Cold War Veterans Blog

VETERANS HOUSE LEGISLATION AS OF 30 JULY 08

August 2nd, 2008, by Wildman

Veteran House Legislation
30 July 08

Of the 6650 House bills introduced in the 110th Congress to date, following are those of interest to the non-active duty veteran community. By clicking on the bill number you can access the actual legislative language of the bill and see if your representative has signed on as a cosponsor. Support of these bills by other legislators is critical if they are ever going to move through the legislative process for a floor vote to become law. A good indication on that likelihood is the number of cosponsors who have signed onto the bill. A cosponsor is a member of Congress who has joined one or more members in his/her chamber (i.e. House or Senate) to sponsor a bill or amendment. The member who introduces the bill is considered the sponsor. Members subsequently signing on are called cosponsors. Any number of members may cosponsor a bill in the House or Senate. At http://thomas.loc.gov you can also review a copy of each bill, determine its current status, the committee it has been assigned to, and if your legislator is a sponsor or cosponsor of it. To determine what bills, amendments your representative has sponsored, cosponsored, or dropped sponsorship on refer to http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/d110/sponlst.html. The key to increasing cosponsorship is letting our representatives know of veterans feelings on issues. At the end of some listed bills is a web link that can be used to do that. Otherwise, you can locate on http://thomas.loc.gov who your representative is and his/her phone number, mailing address, or email/website to communicate with a message or letter of your own making:

House Bills
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H.R.0023: Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (244). Companion bill S.0961. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.0025: Fair Tax Act of 2007. A bill to promote freedom, fairness, and economic opportunity by repealing the income tax and other taxes, abolishing the Internal Revenue Service, and enacting a national sales tax to be administered primarily by the States. Sponsor: Rep Linder, John [GA-7] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (72). Companion Bill is S.0025. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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H.R.0067: Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep McIntyre, Mike [NC-7] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (32). Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.0081: Montgomery GI Bill Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that members of the Armed Forces and Selected Reserve may transfer certain educational assistance benefits to dependents, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. [MD-6] (introduced 1/4/07) Cosponsors (6). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.0089: Combat-Related Special Compensation Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to extend eligibility for combat-related special compensation (CRSC) paid to certain uniformed services retirees who are retired under chapter 61 of such title with fewer than 20 years of creditable service. Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (45). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Companion bill S.986. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9240191.
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H.R.0092: Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish standards of access (i.e. 30 days) to care for veterans seeking health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, would allow referral to civilian care in cases where the standard is not met, would require the VA to annually report its performance in meeting those access standards, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Brown-Waite, Ginny [FL-5] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (11). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9240456.
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H.R.0109: Disabled Veteran Small Business Eligibility Expansion Act of 2007. A bill to amend the Small Business Act to make service-disabled veterans eligible under the 8(a) business development program. Sponsor: Rep Davis, Jo Ann [VA-1] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
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H.R.0112: G.I. Advanced Education in Science and Technology Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the payment of stipends to veterans who pursue doctoral degrees in science or technology. Sponsor: Rep Davis, Jo Ann [VA-1] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.0136: Identity Theft Notification Act of 2007. A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide that individuals and appropriate authorities are notified by the Commissioner of Social Security of evidence of misuse of the Social Security account numbers of such individuals. Sponsor: Rep Gallegly, Elton [CA-24] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (17). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Social Security.
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H.R.0140: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to require the amounts reimbursed to institutional providers of health care services under the TRICARE program to be the same as amounts reimbursed under Medicare, and to require the Secretary of Defense to contract for health care services with at least one teaching hospital in urban areas. Sponsor: Rep Green, Gene [TX-29] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors(13). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9329026&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.0156: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) to the survivors of former prisoners of war (POWs) who died on or before 30 SEP 99, under the same eligibility conditions as apply to payment of DIC to the survivors of former prisoners of war who die after that date. Sponsor: Rep Holden, Tim [PA-17] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (31). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9240856
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H.R.0191: Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the inclusion in gross income of Social Security benefits. Sponsor: Rep Paul, Ron [TX-14] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (12). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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H.R.0207: Depleted Uranium Screening and Testing Act. A bill to provide for identification of members of the Armed Forces exposed during military service to depleted uranium, to provide for health testing of such members, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Serrano, Jose E. [NY-16] (introduced 1/4/07). Cosponsors (16). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.0243: Combat Military Medically Retired Veteran’s Fairness Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the payment of Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) to members of the Armed Forces retired for disability with less than 20 years of active military service who were awarded the Purple Heart. Sponsor: Rep Weller, Jerry [IL-11] (introduced 1/5/07). Cosponsors (12). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.0303: Retired Pay Restoration Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit certain additional retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military service or Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) and to eliminate the phase-in period under current law with respect to such concurrent receipt. Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 1/5/07). Cosponsors (195). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=9240026
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H.R.0315: Healthy Vets Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts with community health care providers to improve access to health care for veterans in highly rural areas, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Pearce, Stevan [NM-2] (introduced 1/5/07). Cosponsors (22). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9328981&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.0327: Veterans Suicide Prevention Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans. Sponsor: Rep Boswell, Leonard L. [IA-3] (introduced 1/9/07). Cosponsors (152).. Status: Became Public Law No: 110-110
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H.R.0333: Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability rated less than 50% to receive concurrent payment of both retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation, to eliminate the phase-in period for concurrent receipt, to extend eligibility for concurrent receipt and combat-related special compensation to chapter 61 disability retirees with less than 20 years of service, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Marshall, Jim [GA-8] (introduced 1/9/07). Cosponsors (91). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=9548021
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H.R.0339: Veterans Outpatient Care Access Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve access to medical services for veterans seeking treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinics with exceptionally long waiting periods. Sponsor: Rep Duncan, John J., Jr. [TN-2] (introduced 1/9/07). Cosponsors (3). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.0343: Military Retiree Health Care Relief Act of 2007. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a refundable credit to military retirees for premiums paid for coverage under Medicare Part B. Sponsor: Rep Emerson, Jo Ann [MO-8] (introduced 1/9/07). Cosponsors (9). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9329391&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.0402: Veterans’ Disability Compensation Automatic COLA Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to be made automatically by law each year in the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans. Sponsor: Rep Knollenberg, Joe [MI-09] (introduced 1/11/07). Cosponsors (37). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9330146&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id].
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H.R.0447: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that World War II merchant mariners who were awarded the Mariners Medal shall be provided eligibility for DVA health care on the same basis as veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart. Sponsor: Rep Fortenberry, Jeff [NE-1] (introduced 1/12/07). Cosponsors (1). Status Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.0463: Honor Our Commitment to Veterans Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to terminate the administrative freeze on the enrollment into the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs of veterans in the lowest priority category for enrollment (referred to as “Priority 8″). Sponsor: Rep Rothman, Steven R. [NJ-09] (introduced 1/12/07). Cosponsors (55). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.0538: South Texas Veterans Access to Care Act of 2007. To provide for the health care needs of veterans in far South Texas. Sponsor: Rep Ortiz, Solomon P. [TX-27] (introduced 1/17/07). Cosponsors (15). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.0542: A bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide mental health services in languages other than English, as needed, for veterans with limited English proficiency, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Solis, Hilda L. [CA-32] (introduced 1/17/07). Cosponsors (33). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.0551: Home Ownership for America’s Veterans Act of 2007. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Davis, Susan A. [CA-53] (introduced 1/18/07). Cosponsors (71). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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H.R.0579: Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to prohibit certain increases in fees (i.e. Tricare) for military health care. Sponsor: Rep Edwards, Chet [TX-17] (introduced 1/19/07). Cosponsors (214). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9284961&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id or http://capwiz.com/trea/issues/alert/?alertid=9289751&queueid=1050771381
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H.R.0585: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the number of individuals qualifying for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance. Sponsor: Rep Herseth, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 1/19/07). Cosponsors (4). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.0612: Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the period of eligibility for health care for combat service in the Persian Gulf War or future hostilities from two years to five years after discharge or release. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 1/22/07). Cosponsors (20). Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.0634: American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act. A bill to authorize the secretary of the Treasury to mint commemorative silver dollars that will be sold with a surcharge that will help the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation raise the money needed to construct the Disabled Veterans Memorial. Sponsor: Rep Moore, Dennis [KS-3] (introduced 1/23/07). Cosponsors 298. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416 – 0. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=9802696
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H.R.0649: Blind Veterans Fairness Act. A bill to amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to provide that annuities paid by States to blind veterans shall be disregarded in determining supplemental security income (SSI) benefits. Sponsor: Rep Reynolds, Thomas M. [NY-26] (introduced 1/24/07). Cosponsors (35). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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H.R.0650: A bill to provide for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a pilot program to determine the effectiveness of contracting for the use of private memory care facilities for veterans with Alzheimer’s Disease. Sponsor: Rep Reynolds, Thomas M. [NY-26] (introduced 1/24/07). Cosponsors (13). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.0652: A bill to make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available at a discount to certain veterans. Sponsor: Rep Reynolds, Thomas M. [NY-26] (introduced 1/24/07). Cosponsors (34). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
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H.R.0653: Combat Veteran Affidavit Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to allow the sworn affidavit of a veteran who served in combat during the Korean War or an earlier conflict to be accepted as proof of service-connection of a disease or injury alleged to have been incurred or aggravated by such service. Sponsor: Rep Reynolds, Thomas M. [NY-26] (introduced 1/24/07). Cosponsors (11). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.0657: Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for forgiveness of certain overpayments of retired pay paid to deceased retired members of the Armed Forces following their death. Sponsor: Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] (introduced 1/24/07). Cosponsors (41). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9322811&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id].
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H.R.674: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal the provision of law requiring termination of the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans as of December 31, 2009. Sponsor: Rep Gutierrez, Luis V. [IL-4] (introduced 1/24/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Status: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lamborn objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
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H.R.675: Disabled Veterans Adaptive Housing Improvement Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of assistance available to disabled veterans for specially adapted housing and to provide for annual increases in such amount. Sponsor: Rep Herseth, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 1/24/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.0690: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to reduce the minimum age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service from 60 to 55. Sponsor: Rep Saxton, Jim [NJ-3] (introduced 1/24/07). Cosponsors (146). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.0704: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to reduce from age 57 to age 55 the age after which the remarriage of the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) otherwise payable to that surviving spouse.
Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 1/29/07). Cosponsors (6). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.0737: Forgotten Veteran’s Retirement Compensation Act. A bill to correct an inequity in eligibility for military retired pay based on nonregular service in the case of certain members of the reserve components completing their reserve service before 1966. Sponsor: Rep Scott, Robert C. [VA-3] (introduced 1/30/07). Cosponsors (8). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.0760: Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to deem certain service in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts to have been active service for purposes of benefits under programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 1/31/07). Cosponsors (116). Companion bill S.0057. Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
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H.R.0784: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to change the effective date for paid-up coverage under the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). Sponsor: Rep Saxton, Jim [NJ-3] (introduced 1/31/07). Cosponsors (120). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9409496&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.0797: Veteran Vision Equity Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve compensation benefits for veterans in certain cases of impairment of vision involving both eyes, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] (introduced 2/5/07). Cosponsors 64. Status: Became Public Law No: 110-157
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H.R.0959: Forgotten Military Widows Annuity Act of 2007. A bill to expand a Department of Defense survivor annuity program (SBP) that covers unremarried surviving spouses of certain members of the uniformed services who died before October 1, 1978, to include any otherwise eligible surviving spouse who remarries after age 55 or whose remarriage before age 55 is terminated. Sponsor: Rep Saxton, Jim [NJ-3] (introduced 2/8/07). Cosponsors (none). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.0991: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals eligible for veterans health benefits to contribute to health savings accounts. Sponsor: Rep Campbell, John [CA-48] (introduced 2/12/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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H.R.1041: Veterans Health Care Full Funding Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide an enhanced funding process to ensure an adequate level of funding for veterans health care programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to establish standards of access to care for veterans seeking health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4] (introduced 2/14/07). Cosponsors (6). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.1086: Strengthening America’s Military Families Act of 2007. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income the earned income of a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in a combat zone. Sponsor: Rep Garrett, Scott [NJ-5] (introduced 2/15/07). Cosponsors (7). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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H.R.1110: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums. Sponsor: Rep Davis, Tom [VA-11] (introduced 2/16/07). Cosponsors (336). Companion bill to S.773. Status: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=9408296
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H.R.1115: A bill to amend section 1477 of title 10, United States Code, to provide additional options regarding the designation of the person to receive the death gratuity paid with respect to a member of the Armed Forces who dies without a surviving spouse, but who is survived by a minor child. Sponsor: Rep Latham, Tom [IA-4] (introduced 2/16/07). Cosponsors (30). Companion Bill is S.659. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9423396&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.1197: Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide improved benefits for veterans who are former prisoners of war. Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 2/27/07). Cosponsors (8). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.1211: Resuming Education After Defense Service Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide entitlement to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for members of the Selected Reserve who aggregate more than two years of active duty service in any five year period, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Matheson, Jim [UT-2] (introduced 2/27/07). Cosponsors (69). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.1214: Veterans’ Survivors Education Enhancement Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and enhance educational assistance for survivors and dependents of veterans. Sponsor: Rep Ramstad, Jim [MN-3] (introduced 2/27/07). Cosponsors (3). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
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H.R.1222: Keep Our Promise to America’s Military Retirees Act. A bill to restore health care coverage to retired members of the uniformed services, and for other purposes. This measure would fulfill the promises made to young recruits that quality health care would be available to them when they retired after a career in uniformed service to our country. It would also allow military retirees to opt out of the Tricare military health system and enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) plan if Tricare does not provide them adequate health care. Sponsor: Rep Van Hollen, Chris [MD-8] (introduced 2/28/07). Cosponsors (125). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.1223: Keeping Faith with the Greatest Generation Military Retirees Act. A bill to amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to waive Medicare part B premiums for certain military retirees. Sponsor: Rep Van Hollen, Chris [MD-8] (introduced 2/28/07). Cosponsors (114). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.1226: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for the basic educational assistance program of the DVA. Sponsor: Rep Johnson, Timothy V. [IL-15] (introduced 2/28/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.1265: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Equity Act of 2007. A bill to amend the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to award contracts to small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans under the section 8(a) program. Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 3/1/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
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H.R.1268: Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act. A bill to ensure dignity in care for members of the Armed Forces recovering from injuries. Sponsor: Rep Mitchell, Harry E. [AZ-5] (introduced 3/1/07). Cosponsors (37). Companion Bill is S.713. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.1272: Veterans’ Pension Improvement Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the pension program of the DVA. Sponsor: Rep Berkley, Shelley [NV-1] (introduced 3/1/07). Cosponsors (9). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.1273: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to restore plot allowance eligibility for veterans of any war and to restore the headstone or marker allowance for eligible persons. Sponsor: Rep Berkley, Shelley [NV-1] (introduced 3/1/07). Cosponsors (6). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.1284: Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007. A bill to increase, effective as of December 1, 2007, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans. Sponsor: Rep Hall, John J. [NY-19] (introduced 3/1/07). Cosponsors (14). Related bill S.423. Status: Became Public Law No: 110-111.
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H.R.1315: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide specially adaptive housing assistance to certain disabled members of the Armed Forces residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member. Sponsor: Rep Herseth, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 3/5/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held. 8/3/2007 Read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.1318: Veterans’ Benefits Protection Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal the authority for agent or attorney representation in veterans benefits cases before the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Lewis, Ron [KY-2] (introduced 3/5/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.1330: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to extend the time limit for the use of education assistance by members of the Selected Reserve and members of the reserve component supporting contingency operations and certain other operations. Sponsor: Rep Carney, Christopher P. [PA-10] (introduced 3/6/07). Cosponsors (43). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.1354: Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007. A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve benefits and services for members of the Armed Forces, veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, and other veterans, to require reports on the effects of the Global War on Terrorism, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Moran, James P. [VA-8] (introduced 3/6/07). Cosponsors (57). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.1418: Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act. A bill to provide for the expansion and improvement of traumatic brain injury programs. Sponsor: Rep Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [NJ-8] (introduced 3/8/07). Cosponsors (47). Companion bill to S.793. Status: 4/8/08 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 349. Note: For further action, see S.793 which became Public Law 110-206 on 4/28/08.
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H.R.1426: Veterans’ Access to Local Health Care Options and Resources Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide veterans enrolled in the health system of the DVA the option of receiving covered health services through facilities other than those of the Department. Sponsor: Rep Latham, Tom [IA-4] (introduced 3/9/07). Cosponsors (13). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held. Companion bill to S.815. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9697361&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.1428: National Guard and Reserve Retirement Modernization Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to reduce the eligibility age for receipt of non-regular military service retired pay for members of the Ready Reserve in active federal status or on active duty for significant periods. Sponsor: Rep Latham, Tom [IA-4] (introduced 3/9/07). Cosponsors (42). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.1435: Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Backlog Reduction Act of 2007. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a pilot program to reduce the backlog of claims for benefits pending with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Baca, Joe [CA-43] (introduced 3/9/07). Cosponsors (19). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.1436: Retired Pay Restoration Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit certain retired members of the uniformed services who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the DVA for their disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military service or Combat-Related Special Compensation. It would eliminate the phase-in period for retirees who are paid at the 100%-disabled rate due to individual unemployability (IU). It also would extend concurrent receipt (CRDP)to otherwise-qualified disabled retirees with disabilities rated less than 50%. Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 3/9/07). Cosponsors (19). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.1444: A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make interim benefit payments under certain remanded claims, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Hall, John J. [NY-19] (introduced 3/9/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.1470: Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act. A bill to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 to require the provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 3/12/07). Cosponsors (16). Related bills H.R.1471 & H.R.1554. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9814161&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.1471: BACK Veterans Health Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to permit eligible veterans to receive direct access to chiropractic care. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 3/12/07). Cosponsors (4). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.1477: Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to extend military commissary and exchange store privileges to veterans with a compensable service-connected disability and to their dependents. Sponsor: Rep Fortenberry, Jeff [NE-1] (introduced 3/12/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.1490: A bill to provide for a presumption of service-connectedness for certain claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Donnelly, Joe [IN-2] (by request) (introduced 3/13/07). Cosponsors (19). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.1521: Universal Health Act of 2007: Repeal of the Late Enrollment Penalty in Medicare Part D. A bill to amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove the Medicare prescription drug benefit late enrollment penalty. Sponsor: Rep Kagen, Steve, M.D. [WI-8] (introduced 3/14/07). Cosponsors (26). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.1527: Rural Veterans Access to Care Act . A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to allow highly rural veterans enrolled in the health system of the Department of Veterans Affairs to receive covered health services through providers other than those of the Department, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Moran, Jerry [KS-1] (introduced 3/14/07). Cosponsors (28). Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
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H.R.1536: Prescription Coverage Now Act of 2007. A bill to amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to assist low-income individuals in obtaining subsidized prescription drug coverage under the Medicare prescription drug program by expediting the application and qualification process and by revising the resource standards used to determine eligibility for such subsidies, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Doggett, Lloyd [TX-25] (introduced 3/15/07). Cosponsors (172). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.1538: Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the management of medical care, personnel actions, and quality of life issues for members of the Armed Forces who are receiving medical care in an outpatient status, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Skelton, Ike [MO-4] (introduced 3/15/07). Cosponsors (28). Related bill S.1283. Status: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. To support this bill and/or contact your Senator refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9600206&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.1552: Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2007. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize physical therapists to evaluate and treat Medicare beneficiaries without a requirement for a physician referral, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Pomeroy, Earl [ND] (introduced 3/15/07). Cosponsors (149). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.1554: Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act. A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a plan to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits for certain new beneficiaries as part of the TRICARE program. Sponsor: Rep Rogers, Mike D. [AL-3] (introduced 3/15/07). Cosponsors (18). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.1570: Bataan Death March Compensation Act. A bill to provide compensation for certain World War II veterans who survived the Bataan Death March and were held as prisoners of war by the Japanese. Sponsor: Rep Mica, John L. [FL-7] (introduced 3/19/07). Cosponsors (4). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.1589: Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act . A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal the offset from surviving spouse annuities under the military Survivor Benefit Plan for amounts paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as dependency and indemnity compensation, to repeal the optional annuity authority for the dependent children of a member when there is an eligible surviving spouse, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Brown, Henry E., Jr. [SC-1] (introduced 3/20/07). Cosponsors (127). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9550256&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.1660: A bill to direct the VA Secretary to establish a national cemetery for veterans in the southern Colorado region. Sponsor: Rep Salazar, John T. [CO-3] (introduced 3/22/07). Cosponsors (8). Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.1710: A bill to modify the calculation of back pay for persons who were approved for promotion as members of the Navy and Marine Corps while interned as prisoners of war during World War II to take into account changes in the Consumer Price Index. Sponsor: Rep Hooley, Darlene [OR-5] (introduced 3/27/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.1732: A bill to provide alternative retired pay rates under title 10, United States Code, and alternative disability compensation rates under title 38, United States Code, for members of the Armed Forces with a combat-related disability, with such rates based on the average monthly salary for high school graduates in the U.S., and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. [MD-6] (introduced 3/28/07). Cosponsors (36). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.1745: Uniting America’s Military Families Act of 2007. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive inadmissibility based on a misrepresentation in the case of an immediate relative of an active duty or reserve member of the Armed Forces and to extend the V nonimmigrant visa program for spouses and children of such a member. Sponsor: Rep Ortiz, Solomon P. [TX-27] (introduced 3/28/07). Cosponsors (19). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.
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H.R.1750: A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend from 90 days to one year the period after release of a member of the Armed Forces from active duty during which the member is protected from mortgage foreclosure under that Act. Sponsor: Rep Wynn, Albert Russell [MD-4] (introduced 3/28/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
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H.R.1863: A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct at two-year pilot program to use a mobile processing unit to perform certain services of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sponsor: Rep Lamborn, Doug [CO-5] (introduced 4/17/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.1864: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide for the automated processing of veterans disability compensation claims. Sponsor: Rep Lamborn, Doug [CO-5] (introduced 4/17/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.1900: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend eligibility for pension benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans who received an expeditionary medal during a period of military service other than a period of war. Sponsor: Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3] (introduced 4/17/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.1901: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend eligibility for pension benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans who served during certain periods of time in specified locations. Sponsor: Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3] (introduced 4/17/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.1912: Medicare Hearing Enhancement and Auditory Rehabilitation (HEAR) Act of 2007. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to cover hearing aids and auditory rehabilitation services under the Medicare Program. Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 4/18/07). Cosponsors (6). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.1925: A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a separate Veterans Integrated Service Network for the Gulf Coast region of the United States. Sponsor: Rep Miller, Jeff [FL-1] (introduced 4/18/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.1927: The Military Retiree Survivor Equity Act. A bill to repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan by veterans dependency and indemnity compensation, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Ortiz, Solomon P. [TX-27] (introduced 4/18/07). Cosponsors (128). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Companion Bill is S.0935. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/bills/?bill=9660951
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H.R.1944: Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to screen certain veterans for symptoms of traumatic brain injury, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Altmire, Jason [PA-4] (introduced 4/19/07). Cosponsors (71). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.1953: Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act. A bill to require the establishment of a Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers to compute cost-of-living increases for Social Security benefits under title II of the Social Security Act. Sponsor: Rep Gonzalez, Charles A. [TX-20] (introduced 4/19/07). Cosponsors (22). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.
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H.R.1960: A Home for the Brave Act. A bill to amend the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to allow community reinvestment credit for investments and other financial support to enable veterans to purchase residential homes or to assist organizations with the establishment of housing opportunities and assisted living facilities for veterans. Sponsor: Rep Lynch, Stephen F. [MA-9] (introduced 4/19/07). Cosponsors (13). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
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H.R.1969: Montgomery G.I. Bill Improvement Act of 2007. A bill to exempt from payment of individual contributions under the Montgomery GI Bill enlisted members of the Armed Forces in pay grade E-5 or below and to provide an opportunity for members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty to withdraw an election not to enroll in education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill. Sponsor: Rep Terry, Lee [NE-2] (introduced 4/19/07). Cosponsors (5). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
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H.R.2005: Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve health care for veterans who live in rural areas, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Salazar, John T. [CO-3] (introduced 4/23/07). Cosponsors (48). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.2026: Disabled Veterans Insurance Act of 2007. A bill to amend section 1922A of title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of supplemental insurance available for totally disabled veterans. Sponsor: Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] (introduced 4/25/07). Cosponsors (3). Companion bill S.1315. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.2027: Military Pay Improvement Act of 2007. A bill to provide an additional 0.5 percent increase in the rates of military basic pay for members of the uniformed services above the pay increase proposed by the Department of Defense so as to ensure at least a minimum pay increase of 3.5 percent for members and to further narrow the “pay gap” that exists between the military and private sector pay scales. Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 4/25/07). Cosponsors (12). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2044: Cadet and Midshipman Disability Fairness Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to extend eligibility for disability retired pay and separation pay to former cadets and midshipmen with prior enlisted service who incurred physical disabilities after January 1, 2000. Sponsor: Rep Stupak, Bart [MI-1] (introduced 4/25/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2048: Traumatic Brain Injury Access to Options Act. A bill to facilitate the provision of care and services for members of the Armed Forces for traumatic brain injury, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Donnelly, Joe [IN-2] (introduced 4/26/07). Cosponsors (9). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2059: A bill to amend title 32, United States Code, to provide members of the National Guard additional time to transition to civilian life when they return from active duty in support of contingency operations or homeland defense missions. Sponsor: Rep Hooley, Darlene [OR-5] (introduced 4/26/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2064: Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to require emergency contraception to be available at all military health care treatment facilities. Sponsor: Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2] (introduced 4/26/07). Cosponsors (66). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2179: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish traumatic brain injury centers. Sponsor: Rep Walz, Timothy J. [MN-1] (introduced 5/3/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.2189: Military Health Services Improvement Act of 2007. A bill to require pre-and post-deployment mental health screenings for members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep DeLauro, Rosa L. [CT-3] (introduced 5/7/07). Cosponsors (49). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2190: Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans. Sponsor: Rep Donnelly, Joe [IN-2] (introduced 5/7/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.2192: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an Ombudsman within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Hodes, Paul W. [NH-2] (introduced 5/7/07). Cosponsors (44). 7/29/08 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 - 0 (Roll no. 536).
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H.R.2195: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the education loan repayment program for members of the Selected Reserve. Sponsor: Rep Murphy, Patrick J. [PA-8] (introduced 5/7/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2219: Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline Act of 2007. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award a grant to a private, nonprofit entity to establish, publicize, and operate a national toll-free suicide prevention telephone hotline targeted to and staffed by veterans of the Armed Forces. Sponsor: Rep Moran, James P. [VA-8] (introduced 5/8/07). Cosponsors (29). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.2226: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to provide readjustment counseling and related mental health services to veterans through the use of mobile centers. Sponsor: Rep Welch, Peter [VT] (introduced 5/8/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.2239: Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act . A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Boozman, John [AR-3] (introduced 5/9/07). Cosponsors (5). Status: Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.2247: Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007. A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to repeal the 10-year limit on use of Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance benefits, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Larsen, Rick [WA-2] (introduced 5/9/07). Cosponsors (14). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2257: A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the number of benefits claims representatives employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and to ensure that there are not fewer than two such claims representatives located at each center for the provision of readjustment counseling and related mental health services established under section 1712A of title 38, United States Code (commonly referred to as a “vet center”), to help reduce the backlog of claims pending with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Welch, Peter [VT] (introduced 5/9/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.2259: A bill to ensure that members of the National Guard and Reserves are able to fully participate in the benefits delivery at discharge program administered jointly by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide information and assistance on available benefits and other transition assistance to members of the Armed Forces who are separating from the Armed Forces. Sponsor: Rep Welch, Peter [VT] (introduced 5/9/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2267: A bill to expand retroactive eligibility of the Army Combat Action Badge to include members of the Army who participated in combat during which they personally engaged, or were personally engaged by, the enemy at any time on or after December 7, 1941. Sponsor: Rep Brown-Waite, Ginny [FL-5] (introduced 5/10/07). Cosponsors (28). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2292 : Pay Veterans First Act. A bill to prohibit the payment of bonuses to certain officers of the Department of Veterans Affairs unless fewer than 100,000 disability compensation claims are pending before the Department. Sponsor: Rep Hall, John J. [NY-19] (introduced 5/14/07). Cosponsors (20). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
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H.R.2319: TRICARE Mail-Order Pharmacy Pilot Program Act. A bill to establish a Mail-Order Pharmacy Pilot Program. Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 5/15/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2330: VETS Act of 2007. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow employers a credit against income tax for hiring veterans. Sponsor: Rep McCotter, Thaddeus G. [MI-11] (introduced 5/15/07). Cosponsors (18). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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H.R.2346: A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a process for determining whether a geographic area is sufficiently served by the national cemeteries located in that geographic area. Sponsor: Rep Fossella, Vito [NY-13] (introduced 5/16/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.2355: Reservists and Guardsmen Tax Relief Act of 2007. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the authority for penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans by military reservists or national guardsmen called to active duty for extended periods. Sponsor: Rep Weldon, Dave [FL-15] (introduced 5/16/2007). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.2378: Services to Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a financial assistance program to facilitate the provision of supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 5/17/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held. ****************
H.R.2385: 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007. A bill to provide and enhance education, housing, and entrepreneur assistance for veterans who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Murphy, Patrick J. [PA-8] (introduced 5/17/07). Cosponsors (6). Companion bill S.1401. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2417: Montgomery GI Bill Second Chance Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, and title 10, United States Code, to provide for an opportunity for active duty personnel to withdraw an election not to participate in the program of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill. Sponsor: Rep Visclosky, Peter J. [IN-1] (introduced 5/21/07). Cosponsors (60). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2434: Veterans Right to Know Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide regular notice to individuals submitting claims for benefits administered by the Secretary on the status of such claims. Sponsor: Rep Drake, Thelma D. [VA-2] (introduced 5/22/07). Cosponsors (5). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.2475: Veteran Home Equity Conversation Mortgage Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to guarantee home equity conversion mortgages for elderly veteran homeowners. Sponsor: Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2] (introduced 5/24/07). Cosponsors (3). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.2495: Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to extend military commissary and exchange store privileges to veterans with a compensable service-connected disability and to their dependents. Sponsor: Rep Burton, Dan [IN-5] (introduced 5/24/2007). Cosponsors (24). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9899926&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.2514: Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an assured adequate level of funding for veterans health care. Sponsor: Rep Hare, Phil [IL-17] (introduced 5/24/07). Cosponsors (125). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.2540: Honoring Existing Retirement Obligations for Every Servicemember Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United State Code to provide for the treatment of period of service in uniformed services as continued employment for purposes of pension and retirement benefits for individuals who die during the period of service. Sponsor: Rep Pomeroy, Earl [ND] (introduced 5/24/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.2551: A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in Sarpy County, Nebraska, to serve veterans in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. Sponsor: Rep Terry, Lee [NE-2] (introduced 5/24/07). Cosponsors (3). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.2585: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to modify Medicare physician reimbursement policies to ensure a future physician workforce, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Burgess, Michael C. [TX-26] (introduced 6/6/07). Cosponsors (23). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. To support this bill and/or contact your legislators refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=11183941&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id] or http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/alert/?alertid=10534466
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H.R.2612: Mental Health Care for Our Wounded Warriors Act. A bill to improve mental health care for wounded members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Davis, Susan A. [CA-53] (introduced 6/7/07).Cosponsors (16). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=9914821&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.2623: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the collection of copayments for all hospice care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Miller, Jeff [FL-1] (introduced 6/7/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: 8/3/2007 Referred to Senate committee/
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H.R.2642: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2008. A bill to make appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Edwards, Chet [TX-17] (introduced 6/11/07). Cosponsors (None). Received in the Senate 6/18/07. Read twice. Resolving differences 9/6/2007 — Senate actions. Status: Senate insists on its amendment, asks for a conference, appoints conferees Johnson; Inouye; Landrieu; Byrd; Murray; Reed; Nelson NE; Leahy; Hutchison; Craig; Brownback; Allard; McConnell; Bennett; Cochran. Note: FY2008 appropriations for military construction and veterans affairs were incorporated as Division B in the H.R. 3043 conference report but subsequently removed from the bill. For further action, see H.R. 2764, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008.
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H.R.2689: A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program for the provision of readjustment and mental health services to veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Rodriguez, Ciro D. [TX-23] (introduced 6/12/07). Cosponsors (11). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.2696: Veterans’ Dignified Burial Assistance Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase assistance for veterans interred in cemeteries other than national cemeteries, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Lamborn, Doug [CO-5] (introduced 6/13/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.2697: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for veterans’ mortgage life insurance to include members of the Armed Forces receiving specially adapted housing assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Lamborn, Doug [CO-5] (introduced 6/13/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.2699: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal authority for adjustments to per diem payments to homeless veterans service centers for receipt of other sources of income, to extend authorities for certain programs to benefit homeless veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Murphy, Patrick J. [PA-8] (introduced 6/13/07). Cosponsors (3). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.2702: Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a program of educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Scott, Robert C. [VA-3] (introduced 6/13/07). Cosponsors (126). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
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H.R.2721: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop, and the Secretary of Defense to distribute to members of the Armed Forces upon their discharge or release from active duty, information in a compact disk read-only memory format that lists and explains the health, education, and other benefits for which veterans are eligible under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Cardoza, Dennis A. [CA-18] (introduced 6/14/07).Cosponsors (16). Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote
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H.R.2795: Reasonable Rates for Veterans Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to set the rate of reimbursement under the beneficiary travel program of the Department of Veterans Affairs at $0.21 per mile. Sponsor: Rep Pearce, Stevan [NM-2] (introduced 6/20/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.2855: Wounded Heroes’ Bill of Rights Act. A bill to provide for transitional emergency assistance to certain members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are severely injured while serving on active duty, to expand and improve programs for caregiver services for those members and veterans, to require improved screening and care for traumatic brain injury for returning servicemembers and veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Rodriguez, Ciro D. [TX-23] (introduced 6/25/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2874: Veterans’ Health Care Improvement Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the provision of health care to veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2] (introduced 6/27/07). Cosponsors (23). Status: Read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.2910: VETS Act of 2007. A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for reimbursement to members of the Armed Forces of tuition for programs of education delayed by military service, for deferment of students loans and reduced interest rates for members of the Armed Forces during periods of military service, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Davis, Susan A. [CA-53] (introduced 6/28/07). Cosponsors (78). Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
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H.R.2943: Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements Act of 2007. A bill to amend titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act to provide for treatment of disability rated and certified as total by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as disability for purposes of such titles. Sponsor: Rep Sarbanes, John P. [MD-3] (introduced 6/28/07). Cosponsors (107). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=10020981&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.2996: Military Retiree Dislocation Assistance Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 37, United States Code, to provide a dislocation allowance under section 407 of such title to retired members of the uniformed services, including members placed on the temporary disability retired list, moving from their last duty station to their designated home. Sponsor: Rep Drake, Thelma D. [VA-2] (introduced 7/11/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.3008: Rural Veterans Services Outreach and Training Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve services for veterans residing in rural areas. Sponsor: Rep Wu, David [OR-1] (introduced 7/11/07). Cosponsors (28). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.3040: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide additional educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math.
Sponsor: Rep Space, Zachary T. [OH-18] (introduced 7/12/07).Cosponsors (10). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.3046: Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2007. A bill to amend the Social Security Act to enhance Social Security account number privacy protections, to prevent fraudulent misuse of the Social Security account number, and to otherwise enhance protection against identity theft, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep McNulty, Michael R. [NY-21] (introduced 7/16/07). Cosponsors (53). Status: 9/24/2007 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 210.
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H.R.3047: Veterans Claims Processing Innovation Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the processing of claims for benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Lamborn, Doug [CO-5] (introduced 7/16/07). Cosponsors (26). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held..
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H.R.3070: Disabled Veterans’ Caregiver Compensation Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize additional compensation to be paid to certain veterans in receipt of compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for whom a family member dependent on the veteran for support provides care. Sponsor: Rep Peterson, Collin C. [MN-7] (introduced 7/17/07). Cosponsors (none). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.3099: National Guard and Reserve Higher Education Fairness Act. A bill to amend title 10, to permit members of the Selected Reserves and members of the reserve component to renter their military service and receive chapter 1607 education benefits if that member has earned such benefit before originally separating from service. Sponsor: Rep Carney, Christopher P. [PA-10] (introduced 7/19/07). Cosponsors (68). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.3103: Veteran’s Choice in Nursing Home Care Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide partial payment for nursing home care to eligible veterans at a non-Department of Veterans Affairs nursing home of the veteran’s choice, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Drake, Thelma D. [VA-2] (introduced 7/19/07). Cosponsors (4). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.3128: A bill to direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on the feasibility of using military identification numbers instead of social security numbers to identify members of the Armed Forces. Sponsor: Rep Gohmert, Louie [TX-1] (introduced 7/23/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.3191: Wounded Warrior Information Sharing Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the transfer of certain contact information for a member of the Armed Forces who is being medically separated or retired under chapter 61 of such title to the department or agency for veterans affairs of the State in which the member intends to reside. Sponsor: Rep Courtney, Joe [CT-2] (introduced 7/26/07). Cosponsors (43). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.3210: Wounded Warriors Expansion of Care Act of 2007. A bill to provide medical care and other benefits for members and former members of the Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses. Sponsor: Rep Donnelly, Joe [IN-2] (introduced 7/27/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.3249: Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase burial benefits for veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Berkley, Shelley [NV-1] (introduced 7/31/07). Cosponsors (25). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.3286: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to reduce the period of time for which a veteran must be totally disabled before the veteran’s survivors are eligible for the benefits provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for survivors of certain veterans rated totally disabled at time of death. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 8/1/07). Cosponsors (5). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.3298: 21st Century Servicemembers Protection Act. A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow individuals called to military service to terminate or suspend certain service contracts entered into before the individual receives notice of a permanent change of station or deployment orders and to provide penalties for violations of interest rate limitations. Sponsor: Rep Murphy, Patrick J. [PA-8] (introduced 8/1/07). Cosponsors (89). Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
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H.R.3329: Homes for Heroes Act of 2007. A bill to provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans. Sponsor: Rep Green, Al [TX-9] (introduced 8/2/07). Cosponsors (54). Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
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H.R.3380: A bill to amend title 4, United States Code, to prescribe that members of the Armed Forces and veterans out of uniform may render the military salute during hoisting, lowering, or passing of flag. Sponsor: Rep Boren, Dan [OK-2] (introduced 8/3/07). Cosponsors (21). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
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H.R.3393: Reservist Access to Justice Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve veterans’ reemployment rights under chapter 43 of such title, to exempt claims brought under that chapter from arbitration under chapter 1 of title 9 of such Code, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Davis, Artur [AL-7] (introduced 8/3/07). Cosponsors (13). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.3415: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the placement in a national cemetery of memorial markers for the purpose of commemorating servicemembers or other persons whose remains are interred in an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery. Sponsor: Rep Langevin, James R. [RI-2] (introduced 8/3/07). Cosponsors (4). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.3423: United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act. A bill to provide that service of the members of the organization known as the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II constituted active military service for purposes of laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Lowey, Nita M. [NY-18] (introduced 8/3/07). Cosponsors (14). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.3429: Hire a Hero Act . A bill to authorize a competitive grant program to assist members of the National Guard and Reserve and former and current members of the Armed Forces in securing employment in the private sector, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Murphy, Patrick J. [PA-8] (introduced 8/3/07). Cosponsors (29). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.3449: Guard and Reserve Early Retirement Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide eligibility for reduced non-regular service military retired pay before age 60, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] (introduced 8/3/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.3458: A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program on the provision of traumatic brain injury care in rural areas. Sponsor: Rep Capito, Shelley Moore [WV-2] (introduced 8/4/07). Cosponsors (6). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.3467: Second Chance for America’s Veterans Act. To expand and extend counseling and referral programs that minimize recidivism by reintegrating at-risk veterans into meaningful employment. Sponsor: Rep Yarmuth, John A. [KY-3] (introduced 8/4/07). Cosponsors (4). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.3471: Atomic Veterans Medal Act of 2007. A bill to provide for the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of participation in a test of atomic weapons. Sponsor: Rep Tiahrt, Todd [KS-4] (introduced 9/4/07). Cosponsors (15). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.3581: A bill to clarify the roles of the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs disability evaluation systems for retirement and compensation of members of the Armed Forces for disability, to require the development of a single physical exam that can be used to determine both fitness for duty and disability ratings, to standardize fitness testing among the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] (introduced 9/19/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.3620: Homecoming Enhancement Research and Oversight Act. A bill to provide for a comprehensive national research effort on the physical and mental health and other readjustment needs of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and their families. Sponsor: Rep Kilpatrick, Carolyn C. [MI-13] (introduced 9/20/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.3645: Healthier Heroes Act. A bill to implement recommendations of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors. Sponsor: Rep Space, Zachary T. [OH-18] (introduced 9/24/07). Cosponsors (16). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.3646: A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor to conduct a joint study on the fields of employment for which the greatest need for employees exists in various geographic areas. Sponsor: Rep Stearns, Cliff [FL-6] (introduced 9/24/07). Cosponsors (45). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.3681: Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to advertise in the national media to promote awareness of benefits under laws administered by the Secretary. Sponsor: Rep Boozman, John [AR-3] (introduced 9/27/07). Cosponsors (10). Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.3786: Servicemembers Telecom Contract Relief Act. A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow individuals called to military service to terminate telecommunications contracts entered into before the individual receives notice of a permanent change of station or deployment orders. Sponsor: Rep Lofgren, Zoe [CA-16] (introduced 10/9/07). Cosponsors (9). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.3793: A bill to amend title 37, United States Code, to require the continued payment to a member of the uniformed services who dies or is retired or separated under chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code, bonuses and similar benefits that the member was entitled to before the death, retirement, or separation of the member and would be paid if the member had not died, retired, or separated, to prohibit requiring the member to repay any portion of the bonuses or similar benefits previously paid, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Altmire, Jason [PA-4] (introduced 10/10/07). Cosponsors (277). Latest Major Action: 12/19/2007 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 554.
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H.R.3794: Recognition of Forgotten Atomic Veterans and their Surviving Spouses Act of 2007. A bill to improve the availability of benefits for veterans and the surviving spouses of veterans who were exposed while in military service to ionizing radiation, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 10/10/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.
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H.R.3795: You Were There, You Get Care Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that veterans of service in the 1991 Persian Gulf War and subsequent conflicts shall be considered to be radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of the service-connection of certain diseases and disabilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 10/10/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.3798: National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for employment and reemployment rights for certain individuals ordered to full-time National Guard duty. Sponsor: Rep Hayes, Robin [NC-8] (introduced 10/10/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/ngaus/mailapp/
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H.R.3819: Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse veterans receiving emergency treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities for such treatment until such veterans are transferred to Department facilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Space, Zachary T. [OH-18] (introduced 10/10/07). Cosponsors (45). Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Companion bill S.2674. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=11330081&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id].
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H.R.3882: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to change the length of the obligated period of service on active duty required for receiving certain education benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Walz, Timothy J. [MN-1] (introduced 10/17/07). Cosponsors (130). Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
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H.R.3889: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary. Sponsor: Rep Boozman, John [AR-3] (introduced 10/18/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.3954: Providing Military Honors for our Nation’s Heroes Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse certain volunteers who provide funeral honors details at the funerals of veterans. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 10/24/07). Cosponsors (2). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.3991: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to extend the time limit for the use of education benefits by members of the Selected Reserve and certain members of the reserve component, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Stupak, Bart [MI-1] (introduced 10/29/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
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H.R.4007: Amerasian Paternity Recognition Act. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide citizenship for certain children of United States servicemen born overseas during the Vietnam and Korean Wars. Sponsor: Rep Lofgren, Zoe [CA-16] (introduced 10/30/07). Cosponsors (8). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.
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H.R.4052: Atomic Veterans Relief Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to revise the eligibility criteria for presumption of service-connection of certain diseases and disabilities for veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during military service, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Abercrombie, Neil [HI-1] (introduced 11/1/07). Cosponsors (13). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.4053: Mental Health Improvements Act of 2007. A bill to improve the treatment and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Berkley, Shelley [NV-1] (introduced 11/1/07). Cosponsors (22). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.4071: Disabled Veterans Right to Commissaries and Space Available Travel Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to support disabled veterans by extending military commissary and exchange store privileges to such veterans and their dependents and by authorizing space-available travel on military aircraft for such veterans and their dependents. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 11/5/07). Cosponsors (8). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.4084: Veterans Quality of Life Study Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require a study on the Department of Veterans Affairs schedule for rating disabilities, to provide for the treatment of claims under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in the case of the death of a claimant, to require an annual report on the workload of the Court of Appeals for Veteran Claims, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Hall, John J. [NY-19] (introduced 11/6/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.4107: Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to women veterans, especially those serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 11/7/07). Cosponsors (19). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.4116: A bill to provide for the issuance of a veterans health care stamp. Sponsor: Rep Burgess, Michael C. [TX-26] (introduced 11/8/07). Cosponsors (35). Status: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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H.R.4130: Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for certain servicemembers to become eligible for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill. Sponsor: Rep Walberg, Timothy [MI-7] (introduced 11/9/07). Cosponsors (22). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.4141: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a plot allowance for spouses and children of certain veterans who are buried in State cemeteries. Sponsor: Rep Garrett, Scott [NJ-5] (introduced 11/9/07). Cosponsors (40). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.4142: Improving Medication Access for Veterans Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to permit medicare-eligible veterans to receive an out-patient medication benefit, to provide that certain veterans who receive such benefit are not otherwise eligible for medical care and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Garrett, Scott [NJ-5] (introduced 11/9/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.4148: National Guard and Reserve Active Duty Higher Education Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the eligibility of reserve component members supporting contingency operations for educational assistance based on cumulative days of active duty service. Sponsor: Rep Lampson, Nick [TX-22] (introduced 11/9/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.4204: Veterans Suicide Study Act. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on suicides among veterans. Sponsor: Rep Boswell, Leonard L. [IA-3] (introduced 11/15/07). Cosponsors (67). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.4219: Immediate Benefits for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assign a temporary disability rating to certain members of the Armed Forces upon separation, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Donnelly, Joe [IN-2] (introduced 11/15/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.4231: Rural Veterans Health Care Access Act of 2007. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to provide mental health services to certain veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sponsor: Rep Kagen, Steve [WI-8] (introduced 11/15/07). Cosponsors (33). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.4247: STRONGR Act. A bill to improve certain compensation, health care, and education benefits for individuals who serve in a reserve component of the uniformed services, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Smith, Adam [WA-9] (introduced 11/15/07). Cosponsors (19). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.4253: Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 2007. A bill to improve and expand small business assistance programs for veterans of the armed forces and military reservists, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Altmire, Jason [PA-4] (introduced 12/4/07). Cosponsors (3). Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 110-186.
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H.R.4274: Gold Star Parents Annuity Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the payment of a monthly stipend to the surviving parents (known as “Gold Star parents”) of members of the Armed Forces who die during a period of war. Sponsor: Rep Walsh, James T. [NY-25] (introduced 12/4/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.4334: A bill to amend title 37, United States Code, to ensure that a member of the uniformed services who no longer satisfies the eligibility conditions for receipt of a bonus or similar benefit because of the death of the member or the retirement or separation of the member due to injury, illness, or other impairment will still receive the balance of the bonus or similar benefit and is not required to repay any portion of the bonus or similar benefit previously paid. Sponsor: Rep McHugh, John M. [NY-23] (introduced 12/6/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
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H.R.4463: Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the quality of care provided to veterans in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, to encourage highly qualified doctors to serve in hard-to-fill positions in such medical facilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Costello, Jerry F. [IL-12] (introduced 12/12/07). Cosponsors (3). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.4539: Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Cost Reduction Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to the housing loan benefit program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 12/13/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.4720: In Memory Medal for Forgotten Veterans Act. A bill to direct the Secretary of Defense to issue a medal to certain veterans who died after their service in the Vietnam War as a direct result of that service. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 12/17/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
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H.R.4750: Tax Relief and Fulfilling Our Obligation to Patriotic Soldiers Act of 2007. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income any enlistment, accession, reenlistment, retention, or incentive bonus paid to a member of the Armed Forces and to amend title 37, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Defense to continue to pay to a member of the Armed Forces who is retired or separated from the Armed Forces due to a combat-related injury certain bonuses that the member was entitled to before the retirement or separation and would continue to be entitled to if the member was not retired or separated. Sponsor: Rep King, Peter T. [NY-3] (introduced 12/17/07). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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H.R.4781: A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from authorizing honor guards to participate in funerals of veterans interred in national cemeteries unless the honor guards agree to offer veterans’ families the option of having the honor guard perform a 13-fold flag recitation, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (introduced 12/18/07). Cosponsors (37). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.4883: A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for a limitation on the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property owned by a servicemember during the one-year period following the servicemember’s period of military service. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 12/19/07). Cosponsors (18). Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
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H.R.4884: Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the home loan guaranty programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 12/19/07). Cosponsors (27). Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
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H.R.4889: The Guard and Reserves Are Fighting Too Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to recodify as part of that title chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 12/19/07). Cosponsors (1). Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
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H.R.4915: VALOR Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand access to hospital care for veterans in urban areas, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Pryce, Deborah [OH-15] (introduced 12/19/07). Cosponsors (16). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.4930: National Guardsmen and Reservists Parity for Patriots Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who have served on active duty or performed active service since September 11, 2001, in support of a contingency operation or in other emergency situations receive credit for such service in determining eligibility for early receipt of non-regular service retired pay, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] (introduced 12/19/07). Cosponsors (79). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services
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H.R.4973: A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide criminal penalties for the destruction of memorials, headstones, markers, and graves commemorating persons serving in the Armed Forces on private property. Sponsor: Rep Poe, Ted [TX-2] (introduced 1/15/08). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
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H.R.4992: Medicare Improvement Act of 2007. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of federally recommended vaccines under Medicare part B. Sponsor: Rep Waxman, Henry A. [CA-30] (introduced 1/16/08). Cosponsors (2). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.5034: Veterans Education Benefits Extension Act of 2008. A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to extend the time periods of for the use of educational assistance benefits to which certain veterans and members of the reserve components are entitled under such titles. Sponsor: Rep McNerney, Jerry [CA-11] (introduced 1/17/08). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.5089: Veterans Disability Reform Act of 2007. A bill to reform the veterans’ disability determination process by requiring the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay disability compensation to certain veterans based on the concurring diagnosis of two physicians. Sponsor: Rep Barrow, John [GA-12] (introduced 1/22/08). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.5125: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustment for certain local areas with VA medical centers and for certain contiguous areas. Sponsor: Rep Israel, Steve [NY-2] (introduced 1/23/08). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.5130: A bill to provide for the payment of interest on claims paid by the United States in connection with the correction of military records when a military corrections board sets aside a conviction by court-martial. Sponsor: Rep McDermott, Jim [WA-7] (introduced 1/23/08). Cosponsors (18). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
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H.R.5131: Lance Corporal Jeremy Burris Act. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide criminal penalties for the destruction of memorials, headstones, markers, and graves commemorating persons serving in the Armed Forces on private property. Sponsor: Rep Poe, Ted [TX-2] (introduced 1/23/08). Cosponsors (58). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
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H.R.5148: Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain debts owed to the United States by members of the Armed Forces and veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a combat zone, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Neugebauer, Randy [TX-19] (introduced 1/28/08). Cosponsors (58). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.5155: Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain debts to the United States in the case of veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated on active duty in a combat zone, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Shea-Porter, Carol [NH-1] (introduced 1/29/08). Cosponsors (16). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.5229: Montgomery GI Bill Educational Assistance Transferability Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to remove certain limitations on the transfer of entitlement to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. [MD-6] (introduced 2/6/08). Cosponsors (58). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.5316: Universal Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide recovery rebates to certain individuals receiving Social Security or certain veterans benefits. Sponsor: Rep Walz, Timothy J. [MN-1] (introduced 2/7/08). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means
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H.R.5441: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code,to extend the special survivor indemnity allowance to survivors of certain members of the Armed Forces who die on active duty. Sponsor: Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] (introduced 2/14/08). Cosponsors (10). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. To support amending section 644 of the 2008 NDAA to include Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance for survivors of active duty personnel with this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=10998926
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H.R.5448: Full Faith in Veterans Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the disability compensation evaluation procedure of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Allen, Thomas H. [ME-1] (introduced 2/14/08). Cosponsors (25). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.5454: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a presumption of service connection of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for purposes of the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sponsor: Rep Brown, Henry E., Jr. [SC-1] (introduced 2/14/08). Cosponsors (45). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.5462: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to deny Federal funds for any State or city, county, or other political subdivision of a State that prohibits or unduly restricts the establishment or operation of a military recruiting office. Sponsor: Rep Gohmert, Louie [TX-1] (introduced 2/14/08). Cosponsors (47). Status: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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H.R.5474: Student Veteran Financial Aid Fairness Act of 2008. A bill to prevent payments of educational assistance for veterans and members of the Selected Reserve from being offset in the calculation of financial aid under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Sponsor: Rep Mitchell, Harry E. [AZ-5] (introduced 2/19/08). Cosponsors (2). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
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H.R.5509: Noble Warrior Act. A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve and enhance procedures for the retirement of members of the Armed Forces for disability and to improve and enhance authorities for the rating and compensation of service-connected disabilities in veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 2/28/08). Cosponsors (2). Status: Referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Companion bill S2674. To oppose this bill and contact your representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=11114251&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.5554: Veterans Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs for substance use disorders, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2] (introduced 3/6/08). Cosponsors (16). Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.5561: Veterans Mortgage Stimulus Clarification Act of 2008. A bill to amend the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to provide for a temporary increase in the maximum loan guaranty amount for housing loans guaranteed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 3/10/08). Cosponsors (17). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.5566: A bill to amend the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to provide for a temporary increase in the maximum loan guaranty amount for housing loans guaranteed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Capito, Shelley Moore [WV-2] (introduced 3/10/08). Cosponsors (3). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
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H.R.5576: Veteran Claims Backlog Reduction Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the claims processing of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 3/11/2008). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.5595: Make Our Veterans Smile Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide dental care to veterans with service-connected disabilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Carney, Christopher P. [PA-10] (introduced 3/12/08). Cosponsors (70). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.5621: A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to extend concurrent receipt authority to members and former members of the uniformed services who are entitled to voluntary separation incentive payments and are also entitled to veterans’ disability compensation. Sponsor: Rep Brown-Waite, Ginny [FL-5] (introduced 3/13/08). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services
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H.R.5622: Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to establish standards of access to care for veterans seeking health care from certain Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Brown-Waite, Ginny [FL-5] (introduced 3/13/08). Cosponsors (None). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.5651: Student Veterans’ College Affordability Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a program of educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Mitchell, Harry E. [AZ-5] (introduced 3/14/08). Cosponsors (None). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
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H.R.5663: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the rates of basic educational assistance payable under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Rodriguez, Ciro D. [TX-23] (introduced 3/31/08). Cosponsors (1). Latest Major Action: 3/31/2008 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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H.R.5664: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every six years the plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to veterans by the Secretary. Sponsor: Rep Rodriguez, Ciro D. [TX-23] (introduced 3/31/08). Cosponsors (3). Status: Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.5684: Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the basic educational assistance program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 4/2/08). Cosponsors (59). Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
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H.R.5709: Veterans Disability Fairness Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out quality assurance activities with respect to the administration of disability compensation, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Space, Zachary T. [OH-18] (introduced 4/3/08). Cosponsors (17). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.5729: Spina Bifida Health Care Program Expansion Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide comprehensive health care to children of Vietnam veterans born with Spina Bifida, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Ellsworth, Brad [IN-8] (introduced 4/8/08). Cosponsors (None). Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.5730: A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to display in each prosthetic and orthotic clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs an Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 4/8/08). Cosponsors (None). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.5737: Veterans Travel Tax Relief Act of 2008. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a deduction for travel expenses to medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with examinations or treatments relating to service-connected disabilities. Sponsor: Rep Heller, Dean [NV-2] (introduced 4/9/08). Cosponsors (41). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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H.R.5740: Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a program of educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Mitchell, Harry E. [AZ-5] (introduced 4/9/08). Cosponsors (302). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=11232976&type=CU&azip=92517
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H.R.5791: National Guard and Reserve Readiness Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to clarify the effective date of active duty of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces receiving an alert order anticipating a call or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation for purposes of entitlement to medical and dental care as members of the Armed Forces on active duty. Sponsor: Rep Shea-Porter, Carol [NH-1] (introduced 4/15/08). Cosponsors (15). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.5823: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow taxpayers to designate a portion of their income tax payment to provide assistance to homeless veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Israel, Steve [NY-2] (introduced 4/16/08). Cosponsors (19). Status: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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H.R.5825: The Hubbard Act. A bill to amend titles 5, 10, 37, and 38, United States Code, to ensure the fair treatment of a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged from the Armed Forces, at the request of the member, pursuant to the Department of Defense policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, because of hazards incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Nunes, Devin [CA-21] (introduced 4/16/08). Cosponsors (311). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Companion bill S.2874. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=11284946
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H.R.5826: Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008. A bill to increase, effective as of December 1, 2008, the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Rodriguez, Ciro D. [TX-23] (introduced 4/16/08). Cosponsors (7). Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.5854: A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Van Hollen, Chris [MD-8] (introduced 4/17/08). Cosponsors (45). Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
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H.R.5865: A bill to amend chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, to require a court adjudication before certain veterans may be denied the right to possess a firearm, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Goode, Virgil H., Jr. [VA-5] (introduced 4/22/2008). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
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H.R.5868: Caleb Martin-Travis Dodson Wounded Warrior Retention Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the retention of members of the Armed Forces on active service or in an active status who would otherwise be retired or separated for a combat-related disability, but who are still medically able to perform noncombat-related military occupational specialties or duties. Sponsor: Rep Pearce, Stevan [NM-2] (introduced 4/22/08). Cosponsors (88). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. To support this bill and/or contact your Representative refer to http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=11309671&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.5877: Shingles Prevention Act. A bill to amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for the shingles vaccine under the Medicare Program. Sponsor: Rep Hirono, Mazie K. [HI-2] (introduced 4/23/08). Cosponsors (35). Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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H.R.5888: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 4/24/2008). Cosponsors (none). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.5892: Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to modernize the disability benefits claims processing system of the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure the accurate and timely delivery of compensation to veterans and their families and survivors, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Hall, John J. [NY-19] (introduced 4/24/08). Cosponsors (78). 7/30/2008 House floor actions. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Roll Call 538 - 2/3 Recorded vote pending. http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=11352331&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
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H.R.5939: Montgomery GI Bill Degree Extension Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the time limitation for the use of entitlement to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for certain persons actively pursuing a qualifying educational degree or certificate. Sponsor: Rep Carson, Andre [IN-7] (introduced 5/1/08). Cosponsors (none). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.5944: Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention, and Readjustment Through Education Act of 2008. A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces and veterans in order to enhance recruitment and retention for the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Putnam, Adam H. [FL-12] (introduced 5/1/08). Cosponsors (26). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.5954: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide veterans for presumptions of service connection for purposes of benefits under laws administered by Secretary of Veterans Affairs for diseases associated with service in the Armed Forces and exposure to biological, chemical, or other toxic agents as part of Project 112, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Thompson, Mike [CA-1] (introduced 5/1/08). Cosponsors (64). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.5969: Disabled Veteran Small Business Eligibility Expansion Act of 2008. A bill to amend the Small Business Act to make service-disabled veterans eligible under the 8(a) business development program. Sponsor: Rep Wittman, Robert J. [VA-1] (introduced 5/5/08). Cosponsors (none). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
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H.R.5985: Compensation for Combat Veterans Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the service treatable as service engaged in combat with the enemy for utilization of non-official evidence for proof of service-connection in a combat-related disease or injury. Sponsor: Rep Braley, Bruce L. [IA-1] (introduced 5/7/08). Cosponsors (none). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.6011: Veterans to Paramedics Transition Act. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to facilitate emergency medical services personnel training and certification curriculums for military veterans. Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 5/8/2008). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
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H.R.6032: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide wartime disability compensation for certain veterans with Parkinson’s Disease. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 5/13/08). Cosponsors (7). Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.6081: Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide benefits for military personnel, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Rangel, Charles B. [NY-15] (introduced 5/16/08). Cosponsors (28). Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 110-245
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H.R.6093: Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2008. A bill to amend chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, to allow members of the Armed Forces to sue the United States for damages for certain injuries caused by improper medical care and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22] (introduced 5/20/08). Cosponsors (5). Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
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H.R.6122: Veterans Pain Care Act of 2008. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the management of pain experienced by veterans enrolled for health care services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Walz, Timothy J. [MN-1] (introduced 5/21/08). Cosponsors (28). Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Unanimous Consent.
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H.R.6129: Assuring Access to Medicare Doctors Act of 2008. A bill to amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend for 7 months the Medicare physician payment rates. Sponsor: Rep Burgess, Michael C. [TX-26] (introduced 5/22/08). Cosponsors (23). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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H.R.6181: American Heroes’ Homeownership Assistance Act of 2008. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow certain current and former service members to receive a refundable credit for the purchase of a principal residence. Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 6/4/08). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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H.R.6185: TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for continuity of TRICARE Standard coverage for certain members of the Retired Reserve. Sponsor: Rep Latta, Robert E. [OH-5] (introduced 6/4/08). Cosponsors (9). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
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H.R.6236: Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to modernize the disability benefits claims processing system of the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure the accurate, consistent, and timely delivery of compensation to veterans and their families and survivors, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Chabot, Steve [OH-1] (introduced 6/11/08). Cosponsors (6). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’
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H.R.6268: HONOR Warriors Act. A bill to improve and enhance the mental health care benefits available to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, to enhance counseling and other benefits available to survivors of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Udall, Mark [CO-2] (introduced 6/12/08). Cosponsors (7). Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.6277: Veterans and Survivors Dental Insurance Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a dental insurance plan for certain veterans and their survivors and dependents. Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 6/17/08). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.6287: Veterans Travel Equity Act of 2008. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to change the method of determining the mileage reimbursement rate under the beneficiary travel program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Souder, Mark E. [IN-3] (introduced 6/17/08). Cosponsors (7). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.6414: Veterans Advocacy Act of 2008. A bill to establish a pilot program on the provision of legal services to assist veterans and members of the Armed Forces who receive health care, benefits and services, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Pallone, Frank, Jr. [NJ-6] (introduced 6/26/08). Cosponsors (1). Status: Referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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H.R.6439: Mental Health for Heroes’ Families Act of 2008. To amend title 38, United States Code to expand the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide counseling for family members of veterans receiving non-service-connected treatment. Sponsor: Rep Hare, Phil [IL-17] (introduced 7/8/08). Cosponsors (17). Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Unanimous Consent .
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H.R.6445: To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled. Sponsor: Rep Cazayoux, Donald J., Jr. [LA-6] (introduced 7/9/08). Cosponsors (9). 7/29/2008 House floor actions. Status: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Moran (KS) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
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H.R.6471: Expanding Availability of VA Health Care Act of 2008. To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the availability of health care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs by adjusting the income level for certain priority veterans. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 7/10/08). Cosponsors (none). Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R.6494: PRO-VETS Act of 2008. To provide veterans with individualized notice about available benefits, to streamline application processes for the benefits, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [NY-20] (introduced 7/15/08). Cosponsors (2). Status: Referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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H.R.6497: To require the payment of compensation to members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the United States who were forced to perform slave labor by the Imperial Government of Japan or by corporations of Japan during World War II, or the surviving spouses of such members, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Hooley, Darlene [OR-5] (introduced 7/15/08). Cosponsors (none). Status: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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[Source: http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/110search.html 30 Jul 08 ++]