DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Amendments

Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and sundry independent agencies: making appropriations (H.R. 2861), S13926 [4NO], S14477, S14496, S14506, S14507, S14510, S14511, S14512, S14518, S14520, S14521, S14820, S14834, S14835, S14836, S14840, S14841, S14842, S14843, S14844, S14845, S14847 [12NO], S14932, S14934, S14936, S14938, S14967, S14968, S14969 [17NO], S14993, S14994, S14995, S15084, S15085 [18NO], H7619, H7620 [24JY], H7669, H7682, H7683, H7684, H7685, H7687, H7688, H7689, H7690, H7692, H7693, H7694, H7695, H7699, H7700, H7704, H7705, H7706, H7788 [25JY]

———making appropriations (S. 1584), S11927 [24SE]

National cemeteries: establish a national cemetery for veterans in southeastern Pennsylvania (H.R. 1516), S12853 [17OC], H10054 [29OC]

Veterans: improve and enhance certain benefits for survivors of veterans (S. 1132), S13743 [31OC]

———improve and enhance provision of long-term care for veterans and modify authorities relative to administration of personnel (S. 1156), S15123, S15132, S15192, S15198 [19NO]

———modify and improve certain benefits (H.R. 2297), S15198 [19NO], H11705 [20NO]

Analyses

Filipino Veterans' Benefits Act (S. 1213), S7552 [9JN]

Veterans Earn and Learn Act (H.R. 1716), E752 [11AP]

Veterans Programs Improvement Act (S. 1133), S7037 [22MY]

Appointments

Conferees: H.R. 2861, Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and sundry independent agencies appropriations, S15021 [18NO]

Articles and editorials

Changes at VA Vex Advocates for Homeless, H2158 [20MR]

Flu Shots Save Lives, S5531 [30AP]

Hospital Angels, S14025 [5NO]

Military Widows Lose Chunk of Benefits at 62, S2475 [13FE]

Perverse VA Policy, S10039 [28JY]

Time for Congress To Care for Veterans or Take Their Place!, E1738 [9SE]

Triumph of Pettiness, H12829 [8DE]

VA—Iraq War Veterans Will Need Care Denied to Others, S4748 [3AP]

Bills and resolutions

Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans: delay termination (see H.R. 3239), H9213 [2OC]

Aleda E. Lutz Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Saginaw, MI: prohibit closure or realignment of inpatient services (see S. 1914), S15406 [21NO] (see H.R. 3570), H12306 [21NO]

AMVETS: recognize members for their service to the nation and support the goal of AMVETS National Charter Day (see H. Con. Res. 308), H9812 [21OC]

Armed Forces: allow certain active-duty personnel to elect to become eligible or withdraw election not to enroll for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (see H.R. 1328), H1953 [18MR]

———allow certain previously unenrolled servicemembers an opportunity to enroll for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (see H.R. 2174), H4367 [20MY]

———allow eligible members under the Montgomery GI Bill to transfer educational assistance entitlement to dependents (see H.R. 2764), H7019 [16JY]

———extend enrollment period for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (see H.R. 3041), H8081 [9SE]

———extend time limitation for use of eligibility and entitlement to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (see H.R. 1924), H3635 [1MY]

———improve benefits for members of the uniformed services and veterans (see S. 19), S35 [7JA]

Aurora, CO: authorize construction, leasing, or modification of major medical facilities at the site of the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center (see S. 613), S3730 [13MR]

———authorize construction, leasing, or modification of major medical facilities at the site of the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, CO (see H.R. 116), H56 [7JA]

Benefits: allow for substitution of parties in claims for benefits when the applicant for such benefits dies while the claim is pending (H.R. 3733) (see H.R. 1681), H3051 [9AP]

———allow payment of certain benefits to begin effective the day in which hospitalization or treatment begins (see H.R. 3344), H9738 [20OC]

———enhance certain veterans programs and improve administration of such programs (see S. 1133), S6978 [22MY]

———extend payment of disability benefits through the date of the beneficiary's death (see H.R. 1666), H2938 [8AP]

———improve outreach programs to more fully inform veterans of available benefits (see S. 1199), S7476 [5JN] (see H.R. 3612), H12308 [21NO]

———provide guaranteed adequate level of funding for veterans health care (see S. 50), S36 [7JA]

———provide service-connected disability benefits for persons disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation provided by the Dept., and for survivors of persons dying from such treatment (see H.R. 843), H703 [13FE]

———reinstate the vocational training program for certain low-income veterans (see H.R. 966), H1460 [27FE]

———repeal limitation on payment of accrued benefits upon death of beneficiary and allow substitution of parties in pending benefit claims when applicant dies (see S. 1188), S7476 [5JN]

———repeal the offset from surviving spouse annuities under the military Survivor Benefit Plan for amounts paid as dependency and indemnity compensation (see H.R. 1726), H3301 [10AP]

Bob Stump Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Prescott, AZ: designate (see S. 1511), S10617 [31JY] (see H.R. 2806), H7225 [21JY]

Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services: authorize major medical facility projects for the initiative and satisfy requirements on natural disasters (see S. 1605), S11349 [10SE] (see H.R. 3061), H8174 [10SE]

———prohibit implementation of any Commission recommendation for one year following submission (see H.R. 3440), H10456 [5NO]

———require congressional notification prior to implementation of initiative (see S. 1283), S8125 [18JN] (see H.R. 2659), H6271 [7JY] (see H.R. 2808), H7225 [21JY]

Cemeteries and funerals: allow State placement of supplemental guide signs for veterans cemeteries on Federal-aid highways (see H.R. 168), H57 [7JA]

Claims: allow claimants for benefits to pay fees for attorney services during any stage of the claims process (see H.R. 3492), H11358 [17NO]

———improve procedures for adjudication of claims for benefits (see H.R. 3392), H10129 [29OC]

———reduce backlog of benefit claims (see S. 1186), S7381 [4JN] (see H.R. 1264), H1900 [13MR]

Columbus, OH: establish a new medical facility (see S. 1403), S9414 [15JY]

Courts: clarify requirements for Notices of Disagreement for appellate review (see S. 1360), S8725 [26JN]

Credit: reinstate minimum requirements relative to the sale of vendee loans (see H.R. 1949), H3641 [5MY]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT: designate (see S. 1815), S13909 [4NO]

Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and sundry independent agencies: making appropriations (see S. 1584), S11161 [5SE] (see H.R. 2861), H7615 [24JY]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2861), consideration (see H. Res. 338), H7615 [24JY]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2861), consideration (H. Res. 338)—same-day consideration (see H. Res. 340), H7615 [24JY]

Disabled: increase assistance for certain disabled veterans for specially adapted housing, automobiles, and equipment (see H.R. 1048), H1514 [4MR]

———provide nursing home care to certain veterans with service-connected disabilities and expand eligibility for such care to all veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities (see H.R. 2445), H5364 [12JN]

Diseases: determine the effectiveness of contracting for the use of private memory care facilities for veterans with Alzheimer's disease (see H.R. 2337), H4977 [4JN]

Drugs: dispense medications to veterans for prescriptions written by private practitioners and provide Medicare coverage to eligible veterans (see H.R. 1309), H1952 [18MR]

———permit Medicare-eligible veterans to receive an outpatient medication benefit (see S. 1153), S7135 [23MY]

Employment: improve educational assistance programs for apprenticeship or other on-job training (see H.R. 1716), H3301 [10AP]

Federal employees: amend the definition of a law enforcement officer to include certain positions relative to retirement benefits (see S. 819), S4957 [8AP]

———repeal 4-year terms specified by law for certain officials (see H.R. 1718), H3301 [10AP]

Government regulations: congressional disapproval of rule revising acquisition procedures for health care resources (see H.J. Res. 41), H2270 [20MR]

Health: accept sworn affidavit of veterans who served in combat during Korean War or earlier conflict as proof of service connection for certain diseases and injuries (see H.R. 169), H57 [7JA]

———allow long-term care tax credit and establish programs for patients with fatal chronic illnesses (see H.R. 2883), H7616 [24JY]

———allow recovery of medical costs from third parties in the same manner as a preferred provider organization (see H.R. 1562), H2702 [2AP]

———enhance authority to recover medical costs from third parties (see H.R. 1715), H3301 [10AP]

———establish presumption of service connection for cold weather injuries received during military operations (see H.R. 631), H322 [5FE]

———establish standards of access to care for veterans seeking health care from the Dept. (see H.R. 2357), H5043 [5JN] (see H.R. 3094), H8283 [16SE]

———extend certain authorities for health care services and reporting dates and augment certain health care business practices or programs (see H.R. 3260), H9375 [8OC]

———extend the period for provision of noninstitutional extended care services and required nursing home care (see S. 836), S5059 [9AP]

———improve allocation of health care resources to different geographic regions in the U.S. (see S. 967), S5650 [1MY] (see H.R. 270), H135 (see H.R. 271), H136 [8JA] (see H.R. 890), H1332 [25FE]

———improve health care programs and extend certain expiring authorities (see H.R. 3387), H10129 [29OC]

———improve prescription drug benefits for veterans (see H.R. 2874), H7616 [24JY]

———place certain low-income veterans in a higher health-care priority category (see S. 1014), S5859 [7MY] (see H.R. 2816), H7329 [22JY]

———provide benefits to individuals with spina bifida who are children of Vietnam veterans that were exposed to a herbicide agent (see H.R. 533), H318 [5FE]

———provide same type of vocational rehabilitation benefits and services for certain children with spina bifida as are currently available to veterans with service-connected disabilities (see H.R. 3351), H9738 [20OC]

———rescind memorandum in which directors of health service networks are directed to ensure that no marketing activities to enroll new veterans occur within their networks (see S. 1151), S7135 [23MY] (see H.R. 813), H701 [13FE]

———revise presumption of service connection for diseases and disabilities of former POW (see H.R. 1838), H3451 [29AP]

Health care facilities: authorize certain major medical facility projects (see H.R. 2349), H5043 [5JN]

———authorize construction projects for the purpose of improving, renovating, and updating VA patient care facilities (see H.R. 1720), H3301 [10AP]

———establish new medical facilities for veterans in the area of Columbus, OH, and in south Texas (see H.R. 2307), H4875 [3JN]

———limit amount of time veterans must wait to get a doctor's appointment at veterans clinics (see H.R. 263), H135 [8JA]

Health care professionals: recalculate retirement annuities for certain health care professionals performing part-time services (see H.R. 972), H1461 [27FE]

———recognize importance of addressing shortfalls in the number of Dept. health care professionals and reauthorize grant program to medical schools affiliated with the Dept. (see H.R. 2126), H4203 [15MY]

———restrict the performance of eye surgery at a facility, or under a contract with the Dept., to only licensed medical doctors and licensed doctors of osteopathy (see H.R. 3473), H10978 [6NO]

———revise certain provisions relative to the appointment of professional psychologists in the Veterans Health Administration (see S. 78), S37 [7JA]

Health care providers: appoint chiropractors in the Veterans Health Administration (see H.R. 2414), H5174 [10JN]

Historic buildings and sites: preserve and protect (see H.R. 1762), H3303 [10AP]

Homeless: provide for annual placement of memorials honoring the military service of veterans who were homeless or indigent at the time of death (see H.R. 1256), H1900 [13MR]

Housing: authorize veterans to select the appraiser when applying for guaranteed housing loans (see H.R. 1500), H2472 [27MR]

———establish uniformity in fees charged qualifying members of the Selected Reserve and active duty veterans for guaranteed home loans (see H.R. 1257), H1900 [13MR]

———expand the assisted living pilot program to include additional health care regions (see S. 1572), S10970 [2SE]

———prohibit additional daily interest charges following prepayment in full of guaranteed housing loans (see H.R. 3413), H10236 [30OC]

———provide adapted housing assistance to disabled Armed Forces members who remain on active duty pending medical separation (see H.R. 761), H699 [13FE]

———provide specially adapted housing assistance to veterans with service-connected disabilities due to loss, or loss of use of both upper extremities that precludes use of the arms at and below the elbows (see H.R. 2612), H6261 [26JN]

Income: repeal limitation on the payment of accrued benefits that are due, and unpaid, upon the death of a veteran or other beneficiary (see H.R. 241), H134 [8JA]

Iowa: establish electronic database to enable Dept. health care facilities in Iowa to share patient information with State of Iowa Veterans Home (see H.R. 2834), H7454 [23JY]

James J. Peters Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY: designate (see H.R. 2786), H7085 [17JY] (see H.R. 3383), H9981 [28OC]

Jesse Brown Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL: designate (see S. 1144), S7134 [23MY] (see H.R. 1908), H3634 [1MY]

John J. McGuirk Dept. of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, New London, CT: designate (see S. 1242), S7718 [11JN] (see H.R. 1832), H3408 [12AP]

Medicare: reimbursement for services provided to eligible veterans by certain Dept. of Veterans Affairs facilities (see S. 176), S1068 [16JA] (see H.R. 2664), H6347 [8JY]

Mental health: enhance rehabilitative services provided to veterans with mental illnesses (see H.R. 3442), H10456 [5NO]

Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX: designate (see S. 1341), S8725 [26JN] (see H.R. 91), H55 [7JA]

Narusewicz, Florence: relief (see H.R. 710), H392 [11FE]

National cemeteries: establish a national cemetery for veterans in southeastern Pennsylvania (see S. 1077), S6624 [19MY] (see H.R. 1516), H2514 [31MR]

———establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Baltimore, MD, area (see H.R. 3321), H9613 [16OC]

———establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Colorado Springs, CO, area (see H.R. 1476), H2471 [27MR]

———establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Jacksonville, FL, metropolitan area (see S. 766), S4702 [2AP] (see H.R. 197), H58 [7JA]

———establish for veterans in geographically underserved areas (see S. 1282), S8125 [18JN]

National Veterans Awareness Week: designate (see S. Res. 204), S10140 [29JY]

Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program: restore certain aspects (see H.R. 2595), H5928 [25JN]

Native Americans: extend eligibility for housing loans guaranteed under the Native American Housing Loan Pilot Program to veterans who are married to Native Americans (see H.R. 1190), H1744 [11MR]

Oscar G. Johnson Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility, Iron Mountain, MI: designate (see H.R. 633), H322 [5FE]

Paul Wellstone Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN: designate (see S. 1289), S8232 [19JN] (see H.R. 2567), H5713 [23JN]

Pence, Donald C.: relief (see S. 57), S36 [7JA]

Pharmaceuticals: dispense medications for prescriptions written by private practitioners to veterans awaiting their first VA appointment for medical care (see S. 1112), S6978 [22MY] (see H.R. 2219), H4734 [22MY]

———dispense medications to veterans for prescriptions written by private practitioners (see H.R. 709), H391 [11FE] (see H.R. 998), H1462 [27FE] (see H.R. 2015), H3761 [7MY]

———dispense medications to veterans for prescriptions written by private practitioners when Dept. of Veterans Affairs physicians are unavailable (see H.R. 240), H134 [8JA]

———increase the quantity of supply of certain prescriptions furnished to veterans with chronic conditions (see H.R. 1921), H3635 [1MY]

———pilot program to assess benefits of dispensing medications to veterans for prescriptions written by private practitioners (see H.R. 372), H170 [27JA]

POW: repeal requirement that former POW must have been interred for a specified minimum period of time to be eligible for dental benefits (see H.R. 1347), H2131 [19MR]

Puerto Rico: authorize a major medical facility project at the San Juan Dept. of Veterans Affairs medical center (see H.R. 3021), H8016 [5SE]

———authorize construction of a Dept. of Veterans Affairs medical center at a site that would best serve the needs of both veterans and Dept. of Defense medical beneficiaries (see H.R. 3020), H8016 [5SE]

Taxation: allow taxpayers to designate income tax refunds for use in medical research conducted through the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (see H.R. 1087), H1640 [5MR]

———improve tax equity for military personnel (see S. 289), S1871 [4FE] (see S. 351), S2187 [11FE] (see H.R. 662), H389 [11FE]

Thomas P. Noonan, Jr., Dept. of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Queens, NY: designate (see S. 1856), S14804 [12NO] (see H.R. 1318), H1953 [18MR]

Veterans: change effective date for paid-up coverage under the Survivor Benefit Plan (see H.R. 1653), H2863 [7AP]

———clarify prohibition on assignment of veterans benefits to agreements regarding future receipt of compensation and educate veterans on available legitimate financial services (see S. 257), S1812 [30JA] (see H.R. 2975), H7784 [25JY]

———consolidate and improve programs to assist homeless veterans and assume management of National Personnel Records Center Military Personnel Records facility (see H.R. 2518), H5661 [19JN]

———continuation of dependency and indemnity compensation for the surviving spouse of a veteran if such spouse remarries after a certain age (see H.R. 36), H53 [7JA]

———enhance cooperation and the sharing of resources between the Dept. of Veterans Affairs and the Dept. of Defense relative to veterans' benefits programs (see H.R. 1911), H3635 [1MY]

———expand eligibility for membership in veterans organizations (see S. 259), S1813 [30JA]

———expand presumption of service-connection for certain diseases of former POW, enhance Dose Reconstruction Program, and enhance and fund certain other epidemiological studies (see S. 1281), S8125 [18JN]

———extend health care coverage to qualified World War II Filipino veterans (see H.R. 2352), H5043 [5JN]

———health care funding (see H.R. 2318), H4976 [4JN] (see H.R. 2475), H5407 [16JN]

———improve access to health care for rural veterans (see H.R. 2379), H5044 [5JN]

———improve and enhance certain benefits for survivors of veterans (see S. 1132), S6978 [22MY]

———improve and enhance provision of long-term care for veterans and modify authorities relative to administration of personnel (see S. 1156), S7135 [23MY]

———improve benefits for former POWs (see S. 517), S3162 [5MR] (see H.R. 348), H169 [27JA]

———improve benefits for World War II Filipino veterans (see S. 68), S36 [7JA] (see H.R. 1984), H3682 [6MY]

———improve benefits for World War II Filipino veterans and their surviving spouses (see H.R. 664), H389 [11FE]

———improve benefits for World War II Filipino veterans and their survivors (see S. 1213), S7540 [9JN]

———improve compensation benefits for veterans in certain cases of impairment of vision involving both eyes (see H.R. 2829), H7453 [23JY]

———increase burial benefits for certain veterans buried in private or State-owned cemeteries (see H.R. 2066), H3973 [9MY]

———increase burial benefits for veterans and provide for inflation adjustment (see S. 1124), S6978 [22MY]

———increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (see S. 1131), S6978 [22MY] (see H.R. 1683), H3051 [9AP]

———increase the minimum Survivor Benefit Plan basic annuity for certain surviving spouses (see S. 401), S2457 [13FE] (see S. 451), S2839 [26FE] (see S. 585), S3410 [10MR]

———increase the minimum Survivor Benefit Plan basic annuity for certain surviving spouses and provide for an open season under that plan (see S. 1916), S15406 [21NO] (see H.R. 548), H318 [5FE]

———make motor vehicle reimbursement rates for veterans comparable to reimbursement rates for Federal employees (see H.R. 632), H322 [5FE]

———modify and improve certain benefits (see H.R. 2297), H4787 [2JN]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay with service-connected disability benefits (see S. 392), S2456 [13FE] (see H.R. 303), H137 [8JA]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay with service-connected disability benefits (H.R. 303), consideration (see H. Res. 251), H4738 [22MY]

———permit remarried surviving spouses of veterans to be eligible for burial in a national cemetery (see H.R. 1167), H1681 [6MR]

———provide benefits to merchant mariners who served during a period of war (see H.R. 2593), H5814 [24JN]

———provide individuals who participated in certain Dept. of Defense chemical and biological warfare with health care for illness without requirement for proof of service-connection (see S. 1694), S12277 [1OC] (see H.R. 2433), H5266 [11JN]

———provide that remarriage of the surviving spouse of a veteran after a certain age will not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation (see S. 249), S1812 [30JA]

———recognize military service of certain Philippine nationals during World War II and allow receipt of Dept. of Veterans Affairs benefits (see H.R. 677), H390 (see H. Res. 65), H391 [11FE]

———repeal computation system that reduces annuity for surviving spouses at age 62 relative to Social Security offset (see H.R. 1592), H2819 [3AP]

———suspend authority to increase drug copayment for treatment of non-service-connected disabilities and increase pension rates for certain surviving spouses (see H.R. 627), H322 [5FE]

Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education: extend (see H.R. 2294), H4787 [2JN]

Veterans Health Administration: establish office to oversee research compliance and assurance (see H.R. 1585), H2819 [3AP]

———improve patient care and working conditions (see H.R. 1951), H3641 [5MY]

Victor J. Saracini Dept. of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Horsham, PA: designate (see S. 615), S3730 [13MR] (see H.R. 1128), H1679 [6MR]

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: study eligibility requirements for inclusion of veterans' names and alternative means to honor ineligible veterans (see S. 296), S1871 [4FE] (see H.R. 2540), H5662 [19JN]

World War II: provide that service in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps constituted active military service for veteran classification (see S. 1948), S15812 [24NO] (see H.R. 476), H243 [29JA]

Yoshida, Jim K.: relief (see S. 67), S36 [7JA]

Explanations

Veterans Benefits Act (H.R. 2297), S15133-S15139 [19NO], H11716-H11722 [20NO]

Veterans Health Care, Capital Asset, and Business Improvement Act (S. 1156), S15127-S15131 [19NO], H12151-H12156 [21NO]

Letters

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services initiative funding: Beth Moten, American Federation of Government Employees, S14498 [12NO]

———David W. Gorman, DAV, S14502, S14508 [12NO]

———Delatorro L. McNeal, Paralyzed Veterans of America (organization), S14502, S14508 [12NO]

———Gerard M. Kelly, Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, S14499 [12NO]

———John A. Brieden III, American Legion, S14497 [12NO]

———Robert E. Wallace, VFW, S14501, S14508 [12NO]

———S. John Sisler, AMVETS, S14501, S14508 [12NO]

———Thomas H. Corey, Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., S14497 [12NO]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs health care funding to meet the needs of troops returning from Iraq: Edward R. Heath, Sr., DAV, S4749 [3AP]

———Richard B. Fuller, Paralyzed Veterans of America (organization), S4749 [3AP]

———Steve A. Robertson, American Legion, S4749 [3AP]

Establish a national cemetery for veterans in southeastern Pennsylvania: several Members of Congress, S6627 [19MY]

Filipino Veterans' Benefits Act: Anthony J. Principi, Sec. of Veterans Affairs, S7551 [9JN]

Illinois Home for Veterans funding: Representative Weller, H7666 [25JY]

Imapct of budget proposals on veterans: Representative Spratt, Committee on the Budget (House), H2157 [20MR]

———several veterans organizations, H2157 [20MR]

———Steve A. Robertson, American Legion, H2157 [20MR]

Impact of budget proposals on veterans: Edward R. Heath, Sr., DAV, H2548 [1AP]

———Joseph L. Fox, Sr., Paralyzed Veterans of America (organization), H2548 [1AP]

———Ronald F. Conley, American Legion, Ray C. Sisk, VFW and Edward R. Heath, Sr., DAV, H2548 [1AP]

Tribute to Francis W. Agnes: Anthony J. Principi, Sec. of Veterans Affairs, S4155 [20MR]

Veterans benefits funding: Dwight Radcliff, U.S. Veterans Initiative, Inc., H2575 [1AP]

———John Keaveney, New Directions, Inc., H2576 [1AP]

———Shad Meshad, National Veterans Foundation, H2576 [1AP]

Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act: Joseph L. Barnes, Fleet Reserve Association, S7011 [22MY]

———Raymond G. Boland, National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, Inc., S7011 [22MY]

———several veterans organizations, S7011 [22MY]

———William A. Isokait, National Funeral Directors Association, S7011 [22MY]

Veterans Prescription Drug Benefits Act: Delatorro L. McNeal, Paralyzed Veterans of America (organization), E497 [18MR]

———Richard A. Jones, AMVETS (organization), E497 [18MR]

———Richard F. Weidman, Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., E498 [18MR]

———Steve A. Robertson, American Legion, E497 [18MR]

———Thomas H. Miller, Blinded Veterans Association, E497 [18MR]

———William A. Wroolie, Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., Inc., E497 [18MR]

Veterans Programs Improvement Act: Anthony J. Principi, Sec. of Veterans Affairs, S7033-S7037 [22MY]

Motions

Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and sundry independent agencies: making appropriations (H.R. 2861), S14518 [12NO]

Press releases

VA Announces Record Budget, Health Care Changes, S4748 [3AP]

Remarks in House

Appropriations: making (H.R. 2861), consideration (H. Res. 338), H7630-H7637 [25JY]

Armed Forces: extend time limitation for use of eligibility and entitlement to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (H.R. 1924), E1175 [9JN]

———health care funding to meet the needs of troops returning from Iraq, H2713, H2796, H2797 [3AP]

———increase pay and benefits for active and reserve military personnel in Iraq, H9597-H9599 [16OC], H9647 [17OC]

Aurora, CO: authorize construction, leasing, or modification of major medical facilities at the site of the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, CO, H10004-H10007 [29OC], E2209 [4NO]

Benefits: allow payment of certain benefits to begin effective the day in which hospitalization or treatment begins (H.R. 3344), E2097 [20OC]

———reinstate the vocational training program for certain low-income veterans (H.R. 966), E334 [27FE]

———repeal the offset from surviving spouse annuities under the military Survivor Benefit Plan for amounts paid as dependency and indemnity compensation (H.R. 1726), H5256 [11JN]

Budget: combat waste, fraud, and abuse, H8194 [10SE], H8893 [24SE], H8998 [30SE], H9077 [1OC], H9254-H9256 [7OC], H9710 [20OC]

Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services: authorize major medical facility projects for the initiative and satisfy requirements on natural disasters (H.R. 3061), E1754 [10SE]

———program funding, E1783 [15SE]

———require congressional notification prior to implementation of initiative, H7704 [25JY], E1757 [10SE]

Claims: reduce backlog of benefit claims (H.R. 1264), H11004 [7NO]

Cleveland, OH: tribute to Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, E2019 [8OC]

Columbus, OH: Defense Supply Center funding, H7668 [25JY]

———establish a new medical facility in the area, H10007 [29OC]

Credit: reinstate minimum requirements relative to the sale of vendee loans (H.R. 1949), E864 [5MY]

Dept. of Defense: diabetes research, treatment, and prevention funding, H6282 [8JY]

———report on resources sharing agreements for services, programs, and facilities, H7682 [25JY], E1613 [25JY]

Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and sundry independent agencies: making appropriations (H.R. 2861), H7335 [23JY], H7655-H7713 [25JY], H10535-H10537, H10544-H10546 [6NO], E1613, E1653 [25JY], E1690 [4SE], E1709, E1726 [5SE], E1753, E1757 [10SE]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2861), consideration (H. Res. 338), E1629 [25JY]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2861), unanimous-consent agreement, H7654 [25JY]

Disabled: increase assistance for certain disabled veterans for specially adapted housing, automobiles, and equipment (H.R. 1048), E357 [4MR]

———provide IBOT Mobility Systems to disabled veterans, E289 [26FE]

———provide nursing home care to certain veterans with service-connected disabilities and expand eligibility for such care to all veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities (H.R. 2445), E1253 [13JN]

Drugs: coverage of outpatient prescription drugs, H421 [12FE]

———dispense medications to veterans for prescriptions written by private practitioners and provide Medicare coverage to eligible veterans (H.R. 1309), E496 [18MR]

Employment: improve educational assistance programs for apprenticeship or other on-job training (H.R. 1716), E752 [11AP]

Federal employees: repeal 4-year terms specified by law for certain officials (H.R. 1718), E756 [11AP]

Health: allow long-term care tax credit and establish programs for patients with fatal chronic illnesses (H.R. 2883), E1604 [25JY]

———allow recovery of medical costs from third parties in the same manner as a preferred provider organization (H.R. 1562), E654 [2AP]

———enhance authority to recover medical costs from third parties (H.R. 1715), E755 [11AP]

———establish standards of access to care for veterans seeking health care from the Dept. (H.R. 2357), H5032 [5JN], H7187-H7189 [21JY], E1560, E1565, E1569 [23JY]

———extend certain authorities for health care services and reporting dates and augment certain health care business practices or programs (H.R. 3260), E2019 [8OC]

———improve allocation of health care resources to different geographic regions in the U.S. (H.R. 890), H7188 [21JY]

———improve health care programs and extend certain expiring authorities (H.R. 3387), E2158 [30OC]

———medical and prosthetic research funding through reductions in Corporation for National and Community Service funding, H7689, H7690 [25JY]

———national policy to provide health care and reform insurance procedures, H9025 [30SE]

———rescind memorandum in which directors of health service networks are directed to ensure that no marketing activities to enroll new veterans occur within their networks, H125 [8JA], H155 [27JA], H7691, H7692 [25JY], H10537 [6NO]

Health care facilities: authorize certain major medical facility projects (H.R. 2349), E1156 [5JN]

———authorize construction projects for the purpose of improving, renovating, and updating VA patient care facilities, H12144 [21NO]

———authorize construction projects for the purpose of improving, renovating, and updating VA patient care facilities (H.R. 1720), H9996-H10008 [29OC], E758 [11AP], E2185 [31OC], E2209 [4NO]

———improve veterans access to health care, H155 [27JA], H421 [12FE], H690 [13FE], H4534 [22MY]

———limit amount of time veterans must wait to get a doctor's appointment at veterans clinics, H7693, H7694 [25JY]

Health care providers: appoint chiropractors in the Veterans Health Administration, H7187-H7189 [21JY]

———appoint chiropractors in the Veterans Health Administration (H.R. 2414), E1208 [11JN]

Housing: establish uniformity in fees charged qualifying members of the Selected Reserve and active duty veterans for guaranteed home loans (H.R. 1257), H4275-H4277 [20MY], E1083 [23MY]

Income: repeal limitation on the payment of accrued benefits that are due, and unpaid, upon the death of a veteran or other beneficiary (H.R. 241), E51 [8JA]

Jesse Brown Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL: designate, H10003 [29OC]

John J. McGuirk Dept. of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, New London, CT: designate, H10002 [29OC]

———designate (H.R. 1832), E783 [12AP]

LaSalle, IL: Illinois Home for Veterans funding, H7666 [25JY]

Loma Linda, CA: Loma Linda Medical Center recipient of Dept. of Veterans Affairs Robert W. Carey Organizational Excellence Trophy Award, E2134 [28OC]

Medical Emergency Preparedness Program: funding, H7687, H7688 [25JY]

Medicare: allow negotiated pricing for prescription drugs, H5912 [25JN]

Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX: designate, H7335 [23JY], H7703 [25JY]

———designate (H.R. 91), H26 [7JA]

National cemeteries: establish a national cemetery for veterans in southeastern Pennsylvania (H.R. 1516), H7189-H7192 [21JY]

———establish a national cemetery for veterans in southeastern Pennsylvania (H.R. 1516), Senate amendments, H10054-H10058 [29OC], E2226 [4NO]

———establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Baltimore, MD, area (H.R. 3321), E2064 [16OC]

———establish for veterans in geographically underserved areas, H10054-H10058 [29OC], E2226 [4NO]

Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program: restore certain aspects (H.R. 2595), H8091-H8094 [10SE]

North Chicago, IL: increase cooperation between VA Medical Center and Great Lakes Naval Hospital, H10008 [29OC]

Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Week: observance, H3308 [11AP]

Paralyzed Veterans of America (organization): tribute, H3308 [11AP]

Pharmaceuticals: dispense medications to veterans for prescriptions written by private practitioners (H.R. 2015), E888 [7MY]

———dispense medications to veterans for prescriptions written by private practitioners (H.R. 998), E322 [27FE]

———increase the quantity of supply of certain prescriptions furnished to veterans with chronic conditions (H.R. 1921), E1175 [9JN]

———negotiated prices for prescription drugs, H11499 [18NO]

Portland, OR: Portland VA Medical Center funding, H7668 [25JY]

POW: repeal requirement that former POW must have been interred for a specified minimum period of time to be eligible for dental benefits (H.R. 1347), E1175 [9JN]

Riverside, CA: Riverside National Cemetery recipient of Dept. of Veterans Affairs Robert W. Carey National Cemetery Category Award, E2133 [28OC]

Robert J. Dole Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wichita, KS: designate, E127 [4FE]

Veterans: benefits funding, H1939, H1940 [18MR], H2141, H2211, H2218, H2221, H2242, H2255, H2258, H2261 [20MR], H2382-H2388 [26MR], H2517, H2518, H2519, H2520, H2521, H2522, H2547, H2551, H2555, H2556, H2558, H2559, H2561, H2562, H2569-H2576, H2583 [1AP], H2689, H2691, H2692, H2695 [2AP], H2840-H2842 [7AP], H3287, H3289 [10AP], H3620 [1MY], H3959 [9MY], H4814, H4815, H4862 [3JN], H4880, H4954, H4962 [4JN], H5253 [11JN], H10346 [5NO], E586, E589 [26MR], E639, E640 [1AP], E651 [2AP], E724 [10AP], E985 [15MY], E1077 [23MY], E1395 [27JN], E2236 [5NO], E2257, E2261, E2263 [6NO], E2285 [7NO]

———change effective date for paid-up coverage under the Survivor Benefit Plan (H.R. 1653), H5256 [11JN]

———clarify prohibition on assignment of veterans benefits to agreements regarding future receipt of compensation and educate veterans on available legitimate financial services, H11715 [20NO]

———consolidate and improve programs to assist homeless veterans and assume management of National Personnel Records Center Military Personnel Records facility (H.R. 2518), E1318 [20JN]

———continuation of dependency and indemnity compensation for the surviving spouse of a veteran if such spouse remarries after a certain age, H11715, H11722 [20NO]

———disability benefits, H10982, H10987, H10989, H11122 [7NO]

———enhance cooperation and the sharing of resources between the Dept. of Veterans Affairs and the Dept. of Defense relative to veterans' benefits programs (H.R. 1911), H3623 [1MY], H4272, H4273, H4276 [20MY], E1043 [21MY]

———extend health care coverage to qualified World War II Filipino veterans, H7187-H7189 [21JY], E1565 [23JY]

———extend health care coverage to qualified World War II Filipino veterans (H.R. 2352), E1165 [5JN], E2193 [31OC]

———health care funding, H4852 [3JN], H5179 [11JN], H5355 [12JN], H5391 [16JN], H7630-H7637, H7663-H7668, H7684, H7685, H7687, H7688, H7691, H7707, H7708 [25JY], H9471, H9473, H9475 [15OC], H9518 [16OC], H9770-H9775 [21OC], H10224, H10229 [30OC], H10315, H10322 [4NO], H10444 [5NO], H10460, H10535-H10537, H10545 [6NO], H11201 [17NO], E1726 [5SE], E1753 [10SE], E2200 [31OC], E2279 [7NO], E2289 [10NO]

———health care funding (H.R. 2318), H7208-H7213 [21JY], H12831, H12837 [8DE], E1131 [4JN]

———health care funding (H.R. 2475), E1266 [16JN]

———impact of budget proposals, H2149, H2151, H2152, H2153, H2157 [20MR]

———improve access to health care for rural veterans (H.R. 2379), H5798 [24JN]

———improve and enhance provision of long-term care for veterans and modify authorities relative to administration of personnel (S. 1156), H12137-H12157 [21NO], E1253 [13JN]

———improve benefits for World War II Filipino veterans and their surviving spouses, H11714 [20NO]

———improve benefits for World War II Filipino veterans and their surviving spouses (H.R. 664), E197 [12FE]

———improve benefits for World War II Filipino veterans (H.R. 1984), E878 [6MY], E1076 [23MY]

———increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (H.R. 1683), H4273-H4275 [20MY], H4542 [22MY], E723 [10AP], E1082 [23MY]

———increase the minimum Survivor Benefit Plan basic annuity for certain surviving spouses, E1244 [13JN]

———increase the minimum Survivor Benefit Plan basic annuity for certain surviving spouses and provide for an open season under that plan (H.R. 548), H2558 [1AP], H5254-H5257 [11JN], E1253 [13JN]

———make motor vehicle reimbursement rates for veterans comparable to reimbursement rates for Federal employees, H7695 [25JY]

———modify and improve certain benefits (H.R. 2297), H9305-H9312 [8OC], E2039, E2043 [15OC], E2069 [17OC]

———modify and improve certain benefits (H.R. 2297), Senate amendment, H11705-H11722 [20NO], E2432 [23NO], E2462 [25NO]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay with service-connected disability benefits, H8479 [23SE], H9589, H9590 [16OC], H10994-H11008 [7NO], E2279, E2285 [7NO], E2291 [12NO]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay with service-connected disability benefits (H.R. 303), H5256 [11JN], H7210 [21JY], H9081, H9090-H9096 [1OC], H10348 [5NO], H10460, H10535-H10539, H10544-H10546 [6NO], E1256 [13JN], E1289 [18JN], E1955, E1960 [2OC], E2443 [23NO]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay with service-connected disability benefits (H.R. 303), consideration (H. Res. 251), H5271 [12JN]

———provide individuals who participated in certain Dept. of Defense chemical and biological warfare with health care for illness without requirement for proof of service-connection, H12144, H12150 [21NO]

———provide individuals who participated in certain Dept. of Defense chemical and biological warfare with health care for illness without requirement for proof of service-connection (H.R. 2433), H8090, H8094-H8097 [10SE], E1780 [11SE], E1827 [17SE]

———repeal computation system that reduces annuity for surviving spouses at age 62 relative to Social Security offset (H.R. 1592), H5256 [11JN], E685 [3AP]

Veterans Health Administration: establish office to oversee research compliance and assurance (H.R. 1585), E667 [3AP]

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: study eligibility requirements for inclusion of veterans' names and alternative means to honor ineligible veterans (H.R. 2540), E1309 [20JN]

Remarks in Senate

Aleda E. Lutz Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Saginaw, MI: prohibit closure or realignment of inpatient services (S. 1914), S15413 [21NO]

Appropriations: prosthetic and sensory aids devices funding, S1136 [17JA]

Armed Forces: health care funding to meet the needs of troops returning from Iraq, S4747-S4752 [3AP]

———improve benefits for members of the uniformed services and veterans (S. 19), S134-S136 [9JA], S8277 [20JN]

Aurora, CO: authorize construction, leasing, or modification of major medical facilities at the site of the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center (S. 613), S3733 [13MR]

Benefits: enhance certain veterans programs and improve administration of such programs (S. 1133), S7031 [22MY]

———improve outreach programs to more fully inform veterans of available benefits (S. 1199), S7492 [5JN]

———provide guaranteed adequate level of funding for veterans health care (S. 50), S8277 [20JN], S14397 [11NO]

Bob Stump Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Prescott, AZ: designate (S. 1511), S10634, S10635 [31JY]

Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services: authorize major medical facility projects for the initiative and satisfy requirements on natural disasters (S. 1605), S11352 [10SE]

———modify initiative to include long-term, domiciliary, and mental health care provisions, S14497-S14504, S14508-S14510, S14524 [12NO]

———require congressional notification prior to implementation of initiative (S. 1283), S8135 [18JN]

———require further analysis on future needs of veterans health care services and facilities, S14939, S14940 [17NO]

Cemetery system: anniversary, S11344 [10SE]

Courts: clarify requirements for Notices of Disagreement for appellate review (S. 1360), S8756 [26JN]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT: designate (S. 1815), S14390 [11NO]

Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and sundry independent agencies: making appropriations, S1240 [21JA]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2861), S10931 [1AU], S10987 [2SE], S14391, S14458 [11NO], S14464-S14470, S14472-S14480, S14496-S14504, S14506-S14528, S14530, S14531, S14678, S14743, S14792 [12NO], S14928, S14932-S14940 [17NO], S14993-S15001 [18NO]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2861), unanimous-consent agreement, S14940 [17NO], S15021 [18NO]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2861), unanimous-consent request, S14519, S14520 [12NO]

———making appropriations (S. 1584), unanimous-consent request, S14620, S14621 [12NO]

Drugs: permit Medicare-eligible veterans to receive an outpatient medication benefit (S. 1153), S7147-S7149 [23MY]

Federal employees: amend the definition of a law enforcement officer to include certain positions relative to retirement benefits (S. 819), S4967 [8AP], S14075 [5NO]

Gainesville, FL: tribute to Dept. of Veterans Affairs VA Medical Center, S14025 [5NO]

Health: efficacy of flu shots, S5531 [30AP]

———extend the period for provision of noninstitutional extended care services and required nursing home care (S. 836), S5070 [9AP], S14394 [11NO]

———place certain low-income veterans in a higher health-care priority category (S. 1014), S5872 [7MY], S14392 [11NO]

———prohibit funding to implement policies in which directors of health service networks are directed to ensure that no marketing activities to enroll new veterans occur within their networks, S14938 [17NO]

———rescind memorandum in which directors of health service networks are directed to ensure that no marketing activities to enroll new veterans occur within their networks (S. 1151), S7146 [23MY], S14382 [11NO]

Health care professionals: revise certain provisions relative to the appointment of professional psychologists in the Veterans Health Administration (S. 78), S71 [7JA]

Housing: expand the assisted living pilot program to include additional health care regions (S. 1572), S10972 [2SE]

Miami, FL: opening of University of Miami/VA General Clinical Research Center at Miami VA Medical Center, S6503 [15MY]

National cemeteries: cemetery planning and construction funding, S15000 [18NO]

———establish a national cemetery for veterans in southeastern Pennsylvania (H.R. 1516), S12853 [17OC], S13509 [29OC], S15000 [18NO]

———establish a national cemetery for veterans in southeastern Pennsylvania (S. 1077), S6627 [19MY]

———establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Jacksonville, FL, metropolitan area (S. 766), S4705 [2AP]

———establish for veterans in geographically underserved areas (S. 1282), S8134 [18JN]

National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: tribute, S9900 [24JY]

National Veterans Awareness Week: designate (S. Res. 204), S10153 [29JY], S10867 [31JY]

Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program: funding, S11942 [25SE]

North Chicago, IL: increase cooperation between VA Medical Center and Great Lakes Naval Hospital, S14511 [12NO]

Paul Wellstone Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN: designate (S. 1289), S8234 [19JN], S11023 [3SE]

Pence, Donald C.: relief (S. 57), S59 [7JA]

Pharmaceuticals: dispense medications for prescriptions written by private practitioners to veterans awaiting their first VA appointment for medical care (S. 1112), S6994 [22MY]

Presidential appointments: nominations considered and confirmed en bloc, S5390 [11AP]

Taxation: improve tax equity for military personnel, S6247 [14MY], S12582, S12585 [15OC], S13831-S13834 [3NO]

———improve tax equity for military personnel (S. 289), S1892 [4FE], S3399 [10MR]

———improve tax equity for military personnel (S. 351), S4097, S4102 [20MR], S4477, S4482 [27MR]

Veterans: benefits funding, S4241, S4242 [21MR], S14391, S14392, S14393, S14394, S14401 [11NO], S14514, S14531 [12NO]

———clarify the applicability of the prohibition on assignment of veterans benefits to agreements regarding future receipt of compensation and educate veterans on available legitimate financial services, S13748 [31OC]

———expand presumption of service-connection for certain diseases of former POW, enhance Dose Reconstruction Program, and enhance and fund certain other epidemiological studies (S. 1281), S8133 [18JN]

———health care funding, S12425-S12427 [3OC], S12797-S12799 [17OC], S14382, S14388 [11NO], S14464-S14466, S14792, S14793 [12NO], S15917, S15949 [25NO]

———improve and enhance certain benefits for survivors of veterans, S14393 [11NO]

———improve and enhance certain benefits for survivors of veterans (S. 1132), S7029 [22MY], S13707 [31OC]

———improve and enhance provision of long-term care for veterans and modify authorities relative to administration of personnel (S. 1156), S7154 [23MY], S15123-S15133 [19NO]

———improve benefits for former POWs (S. 517), S4154 [20MR]

———improve benefits for World War II Filipino veterans and their survivors (S. 1213), S7550 [9JN]

———improve benefits for World War II Filipino veterans (S. 68), S63 [7JA]

———increase burial benefits for veterans and provide for inflation adjustment (S. 1124), S7010 [22MY]

———increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (H.R. 1683), S15481 [21NO]

———increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (S. 1131), S7029 [22MY]

———increase the minimum Survivor Benefit Plan basic annuity for certain surviving spouses (S. 401), S2474 [13FE]

———increase the minimum Survivor Benefit Plan basic annuity for certain surviving spouses (S. 451), S2842 [26FE]

———modify and improve certain benefits (H.R. 2297), S15133-S15140 [19NO]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay with service-connected disability benefits, S4340 [25MR], S6597, S6598 [19MY], S6647 [20MY], S7284-S7286 [4JN], S12577, S12578, S12591 [15OC], S14391, S14392, S14393, S14434, S14435 [11NO], S14792, S14793 [12NO]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay with service-connected disability benefits (S. 392), S2467-S2469 [13FE]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay with service-connected disability benefits (S. 392), unanimous-consent request, S6945 [22MY]

———provide individuals who participated in certain Dept. of Defense chemical and biological warfare with health care for illness without requirement for proof of service-connection (S. 1694), S12282 [1OC]

———provide that remarriage of the surviving spouse of a veteran after a certain age will not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation (S. 249), S1814 [30JA]

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: study eligibility requirements for inclusion of veterans' names and alternative means to honor ineligible veterans (S. 296), S1901 [4FE]

World War II: provide that service in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps constituted active military service for veteran classification (S. 1948), S15843 [24NO], S15959 [25NO]

Yoshida, Jim K.: relief (S. 67), S63 [7JA]

Reports

Depts. of Defense and Veterans Affairs Health Care Sharing: Committee on Appropriations (House), E2210 [4NO]

Reports filed

Consideration of H.R. 2861, Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and Sundry Independent Agencies Appropriations: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 338) (H. Rept. 108-236), H7615 [24JY]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Establishment of a National Cemetery for Veterans in Southeastern Pennsylvania: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 1516) (H. Rept. 108-199), H6602 [10JY]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Long-Term Care and Personnel Authorities Enhancement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 1156) (S. Rept. 108-193), S14334 [10NO]

Depts. of Veterans Affairs and Defense Cooperation and Sharing of Resources Relative to Veterans' Benefits Programs: Committee on Veterans Affairs (House) (H.R. 1911) (H. Rept. 108-115), H4254 [19MY]

Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and Sundry Independent Agencies Appropriations: Committee on Appropriations (House) (H.R. 2861) (H. Rept. 108-235), H7614 [24JY]

———Committee on Appropriations (Senate) (S. 1584) (S. Rept. 108-143), S11161 [5SE]

Health Care for Veterans of Project 112/Project SHAD Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 2433) (H. Rept. 108-213), H7019 [16JY]

National Cemetery Expansion Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (H.R. 1516) (S. Rept. 108-164), S12532 [14OC]

National Veterans Awareness Week: Committee on the Judiciary (Senate) (S. Res. 204), S10616 [31JY]

New Fitzsimons Regional Federal Medical Center Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 116) (H. Rept. 108-200), H6705 [14JY]

Nomination of Alan G. Lance, Sr., To Be Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Judge: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S16119 [9DE]

Nomination of Bruce E. Kasold To Be Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Judge: Committee on Veterans Affairs (Senate), S5172 [10AP]

Nomination of Cynthia R. Church To Be Assistant Sec. of Veterans Affairs for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S16119 [9DE]

Nomination of Gordon H. Mansfield To Be Deputy Sec. of Veterans Affairs: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S16119 [9DE]

Nomination of John W. Nicholson To Be Under Sec. of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs: Committee on Veterans Affairs (Senate), S5172 [10AP]

Nomination of Lawrence B. Hagel To Be Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Judge: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S16119 [9DE]

Nomination of Robert N. McFarland To Be Assistant Sec. of Veterans Affairs for Information and Technology: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S16119 [9DE]

Restore Certain Aspects of Dept. of Veterans Affairs Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 2595) (H. Rept. 108-197), H6602 [10JY]

Same-Day Consideration of H. Res. 338, Consideration of H.R. 2861, Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and Sundry Independent Agencies Appropriations: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 340) (H. Rept. 108-238), H7615 [24JY]

Selected Reserve Home Loan Equity Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 1257) (H. Rept. 108-107), H4253 [19MY]

Veterans Benefits Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 2297) (H. Rept. 108-211), H6867 [15JY]

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 1683) (H. Rept. 108-108), H4253 [19MY]

———Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 1131) (S. Rept. 108-163), S12532 [14OC]

Veterans Health Care Cost Recovery Act: Committee on Veterans Affairs (House) (H.R. 1562) (H. Rept. 108-114), H4254 [19MY]

Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 1720) (H. Rept. 108-210), H6867 [15JY]

Veterans Health Care Improvement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 2357) (H. Rept. 108-198), H6602 [10JY]

Veterans' Survivors Benefits Enhancements Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 1132) (S. Rept. 108-169), S12969 [21OC]

Rulings of the Chair

Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and sundry independent agencies: making appropriations (H.R. 2861), S14518 [12NO], H7685, H7708 [25JY]

Statements

Paul Wellstone Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN: several individuals, S8235 [19JN]

Summaries

Fiscal Year 2003 Appropriations Reductions, S347 [15JA]

Tables

Committee on the Budget (Senate) scoring of H.R. 2861, Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and sundry independent agencies appropriations, S14527 [12NO]

Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and sundry independent agencies appropriations (H.R. 2861), H7656-H7662 [25JY]

U.S., Canadian negotiated Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Dept. of Defense prescription drug prices, H5912 [25JN]

Texts of

H. Res. 338, consideration of H.R. 2861, Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and sundry independent agencies appropriations, H7630 [25JY]

H.R. 91, Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, H7703 [25JY]

H.R. 1257, Selected Reserve Home Loan Equity Act, H4275 [20MY]

H.R. 1516, National Cemetery Expansion Act, S12853 [17OC], H7189 [21JY]

H.R. 1683, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, H4273 [20MY]

H.R. 1720, Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act, H9996-H9999 [29OC]

H.R. 1911, enhance cooperation and the sharing of resources between the Depts. of Veterans Affairs and Defense relative to veterans' benefits programs, H4272 [20MY]

H.R. 2297, Veterans Benefits Act, H9305-H9308 [8OC], H11705-H11712 [20NO]

H.R. 2357, Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, H7187 [21JY]

H.R. 2433, Health Care for Veterans of Project 112/Project SHAD Act, H8094 [10SE]

H.R. 2595, restore certain aspects of Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program, H8091 [10SE]

H.R. 2861, Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD, and sundry independent appropriations, S15001-S15020 [18NO]

S. 57, relief of Donald C. Pence, S59 [7JA]

S. 67, relief of Jim K. Yoshida, S63 [7JA]

S. 68, Filipino Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act, S64 [7JA]

S. 78, Veteran's Health Administration Act, S71 [7JA]

S. 249, provide that remarriage of the surviving spouse of a veteran after a certain age will not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation, S1814 [30JA]

S. 289, Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act, S1892-S1897 [4FE]

S. 296, Fairness to All Fallen Vietnam War Service Members Act, S1901 [4FE]

S. 392, Retired Pay Restoration Act, S2468 [13FE]

S. 401, SBP Benefits Improvement Act, S2475 [13FE]

S. 585, Military Retiree Survivors Relief Act, S3420 [10MR]

S. 613, Veterans' New Fitzsimons Health Care Facilities Act, S3733 [13MR]

S. 766, establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Jacksonville, FL, metropolitan area, S4705 [2AP]

S. 819, Law Enforcement Officers Retirement Equity Act, S4967 [8AP]

S. 1014, place certain low-income veterans in a higher health-care priority category, S5873 [7MY]

S. 1077, establish a national cemetery for veterans in southeastern Pennsylvania, S6628 [19MY]

S. 1112, Veterans' Prescription Drug Reform Act, S6994 [22MY]

S. 1124, Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act, S7010 [22MY]

S. 1131, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, S7029 [22MY]

S. 1132, Veterans' Benefits Enhancements Act, S13744-S13748 [31OC]

S. 1132, Veterans' Survivors Benefits Enhancements Act, S7030 [22MY]

S. 1133, Veterans Programs Improvement Act, S7031-S7033 [22MY]

S. 1151, Veterans Outreach Protection Act, S7146 [23MY]

S. 1153, Veterans Prescription Drugs Assistance Act, S7148 [23MY]

S. 1156, Dept. of Veterans Affairs Long-Term Care and Personnel Authorities Enhancement Act, S7154 [23MY]

S. 1156, Veterans Health Care, Capital Asset, and Business Improvement Act, H12137-H12143 [21NO]

S. 1199, Veterans Outreach Improvement Act, S7493 [5JN]

S. 1213, Filipino Veterans' Benefits Act, S7550 [9JN]

S. 1281, Veterans Information and Benefits Enhancement Act, S8134 [18JN]

S. 1282, establish national cemeteries for veterans in geographically underserved areas, S8135 [18JN]

S. 1283, require congressional notification prior to implementation of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services initiative, S8136 [18JN]

S. 1289, Paul Wellstone Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, S8236 [19JN]

S. 1360, clarify Dept. of Veterans Afffairs requirements for Notices of Disagreement for appellate review, S8756 [26JN]

S. 1360, clarify requirements for Notices of Disagreement for appellate review of Dept. of Veterans Affairs activities, S8897 [7JY]

S. 1511, Bob Stump Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Prescott, AZ, S10635 [31JY]

S. 1572, expand the Dept. of Veterans Affairs assisted living pilot program to include additional health care regions, S10973 [2SE]

S. 1605, authorize major Dept. of Veterans Affairs medical facility projects for the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services initiative and satisfy requirements on natural disasters, S11352 [10SE]

S. 1694, Health Care for Veterans of Project 112/Project SHAD Act, S12283 [1OC]

S. 1914, prohibit closure or realignment of inpatient services at Aleda E. Lutz Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Saginaw, MI, S15413 [21NO]

S. 1948, U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act, S15843 [24NO]

S. Res. 204, National Veterans Awareness Week, S10153 [29JY], S10868 [31JY]