DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Amendments

Appropriations: making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), S1265 [4MR], S1332 [7MR], S1413 [8MR], S1511 [9MR], H776, H777, H778, H779, H780, H781, H782, H783, H784, H785, H786, H787, H788, H789, H790, H791, H792, H793, H794, H795, H796 [14FE], H830, H844, H846, H849, H854, H855, H873, H875, H878, H881, H882, H886, H888, H889, H890, H893, H895, H897, H900, H901, H902, H903, H904, H908, H910, H924, H925, H926, H927, H928, H929, H930, H931, H933, H934, H935 [15FE], H968, H970, H976, H981, H982, H984, H986, H987, H988, H989, H990, H992, H999, H1001, H1002, H1003, H1007, H1014, H1016, H1020, H1023, H1024, H1025, H1028, H1031, H1032, H1033, H1036, H1041, H1045, H1051, H1055, H1056, H1057, H1060, H1063, H1064, H1067, H1071 [16FE], H1091, H1094, H1095, H1096, H1102, H1103, H1106, H1111, H1114, H1115, H1121, H1125, H1131, H1144, H1145, H1149, H1155, H1182, H1183, H1184, H1185, H1186 [17FE], H1202, H1213, H1215, H1217, H1220, H1221, H1222, H1223, H1224, H1226, H1231, H1243, H1245, H1246, H1247, H1249, H1257, H1258, H1261, H1262, H1265, H1268, H1269, H1271, H1272, H1273, H1275, H1277, H1279, H1280, H1281, H1282, H1284, H1285, H1286, H1287, H1288, H1289, H1290, H1291, H1308, H1310, H1311, H1312, H1313, H1314, H1315, H1316, H1317, H1318, H1319, H1320, H1322, H1323, H1324, H1325, H1327, H1328, H1342, H1345, H1346, H1349 [18FE]

———making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), consideration (H. Res. 92), H814 [15FE]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), S4562 [13JY], S4577, S4605, S4620, S4621 [14JY], S4629, S4644 [18JY], S4662, S4665, S4677, S4678 [19JY], S4701, S4702, S4703, S4727, S4728 [20JY], H3976, H3987 [2JN], H4044 [9JN], H4046, H4047, H4055, H4056, H4058, H4059, H4061, H4062, H4076 [13JN]

National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day: designate (S. Res. 202), S3978 [21JN]

Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program: temporarily preserve higher rates for tuition and fees at non-public institutions of higher education pursued by enrollees (H.R. 1383), S4808, S4810 [21JY], H5471 [25JY]

Analyses

Honoring All Veterans Act (S. 1060), S3343 [25MY]

Appointments

Conferees: H.R. 2055, Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies appropriations for military construction and veterans' services, S4712 [20JY], H8208 [7DE]

Bills and resolutions

Alaska: establish a pilot program under which veterans in Alaska may receive health care benefits at non-departmental medical facilities (see S. 1146), S3497 [6JN] (see H.R. 2203), H4277 [15JN]

American Military Retirees Association: grant Federal charter (see S. 1825), S7187 [8NO] (see H.R. 2232), H4327 [16JN]

Animals: carry out a pilot program on dog training therapy (see S. 1838), S7294 [9NO] (see H.R. 198), H102 [6JA]

———establish a grant program to encourage use of assistance dogs by certain members of the Armed Forces and veterans (see H.R. 943), H1618 [8MR]

———prevent from prohibiting use of dogs on Dept. property (see S. 769), S2348 [8AP] (see H.R. 1154), H1982 [17MR]

Appropriations: make across-the-board rescissions in non-defense, non-homeland security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary spending (see H.R. 93, 94, 95), H36 [5JA] (see H. Con. Res. 14), H551 [8FE]

———making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (see H.R. 1), H722 [11FE]

———making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), consideration (see H. Res. 92), H773 [14FE]

Armed Forces: improve provision of Federal transition, rehabilitation, vocational, and unemployment benefits to members and veterans (see S. 951), S2874 [11MY] (see H.R. 1941), H3342 [23MY]

Awards, medals, prizes: establish a Medal for Distinguished Public Service to honor veterans who make remarkable and distinguished contributions to their communities (see H.R. 2477), H4793 [8JY]

Beaufort National Cemetery: conduct a study on the acquisition of an adjacent parcel of land (see H.R. 183), H40 [5JA]

Benefits: authorize waiver of collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans (see S. 914), S2777 [9MY]

———clarify presumptions relating to exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of Vietnam (see S. 1629), S5945 [23SE] (see H.R. 812), H1250 (see H.R. 812), H1362 [18FE] (see H.R. 3612), H8318 [8DE]

———deem certain service in Reserve components as active service for purpose of certain administered laws (see S. 491), S1264 [4MR] (see H.R. 1025), H1724 [10MR]

———improve outreach programs (see H.R. 28), H33 [5JA]

———improve provision of assistance to homeless veterans, regulation of fiduciary matters, housing programs and loans, and other benefits (see S. 1148), S3497 [6JN]

———make certain improvements in administered laws (see H.R. 117), H37 [5JA]

———modify provision of certain surviving spouse benefits in the months of deaths of veterans and improve housing loan benefits (see S. 874), S2621 [3MY]

———repeal requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan to offset the receipt of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation (see S. 260), S482 [2FE] (see H.R. 178), H40 [5JA]

———use electronic communication to provide required notice to claimants for benefits (see H.R. 2383), H4574 [24JN]

Business and industry: allow certain veterans entitled to educational assistance to use such entitlement to start or purchase a qualifying business enterprise (see H.R. 3167), H6853 [12OC]

Camp Lejeune, NC: furnish hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to veterans who were stationed when the well water was contaminated (see S. 277), S544 [3FE]

———presume service connection for illnesses associated with water contaminants, and provide health care to those affected by such contamination (see H.R. 1742), H3107 [5MY]

Cemeteries and funerals: clarify role in providing a benefit or service related to the interment or funeral of a veteran (see H.R. 2720), H5882 [1AU]

———provide for certain requirements relative to national cemeteries and funeral and memorial services for deceased veterans (see H.R. 2848), H5964 [7SE]

———reimburse certain volunteers who provide funeral honors details at the funerals of veterans (see H.R. 545), H550 [8FE] (see H.R. 811), H1250 (see H.R. 811), H1362 [18FE]

Civil liberties: clarify conditions under which veterans, their spouses, and children may be adjudicated mentally incompetent relative to their ability to purchase firearms (see S. 1707), S6505 [13OC] (see H.R. 1898), H3300 [13MY]

Claims: improve appeals process and establish a commission to study judicial review of the determination of veterans' benefits (see H.R. 1484), H2603 [12AP]

———provide expedited procedures for consideration of certain veterans claims (see H.R. 2377), H4574 [24JN]

Congress: improve submission of information to Congress (see H.R. 2388), H4574 [24JN]

———notify of conferences sponsored by the Dept. (see H.R. 2302), H4457 [22JN]

Contracts: conduct cost-benefit analyses of certain contracts (see H.R. 2384), H4574 [24JN]

COPD Awareness Month: designate (see S. Res. 322), S7415 [14NO]

Courts: provide for the tolling of the timing of review for appeals of final decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (see H.R. 810), H1250 (see H.R. 810), H1362 [18FE]

Credit: extend demonstration projects on adjustable rate mortgages and hybrid adjustable rate mortgages (see H.R. 3330), H7256 [2NO]

———extend loan limits of the FHA, housing-related Government-sponsored enterprises, and the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (see S. 1508), S5251 [2AU]

Crime: reinstate criminal penalties for persons charging veterans unauthorized fees (see S. 1847), S7367 [10NO] (see H.R. 1826), H3217 [11MY]

———require a policy on reporting and tracking sexual assaults and other safety incidents occurring at departmental medical facilities (see S. 1689), S6461 [12OC] (see H.R. 2074), H3868 (see H.R. 2074), H3909 [1JN]

Dept. of Defense: establish a commission on urotrauma (see H.R. 1612), H2911 [15AP]

———expand State licensure exception to allow certain health care professionals to work across State lines without having to obtain a new license (see H.R. 1832), H3217 [11MY]

———report the long-term costs of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (see H.R. 974), H1664 [9MR]

Dept. of Education: revise rule requiring for-profit colleges from receiving a certain percentage of revenue from non-Federal sources to count veterans' education benefits under such rule (see H.R. 3764), H10015 [20DE]

Dept. of HHS: collaborate with other departments on epilepsy education and awareness programs (see H. Res. 298), H4035 [3JN]

Dept. of Homeland Security: accept additional documentation when considering application for veterans status of an individual who performed service in the merchant marines during World War II (see H.R. 1288), H2213 [31MR]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (see H.R. 2055), H3804 [31MY]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), consideration (see H. Res. 288), H3868 (see H. Res. 288), H3909 [1JN]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), consideration of conference report (see H. Res. 500), H9430 [15DE]

Depts. of Defense and Veterans Affairs: ensure that vet centers have access to Defense Personnel Record Image Retrieval System and VA/Dept. of Defense Identity Repository (see H.R. 3245), H7007 [24OC]

———improve electronic health information systems and capabilities (see H.R. 2470), H4792 [8JY]

———jointly operate the Federal Recovery Coordination Program (see H.R. 3016), H6413 [22SE]

———make payments for certain treatments of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (see H.R. 159), H39 [5JA] (see H.R. 396), H433 [24JA]

———submit to Congress annual reports on the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program (see H.R. 2274), H4455 [22JN]

Disabled: extend authority to provide specially adapted housing assistance to individuals residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member (see H.R. 1671), H2933 [2MY]

———extend period of time for presumption of service-connection of certain disabilities of veterans of the Persian Gulf Conflict and Afghanistan and Iraq wars (see H.R. 2996), H6342 [21SE]

———improve efficiency of processing certain claims for disability compensation by veterans (see H.R. 2053), H3756 [26MY]

———increase assistance for disabled veterans who are temporarily residing in housing owned by a family member (see S. 1017), S3052 [17MY]

———provide authority for retroactive effective date for awards of disability compensation in connection with applications that are fully-developed at submittal (see S. 423), S1060 [1MR]

———provide certain disabled veterans beneficiary travel program coverage for travel for certain special disabilities rehabilitation (see S. 1755), S6872 [20OC] (see H.R. 3687), H9430 [15DE]

———provide monthly assistance allowance to disabled veterans training or competing for the Paralympic Team (see H.R. 2300), H4456 [22JN] (see H.R. 2345), H4527 [23JN]

———reduce period of time for which a veteran must be totally disabled before survivors are eligible for certain benefits (see H.R. 813), H1250 (see H.R. 813), H1362 [18FE]

Disasters: improve provision of benefits and assistance to veterans affected by natural or other disasters (see S. 1123), S3427 [26MY]

Diseases: establish a comprehensive interagency response to reduce lung cancer mortality in a timely manner (see S. 752), S2188 [6AP]

———improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (see H.R. 168), H39 [5JA]

Dr. Cameron McKinley Dept. of Veterans Affairs Vet Center, Prescott, AZ: designate (see H.R. 1743), H3107 [5MY]

Education: allow use of educational assistance funds to defray training costs associated with purchasing certain franchise enterprises (see H.R. 3351), H7330 [3NO]

———conduct a pilot project on using educational assistance funds to defray training costs associated with purchasing certain franchise enterprises (see H.R. 465), H507 [26JA]

———improve the approval and disapproval of programs of education for purposes of educational benefits (see S. 1634), S5992 [26SE]

———repeal modification of authority to make certain interval payments of educational assistance (see H.R. 1451), H2569 [8AP]

Employment: assist veterans to find employment and make permanent and modify the work opportunity tax credit for unemployed veterans (see H.R. 3355), H7330 [3NO]

———extend eligibility period for veterans to enroll in certain vocational rehabilitation programs (see H.R. 3329), H7256 [2NO]

———improve certain laws relative to employment and training of veterans (see H.R. 2433), H4747 [7JY]

———include on the departmental Internet site a hyperlink to the VetSuccess Internet site and other employment sites and publicize such sites (see H.R. 169), H39 [5JA]

———increase vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance (see H.R. 803), H1250 (see H.R. 803), H1361 [18FE]

———promote jobs for veterans through use of sole source contracts to meet contracting goals and preferences for small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans (see H.R. 240), H135 [7JA]

Families and domestic relations: provide certain abused dependents of veterans with health care (see H.R. 79), H35 [5JA]

Federal aid programs: carry out a pilot program under which certain veterans may submit claims for benefits to any regional office of the Dept. (see H.R. 1647), H2912 [15AP]

———improve education, employment, and independent living services for veterans, assistance for homeless veterans, health services, and departmental administration (see S. 1060), S3338 [25MY]

Federal employees: assess skills of certain employees and managers of the Veterans Benefits Administration (see H.R. 2349), H4573 [24JN]

———repeal prohibition on collective bargaining on matters regarding compensation of employees other than rates of basic pay (see S. 572), S1600 [14MR] (see H.R. 807), H1250 (see H.R. 807), H1361 [18FE]

Fort McClellan, AL: establish a registry of certain veterans who were stationed there (see H.R. 2052), H3755 [26MY]

George H. O'Brien, Jr., Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Big Spring, TX: designate (see S. 269), S543 [3FE] (see H.R. 558), H550 [8FE]

Government: prioritize obligations if the debt ceiling is reached (see H.R. 2605), H5373 [21JY]

Hazardous substances: establish an open burn pit registry to ensure that Armed Forces members exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes in Afghanistan or Iraq receive information regarding such exposure (see S. 1798), S7127 [3NO] (see H.R. 3337), H7329 [3NO]

Health: clarify eligibility of certain veterans who serve in Iraq following the end of U.S. military combat operations for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care (see H.R. 804), H1250 (see H.R. 804), H1361 [18FE]

———clarify that caregivers for veterans with serious illnesses are eligible for assistance and support services (see H.R. 3279), H7160 [27OC]

———enter into contracts with health care providers to improve access to health care for veterans who have difficulty receiving treatment at departmental facilities (see H.R. 3723), H9926 [16DE]

———establish an ophthalmologic service and Director of Ophthalmologic Services in the Veterans Health Administration (see H.R. 3216), H6976 [14OC]

———establish pay-for-performance compensation mechanisms for contracts with community-based outpatient health clinics (see S. 1089), S3426 [26MY]

———improve provision of rehabilitative services for veterans with traumatic brain injury (see S. 957), S2875 [11MY] (see H.R. 1855), H3218 [11MY]

———improve utilization of teleconsultation, teleretinal imaging, telemedicine, and telehealth coordination services for veterans' health care (see S. 1124), S3427 [26MY]

———provide for automatic enrollment of veterans returning from combat zones into the VA medical system (see H.R. 1460), H2570 [8AP]

———provide for certain requirements relative to immunization of veterans (see S. 1799), S7127 [3NO] (see H.R. 1930), H3302 [13MY]

———require entrance into contracts with community health care providers to improve access to health care for veterans in highly rural areas (see H.R. 575), H598 [9FE]

Health care facilities: allow for increased flexibility in payments for State veterans homes (see H.R. 2530), H5085 [14JY]

———authorize certain major medical facility projects and leases, extend certain expiring provisions of law, and modify certain authorities (see H.R. 2646), H5579 [26JY]

———conduct cost-benefit analyses for the provision of departmental medical care in certain geographic areas served by multiple departmental medical facilities (see H.R. 1298), H2214 [31MR]

———ensure South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, TX, includes a full-service inpatient health care facility (see S. 396), S870 [17FE] (see H.R. 837), H1390 [28FE]

———expand medical facility in far south Texas (see H.R. 1318), H2265 [1AP]

———limit authority to use bid savings on major medical facility projects for expansion or change of scope of such projects (see S. 928), S2839 [10MY]

———report on establishment of a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network Site in the northern Rockies or Dakotas (see S. 666), S1933 [29MR]

———report on establishment of a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network Site in the southern New Mexico and El Paso, TX, region (see S. 1272), S4076 [23JN] (see H.R. 3390), H7397 [4NO]

Health care professionals: require provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all departmental medical centers (see S. 1147), S3497 [6JN] (see H.R. 329), H353 [19JA]

Health care providers: establish a center for technical assistance for non-departmental health care providers who furnish care to veterans in rural areas (see S. 1631), S5945 [23SE]

Homeless: improve comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans (see H.R. 806), H1250 (see H.R. 806), H1361 [18FE] (see H.R. 2559), H5125 [15JY]

House Rules: require that general appropriations for military construction and veterans' affairs be considered as stand-alone measures (see H. Res. 15), H41 [5JA]

Housing: enter into agreements with States and nonprofit organizations to collaborate in the provision of case management services for supported housing programs for veterans (see S. 411), S871 [17FE] (see H.R. 1133), H1906 [16MR]

———improve and make permanent the loan guarantee for the purchase of residential cooperative housing units (see H.R. 3277), H7160 [27OC]

———provide eligibility for guaranteed housing loans for the surviving spouses of certain totally-disabled veterans (H.R. 5555) (see H.R. 120), H37 [5JA]

Hudson Valley Healthcare System: prohibit disposal of certain land and improvements (see H.R. 2642), H5579 [26JY]

Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights: educate staff and inform veterans (see H.R. 805), H1250 (see H.R. 805), H1361 [18FE]

Insurance: increase maximum age for children eligible for medical care under the CHAMPVA program (see S. 490), S1219 [3MR] (see H.R. 115), H37 [5JA]

Law enforcement officers: ensure that law enforcement personnel charged with security functions at departmental medical centers receive active shooter training (see H.R. 2619), H5373 [21JY]

Major William Edward Adams Dept. of Veterans Affairs Clinic, Craig, CO: designate (see S. 327), S682 [14FE] (see H.R. 1658), H2913 [15AP]

Mann-Grandstaff Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Spokane, WA: designate (see S. 1705), S6505 [13OC] (see H.R. 3197), H6920 [13OC]

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship: expand to include spouses of Armed Forces members who died in the line of duty (see S. 1852), S7367 [10NO]

Medicare: provide payments to Dept. of Veterans Affairs medical facilities for items and services provided to eligible veterans for non-service-connected conditions (see H.R. 814), H1250 (see H.R. 814), H1362 [18FE]

Mental health: improve disability compensation evaluation procedures for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder or mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma (see S. 1391), S4721 [20JY] (see H.R. 930), H1574 [3MR]

———treat Vet Centers as Dept. of Veterans Affairs facilities for purposes of payments or allowances for beneficiary travel to departmental facilities (see S. 696), S2046 [31MR]

Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund: establish to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the U.S. merchant marine during World War II (see H.R. 23), H33 [5JA]

National cemeteries: assist in identification of unclaimed and abandoned human remains to determine if any such remains are eligible for burial in a national cemetery (see H.R. 2051), H3755 [26MY]

———inter individuals who supported the U.S. in Laos during the Vietnamese Conflict era (see H.R. 3192), H6920 [13OC]

National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day: designate (see S. Res. 202), S3428 [26MY]

National Underserved Veterans Awareness Week: support goals and ideals (see H. Res. 445), H7008 [24OC]

National Veterans Support Foundation: establish (see S. 1846), S7367 [10NO]

Office of Rural Health: require a strategic plan for improving access to, and quality of, health care services for veterans in rural areas (see S. 1849), S7367 [10NO]

Pensions: exempt reimbursements of expenses for accident, theft, loss, or casualty loss from annual income determinations relative to veterans' pensions (see S. 780), S2348 [8AP] (see H.R. 923), H1574 [3MR]

———increase amount of Medal of Honor special pension (see H.R. 2318), H4526 [23JN]

Philippines: deem certain service in the organized military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts to have been active service for benefit purposes (see H.R. 210), H102 [6JA]

Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program: allow certain Armed Forces members who have served 20 years on active duty to transfer entitlement to dependents (see H.R. 1130), H1906 [16MR]

———allow transfer of educational assistance to certain dependents to be used for special education (see H.R. 276), H201 [12JA]

———extend age of eligibility of dependent children for receipt of transferred educational assistance (see H.R. 614), H679 [10FE]

———make on time tuition payments for veterans enrolled in institutions of higher learning who are receiving assistance (see H.R. 3462), H7828 [17NO]

———make payments to educational institutions at the end of a quarter, semester, or term (see H.R. 2301), H4456 [22JN]

———permit disabled or injured Armed Forces members to transfer benefits after retirement (see H.R. 2002), H3753 [26MY]

———provide equity for tuition and fees for individuals entitled to assistance who are pursuing education programs (see H.R. 3483), H7890 [18NO]

———temporarily preserve higher rates for tuition and fees at non-public institutions of higher education pursued by enrollees (see H.R. 1383), H2409 [6AP]

———transfer entitlement to educational assistance by deceased Armed Forces members to surviving spouses (see H.R. 2550), H5124 [15JY]

Privacy: notify individuals whose sensitive personal information is involved in a data breach (see H.R. 3730), H9945 [19DE]

Public lands: prohibit disposal of certain land and improvements at St. Albans campus (see H.R. 1799), H3115 [6MY]

Rural areas: carry out a pilot program on the provision of traumatic brain injury care (see H.R. 3369), H7397 [4NO]

———establish centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities and recognize Office of Rural Health resource centers (see S. 1127), S3427 [26MY]

Small business: revise enforcement penalties for misrepresentation of a business concern as a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans or by service-disabled veterans (see S. 1184), S3727 [13JN] (see H.R. 1657), H2913 [15AP]

Taxation: allow credits for establishment of franchises with veterans (see S. 1540), S5499 [12SE] (see H.R. 2888), H6096 [12SE]

———allow veterans a deduction for certain travel expenses to Dept. of Veterans Affairs medical centers for examinations or treatments relating to service-connected disabilities (see S. 1474), S5250 [2AU]

———clarify waiver period with respect to a deductible made by a veteran for certain travel costs necessary to receive treatment at Dept. of Veterans Affairs facilities (see H.R. 3350), H7330 [3NO]

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims: improve efficiency of appeals process by improving staff conferences (see S. 1172), S3683 [9JN]

Veteran identification cards: issue, upon request, to certain veterans (see H.R. 2985), H6341 [21SE]

Veterans: allow an occupancy preference in housing projects on Dept. of Veterans Affairs property with assistance under Dept. of HUD program for supportive housing for low-income elderly persons (see H.R. 3546), H8075 [1DE]

———authorize veterans' treatment courts and encourage services for veterans through drug courts (see H.R. 3721), H9926 [16DE]

———clarify meaning of ``combat with the enemy'' for purposes of service-connection of disabilities (see H.R. 2419), H4671 [6JY]

———ensure access to services in at least one Dept. of Veterans Affairs full-service hospital in their State or comparable contract services in the State (see S. 910), S2777 [9MY] (see H.R. 1863), H3278 [12MY]

———establish veterans' treatment courts (see H.R. 2026), H3754 [26MY]

———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. 344), S683 [14FE] (see H.R. 303), H254 [18JA] (see H.R. 333), H353 [19JA]

———increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (see S. 894), S2731 [5MY] (see H.R. 1407), H2410 [6AP]

———issue veterans health care stamp (see H.R. 3290), H7206 [1NO]

———provide certain rights for persons who receive treatment for illnesses, injuries, and disabilities incurred in or aggravated by service in the uniformed services (see H.R. 3524), H7998 [30NO]

———provide individualized notice about available benefits, streamline benefits application processes, and automatically enroll veterans returning from combat zones into the Dept. of Veterans Affairs medical system (see S. 1080), S3339 [25MY]

———provide that utilization of survivors' and dependents' educational assistance shall not be subject to certain time limits (see S. 536), S1502 [9MR]

———require the Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Appalachian Regional Commission to carry out an outreach program for veterans who reside in Appalachia (see S. 935), S2839 [10MY] (see H.R. 1854), H3218 [11MY]

Veterans' Education Awareness Week: designate (see S. Res. 334), S7829 [18NO]

Veterans Health Administration: establish penalties for employees who intentionally fail to follow infection control practices (see H.R. 2965), H6237 [19SE]

VetStar Award Program: establish to recognize businesses for contributions to veterans' employment (see H.R. 802), H1250 (see H.R. 802), H1361 [18FE]

Vietnamese Conflict: provide assistance to individuals in Vietnam affected by Agent Orange, enhance medical care for descendants of veterans, and provide health assessments and assistance to Vietnamese Americans (see H.R. 2634), H5488 [25JY]

Voting: permit facilities to be designated as voter registration agencies (see S. 1264), S4075 [23JN]

Women Veterans Bill of Rights: display in each facility (see H.R. 809), H1250 (see H.R. 809), H1362 [18FE]

World War II: designate one U.S. city each year as an ``American World War II City'' (see H.R. 2717), H5882 [1AU]

———provide that service in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps constituted active military service for veteran classification (see H.R. 1718), H3060 [4MY]

Cloture motions

Appropriations: making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), motion to proceed, S1247 [4MR]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), motion to proceed, S4478 [11JY], S4542 [13JY]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), motion to waive Budget Act, S4601 [14JY]

Conference reports

Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2055): Part 1, H9004-H9428 [15DE]

———Part 2, H9433-H9797 [15DE]

Explanations

Repeal Withholding Tax on Federal, State, and Local Government Contracts (H.R. 674): Section on Reducing Veterans' Unemployment by Ensuring Training and Transition Assistance and Providing Incentives to Employers for Hiring Veterans, H7652-H7657 [16NO]

Letters

Dept. of Veterans Affairs pilot program on dog training therapy: Christina M. Roof, AMVETS (organization), H6692 [11OC]

Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act: Brian Hawthorne, Student Veterans of America (organization), H3314 [23MY]

———Christina M. Roof, AMVETS (organization), H3315 [23MY]

———David R. Bockel and Walker M. Williams III, Reserve Officers Association, H3315 [23MY]

———Norbert R. Ryan, Jr., Military Officers Association of America, H3314 [23MY]

———Paul Rieckhoff, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (organization), H3314 [23MY]

Veterans Opportunity To Work Act: Carl Blake, Paralyzed Veterans of America (organization), H6687 [11OC]

———Diane M. Zumatto, AMVETS (organization), H6688 [11OC]

———Jimmie L. Foster, American Legion, H6688 [11OC]

———Joseph A. Violante, DAV, H6687 [11OC]

———Military Coalition, H6688 [11OC]

———Norb Ryan, Military Officers Association of America, H6687 [11OC]

———Paul Rieckhoff, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (organization), H6687 [11OC]

———Raymond C. Kelley, VFW, H6687 [11OC]

———Richard A. Jones, National Association for Uniformed Services, H6688 [11OC]

———Ron Phipps, National Association of Realtors, H6687 [11OC]

Motions

Appropriations: making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), S1247 [4MR], H1355 [18FE]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), S4478 [11JY], S4586 [14JY], S4703 [20JY], H4104 [14JN], H8203 [7DE]

Remarks in House

Andrulot, Faith: Dept. of Veterans Affairs Excellence in Nursing Award recipient, E890 [13MY]

Animals: carry out a pilot program on dog training therapy, H6692 [11OC]

———establish a grant program to encourage use of assistance dogs by certain members of the Armed Forces and veterans (H.R. 943), E433 [8MR]

———guide dog training to assist disabled veterans funding, H4062, H4063 [13JN]

———prevent from prohibiting use of dogs on Dept. property, H6693 [11OC]

———prevent from prohibiting use of dogs on Dept. property (H.R. 1154), E1502 [5AU]

Appropriations: direct CBO and BLS to conduct a joint study on effect of full-year continuing appropriations legislation on job levels and report findings in the Employment Situation Report, H1243, H1244 [18FE]

———electronic medical records funding, H4060 [13JN]

———make across-the-board rescissions in non-defense, non-homeland security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary spending, H1226-H1231, H1328, H1329 [18FE]

———making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), H727, H746, H750-H754 [14FE], H801, H803, H804, H817-H913 [15FE], H937, H941, H942, H944, H948, H949, H950, H951, H955, H957-H1036, H1043-H1068 [16FE], H1074, H1080-H1175, H1181-H1189 [17FE], H1201, H1202-H1249, H1255-H1357 [18FE], H1366, H1378-H1382 [28FE], H1395, H1398, H1404, H1405, H1406-H1415, H1417-H1419, H1425, H1429, H1442-H1445 [1MR], H1460, H1463, H1464, H1485, H1502, H1503, H1517 [2MR], H1527, H1528, H1554-H1557, H1561 [3MR], H1627, H1628, H1629, H1643-H1649 [9MR], H1672, H1673, H1676, H1699, H1712 [10MR], H1751-H1761 [11MR], H1773 [14MR], H1805-H1810, H1821, H1822, H1828, H1836 [15MR], H1849, H1850, H1859, H1901 [16MR], H1980 [17MR], H2004, H2007 [29MR], H2046, H2048, H2049, H2050, H2063, H2065-H2067, H2092 [30MR], H2113, H2118, H2119 [31MR], H2217, H2218, H2225, H2228, H2230, H2248 [1AP], H2272 [4AP], H2299, H2301, H2302, H2314 [5AP], H2331, H2336, H2392, H2395, H2401 [6AP], H2414, H2453 [7AP], H2541, H2544, H2547, H2549, H2550 [8AP], H2598 [12AP], H2739, H2743, H2789 [14AP], H2903 [15AP], H5739 [29JY], H5860 [1AU], H6677 [11OC], E222 [14FE], E238, E239, E240, E241, E242, E243, E245, E247, E248, E249, E250, E251 [16FE], E253, E254, E255, E257, E258, E259 [17FE], E261, E262, E269, E270, E271, E272, E273, E275, E276, E277, E278, E279, E280, E281, E282, E283, E284, E286, E287, E288, E289, E290, E291, E292, E293, E295, E296, E297, E298, E299, E300, E301, E302, E303, E305, E308, E310, E312, E317, E318, E319 [18FE], E321, E322, E324, E333, E336 [28FE], E388, E389 [1MR], E396 [2MR], E413, E414, E415, E416 [3MR], E500 [16MR]

———making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), consideration (H. Res. 92), H804-H817, H879 [15FE]

———making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), motion to recommit, H1355 [18FE]

———making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), unanimous-consent agreement, H1174, H1175 [17FE]

———prohibit funding for any project named for a current U.S. Senator or U.S. President, H4059 [13JN]

———prohibit funding for enforcement of Davis-Bacon Act wage rate requirements, H4056-H4058 [13JN]

Armed Forces: improve provision of Federal transition, rehabilitation, vocational, and unemployment benefits to members and veterans (H.R. 1941), H6686 [11OC]

———include veterans and members who have service-connected injuries and their survivors and dependents in FHA refinance program study, H1692, H1693 [10MR]

———remove sexual assault cases from normal chain of command and give jurisdiction to an impartial office of military and civilian experts, H7588 [15NO], H8205, H8206 [7DE]

———wounded warrior rehabilitation programs funding, H1089, H1090 [17FE]

Batavia, NY: expansion of Batavia VA Medical Center's Women's Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Residential Treatment Program, E2269 [15DE]

Benefits: clarify presumptions relating to exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of Vietnam (H.R. 812), E624 [4AP]

———deem certain service in Reserve components as active service for purpose of certain administered laws (H.R. 1025), H3309 [23MY], H6729, H6730 [11OC]

Brecksville, OH: anniversary of Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center campus, E1568 [8SE]

Cemeteries and funerals: provide for certain requirements relative to national cemeteries and funeral and memorial services for deceased veterans (H.R. 2848), H5941 [7SE]

———reimburse certain volunteers who provide funeral honors details at the funerals of veterans (H.R. 545), E391 [1MR]

Claims: improve appeals process and establish a commission to study judicial review of the determination of veterans' benefits (H.R. 1484), H3775, H3776 [31MY]

———provide expedited procedures for consideration of certain veterans claims (H.R. 2377), H7212 [2NO]

Congress: notify of conferences sponsored by the Dept. (H.R. 2302), H6693-H6695 [11OC]

Courts: provide for the tolling of the timing of review for appeals of final decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (H.R. 810), E447 [10MR]

Credit: extend demonstration projects on adjustable rate mortgages and hybrid adjustable rate mortgages (H.R. 3330), E1986 [2NO]

Crime: reinstate criminal penalties for persons charging veterans unauthorized fees, E1819 [12OC]

———require a policy on reporting and tracking sexual assaults and other safety incidents occurring at departmental medical facilities (H.R. 2074), H6689-H6693 [11OC], E1890 [18OC]

Dept. of Defense: exempt from certain requirements on the procurement and acquisition of alternative fuels, H4060 [13JN], H4719, H4720 [7JY]

———expand State licensure exception to allow certain health care professionals to work across State lines without having to obtain a new license, H3691 [26MY], E960 [26MY]

———prevent instances of rape and sexual harrassment, H4197 [15JN], H6147 [14SE], H6353 [22SE], H6518 [4OC], H7016 [25OC]

Dept. of HUD: Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program funding to provide housing vouchers to homeless veterans, H811, H812, H820 [15FE]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), H3964-H3977, H3980 [2JN], H4046-H4066 [13JN], H4104-H4107 [14JN], E1074 [13JN], E1084, E1085, E1088, E1090, E1093 [14JN], E1102 [15JN]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), conference report, H9823-H9902, H9909, H9918-H9921 [16DE], E2288 [16DE], E2317 [19DE], E2321 [20DE], E2339, E2340 [23DE]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), consideration (H. Res. 288), H3936-H3939 [2JN]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), consideration of conference report (H. Res. 500), H9812-H9821 [16DE]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), motion to instruct conferees, H8203, H8204 [7DE]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), motion to recommit, H4104 [14JN]

———prohibit funding to implement or enforce Executive order on use of project labor agreements for Federal construction projects, H4047-H4055 [13JN], E1084, E1093 [14JN]

Depts. of Defense and Veterans Affairs: improve electronic health information systems and capabilities (H.R. 2470), H7212 [2NO]

———jointly operate the Federal Recovery Coordination Program (H.R. 3016), H6924 [14OC]

———make payments for certain treatments of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, H3602 [25MY]

———submit to Congress annual reports on the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program, H6684, H6685 [11OC]

Disabled: extend authority to provide specially adapted housing assistance to individuals residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member, H3309 [23MY]

———reduce period of time for which a veteran must be totally disabled before survivors are eligible for certain benefits (H.R. 813), E488 [15MR]

Education: repeal modification of authority to make certain interval payments of educational assistance (H.R. 1451), E676 [8AP]

Employment: extend eligibility period for veterans to enroll in certain vocational rehabilitation programs (H.R. 3329), E1982 [2NO]

———improve certain laws relative to employment and training of veterans (H.R. 2433), H6680-H6689 [11OC], H6812 [12OC], H7152 [27OC], H7271 [3NO], E1821, E1836 [12OC], E1893 [18OC]

Federal agencies and departments: ensure agency rule reform does not create regulatory burdens for providing low-cost prescription drugs for seniors, veterans, servicemen, and their families, H8103 [2DE]

———exempt rules relative to veterans affairs from requirement of a congressional joint resolution of approval, H8231 [7DE]

Federal employees: assess skills of certain employees and managers of the Veterans Benefits Administration (H.R. 2349), H6695-H6698 [11OC], E1819 [12OC], E1856 [13OC], E1892 [18OC]

———repeal prohibition on collective bargaining on matters regarding compensation of employees other than rates of basic pay (H.R. 807), E626 [4AP]

Fort Wayne, IN: establish Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic at Fort Wayne VA Hospital, H6249 [20SE]

Foster, Daniel: delay in receipt of Dept. of Veterans Affairs benefits, H7641 [16NO]

Funding, E1085 [14JN]

George H. O'Brien, Jr., Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Big Spring, TX: designate, H6248, H6249 [20SE]

Health: clarify eligibility of certain veterans who serve in Iraq following the end of U.S. military combat operations for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care (H.R. 804), E542 [29MR]

———medical and prosthetic research account funding, H3977 [2JN], H8203, H8204 [7DE]

———provide for certain requirements relative to immunization of veterans (H.R. 1930), E896 [13MY]

Health care facilities: authorize certain major medical facility projects and leases, extend certain expiring provisions of law, and modify certain authorities (H.R. 2646), H6246-H6249 [20SE]

———ensure South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, TX, includes a full-service inpatient health care facility (H.R. 837), H8013 [1DE]

———expand medical facility in far south Texas (H.R. 1318), H8013 [1DE]

———prohibit funding for the proposed enhanced use lease plan at St. Albans VA Hospital, H4055, H4056 [13JN]

———South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, TX, recipient of Joint Commission (organization) Gold Seal of Approval, H8013 [1DE]

Historic buildings and sites: issue report on plans to rehabilitate and reuse national landmarks that are aging, outdated, or in obsolete condition, H3977 [2JN]

Homeless: improve assistance to veterans, H7268 [3NO]

———improve comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans (H.R. 806), E543 [29MR]

Homeless Veterans Outreach Campaign: tribute to launch, E1860 [13OC]

House Rules: require that general appropriations for military construction and veterans' affairs be considered as stand-alone measures (H. Res. 15), H72 [6JA]

Housing: improve and make permanent the loan guarantee for the purchase of residential cooperative housing units (H.R. 3277), E1955 [27OC]

———provide eligibility for guaranteed housing loans for the surviving spouses of certain totally-disabled veterans, H6684, H6685 [11OC]

Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights: educate staff and inform veterans (H.R. 805), E543 [29MR]

Major William Edward Adams Dept. of Veterans Affairs Clinic, Craig, CO: designate, H6248 [20SE]

Medicare: provide payments to Dept. of Veterans Affairs medical facilities for items and services provided to eligible veterans for non-service-connected conditions (H.R. 814), E625 [4AP]

Mental health: post-traumatic stress disorder treatment funding, H4104, H4105 [14JN]

———suicide outreach prevention program funding, H3603 [25MY], H3976 [2JN]

———treatment funding, E1090 [14JN]

Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund: establish to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the U.S. merchant marine during World War II (H.R. 23), E1 [5JA]

National cemeteries: regulations governing religious displays and utterances at funerals, H7382 [4NO]

National Underserved Veterans Awareness Week: support goals and ideals (H. Res. 445), E2019 [4NO]

Newtown, PA: tribute to Guardians of the National Cemetery for contributions to the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, H360 [20JA]

Parma, OH: tribute to Dept. of Veterans Affairs' Westside Vet Center Freedom Celebration, E1570 [8SE]

Pensions: exempt reimbursements of expenses for accident, theft, loss, or casualty loss from annual income determinations relative to veterans' pensions (H.R. 923), E416 [3MR]

Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program: allow payment of in-State tuition, H7221 [2NO]

———temporarily preserve higher rates for tuition and fees at non-public institutions of higher education pursued by enrollees (H.R. 1383), H3313-H3316 [23MY], E651 [6AP]

———temporarily preserve higher rates for tuition and fees at non-public institutions of higher education pursued by enrollees (H.R. 1383), Senate amendment, H5471, H5472 [25JY]

Small business: revise enforcement penalties for misrepresentation of a business concern as a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans or by service-disabled veterans (H.R. 1657), H3316, H3317 [23MY]

Veterans: allow an occupancy preference in housing projects on Dept. of Veterans Affairs property with assistance under Dept. of HUD program for supportive housing for low-income elderly persons (H.R. 3546), E2149 [1DE]

———increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (H.R. 1407), H3308-H3310 [23MY]

———increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (S. 894), H7232-H7234 [2NO], H7335 [4NO], E1999 [3NO]

———need for veterans who served in Iraq to have medical care, mental health services, and nursing home care, H8956 [14DE]

———prohibit funding to provide disability compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder if not related to combat zone activities, H4061 [13JN]

———recognize military service of certain Philippine nationals during World War II and allow receipt of Dept. of Veterans Affairs benefits, H6684, H6685 [11OC]

———reduce unemployment by ensuring training and transition assistance and providing incentives to employers for hiring veterans, H7639, H7650-H7661 [16NO], H7920 [29NO], H8957 [14DE]

———restore funding to programs that provide assistance to amputees and other wounded veterans, H3980 [2JN]

VetStar Award Program: establish to recognize businesses for contributions to veterans' employment (H.R. 802), H3776, H3777 [31MY]

Vietnamese Conflict: provide assistance to individuals in Vietnam affected by Agent Orange, enhance medical care for descendants of veterans, and provide health assessments and assistance to Vietnamese Americans (H.R. 2634), E1403 [25JY]

Women Veterans Bill of Rights: display in each facility (H.R. 809), E557 [30MR]

Remarks in Senate

Alaska: establish a pilot program under which veterans in Alaska may receive health care benefits at non-departmental medical facilities (S. 1146), S7279 [9NO]

Animals: prevent from prohibiting use of dogs on Dept. property (S. 769), S2350 [8AP]

Appropriations: making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), S822 [17FE], S1022 [28FE], S1023-S1028 [1MR], S1087 [2MR], S1179, S1185-S1193, S1204, S1206-S1208 [3MR], S1245-S1247 [4MR], S1415-S1419, S1421-S1495 [9MR], S1515, S1533, S1544 [10MR], S1591 [14MR], S1614, S1650 [15MR], S1728 [16MR], S1908 [29MR], S1950 [30MR], S2005, S2014, S2035-S2037 [31MR], S2114 [5AP], S2157, S2181, S2186 [6AP], S2236, S2254 [7AP], S2293, S2304 [8AP], S2438, S2439 [13AP], S3717 [13JN]

———making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), motion to proceed, S1247-S1250 [4MR], S1309-S1313, S1315-S1318, S1320 [7MR], S1336-S1348, S1350-S1360, S1394-S1398 [8MR]

———making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), unanimous-consent agreement, S1362 [8MR]

———making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), unanimous-consent request, S1247 [4MR]

Armed Forces: improve provision of Federal transition, rehabilitation, vocational, and unemployment benefits to members and veterans (S. 951), S2881 [11MY], S2921 [12MY], S3402 [26MY]

Batres, Alfonso: Partnership for Public Service (organization) Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Career Achievement Medal recipient, S6046 [3OC]

Benefits: authorize waiver of collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans (S. 914), S2782 [9MY]

———improve provision of assistance to homeless veterans, regulation of fiduciary matters, housing programs and loans, and other benefits (S. 1148), S3503 [6JN]

———repeal requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan to offset the receipt of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation, S7965 [29NO]

———require evidence of causal relationships for presumptions of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents, S4665-S4667 [19JY], S4695, S4702, S4703 [20JY]

COPD Awareness Month: designate (S. Res. 322), S7418 [14NO]

Credit: extend loan limits of Government-sponsored enterprises, FHA, and VA, S6739, S6740 [19OC], S6842 [20OC]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: cap funding at a level provided for in concurrent budget resolution for fiscal year 2012, S4662, S4663 [19JY], S4690, S4691 [20JY]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), S4505 [12JY], S4542 [13JY], S4577, S4588, S4600-S4602, S4605 [14JY], S4629 [18JY], S4651, S4660 [19JY], S4687, S4688, S4690, S4691, S4695, S4700-S4713 [20JY]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), conference report, S8693, S8704-S8706, S8711, S8717-S8721 [16DE], S8746, S8753-S8760, S8763-S8766 [17DE]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), conference report—unanimous-consent agreement, S8742 [16DE]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), conference report—unanimous-consent request, S8745 [17DE]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), motion to proceed, S4477 [11JY]

———making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), unanimous-consent agreement, S4575 [14JY], S4669 [19JY]

Depts. of Defense and Veterans Affairs: integrate electronic health information systems, S7353 [10NO]

Diseases: establish a comprehensive interagency response to reduce lung cancer mortality in a timely manner (S. 752), S2208 [6AP]

Federal aid programs: improve education, employment, and independent living services for veterans, assistance for homeless veterans, health services, and departmental administration (S. 1060), S3341-S3343 [25MY], S7277 [9NO]

Grams, W. Todd: Partnership for Public Service (organization) Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Management Excellence Medal recipient, S6046 [3OC]

Hazardous substances: establish an open burn pit registry to ensure that Armed Forces members exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes in Afghanistan or Iraq receive information regarding such exposure, S7791 [18NO]

———establish an open burn pit registry to ensure that Armed Forces members exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes in Afghanistan or Iraq receive information regarding such exposure (S. 1798), S7364 [10NO]

Health: detail plans and identify challenges in ensuring advanced next-generation prosthetics are made available to veterans, S4701 [20JY]

———establish pay-for-performance compensation mechanisms for contracts with community-based outpatient health clinics (S. 1089), S3432 [26MY]

———improve provision of rehabilitative services for veterans with traumatic brain injury (S. 957), S2889 [11MY]

Health care facilities: authorize certain major medical facility projects and leases, extend certain expiring provisions of law, and modify certain authorities (H.R. 2646), S5932, S5941 [23SE]

———report on establishment of a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network Site in the northern Rockies or Dakotas (S. 666), S1936 [29MR]

———report on establishment of a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network Site in the southern New Mexico and El Paso, TX, region (S. 1272), S4101 [23JN]

———tribute to efforts to reduce MRSA infections in intensive care units, S4515 [12JY]

Insurance: increase maximum age for children eligible for medical care under the CHAMPVA program (S. 490), S1235 [3MR]

Major William Edward Adams Dept. of Veterans Affairs Clinic, Craig, CO: designate (S. 327), S684 [14FE]

Mann-Grandstaff Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Spokane, WA: designate (S. 1705), S6511 [13OC]

Mentor-Protege Program: tribute, S4446 [7JY]

National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day: designate (S. Res. 202), S3453 [26MY], S3978 [21JN]

National VA Research Week: observance, S2682 [4MY]

Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program: temporarily preserve higher rates for tuition and fees at non-public institutions of higher education pursued by enrollees (H.R. 1383), S4809, S4810 [21JY]

Presidential appointments: nominations considered and confirmed en bloc, S3463-S3465 [26MY]

Veterans: ensure access to services in at least one Dept. of Veterans Affairs full-service hospital in their State or comparable contract services in the State (S. 910), S2779, S2780 [9MY]

———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. 344), S695 [14FE]

———improve existing benefits, S7178 [8NO]

———increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (S. 894), S2736 [5MY], S6787 [19OC], S6865 [20OC]

———reduce unemployment by ensuring training and transition assistance and providing incentives to employers for hiring veterans, S7145 [7NO], S7163, S7164, S7166 [8NO], S7229, S7230, S7238, S7266-S7269, S7277-S7281, S7284, S7287 [9NO], S7326-S7328, S7336-S7346, S7354 [10NO], S7395 [14NO]

Voting: permit facilities to be designated as voter registration agencies (S. 1264), S4097 [23JN]

Westwood College: Dept. of Veterans Affairs investigation into recruiting practices, S1615-S1617 [15MR]

Reports filed

Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 277) (S. Rept. 112-42), S5191 [1AU]

Collection of Copayments for Telehealth and Telemedicine Visits of Veterans Waiver Authorization: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 914) (S. Rept. 112-88), S6390 [11OC]

Consideration of Conference Report on H.R. 2055, Consolidated Appropriations Act: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 500) (H. Rept. 112-332), H9430 [15DE]

Consideration of H.R. 1, Dept. of Defense and Other Departments and Agencies Appropriations, Unobligated Stimulus Funds Rescission, and Discretionary Spending Reduction: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 92) (H. Rept. 112-13), H773 [14FE]

Consideration of H.R. 2055, Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Military Construction and Veterans' Services: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 288) (H. Rept. 112-97), H3868, H3909 [1JN]

Consolidated Appropriations Act: Committee of Conference (H.R. 2055) (H. Rept. 112-331), H9430 [15DE]

Deem Certain Service in Reserve Components as Active Service for Purpose of Certain Dept. of Veterans Affairs Administered Laws: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 1025) (H. Rept. 112-233), H6623 [5OC]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Repeal of Prohibition on Collective Bargaining on Matters Regarding Compensation of Employees Other Than Rates of Basic Pay: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 572) (S. Rept. 112-68), S5338 [6SE]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Revision of Enforcement Penalties for Misrepresentation of Certain Veterans Small Business Concerns: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 1657) (H. Rept. 112-85), H3341 [23MY]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs VetStar Award Program Establishment To Recognize Businesses for Contributions to Veterans' Employment: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 802) (H. Rept. 112-80), H3341 [23MY]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Military Construction and Veterans' Service: Committee on Appropriations (House) (H.R. 2055) (H. Rept. 112-94), H3804 [31MY]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Military Construction and Veterans' Services: Committee on Appropriations (Senate) (H.R. 2055) (S. Rept. 112-29), S4291 [30JN]

Hiring Heroes Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 951), S4450 [7JY]

———Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 951) (S. Rept. 112-36), S4640 [18JY]

Nomination of Allison A. Hickey To Be Under Sec. of Veterans Affairs for Benefits: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S2686 [4MY]

Nomination of Steve L. Muro To Be Under Sec. of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate), S2686 [4MY]

Notify Congress of Conferences Sponsored by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 2302) (H. Rept. 112-236), H6623 [5OC]

Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 1383) (H. Rept. 112-81), H3341 [23MY]

Veterans Appeals Improvement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 1484) (H. Rept. 112-83), H3341 [23MY]

Veterans' Benefits Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 2349) (H. Rept. 112-241), H6671 [6OC]

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 1407) (H. Rept. 112-82), H3341 [23MY]

———Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 894) (S. Rept. 112-44), S5191 [1AU]

Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 2646) (H. Rept. 112-209), H6230 [15SE]

Veterans Opportunity To Work Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 2433) (H. Rept. 112-242), H6781 [11OC]

Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention and Health Care Enhancement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 2074) (H. Rept. 112-235), H6623 [5OC]

Rulings of the Chair

Appropriations: making for Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies, rescind unobligated stimulus funds, and reduce discretionary spending (H.R. 1), H879, H883, H890, H897 [15FE], H970, H984, H988, H991, H994, H1008, H1025, H1028, H1029, H1033, H1034, H1044, H1064 [16FE], H1103, H1111, H1115 [17FE], H1203, H1215, H1222, H1232, H1244, H1271, H1282, H1288 [18FE]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction and veterans' services (H.R. 2055), H4059 [13JN]

Statements

Examining the Progress of Suicide Prevention Outreach Efforts at the Dept. of Veterans Affairs: Jacob B. Gadd, American Legion, H4716 [7JY]

Tables

Committee on the Budget (Senate) scoring of conference report on H.R. 2055, Consolidated Appropriations Act and H.R. 3672, disaster relief requirements appropriations, S8758 [17DE]

Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2055), H9825-H9890 [16DE]

———Dept. of Defense, H9825-H9830 [16DE]

———Dept. of State, foreign operations, and related programs, H9885-H9890 [16DE]

———Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies, H9881-H9884 [16DE]

Texts of

H. Res. 92, consideration of H.R. 1, Dept. of Defense and other Federal departments and agencies appropriations, unobligated stimulus funds rescission, and discretionary spending reduction, H804 [15FE]

H. Res. 288, consideration of H.R. 2055, Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies appropriations for military construction and veterans' services, H3936 [2JN]

H. Res. 500, consideration of conference report on H.R. 2055, Consolidated Appropriations Act, H9812 [16DE]

H.R. 802, Dept. of Veterans Affairs establishment of the VetStar Award Program to recognize businesses for contributions to veterans' employment, H3777 [31MY]

H.R. 1025, deem certain service in Reserve components as active service for purpose of certain administered laws, H6729 [11OC]

H.R. 1383, Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act, S4810 [21JY], H3313 [23MY]

H.R. 1407, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, H3308 [23MY]

H.R. 1484, Veterans Appeals Improvement Act, H3775 [31MY]

H.R. 1657, Dept. of Veterans Affairs revision of enforcement penalties for misrepresentation of a business concern as a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans or by service-disabled veterans, H3316 [23MY]

H.R. 2055, Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies appropriations for military construction and veterans' services, S4577-S4583 [14JY], S4705-S4712 [20JY]

H.R. 2074, Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention and Health Care Enhancement Act, H6689 [11OC]

H.R. 2302, notify Congress of conferences sponsored by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, H6693 [11OC]

H.R. 2349, Veterans' Benefits Act, H6695 [11OC]

H.R. 2433, Veterans Opportunity To Work Act, H6680-H6683 [11OC]

H.R. 2646, Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act, H6246-H6248 [20SE]

S. 344, Retired Pay Restoration Act, S696 [14FE]

S. 490, increase maximum age for children eligible for medical care under the CHAMPVA program, S1236 [3MR]

S. 666, Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Care Improvement Act, S1936 [29MR]

S. 752, Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act, S2209 [6AP]

S. 894, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, S2736 [5MY], S6787 [19OC], H7232 [2NO]

S. 910, Veterans Health Equity Act, S2780 [9MY]

S. 951, Hiring Heroes Act, S2882-S2884 [11MY]

S. 957, Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvements Act, S2889 [11MY]

S. 1089, Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, S3432 [26MY]

S. 1148, Veterans Programs Improvement Act, S3503-S3507 [6JN]

S. 1264, Veteran Voting Support Act, S4097 [23JN]

S. 1705, Mann-Grandstaff Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Spokane, WA, S6512 [13OC]

S. 1838, carry out a Dept. of Veterans Affairs pilot program on dog training therapy, S7302 [9NO]

S. Res. 202, National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day, S3453 [26MY], S3978 [21JN]

S. Res. 322, COPD Awareness Month, S7416, S7418 [14NO]

S. Res. 334, Veterans' Education Awareness Week, S7835 [18NO]