DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Amendments

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]

Veterans: 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]

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

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

Penalizing Veterans, S1224 [10FE]

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

Appropriations: making supplemental for 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]

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

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

———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]

———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]

———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]

Benefits: 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]

———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]

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

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

Chief Information Officer: provide authority over resources, budget, and personnel related to the support function of information technology (see S. 2001), S12682 [10NO] (see H.R. 4061), H8846 [17OC]

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

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

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: 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]

Diseases: 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]

Drugs: authorize the Dept. of HHS to negotiate prices for Medicare outpatient prescription drugs and include prices charged to certain Federal agencies in determining best price for Medicaid outpatient drugs (see H.R. 2200), H3055 [5MY]

———conduct a study of the accuracy of expiration dates on certain prescription drugs maintained by the Dept. (see H.R. 1149), H1023 [8MR]

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

———provide discounts to Medicaid and other Federal programs for the advertising costs of certain prescription drugs and ensure that these drugs are prescribed based on health needs rather than marketing (see S. 1128), S6021 [26MY]

Education: 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]

———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]

Federal aid programs: require an annual plan on outreach activities (see S. 151), S435 [25JA]

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

Government regulations: 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]

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

Health: accept sworn affidavit of veterans who served in combat during Korean War or earlier conflict as proof of service connection for certain diseases and injuries (see H.R. 591), H352 [2FE]

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

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

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

———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 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]

———establish programs for patients with fatal chronic illnesses (see H.R. 4249), H10038 [8NO]

———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]

———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 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]

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

———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]

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

———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]

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

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

Housing: 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]

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

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

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

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

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]

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

Law enforcement officers: authorize departmental police officers to execute State or local arrest warrants on Dept. property within the jurisdiction of the issuing body (see H.R. 926), H793 [17FE]

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

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]

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

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

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

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

Nurses: tribute to Excellence in Nursing and Advancement of Nursing Programs award recipients, S5216 [16MY]

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

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

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

Pensions: 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]

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

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

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

Taxation: allow taxpayers to designate income tax refunds for use in medical research conducted through the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (see H.R. 1005), H846 [1MR]

———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]

Transportation: 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]

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

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

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

———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]

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

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

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

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

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

———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] (see H.R. 303), H193 [25JA]

———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]

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

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

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

———improve benefits for former POW (see H.R. 1598), H1968 [13AP]

———improve benefits for former POWs (see S. 1271), S6825 [20JN]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

———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]

———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]

———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]

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

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

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

———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]

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

———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]

———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]

———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]

———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]

———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]

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

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

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

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

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]

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

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

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]

Letters

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

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

Native American Veterans Cemetery Act: Anthony J. Principi, Dept. of Veterans Affairs, E139 [2FE]

———National American Indian Veterans, Inc., E139 [2FE]

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]

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], H1662 [17MR]

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

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

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]

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

Anniversary, E2150 [20OC]

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

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

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

Benefits: 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]

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

Chief Information Officer: provide authority over resources, budget, and personnel related to the support function of information technology (H.R. 4061), H9484-H9487 [2NO], H10120 [9NO], E2100 [17OC], E2260 [3NO]

Democratic Party: national agenda, H5948-H5954 [18JY]

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]

Education: 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]

Employment: veterans' employment programs funding, H5137 [24JN]

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

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

Housing: 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]

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

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

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]

National cemeteries: repair and maintenance funding, H4090 [26MY]

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

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

Operation Slugger: tribute to program to send sports equipment to members of the Armed Forces, E1247 [15JN]

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

Pensions: 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]

Priorities, H5255 [28JN]

Scott, Almon: relief, H4082 [26MY]

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

VA: anniversary, E1559 [21JY]

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

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

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

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

———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]

———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]

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

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

———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]

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

———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]

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

———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]

———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]

———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]

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

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

———establish Parkinson's Disease Research Education and Clinical Centers, H5753 [13JY]

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

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]

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]

Remarks in Senate

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

Armed Forces: 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]

———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]

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

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

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]

Congress: accomplishments of the 109th Congress, S10392 [22SE]

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

Dept. of Defense: require a report on the Composite Health Care System II and efforts to develop a medical records system compatible with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs system, S12805 [15NO]

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]

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

———provide discounts to Medicaid and other Federal programs for the advertising costs of certain prescription drugs and ensure that these drugs are prescribed based on health needs rather than marketing (S. 1128), S6056, S6057 [26MY]

Federal aid programs: require an annual plan on outreach activities (S. 151), S473 [25JA]

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]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hurricanes: 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]

Local government: provide veterans benefits handbooks to all county veterans service officers, S10357 [22SE]

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

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

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

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]

Mondello, Lisette M.: nomination to be Assistant Sec. of Veterans Affairs for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, S11949 [26OC]

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

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

Nicholson, Jim: nomination to be Sec. of Veterans Affairs, S529-S532 [26JA]

———nomination to be Sec. of Veterans Affairs, unanimous-consent agreement, S506 [25JA]

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

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

Presidential appointments: nominations considered and confirmed en bloc, S4600 [28AP], S9579 [29JY], S11949 [26OC], S12703 [10NO]

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

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

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

Veterans: conduct 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 that future health care funding accounts for inflation and population changes, S8801 [25JY]

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

———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]

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

———health care 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]

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

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

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

———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]

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

———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]

———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]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Veterans Affairs Information Technology Management Improvement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 4061) (H. Rept. 109-256), H9360 [27OC]

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]

Nomination of George J. Opfer To Be Dept. of Veterans Affairs Inspector General: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S11476 [18OC]

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

Nomination of Jim Nicholson To Be Sec. of Veterans Affairs: Committee on Veterans Affairs (Senate), S141 [24JA]

Nomination of John M. Molino To Be Assistant Sec. of Veterans Affairs for Policy and Planning: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S11476 [18OC]

Nomination of Jonathan B. Perlin To Be Under Sec. of Veterans Affairs for Health: Committee on Veterans Affairs (Senate), S4257 [26AP]

Nomination of Lisette M. Mondello To Be Assistant Sec. of Veterans Affairs for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S11476 [18OC]

Nomination of Robert J. Henke To Be Assistant Sec. of Veterans Affairs for Management: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S11476 [18OC]

Nomination of William F. Tuerk To Be Under Sec. of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S11476 [18OC]

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]

Resolutions by organizations

Native American Veterans Cemetery Act: Larry Anderson, Navajo Nation Council, E140 [2FE]

———Lawrence T. Morgan, Navajo Nation Council, E139 [2FE]

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]

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]

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

H.R. 4061, Dept. of Veterans Affairs Information Technology Management Improvement Act, H9484 [2NO]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 909, expand eligibility for governmental markers for marked graves of veterans at private cemeteries, S4262 [26AP]

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

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

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

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

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

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. 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]