VETERANS

Addresses

Greatest Generation: Tom Brokaw, E2249 [3NO]

Require Pre- and Post-Deployment Mental Health Screening for Military Personnel: Kelly Beckwith, E671 [15AP]

Veterans Day: Frank A. Camm, E2411 [18NO]

Vietnamese Conflict: Barry Yeakle, E2326 [10NO]

Amendments

Benefits: increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (S. 1234), S13033, S13041 [16NO]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), S10351, S10353, S10354, S10355, S10356, S10357, S10384, S10385, S10386, S10391 [22SE], H4074 [25MY], H4096, H4100, H4102, H4105, H4109, H4110 [26MY]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), consideration (H. Res. 298), H4084 [26MY]

National Airborne Day: designate (S. Res. 86), S9195, S9200 [27JY]

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance: enhance program (H.R. 3200), S10480, S10519 [27SE], H8413 [28SE]

Appointments

Conferees: H.R. 2528, Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services, H9568 [3NO]

Articles and editorials

Adding Soldiers to the Wall, E1293 [20JN]

Back From Iraq—And Suddenly Out on the Streets, E227 [14FE]

Bad Day at Binh Gia, S7423 [27JN]

C.L. Woodley, E1260 [17JN]

Few Good Recruits, S2144 [7MR]

Gen. Louis Wilson Dies; Awarded Medal of Honor, S7388 [24JN]

Joint POW-MIA Accounting Group Using DNA Expertise, H667 [16FE]

Mental Health Care for Veterans Disputed; While Need Has Grown, Inpatient Services Have Been Drastically Cut in the Last Decade—Critics Say Outpatient Programs Can't Do the Job, S3459 [12AP]

Military Might—Today's VA Hospitals Are Models of Top-Notch Care, E1560 [21JY]

Penalizing Veterans, S1224 [10FE]

Respect for Heroes in Iraq, E1103 [26MY]

True Cost of War, H5568 [30JN]

VA Hospital in Texas Fights To Stay Open, S8109 [12JY]

VA Program Offers Solace to Civilians, S3283 [6AP]

VA Straining To Treat Post-Traumatic Stress, E1638 [27JY]

Veterans Angered by Official's Comments, H517 [9FE]

Bills and resolutions

Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans: repeal provision of law requiring termination (see H.R. 3474), H6933 [27JY]

Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act: provide for equitable allotment of lands to Alaskan Natives who are veterans (see S. 2000), S12682 [10NO] (see H.R. 1811), H2471 [21AP]

American Battle Monuments Commission: establish a memorial to the Buffalo Soldiers in Louisiana (see S. 205), S647 [31JA]

American Veterans Congressional Internship Program: establish (see H.R. 1242), H1369 [10MR]

Antietam National Battlefield: establish memorial to officers and enlisted men of certain New Hampshire units (see S. 748), S3413 [11AP] (see H.R. 1084), H981 [3MR]

Arlington National Cemetery: authorize placement of a monument honoring veterans who fought in World War II as members of Army Ranger Battalions (see S. 1138), S6021 [26MY]

Armed Forces: allow a participant in the military Survivor Benefit Plan to designate a new beneficiary upon the death of the original designated beneficiary (see H.R. 2986), H4801 [20JN]

———allow members and reservists to transfer certain educational assistance entitlement to dependents (see H.R. 3625), H7612 [29JY]

———assist with the transition of members from combat zones to noncombat zones and veterans from active service to civilian life (see H.R. 2411), H3435 [17MY]

———authorize the award of a Cold War service medal to members who served honorably during the Cold War era (see S. 1351), S7820 [30JN] (see H.R. 2568), H3892 [24MY]

———authorize use of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to pay Federal student loans (see H.R. 1759), H2469 [21AP]

———eliminate reductions of basic pay for eligibility for basic educational assistance for veterans under the Montgomery GI Bill (see H.R. 2416), H3435 [17MY]

———enhance protection of members and their spouses from unscrupulous financial services sales practices through increased consumer education (see S. 1028), S5071 [12MY] (see H.R. 3472), H6933 [27JY]

———enhance the Montgomery GI Bill benefits for certain individuals who have served after September 11, 2001 (see S. 43), S143 [24JA] (see H.R. 786), H584 [10FE]

———ensure that soldiers wounded in a combat zone continue to receive special pay allowances and tax benefits associated with combat pay (see S. 461), S1717 [18FE] (see H.R. 771), H583 [10FE]

———expand and enhance benefits (see S. 460), S1717 [18FE]

———extend time limitation for use of eligibility and entitlement to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (see H.R. 2365), H3330 [16MY]

———improve benefits for members, veterans, and their dependents and survivors (see H.R. 2131), H3052 [5MY]

———improve benefits for members of the National Guard and Reserve to recognize their service and to encourage recruitment and retention of personnel (see H.R. 2484), H3693 [19MY]

———improve Montgomery GI Bill benefits by establishing an enhanced educational assistance program and by repealing the requirement for reduction in pay for participation in the program (see S. 615), S2644 [14MR]

———improve the Transition Assistance Program provided for members being discharged, released from active duty, or retiring (see S. 1341), S7820 [30JN] (see H.R. 2074), H2976 [4MY]

———increase benefits for certain individuals who have served after September 11, 2001 (see S. 1019), S5071 [12MY] (see H.R. 1982), H2735 [28AP]

———increase dependency and indemnity compensation payable to a surviving spouse of a member in any case in which there are dependent children (see H.R. 1573), H1894 [12AP]

———issue postage stamp in commemoration of those who distinguished themselves by their service in the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (see H. Con. Res. 4), H79 [4JA]

———payment of mental health counselors under TRICARE (see H.R. 1358), H1690 [17MR]

———prevent the sale of abusive insurance and investment products to military personnel (see S. 418), S1622 [17FE] (see H.R. 458, 461), H284 [1FE]

———provide for certain servicemembers to become eligible for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (see S. 2091), S13501 [13DE] (see H.R. 269), H137 [6JA]

———provide for payment of Combat-Related Special Compensation to certain members retired for disability who were awarded the Purple Heart (see H.R. 995), H845 [1MR]

———provide military reservists retained in active status after qualifying for Reserve retired pay be given credit toward computation for services performed after qualifying (see H.R. 716), H522 [9FE]

———recognize the historic commitment of the U.S. to the recovery and full accounting of POW or MIA (see H.J. Res. 18), H587 [14FE]

———reduce the age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service (see S. 639), S2846 [16MR] (see H.R. 783), H583 [10FE]

———repeal time limitation for use of eligibility and entitlement to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (see S. 1162), S6100 [6JN] (see H.R. 3347), H6106 [19JY]

———require pre- and post-deployment mental health screening for military personnel (see H.R. 1639), H2100 [14AP]

———restore health care coverage to retired members of the uniformed services (see S. 407), S1513 [16FE] (see H.R. 602), H353 [2FE]

———revise age and service requirements for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service and improve health care for reservists and their families by making TRICARE benefits permanent (see S. 337), S1198 [9FE] (see H.R. 558), H350 [2FE]

Army: conduct thorough review of cases of individuals convicted of court-martial arising from a disturbance at Fort Lawton, WA, on August 14, 1944 (see H.R. 3174), H5601 [30JN]

———require removal of remains of Russell W. Wagner from Arlington National Cemetery (see S. 1759), S10378 [22SE]

Bankruptcy: exempt from means testing certain National Guard and Reserve members (see H.R. 1860), H2549 [26AP] (see H.R. 2060), H2879 [3MY]

Bataan Death March: provide additional compensation to survivors (see H.R. 30), H72 [4JA]

Benefits: authorize additional compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for whom a family member dependent on the veteran for support provides care (see H.R. 3777), H7948 [14SE]

———expand and enhance health care, mental health, transition, and disability benefits (see S. 13), S142 [24JA]

———increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (see S. 1234), S6481 [14JN] (see H.R. 1220), H1368 [10MR]

Branch, Frederick C.: tribute (see S. Res. 116), S4021 [20AP]

Cemeteries and funerals: allow State placement of supplemental guide signs for veterans cemeteries on Federal-aid highways (see H.R. 589), H352 [2FE]

———enhance burial benefits (see H.R. 531), H349 [2FE] (see H.R. 805), H628 [15FE]

———expand eligibility for governmental markers for marked graves of veterans at private cemeteries (see S. 909), S4257 [26AP]

———increase burial benefits for certain veterans buried in private or State-owned cemeteries (see H.R. 831), H629 [15FE]

Coins: mint in commemoration of veterans who became disabled for life while serving in the Armed Forces (see S. 633), S2846 [16MR] (see H.R. 1951), H2734 [28AP]

Conner, Garlin M.: posthumous awarding of Medal of Honor (see H.R. 605), H353 [2FE]

Crime: extend Federal jurisdiction over destruction of veterans' memorials on State or local government property (see H.R. 1988), H2736 [28AP]

Dept. of Defense: develop and implement a plan to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits as part of the TRICARE program (see H.R. 999), H845 [1MR] (see H.R. 1594), H1968 [13AP]

———establish procedures for consideration of applications for award of the Purple Heart to certain POW (see S. 2157), S14316 [21DE] (see H.R. 2369), H3330 [16MY]

———extend military commissary and exchange store privileges to disabled veterans and their dependents (see H.R. 4121), H9043 [20OC]

———extend military commissary and exchange store privileges to disabled veterans and their dependents and authorize space-available travel on military aircraft for such veterans and their dependents (see H.R. 1188), H1263 [9MR]

Dept. of Justice: halt efforts to block compensation for torture inflicted by Iraq on U.S. POW during the Persian Gulf Conflict (see H. Con. Res. 93), H1371 [10MR]

Dept. of Labor: reauthorize the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (see H.R. 3279), H5912 [14JY]

Dept. of the Interior: study suitability and feasibility of designating the Soldiers' Memorial Military Museum in St. Louis, MO, as a unit of the National Park System (see S. 2144), S14064 [19DE] (see H.R. 452), H283 [1FE]

———study suitability and feasibility of designating the Virgin Islands Military and Veterans Memorial, to be located in Fredericksted, St. Croix, VI, as a unit of the National Park System (see H.R. 4189), H9472 [1NO]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: 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. 591), H352 [2FE]

———allow access to outside care for veterans with long waiting periods for treatment at outpatient clinics (see H.R. 76), H74 [4JA]

———allow veterans enrolled in the health system the option of receiving covered health services through non-departmental facilities (see H.R. 4277), H10145 [9NO]

———award a percentage of procurement contracts to small business concerns owned by veterans (see H.R. 3082), H5361 [28JN]

———commend efforts of staff in response to Hurricane Katrina (see S. Res. 259), S10594 [28SE] (see S. Res. 263), S10823 [3OC]

———conduct a pilot program to improve access to health care for rural veterans (see H.R. 1741), H2394 [20AP]

———conduct a pilot project on using educational assistance funds to defray training costs associated with purchasing certain franchise enterprises (see H.R. 745), H581 [10FE]

———conduct demonstration project to improve Veterans Health Administration business practices (see H.R. 2988), H4801 [20JN]

———continue mission of Kerrville, TX, medical center, including maintenance of acute care beds (see H.R. 2392), H3434 [17MY]

———determine the effectiveness of contracting for the use of private memory care facilities for veterans with Alzheimer's disease (see H.R. 590), H352 [2FE]

———dispense medications to veterans for prescriptions written by private practitioners (see H.R. 693), H521 [9FE] (see H.R. 1585), H1895 [12AP]

———eliminate the deductible and change the method of determining the mileage reimbursement rate for the beneficiary travel program (see H.R. 3948), H8642 [29SE] (see H.R. 4025), H8807 [7OC]

———enhance authority to recover medical costs from third parties (see H.R. 2734), H4141 [26MY]

———enhance military and veterans' life insurance programs (see H.R. 2747), H4186 [7JN]

———enhance services provided by veterans' centers and clarify and improve the provision of bereavement counseling (see S. 716), S3278 [6AP]

———ensure adequate veterans' health care funding and conduct a pilot program to improve access to health care for rural veterans (see S. 963), S4547 [28AP]

———establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Colorado Springs, CO, area (see S. 551), S2244 [8MR] (see H.R. 1159), H1024 [8MR]

———establish an Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events (see S. 2021), S12949 [16NO] (see H.R. 4339), H10501 [16NO]

———establish certain conditions before implementing any Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) Commission recommendation that reduces veterans medical services (see H.R. 2832), H4354 [9JN]

———establish enhanced process for funding veterans health care programs and standards for access to health care (see H.R. 2735), H4141 [26MY]

———establish licensure requirements for employees and contractors performing orthotics, pedorthics, or prosthetics services in States where there are private practice requirements (see H.R. 4159), H9361 [27OC]

———establish Parkinson's Disease Research Education and Clinical Centers and Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence in the Veterans Health Administration (see S. 1537), S9284 [28JY]

———establish Parkinson's Disease Research Education and Clinical Centers in the Veterans Health Administration (see H.R. 2959), H4721 [17JN]

———establish presumption of service connection for certain diseases and disabilities of veterans who were exposed to carbon tetrachloride (see H.R. 1198), H1263 [9MR]

———establish presumption of service connection for cold weather injuries received during military operations (see H.R. 4288), H10145 [9NO]

———expand the capability to provide for the medical care needs of veterans in southern New Jersey (see H.R. 3052), H5100 [23JN]

———extend eligibility for pension benefits to veterans who received an expeditionary medal during a period of military service other than a period of war (see H.R. 2301), H3198 [11MY]

———extend eligibility for pension benefits to veterans who served during certain periods of time in specified locations (see H.R. 2300), H3198 [11MY]

———extend reporting requirement on disposition of cases recommended for equitable relief due to administrative error (see H.R. 821), H629 [15FE]

———furnish care for newborn children of women veterans receiving maternity care (see H.R. 4046), H8808 [7OC]

———improve allocation of health care resources to different geographic regions in the U.S. (see H.R. 1346), H1621 [16MR]

———improve health care for veterans (see S. 1182), S6154 [7JN]

———improve mental health services at all facilities (see S. 1177), S6154 [7JN]

———improve outreach programs (see S. 1342), S7820 [30JN] (see S. 1990), S12681 [10NO] (see H.R. 4264), H10144 [9NO]

———improve outreach programs to more fully inform veterans of available benefits (see H.R. 2306), H3198 [11MY]

———improve the Veterans Beneficiary Travel Program (see S. 996), S4936 [11MY] (see H.R. 3147), H5600 [30JN]

———increase reporting fee payable by the Dept. to educational institutions for reports or certifications which such educational institutions are required to submit (see H.R. 1340), H1621 [16MR]

———make permanent the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program (see S. 917), S4397 [27AP] (see H.R. 1773), H2470 [21AP]

———making supplemental appropriations for veterans medical care (see S. 1290), S7293 [23JN] (see H.R. 3102), H5434 (see H.R. 3102), H5478 [29JN] (see H.R. 3130, 3136), H5599 [30JN]

———permit Medicare-eligible veterans to receive an outpatient medication benefit (see S. 614), S2644 [14MR]

———permit veterans to transfer on a space-available basis from a veterans home in one State to a veterans home in another State regardless of State residency requirements (see H.R. 3009), H4895 [21JN]

———provide adaptive housing assistance to disabled veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member (see S. 1947), S12127 [1NO]

———provide adaptive housing assistance to disabled veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member and make direct housing loans to Native American veterans (see H.R. 3665), H7741 [7SE]

———provide emergency assistance to homeless veterans and their families affected by Hurricane Katrina (see H.R. 3727), H7859 [13SE]

———provide for World War II veterans to be in the same priority category for health care services as World War I veterans (see H.R. 3457), H6933 [27JY]

———provide grants to rural counties to improve advice and services to help veterans obtain earned benefits (see H.R. 3694), H7742 [7SE]

———provide health care to members of the Armed Forces who serve in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and study potential health consequences (see H.R. 4007), H8733 [6OC]

———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. 2929), H4560 [15JN]

———provide sufficient blind rehabilitation outpatient specialists at medical centers (see S. 1190), S6154 [7JN]

———provide sufficient blind rehabilitation outpatient specialists at medical facilities (see H.R. 3579), H7559 [28JY]

———provide veterans affected by Hurricane Katrina access to health care (see H.R. 3666), H7741 [7SE]

———publish a strategic plan for long-term care (see S. 1189), S6154 [7JN]

———reauthorize programs servicing the needs of homeless veterans (see S. 1180), S6154 [7JN]

———recalculate retirement annuities for certain health care professionals performing part-time services (see H.R. 4298), H10156 [10NO]

———reduce backlog of benefit claims (see H.R. 616), H410 [8FE]

———repeal the offset from surviving spouse annuities under the military Survivor Benefit Plan for amounts paid as dependency and indemnity compensation (see H.R. 808), H628 [15FE]

———repeal the offset from surviving spouse annuities under the military Survivor Benefit Plan for amounts paid as dependency and indemnity compensation (H.R. 808), consideration (see H. Res. 271), H3198 [11MY]

———report on cases recommended for relief due to administrative error and assist with transition of members from combat zones to noncombat zones and veterans from active service to civilian life (see S. 1259), S6740 [16JN]

———require an annual plan on outreach activities (see S. 151), S435 [25JA]

———require filling of prescriptions for drugs and medicines written by private physicians (see H.R. 2379), H3331 [16MY]

———require mandatory HIV testing of potential sources in the event of possible occupational exposure to HIV in a medical facility (see H.R. 3425), H6431 [25JY]

———terminate administrative freeze on the enrollment into the health care system of veterans in the lowest priority category for enrollment (referred to as ``Priority 8'') (see H.R. 3312), H5913 [14JY]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (see H.R. 2528), H3768 [23MY]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), consideration (see H. Res. 298), H4072 [25MY]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), consideration of conference report (see H. Res. 564), H10908 [17NO]

Disabled: allow certain veterans with service-connected disabilities to travel on military aircraft (see S. 58), S143 [24JA]

———improve compensation benefits for veterans in certain cases of impairment of vision involving both eyes (see H.R. 2963), H4721 [17JN]

Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation: extend authority for establishment of memorial in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor veterans who became disabled while serving in the Armed Forces (see H.R. 4275), H10144 [9NO]

Diseases: add nasopharyngeal cancer to the statutorily prescribed presumptive diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange during military service in Vietnam (see H.R. 3209), H5739 [12JY]

———establish a comprehensive program for the testing and treatment of the hepatitis C virus (see S. 1571), S9467 [29JY] (see H.R. 90), H74 [4JA]

———establish a presumption of service-connection for certain veterans with hepatitis C (see H.R. 3434), H6649 [26JY]

———extend period of time which a veteran's multiple sclerosis is to be considered to have been incurred in, or aggravated by, military service during a period of war (see S. 2147), S14185 [20DE]

———revise eligibility criteria for presumption of service-connection of certain diseases and disabilities for veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during military service (see H.R. 2962), H4721 [17JN]

Education: ensure adequate and equitable education benefits under the Montgomery GI bill for active duty and selected Reserve members and include certain servicemembers previously excluded (see S. 2163), S14316 [21DE]

———expand and enhance educational assistance for survivors and dependents (see H.R. 4361), H10908 [17NO]

———expand and enhance educational assistance for survivors and dependents of veterans (see S. 2014), S12839 [15NO]

———expand scope of educational programs for which accelerated payments of assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used (see H.R. 717), H522 [9FE]

———provide for payment of stipends to veterans who pursue doctoral degrees in science or technology (see H.R. 421), H235 [26JA]

Employment: provide additional work-study opportunities for eligible veterans (see H.R. 1207), H1264 [9MR]

Families and domestic relations: continuation of dependency and indemnity compensation for the surviving spouse of a veteran if such spouse remarries after a certain age (see H.R. 1462), H1777 [5AP]

Federal aid programs: establish a financial assistance program to facilitate provision of supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing (see S. 1991), S12681 [10NO]

———improve availability of benefits for veterans and the surviving spouses of veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation during military service (see H.R. 4183), H9472 [1NO]

Federal employees: extend certain veterans' preference provisions to individuals who served on active duty in the Armed Forces for a certain period after September 11, 2001, and separated under honorable conditions (see H.R. 2205), H3055 [5MY]

Flag—U.S.: request that the flag flown over the Capitol should be lowered to half-mast one day each month in honor of U.S. citizens killed in military action (see H. Con. Res. 255), H8513 [28SE]

Gagetown Veterans Memorial Post Office, Gagetown, MI: designate (see H.R. 3368), H6204 [20JY]

Gold Star Mothers Day: support goals and ideals (see S.J. Res. 23), S9877 [9SE] (see S. Res. 250), S10378 [22SE] (see H.J. Res. 61), H6204 [20JY]

Gresko, Richard: award of Medal of Honor (see H.R. 4310), H10157 [10NO]

Hawaii: improve provision of health care and services to veterans (see S. 1176), S6154 [7JN]

Health: extend period of eligibility after discharge or release for health care for combat service in the Persian Gulf Conflict or future hostilities (see S. 481), S1867 [1MR]

———improve access to health care for rural veterans (see H.R. 4309), H10156 [10NO]

Health care: funding (see S. 331), S1198 [9FE] (see H.R. 515), H348 [2FE]

Health care facilities: clarify availability of emergency medical care for veterans in non-Dept. of Veterans Affairs medical facilities (see H.R. 2966), H4721 [17JN]

Health care professionals: permit eligible veterans to receive direct access to chiropractic care (see H.R. 917), H793 [17FE]

Higher Education Act: exclude veterans education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill for purposes of determining need analysis for grants to college students (see H.R. 1206), H1264 [9MR]

Hire a Veteran Week: designate (see H. Con. Res. 62), H630 [15FE] (see H. Con. Res. 125), H1845 [6AP]

Hispanic Americans: tribute to veterans (see H. Con. Res. 323), H12049 [16DE]

Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act: eliminate application deadlines (see H.R. 3018), H4896 [21JN]

Holland, Milton: issue posthumous Army commission (see H.R. 3412), H6380 [22JY]

Homeless: recognize positive effect of outreach activities known as Stand Down events on homeless veterans and commend organizers of such events (see H. Con. Res. 87), H988 [7MR]

House of Representatives: increase representational allowance of Members who employ a veteran with a service-connected disability (see H. Res. 372), H6205 [20JY]

Housing: provide loan benefits for the purchase of residential cooperative apartment units (see S. 2121), S13786 [16DE] (see H.R. 4537), H11653 [14DE]

Hurricanes: extend for persons affected by Hurricane Katrina the time for appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims of certain decisions of the Board of Veterans Appeals (see S. 1729), S10233 [20SE] (see H.R. 3670), H7741 [7SE]

———provide for the care of veterans affected by Hurricane Katrina (see S. 1646), S9833 [8SE]

Immigration: give priority in the issuance of immigrant visas to the sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who are or were naturalized U.S. citizens (see H.R. 901), H792 [17FE]

Incom: expand eligibility for concurrent receipt of military retired pay or combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits and eliminate phase-in period for such benefits (see H.R. 303), H193 [25JA]

Income: expand eligibility for concurrent receipt of combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits (see H.R. 1366), H1691 [17MR]

———expand eligibility for concurrent receipt of military retired pay or combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits and eliminate phase-in period for such benefits (see S. 558), S2244 [8MR]

———expand eligibility for concurrent receipt of military retired pay or combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits and eliminate phase-in period for such benefits (H.R. 303), consideration (see H. Res. 270), H3113 [10MY]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay or combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits and eliminate phase-in period for such benefits (see S. 845), S3897 [19AP]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay with service-connected disability benefits (see H.R. 2076), H2976 [4MY] (see H.R. 2368), H3330 [16MY]

Insurance: establish a group disability insurance benefit for members who incur certain severe disabilities (see H.R. 1618), H1969 [13AP]

———increase amount of supplemental insurance available for totally disabled veterans (see S. 1252), S6658 [15JN]

———increase maximum coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs (see S. 1235), S6481 [14JN] (see H.R. 460), H284 [1FE]

Jack C. Montgomery Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Muskogee, OK: designate (see S. 1731), S10233 [20SE] (see H.R. 3829), H8161 [20SE]

John H. Bradley Dept. of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Appleton, WI: designate (see H.R. 1691), H2149 [19AP]

Johnson, Henry: posthumous awarding of Medal of Honor (see H.R. 569), H351 [2FE]

Korean War Veterans Association, Inc.: grant Federal charter (see S. 1512), S9158 [27JY] (see H.R. 3476), H6933 [27JY]

Laos: honor Lao and Hmong veterans and their refugee families upon the anniversary of the end of the Indochina conflict (see H. Res. 317), H4486 [14JN]

Lillian Kinkella Keil Post Office, Covina, CA: designate (see H.R. 4053), H8809 [7OC]

Medicare Eligible Military Retiree Health Care Consensus Task Force: establish (see H.R. 79), H74 [4JA]

Memorial Day: observance of a National Moment of Remembrance (see S. Res. 153), S5778 [23MY]

———restore traditional observance (see S. 80), S144 [24JA]

Mental health: improve post-traumatic stress disorder treatment for veterans of service in Afghanistan and Iraq and the war on terror (see H.R. 922), H793 [17FE]

———improve treatment of post-deployment mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, for veterans and members of the Armed Forces (see H.R. 1588), H1967 [13AP]

———improve treatment provided to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (see S. 1448), S8664 [21JY]

Merchant marine industry: provide a monthly monetary benefit to certain individuals who served in the U.S. merchant marine during World War II (see S. 1272), S6825 [20JN] (see H.R. 23), H72 [4JA]

———provide benefits to merchant mariners who served during a period of war (see H.R. 4338), H10501 [16NO]

Monuments and memorials: ensure memorials commemorating the service of U.S. servicemembers may contain religious symbols (see H.R. 2229), H3112 [10MY]

National Airborne Day: designate (see S. Res. 86), S2995 [17MR]

National American Indian Veterans, Inc.: grant Federal charter (see S. 154), S436 [25JA] (see H.R. 933), H793 [17FE]

National cemeteries: authorize placement of memorial markers to commemorate servicemembers or other persons whose remains are interred in an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery (see H.R. 2188), H3054 [5MY]

———expand State sentences which preclude burial in national cemeteries to include any sentence of life imprisonment for a State capital crime (see S. 1751), S10378 [22SE]

———modify circumstances under which a person who has committed a capital offense is denied certain burial-related benefits and funeral honors (see S. 1813), S10823 [3OC] (see H.R. 4352), H10502 [16NO]

———prohibit interment or memorialization in national cemeteries of persons convicted of committing State capital crimes regardless of whether their sentences included parole (see H.R. 3965), H8643 [29SE]

National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record: provide an amnesty period during which veterans and their families can register certain firearms (see H.R. 2088), H2976 [4MY]

National Purple Heart Recognition Day: support goals and ideals (see S. Con. Res. 39), S6022 [26MY] (see H. Con. Res. 170), H4142 [26MY]

National Veterans Awareness Week: designate (see S. Res. 155), S5922 [25MY]

National World War II Veterans Recognition Week: support goals and ideals (see H. Con. Res. 264), H8809 [7OC]

Native Americans: eligibility of Indian tribal organizations for grants to establish veterans cemeteries on trust lands (see H.R. 601), H352 [2FE]

———tribute to veterans (see H. Con. Res. 291), H9695 [4NO]

Navy: issue postage stamp in commemoration of the Lone Sailor Memorial located near the Golden Gate Bridge (see H. Con. Res. 207), H5740 [12JY]

Navy Armed Guard: authorize special awards to World War I and World War II veterans (see S.J. Res. 16), S4021 [20AP] (see S.J. Res. 27), S10594 [28SE] (see H.J. Res. 45), H2648 [27AP]

New Jersey (U.S.S.): issue commemorative postage stamp (see H. Con. Res. 150), H3198 [11MY]

Oscar G. Johnson Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility, Iron Mountain, MI: designate (see H.R. 4386), H10909 [17NO]

Pahrump, NV: convey certain land to the Edward H. McDaniel American Legion Post No. 22 for construction of a post building and memorial park (see S. 253), S739 [1FE]

Pence, Donald C.: relief (see S. 69), S143 [24JA]

Pensions: change effective date for paid-up coverage under the Survivor Benefit Plan (see H.R. 968), H795 [17FE]

———revise effective date for payment of lump sums to certain persons awarded the Medal of Honor who are in receipt of special pensions (see H.R. 520), H348 [2FE]

Philippines: improve benefits for World War II Filipino veterans (see H.R. 170), H77 [4JA]

———recognize and honor World War II Filipino veterans for defense of democratic ideals and contribution to the outcome of World War II (see S. Res. 307), S12682 [10NO] (see H. Res. 622), H12049 [16DE]

———recognize military service of certain Philippine nationals during World War II and allow receipt of Dept. of Veterans Affairs benefits (see S. 146), S435 [25JA] (see H.R. 302), H193 [25JA] (see H.R. 4574), H12047 [16DE]

———verify military service of certain Philippine nationals during World War II to determine benefits eligibility (see S. 79), S144 [24JA]

POW: allow certain former POW with service-connected disabilities to use Dept. of Defense commisary and exchange stores (see S. 59), S143 [24JA]

———eligibility of surviving spouses of certain former POW to receive dependency and indemnity compensation (see H.R. 2344), H3260 [12MY]

———improve benefits (see S. 1271), S6825 [20JN] (see H.R. 1598), H1968 [13AP]

———pay certain claimants that were held captive during the Persian Gulf Conflict who brought suit against Iraq (see H.R. 1321), H1508 [15MR]

President's National Hire Veterans Committee: extend operation (see H.R. 419, 419), H235 [26JA]

Prieto, Roaul R.: authorize disinterment from the American Ardennes Cemetery at Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium, and transfer of remains to his next of kin (see H.R. 2798), H4295 [8JN]

Radioactive substances: provide that veterans of conflicts where depleted uranium munitions are used shall be considered radiation-exposed for purposes of the service-connection of certain diseases and disabilities (see H.R. 4184), H9472 [1NO]

Rural areas: establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in remote rural areas (see S. 1191), S6154 [7JN]

———improve services for rural veterans (see H.R. 4355), H10502 [16NO]

SBA: establish Veterans Business Outreach Centers and Technical Mentoring Assistance Committees (see H.R. 3898), H8386 [27SE] (see H.R. 3939), H8642 [29SE]

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance: enhance program (see H.R. 3200), H5637 [11JY]

Small business: provide additional relief to owners ordered to active duty as members of Reserve components of the Armed Forces (see S. 1014), S5071 [12MY]

Social Security: disregard State annuities paid to blind veterans in the determination of SSI benefits (see H.R. 592), H352 [2FE]

Taxation: allow a refundable credit to military retirees for certain Medicare premiums (see H.R. 322), H194 [25JA]

———allow deduction for uncompensated education costs incurred by certain veterans' survivors and dependents (see H.R. 924), H793 [17FE]

———allow employers to claim a work opportunity credit for hiring military personnel returning from service in Iraq or Afghanistan and for hiring their dependents and dependents of deceased personnel (see H.R. 1352), H1621 [16MR]

———allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums (see S. 484), S1867 [1MR] (see H.R. 994), H845 [1MR]

———allow tax credit to businesses who employ members of the National Guard or Ready Reserve for compensation paid during active military duty (see H.R. 446), H283 [1FE]

———allow tax credit to businesses who employ members of the National Guard or Ready Reserve for the value of service not performed during active military duty (see H.R. 443), H283 [1FE]

———eligibility of veterans for mortgage revenue bond financing (see S. 1449), S8664 [21JY] (see H.R. 2952), H4655 [16JN]

———expand eligibility for the work opportunity tax credit to all disabled veterans (see S. 1192), S6154 [7JN]

———extend tax treatment of soldiers who die while serving in, or as a result of serving in, a combat zone to employees of Federal contractors (see H.R. 3745), H7860 [13SE]

———impose windfall profit tax on oil and natural gas and appropriate the proceeds for LIHEAP and Dept. of Veterans Affairs medical services (see H.R. 4276), H10144 [9NO]

———suspend periods of limitation for credit or refund of overpayment of Federal income taxes by veterans pending service-connected compensation determinations by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (see H.R. 345), H194 [25JA]

Thank Our Defenders Week: designate (see S. Res. 343), S14317 [21DE]

Tuskegee Airmen: award Congressional Gold Medal (see S. 392), S1513 [16FE] (see H.R. 1259), H1370 [10MR]

U.S. Army Volunteer Reserve: tribute (see H. Res. 29), H80 [4JA]

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial: designate visitor center and other related facilities as the Pearl Harbor Memorial Site (see H.R. 4336), H10226 [15NO]

Ukrainian American Veterans, Inc.: grant Federal charter (see H.R. 769), H583 [10FE]

VA: anniversary (see S. Res. 203), S8665 [21JY] (see H. Res. 361), H5801 [13JY]

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act: technical corrections (see S. 552), S2244 [8MR] (see H.R. 1292), H1506 [15MR]

Veterans Day: encourage greater recognition (see H.R. 369), H233 [26JA]

———honor Army veterans and support mission of Army Freedom Team Salute to recognize unsung heroes who have served this country (see S. Res. 306), S12682 [10NO]

———observance (see S. Res. 305), S12682 [10NO]

Veterans Educate Today's Students (VETS) Day: support goals (see H. Con. Res. 173), H4142 [26MY]

Veterans' Right To Know Commission: establish (see H.R. 4259), H10038 [8NO]

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: study eligibility requirements for inclusion of veterans' names and alternative means to honor ineligible veterans (see H.R. 156), H76 [4JA]

Vietnamese Conflict: issue a medal to those who died after service as a result of that service, or who were exposed to ionizing radiation, herbicides, or chemical agents during their service (see H.R. 2370), H3330 [16MY]

———provide eligibility for benefits for individuals who served in the merchant marine in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era (see H.R. 4261), H10144 [9NO]

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day: establish (see S. Res. 269), S11212 [6OC] (see H. Res. 30), H80 [4JA]

Winters, Richard D.: award Medal of Honor (see H.R. 2790), H4187 [7JN]

World War II: commemorate anniversary of conclusion and honor veterans of both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters (see H. Con. Res. 191), H5176 [24JN]

———honor service of men and women who served in the Armed Forces and recognize ``Greatest Generation Homecoming Weekend'' held in Pittsburgh, PA (see S. Res. 216), S9158 [27JY]

———honor the service and sacrifice of glider pilots (see H. Con. Res. 283), H9362 [27OC]

———modify calculation of back pay for members of the Navy or Marine Corps who were approved for promotion while interned as POW (see H.R. 1611), H1968 [13AP]

———provide that service in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps constituted active military service for veteran classification (see H.R. 2193), H3054 [5MY]

———recognize contributions of the Marine Corps and other units of the Armed Forces on the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima (see H. Res. 119), H797 [17FE]

———tribute to Montford Point Marines (see H. Con. Res. 80), H847 [1MR]

———tribute to Tuskegee Airmen (see S. Con. Res. 11), S1116 [8FE] (see H. Con. Res. 26), H196 [25JA]

Yoshida, Jim K.: relief (see S. 62), S143 [24JA]

Citations

Staff Sergeant Harold G. (George) Bennett's induction into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame, S7424 [27JN]

Conference reports

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Military Construction, Quality of Life Functions, and Veterans' Services (H.R. 2528), H10749-H10786 [17NO]

E-Mails

Impact of military service on Armed Forces members and their families: Alan Neville, S3545 [13AP]

———Carrie Philpott, S3546 [13AP]

———Christopher Perkins, S3545 [13AP]

———D. Bottoms, S3545 [13AP]

———Doris Fulmer, S3545 [13AP]

———Doug Brewer, S3547 [13AP]

———Gail Mountain, S3547 [13AP]

———George Cleveland, S3547 [13AP]

———Heidi Behr, S3546 [13AP]

———Holly Ortman, S3547 [13AP]

———Jack Cooper, S3545 [13AP]

———James Tate, S3545 [13AP]

———Jean Harris-Letts, S3547 [13AP]

———Kara Block, S3546 [13AP]

———Kathy Hartman, S3546 [13AP]

———Katie Laude, S3547 [13AP]

———Linda Brown, S3547 [13AP]

———Mark Vaughn, S3546 [13AP]

———Nada Smith McLeskey, S3547 [13AP]

———Pamela Goers, S3545 [13AP]

———Richard Perez, Sr., S3548 [13AP]

———Sandy Fox, S3546 [13AP]

———Sarah O'Malley, S3547 [13AP]

———Stephen Cleff, S3545 [13AP]

———Theresa Grof, S3546 [13AP]

Eulogies

Beyrle, Joe: Senator Levin, S4180 [25AP]

Factsheets

Commission on the National Guard and Reserves Mission and Issues, S12425 [7NO]

Letters

Comprehensive Assistance for Veterans Exposed to Traumatic Stressors Act: James D. Randles, Military Order of the Purple Heart, E2248 [3NO]

Concurrent receipt of military retired pay or combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits: Charles S. Abell, Dept. of Defense, S3620 [14AP]

Exempt from bankruptcy means testing certain National Guard and Reserve members: Joseph A. Violante, DAV, H2075 [14AP]

Gulf War Illness research funding: Nancy Rekowski, Order of the Silver Rose (organization), H4745 [20JN]

———several Representatives, E2377 [16NO]

———Steve A. Robertson, American Legion, H4744 [20JN]

———Thomas H. Corey, Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., H4745 [20JN]

Iraqi security forces training and U.S. recruitment and retention of military personnel: Representative Skelton, Committee on Armed Services (House), H4406 [14JN], H9051 [25OC]

Montgomery GI Bill usage and improvement of educational benefits for veterans: Senators Kerry and Ensign, S11296 [7OC]

Nomination of Alberto R. Gonzales to be Attorney General: Dorothy I. Height and Wade Henderson, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, S856 [2FE]

———Melvyn Montano, S699 [1FE], S935 [3FE]

———Representatives Napolitano, Menendez, and Gonzalez, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, S701 [1FE]

———several retired professional military leaders, S698 [1FE]

Parkinson's Disease Research Education and Clinical Centers establishment in the Veterans Health Administration: Amy L. Comstock, Parkinson's Action Network, E1289 [20JN]

———Joseph A. Violante, DAV, E1289 [20JN]

———Steve A. Robertson, American Legion, E1311 [22JN]

Reduce the age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service: Casey W. Coane, Naval Reserve Association, S12585 [9NO]

———Stephen M. Koper, National Guard Association of the U.S., S12570 [9NO]

Repeal Survivor Benefit Plan annuities reduction requirement and modify effective date for paid-up coverage: Candace A. Wheeler, National Military Family Association, S12486 [8NO]

———Charles D. Revie, Uniformed Services Disabled Retirees (organization), S12487 [8NO]

———Deidre Parke Holleman, Retired Enlisted Association, S12486 [8NO]

———Gerard M. Farrell, Commissioned Officers Association, S12487 [8NO]

———Gordon R. Sullivan, Association of the U.S. Army, S12487 [8NO]

———James E. Lokovic, Air Force Sergeants Association, S12487 [8NO]

———Michael P. Cline, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the U.S., S12487 [8NO]

———Norbert R. Ryan, Jr., Military Officers Association of America, S12486 [8NO]

———Rick Jones, National Association for Uniformed Services, S12486 [8NO]

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance requirement for spousal consent relative to beneficiary designation: Military Coalition, H1451 [15MR]

———Steven P. Strobridge, Military Officers Association of America, H1451, H1465 [15MR]

Veterans health care funding: Jane E. Fyer, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, S3454 [12AP]

———Jim Nicholson, Sec. of Veterans Affairs, S3466 [12AP]

———Michael M. Faenza, National Mental Health Association, S3454 [12AP]

———Robert E. Wallace, VFW, H10124 [9NO]

———Senator Santorum, S7569 [29JN]

———several veterans organizations, S3464 [12AP], H1645, H1662 [17MR]

———Steve A. Robertson, American Legion, S3463 [12AP]

———Thomas P. Cadmus, American Legion, H1645, H1662 [17MR]

Lists

Armed Forces members from Montana killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan, S12941 [16NO]

Armed Forces members killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan, H5087-H5092 [23JN], H5227-H5232 [27JN], H5939-H5941 [18JY], H8849 [18OC], H9073 [25OC]

Commission on the National Guard and Reserves, S12426 [7NO]

Dept. of Defense appropriations for military activities, prescribing personnel strengths, and military construction, and other legislation in support of retirees and military survivors, S12380 [4NO]

International Franchise Association member franchisors participating in VetFran program, E1772 [7SE]

Veterans organizations supporting H.J. Res. 10, constitutional amendment to prohibit desecration of the U.S. Flag, H4906 [22JN]

Motions

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), H4113 [26MY], H9562 [3NO]

Notices

Congressional Office of Compliance: proposed rulemaking relative to Veterans Employment Opportunities Act, S1388-S1399 [15FE], S1486-S1497 [16FE], H705-H716 [16FE]

Poems

``And Then I Cry,'' Harry E. Dearen, E287 [18FE]

``Just a Common Soldier (A Soldier Died Today),'' A. Lawrence Vaincourt, E1331 [24JN]

``Memorial Day,'' Edgar Guest, S6005 [26MY]

``Metamorphosis,'' Molly Brown, H4277 [8JN]

``Soldier's Reflections,'' Phillip C. Edmundson, H5642 [12JY]

``Things That Make a Soldier Great,'' Edgar Guest, S12704 [10NO]

Prayers

Memorial Day Prayer: Dean C. Ahlberg, E1205 [14JN]

Press releases

Legion Leader Says Proposed Budget Reaches Deep Into Veterans' Pockets: American Legion, E184 [8FE]

Senate To Quickly Take Up $1.5 Billion Measure for Veterans if Sent From the House: Senator Craig, Committee on Veterans Affairs (Senate), H5568 [30JN]

Remarks in House

Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans: repeal provision of law requiring termination (H.R. 3474), E1634 [27JY]

Akal Security, Inc.: anniversary, E2181 [27OC]

American Battle Monuments Commission: establish a memorial to the Buffalo Soldiers in Louisiana (S. 205), H12215 [18DE]

Antietam National Battlefield: establish memorial to officers and enlisted men of certain New Hampshire units (H.R. 1084), H5202, H5203 [27JN]

Armed Forces: commend selfless acts of servicemembers during times of war, H2731 [28AP]

———enhance and improve benefits for members returning from service in Afghanistan and Iraq, H947 [3MR], H1028 [9MR], H2132 [19AP], H9022 [20OC]

———ensure that soldiers wounded in a combat zone continue to receive special pay allowances and tax benefits associated with combat pay, H1495, H1496 [15MR]

———extend time limitation for use of eligibility and entitlement to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (H.R. 2365), E1393 [28JN]

———improve benefits for members, veterans, and their dependents and survivors, H4177, H4178 [7JN]

———improve benefits for members, veterans, and their dependents and survivors (H.R. 2131), E1120 [26MY], E1342 [24JN]

———improve benefits to encourage recruitment and retention of personnel, H4405, H4476 [14JN]

———prevent the sale of abusive insurance and investment products to military personnel (H.R. 458), H5186-H5192 [27JN], E1386 [28JN], E1405 [30JN], E1433 [1JY], E1448, E1450 [11JY], E1461, E1464, E1466, E1472 [12JY], E1482, E1483 [13JY], E1487 [14JY]

———recognize the historic commitment of the U.S. to the recovery and full accounting of POW or MIA (H.J. Res. 18), H665-H669 [16FE], E285 [18FE]

———require pre- and post-deployment mental health screening for military personnel (H.R. 1639), E671 [15AP]

———restore health care coverage to retired members of the uniformed services (H.R. 602), E150 [2FE]

———Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance guidelines governing retroactive coverage, H1465 [15MR]

———Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance requirement for spousal consent relative to beneficiary designation, H1450, H1465 [15MR]

———tribute, H3899 [25MY]

Army: tribute to Freedom Team Salute program, E2622 [19DE]

Bankruptcy: exempt from means testing certain National Guard and Reserve members, H2074 [14AP]

———exempt means testing, disallow claims on certain high-cost loans, and establish Federal homestead and personal property exemptions for servicemen, veterans, and spouses of those who die in military service, H2059, H2060 [14AP]

———waive credit counseling fees of servicemembers returning from a combat area, H2060 [14AP]

Belleville, MI: anniversary of Huron River VFW Post 4434, E1974 [28SE]

Benefits: funding, H181 [25JA], H1423 [15MR], H1564, H1565 [16MR], H5242, H5243 [27JN], H12150-H12155 [17DE]

———increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (H.R. 1220), H5749-H5754 [13JY], E412 [10MR], E1491 [14JY], E1493 [15JY]

———increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (S. 1234), H10357-H10360 [16NO]

———job training programs funding, H865 [2MR]

Budget: allocation of funds, H369 [8FE], H508 [9FE], H9954-H9960 [7NO], H10230 [16NO]

———impact of proposals, H355 [8FE], H10148 [10NO]

———increase veterans, education, health care, homeland security, environment, and infrastructure funding through reductions in tax cuts and defense spending, H1628-H1632 [17MR]

Busey, Marshall W.: Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame inductee, E2246 [3NO]

Bush, President: domestic policy, H4716 [17JN], H8739 [7OC]

Cemeteries and funerals: enhance burial benefits (H.R. 531), H336 [2FE]

———recognize and honor the volunteers that participate in honor guards for veterans' funerals, H5368 [29JN]

Citrus County Veterans Coalition, Inc.: tribute for distribution of U.S. flags to schools, H4708 [17JN]

Clarksville, TN: dedication of veterans' monument, E1106 [26MY]

Class Act Group, Inc.: tribute, E2478 [7DE]

Cleveland, OH: commemoration of the Battle of the Vistula River by the Polish Veterans Committee, E1263 [17JN]

———tribute to Women Veterans Banquet, E1361 [27JN]

Clougherty, Joseph K. (Joey Irish): Veterans' Council of North Attleboro, MA, Fred F. Holmes Award recipient, E2404 [18NO]

Coins: mint in commemoration of veterans who became disabled for life while serving in the Armed Forces (H.R. 1951), H10044 [9NO]

Congressional Black Caucus: anniversary of Veterans Braintrust, E2578 [17DE]

Czechoslovakia: anniversary of liberation of Western Bohemia by U.S. forces during World War II, E952 [12MY]

Democratic Party: national agenda, H1423, H1424 [15MR], H5948-H5954 [18JY]

Dept. of Defense: accessibility of military golf courses for disabled military personnel and veterans, H4024 [25MY]

———authorize space-available travel on military aircraft for National Guard and Reserve veterans under the age of 60 and their dependents, H4003 [25MY]

———establish procedures for consideration of applications for award of the Purple Heart to certain POW (H.R. 2369), E983 [16MY]

———extend military commissary and exchange store privileges to disabled veterans and their dependents and authorize space-available travel on military aircraft for such veterans and their dependents (H.R. 1188), E1150 [7JN]

———funding, H180 [25JA], H1423, H1424 [15MR]

———submit report assessing level of cooperation and interaction between POW/Missing Personnel Office and several POW advocacy groups, H4767 [20JN], E1304 [21JN]

———tribute to 75th Infantry Company C Charlie Rangers, E1348 [24JN]

Dept. of Labor: National Veterans' Employment and Training Services Institute funding, H5162 [24JN]

———reauthorize the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, H10079 [9NO]

———reauthorize the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (H.R. 3279), E1498 [15JY]

Dept. of the Interior: study suitability and feasibility of designating the Soldiers' Memorial Military Museum in St. Louis, MO, as a unit of the National Park System (H.R. 452), H11446, H11447 [13DE]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: anniversary, E2150 [20OC]

———conduct a pilot program to improve access to health care for rural veterans (H.R. 1741), H5562 [30JN]

———conduct a pilot project on using educational assistance funds to defray training costs associated with purchasing certain franchise enterprises (H.R. 745), E218 [10FE], E496 [17MR], E1772 [7SE]

———conduct demonstration project to improve Veterans Health Administration business practices, H5754 [13JY]

———enhance military and veterans' life insurance programs (H.R. 2747), H6455 [26JY], E1150 [7JN], E1987 [29SE]

———establish Parkinson's Disease Research Education and Clinical Centers in the Veterans Health Administration, H5753 [13JY]

———establish Parkinson's Disease Research Education and Clinical Centers in the Veterans Health Administration (H.R. 2959), E1289 [20JN], E1311 [22JN]

———expand the capability to provide for the medical care needs of veterans in southern New Jersey (H.R. 3052), E1340 [24JN]

———extend eligibility for pension benefits to veterans who received an expeditionary medal during a period of military service other than a period of war (H.R. 2301), E943 [11MY]

———extend eligibility for pension benefits to veterans who served during certain periods of time in specified locations (H.R. 2300), E943 [11MY]

———making supplemental appropriations for veterans medical care (H.R. 3130), H5562-H5569, H5585-H5591, H5596 [30JN], H5712 [12JY], E1421 [1JY], E1447 [11JY], E1517 [18JY]

———national cemeteries repair and maintenance funding, H4090 [26MY]

———pain management research programs funding, H4099 [26MY]

———permit veterans to transfer on a space-available basis from a veterans home in one State to a veterans home in another State regardless of State residency requirements (H.R. 3009), E1393 [28JN]

———priorities, H5255 [28JN]

———provide adaptive housing assistance to disabled veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member and make direct housing loans to Native American veterans (H.R. 3665), H10074-H10081 [9NO], H10151 [10NO]

———reintegration services funding, H1432 [15MR], H1524 [16MR]

———repeal the offset from surviving spouse annuities under the military Survivor Benefit Plan for amounts paid as dependency and indemnity compensation, H3906 [25MY]

———repeal the offset from surviving spouse annuities under the military Survivor Benefit Plan for amounts paid as dependency and indemnity compensation (H.R. 808), E934 [11MY]

———veterans' employment programs funding, H5137 [24JN]

———veterans health care funding through reductions in Base Realignment and Closure Account funding, H4096, H4097 [26MY]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: consider effect of certain regulatory requirements on competitiveness of U.S. business, H4110 [26MY]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), H3771 [24MY], H4085-H4114 [26MY], H9562 [3NO]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), conference report, H10915-H10925 [18NO], E2403 [18NO], E2487 [8DE]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), consideration (H. Res. 298), H4078-H4084 [26MY]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), consideration of conference report (H. Res. 564), H10912, H10913 [18NO]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), motion to instruct conferees, H9562-H9566 [3NO]

Disabled: allow certain veterans with service-connected disabilities to travel on military aircraft, H4006 [25MY]

Doran, Nancy: Maryland Veterans Advisory Group Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award recipient, E2292 [8NO]

Economy: national objectives priority assignments, H5952-H5954 [18JY]

Edwards, CO: tribute to Freedom Park Memorial, E668 [15AP]

Employment: employment programs funding through reductions in Corp. for National and Community Service funding, H5148 [24JN]

Fayetteville, NY: tribute to Towpath Quilt Guild, E113 [1FE]

Federal aid programs: improve availability of benefits for veterans and the surviving spouses of veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation during military service (H.R. 4183), E2240 [1NO]

Federal employees: modify eligibility for Federal hiring preference, H3923 [25MY]

First Coast Energy Shell Corp.: tribute to Tribute to Heroes Campaign for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, H4902 [22JN]

Flutka, John: Maryland Veterans Advisory Group Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award recipient, E2295 [8NO]

Fort Collins, CO: anniversary of VFW Post 1781, E435 [14MR]

Fort Mill, SC: tribute to Rotary Club honorees, E1412 [30JN]

Fort Snelling National Cemetery: tribute to Memorial Rifle Squad, H5806 [14JY]

Franchise Appreciation Day: observance, E1772 [7SE]

Franklin, TN: dedication of veterans' monument, E1105 [26MY]

Gagetown Veterans Memorial Post Office, Gagetown, MI: designate (H.R. 3368), H9062, H9063 [25OC]

Georgetown, KY: tribute to Scott County American Legion Post 24, E1108 [26MY]

Glen Gardner, NJ: anniversary of VFW Post 5119, E969 [13MY]

Gold Star Mothers Day: observance, H8326 [22SE], E1927 [22SE]

———support goals and ideals (H.J. Res. 61), H8107 [20SE], H8180-H8182 [21SE], E1950, E1952 [27SE], E1972 [28SE], E1997 [29SE]

Guam: anniversary of end of Japanese occupation during World War II, H5766 [13JY]

Gulf War Illness: research funding, H4564 [16JN], H4744, H4758 [20JN], H5128 [24JN]

Health care: funding, H398-H402 [8FE], H512-H518 [9FE], H525 [10FE], H589, H604, H621-H626 [15FE], H1432, H1477, H1478, H1481 [15MR], H1524, H1563, H1572, H1609 [16MR], H1644-H1646, H1662 [17MR], H2709, H2710, H2715 [28AP], H4078-H4084, H4092-H4095, H4105, H4106, H4111 [26MY], H4909, H4910 [22JN], H5148, H5166 [24JN], H5221 [27JN], H5255, H5268-H5273, H5294 [28JN], H5367, H5371, H5385, H5386, H5470 [29JN], H5482 [30JN], H5646 [12JY], H5744, H5745, H5746, H5747, H5748, H5749, H5753, H5754 [13JY], H5884, H5897-H5900 [14JY], H5919-H5923, H5948, H5949 [18JY], H5979 [19JY], H6458-H6463 [26JY], H7020, H7021, H7022 [28JY], H9956-H9959 [7NO], H10120, H10124, H10126 [9NO], H10153 [10NO], H10921-H10924 [18NO], E184 [8FE], E1493 [15JY], E1586 [22JY], E1620 [27JY], E1732, E1742 [29JY], E1751 [6SE]

———funding (H.R. 515), H517 [9FE], H9993 [8NO], E178 [8FE]

Health care professionals: permit eligible veterans to receive direct access to chiropractic care (H.R. 917), E624 [12AP]

Hire a Veteran Week: designate (H. Con. Res. 62), E227 [14FE]

Homeless: recognize positive effect of outreach activities known as Stand Down events on homeless veterans and commend organizers of such events (H. Con. Res. 87), E371 [7MR]

Housing: provide loan benefits for the purchase of residential cooperative apartment units (H.R. 4537), E2528 [14DE]

Houston, TX: tribute to Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Program, E287 [18FE]

Hughes, Orville: Joint Veterans' Committee of Maryland Veteran of the Year award recipient, H1973 [14AP]

Immigration: give priority in the issuance of immigrant visas to the sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who are or were naturalized U.S. citizens (H.R. 901), E271 [17FE]

Income: expand eligibility for concurrent receipt of military retired pay or combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits and eliminate phase-in period for such benefits (H.R. 303), E934 [11MY]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay with service-connected disability benefits, H3906 [25MY]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay with service-connected disability benefits (H.R. 2368), E984 [16MY]

Independence Day: observance, E1438 [1JY]

Insurance: establish a group disability insurance benefit for members who incur certain severe disabilities (H.R. 1618), H6454 [26JY]

Iraq: require that Federal contractors involved in post-conflict reconstruction provide a veterans hiring preference, H1516, H1517 [16MR]

John H. Bradley Dept. of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Appleton, WI: designate (H.R. 1691), H9487-H9489 [2NO]

Kansas City, KS: tribute to World War II B-25J production workers, E1494 [15JY]

Kerrigan, Michael, Jr.: Quiet Man Society Michael F. King Jr. Armed Forces Veteran's Award recipient, E445 [16MR]

Kerrigan, Michael, Sr.: Quiet Man Society Michael F. King Jr. Armed Forces Veteran's Award recipient, E445 [16MR]

Korean War: tribute to veterans, E1633 [27JY]

Lafayette, CA: dedication of Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building, E1108 [26MY]

Library of Congress: anniversary of Veterans' History Project, H10116 [9NO]

Lillian Kinkella Keil Post Office, Covina, CA: designate (H.R. 4053), H9981, H9982 [8NO]

Long Island, NY: tribute to military women, E1207 [14JN]

Medford, OR: Veterans Park Memorial dedication, E1094 [25MY]

Memorial Day: observance, H3899 [25MY], H4077, H4119, H4122 [26MY], E1078 [24MY], E1103, E1111, E1120, E1123, E1132 [26MY], E1220 [14JN]

Mental health: improve post-traumatic stress disorder treatment for veterans of service in Afghanistan and Iraq and the war on terror, H3091 [10MY]

———improve treatment of post-deployment mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, for veterans and members of the Armed Forces, H4024 [25MY], H4092, H4094 [26MY]

———improve treatment of post-deployment mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, for veterans and members of the Armed Forces (H.R. 1588), H1946 [13AP], E2248 [3NO]

———services funding, H1432 [15MR], E1638 [27JY]

Mercer County, PA: anniversary of POW/MIA ceremony, E189 [9FE]

Merchant marine industry: provide a monthly monetary benefit to certain individuals who served in the U.S. merchant marine during World War II (H.R. 23), E7 [4JA], E1833 [13SE]

Military Officers Association of America: tribute to Tampa, FL, chapter's ``Operation Helping Hand'' program to assist families of wounded members of the Armed Forces, E1332, E1353 [24JN]

National cemeteries: authorize placement of memorial markers to commemorate servicemembers or other persons whose remains are interred in an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery (H.R. 2188), E898 [5MY]

National Military Appreciation Month: observance, H4053 [25MY]

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: observance, H11113 [7DE]

National POW/MIA Recognition Day: observance, E1858 [15SE]

National security: military readiness of U.S. forces, H1855 [12AP]

Native Americans: eligibility of Indian tribal organizations for grants to establish veterans cemeteries on trust lands (H.R. 601), E139 [2FE]

New Mexico: tribute to New Mexico Hometown Heroes Committee for efforts to locate and mark the gravesites of Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, E2180 [27OC]

Newton, NJ: tribute to Sussex County Veterans Memorial, E2278 [4NO]

Nicastro, John J., Sr.: Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame inductee, E2247 [3NO]

Ohio: tribute to 10th Congressional District veterans, E1146 [7JN]

———tribute to Persian Gulf Conflict veterans from the Mahoning Valley region, H1683 [17MR]

Oregon: anniversary of Dept. of Veterans' Affairs, E408 [10MR]

Parma, OH: tribute to Parma Veterans Center, E1146 [7JN]

———tribute to Ukrainian American Veterans, Post #24, E2081 [7OC]

Pasco County, FL: tribute to World War II veterans, E2246 [3NO]

Philippines: recognize military service of certain Philippine nationals during World War II and allow receipt of Dept. of Veterans Affairs benefits (H.R. 302), H329, H336 [2FE], E56 [25JA], E338 [2MR], E987 [16MY], E1095 [25MY]

Pittsburgh, PA: anniversary of 100th Bomb Group of the 8th Army Air Corps, E1839 [14SE]

Plainville, MA: tribute to DAV chapter World War II veterans, E828 [28AP]

Polk County, FL: tribute to World War II veterans, E2135 [20OC]

President's National Hire Veterans Committee: extend operation, H10079 [9NO]

———extend operation (H.R. 419), E87 [26JA]

Quantico, VA: anniversary of Marine Corps 11th Special Basic Course officers' commissioning, E947 [11MY]

Radioactive substances: provide that veterans of conflicts where depleted uranium munitions are used shall be considered radiation-exposed for purposes of the service-connection of certain diseases and disabilities (H.R. 4184), E2240 [1NO]

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance: enhance program (H.R. 3200), H6453-H6458 [26JY], E1454 [11JY]

———enhance program (H.R. 3200), Senate amendment, H8413-H8416 [28SE], E1987 [29SE]

Sewickley, PA: tribute to Sewickley Tuskegee Airmen, E1676 [29JY]

Shelby County, TN: tribute to veterans, E1103 [26MY]

Smith, Paul R.: posthumous awarding of Medal of Honor, E552 [5AP], E610 [12AP]

Smith, Representative Christopher H.: removal from Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) chairmanship, H201 [26JA], H290, H338 [2FE], H514, H515 [9FE], H10125, H10126 [9NO]

Sooy, Norm: New Jersey Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development Excellence in Customer Service Award recipient, E2117 [18OC]

Southeastern Michigan Veterans Stand Down, Inc.: tribute, E2047 [7OC]

Stoffel, Clifford L.: Maryland Veterans Advisory Group Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award recipient, E2294 [8NO]

Taxation: eligibility of veterans for mortgage revenue bond financing (H.R. 2952), E1265 [17JN]

The Colony, TX: tribute to hosting of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund ``The Wall That Heals'' exhibit, E2405 [18NO]

Tuskegee Airmen: award Congressional Gold Medal (H.R. 1259), E458 [16MR]

Unger, Maynard W. (Doc): Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame inductee, E2248 [3NO]

VA: anniversary, E1559 [21JY]

———anniversary (H. Res. 361), H5919-H5923 [18JY], E1480 [13JY]

Veterans: modify eligibility for Federal hiring preference, H3923 [25MY]

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act: technical corrections (H.R. 1292), E457, E458 [16MR]

Veterans Day: observance, H10046 [9NO], H10147, H10148, H10149, H10150, H10153 [10NO], E2184 [27OC], E2306 [9NO], E2324, E2332, E2336, E2337 [10NO], E2411 [18NO]

Veterans' Right To Know Commission: establish (H.R. 4259), E2493 [8DE]

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: study eligibility requirements for inclusion of veterans' names and alternative means to honor ineligible veterans (H.R. 156), E27 [4JA]

Vietnamese Conflict: issue a medal to those who died after service as a result of that service, or who were exposed to ionizing radiation, herbicides, or chemical agents during their service (H.R. 2370), E983 [16MY]

Westlake, OH: tribute to Holly Lane Elementary School, E2299 [8NO]

White River Junction, VT: White River Junction VA Medical Center recipient of Dept. of Veterans Affairs Robert W. Carey Trophy Award for Organizational Excellence, E1 [4JA]

Winters, Richard D.: award Medal of Honor (H.R. 2790), H4166 [7JN]

Workforce Investment Act: provide assistance to veterans returning from active duty and to workers who lose jobs due to outsourcing, H915 [2MR]

World War II: anniversary of Battle of Iwo Jima, E510 [17MR]

———commemorate anniversary of conclusion and honor veterans of both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters (H. Con. Res. 191), H5764-H5766 [13JY], E1491 [14JY], E1505 [15JY]

———recognize contributions of the Marine Corps and other units of the Armed Forces on the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima (H. Res. 119), H1031-H1034 [9MR], E405 [10MR]

———recognize the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, H2944 [4MY]

———tribute to 761st Tank Battalion, E1031 [20MY]

———tribute to individuals who served as Alamo Scouts, E1453 [11JY]

———tribute to Montford Point Marines (H. Con. Res. 80), E315 [1MR]

———tribute to Navy Carrier Air Group 83, E917 [10MY]

———tribute to 322d Medical Battalion of the 97th Infantry Division, E1779 [7SE]

———tribute to Tuskegee Airmen, H9621 [3NO], E1484 [13JY]

———tribute to Tuskegee Airmen (H. Con. Res. 26), H422-H430 [9FE], E217 [10FE], E255 [16FE], E302 [18FE]

———tribute to veterans, E737 [22AP]

Remarks in Senate

American Battle Monuments Commission: establish a memorial to the Buffalo Soldiers in Louisiana (S. 205), S652 [31JA], S9028 [26JY]

Armed Forces: authorize the award of a Cold War service medal to members who served honorably during the Cold War era, S12806 [15NO]

———enhance protection of members and their spouses from unscrupulous financial services sales practices through increased consumer education, S12805 [15NO]

———enhance protection of members and their spouses from unscrupulous financial services sales practices through increased consumer education (S. 1028), S5158-S5160 [12MY]

———enhance the Montgomery GI Bill benefits for certain individuals who have served after September 11, 2001 (S. 43), S230 [24JA]

———ensure that soldiers wounded in a combat zone continue to receive special pay allowances and tax benefits associated with combat pay, S12675 [10NO]

———ensure that soldiers wounded in a combat zone continue to receive special pay allowances and tax benefits associated with combat pay (S. 461), S1722 [18FE]

———expand and enhance benefits (S. 460), S1720-S1722 [18FE]

———impact of military service on members and their families, S3545 [13AP]

———improve the Transition Assistance Program provided for members being discharged, released from active duty, or retiring, S12596-S12598 [9NO], S12808 [15NO]

———improve the Transition Assistance Program provided for members being discharged, released from active duty, or retiring (S. 1341), S7822-S7825 [30JN]

———increase benefits for certain individuals who have served after September 11, 2001 (S. 1019), S5109 [12MY]

———issue postage stamp in commemoration of those who distinguished themselves by their service in the Marine Corps, S13334 [18NO]

———prevent the sale of abusive insurance and investment products to military personnel (S. 418), S1632 [17FE]

———reduce the age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service, S12423-S12426 [7NO], S12569, S12573, S12584-S12586 [9NO]

———reduce the age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service (S. 639), S2852 [16MR]

———repeal requirement for reduction of certain Survivor Benefit Plan annuities by the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation and modify effective date for paid-up coverage under the Survivor Benefit Plan, S12378 [4NO], S12485-S12488, S12514 [8NO]

———repeal time limitation for use of eligibility and entitlement to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (S. 1162), S6102 [6JN]

———require a report on Montgomery GI Bill usage and how to improve educational benefits for veterans, S11295 [7OC]

———revise age and service requirements for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service and improve health care for reservists and their families by making TRICARE benefits permanent, S12423 [7NO]

———revise age and service requirements for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service and improve health care for reservists and their families by making TRICARE benefits permanent (S. 337), S1261 [10FE]

Aurora, SD: tribute to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 230, S5435 [18MY]

Bankruptcy: clarify treatment of debtors with serious medical conditons, servicemen called to active duty, and low income veterans, S1845-S1850, S1852-S1854 [1MR], S1907, S1913-S1915 [2MR]

———exempt from means testing debtors who are disabled veterans whose indebtedness occurred primarily during a period of military service, S2427 [10MR]

———exempt means testing, disallow claims on certain high-cost loans, and establish Federal homestead and personal property exemptions for servicemen, veterans, and spouses of those who die in military service, S1823-S1828, S1841, S1844-S1850, S1852-S1854 [1MR], S1907, S1926 [2MR], S2203 [8MR]

Benefits: expand and enhance health care, mental health, transition, and disability benefits (S. 13), S111, S168 [24JA], S510-S512 [26JA]

———increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (S. 1234), S6484 [14JN], S13041, S13042 [16NO]

———remove payment disparity in compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities, S531 [26JA]

Boston, MA: VA Boston Healthcare System Continuing Education Committee hosting of conference on preparing for acute and long-term needs of Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans, S877 [2FE]

Brookings, SD: tribute to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 74, S5435 [18MY]

Brown, Matthew: Bronze Star recipient, S4177 [25AP]

Cemeteries and funerals: expand eligibility for governmental markers for marked graves of veterans at private cemeteries (S. 909), S4262 [26AP]

Cheyenne, WY: anniversary of VFW Post 1881, S4867 [10MY]

Church, Jeremy: Silver Star recipient, S4177 [25AP]

Coins: mint in commemoration of veterans who became disabled for life while serving in the Armed Forces (S. 633), S2848 [16MR]

Congress: accomplishments of the 109th Congress, S8204 [13JY], S8332 [15JY], S9319 [28JY]

Cromwell, CT: tribute to 110th A.A.A. Gun Battalion, S5064 [12MY]

Democratic Party: national agenda, S11341-S11343 [17OC]

Dept. of Defense: allow military personnel to adopt working military animals, S13496 [13DE]

———establish procedures for consideration of applications for award of the Purple Heart to certain POW (S. 2157), S14319 [21DE]

———support certain Paralympic sporting events, S8737 [22JY], S10782 [30SE]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: commend efforts of staff in response to Hurricane Katrina, S10348 [22SE]

———commend efforts of staff in response to Hurricane Katrina (S. Res. 259), S10603 [28SE]

———commend efforts of staff in response to Hurricane Katrina (S. Res. 263), S10911 [3OC]

———commend efforts to provide long-term care to veterans, S8744 [22JY]

———conduct veterans disability compensation information campaign, S10355 [22SE]

———enhance services provided by veterans' centers and clarify and improve the provision of bereavement counseling (S. 716), S3282 [6AP]

———ensure adequate veterans' health care funding and conduct a pilot program to improve access to health care for rural veterans (S. 963), S6400 [13JN]

———establish an Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events (S. 2021), S12954 [16NO]

———establish Parkinson's Disease Research Education and Clinical Centers and Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence in the Veterans Health Administration (S. 1537), S9297 [28JY]

———improve health care for veterans (S. 1182), S6161-S6163 [7JN]

———improve mental health services at all facilities (S. 1177), S6157 [7JN]

———improve outreach programs (S. 1342), S7827 [30JN]

———improve outreach programs (S. 1990), S12684 [10NO]

———improve the Veterans Beneficiary Travel Program (S. 996), S4939 [11MY]

———make permanent the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program (S. 917), S4405 [27AP]

———making supplemental appropriations for veterans medical care (H.R. 3130), unanimous-consent request, S7797-S7799 [30JN], S8394 [18JY]

———permit Medicare-eligible veterans to receive an outpatient medication benefit (S. 614), S2648 [14MR]

———place conditions on the use of funding for reviewing or revoking approved disability claims for post-traumatic stress disorder, S10331 [22SE]

———provide adaptive housing assistance to disabled veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member (S. 1947), S12129 [1NO]

———provide veterans benefits handbooks to all county veterans service officers, S10357 [22SE]

———Readjustment Counseling Service funding, S10351, S10357 [22SE]

———reauthorize programs servicing the needs of homeless veterans (S. 1180), S6159 [7JN]

———require a report to Congress for certain budget shortfalls, S10356 [22SE]

———require an annual plan on outreach activities (S. 151), S473 [25JA]

———submit plan for conducting reviews of certain post-traumatic stress disorder cases, S10358 [22SE]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), S10335-S10349, S10351-S10360, S10391 [22SE], S10421 [26SE]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), conference report, S13300-S13302, S13329 [18NO], S14294 [21DE]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), conference report—unanimous-consent agreement, S13300 [18NO]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), unanimous-consent agreement, S10332 [22SE]

Disabled: allow certain veterans with service-connected disabilities to travel on military aircraft (S. 58), S241 [24JA]

Diseases: establish a comprehensive program for the testing and treatment of the hepatitis C virus (S. 1571), S9493 [29JY]

Education: ensure adequate and equitable education benefits under the Montgomery GI bill for active duty and selected Reserve members and include certain servicemembers previously excluded (S. 2163), S14326 [21DE]

Edwards, CO: tribute to Freedom Park Memorial, S3409 [11AP]

Employment: opportunities, S2144 [7MR]

Federal aid programs: establish a financial assistance program to facilitate provision of supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing (S. 1991), S12684 [10NO]

Federal employees: require that National Guard and Reserves combat veterans receive the same consideration as other veterans when applying for Federal jobs, S12672 [10NO]

Fort Sam Houston, TX: tribute to Depts. of Veterans Affairs and Defense nurse anesthetist training program located at U.S. Army Medical Dept. Center and School, S4391 [27AP]

Gold Star Mothers Day: support goals and ideals (S. Res. 250), S10391 [22SE]

Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.: anniversary, S8297 [14JY]

Hawaii: improve provision of health care and services to veterans (S. 1176), S6157 [7JN]

Health: improve access to health care for rural veterans, S10356 [22SE]

Health care: ensure that future funding accounts for inflation and population changes, S8801 [25JY]

———funding, S1223 [10FE], S1588 [17FE], S2720-S2726 [15MR], S2788-S2793, S2806, S2807 [16MR], S3451-S3468 [12AP], S4500 [28AP], S4826 [10MY], S7420 [27JN], S7486, S7489-S7491, S7498-S7500, S7509 [28JN], S7545-S7547, S7550, S7568-S7582, S7587 [29JN], S7678, S7807, S7871 [30JN], S7897 [1JY], S7946, S7966, S7979 [11JY], S8106-S8110 [12JY], S8207 [13JY], S8394 [18JY], S8902, S8918 [26JY], S9332-S9334, S9367, S9370-S9372 [29JY], S10346, S10347, S10349 [22SE], S11100, S11117 [5OC], S11914 [26OC], S12635, S12636 [10NO], S12941 [16NO], S14294 [21DE]

Humboldt, SD: tribute to American Legion Auxiliary Post 62, S12235 [2NO]

———tribute to VFW Auxiliary Unit No. 60, S12075 [31OC]

Hurricanes: extend for persons affected by Hurricane Katrina the time for appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims of certain decisions of the Board of Veterans Appeals (S. 1729), S10235 [20SE]

———provide for the care of veterans affected by Hurricane Katrina (S. 1646), S9849 [8SE]

Idaho: tribute to National Guard 116th Brigade Combat Team, S12632 [10NO]

Income: expand eligibility for concurrent receipt of military retired pay or combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits and eliminate phase-in period for such benefits, S3620 [14AP]

———expand eligibility for concurrent receipt of military retired pay or combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits and eliminate phase-in period for such benefits (S. 558), S2258 [8MR]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay or combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits and eliminate phase-in period for such benefits (S. 845), S3957 [19AP], S4038 [20AP]

———permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay with service-connected disability benefits, S12489 [8NO]

Insurance: increase maximum coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs (S. 1235), S6484 [14JN], S10620-S10622 [28SE]

IRS: assure existing Federal employment preferences for disabled veterans as part of the contracting criteria for outsourcing collection of unpaid and past due income taxes, S11642, S11643 [20OC]

———establish disability preference program for qualified tax collection contracts, S13121, S13130 [17NO]

Korean War Veterans Association, Inc.: grant Federal charter (S. 1512), S9184 [27JY]

Memorial Day: observance, S5776 [23MY], S5917 [25MY], S5999, S6005, S6006, S6007 [26MY]

———observance of a National Moment of Remembrance (S. Res. 153), S5805 [23MY]

———restore traditional observance (S. 80), S254 [24JA]

Mental health: improve post-traumatic stress disorder treatment for veterans of service in Afghanistan and Iraq and the war on terror, S3458 [12AP]

———improve treatment of post-deployment mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, for veterans and members of the Armed Forces, S12807 [15NO]

———improve treatment provided to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (S. 1448), S8678-S8680 [21JY]

———increase treatment and support services funding through reduction in tax cuts, S13130 [17NO]

Merchant marine industry: provide a monthly monetary benefit to certain individuals who served in the U.S. merchant marine during World War II (S. 1272), S6831 [20JN], S14315 [21DE]

National Airborne Day: designate (S. Res. 86), S3068 [17MR], S9200 [27JY]

National cemeteries: expand State sentences which preclude burial in national cemeteries to include any sentence of life imprisonment for a State capital crime (S. 1751), S10380 [22SE]

———modify circumstances under which a person who has committed a capital offense is denied certain burial-related benefits and funeral honors, S12564 [9NO], S12673 [10NO]

———modify circumstances under which a person who has committed a capital offense is denied certain burial-related benefits and funeral honors (S. 1813), S10826 [3OC]

National Purple Heart Recognition Day: support goals and ideals (S. Con. Res. 39), S9317 [28JY]

National Veterans Awareness Week: designate (S. Res. 155), S5937 [25MY], S7540 [28JN]

Pahrump, NV: convey certain land to the Edward H. McDaniel American Legion Post No. 22 for construction of a post building and memorial park (S. 253), S767 [1FE], S9039 [26JY]

Pence, Donald C.: relief (S. 69), S246 [24JA]

Philadelphia, PA: reignition of eternal flame at Revolutionary War Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, S12558 [9NO]

Philippines: recognize military service of certain Philippine nationals during World War II and allow receipt of Dept. of Veterans Affairs benefits (S. 146), S453 [25JA]

———verify military service of certain Philippine nationals during World War II to determine benefits eligibility (S. 79), S254 [24JA]

POW: allow certain former POW with service-connected disabilities to use Dept. of Defense commisary and exchange stores (S. 59), S241 [24JA]

Rutland, VT: anniversary of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., chapter, S3357 [7AP]

Senate: legislative priorities, S9097 [27JY]

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance: enhance program (H.R. 3200), S10480 [27SE]

Small business: provide additional relief to owners ordered to active duty as members of Reserve components of the Armed Forces (S. 1014), S5101 [12MY], S9876 [9SE]

Taxation: allow employers a tax credit for employment and business practices favorable to U.S. employees, S13120, S13129 [17NO]

———allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums (S. 484), S1875 [1MR]

———allow tax credit to businesses who employ members of the National Guard or Ready Reserve for compensation paid during active military duty, S2830 [16MR]

Tuskegee Airmen: award Congressional Gold Medal (S. 392), S1516 [16FE], S1607 [17FE], S11055, S11056 [4OC]

VA: anniversary, S8589 [21JY], S9149 [27JY]

———anniversary (S. Res. 203), S8683, S8712, S8713 [21JY]

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act: technical corrections (S. 552), S2255 [8MR]

Veterans Day: observance, S11914 [26OC], S12605 [9NO], S12632, S12635, S12645, S12648 [10NO], S12736 [14NO]

———observance (S. Res. 305), S12703-S12707 [10NO]

World War II: anniversary of Battle of Iwo Jima, S2230, S2231 [8MR]

———honor service of men and women who served in the Armed Forces and recognize ``Greatest Generation Homecoming Weekend'' held in Pittsburgh, PA (S. Res. 216), S9198 [27JY]

———tribute to Tuskegee Airmen (H. Con. Res. 26), S4884 [10MY]

———tribute to Tuskegee Airmen (S. Con. Res. 11), S1860 [1MR]

Yoshida, Jim K.: relief (S. 62), S242 [24JA]

Reports

Committee on Rules (House) Votes Preventing Amendments to H.R. 1268, Supplemental Appropriations Legislation, From Being Brought to Floor for Consideration: Committee on the Budget (House), H5563 [30JN]

Reports filed

Antietam National Battlefield Memorial to Officers and Enlisted Men of Certain New Hampshire Units: Committee on Resources (House) (H.R. 1084) (H. Rept. 109-111), H4294 [8JN]

Buffalo Soldiers Commemoration Act: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Senate) (S. 205) (S. Rept. 109-24), S2383 [9MR]

Consideration of Conference Report on H.R. 2528, Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Construction, Quality of Life, and Veterans: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 564) (H. Rept. 109-308), H10908 [17NO]

Consideration of H.R. 2528, Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Military Construction, Quality of Life Functions, and Veterans' Services: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 298) (H. Rept. 109-97), H4072 [25MY]

Dept. of the Interior Study on Suitability and Feasibility of Designating the Soldiers' Memorial Military Museum in St. Louis, MO, as a Unit of the National Park System: Committee on Resources (House) (H.R. 452) (H. Rept. 109-319), H11108 [6DE]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Military Construction, Quality of Life Functions, and Veterans' Services: Committee of Conference (H.R. 2528) (H. Rept. 109-305), H10908 [17NO]

———Committee on Appropriations (House) (H.R. 2528) (H. Rept. 109-95), H3767 [23MY]

———Committee on Appropriations (Senate) (H.R. 2528), S8664 [21JY]

Edward H. McDaniel American Legion Post No. 22 Land Conveyance Act: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Senate) (S. 253) (S. Rept. 109-39), S2644 [14MR]

Gagetown Veterans Memorial Post Office, Gagetown, MI: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (Senate) (H.R. 3368), S13785 [16DE]

Lillian Kinkella Keil Post Office, Covina, CA: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (Senate) (H.R. 4053), S13786 [16DE]

Military Personnel Financial Services Protection Act: Committee on Financial Services (House) (H.R. 458) (H. Rept. 109-40), H1967 [13AP]

Nomination of Charles S. Ciccolella To Be Assistant Sec. of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S9284 [28JY]

Nomination of James P. Terry To Be Board of Veterans' Appeals Chairman: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S9284 [28JY]

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Enhancement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 3200) (H. Rept. 109-177), H6204 [20JY]

Vet Center Enhancement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 716) (S. Rept. 109-180), S12948 [16NO]

Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 1235) (S. Rept. 109-139), S10294 [21SE]

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 1220) (H. Rept. 109-162), H5637 [11JY]

———Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 1234) (S. Rept. 109-138), S10294 [21SE]

Veterans Health Care Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 1182) (S. Rept. 109-177), S12681 [10NO]

Veterans Housing and Employment Improvement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 3665) (H. Rept. 109-263), H9471 [1NO]

Rulings of the Chair

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), H4106 [26MY]

Schedules

Commission on the National Guard and Reserves timetable and activities, S12426 [7NO]

Statements

Gulf War Illness Research Funding, H4745 [20JN]

Improving Quality of Care—How the VA Outpaces Other Systems in Delivering Patient Care: RAND Corp., S1588 [17FE]

Level of Cooperation and Interaction Between Dept. of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office and Several POW Advocacy Groups: National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, E1304 [21JN]

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Enhancement Act Senate Amendments, H8415 [28SE]

Survivor Benefit Program Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Elimination: Dept. of Defense, S12380 [4NO]

Tribute to Robert Sparboe: Rudy Boschwitz, S11556 [19OC]

Tables

Committee on the Budget (Senate) scoring of H.R. 2528, Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies, S10421 [26SE]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 2528), H4086-H4089 [26MY], H10915-H10920 [18NO]

Proposed VA budget for fiscal year 2006, S2723 [15MR]

Senator Santorum voting record on veterans health care funding: Democratic Policy Committee, S7571-S7573 [29JN]

Texts of

H. Con. Res. 26, tribute to Tuskegee Airmen, H422 [9FE]

H. Con. Res. 191, commemorate anniversary of conclusion of World War II and honor veterans of both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters, H5764 [13JY]

H. Res. 119, recognize contributions of the Marine Corps and other units of the Armed Forces on the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, H1031 [9MR]

H. Res. 298, consideration of H.R. 2528, Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services, H4078 [26MY]

H. Res. 361, VA anniversary, H5919 [18JY]

H. Res. 564, consideration of conference report on H.R. 2528, Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services, H10912 [18NO]

H.J. Res. 18, recognize the historic commitment of the U.S. to the recovery and full accounting of POW or MIA, H665 [16FE]

H.J. Res. 61, support goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day, H8180 [21SE]

H.R. 452, study suitability and feasibility of designating the Soldiers' Memorial Military Museum in St. Louis, MO as a unit of the National Park System, H11446 [13DE]

H.R. 458, Military Personnel Financial Services Protection Act, H5186-H5190 [27JN]

H.R. 1084, establish memorial to officers and enlisted men of certain New Hampshire units at Antietam National Battlefield, H5202 [27JN]

H.R. 1220, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, H5749-H5751 [13JY]

H.R. 1691, John H. Bradley Dept. of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Appleton, WI, H9488 [2NO]

H.R. 2528, Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies, military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services appropriations, S10335-S10346 [22SE], S10453-S10459 [26SE]

H.R. 3130, Dept. of Veterans Affairs supplemental appropriations for veterans medical care, H5585 [30JN]

H.R. 3200, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Enhancement Act, S10480 [27SE], H6453 [26JY], H8413 [28SE]

H.R. 3368, Gagetown Veterans Memorial Post Office, Gagetown, MI, H9062 [25OC]

H.R. 3665, Veterans Housing and Employment Improvement Act, H10074-H10078 [9NO]

H.R. 4053, Lillian Kinkella Keil Post Office, Covina, CA, H9981 [8NO]

S. 13, Fulfilling Our Duty to America's Veterans Act, S169-S174 [24JA]

S. 43, Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act, S230 [24JA]

S. 58, allow certain veterans with service-connected disabilities to travel on military aircraft, S241 [24JA]

S. 62, relief of Jim K. Yoshida, S242 [24JA]

S. 69, relief of Donald C. Pence, S246 [24JA]

S. 79, verify military service of certain Philippine nationals during World War II to determine benefits eligibility, S254 [24JA]

S. 80, restore traditional Memorial Day observance, S254 [24JA]

S. 146, Filipino Veterans Equity Act, S453 [25JA]

S. 151, Veterans Benefits Outreach Act, S473 [25JA]

S. 205, Buffalo Soldiers Commemoration Act, S653 [31JA], S9028 [26JY], H12215 [18DE]

S. 253, Edward H. McDaniel American Legion Post No. 22 Land Conveyance Act, S767 [1FE], S9039, S9040 [26JY]

S. 392, award Congressional Gold Medal to Tuskegee Airmen, S1517 [16FE], S11056 [4OC]

S. 461, Combat Wounds Compensation Act, S1722 [18FE]

S. 484, allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums, S1875 [1MR]

S. 552, Veterans Benefits Improvement Act technical corrections, S2255 [8MR]

S. 558, Retired Pay Restoration Act, S2258 [8MR]

S. 639, reduce the age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service, S2852 [16MR]

S. 845, permit concurrent receipt of military retired pay or combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits and eliminate phase-in period for such benefits, S3901 [19AP]

S. 917, make the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program permanent, S4405 [27AP]

S. 1014, Supporting Our Patriotic Businesses Act, S5101-S5103 [12MY]

S. 1028, Military Personnel Financial Services Education Act, S5159 [12MY]

S. 1176, Neighbor Islands Veterans Health Care Improvements Act, S6227 [8JN]

S. 1177, Veterans Mental Health Care Capacity Enhancement Act, S6158 [7JN]

S. 1182, Veterans Health Care Act, S6163-S6165 [7JN]

S. 1234, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, S6484 [14JN], H10359 [16NO]

S. 1235, Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act, S6485 [14JN], S10620-S10622 [28SE]

S. 1272, Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act, S6831 [20JN]

S. 1341, Veterans' Enhanced Transition Services Act, S7825-S7827 [30JN]

S. 1342, Veterans Outreach Improvement Act, S7828 [30JN]

S. 1351, Cold War Medal Act, S7834 [30JN]

S. 1448, Post-Traumatic Stress Order Treatment Improvement Act, S8680 [21JY]

S. 1512, grant Federal charter to Korean War Veterans Association, Inc., S9184 [27JY]

S. 1537, establish Parkinson's Disease Research Education and Clinical Centers and Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence in the Veterans Health Administration, S9298 [28JY]

S. 1571, Veterans Comprehensive Hepatitis C Health Care Act, S9493 [29JY]

S. 1646, provide for the care of veterans affected by Hurricane Katrina, S9849 [8SE]

S. 1729, extend for persons affected by Hurricane Katrina the time for appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims of certain decisions of the Board of Veterans Appeals, S10235 [20SE]

S. 1813, modify circumstances under which a veteran who has committed a capital offense is denied certain burial-related benefits and funeral honors, S10827 [3OC]

S. 2163, Armed Forces Education Benefits Improvement Act, S14327 [21DE]

S. Con. Res. 11, tribute to Tuskegee Airmen, S1142 [8FE]

S. Con. Res. 39, support goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day, S6058 [26MY], S9317 [28JY]

S. Res. 86, National Airborne Day, S3067 [17MR]

S. Res. 116, tribute to Frederick C. Branch, S4037 [20AP]

S. Res. 153, National Moment of Remembrance observance on Memorial Day, S5804 [23MY]

S. Res. 155, National Veterans Awareness Week, S5937 [25MY], S7540 [28JN]

S. Res. 203, VA anniversary, S8683, S8713 [21JY]

S. Res. 216, honor service of men and women who served in World War II and recognize ``Greatest Generation Homecoming Weekend'' held in Pittsburgh, PA, S9187, S9199 [27JY]

S. Res. 250, support goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day, S10383, S10391 [22SE]

S. Res. 259, commend efforts of Dept. of Veterans Affairs staff in response to Hurricane Katrina, S10603 [28SE]

S. Res. 263, commend efforts of Dept. of Veterans Affairs staff in response to Hurricane Katrina, S10827, S10911 [3OC]

S. Res. 269, Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, S11238 [6OC]

S. Res. 305, Veterans Day, S12694, S12707 [10NO]

S. Res. 306, honor Army veterans and support mission of Army Freedom Team Salute to recognize unsung heroes who have served this country, S12694, S12708 [10NO]

S. Res. 307, recognize and honor World War II Filipino veterans for defense of democratic ideals and contribution to the outcome of World War II, S12694, S12708 [10NO]

S. Res. 343, Thank Our Defenders Week, S14335 [21DE]

Tributes

Hyde, Representative, H5765 [13JY]