II 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2708 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 3, 2006 Mr. Akaka introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide an enrollment priority for veterans, who are recipients of certain medals for valor, in health care services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

1.

Enrollment priority for health care benefits of veterans who are recipients of certain medals and awards

Section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following new paragraph (3): (3)Veterans who— (A)are former prisoners of war or were awarded the Purple Heart; (B)were awarded— (i)the medal of honor; (ii)the distinguished-service cross, Navy cross, or Air Force cross; (iii)the silver star; or (iv)any other medal for valor or heroism accorded a position in the order of precedence of awards and decorations authorized to be awarded to members of the Armed Forces that is equal to or higher than the order of precedence accorded to the silver star medal; (C)have a service-connected disability rated 10 percent or 20 percent; or (D)are described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 1710(a)(2) of this title. .