-12-15FloorPassed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7507)Senate
2020-12-09IntroReferralReceived in the Senate, read twice.Senate
2020-12-08FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2020-12-08VoteOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 - 1 (Roll no. 239). (text: CR H7014)House floor actions
2020-12-08FloorConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7021-7022)House floor actions
2020-12-08FloorAt the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
2020-12-08FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8354.House floor actions
2020-12-08FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7014-7015)House floor actions
2020-12-08FloorMs. Escobar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
2020-12-07CalendarsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 507.House floor actions
2020-12-07CommitteeReported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 116-618.House floor actions
2020-09-29CommitteeOrdered to be Reported by Voice Vote.House committee actions
2020-09-29CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2020-09-23IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.House floor actions
2020-09-23IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Sponsor :

Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]
See Cosponsors

Policy Area :

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
See Subjects
  • Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
  • Department of Justice
  • Executive agency funding and structure
  • Fraud offenses and financial crimes
  • Intergovernmental relations
  • Lawyers and legal services
  • Military personnel and dependents
  • Veterans' organizations and recognition

Related Bills

See Related Bills