VETERANS

Addresses

Memorial Day: Joseph M. Dimond, E1075 [8JN]

———Patricia Gerard, E1019 [6JN]

Memorial Day Address-Iwo Jima: Lloyd D. George, S6451 [23JN]

Amendments

Armed Forces: prohibit certain demonstrations at cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration and at Arlington National Cemetery (H.R. 5037), S5127, S5129 [24MY]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 5385), H2918, H2920, H2922, H2925, H2927, H2930, H2940, H2962 [19MY]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 5385), consideration (H. Res. 821), H2900 [19MY]

Insurance: increase maximum coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs (S. 1235), S5285 [25MY]

Articles and editorials

GAO Says Government Pesters Wounded Soldiers Over Debts, S6514 [27JN]

Health Care for Veterans $1 Billion Short, S1092 [13FE]

Hell Razor—Staying Still's Been the One Thing Norton Hurd of Deltaville Can't Do, E809 [12MY]

Iraq War May Add Stress for Past Vets—Trauma Disorder Claims at New High, S6515 [27JN]

Killed, Then Exploited, E154 [14FE]

Limbs Lost to Enemy Fire—Women Forge a New Reality, E871 [18MY]

Military Fails Some Widows Over Benefits, S6512-S6514 [27JN]

Number of Troops Needing Help Threatens To Overwhelm Veterans Administration, H2080 [3MY]

Veterans Angered by File Scandal—VA Has Consistently Scored Poorly on Information Security, S6514 [27JN]

Bills and resolutions

Armed Forces: enhance services available to members returning from deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom to assist such members in transitioning to civilian life (see S. 3517), S5949 [15JN]

———honor African Americans who have served (see H. Con. Res. 393), H1852 [26AP]

———improve colorectal cancer screenings for certain TRICARE beneficiaries (see S. 2915), S4836 [19MY]

———limit increase in the cost of TRICARE health care services for military retirees (see S. 2617), S3378 [7AP]

———pay one-time bonus to members who serve honorably in a combat zone during Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom (see H.R. 5162), H1679 [6AP]

———prohibit certain demonstrations at cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration and at Arlington National Cemetery (see S. 2779), S4339 [10MY] (see H.R. 5037), H1319 [29MR]

———prohibit picketing at funerals of members and former members (see S. 2452), S2313 [16MR]

———provide equity between active and Reserve component members in the computation of disability retired pay for members wounded in action (see H.R. 5083), H1452 [4AP]

———provide for the inclusion of certain special and incentive pays in the computation of military retired pay for members who have special operations forces designation (see H.R. 5584), H3787 [12JN]

———reduce the age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service (see S. 2449), S2313 [16MR]

———require the phased recovery of overpayments made to members and delay the start of overpayment recovery from members who are wounded, injured, or incur illness in a combat operation or zone (see H.R. 4730), H224 [8FE]

———tribute to members inducted for service during World War II (see H. Con. Res. 334), H224 [8FE]

Benefits: increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (see S. 2562), S3211 [6AP] (see H.R. 4843), H563 [2MR]

———provide annual cost-of-living adjustments in rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (see S. 3068), S5227 [25MY]

Capitol Building and Grounds: establish a temporary memorial honoring members of the Armed Forces killed in military action in Iraq and Afghanistan (see S. Con. Res. 86), S2902 [5AP] (see H. Con. Res. 379), H1562 [5AP]

———permit use of rotunda for a ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the establishment of Dept. of Veterans Affairs (see H. Con. Res. 427), H3908 [13JN]

Cemeteries and funerals: enhance burial benefits (see S. 2415), S2201 [15MR]

———expand and make permanent the benefit for governmental markers for marked graves of veterans at private cemeteries (see H.R. 5499), H3307 (see H.R. 5499), H3359 [25MY]

———expand eligibility for governmental markers for marked graves of veterans at private cemeteries (see S. 3069), S5227 [25MY]

———expand eligibility for governmental markers for marked graves of veterans at private cemeteries and provide governmental markers or memorial headstones for certain deceased dependents of veterans (see H.R. 5038), H1319 [29MR]

———provide support of funeral ceremonies for veterans provided by details that consist solely of members of veterans organizations and other organizations (see S. 2814), S4617 [16MY]

Colmery, Harry W.: award Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously (see S. Con. Res. 104), S6419 [22JN]

Congress: establish a fellowship program for the hiring of disabled veterans (see S. 2266), S979 [9FE]

Crime: establish penalties for unauthorized disclosure of records containing personal information about veterans (see H.R. 5467), H3225 [24MY]

Dept. of the Interior: make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available at a discount to certain veterans (see H.R. 5452), H3137 [23MY]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: abolish term limits for the Under Sec. for Health and the Under Sec. for Benefits and simplify appointment process (see S. 2634), S3420 [24AP]

———authorize a major medical facility project in Denver, CO (see S. 2547), S2901 [5AP] (see H.R. 5101), H1562 [5AP]

———authorize approprations for medical care and to improve the security for personal data of veterans (see S. 3531), S6013 [16JN]

———authorize appropriations to improve security for personal data and provide remedial assistance to veterans and other persons who have had personal data stolen (see S. 3592), S6634 [28JN]

———authorize major medical facility projects and major medical facility leases (see S. 3421), S5490 [6JN]

———eliminate the deductible and change the method of determining the mileage reimbursement rate for the beneficiary travel program (see S. 3276), S5341 [26MY]

———employ additional categories of mental health professionals (see H.R. 5396), H2641 [16MY]

———enhance counseling and readjustment services (see S. 2500), S2799 [4AP]

———enhance protection of records containing personal identifying information that is required by law to be confidential and privileged from disclosure except as authorized by law (see H.R. 5577), H3723 [9JN]

———enhance services provided by veterans' centers and clarify and improve the provision of bereavement counseling (see H.R. 5221), H1915 [27AP]

———establish a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative to report on health care quality in hospitals (see S. 2358), S1644 [2MR]

———establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado (see S. 2387), S1893 [8MR] (see H.R. 4907), H790 [8MR]

———establish a personal identification number for each veteran to help preserve confidentiality of information on veterans (see H.R. 5490), H3307 (see H.R. 5490), H3359 [25MY]

———establish an Assistant Sec. for Rural Veterans and improve care provided to veterans living in rural areas (see S. 2433), S2312 [16MR]

———establish and operate a community-based outpatient clinic in Alpena, MI (see S. 2598), S3378 [7AP] (see H.R. 5687), H4554 [26JN]

———establish centers to provide enhanced services to veterans with amputations and prosthetic devices (see S. 2736), S4051 [4MY]

———improve pension program (see H.R. 5119), H1677 [6AP]

———increase assistance for disabled veterans for specially adapted housing and provide for annual increases in such assistance (see H.R. 4791), H388 [16FE]

———protect privacy of veterans and spouses of veterans affected by security breach (see S. 3176), S5229 [25MY] (see S. 3486), S5659 [8JN]

———provide enrollment priority in health care services for veterans who are recipients of certain medals for valor (see S. 2708), S3984 [3MY]

———provide free credit monitoring and credit reports for veterans and others affected by the theft of veterans' personal data and ensure notification of such thefts (see S. 2970), S4966 [23MY] (see H.R. 5455), H3137 [23MY] (see H.R. 5588), H3787 [12JN]

———provide mental health services in languages other than English, as needed, for veterans and family members with limited English proficiency (see H.R. 5007), H1129 [16MR]

———publish a strategic plan for long-term care (see H.R. 5774), H5128 [12JY]

———recalculate retirement annuities for certain health care professionals performing part-time services (see S. 3598), S6786 [29JN]

———remove certain limitations on attorney representation of claimants for veterans benefits in administrative proceedings (see S. 2694), S3893 [2MY] (see H.R. 4914), H866 [9MR] (see H.R. 5549), H3496 [7JN]

———require notice to Congress and a waiting period prior to any reduction in the hours of operation of medical center emergency rooms (see H.R. 5260), H1979 [2MY]

———require provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all departmental medical centers (see H.R. 5202), H1851 [26AP]

———take certain actions to mitigate effects of the breach of data security (see H.R. 5487), H3306 (see H.R. 5487), H3359 [25MY]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (see H.R. 5385), H2596 [15MY]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 5385), consideration (see H. Res. 821), H2832 (see H. Res. 821), H2889 [18MY]

Disabled: provide automatic cost-of-living adjustments in disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and in compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans (see H.R. 5444), H3016 [22MY]

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 S. 2236), S446 [1FE]

Education: encourage States to establish programs to award high school diplomas to veterans who left school to serve in the Armed Forces during a time of war (see H. Res. 661), H25 [31JA]

———ensure Pell Grant eligibility for any student whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001 (see H.R. 5733), H4915 [29JN]

———expand scope of educational programs for which accelerated payments of assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used (see S. 2416), S2201 [15MR]

Ernest Childers Dept. of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Tulsa, OK: designate (see S. 2800), S4553 [15MY] (see H.R. 4744), H273 [14FE]

Federal aid programs: establish a financial assistance program to facilitate provision of supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing (see H.R. 4746), H273 [14FE]

———improve services for homeless veterans (see S. 3545), S6154 [20JN]

———provide for accelerated payment of survivors' and dependents' educational assistance for certain programs of education (see S. 3363), S5430 [5JN]

Health: improve health care for rural veterans (see H.R. 5524), H3423 [6JN]

———require a program to improve the provision of caregiver assistance services (see S. 2753), S4051 [4MY]

Health care facilities: ensure appropriate payment for the cost of long-term care provided to veterans in State homes (see S. 2762), S4155 [8MY] (see H.R. 5671), H4519 [22JN]

Higher Education Act: prevent veterans' contributions to education benefits from reducing Federal student financial assistance (see H.R. 5174), H1741 [25AP]

Housing: allow community reinvestment credit for investments and other financial support for veterans to purchase residential homes or other housing opportunities for veterans (see H.R. 5045), H1319 [29MR]

———provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans (see S. 3475), S5598 [7JN] (see H.R. 5561), H3641 [8JN]

Income: expand eligibility for concurrent receipt of combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits (see S. 2385), S1893 [8MR]

Information security: improve (see H.R. 5464), H3225 [24MY]

Korean War Veterans Memorial: placement of commemorative plaque to honor U.S. and Korean soldiers who served, were wounded or killed, from 1953 to the present (see S. 2914), S4836 [19MY]

Medicare: reimbursement for services provided to eligible veterans by certain Dept. of Veterans Affairs facilities (see H.R. 4992), H1128 [16MR]

Megellas, James (Maggie): award Medal of Honor (see H.R. 5537), H3424 [6JN]

Mental health: funding (see S. 2351), S1579 [1MR]

———reduce incidence of suicide (see H.R. 5771), H5127 [12JY]

National Airborne Day: designate (see S. Res. 405), S2415 [27MR]

National Association of State Veterans Homes: tribute (see S. Res. 417), S2689 [31MR] (see H. Con. Res. 347), H389 [16FE]

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day: add to the list of days on which the flag should be especially displayed (see H.R. 4922), H867 [9MR]

National Veterans Awareness Week: designate (see S. Res. 507), S5779 [13JN]

Native Americans: eligibility of Indian tribal organizations for grants to establish veterans cemeteries on trust lands (see S. 2659), S3588 [26AP]

New Windsor, NY: recognize and support effort of New York to develop the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor (see H. Con. Res. 419), H3308 (see H. Con. Res. 419), H3360 [25MY]

Office of Veterans Identity Protection Claims: establish to reimburse persons for injuries suffered due to unauthorized use, disclosure, or dissemination of stolen identifying information (see S. 3555), S6283 [21JN] (see H.R. 5520), H3308 (see H.R. 5520), H3360 [25MY]

Patents: extend term for the badge of the American Legion (see S. 3062), S5227 [25MY] (see H.R. 5619), H4009 [14JN]

———extend term for the badge of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary (see S. 3061), S5227 [25MY] (see H.R. 5618), H4009 [14JN]

———extend term for the badge of the Sons of the American Legion (see S. 3063), S5227 [25MY] (see H.R. 5620), H4009 [14JN]

Patriot Guard Riders (organization): commend the shielding of mourning military families from protesters and preserving the memory of fallen servicemembers at funerals (see H. Res. 731), H1129 [16MR]

Pensions: increase amount of Medal of Honor special pension and provide for payment of that pension to the surviving spouse of a deceased Medal of Honor recipient (see H.R. 5669), H4519 [22JN]

San Diego, CA: preserve Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial by providing for immediate acquisition of the memorial by the U.S. (see H.R. 5683), H4554 [26JN]

Small business: establish a temporary loan program and a temporary vocational development program for small businesses owned and controlled by veterans (see H.R. 5517), H3307 (see H.R. 5517), H3360 [25MY]

———improve loans for members of the National Guard and Reserves (see S. 3122), S5228 [25MY]

Solano National Cemetery, Dixon, CA: designate (see H.R. 5591), H3907 [13JN]

Taxation: allow tax credit to businesses who employ members of the National Guard or Ready Reserve for compensation paid during active military duty and compensation paid to temporary replacement employees (see H.R. 5751), H4957 [10JY]

———allow taxpayers to designate income tax refunds for veterans' health benefits (see H.R. 5044), H1319 [29MR]

———expand tax forgiveness for Armed Forces members who die from wounds, disease, or injury incurred while serving in a combat zone to include prior taxable year (see H.R. 5032), H1196 [28MR]

———extend period of limitation to file claims for refunds on account of disability determinations by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (see S. 2503), S2799 [4AP] (see H.R. 4727), H224 [8FE]

Veterans Advisory Committee on Certification, Credentialing, and Licensure: establish (see H.R. 5220), H1915 [27AP]

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: provide deadline for final approval of visitor center (see S. 2419), S2202 [15MR] (see H.R. 4882), H644 [7MR]

World War II: provide that merchant mariners who were awarded the Mariners Medal are provided the same eligibility for Dept. of Veterans Affairs health care as Purple Heart recipients (see H.R. 5758), H5046 [11JY]

Colloquies

San Diego Naval Medical Center Comprehensive Casualty Care Center funding: Senators Boxer, Stevens, and Inouye, S3952 [3MY]

Eulogies

Seeing the Invisible—A Meditation on Luke 16: 19-25: Emmett Jarrett, E741 [5MY]

Explanations

Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act (S. 1235), S5291-S5294 [25MY], H2976-H2979 [22MY]

Letters

Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act: Ian Allison and Henry Van Gemert, Just Compensation Committee, E114 [8FE]

Commend the Patriot Guard Riders (organization) for shielding of mourning military families from protesters and preserving the memory of fallen servicemembers at funerals: David Wagler, H4229 [20JN]

Democratic Party national agenda: several Senators, S6594 [28JN]

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: Eric Lachica, American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc., S4749 [18MY]

———Karen K. Narasaki, Asian American Justice Center, S4749 [18MY]

Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act: Representative Buyer, Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House), H2200 [9MY]

———Representative Sensenbrenner, Committee on the Judiciary (House), H2200 [9MY]

Rural veterans health care improvement: James D. Randles, Military Order of the Purple Heart, E1025 [6JN]

———John Rowan, Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., E1025 [6JN]

———Steve Robertson, American Legion, E1025 [6JN]

Veterans Disability Compensation Automatic COLA Act: James B. King, AMVETS (organization), E921 [22MY]

———Joseph A. Violante, DAV, E921 [22MY]

Veterans health care funding: Dennis Cullinan, VFW, S2094 [14MR]

———several veterans organizations, S2081 [14MR]

———Steve Robertson, American Legion, S494 [2FE], S1090 [13FE]

Poems

``An Old Sweetheart of Mine,'' James Whitcomb Riley, S5328 [26MY]

``From Afar,'' Alessandro Carbonaro, E1017 [6JN]

``Memorial Day,'' Edgar Guest, S5327 [26MY]

``Memorial Day,'' Joyce Kilmer, S5326 [26MY]

``To Those I Love,'' Isla Pascal Richardson, S5328 [26MY]

Remarks in House

Archer Daniels Midland Co.: National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Above and Beyond award recipient, E1217 [20JN]

Armed Forces: allow surviving spouses the option of assigning Survivor Benefit Plan payments to their children, H2523 [11MY]

———improve benefits for members, veterans, and their dependents and survivors (H.R. 2131), H3023 [23MY]

———increase dependency and indemnity compensation payable to a surviving spouse of a member in any case in which there are dependent children (H.R. 1573), E1305 [28JN]

———limit increase in the cost of TRICARE health care services, H2361, H2365 [10MY], H2511, H2513, H2517, H2545 [11MY]

———limit increase in the cost of TRICARE health care services for female military retirees, H1458 [5AP]

———prohibit certain demonstrations at cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration and at Arlington National Cemetery (H.R. 5037), H2187, H2199-H2208 [9MY], H2555 [11MY], H3208-H3211 [24MY], E774 [10MY]

———prohibit funding for placement of Social Security numbers on identification cards issued to members, retired members, or dependents, H4293 [20JN]

———prohibit funding to approve demonstrations at Depts. of Defense and Veterans Affairs cemeteries during funeral services, H1089 [16MR]

———provide for payment of Combat-Related Special Compensation to certain members retired for disability who were awarded the Purple Heart (H.R. 995), E473 [30MR]

———require pre- and post-deployment mental health screening for military personnel, H2916, H2920 [19MY]

———tribute to female soldiers who have become amputees due to war injuries, E870 [18MY]

Atlanta, MI: tribute to Thunder Bay Quilt Guild, E1145 [14JN]

Bataan Death March: provide additional compensation to survivors, H2538, H2540 [11MY]

Bay of Pigs Veterans Association (2506 Assault Brigade): tribute, E567 [7AP]

Benefits: increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (H.R. 4843), H4528-H4530 [26JN], E264 [2MR], E1283 [27JN]

Boulder City, NV: anniversary of American Legion Post 31, E329 [9MR]

Budget: allocation of funds, H368 [16FE], H438 [28FE], H615, H616, H618 [7MR], H3716-H3721 [9JN]

Bush, President: State of the Union Message, H304 [15FE]

Capitol Building and Grounds: permit use of rotunda for a ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the establishment of Dept. of Veterans Affairs (H. Con. Res. 427), H4926-H4928 [10JY]

Cemeteries and funerals: expand eligibility for governmental markers for marked graves of veterans at private cemeteries and provide governmental markers or memorial headstones for certain deceased dependents of veterans (H.R. 5038), E445 [29MR]

Chicago, IL: construction of joint VA-Navy hospital, H2916 [19MY]

Congress: accomplishments of the 109th Congress, H3346-H3348 [25MY]

DAV: anniversary of Livonia, MI, chapter 114, E1277 [26JN]

Dept. of Defense: prosthetic research funding, H4258, H4259 [20JN]

Dept. of Education: TRIO Programs funding, H1214 [29MR]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: allow anesthesiologist assistants to provide care at departmental medical facilities, H2926 [19MY]

———cooperate with NIH in facilitating research on managing medical issues associated with hepatitis C, H2930 [19MY]

———funding, H3482 [7JN]

———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, H2981 [22MY]

———provide free credit monitoring and credit reports for veterans and others affected by the theft of veterans' personal data and ensure notification of such thefts, H3148 [24MY]

———provide free credit monitoring and credit reports for veterans and others affected by the theft of veterans' personal data and ensure notification of such thefts (H.R. 5455), H3501 [8JN], H3646 [9JN]

———provide free credit monitoring and credit reports for veterans and others affected by the theft of veterans' personal data and ensure notification of such thefts (H.R. 5588), H3803 [13JN]

———provide mental health services in languages other than English, as needed, for veterans and family members with limited English proficiency (H.R. 5007), H3146 [24MY]

———repeal the offset from surviving spouse annuities under the military Survivor Benefit Plan for amounts paid as dependency and indemnity compensation, H2549, H2550 [11MY]

———repeal the offset from surviving spouse annuities under the military Survivor Benefit Plan for amounts paid as dependency and indemnity compensation (H.R. 808), E1305 [28JN]

———theft of veterans' personal records, H3230, H3232 [25MY]

———tribute to health care and services provided to veterans, E484 [30MR]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: establish offsets for funding for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services through reductions in tax cuts, H2931 [19MY]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 5385), H2902-H2944 [19MY], E968 [26MY]

———making appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 5385), consideration (H. Res. 821), H2894-H2902 [19MY]

———prohibit funding to promulgate regulations without consideration of effect on competitiveness of U.S. business, H2940 [19MY]

Disabled: provide automatic cost-of-living adjustments in disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and in compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans (H.R. 5444), E921 [22MY]

Dupo, IL: anniversary of VFW Post 6368, E783 [10MY]

Ernest Childers Dept. of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Tulsa, OK: designate (H.R. 4744), E152 [14FE]

Finn, Daniel and Christina: tribute to Patriotic Pillow Project, E689 [2MY]

Forbes, Peter J.: Quiet Man Society Michael F. King, Jr., Armed Forces Veterans Award recipient, E336 [9MR]

Fulton, Donald F.: Air Force Silver Star recipient, E1319 [29JN]

Gaunt, Harry: Joint Veterans Committee of Maryland Veteran of the Year award recipient, E423 [28MR]

Health: improve health care for rural veterans (H.R. 5524), E1024 [6JN]

———provide for prosthetic and orthotic care for injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, H1013 [15MR]

Health care: funding, H261 [14FE], H1021 [15MR], H1569-H1576, H1589-H1593, H1603 [6AP], H2693, H2743 [17MY], H2914-H2917 [19MY], H2982 [22MY], H3236 [25MY], E247 [1MR]

———funding through repeal of certain tax breaks, H2922, H2925 [19MY]

Higher Education Act: prevent veterans' contributions to education benefits from reducing Federal student financial assistance (H.R. 5174), E579 [25AP]

Houston, TX: tribute to Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Program, E104 [8FE]

Houston Astros (baseball team): tribute to visit to servicemen at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, E1236 [21JN]

Howard, Harriett: Dept. of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service National Advisory Committee Female Volunteer of the Year award recipient, E967 [26MY]

Illinois: State legislation proposal to prevent protests at funeral services, E138 [14FE]

Insurance: increase maximum coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs (S. 1235), H2970-H2982 [22MY], E929 [23MY]

Jack C. Montgomery Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Muskogee, OK: designate (H.R. 3829), H2208, H2209 [9MY]

Jacksonville, FL: tribute to Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church Military Appreciation Day Service, E669 [1MY]

John H. Bradley Dept. of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Appleton, WI: dedication, E1108 [9JN]

Journey for Freedom Ride: tribute, E938 [23MY]

Kingwood, TX: tribute to Deerwood Elementary School students, E402 [16MR]

Lake Station, IN: tribute to East Gary Memorial American Legion Post 100, E205 [28FE]

Lakewood, OH: anniversary of Catholic War Veterans of the U.S.A., Inc., Post 579 of SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, E324 [9MR]

Las Vegas, NV: tribute to Las Vegas Wings chapter of Distinguished Flying Cross Society, E576 [25AP]

Mankato, MN: Immanuel St. Joseph's Mayo Health System Hospital recipient of National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's Above and Beyond award, E1215 [20JN]

Marshall, Representative: U.S. Army Rangers Hall of Fame inductee, H4739 [28JN]

Marshall, TX: convey U.S. Army Reserve Center to Marshall-Harrison County Veterans Association for construction of veterans memorial, park, and museum, H2529 [11MY]

Medicare: reimbursement for services provided to eligible veterans by certain Dept. of Veterans Affairs facilities (H.R. 4992), H1983 [3MY]

Megellas, James (Maggie): award Medal of Honor, E979 [26MY]

———award Medal of Honor (H.R. 5537), E1018 [6JN]

Memorial Day: observance, H3023 [23MY], H3145, H3217 [24MY], E975, E976, E994, E997 [26MY], E1019 [6JN], E1075 [8JN]

Mental health: funding, H2080 [3MY]

———improve treatment of post-deployment mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, for veterans and members of the Armed Forces, H472 [1MR], H2506 [11MY], E274 [2MR]

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), E113 [8FE]

Milwaukee, WI: Dept. of Veterans Affairs Zablocki Medical Center spinal cord injury unit upgrades funding, H2927, H2928 [19MY]

National Day of Recognition for All Veterans Survivors: establish, E1305 [28JN]

National Veterans Business Development Corp.: funding, H4708, H4709 [28JN]

Nevada: Order of the Silver Rose recipients, E711 [3MY]

New Orleans, LA: VA Medical Center reconstruction funding, H1084, H1085 [16MR]

Not This Time Vets (organization): tribute, E285 [7MR]

Office of Veterans Identity Protection Claims: establish to reimburse persons for injuries suffered due to unauthorized use, disclosure, or dissemination of stolen identifying information (H.R. 5520), E1000 [26MY]

Parker, Samuel I.: Medal of Honor recipient, E1335 [29JN]

Patriot Guard Riders (organization): commend the shielding of mourning military families from protesters and preserving the memory of fallen servicemembers at funerals (H. Res. 731), H4228-H4231 [20JN], E1245 [21JN]

Pensacola, FL: Naval Hospital Pensacola named Dept. of Defense best mid-sized hospital in the nation for patient satisfaction, E89 [8FE]

Pensions: change effective date for paid-up coverage under the Survivor Benefit Plan (H.R. 968), E1305 [28JN]

Philadelphia, PA: anniversary of St. Casimir's Catholic War Veterans of the U.S.A., Inc., Post #652, E394 [16MR]

Polish American War Veterans (organization): anniversary, E592 [25AP]

Radioactive substances: study health effects of exposure to depleted uranium munitions, H2531, H2532 [11MY]

Republican Party: national agenda, H3134, H3135 [23MY]

Roseville, MI: anniversary of Corporal Neil W. Reid VFW Post 2358, E896 [19MY]

Santa Clara County, CA: tribute to Veterans Service Office, E666 [27AP]

Small business: establish a temporary loan program and a temporary vocational development program for small businesses owned and controlled by veterans (H.R. 5517), E977 [26MY]

Taxation: extend period of limitation to file claims for refunds on account of disability determinations by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (H.R. 4727), E119 [8FE]

Tribute, H458 [1MR]

Tuskegee Airmen: award Congressional Gold Medal (H.R. 1259), H407-H414 [28FE], E248 [1MR], E289 [7MR], E343 [9MR]

Veterans' Right To Know Commission: establish (H.R. 4259), E982 [26MY]

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: provide deadline for final approval of visitor center (H.R. 4882), H1137-H1139 [28MR], E473 [30MR], E542 [6AP], E961 [24MY]

Westland, MI: anniversary of Sargeant Stanley F. Romanowski VFW Post 6896, E914 [19MY], E947 [24MY]

Whirlaway (racehorse): commend role in the establishment of United Service Organizations chapters and as a symbol of support to U.S. forces during World War II, E1074 [8JN]

Witter, James H.: Distinguished Flying Cross recipient, E703 [3MY]

World War II: anniversary of Allied landing at Normandy on D-Day, H3366, H3413, H3416, H3417 [6JN], E1027, E1028 [6JN]

———recognize contributions of the Marine Corps and other units of the Armed Forces on the anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, E498 [4AP]

———tribute to Naval airmen killed during Kiska Blitz, E1151 [14JN]

———tribute to Tuskegee Airmen, E1245 [21JN]

———tribute to U.S. soldiers who raised the first flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima, E660 [27AP]

Remarks in Senate

Armed Forces: eliminate increased fees and copayments for retired military health care, S2252 [16MR]

———enhance services available to members returning from deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom to assist such members in transitioning to civilian life (S. 3517), S5952 [15JN]

———improve collection of survivors' benefits, S6511 [27JN]

———improve colorectal cancer screenings for certain TRICARE beneficiaries, S6273 [21JN]

———improve colorectal cancer screenings for certain TRICARE beneficiaries (S. 2915), S4839 [19MY]

———improve mental health screening and services for military personnel, S6362-S6364 [22JN]

———improve the Transition Assistance Program provided for members being discharged, released from active duty, or retiring, S6453 [23JN]

———limit increase in the cost of TRICARE health care services for military retirees (S. 2617), S3388-S3390 [7AP]

———prevent imposition of excessive TRICARE fees and co-pays on military retirees, S2261 [16MR]

———prohibit certain demonstrations at cemeteries, funeral homes, houses of worship, and other locations where deceased veterans are honored and buried, S6516, S6520, S6521, S6524, S6525, S6538, S6539, S6544, S6546 [27JN]

———prohibit certain demonstrations at cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration and at Arlington National Cemetery (H.R. 5037), S5129, S5130 [24MY], S6486 [26JN], S6538 [27JN]

———prohibit increase in copayments for TRICARE prescription drug program, S5740 [13JN], S5837-S5840 [14JN]

———reduce the age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service and improve health care benefits for National Guard members and reservists under TRICARE, S6373-S6375 [22JN]

———reduce the age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service (S. 2449), S2338 [16MR]

Benefits: expand and enhance health care, mental health, transition, and disability benefits, S6594 [28JN]

———expand and enhance health care, mental health, transition, and disability benefits (S. 13), S6526 [27JN]

———increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (S. 2562), S3219 [6AP]

Brookings, SD: anniversary of DAV chapter, S5714 [12JN]

Budget: allocation of funds, S734-S736 [7FE], S1987-S1994, S2021-S2023 [13MR]

Camp Lejeune, NC: require Marine Corps to notify affected persons of drinking water contamination, provide benefits to those exposed, and require a study on the health effects of such exposure, S6004 [16JN]

Capitol Building and Grounds: establish a temporary memorial honoring members of the Armed Forces killed in military action in Iraq and Afghanistan (S. Con. Res. 86), S2909 [5AP]

———permit use of rotunda for a ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the establishment of Dept. of Veterans Affairs (H. Con. Res. 427), S7360 [11JY]

Cemeteries and funerals: enhance burial benefits (S. 2415), S2204 [15MR]

Coins: mint in commemoration of veterans who became disabled for life while serving in the Armed Forces (S. 633), S5284 [25MY]

Committee in Veterans Affairs (Senate): delegation report on trip to see World War I and World War II cemeteries in the Netherlands and France, S6055 [19JN]

Dept. of Defense: establish procedures for consideration of applications for award of the Purple Heart to certain POW, S6274 [21JN], S6364 [22JN]

Dept. of Labor: reauthorize the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, S2289 [16MR]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: abolish term limits for the Under Sec. for Health and the Under Sec. for Benefits and simplify appointment process (S. 2634), S3424 [24AP]

———authorize major medical facility projects and major medical facility leases (S. 3421), S5492 [6JN]

———eliminate the deductible and change the method of determining the mileage reimbursement rate for the beneficiary travel program (S. 3276), S5594 [7JN]

———enhance counseling and readjustment services (S. 2500), S2802 [4AP]

———establish a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative to report on health care quality in hospitals (S. 2358), S1651 [2MR]

———establish an Assistant Sec. for Rural Veterans and improve care provided to veterans living in rural areas (S. 2433), S2324 [16MR], S6556 [27JN]

———establish centers to provide enhanced services to veterans with amputations and prosthetic devices (S. 2736), S4057-S4059 [4MY]

———protect privacy of veterans and spouses of veterans affected by security breach (S. 3176), S5252 [25MY]

———protect privacy of veterans and spouses of veterans affected by security breach (S. 3486), S5670 [8JN]

———provide adaptive housing assistance to disabled veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member (S. 1947), S5294 [25MY]

———provide enrollment priority in health care services for veterans who are recipients of certain medals for valor (S. 2708), S3989 [3MY]

———provide free credit monitoring and credit reports for veterans and others affected by the theft of veterans' personal data and ensure notification of such thefts, S6224 [21JN]

———provide free credit monitoring and credit reports for veterans and others affected by the theft of veterans' personal data and ensure notification of such thefts (S. 2970), S4968 [23MY], S5217 [25MY]

———recalculate retirement annuities for certain health care professionals performing part-time services (S. 3598), S6788 [29JN]

———remove certain limitations on attorney representation of claimants for veterans benefits in administrative proceedings (S. 2694), S3896 [2MY]

———research funding, S5425 [5JN]

———theft of veterans' personal records, S4957 [23MY]

East Point, GA: tribute to American Legion Post 51, S4692 [17MY]

Education: expand scope of educational programs for which accelerated payments of assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used (S. 2416), S2205 [15MR]

Ernest Childers Dept. of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Tulsa, OK: designate (S. 2800), S4555 [15MY]

Fales, John: American Legion National Commander's Public Relations Award recipient, S4153 [8MY]

Federal aid programs: improve services for homeless veterans (S. 3545), S6275 [21JN]

Financial institutions: qualified mortgage bond program expansion, S1113 [13FE]

Fulkerson, Chuck: Nevada System of Higher Education Distinguished Nevadan award recipient, S4550 [15MY]

Gagetown Veterans Memorial Post Office, Gagetown, MI: designate (H.R. 3368), S1756 [3MR]

Gonsalves, John: DAR Medal of Honor Award recipient, S6413 [22JN]

Gulfport, MS: Armed Forces Retirement Home reconstruction funding, S3874-S3878 [2MY]

Health: require a program to improve the provision of caregiver assistance services (S. 2753), S4075 [4MY]

Health care: funding, S431-S433 [1FE], S493, S494 [2FE], S1116 [13FE], S1831 [7MR], S2075-S2083, S2094, S2095 [14MR], S2244, S2258 [16MR], S3560-S3564 [26AP], S5823, S5830 [14JN], S6511 [27JN]

———funding through reductions in National Civilian Community Corps funding, S3874 [2MY], S4013, S4016 [4MY]

———funding through repeal of certain tax breaks, S1090-S1094 [13FE]

Health care facilities: ensure appropriate payment for the cost of long-term care provided to veterans in State homes (S. 2762), S4158 [8MY]

Housing: provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans (S. 3475), S5601 [7JN]

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, S4747-S4750 [18MY]

Income: eliminate phase-in period for concurrent receipt of military retired pay with service-connected disability benefits for the severely disabled, S6359 [22JN]

———expand eligibility for concurrent receipt of combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits (S. 2385), S1894 [8MR]

Insurance: increase maximum coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs (S. 1235), S5285-S5295 [25MY]

Jack C. Montgomery Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Muskogee, OK: designate (H.R. 3829), S5219 [25MY], S5394 [26MY]

John H. Bradley Dept. of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Appleton, WI: designate (H.R. 1691), S2050 [13MR]

Keeble, Woodrow W.: award Medal of Honor, S1348 [15FE], S5946 [15JN]

Lillian Kinkella Keil Post Office, Covina, CA: designate (H.R. 4053), S1756 [3MR]

Memorial Day: observance, S5208-S5210 [25MY], S5326, S5331, S5398 [26MY], S5439 [6JN]

Mental health: funding (S. 2351), S1582 [1MR]

———improve treatment provided to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, S3787 [1MY]

National Association of State Veterans Homes: tribute (S. Res. 417), S2696 [31MR]

National Guard: modify time limitation for entitlement to educational assistance for Selected Reserve members supporting contingency operations, S6394 [22JN]

National Veterans Awareness Week: designate (S. Res. 507), S5811 [13JN], S7442 [12JY]

Native Americans: eligibility of Indian tribal organizations for grants to establish veterans cemeteries on trust lands (S. 2659), S3597 [26AP]

Philippines: improve benefits for World War II Filipino veterans, S2267 [16MR]

San Diego, CA: San Diego Naval Medical Center Comprehensive Casualty Care Center funding, S3952 [3MY]

Seaford, DE: tribute, S5110 [24MY]

Small business: improve loans for members of the National Guard and Reserves (S. 3122), S5242 [25MY], S5331 [26MY]

Taxation: eligibility of veterans for mortgage revenue bond financing, S4444 [11MY]

———extend period of limitation to file claims for refunds on account of disability determinations by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (S. 2503), S2804 [4AP]

Tuskegee Airmen: award Congressional Gold Medal (H.R. 1259), S2426 [27MR]

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: provide deadline for final approval of visitor center (S. 2419), S2206 [15MR]

Wheeler, Pete: Veterans Council of the Golden Isles Veteran of the Century award recipient, S6779 [29JN]

World War II: anniversary of Allied landing at Normandy on D-Day, S5439 [6JN]

Reports

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Major Construction Projects: Committee on Appropriations (House), H2927 [19MY]

Reports filed

American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (Senate) (S. 633), S4963 [23MY]

Consideration of H.R. 5385, Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Military Construction, Quality of Life Functions, and Services: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 821) (H. Rept. 109-472), H2832, H2889 [18MY]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Military Construction, Quality of Life Functions, and Veterans' Services: Committee on Appropriations (House) (H.R. 5385) (H. Rept. 109-464), H2596 [15MY], H2640 [16MY]

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: Committee on Resources (House) (H.R. 4275) (H. Rept. 109-548), H4957 [10JY]

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 4843) (H. Rept. 109-521), H4519 [22JN]

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center Deadline Enforcement Act: Committee on Resources (House) (H.R. 4882) (H. Rept. 109-400), H1195 [28MR]

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. 5385), H2922, H2926, H2929, H2931, H2932, H2936, H2937, H2938 [19MY]

Statements

Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act: Senator Craig, E113 [8FE]

Congressional Trip To See World War I and World War II Cemeteries in the Netherlands and France: Senator Specter, Committee on Veterans Affairs (Senate), S6055 [19JN]

Delivery of Health Care at VA: Jim Nicholson, Dept. of Veterans Affairs, E484 [30MR]

Summaries

Texas 3d Congressional District Congressional Youth Advisory Council Preserving History Project Participants' Interviews With Veterans, E519-E521 [5AP], E560 [7AP]

Tables

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services (H.R. 5385), H2904-H2911 [19MY]

Priority list of pending State home construction grant applicants for fiscal year 2006, S1093 [13FE]

Testimonies

Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act: David F. Forte, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University, H2206 [9MY]

Texts of

H. Con. Res. 427, permit use of Capitol rotunda for a ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs establishment, H4926 [10JY]

H. Res. 731, commend Patriot Guard Riders (organization) for shielding of mourning military families from protesters and preserving the memory of fallen servicemembers at funerals, H4228 [20JN]

H. Res. 821, consideration of H.R. 5385, Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies appropriations for military construction, quality of life functions, and veterans' services, H2894 [19MY]

H.R. 1259, award Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen, H407 [28FE]

H.R. 3829, Jack C. Montgomery Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Muskogee, OK, H2208 [9MY]

H.R. 4843, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, H4528 [26JN]

H.R. 4882, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitors Center Deadline Enforcement Act, H1137 [28MR]

H.R. 5037, Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act, H2199 [9MY], H3209 [24MY]

S. 633, American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act, S5284 [25MY]

S. 1235, Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act, S5285-S5291 [25MY], H2970-H2976 [22MY]

S. 2385, Combat-Related Special Compensation Act, S1895 [8MR]

S. 2415, Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act, S2204 [15MR]

S. 2416, Veterans Employment and Training Act, S2205 [15MR]

S. 2433, Rural Veterans Care Act, S2324-S2326 [16MR]

S. 2449, reduce the age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service, S2338 [16MR]

S. 2500, Healing the Invisible Wounds Act, S2803 [4AP]

S. 2562, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, S3219 [6AP]

S. 2617, Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act, S3388 [7AP]

S. 2659, Native American Veterans Cemetery Act, S3597 [26AP]

S. 2694, Veterans' Choice of Representation Act, S3897 [2MY]

S. 2736, establish centers to provide enhanced services to veterans with amputations and prosthetic devices, S4058 [4MY]

S. 2753, require a program to improve the provisions of veteran caregiver assistance services, S4076 [4MY]

S. 2762, Veterans Long-Term Care Security Act, S4159 [8MY]

S. 3061, patent term extension for the badge of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary, S5233 [25MY]

S. 3062, patent term extension for the badge of the American Legion, S5233 [25MY]

S. 3063, patent term extension for the badge of the Sons of the American Legion, S5233 [25MY]

S. 3176, Veterans Privacy Protection Act, S5252-S5254 [25MY]

S. 3617, Heroes at Home Act, S5953-S5956 [15JN]

S. Con. Res. 86, establish a temporary memorial in the U.S. Capitol honoring members of the Armed Forces killed in military action in Iraq and Afghanistan, S2919 [5AP]

S. Con. Res. 104, award Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to Harry W. Colmery, S6423 [22JN]

S. Res. 405, National Airborne Day, S2423 [27MR]

S. Res. 417, tribute to National Association of State Veterans Homes, S2691, S2697 [31MR]

S. Res. 507, National Veterans Awareness Week, S5811 [13JN], S7442 [12JY]

Tributes

Montgomery, G.V. (Sonny), S4688 [17MY], H2541, H2542 [11MY], H2878 [18MY], E844 [16MY]