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Veteran Related Legislation: Many Suggested, Few Chosen Part 1 of...

Written by veterans  |  08. June 2007

Yes I know, this is a very... long... column. So long I had to break it down into parts. Initially, I thought to shorten it somewhat. However, and considering the title of this week's column, I decided not to. Another reason I decided not to shorten this week's column has to do with a thought I and many of my fellow Veteran Service Officers share. All too often we wonder if certain politicians are more concerned with proposing a bill, than to seeing that it passes. In any event, what follows are the current pending veterans related legislation before both the House and the Senate. I owe a "tip of the hat" to Lt. James "EMO" Tichacek, USN (Ret) Director, "Retiree Assistance Office," and his "RAO Bulletin Update 1 June 2007" (http://post_119_gulfport_ms.tripod.com/rao1.html). Not only for compiling the bulk of this data, but also for all the veterans related information he shares with us, twice a month, every month, month in and month out. One last comment; for the first time I write my week's column with a new "Toy." My Agent Orange induced neurological problems have reduced my typing skills from what was once over 65 words a minute to something less than 10 words a minute. And, recently, after typing for no more than half an hour, my one good hand lets me "know" it wants to take a rest. That being the case, my new "Toy" is voice-to-text dictation software. While it certainly is still no "Hal," it is working a lot better than the software of a similar nature I first tried 10 years ago, and then again five years ago. Even with the mistakes it makes, it's "easier" for me to correct those errors than to type the text from scratch. You have to love new technology, or at least what it can help you accomplish. Veteran Legislation May 30, 20007 What follows is a listing of Congressional bills of interest to the veteran community introduced in the 110th Congress. 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. 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. House Bills 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 (146). Companion bill S.0961. 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 (60). 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) 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 (2). 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 (33). Companion bill S.986. 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 (8). 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). 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). 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 (4). H.R.0140:TRICARE Related. 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 (12). H.R.0156: POW DIC Related. 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 (25). 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 (10). 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 (13). 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 (10). 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 (120). 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 (19). 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). Passed/agreed to in House: Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 423 - 0. Referred to Senate committee 3/22/07. 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 (47). 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 (2). 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 (7). 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 (27). H.R.0447:Merchant Marine Related. 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 (None). 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 (42). 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 (5). H.R.0542:Mental Health Services In Other Than English. 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 (6). 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 (54). 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 (170). H.R.0585: SGLI Related. 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 (2). 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). 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). 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. Referred to Senate committee 5/16/2007. 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 (32). H.R.0650: Alzheimer's Disease Related. 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 (11). H.R.0652: Lands Pass Related. 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 (32). 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). 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 (26). 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 (1) H.R.0690: Military Retired Pay Related. 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 (82). H.R.0704: DIC Related. 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 (4). 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). 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 (71). H.R.0784: SBP Related. 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 (99). 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). Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill 424 - 0 ( Roll no. 175). Referred to Senate committee 3/22/2007. 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). H.R.0991: Health Savings Accounts Related. 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 (1) 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). 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 (6) H.R.1110: TRICARE Related. 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 (179). Companion bill to S.773. H.R.1115: Death Gratuity Related. 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 (28). Companion Bill is S.659. 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 (4). 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 (62). 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). 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 (82). 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 (62). H.R.1226: Educational Assistance Program Related. 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 (None). 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 (1). 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 (34). Companion Bill is S.713 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 (8). H.R.1273: Plot And Headstone Or Marker Allowance Related. 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 (None) 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. Referred to Senate committee 3/21/07. H.R.1315: Adaptive Housing Assistance Related. 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). 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 (1). H.R.1330: Education Assistance Related. 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 (38). 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 (53). H.R.1418: Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act. A bill toprovide for the expansion and improvement of traumatic brain injury programs. Sponsor: Rep Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [NJ-8] (introduced 3/8/07). Cosponsors (8). Companion bill to S.793. H.R.1426: Veterans' Access to Local Health Care Options and Resources Act. A bill toamend 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 (8). Companion bill to S.815. H.R.1428: National Guard and Reserve Retirement Modernization Act. A bill toamend 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 (15). H.R.1435: Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Backlog Reduction Act of 2007. A bill todirect 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 (13). H.R.1436: Retired Pay Restoration Act. A bill toamend 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 (3). H.R.1444: Remanded Claims Related. A bill todirect 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 (None). H.R.1470: Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act. A bill toamend 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). Related bills H.R.1471 & H.R. 1554. Passed House by Vote of 421-6 and sent to the Senate. H.R.1471: BACK Veterans Health Act. A bill toamend 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 (1). H.R.1477: Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act. A bill toamend 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). H.R.1490:Presumption Of Service Connected Related. 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). 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 (24). 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 (10). 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). Related bill S.1283. Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 426 - 0. Referred to Senate committee 3/29/07. 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 (77). 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 (8). 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 (None). 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 (51). H.R.1660:Colorado Cemetery Related. 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). H.R.1710:WWII POW Back Pay Related. 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). H.R.1732:Combat-Related Disability Pay Related. 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 (19). 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 (18). H.R.1750:Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Related. 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 (None). H.R.1863:Mobile Processing Unit Related. 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). H.R.1864:Automated Claims Processing Related. 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). H.R.1901:Pension Benefits Related. 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). 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 (None). H.R.1925:Gulf Coast region related. 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). 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 (56). Companion Bill is S.0935. 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 (65). 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 (4). 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 (11). 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 (None). 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 (18). 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 (1). Companion bill S.1315. 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 (1). 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). 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 (7). H.R.2059:National Guard Related. 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). 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 (18). H.R.2179:Traumatic Brain Injury Centers Related. 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) 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 (33). 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) H.R.2192:Establishing An Ombudsman Related. 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 (33). H.R.2195:Education Loan Repayment Program Related. 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) 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 (15). H.R.2226:Readjustment Counseling Related. 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 (None). 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). 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 (None). H.R.2257:Number Of Benefits Claims Representatives Related. 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 (None). H.R.2259:National Guard And Reserves Transition Assistance Related. 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). H.R.2267:Army Combat Action Badge Related. 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 (1). 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 (18). 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 (None). 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 (13). H.R.2346: National Cemeteries Location Related. 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 (None). 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) 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) 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 (None). Companion bill S.1401. H.R.2417: Educational Assistance Under The Montgomery GI Bill Related. 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 (37). 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 (3). H.R.2475: Guarantee Home Equity Conversion Mortgages Related. 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 (1). H.R.2495: Compensable Service-Connected Exchange Store Privileges Related. 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 (6). H.R.2514: Assured Level Of Funding Related. 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 (73). H.R.2540: Pension And Retirement Benefits Related. 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). H.R.2551: Sarpy County, Nebraska Related. 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 (2). --- Regards, Walt Schmidt

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