[House Report 111-697]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Union Calendar No. 420
111th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 111-697
ACTIVITIES REPORT
of the
COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS
__________
first session
Convened January 6, 2009
Adjourned December 23, 2009
second session
Convened January 5, 2010
Adjourned January 2, 2011
December 30, 2010.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
BOB FILNER, California, Chairman
CORRINE BROWN, Florida STEVE BUYER, Indiana
VIC SNYDER, Arkansas CLIFF STEARNS, Florida
MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine JERRY MORAN, Kansas
STEPHANIE HERSETH SANDLIN, South HENRY E. BROWN, Jr., South
Dakota Carolina
HARRY E. MITCHELL, Arizona JEFF MILLER, Florida
JOHN J. HALL, New York JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas
DEBORAH L. HALVORSON, Illinois BRIAN P. BILBRAY, California
THOMAS S.P. PERRIELLO, Virginia DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado
HARRY TEAGUE, New Mexico GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida
CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ, Texas VERN BUCHANAN, Florida
JOE DONNELLY, Indiana DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee
JERRY McNERNEY, California
ZACHARY T. SPACE, Ohio
TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota
JOHN H. ADLER, New Jersey
ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona
GLENN C. NYE, Virginia
Malcom A. Shorter, Staff Director
January 2, 2009--Chairman Bob Filner and Ranking Minority Member
Steve Buyer were appointed to the Committee.
January 9, 2009--Representatives Cliff Stearns of Florida; Jerry
Moran of Kansas; Henry E. Brown, Jr. of South Carolina; Jeff Miller of
Florida; John Boozman of Arkansas; Michael R. Turner of Ohio; Brian P.
Bilbray of California; Gus M. Bilirakis of Florida, Vern Buchanan of
Florida, and Steve Scalise of Louisiana were appointed to the
Committee.
January 13, 2009--Representative Michael R. Turner of Ohio resigned
from the Committee.
January 20, 2009--Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana
resigned from the Committee.
January 21, 2009--Representatives Corrine Brown of Florida; Vic
Snyder of Arkansas; Michael H. Michaud of Maine; Stephanie Herseth
Sandlin of South Dakota; Harry E. Mitchell of Arizona; John J. Hall of
New York; Deborah L. Halvorson of Illinois; Thomas S.P. Perriello of
Virginia; Harry Teague of New Mexico; Ciro D. Rodriguez of Texas; Joe
Donnelly of Indiana; Jerry McNerney of California; Zachary T. Space of
Ohio; Timothy J. Walz of Minnesota; John H. Adler of New Jersey; Ann
Kirkpatrick of Arizona; and Glenn C. Nye of Virginia were appointed to
the Committee.
January 22, 2009--Representative Doug Lamborn of Colorado was
appointed to the Committee to rank after Representative Bilbray. David
P. Roe of Tennessee was appointed to the Committee.
SUBCOMMITTEES
SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS
JOHN J. HALL, New York, Chairman
DEBORAH L. HALVORSON, Illinois DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado
JOE DONNELLY, Indiana JEFF MILLER, Florida
CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ, Texas BRIAN P. BILBRAY, California
ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona
----------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
STEPHANIE HERSETH SANDLIN, South Dakota, Chairwoman
THOMAS S.P. PERRIELLO, Virginia JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas
JOHN H. ADLER, New Jersey JERRY MORAN, Kansas
ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida
HARRY TEAGUE, New Mexico
----------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH
MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine, Chairman
CORRINE BROWN, Florida HENRY E. BROWN, Jr., South
VIC SNYDER, Arkansas Carolina
HARRY TEAGUE, New Mexico CLIFF STEARNS, Florida
CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ, Texas JERRY MORAN, Kansas
JOE DONNELLY, Indiana JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas
JERRY McNERNEY, California GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida
GLENN C. NYE, Virginia VERN BUCHANAN, Florida
DEBORAH L. HALVORSON, Illinois
THOMAS S.P. PERRIELLO, Virginia
----------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS
HARRY E. MITCHELL, Arizona, Chairman
ZACHARY T. SPACE, Ohio DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee
TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota CLIFF STEARNS, Florida
JOHN H. ADLER, New Jersey BRIAN P. BILBRAY, California
JOHN J. HALL, New York
Committee Staff
Malcom A. Shorter, Staff Director
Kingston E. Smith, Republican Staff Director and Chief Counsel
Tony J. Buckles, Chief of Staff
David M. Tucker, Chief Counsel
Geoffrey G. Bestor, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations (5/7/07-3/13/09)
Carolyn Blaydes, Executive Assistant (6/4/09)
Michael F. Brink, Republican Staff Director, Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity
Jeffrey A. Burdette, Legislative Assistant, Subcommittee on Health
Todd C. Chambers, Legislative Assistant, Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations
Jonathan A. Clark, Republican Professional Staff Member, Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity, Press Secretary
Deborah S. Collier, Republican Legislative Director, Full Committee and
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
Kristal L. DeKleer, Communications Director
Bernadine N. Dotson, Financial Administrator
Dolores A. Dunn, Republican Staff Director, Subcommittee on Health
Merl T. Ethington, Legislative Assistant (2/16/10)
Sherie D. Ferrigno, Republican Executive Assistant, Full Committee,
Press
Jacqueline Garrick, Professional Staff Director, Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (11/5/07-11/20/09)
Samantha E. Gonzalez, Republican Legislative Assistant (2/16/10)
Martin L. Herbert, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations (4/6/09)
Talib Karim, Professional Staff Member and Counsel, Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (2/2/10)
Diane K. Kirkland, Printing Clerk
Juan Lara, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
Brian E. Lawrence, Republican Staff Director, Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, Communications Director
Javier D. Martinez, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity
Carol S. Murray, Office Manager
Andrew A. Nowak, Staff Assistant (2/1/07-7/23/10)
Kristy A. Park, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Health
Kimberly W. Ross, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance
and Memorial Affairs
Risa E. Salsburg, Republican Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on
Health (6/1/05-1/15/10)
Sharon E. Schultze, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Health
(1/3/07-1/11/10)
Deborah A. Smith, Legislative Coordinator
Shannon L. Taylor, Committee Clerk (2/5/07-7/23/10)
Cecelia M. Thomas, Legislative Assistant, Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs (6/9/10)
Orfa A. Torres, Legislative Assistant, Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity
Dion S. Trahan, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations
Timothy M. Welter, Republican Professional Staff Member
Cathleen C. Wiblemo, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Health
Daniel M. Wilkins, Committee Clerk (8/24/10)
Megan A. Williams, Executive Assistant, Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs (3/5/08-5/3/10)
Arthur K. Wu, Republican Deputy Staff Director, Republican Staff
Director, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
Jian Iza C. Zapata, Senior Executive Assistant
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC, December 3, 2010.
Hon. Lorraine Miller,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Ms. Miller: In accordance with clause 1(d) of Rule XI
of the Rules of the House of Representatives, I submit herewith
the report of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs setting forth
its activities in reviewing and studying the application,
administration, and execution of those laws, the subject matter
of which is within the jurisdiction of our committee.
Sincerely,
Bob Filner,
Chairman
FOREWORD
----------
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs set an aggressive
agenda for the 111th Congress which culminated in the passage
of comprehensive legislation to improve health care and expand
benefits for America's veterans. The Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) provides patient care and benefits for veterans
and works to provide a seamless transition for those
servicemembers returning home from battle. There are hundreds
of thousands of new veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom,
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn and other military
operations around the world. The VA also serves veterans from
past conflicts, including World War II, Vietnam, Korea, Desert
Shield, and Desert Storm. The 111th Congress delivered
significant accomplishments and made progress in meeting the
needs of returning servicemembers while keeping the promises
that have been made to our Nation's heroes of the past,
present, and future.
Building on the historic investment of the 110th Congress,
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs successfully increased
funding for veterans' health care. As a result, veterans'
health care services are more comprehensive, accessible, and
timely. In the past four years, the health care system has been
strengthened for the 5.8 million veterans who receive health
care services from the VA.
On October 22, 2009, President Obama signed historic
legislation to secure timely funding for veterans' health care,
a top priority of many veterans advocacy groups. The new law
provides Congress greater ability to develop appropriations
bills that provide sufficient funding to meet the best estimate
of anticipated demand for VA health care services in future
years by allowing funding for medical accounts one year in
advance. The VA is now required to report to Congress if it has
the resources it needs for the upcoming fiscal year and
Congress is authorized to approve medical care appropriations
one year in advance. This will help to safeguard against the VA
facing budget shortfalls such as it faced just a few years ago.
Major Committee Legislation: Health Care--The Caregivers
and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 (Public Law
111-163) represents the voices of veterans and their advocates
from around the country. The new law goes a long way in helping
caregivers of injured veterans, women veterans, rural veterans,
homeless veterans, and veterans with mental health issues. The
provisions of this law provide support to those that care for
America's wounded warriors and represent an understanding that
the sacrifices of our veterans are shared among us all as
Americans. The comprehensive new law not only provides
caregiver support, but also welcomes home women veterans by
expanding and improving VA services for the 1.8 million women
veterans currently receiving VA health care, and goes one step
further by anticipating the expected increase of women warriors
over the next five years. The Caregiver Act also increases
mental health access by addressing the troubling reality of
post-traumatic stress and troubling incidents of suicide among
the veteran population. The new law requires a much-needed and
long-awaited study on veterans' suicide and requires the VA to
provide counseling referrals for members of the Armed Forces
who are not otherwise eligible for readjustment counseling.
Major Committee Legislation: Benefits--The Veterans
Benefits Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-275) takes a major step to
comprehensively modernize many of the benefits veterans have
earned as a result of their military service. The new law
ensures the welfare of veterans and their families by
increasing many of the outdated insurance policy amounts and
terms for our veterans, many who are severely disabled or have
suffered traumatic injury. The Veterans' Benefits Act honors
fallen servicemembers and their families by increasing burial
and funeral benefits and allows a parent whose child gave their
life in service to our country to be buried in a national
cemetery with that child when their veteran child has no living
spouse or children. The law increases the number of veterans to
receive independent assisted living services and the quality of
those benefits, provides greater automobile and adaptive
equipment to veterans with severe burn injuries, and increases
the automobile allowance for disabled veterans. Public Law 111-
275 contains provisions to empower veterans to become part of
the Nation's economic recovery. The Veterans' Benefits Act of
2010 reauthorizes a significant VA work-study program and
expands the type of work available for participating veterans.
The new law increases job opportunities for veterans by
reimbursing energy employers for the cost of providing on-the-
job training for veterans in the energy sector with the
creation of the pilot ``Veterans Energy Related Employment
Program.'' The law also supports veteran-owned businesses by
requiring VA to verify small business ownership and operate a
database of veteran-owned small businesses and service-
connected veteran-owned small businesses.
Oversight--During the 111th Congress, the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs conducted 103 hearings to better
understand the needs of America's heroes on a wide-range of
topics that affect veterans and passed 64 quality veterans
bills to address those needs. The joint hearings process
allowed veterans and military service organizations to appear
before the Senate and House Committees to offer testimony on
the annual budget request for the VA. A series of symposiums
was implemented to raise the level of awareness on issues
important to our Nation's veterans and their dependents. This
unprecedented style of meeting allowed interested stakeholders
an opportunity to present new and unique ways of addressing
veterans' issues and engage in a dialogue with experts on a
wide range of subject matters. The Committee held roundtable
discussions on meeting the unique needs of rural veterans,
innovative treatments for injured veterans, veterans'
employment, issues facing transitioning veterans during the
homecoming process, and veterans in the court system. The
Committee also held a roundtable discussion on the implications
of VA rules concerning veterans suffering from post-traumatic
stress disorder. After Congressional pressure drew attention to
the challenges of veterans, VA simplified the process to
immediately help combat veterans get the help they need. Now,
proof of service in uniform in a war zone, combined with a
later diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, will be all
that is required. Veterans can now focus on treatment and
recovery, instead of proving that invisible wounds incurred as
a result of their military service.
Acknowledgments--Special thanks are in order for my
distinguished colleagues who guided and developed the key
measures of the 111th Congress. I would like to thank the
Honorable Steve Buyer, Ranking Republican Member of the
Committee, for his dedication to our Nation's veterans and
their loved ones. I want to thank the Chairs and Ranking
Republican Members of the Subcommittees for all of their highly
effective work: Honorable John J. Hall and Honorable Doug
Lamborn of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs; Honorable Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and
Honorable John Boozman of the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity; Honorable Michael H. Michaud and Honorable Henry
E. Brown, Jr. of the Subcommittee on Health; and, Honorable
Harry E. Mitchell and Honorable David Roe of the Subcommittee
on Oversight and Investigations.
Our legislative success was only possible due to the
cooperation of our counterparts in the Senate, Chairman Daniel
K. Akaka and Ranking Member Richard Burr of the Senate
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. I would like to thank the
Senate Committee professional staff for their work to better
the lives of veterans.
Finally, I want to thank the staff of the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs for their hard work and dedication to our
Nation's veterans and their families.
George Washington had it right 200 years ago when he said,
``The willingness with which our young people are likely to
serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly
proportional as to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier
wars were treated and appreciated by their country.'' If we get
this right, we are not only helping our veterans but also
supporting the troops fighting today.
Bob Filner,
Chairman
C O N T E N T S
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483
Page
Jurisdiction of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs......... 1
Veterans programs:
Department of Veterans Affairs............................... 2
Veterans Health Administration........................... 2
Medical care......................................... 2
Research............................................. 4
Veterans Benefits Administration......................... 5
Compensation and pension............................. 5
Insurance............................................ 5
Education............................................ 5
Home loan assistance................................. 5
National Cemetery Administration......................... 6
Department of Labor.......................................... 7
American Battle Monuments Commission......................... 7
Arlington National Cemetery.................................. 8
Legislation enacted into law..................................... 8
Activities of the Committee...................................... 23
Activities of the Subcommittees:
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs... 38
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity......................... 47
Subcommittee on Health....................................... 59
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations................. 74
Summary of action by the Committee............................... 86
Hearings and Executive Sessions.................................. 87
Committee Web site............................................... 96
Oversight Plan for 111th Congress................................ 97
Report on the budget proposed for fiscal year 2010............... 105
Messages from the President and other Executive Branch
communications................................................. 155
Statistical data--war veterans and dependents.................... 166
Union Calendar No. 420
111th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 111-697
======================================================================
ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS FOR THE 111TH CONGRESS
_______
December 30, 2010.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Filner, from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, pursuant to Clause
1(d) of the Rule XI, submitted the following
R E P O R T
JURISDICTION
Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives
establishes the standing committees of the House and their
jurisdiction. Under that rule, all bills, resolutions, and
other matters relating to the subjects within the jurisdiction
of any standing committee shall be referred to such committee.
Clause 1(s) of Rule X establishes the jurisdiction of the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs as follows:
(1) Veterans' measures generally.
(2) Cemeteries of the United States in which veterans
of any war or conflict are or may be buried, whether in
the United States or abroad (except cemeteries
administered by the Secretary of the Interior).
(3) Compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and
education of veterans.
(4) Life insurance issued by the Government on
account of service in the Armed Forces.
(5) Pensions of all the wars of the United States,
general and special.
(6) Readjustment of servicemembers to civil life.
(7) Servicemembers' civil relief.
(8) Veterans' hospitals, medical care, and treatment
of veterans.
The Committee on Veterans' Affairs was established on
January 2, 1947, as a part of the Legislative Reorganization
Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 812), and was vested with jurisdiction
formerly exercised by the Committee on World War Veterans'
Legislation; Invalid Pensions; and, Pensions. Jurisdiction over
veterans' cemeteries administered by the Department of Defense
was transferred from the Committee on Interior and Insular
Affairs on October 20, 1967, by H. Res. 241, 90th Congress. The
Committee during the 111th Congress had 29 members; 18 members
in the majority and 11 members in the minority.
VETERANS PROGRAMS
Department of Veterans Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for
providing Federal health care and benefits to veterans and
their families. The Department is headed by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs and is the second largest of the 16 cabinet
departments. The VA operates nationwide programs for health
care, financial assistance and burial benefits.
The Department of Veterans Affairs was established on March
15, 1989, succeeding the Veterans Administration, which had
been formed in 1930, consolidating several government agencies
that provided services to veterans. At that time, VA had 54
hospitals and 31,600 employees, and the nation had 4.7 million
veterans. Today, VA employs more than 280,000 men and women who
serve a large portion of the nation's 23.4 million veterans.
Health care is available to nearly 8 million patients that
are enrolled for health care in 153 medical centers, nearly 780
community-based outpatient clinics, and hundreds of other sites
of care. Annually, the VA's inpatient facilities treat more
than 937,000 patients, and its outpatient clinics register more
than 83 million visits. In addition, VA has become a health
care industry leader in research, rehabilitation, use of
technology and patient safety.
Approximately one quarter of the nation's population is
potentially eligible for VA benefits and services because they
are veterans, family members, or survivors of veterans. The
Department provides $43.1 billion in disability compensation,
death compensation and pensions to 3.7 million people. More
than 554,000 spouses, children and parents of deceased veterans
also receive VA benefits. In addition to guaranteeing home
loans valued at over $220 billion, VA supervises the
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and the Veterans' Group
Life Insurance programs. Together, these programs provide some
$1.3 trillion in insurance to 4 million service members and
veterans, plus 3.1 million family members.
The VA maintains 131 national cemeteries in 39 states and
Puerto Rico. With the largest national cemetery expansion since
the Civil War underway, by 2012, VA will serve 90 percent of
veterans with a national or state veterans' cemetery within 75
miles of their homes. The Department also manages the
Presidential Memorial Certificate program, which provides next
of kin or loved ones with certificates signed by the President
to commemorate honorably discharged, deceased veterans.
VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
Medical Care
Perhaps the most visible of all VA benefits and services is
health care. From 54 hospitals in 1930, VA's health care system
now includes 152 medical centers, with at least one in each
state other than New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, District of
Columbia, and Hawaii. As of the third quarter of FY 2010, VA
operates more than 1,400 sites of care, including 152 medical
centers, 942 ambulatory care and community-based outpatient
clinics, 134 nursing homes, 96 residential rehabilitation
treatment programs, 264 Vet Centers and nine mobile outpatient
clinics. VA health care facilities provide a broad spectrum of
medical, surgical and rehabilitative care.
More than 5.6 million people received care in VA health
care facilities in 2010. By the end of FY 2010, approximately
37 percent of all veterans had enrolled with VA for health
care; 64 percent of these enrolled veterans were treated by VA.
As of the third quarter of FY 2010, VA inpatient facilities
treated 507,825 admissions and VA's outpatient clinics
registered more than 56 million visits.
VA manages the largest medical education and health
professions training program in the United States. VA
facilities are affiliated with 107 medical schools, 55 dental
schools and more than 1,200 other schools across the country.
Each year, about 83,000 health professionals are trained in VA
medical centers. More than half of the physicians practicing in
the United States had some of their professional education in
the VA health care system. VA's medical system serves as a
backup to the Defense Department during national emergencies
and as a Federal support organization during major disasters.
To receive VA health care benefits, most veterans must
enroll. The VA health care system had 7.8 million veterans who
were enrolled as of July 2010. When veterans enroll, they are
placed in priority groups or categories that help VA manage
health care services within budgetary constraints and ensure
quality care for those enrolled. Some veterans are exempted
from having to enroll: those with a service-connected
disability of 50 percent or more, veterans who were discharged
from the military within one year but have not yet been rated
for a VA disability benefit, and veterans seeking care for only
a service-connected disability. Veterans with service-connected
disabilities receive priority access to care for
hospitalization and outpatient care.
Since 1979, VA's Readjustment Counseling Service has
operated Vet Centers which provide psychological counseling for
war-related trauma, community outreach, case management and
referral activities, plus supportive social services to
veterans and family members. There are currently 275 Vet
Centers. Since the first Vet Center opened, approximately 2
million veterans have been helped. Every year, the Vet Centers
serve over 130,000 veterans and provide more than 1 million
visits to veterans and family members. Vet Centers are open to
any veteran who served in the military in a combat theater
during wartime or anywhere during a period of armed
hostilities. Vet Centers also provide trauma counseling to
veterans who were sexually assaulted or harassed while on
active duty, and bereavement counseling to the families of
servicemembers who die on active duty.
VA provides health care and benefits to more than 100,000
homeless veterans each year. While the proportion of veterans
among the homeless is declining, VA actively engages veterans
in outreach, medical care, benefits assistance and transitional
housing. VA has made more than 450 grants for transitional
housing, service centers and vans for outreach and
transportation to state and local governments, tribal
governments, non-profit community and faith-based service
providers. Programs for alcoholism, drug addiction and post-
traumatic stress disorder have been expanded in recent years,
along with attention to environmental hazards.
Indispensable to providing America's veterans with quality
medical care are more than 140,000 volunteers in VA's Voluntary
Service who donate 11 million hours each year to bring
companionship and care to hospitalized veterans.
Research
In FY 2010, Congress appropriated $580 million to VA
research. Funding from non-VA sources, such as the National
Institutes of Health, other government agencies and
pharmaceutical companies, will contribute another $710 million
to VA research. VA currently supports over 3,300 research
staff, and its Career Development program provides young
scientists and opportunity to develop skills as clinician-
researchers.
While providing high quality health care to the nation's
veterans, VA also conducts an array of research on some of the
most difficult challenges facing medical science today. VA has
become a world leader in such research areas as aging, women's
health, AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental
health issues. VA research has improved medical care for
veterans and the nation.
VA researchers played key roles in developing the cardiac
pacemaker, the CT scan, radioimmunoassay and improvements in
artificial limbs. The first liver transplant in the world was
performed by a VA surgeon-researcher. VA clinical trials
established the effectiveness of new treatments for
tuberculosis, schizophrenia and high blood pressure. The
``Seattle Foot'' developed in VA allows people with amputations
to run and jump. VA contributions to medical knowledge have won
VA scientists many awards, including the Nobel Prize and the
Lasker Award.
Nearly 70 percent of VA researchers are practicing
clinicians. Because of their dual roles, VA research often
immediately benefits patients. Functional electrical
stimulation, a technology using controlled electrical currents
to activate paralyzed muscles, is being developed at VA
clinical facilities and laboratories throughout the country.
Through this technology, paraplegic patients have been able to
grasp objects, stand and even walk short distances.
Special VA ``centers of excellence'' throughout the nation
conduct research in rehabilitation, health services and medical
conditions, including AIDS, alcoholism, schizophrenia, stroke
and Parkinson's disease. Multi-center clinical trials
investigate the best therapy for various diseases. Current
projects include testing treatments for Alzheimer's disease and
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms; surgical
approaches for heart disease; and, comparing screening methods
for colorectal cancer.
VA investigators continue to make major contributions to
the understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder and Agent
Orange exposure, both research areas resulting from the Vietnam
War. VA has conducted a number of Gulf War-related research
projects and has two environmental hazards research centers
focusing on the possible health effects of environmental
exposures among Gulf War veterans.
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
Compensation and Pension
Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to
veterans who are disabled by injury or disease incurred or
aggravated during active military service. Veterans with low
incomes who are permanently and totally disabled may be
eligible for monetary support through VA's pension program. In
FY 2009, VA provided more than $43 billion in disability
compensation, death compensation and pension to 3.9 million
people. About 3.3 million veterans received disability
compensation or pensions from VA. Also receiving VA benefits
were 341,000 spouses, children and parents of deceased
veterans. Among them are 157,000 survivors of Vietnam-era
veterans and 92,116 survivors of World War II veterans.
Education and Training
Since 1944, when the first G.I. Bill began, more than 21.8
million veterans, servicemembers and family members have
received $83.6 billion in G.I. Bill benefits for education and
training. The number of G.I. Bill recipients includes 7.8
million veterans from World War II, 2.4 million from the Korean
War and 8.2 million post-Korean and Vietnam era veterans, plus
active duty personnel. Since the dependent's program was
enacted in 1956, VA has also assisted in the education of more
than 784,000 dependents of veterans whose deaths or total
disabilities were service-connected. Since the Vietnam-era,
there have been approximately 2.7 million veterans,
servicemembers, reservists and National Guardsmen who have
participated in the Veterans' Educational Assistance Program,
established in 1977, and the Montgomery G.I. Bill, established
in 1985.
Since the implementation of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill in
2008, over 700,000 students have expressed an interest by
applying for a Certificate of Eligibility, the first step in
the application process. Of those, 705,942 received a decision.
The number of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill recipients since May 1, 2009,
has been 398,041. The number of servicemembers and veteran who
have enrolled in the fall 2010 and wish to use the Post 9/11
G.I. Bill as of November 1, 2010, is 320,025.
In 2010, VA helped pay for the education or training of
336,527 veterans and active-duty personnel, 106,092 reservists
and National Guardsmen and 80,079 survivors.
Home Loan Assistance
From 1944, when VA began helping veterans purchase homes
under the original G.I. Bill, through September 2010, more than
18.7 million VA home loan guarantees have been issued, with a
total value of 1.04 trillion. VA ended FY 2008 with almost 2.1
million active home loans, reflecting amortized loans totaling
$220.8 billion.
In FY 2009, VA guaranteed 325,000 loans valued at $68
billion. VA's programs for specially adapted housing helped
about 1,260 disabled veterans with grants totaling more than
$52 million.
Insurance
VA operates one of the largest life insurance programs in
the world. VA directly administers six life insurance programs.
In addition, VA supervises the Servicemembers' Group Life
Insurance and the Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs.
These programs provide $1.3 trillion in insurance coverage to 4
million veterans, active-duty members, reservists and
Guardsmen, plus 3.1 million spouses and children.
The Traumatic Injury Protection program under the
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance provides coverage for
losses incurred due to traumatic injuries. Benefit amounts
range from $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the loss. This
program covers 2.4 million members.
In 2009, the VA life insurance programs returned $310
million in dividends to 1 million veterans holding some of
these VA life insurance policies, and paid an additional 2.3
billion in death claims and other disbursements.
Vocational Rehabilitation
VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program
provides services to enable veterans with service-connected
disabilities to achieve maximum independence in daily living,
and, to the maximum extent feasible, to obtain and maintain
employment. From FY 1999 through 2008, 86,893 program
participants achieved rehabilitation by obtaining and
maintaining suitable employment. Additionally, during that same
period, 21,108 participants achieved rehabilitation through
maximum independence in daily living.
NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION
VA's National Cemeteries
In 1973, the Army transferred 82 national cemeteries to VA,
which now manages them through its National Cemetery
Administration. Currently, VA operates 131 national cemeteries
in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument
sites.
In 2010, VA national cemeteries conducted 111,828
interments. That number is likely to increase to 115,987 in
2013. In 2010, VA provided 353,000 headstones or markers for
the graves of veterans and eligible family members in national,
state and federally-administered cemeteries and for the graves
of veterans buried in private cemeteries worldwide. Since
taking over the veterans' cemetery program in 1973, VA has
provided nearly 11 million headstones and markers.
Between 2001 and 2010, VA opened 12 new national
cemeteries: Georgia National Cemetery serving Atlanta, Georgia;
Great Lakes National Cemetery serving Detroit, Michigan; Fort
Sill National Cemetery serving Oklahoma City, Oklahoma;
National Cemetery of the Alleghenies serving Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania; Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in
California; South Florida National Cemetery serving Miami,
Florida; Sarasota National Cemetery in Florida; Jacksonville
National Cemetery in Florida; Alabama National Cemetery serving
Birmingham, Alabama; Fort Jackson National Cemetery serving
Columbia, South Carolina; Bakersfield National Cemetery in
California; and, Washington Crossing National Cemetery serving
Southeastern Pennsylvania. In response to the National
Cemeteries Expansion Act of 2009, H.R. 3544, VA instituted a
new burial policy which was included in the FY 2011 budget that
reduces the veteran population threshold from 170,000 to 80,000
veterans needed to establish a new national cemetery. This
change will result in five new national cemeteries in Southern
Colorado; East Central Florida; Tallahassee, Florida; Western
New York; and, Omaha, Nebraska; serving an additional 500,000
veterans and their families.
VA administers the Presidential Memorial Certificate
program, which provides gold embossed certificates signed by
the President to commemorate honorably discharged, deceased
veterans. They are sent to the veteran's next of kin and loved
ones. VA provided over 803,000 certificates in 2010.
VA also administers the State Cemetery Grants Program,
which encourages development of state and tribal government
veterans' cemeteries. VA provides up to 100 percent of the
funds to establish, expand or improve veterans cemeteries
operated and maintained by the states and tribal organizations.
More than $438 million has been awarded for 79 operational
veterans' cemeteries in 38 states, Guam and Saipan. Six new
state cemeteries are under construction. In 2010, state
cemeteries that received VA grants buried nearly 28,000
eligible veterans and family members.
Enacted on October 13, 2010, Section 502 of Public Law 111-
275, cited as the Corey Shea Act, allows parents of
servicemembers killed in a training incident or by hostile fire
to be buried alongside their child in a national cemetery so
long as the deceased servicemember did not have a spouse or
child eligible for such burial. This provision is effective for
servicemembers whose death occurred after the date of enactment
and whose parent died on or after October 7, 2001.
Department of Labor
VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
The Veterans' Employment and Training Service of the
Department of Labor provides employment and training services
to eligible veterans through non-competitive Jobs for Veterans
State Grants Program. Under this grant program, funds are
allocated to State Workforce Agencies in direct proportion to
the number of veterans seeking employment within their state.
American Battle Monuments Commission
The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), created by
an Act of Congress in 1923, is a Federal agency responsible for
the construction and permanent maintenance of military
cemeteries and memorials on foreign soil, as well as certain
memorials in the United States. Its principal functions are to
commemorate, through the erection and maintenance of suitable
memorial shrines, the sacrifices and achievements of the
American armed forces where they have served since April 6,
1917; to design, construct, operate, and maintain permanent
American military burial grounds and memorials in foreign
countries; to control the design and construction on foreign
soil of U.S. military monuments and markers by other U.S.
citizens and organizations, both public and private; and to
encourage U.S. government agencies and private individuals and
organizations to maintain adequately the monuments and markers
erected by them on foreign soils. ABMC also provides
information and assistance, on request, to relatives and
friends of the war dead interred or commemorated at its
facilities.
In performance of its functions, ABMC administers, operates
and maintains 24 permanent American military cemetery memorials
and 22 monuments, memorials, markers and separate chapels in 14
foreign countries, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, Gibraltar, and three memorials in the United States.
When directed by Congress, ABMC develops and erects national
military monuments in the United States, such as the Korean War
Veterans Memorial and most recently, the World War II National
Memorial.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington Mansion and 200 acres of ground immediately
surrounding it were designated as a military cemetery on June
15, 1864, by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. With more than
300,000 people buried, Arlington National Cemetery has the
second largest number of people buried of any national cemetery
in the United States. Arlington National Cemetery is
administered by the Department of the Army.
Veterans from all the Nation's wars and conflicts are
buried in the cemetery, from the American Revolution through
Operation New Dawn. The cemetery conducts approximately 6,900
burials each year. In addition to in-ground burial, the
cemetery has a large columbarium for cremated remains. Eight
courts are currently in use, each with 38,500 niches. Arlington
is the site of many non-funeral ceremonies, and approximately
3,700 such ceremonies are conducted each year. Arlington is
expected to continue to provide burials through the year 2060
with its recently approved capital investment plan.
LEGISLATION ENACTED INTO LAW
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Public Law 111-37
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009
(S. 407, AMENDED)
Title: To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide
for an increase, effective December 1, 2009, in the rates of
compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities
and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the
survivors of certain disabled veterans, to codify increases in
the rates of such compensation that were effective as of
December 1, 2008, and for other purposes.
Public Law 111-37 will:
Increase in Rates of Disability Compensation and Dependency
and Indemnity Compensation:
Amounts to be Increased--
Wartime disability compensation, additional
compensation for benefits, clothing allowance,
dependency and indemnity compensation to a surviving
spouse, dependency and indemnity compensation to
children.
Determination of Increase--
Percentage--Except as provided in paragraph (2), each
dollar amount described in subsection (b) shall be increased by
the same percentage as the percentage by which benefit amounts
payable under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
401 et seq.) Rounding--Each dollar amount increased under
paragraph (1), if not a whole dollar amount, shall be rounded
to the next lower whole dollar amount.
Legislative History:
May 21, 2009: Ordered reported by the Senate
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
June 4, 2009: Reported, as amended, S. Rept. 111-24.
June 10, 2009: Passed Senate, amended, by Unanimous
Consent.
June 23, 2009: Passed the House by the Yeas and Nays:
403-0 (Roll No. 419).
June 30, 2009: Signed by the President.
------
Public Law 111-81
Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009
(H.R. 1016, AMENDED)
Title: To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide
advance appropriations authority for certain medical care
accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other
purposes.
Public Law 111-81 will:
Amend title 31, United States Code, to
require the inclusion of additional budget estimates
for certain VA accounts for the fiscal year following
the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted.
Amend title 38, United States Code, to
provide authority for advance appropriations; to
require the VA to provide additional detailed budget
estimates in support of advance appropriations for
certain VA accounts in the annual information it
provides to Congress in support of the VA's budget
request; and, to require an annual report of the
sufficiency of resources for the provision of medical
care services for the upcoming fiscal year.
Require the Government Accountability Office
to conduct a study regarding the adequacy and accuracy
of the budget projections made by the VA's Enrollee
Health Care Projection Model.
Legislative History:
Apr. 29, 2009: Hearing held by the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs.
Jun. 10, 2009: Ordered reported, as amended, by the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Jun. 19, 2009: Reported, as amended, H. Rept. 111-
171.
Jun. 23, 2009: Passed the House by the Yeas and Nays:
409-1 (Roll No. 420).
Aug. 6, 2009: Senate struck all after the Enacting
Clause and substituted the language of S. 423. Passed
by Unanimous Consent.
Oct. 8, 2009: House agreed to Senate amendment with
an amendment pursuant to H. Res. 804.
Oct. 13, 2009: Senate agreed to House amendment to
Senate amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Oct. 22, 2009: Signed by the President in a bill
signing ceremony.
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Public Law 111-82
Authorize Major Medical Facility Leases for FY 2010
(S. 1717)
Title: A bill to authorize major medical facility leases
for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2010,
and for other purposes.
Public Law 111-82 will:
Authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry
out major medical facility leases in fiscal year 2010
in specified locations in Alabama, California, Florida,
Georgia, Kansas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South
Carolina, and Texas.
Legislative History:
Sept. 25, 2009: Passed the Senate by Unanimous
Consent.
Oct. 7, 2009: House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass the bill by voice vote.
Oct. 26, 2009: Signed by the President.
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Public Law 111-97
Military Spouses Residency Relief Act
(S. 475)
Title: To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to
guarantee the equity of spouses of military personnel with
regard to matters of residency, and for other purposes.
Public Law 111-97 will:
Prohibit, for purposes of voting for a
federal, state, or local office, deeming a person to
have lost a residence or domicile in a state, acquired
a residence or domicile in any other state, or become a
resident in or of any other state solely because the
person is absent from a state because the person is
accompanying the person's spouse who is absent from the
state in compliance with military or naval orders.
Prohibit a servicemember's spouse from
either losing or acquiring a residence or domicile for
purposes of taxation because of being absent or present
in any U.S. tax jurisdiction solely to be with the
servicemember in compliance with the servicemember's
military orders if the residence or domicile is the
same for the servicemember and the spouse.
Prohibit a spouse's income from being
considered income earned in a tax jurisdiction if the
spouse is not a resident or domiciliary of such
jurisdiction when the spouse is in that jurisdiction
solely to be with a servicemember serving under
military orders.
Suspend land rights residency requirements
for spouses accompanying servicemembers serving under
military orders.
Legislative History:
May 21, 2009: Ordered reported by the Senate
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
July 15, 2009: Reported, S. Rept. 111-46.
Aug. 4, 2009: Passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent.
Nov. 2, 2009: House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass the bill by voice vote.
Nov. 11, 2009: Signed by the President.
------
Public Law 111-98
Major Medical Facility Project at Walla Walla, Washington, VAMC
(S. 509)
Title: To authorize a major medical facility project at the
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Walla Walla,
Washington, and for other purposes.
Public Law 111-98 will:
Authorize appropriations of $71 million for the VA's
construction and major projects account in fiscal year
2009 to design and construct a 65,000 square foot
outpatient clinic.
Legislative History:
July 15, 2009: Passed the Senate by Unanimous
Consent.
Nov. 2, 2009: Passed the House by the Yeas and Nays:
352-0 (Roll No. 834).
Nov. 11, 2009: Signed by the President.
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Public Law 111-137
Expand Veteran Eligibility for Reimbursement of Emergency Treatment
Received in a Non-VA Facility
(H.R. 1377, AMENDED)
Title: This bill amends title 38 to expand veteran
eligibility for reimbursement by the VA for emergency treatment
received in a non-VA facility.
Public Law 111-137 will:
Expand veteran eligibility to require the VA
to pay for emergency treatment for a non-service
connected condition if a third party is not responsible
for paying for the full cost of care.
Set limitations on reimbursement as follows:
a. Defines the VA as a secondary payor where
a third-party insurer covers a part of the
veteran's medical liability.
b. Explains that the VA is only responsible
for the difference between the amount paid by
the third-party insurer and the VA allowable
amount. Veterans would continue to be
responsible for co-payments owed to the third-
party insurer.
c. Protects veterans by clarifying that they
are not liable for any remaining balance due to
the provider after the third-party insurer and
the VA have made their payments.
Make the effective date as the date of the
enactment of the Act. In addition, the Secretary of the
VA has the authority to reimburse certain veterans for
emergency treatment provided before the effective date
if he determines that it is appropriate to do so.
Legislative History:
Mar. 19, 2009: Ordered reported, amended, by the
Subcommittee on Health.
Mar. 25, 2009: Ordered reported, amended, by the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Mar. 26, 2009: Reported, as amended, H. Rept. 111-55.
Mar. 30, 2009: House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass the bill by voice vote.
Dec. 18, 2009: Passed Senate without amendment by
Unanimous Consent.
Feb. 1, 2010: Signed by the President.
------
Public Law 111-156
Recognizing and honoring the Blinded Veterans Association on its 65th
anniversary
(H.J. RES. 80)
Title: Recognizing and honoring the Blinded Veterans
Association on its 65th anniversary of representing blinded
veterans and their families.
Public Law 111-156 will:
Express appreciation for the efforts of the
Blinded Veterans Association in improving the
rehabilitation services, education, and benefits for
blinded veterans of the United States.
Support the goals and ideals of Blinded
Veterans Day.
Call upon the people of the United States to
observe Blinded Veterans Day with appropriate programs
and activities.
Legislative History:
Mar. 23, 2010: Passed the House by the Yeas and Nays:
416-0 (Roll No. 174).
Mar. 26, 2010: Passed the Senate by Unanimous
Consent.
Apr. 7, 2010: Signed by the President.
------
Public Law 111-163
Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010
(S. 1963, AMENDED)
Title: To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide
assistance to caregivers of veterans, to improve the provision
of health care to veterans, and for other purposes.
Public Law 111-163 will:
Create a caregiver support program where
caregivers of veterans of all eras would receive
supportive services such as caregiver training and
education, counseling and mental health services, and
respite care (including 24-hour, in-home respite care).
Provide additional caregiver support
benefits to those caring for certain eligible OEF/OIF
veterans, which includes lodging and subsistence
payments when accompanying the veteran on medical care
visits, health care coverage, and a monthly financial
stipend.
Require the Secretary to submit a report to
Congress, advising on the extension of the more
comprehensive benefits provided to the caregivers of
OEF/OIF veterans to caregivers of veterans of all other
eras, no later than two years after the implementation
of the program. Help women veterans by providing for a
study on barriers to health care access, training for
mental health care professionals caring for veterans
with sexual trauma, a reintegration and readjustment
pilot program, a child care pilot program, and up to
seven days of post-delivery health care for newborn
children.
Require the VA to establish a grant program
for veteran service organizations to provide
transportation options to veterans living in highly
rural areas.
Raise the payment cap on the Education Debt
Reduction Program and create a new educational
assistance program for visual impairment, orientation
and mobility professionals.
Authorize a demonstration project to expand
care for veterans in rural areas by having the VA
partner and coordinate with the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services and Indian Health Service of the
Department of Health and Human Services.
Require a program on readjustment counseling
and mental health services for OEF/OIF veterans, which
includes a peer outreach and support component and
authorizes the VA to contract with community mental
health centers and other qualified entities in areas
that are not adequately served by VA facilities.
Authorize an increase in the travel
reimbursement for veterans receiving care at VA
facilities to 41.5 cents per mile and allow
reimbursements for airfare when that is the only
practical way to reach a VA facility.
Create a pilot program providing a financial
incentive for VA physicians who maintain inpatient
privileges at community hospitals in health
professional shortage areas.
Establish a grant program for veterans
service organizations to provide innovative
transportation options to veterans in highly rural
areas.
Clarify the definition of eligible veterans
who are covered under an existing pilot program of
enhanced contract care authority for rural veterans by
changing the eligibility requirement from distance in
miles to driving distance in minutes to the nearest VA
facility.
Provide VA readjustment services to any
member of the Armed Forces and require the VA to make
referrals for non-VA counseling services for former
members of the Armed Forces who are not otherwise
eligible for readjustment counseling.
Require the VA to conduct a veterans'
suicide study by coordinating with the Secretary of
Defense, veteran service organizations, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, and state public health
offices and veterans agencies.
Repeal two annual reports, one relating to
pay adjustments for registered nurses because the
annual General Schedule comparability increases are now
mandatory and no longer at the discretion of the
facility Director, and one relating to VA's long-range
health planning because this information is captured in
the VA's annual budget submission.
Modify the date for submitting the annual
report on Gulf War research from March 1 to July 1 of
each year and sunset the reporting requirement in 2013.
Clarify that VA payments to providers who
furnish medical care to a beneficiary covered under
CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the
Department of Veterans Affairs) shall constitute full
payment, thereby removing any liability of the
beneficiary to the provider.
Permit VA health care practitioners to
disclose the relevant portions of certain VA records to
surrogate decision-makers who are authorized to make
decisions on behalf of patients who lack the capacity
to make decisions.
Create a National Quality Management Officer
to act as the principal officer responsible for the
Veteran Health Administration's quality assurance
program.
Provide for a pilot program studying the use
of community organizations and local and state
government entities in providing care and benefits to
veterans.
Authorize the VA to contract for specialized
residential care and rehabilitation services for
certain OEF/OIF veterans with traumatic brain injury
(TBI), and allow veterans with TBI to use non-VA
facilities when the VA is unable to provide treatment
or services at the frequency or for the duration
required by the individual's treatment plan.
Require the VA to contract with the
Institute of Medicine to study the health impact of
Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense.
Create a pilot program, which would provide
specified dental services to veterans, survivors, and
dependents of veterans through a dental insurer.
Prohibit the VA from collecting copayments
from veterans who are catastrophically disabled.
Provide higher priority status for enrolling
in the VA health care system to certain veterans who
are Medal of Honor recipients.
Require the VA to provide hospital care,
medical services, and nursing home care for certain
Vietnam-era veterans exposed to herbicide and Gulf War
era veterans who have insufficient medical evidence to
establish a service-connected disability.
Establish a position for the Director of
Physician Assistant Services in the central VA office
reporting to the Chief of the Office of Patient
Services.
Create a Committee on Care of veterans with
traumatic brain injury.
Increase the amount the VA is authorized to
pay under the Home Improvements and Structural
Alterations program from $4,100 to $6,800 for veterans
with service-connected disabilities and from $1,200 to
$2,000 for veterans with non-service connected
disabilities.
Extend the statutorily defined copayments
for certain veterans for hospital care and nursing home
care to September 30, 2012, and extend the authority to
recover the cost of certain care and services from
disabled veterans with health plan contracts to October
1, 2012.
Provide the Secretary with the authority to
apply the title 38 hybrid employment system to
additional health care occupations to meet the
recruitment and retention needs of the VA.
Aid in the recruitment and retention efforts
for VA health care professionals by providing for pay
increases, bonuses, and alternative work schedules, as
well as placing limitations on overtime and weekend
duty.
Re-establish the Health Professionals
Educational Assistance Scholarship Program and provide
for a loan repayment program for clinical researchers
from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Authorize the VA to make per diem payments
to organizations that meet some, but not all, of the
criteria for the receipt of payments under the Grant
and Per Diem Program.
Authorize the establishment of multi-medical
center research corporations by merging single facility
nonprofit research corporations.
Provide for some clarifying changes
regarding the composition of the board of directors for
the corporations and the powers of the corporations to
disburse funds.
Improve the accountability and oversight of
nonprofit research corporations by modifying the
revenue thresholds for obtaining audits and require
nonprofit research corporations to submit the Internal
Revenue Service return form for organizations exempt
from income tax.
Authorize funds for major medical facilities
in fiscal year 2010, which includes funding for
facility projects in Livermore, CA; Louisville, KY;
Dallas, TX; St. Louis, MO; Denver, CO; and, Bay Pines,
FL.
Provide for the designation of the Merril
Lundman VA Outpatient Clinic in Havre, MT; the William
C. Tallent VA Outpatient Clinic in Knoxville, TN; and,
the Max J. Beilke VA Outpatient Clinic in Alexandria,
MN.
Authorize additional authorities to VA
uniformed police officers to be consistent with the
powers granted to other Federal law enforcement
officers, and provide for a higher uniform allowance.
Requires the VA to submit reports to
Congress in electronic format.
Legislative History:
Nov. 19, 2009: Passed the Senate without amendment by
Yea-Nay Vote: 98-0. Record Vote Number 352.
Apr. 21, 2010: Passed the House, as amended, by the
Yeas and Nays: 419-0 (Roll No. 214).
Apr. 22, 2010: Senate agreed to the House amendment
by Unanimous Consent.
May 5, 2010: Signed by the President in a bill
signing ceremony.
Provisions of H.R. 402, H.R. 919, H.R. 1211, H.R. 1293,
H.R. 2770--which includes H.R. 2734, H.R. 2738, H.R. 2898, H.R.
3155, H.R. 3157, H.R. 3219--which includes H.R. 1197, H.R.
1302, H.R. 1335, H.R. 1546, H.R. 2180, H.R. 2379, H.R. 2770,
H.R. 2774, H.R. 2926, H.R. 2968, H.R. 3796, H.R. 3949--which
includes H.R. 32, H.R. 228, H.R. 761, H.R. 2461, H.R. 2614,
H.R. 2696, H.R. 2874, and H.R. 4166 are included in this
legislation.
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Public Law 111-164
To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs blind rehabilitation
center in Long Beach, California, as the ``Major Charles Robert Soltes,
Jr., O.D. Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center''
(H.R. 4360)
Title: To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs
blind rehabilitation center in Long Beach, California, as the
``Major Charles Robert Soltes, Jr., O.D. Department of Veterans
Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center''.
Public Law 111-164 will:
Designate the Department of Veterans Affairs blind
rehabilitation center in Long Beach, California, as the
Major Charles Robert Soltes, Jr., O.D. Department of
Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center.
Legislative History:
Mar. 25, 2010: Passed the House by the Yeas and Nays:
417-0 (Roll No. 192).
Apr. 19, 2010: Passed the Senate by Unanimous
Consent.
May 7, 2010: Signed by the President.
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Public Law 111-246
Nursing home care to parents whose children died on active duty
(H.R. 4505)
Title: To enable State homes to furnish nursing home care
to parents any of whose children died while serving in the
Armed Forces.
Public Law 111-246 will:
Authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit
a state home to provide VA nursing home care to parents
who had any children who died while serving in the
Armed Forces.
Legislative History:
June 30, 2010: Passed the House by the Yeas and Nays:
420-0 (Roll No. 408).
Sept. 20, 2010: Passed the Senate by Unanimous
Consent.
Sept. 30, 2010: Signed by the President.
------
Public Law 111-247
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2010
(H.R. 4667)
Title: To increase, effective as of December 1, 2010, the
rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected
disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity
compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans,
and for other purposes.
Public Law 111-247 will:
Increase in Rates of Disability Compensation and Dependency
and Indemnity Compensation:
Amounts to be Increased--
Wartime disability compensation, additional
compensation for benefits, clothing allowance,
dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving
spouse, dependency and indemnity compensation to
children.
Determination of Increase--
Percentage--Except as provided in paragraph (2), each
dollar amount described in subsection (b) shall be increased by
the same percentage as the percentage by which benefit amounts
payable under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
401 et seq.) Rounding--Each dollar amount increased under
paragraph (1), if not a whole dollar amount, shall be rounded
to the next lower whole dollar amount.
Legislative History:
Mar. 10, 2010: Ordered reported by the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs.
Mar. 22, 2010: Reported, as amended, H. Rept. 111-
452.
Mar. 22, 2010: Passed the House by the Yeas and Nays:
407-0 (Roll No. 171).
Sept. 22, 2010: Passed the Senate by Unanimous
Consent.
Sept. 30, 2010: Signed by the President.
------
Public Law 111-275
Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010
(H.R. 3219, AMENDED)
Title: To amend title 38, United States Code, and the
Servicemenbers Civil Relief Act to make certain improvements in
the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and
for other purposes.
Public Law 111-275 will:
TITLE I--EMPLOYMENT, SMALL BUSINESS, AND EDUCATION MATTERS
Extend authority for certain
qualifying work-study activities for purposes
of the educational assistance programs of the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Reauthorize the Veterans' Advisory
Committee on Education to December 31, 2013.
Provide an 18-month period for
training of new disabled veterans' outreach
program specialists and local veterans'
employment representatives by National
Veterans' Employment and Training Services
Institute.
Clarify responsibility of the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to verify small
business ownership.
Establish a demonstration project
for referral of USERRA claims against federal
agencies to the Office of Special Counsel.
Establish a pilot program for
veterans' energy-related employment program.
Provide a list and link of
organizations that provide scholarships to
veterans on the Department of Veterans Affairs'
Web site.
TITLE II--HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS MATTERS
Reauthorize appropriations for
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program through
2011.
Make grants to programs and
facilities to provide dedicated services for
homeless women veterans and homeless veterans
with children.
Develop new assistive technologies
for specially adapted housing.
Waive the housing loan fee for
certain veterans with service-connected
disabilities called to active service.
TITLE III--SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT MATTERS
Include residential and motor
vehicle leases.
Allow the termination of telephone
service contracts.
Allow enforcement of the Attorney
General and by private right of action.
TITLE IV--INSURANCE MATTERS
Increase in amount of supplemental
insurance for totally disabled veterans.
Create a permanent extension of
duration of Servicemembers' Group Life
Insurance coverage for totally disabled
veterans.
Adjust coverage of dependents under
the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.
Allow the opportunity to increase
the amount of Veterans' Group Life Insurance.
Eliminate the reduction in amount of
accelerated death benefit for terminally-ill
persons insured under Servicemembers' Group
Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life
Insurance.
Consider the loss of the dominant
hand in prescription of schedule of severity of
traumatic injury under Servicemembers' Group
Life Insurance.
Enhance veterans' mortgage life
insurance.
Expand the number of individuals
qualifying for retroactive benefits from
traumatic injury protection coverage under
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.
TITLE V--BURIAL AND CEMETERY MATTERS
Increase in certain burial and
funeral benefits and plot allowances for
veterans.
Allow interment in national
cemeteries of parents of certain deceased
veterans.
Require a report on the selection of
new national cemeteries.
TITLE VI--COMPENSATION AND PENSION
Enhance disability compensation for
certain disabled veterans with difficulties
using prostheses and disabled veterans in need
of regular aid and attendance for residuals of
traumatic brain injury.
Provide a cost-of-living increase
for temporary dependency and indemnity
compensation payable for surviving spouses with
dependent children under the age of 18.
Pay dependency and indemnity
compensation to survivors of former prisoners
of war who died on or before September 30,
1999.
Exclude certain amounts from
consideration as income for purposes of
veterans pension benefits.
Commence a period of payment of
original awards of compensation for veterans
retired or separated from the uniformed
services for catastrophic disability.
Apply limitation to pension payable
to certain children of veterans of a period of
war.
Extend reduced pension for certain
veterans covered by Medicaid plans for services
furnished by nursing facilities.
Codify the 2009 cost-of-living
adjustment rates of pension for disabled
veterans and surviving spouses and children.
TITLE VII--EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF
THE UNIFORMED SERVICES
Clarify that USERRA prohibits wage
discrimination against members of the Armed
Forces.
Clarify the definition of
``successor in interest.''
Make technical amendments.
TITLE VIII--BENEFITS MATTERS
Increase in number of veterans for
which programs of independent living services
and assistance may be initiated.
Allow payment of unpaid balances of
Department of Veterans Affairs guaranteed
loans.
Expand eligibility of disabled
veterans and members of the Armed Forces with
severe burn injuries for automobiles and
adaptive equipment.
Enhance automobile assistance
allowance for veterans. [$18,900 indexed to
CPI-U]
Allow for National Academies review
of best treatments for Gulf War illness.
Extend and modify National Academy
of Sciences reviews and evaluations regarding
illness and service in Persian Gulf War and
Post 9/11 Global Operations Theaters.
Extend authority for the regional
office in the Republic of the Philippines.
Extend an annual report on equitable
relief.
Authorize the performance of medical
disability examinations by contract physicians.
TITLE VIIII--CONSTRUCTION
Authorize fiscal year 2011 major
medical facility leases.
Authorize the Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Center in New Orleans. [up to
$995,000,000--amending current law]
Authorize seismic corrections on
buildings 7 and 126 at the Long Beach
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
[up to $117,845,000--amending P.L. 109-461]
Authorize appropriations for major
construction projects and leases authorized
herein.
Require that bid savings on major
medical facility projects of Department of
Veterans Affairs be used for previously
authorized other major medical facility
construction projects of the Department.
Legislative History:
July 15, 2009: Ordered reported by the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs.
July 23, 2009: Reported by the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, H. Rept. 111-223.
July 27, 2009: House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass the bill (amended) by voice vote.
Sept. 28, 2010: Passed the Senate (amended with
compromise language and an amendment to the title) by
Unanimous Consent.
Sept. 29, 2010: House agreed to suspend the rules and
agree to the Senate amendments by voice vote.
Oct. 13, 2010: Signed by the President.
Includes the provisions of H.R. 174, H.R. 293, H.R. 761,
H.R. 1037, H.R. 1088, H.R. 1089, H.R. 1170, H.R. 1171, H.R.
1172, H.R. 1474, H.R. 2180, H.R. 2379, H.R. 2461, H.R. 2614,
H.R. 2696, H.R. 2713, H.R. 2774, H.R. 2874, H.R. 2968, H.R.
2980, H.R. 3219, H.R. 3407, H.R. 3484, H.R. 3485, H.R. 3575,
H.R. 3949, H.R. 4044, H.R. 4045, H.R. 4592, and H.R. 5642.
------
Public Law 111-
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010
(S. 3447)
Title: To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve
educational assistance for veterans who served in the Armed
Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes.
Public Law 111- will:
Expand the definition of eligible members of
the National Guard/Reserves, One Station Unit Training
and requires Honorable Service Discharge. It would also
align Coast Guard Academy service to other academies
for eligibility purposes under Chapter 33.
Provide tuition assistance at a private or
foreign institution of higher learning in the amount of
either (whichever is less) the net costs incurred after
the application of scholarships and other tuition
assistance programs, or $17,500. This section provides
a housing stipend to individuals pursuing the following
programs of education: individuals attending a program
of education on a more than half time basis, veterans
attending an institution of higher learning on a more
than half time basis at a foreign institution, and
veterans attending long distance learning on more than
half time basis.
Provides active duty servicemembers
educational assistance in the amount equal to the
lesser of the net cost for tuition and fees incurred
for a program of education, $17,500, or the amount
equal to the academic year beginning on any subsequent
August 1 of every year.
Establish the new tuition assistance in the
amount equal to the net (out-of-pocket) cost for
tuition and fees.
Pay the following tuition assistance for
individuals pursuing a certificate, or other non-
college degree: the lesser of the net cost for tuition
and fees of $17,500, or the amount of the previous
academic year beginning on August 1 of every year.
Provide a reduced housing stipend and book allowance
for non-college degree program of education on more
than a half-time basis. This section expands programs
of education to: OJT, apprenticeships, flight training,
correspondence courses, and other programs.
The monthly housing stipend rate beginning
the academic year on August 1 will be determined by the
rates in effect on January 1.
Amend current law to allow more than one
license or certification test.
Cover national tests for admissions at an
institution of higher learning or a national test to
provide course credit at an institution of higher
learning.
Allow individuals who received recruitment
and retention or kickers to convert that assistance
into Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits.
Permit members of the U.S. Public Health
Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to transfer benefits to their
dependents.
Bar duplication of benefits for certain
education programs.
Provide Technical Amendments.
Extend the delimiting date for primary
caregiver, transferees, and persons acting as a primary
provider to a veteran or conditions beyond the person's
control.
Bar duplication of educational assistance
benefits for National Call to Service participants.
Provide the Department of Veterans Affairs
Secretary certain authority to approve or disapprove
accredited programs, compliance and oversight purposes.
Increase the amount of reporting fees from
$7 to $12 and from $11 to $15.
Afford veterans to elect to receive a
subsistence allowance under Chapter 33.
Allow for interval payment when established
by an Executive order or emergency situation.
Legislative History:
Dec. 13, 2010: Passed the Senate with an amendment by
Unanimous Consent.
Dec. 14, 2010: Referred to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed
Services, and the Budget.
Dec. 16, 2010: House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass the bill by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required) 409-
3 (Roll No. 642).
Contains provisions of H.R. 5933.
------
Public Law 111-339
Reports on the Management of Arlington National Cemetery
(S. 3860)
Title: To require reports on the management of Arlington
National Cemetery.
Public Law 111-339 will:
Require reports to Congress on the management of
Arlington National Cemetery, including gravesite
discrepancies, the management and oversight of
contracts, and the implementation of recent Army
directives.
Legislative History:
Dec. 4, 2010: Passed the Senate with an amendment by
Unanimous Consent.
Dec. 16, 2010: House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass the bill by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required) 407-
3 (Roll No. 641).
Dec. 22, 2010: Signed by the President.
Bill includes provisions of H.R. 6496 and H.R. 6503.
------
Public Law 111-
Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act of 2010
(S. 4058)
Title: To extend certain expiring provisions providing
enhanced protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages
and mortgage foreclosure.
Public Law 111- will:
Maintain the protection against mortgage
foreclosure until December 31, 2012.
Maintain the stay of proceedings period
until January 1, 2013.
Legislative History:
Dec. 22, 2010: Passed the Senate by Unanimous
Consent.
Dec. 22, 2010: Passed the House by Unanimous Consent.
Bill includes provisions of H.R. 3976.
ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
First Session
Full Committee Markup of H.R. 1171, Homeless Veterans Reintegration
Program Reauthorization Act of 2009; H.R. 1377, to amend title
38 to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the VA
for emergency treatment received in a non-VA facility; and,
H.R. 1513, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act
of 2009.
On March 25, 2009, the full Committee met and marked up
three bills which were ordered reported favorably to the House
by voice vote: H.R. 1171, as amended (see H. Rept. 111-54);
H.R. 1377, as amended (see H. Rept. 111-55); and, H.R. 1513
(see H. Rept. 111-56).
On March 30, 2009, the House agreed to suspend the rules
and pass: H.R. 1171, as amended; H.R. 1377, as amended; and,
H.R. 1513 by voice vote.
On December 18, 2009, the Senate passed H.R. 1377 by
Unanimous Consent.
On February 1, 2010, H.R. 1377 became Public Law No. 111-
137.
Full Committee Markup of H.R. 23, Belated Thank You to the Merchant
Mariners of World War II Act of 2009; H.R. 466, Wounded Veteran
Job Security Act; H.R. 1088, Mandatory Veteran Specialist
Training Act of 2009; H.R. 1089, Veterans Employment Rights
Realignment Act of 2009; and, H.R. 1170, to amend chapter 21 of
title 38, United States Code, to establish a grant program to
encourage the development of new assistive technologies for
specially adapted housing.
On May 6, 2009, the full Committee met and marked up five
bills which were ordered reported favorably to the House by
voice vote: H.R. 23, as amended (see H. Rept. 111-99); H.R.
466, as amended (H. Rept. 111-118); H.R. 1088 (see H. Rept.
111-110); H.R. 1089 (H. Rept. 111-111); and, H.R. 1170, as
amended (see H. Rept. 111-109).
On May 12, 2009, the House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass H.R. 23, as amended, by voice vote.
On May 19, 2009, the House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass H.R. 1088 by voice vote; H.R. 1089 by a vote of 423-0
(Roll No. 270); and, H.R. 1170, as amended, by voice vote.
On June 8, 2009, the House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass H.R. 466, as amended, by voice vote.
Full Committee Markup of H.R. 952, Compensation Owed for Mission Based
Activities in Theater (COMBAT) Act; H.R. 1016, Veterans Health
Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009; H.R. 1037,
Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act of 2009;
H.R. 1098, Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009; H.R. 1172,
to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include on the
Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a list
of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and
their survivors; H.R. 1211, Women Veterans Health Care
Improvement Act; H.R. 1821, Equity for Injured Veterans Act of
2009; and, H.R. 2180, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
waive housing loan fees for certain veterans with service-
connected disabilities called to active service.
On June 10, 2009, the full Committee met and marked up
eight bills which were ordered reported favorably to the House:
H.R. 952, as amended, by voice vote; H.R. 1016, as amended,
(see H. Rept. 111-171) by a record vote of 17-8; H.R. 1037, as
amended, (see H. Rept. 111-162) by voice vote; H.R. 1098, as
amended, by voice vote; H.R. 1172, as amended, (see H. Rept.
111-164) by en bloc voice vote; H.R. 1211, as amended, (see H.
Rept. 111-165) by voice vote; H.R. 1821, as amended, by en bloc
voice vote; and, H.R. 2180 by en bloc voice vote.
On June 23, 2009, the House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass H.R. 1016, as amended, by a vote of 409-1 (Roll No. 420);
H.R. 1172, as amended, by a vote of 411-0 (Roll No. 422); H.R.
1211, as amended, by a vote of 408-0 (Roll No. 421).
On July 14, 2009, the House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass H.R. 1037, as amended, by a vote of 422-0 (Roll No. 535).
On August 6, 2009, the Senate further amended H.R. 1016
with the language of S. 423 by Unanimous Consent.
On October 8, 2009, the House agreed to the Senate
amendment with an amendment pursuant to H. Res. 804.
On October 22, 2009, H.R. 1016, as amended, became Public
Law No. 111-81.
Full Committee Markup of H.R. 1293, Disabled Veterans Home Improvement
and Structural Alteration Grant Increase Act of 2009; H.R.
2770, Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations
Enhancement Act of 2009; H.R. 3155, Caregiver Assistance and
Resource Enhancement Act; and, H.R. 3219, to amend title 38,
United States Code, to make certain improvements in the laws
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs relating to
insurance and health care, and for other purposes.
On July 15, 2009, the full Committee met and marked up four
bills which were ordered reported favorably to the House: H.R.
1293, as amended, (see H. Rept. 111-226) by voice vote; H.R.
2770, as amended, (see H. Rept. 111-225) by voice vote; H.R.
3155, as amended, (see H. Rept. 111-224) by voice vote; and,
H.R. 3219, to amend title 38, United States Code, to make
certain improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs relating to insurance and health care, and
for other purposes. H.R. 3219 includes the provisions of H.R.
1197, H.R. 1302, H.R. 1546, H.R. 1335, H.R. 2379, H.R. 2774,
H.R. 2926, and H.R. 2968 (see H. Rept. 111-223).
On July 27, 2009, the House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass H.R. 2770, as amended; H.R. 3155, as amended; and, H.R.
3219, as amended, by voice vote.
On July 28, 2009, the House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass H.R. 1293, as amended, by a vote of 426-0 (Roll No. 650).
On September 28, 2010, the Senate passed H.R. 3219 with
amendments by Unanimous Consent.
On September 29, 2010, the House agreed to the Senate
amendments by voice vote.
On October 13, 2010, H.R. 3219, as amended, became Public
Law No. 111-275.
Full Committee Markup of H.R. 1168, Veterans Retraining Act of 2009 and
H.R. 3949, to amend title 38, United States Code, and the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, to make certain improvements
in the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
and for other purposes.
On October 28, 2009, the full Committee met and marked up
two bills which were ordered reported favorably to the House:
H.R. 1168, as amended, (see H. Rept. 111-323) and H.R. 3949
which includes the provisions of H.R. 32; H.R. 228; H.R. 761,
H.R. 2461, H.R. 2614, H.R. 2696, as amended; H.R. 2874, as
amended; and, H.R. 3223 (see H. Rept. 111-324).
On November 2, 2009, the House agreed to suspend the rules
and pass H.R. 1168, as amended, by a vote of 356-0 (Roll No.
832).
On November 3, 2009, the House agreed to suspend the rules
and pass H.R. 3949, as amended, by a vote of 382-2 (Roll No.
835).
Second Session
Full Committee Markup of H.R. 4810, End Veteran Homelessness Act of
2010; H.R. 4592, Energy Jobs for Veterans Act; H.R. 3976, as
amended, The Veterans Employment and Home Preservation Act of
2010; H.R. 1879, as amended, National Guard Employment
Protection Act of 2010; and, H.R. 4667, Veterans' Compensation
Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2010.
On March 10, 2010, the full Committee met and marked up
five bills which were ordered reported favorably to the House
by voice vote: H.R. 4810 (see H. Rept. 111-449); H.R. 4592 (see
H. Rept. 111-453); H.R. 3976, as amended (see H. Rept. 111-
451); H.R. 1879, as amended (see H. Rept. 111-450); and, H.R.
4667 (see H. Rept. 111-452).
On March 22, 2010, the House agreed to suspend the rules
and pass H.R. 4810 by a vote of 413-0 (Roll No. 170) and H.R.
4667 by a vote of 407-0 (Roll No. 171).
On March 23, 2010, the House agreed to suspend the rules
and pass: H.R. 3976, as amended, by a vote of 416-4 (Roll No.
176) and H.R. 4592, as amended, by a vote of 397-19 (Roll No.
177).
On March 24, 2010, the House agreed to suspend the rules
and pass H.R. 1879, as amended, by a vote of 416-0 (Roll No.
184).
On September 22, 2010, the Senate passed H.R. 4667 by
Unanimous Consent.
On September 30, 2010, H.R. 4667 became Public Law No. 111-
247.
Full Committee Markup of H.R. 1017, as amended, Chiropractic Care to
All Veterans Acts; H.R. 5145, Assuring Quality Care for
Veterans Act; and H.R. 3885, Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act.
On May 12, 2010, the full Committee met and marked up three
bills which were ordered reported favorably to the House by
voice vote: H.R. 1017, as amended (see H. Rept. 111-488); H.R.
5145 (see H. Rept. 111-489); and, H.R. 3885 (see H. Rept. 111-
490).
On May 24, 2010, the House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass H.R. 1017, as amended, by a vote of 365-6 (Roll No. 292).
On May 25, 2010, the House agreed to suspend the rules and
pass H.R. 5145, as amended, by a vote of 413-2 (Roll No. 294)
and H.R. 3885 by a vote of 403-4 (Roll No. 298).
Full Committee Markup of H.R. 6132, The Veterans Benefits and Economic
Welfare Improvement Act of 2010; H.R. 3685, Promotion of the
VetSuccess Internet Website; H.R. 5630, Qualification for
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and Employment
Coordinators; H.R. 5360, as amended, The HELP Veterans Act of
2010; H.R. 3787, as amended, Veteran Status for Certain Reserve
Components; and, H.R. 5993, as amended, SAVINGS Act of 2010.
On September 15, 2010, the full Committee met and marked up
six bills which were ordered reported favorably to the House by
voice vote: H.R. 6132 which included H.R. 929, H.R. 4541, H.R.
5064, H.R. 5484, and H.R. 5549 (see H. Rept. 111-630); H.R.
3685 (see H. Rept. 111-624); H.R. 5630 (see H. Rept. 111-627);
H.R. 3787, as amended (see H. Rept. 111-625); H.R. 5360, as
amended to include H.R. 293, H.R. 297, H.R. 1098, H.R. 1171, as
amended, H.R. 1336, H.R. 1821, H.R. 2614, H.R. 3484, H.R. 3561,
H.R. 3579, H.R. 4079, H.R. 4319, H.R. 4359, and H.R. 4765 (see
H. Rept. 111-626); and, H.R. 5993, as amended (see H. Rept.
111-628).
On September 28, 2010, the House agreed to suspend the
rules and pass, by voice vote: H.R. 6132, as amended; H.R.
5630; H.R. 3787, as amended; and, H.R. 5360, as amended.
On September 29, 2010, the House agreed to suspend the
rules and pass H.R. 3685 by a vote of 425-0 (Roll No. 551);
H.R. 5993, as amended, by a vote of 358-66 (Roll No. 552).
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
First Session
Full Committee Roundtable--Veterans Service Organizations and Military
Associations Discussion of Legislative Priorities for the 111th
Congress
On January 27, 2009, the full Committee held a roundtable
meeting to develop a legislative agenda for the first session
of the 111th Congress.
Members of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, veterans
service organizations, and military associations provided ideas
for the Committee's agenda.
Full Committee Hearing--The State of the VA
On February 4, 2009, the full Committee held a hearing to
appraise the current state of the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA). The Secretary provided testimony on the programs
within the VA that address issues facing today's veterans,
including the need to transform the VA into a 21st Century
Department. The Secretary also discussed proposals and goals
for the VA to include teamwork, reward initiatives, seek
innovation, demand the highest levels of integrity,
transparency and performance in leading the Department through
the fundamental and comprehensive changes needed. The backlog
of benefits claims and the need to move to a paperless,
electronic benefits claims system in order to expedite and
streamline claims processing, and the goal of receiving a
timely budget for the VA to eliminate the need for continuing
resolutions that hamper planning are among those issues where
change is needed.
The Secretary noted that there has been improvement in
post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis and treatment as well
as a good working relationship with the National Suicide
Prevention Hotline. The VA and the Department of Defense are
working together to improve the transition process from the
military to civilian life stressing the need for one single
electronic medical record that follows the veteran from the
military to the VA. See The State of the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs, Serial No. 111-1.
Full Committee Hearing--VA Budget Request for FY 2010
On March 10, 2009, the full Committee held a hearing to
address the Administration's budget request for the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary of the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs, and the veterans service
organizations provided testimony. See U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2010, Serial
No. 111-6.
Site Visit to Frederick, Maryland
On April 16, 2009, majority and minority staff visited the
Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition academy in
Frederick, Maryland, to obtain an update on the status of the
Acquisition Academy and to tour the new facility and meet with
students in the internship program. Staff met with Lisa Doyle,
Chancellor of the VFA Acquisition Academy; Melissa Starinsky,
Vice-Chancellor of the Internship School Program; Richard
Garrison, Vice-Chancellor Program Management School; and, Jan
Fry, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Acquisition
and Logistics.
The VA Acquisition Academy was built in 2008, and started
training its inaugural class of interns in September 2008 with
30 students. They plan to add another class of 30 in the summer
and a third class in the fall. The Academy anticipates that
each class will contain around 30-45 students, and in three
years, the interns will spread out through the VA as journeymen
to continue their training. According to information provided
during the staff briefing, other government agencies have
expressed interest in its progress, and may consider utilizing
the Academy for a similar program within their agencies. Other
than DoD and DHS, no other government agency has a program such
as this. The funding for the Academy comes through the
revolving fund. Offering the program to other agencies would
help mitigate the cost.
Full Committee Field Hearing--Building the Critical Health
Infrastructure for Veterans in Jacksonville, Florida
On April 20, 2009, the full Committee held a hearing to
provide general oversight and to receive updates on the
Gainesville Towers Project which will correct deficiencies in
patient privacy. The new bed tower will have 245,000 gross
square feet and consist of four floors which will house 226
single-bed patient rooms with private baths and a ground floor
which will house supportive services. The contract for the bed
tower was awarded in June of 2008, and the construction will be
completed in April of 2011. The Committee hearing focused on
the status of the construction which, to date, is about 10
percent completed.
Witnesses from the City of Jacksonville, veterans service
organizations, Jacksonville National Cemetery Advisory
Committee, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided
testimony. See Building the Critical Health Infrastructure for
Veterans in Jacksonville, Florida, Serial No. 111-11.
Full Committee Field Hearing--Building the Critical Health
Infrastructure for Veterans in Orlando, Florida
On April 21, 2009, the full Committee held a hearing to
discuss how to build the critical health infrastructure for
veterans in Orlando. Specifically, assess the progress of the
new Orlando VA Medical Center to date. The new Orlando VA
Medical Center at Lake Nona is a $665 million project and will
be a 134-bed hospital; a 120-bed community living center; a 60-
bed domiciliary; an outpatient clinic; and, a veterans benefits
mini-service center. The state-of-the-art medical complex will
address key deficiencies in the VISN 8 central market. The
extra space will allow the VA to expand its delivery of
primary, specialty, diagnostic and mental health care and allow
VA to make acute care, complex specialty care, and advanced
ancillary and diagnostic services available to the veterans of
east central Florida.
Witnesses from the Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park
Foundation, veterans service organizations, and the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs provided testimony. See Building
the Critical Health Infrastructure for Veterans in Orlando,
Florida, Serial No. 111-12.
Full Committee Hearing--Funding the VA of the Future
On April 29, 2009, the full Committee held a hearing on how
best to fund the VA of the future and meet the needs of
returning servicemembers, as well as veterans from previous
conflicts. The goal is to make sure that the VA has sufficient
budgets to meet the needs of veterans and that the budgets are
provided in a timely fashion in order for the VA to make the
most out of these dollars. The Committee explored the idea of
advance appropriations as a budgeting mechanism for the
Department of Veterans Affairs and examined the efficacy of the
VA's budget forecasting model in making sound out-year budget
projections.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans service
organizations, RAND Corporation, Congressional Research
Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the
U.S. Government Accountability Office provided testimony. See
Funding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs of the Future,
Serial No. 111-16.
Full Committee Hearing--Innovative Technologies and Treatments Helping
Veterans
On May 13, 2009, the full Committee held a hearing to learn
about the innovative technologies and treatments which are
currently available, or are in development, to help veterans.
Witnesses from Zila, Inc.; Brainport Technologies, Wicab,
Inc.; Alkermes, Inc.; Mobile Medical International Corporation;
TeleMed Network; Fate Therapeutics, Inc.; Georgetown
University; BrainCells Inc.; and, Harmonex, Inc., CliniCom
devoted resources into researching the unique maladies that
affect veterans of all conflicts. See Innovative Technologies
and Treatments Helping Veterans, Serial No. 111-18.
Full Committee Roundtable--The Growing Needs of Women Veterans: Is the
VA Ready?
On May 20, 2009, the full Committee held a roundtable to
address issues confronting women veterans and to assess the
ability of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide
the right services to the country's 1.8 million women veterans.
Participants discussed the need for a coordinated and national
effort to provide programs and services for women throughout
the VA. Participants discussed issues that affect or impact
female veterans differently than male veterans and the need for
increased training for administrative and medical VA personnel.
Also discussed was the misconception that women do not
participate in combat, and therefore, are not eligible for
service-connected benefits. Women discussed the prevalence of
military sexual trauma and the difficulty women continue to
face as they transition from military to civilian life and
shared the emotional and bureaucratic difficulty of receiving
service-connection for mental health care as a result of the
trauma they endured.
Participants included the Society for Women's Health
Research, Service Women's Action Network, Grace After Fire,
veterans service organizations, military associations, and the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Full Committee Hearing--A National Commitment to End Veterans'
Homelessness
On June 3, 2009, the full Committee held a hearing focused
on four specific programs operated by the Department of
Veterans Affairs: Grant and Per Diem (GDP), outreach to
veterans, Special Needs Grants, and prevention efforts.
According to recent VA reports, approximately one-third of the
adult homeless population served in the Armed Services. Studies
have shown an indirect connection between combat exposure and
homelessness.
Witnesses discussed the need to increase the annual
authorization for the GPD program in order to increase the
number of beds available for veterans as well as to enhance the
supportive services offered. Service providers also reported
that the current mechanism used to determine the per diem
amount is outdated and inequitable.
Veterans service organizations, homeless service providers,
homeless prevention organizations and the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs provided testimony. See A National Commitment
to End Veterans' Homelessness, Serial No. 111-25.
Site Visit to Indianapolis
On July 1, 2009, minority staff attended a forum in
Indianapolis on implementing the new Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. The
forum provided college and university administrators the chance
to speak with VA personnel on the new bill and to address any
problems.
Full Committee Hearing--Meeting the Needs of Injured Veterans in the
Military Paralympic Program
On July 29, 2009, the full Committee held a hearing focused
on the U.S. Military Paralympic Program with specific focus on
the VA's Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and
Special Events. The U.S. Paralympics host Military Sports
Camps, which are multi-day events for veterans with physical
disabilities. During each camp, participants attend sports
clinics conducted by paralympic athletes and coaches and
participate in light competitive events.
Paralympians provided testimony detailing rehabilitation,
resilience, and regaining their inherent competitive spirit as
a result of their participation. In addition, the Committee
heard testimony from veterans service organizations; Disabled
Sports USA, Inc.; National Recreation and Park Association;
U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Olympic Committee; and, the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Meeting the Needs of
Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic Program, Serial No.
111-38.
Vietnam Veterans of America Convention--Louisville, Kentucky
From July 30-August 2, 2009, majority staff attended
Vietnam Veterans of America Convention to discuss the
legislative priorities of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
In addition, staff participated in seminars on issues including
women veterans and participated in POW/MIA ceremonies and
general sessions in order to gain a better understanding of the
needs of Vietnam veterans.
Site Visit to Indianapolis
On August 5, 2009, minority staff attended a forum on
transitioning student veterans to campus life. The event
featured a roundtable discussion on best practices.
The American Legion Convention--Louisville, Kentucky
From August 21-22, 2009, majority staff spoke at the
``Legislation & Rules'' segment of The American Legion
Convention to discuss the legislative priorities of the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Disabled American Veterans Convention--Denver, Colorado
From August 22-25, 2009, majority and minority staff spoke
at the ``Service and Legislative Seminar'' of the Disabled
American Veterans Convention to discuss the legislative
priorities of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Full Committee Roundtable--Veterans Court
On September 16, 2009, the full Committee held a roundtable
to discuss judicial courts which only hear cases involving
veterans and provide judges greater latitude in sentencing for
non-violent crimes. Modeled after drug and mental health
treatment courts, judges are able to order counseling,
substance abuse treatment, mentoring, job training, housing
assistance, and job placement services as alternatives to
incarceration. Participants discussed their efforts to help
veterans avoid jail by connecting them to necessary treatment
and support. Currently, Veterans' Treatment Courts operate in
New York, Alaska, California, Oklahoma, Illinois, and
Pennsylvania, with other states working to establish similar
programs.
Representatives from the Buffalo City Court in New York;
Veterans Court Mentoring Program; Eric County Veterans Service
Agency; Committee on Veterans and Service-Members Legal Issues;
National Association of Drug Court Professionals; Madison
County Circuit Court; Pittsburgh Civil Division; and the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Buffalo, New
York; participated.
Full Committee Hearing--Energy Efficiency at the VA
On September 30, 2009, the full Committee held a hearing to
examine the efforts made by the Department of Veterans Affairs
to meet its Green Initiatives set out in Presidential Executive
Order 13423, which sets goals for federal agencies to improve
energy efficiency, reduce water consumption, and generally
increase the sustainability of building and work practices. The
hearing further explored green initiatives within the hospital
environment and the importance of greening all federal
buildings.
Witnesses from the Center for Maximum Potential Building
Systems; U.S. Green Building Council; Green Building
Initiative; Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing;
U.S. General Services Administration; U.S. Department of
Energy; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided
testimony. See Energy Efficiency at the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs, Serial No. 111-46.
Full Committee Hearing--Update on the State of the VA
On October 14, 2009, the full Committee held a hearing to
receive an update from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. The Secretary provided a nine-month
progress report on the state of the VA since becoming Secretary
in January 2009. The Secretary announced that a Department of
Veterans Affairs Strategic Plan would soon be released which
would outline the strategic goals that will drive decision-
making over the next five years. He addressed specific concerns
that include improving access to health care, reducing the time
it takes for a disability claim to be fairly adjudicated, and
the need for addressing the downward spiral that can lead to
homelessness for veterans. The Secretary also discussed the
VA's emergency procedures to issue checks to veterans after
initial delays of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. The Secretary also
addressed challenges, missed opportunities, and gaps in
providing care and services to veterans. See Update on the
State of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Serial No.
111-49.
Full Committee Hearing--VA Health Care Funding: Appropriations to
Programs
On December 2, 2009, the full Committee held a hearing to
explore how the Department of Veterans Affairs determines its
resource needs and executes its spending plans for providing
local medical care for veterans. The hearing specifically
focused on how VA Central Office distributes and tracks the
federal resources and how oversight is conducted to ensure that
federal dollars reach the various programs and initiatives at
the local VA medical centers. Despite the robust budget
increases, concerns have been raised that allocations to some
local VA medical centers have either remained stagnant or have
not been proportional to the unprecedented increase in overall
funding for VA medical care. During the hearing, Committee
Members agreed to send a joint letter requesting a Government
Accountability Office review of the budget planning and
allocation process to determine the resources needed to provide
proper medical care to veterans.
A former Veterans Integrated Services Network director and
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided testimony. See
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Funding:
Appropriations to Programs, Serial No. 111-53.
Second Session
Full Committee Meeting--Discussion of Congressional Priorities with
Veterans Service Organizations
On January 20, 2010, the full Committee held a meeting with
40 veterans service organizations to discuss priorities for the
second session of the 111th Congress.
Participants discussed the priorities of each of the 40
different veteran advocacy organizations. Many discussed how
the disability claims backlog impacts veterans while they are
most vulnerable. The lengthy wait for some veterans' disability
claims has contributed to financial problems and a domino
effect that can result in economic turmoil from which some
veterans never recover. Additional issues addressed included
caregiver needs, the importance of strong reintegration
programs, and the immediate need for greater VA outreach to
alert veterans of available benefits and programs.
Full Committee Roundtable--Meeting the Unique Health Care Needs of
Rural Veterans
On January 27, 2010, the full Committee held a roundtable
to better understand the health care challenges facing the
rural veteran population and seek to develop an action plan
based on the recommendations of the roundtable participants.
Studies show that rural Americans have a higher propensity
to serve in the military than the general population. Nineteen
percent of the nation lives in rural areas, yet 44 percent of
the new recruits of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi
Freedom come from rural areas. Of the nearly 8 million veterans
who are currently enrolled in the VA health care system, about
3 million are from rural areas, making up about 40 percent of
all enrolled veterans. For the 3 million veterans living in
rural areas, access to health care remains a key barrier, as
they cannot see a doctor or a health care worker to receive the
care and treatment they need. The limited access to care is
especially a concern to the Committee. Current data tells us
that rural communities have the highest percentage of disabled
veterans and that veterans who live in rural areas have worse
health outcomes compared to the general population.
Full Committee Hearing--VA Budget Request for FY 2011 and FY 2012
On February 4, 2010, the full Committee conducted a hearing
to address the Administration's budget request for the
Department of Veterans Affairs. Under Public Law 111-81, the
Administration is required to request two budgets for the VA:
one to provide fiscal year 2011 total funding and another to
provide fiscal year 2012 funding for certain VA medical
accounts.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans
service organizations provided testimony. See U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for FY 2011 and FY 2012,
Serial No. 111-59.
Full Committee Hearing--Exploring the Relationship between Medication
and Veteran Suicide
On February 24, 2010, the full Committee conducted a
hearing to explore the relationship between medication and
veteran suicide. The hearing specifically focused on the
dangers posed by certain medications, the possible benefits of
the same medications, the recent increase in suicide among
servicemembers and veterans, and initiatives implemented by the
Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense to
prevent such deaths.
Physicians from a wide range of institutions provided
testimony. Representatives from the Department of Defense and
Department of Veterans Affairs also provided testimony. See
Exploring the Relationship Between Medication and Veteran
Suicide, Serial No. 111-62.
Full Committee Hearing--Structuring of VA of 21st Century
On March 10, 2010, the full Committee conducted a hearing
to better understand the challenges that face the Department of
Veterans Affairs in the future and what is needed to transform
the agency into a 21st Century organization. The Secretary of
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offered his assessment
of how to improve the structure and implement necessary changes
to provide veterans with the best care and benefits in the most
effective and efficient way possible.
Current law provides for ``not more than seven Assistant
Secretaries'' and limits the number of Deputy Assistant
Secretaries to a number ``not exceeding 19, as the Secretary
may determine.'' As part of its restructuring efforts, the VA
is seeking legislation that would authorize an additional
Assistant Secretary and eight Deputy Assistant Secretaries.
This section was last amended in 2002, when one Assistant
Secretary, one Deputy Assistant Secretary, and an additional
Assistant Secretary function covering ``[o]perations,
preparedness, security, and law enforcement.'' See Structuring
of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs of 21st Century, Serial
No. 111-66.
Full Committee Roundtable--Discussion to Identify Specific
Reintegration Issues Facing Veterans
On March 17, 2010, the full Committee held a roundtable
discussion to identify reintegration challenges faced by
servicemembers and veterans, and to explore potential
legislative solutions to these challenges. The roundtable
format allows participants to share relevant information in a
more conversational and less-formal setting.
Ideas for improving the process for reintegration included
immediate screenings for all veterans upon their return from
deployment, a ``de-boot'' camp to decompress from the stress of
deployment, and more effective electronic medical records
transfer between the Department of Defense and the VA. Although
it was noted that both DoD and VA operate a number of effective
programs, participants reported an ongoing difficulty in
connecting the service with the veteran that needs it.
Additional programming challenges include duplication of
services, difficulty in approving newer treatments, and the
lack of peer-to-peer options. It was suggested that each
veteran with VA health care eligibility should be presented a
card to access private health services in the case of an
emergency.
Full Committee Summit--Claims Summit 2010: A Call for Solutions
On March 18, 2010, the full Committee held a summit to meet
with stakeholders, industry leaders, and veteran service
organizations to address new and unique ways of reducing the
claims backlog at the Veterans Benefits Administration. With
more than one million claims and appeals backlogged in a
fatally-flawed system, the need for reform of the veterans'
benefits claims processing system is well known. The claims
backlog represents veterans who have sustained wounds as a
result of serving our country and are waiting for the help they
have been promised.
Full Committee Hearing--Health Effects of the Vietnam War--The
Aftermath
On May 5, 2010, the full Committee conducted a hearing to
examine the health effects that veterans sustained during the
War in Vietnam as a result of being exposed to the toxic
dioxin-based concoctions that we now generally refer to as
Agent Orange and discuss related legislation. The Committee
will also follow-up on the outstanding directive to the
Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct the National Vietnam
Veterans Longitudinal Study.
Many stakeholders, including DoD, Institute of Medicine,
Congress, the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, veteran
service organizations, and several researchers, conclude that a
veteran's exposure to Agent Orange cannot be properly
determined solely based on troop movement. See Health Effects
of the Vietnam War-The Aftermath, Serial No. 111-75.
Full Committee Roundtable--Veterans Employment
On May 26, 2010, the full Committee held a roundtable
discussion to review the status of veteran employment,
highlight the success of top military-friendly businesses,
discuss stakeholder plans for improving veteran employment
access in all sectors, and identify steps Congress can take to
assist veterans in obtaining employment.
Participants discussed the current rates of unemployment
among veterans, and the issue of veterans' employment in the
federal government. At the moment, veteran unemployment rates
are hovering at 10.2 percent for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans,
as compared to 7.8 percent unemployment for other veterans, and
9.1 percent unemployment of their non-veteran counterparts.
Ideas for improving employment options included enhanced
transition programs and career counseling for separating
servicemembers, improved promotion and advertisement of
existing federal programs, and acceptance of military training
to obtain related state occupational licensing. Participants
relayed a need for veterans to better translate military
experience into civilian skills as well as a centralized index
of veteran resumes for private sector positions.
Full Committee Hearing--U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of
Inspector General's Open Recommendations: Are We Fixing the
Problems?
On June 9, 2010, the full Committee conducted a hearing to
evaluate and examine the progress made by the Department of
Veterans Affairs in complying with VA's Office of Inspector
General's (OIG) recommendations. The OIG's target date for VA
implementation of OIG recommendations on how to improve in a
specific area is within one year of publication of the report.
Currently, there are a total of 115 open reports with 694 open
recommendations. Most of the open recommendations are tracking
the target date; however, 16 reports containing 45
recommendations are over one year old.
The OIG has summarized the open recommendations for each
report by each office in the department responsible for
implementing them, and the total monetary benefit that has yet
to be realized because they are still open. According to the
OIG Semiannual Report to Congress released in March 2010, the
total monetary benefit that has yet to be realized is $92,714.
In addition, recommendations in the annual audit report on
the VA information security program that is required by the
Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 are tracked
separately by OIG's independent auditor. Presently, there are
40 open recommendations, of which 34 are carried over from
prior years, and six are new recommendations. Department of
Veteran Affairs representatives and the Office of the Inspector
General provided testimony. See U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs Office of Inspector General's Open Recommendations: Are
We Fixing the Problems?, Serial No. 111-83.
Site Visit to St. Louis, Missouri
From July 12-13, 2010, minority staff visited both the
Jefferson Barracks division and the John Cochran division of
the St. Louis VAMC. At the Jefferson Barracks division, staff
toured the facilities, including the adjacent Jefferson
Barracks National Cemetery and the newly constructed Fisher
House, and received briefings on upcoming campus renovations
and geriatric medicine. At the John Cochran division, staff
received a briefing on the improper sterilization of dental
equipment and toured the call center and Emergency Dental
Clinic that was set up to provide information, counseling, and
testing to at-risk veterans.
Full Committee Field Hearing--Veterans at Risk: The Consequences of the
VA Medical Center Non-Compliance in St. Louis, Missouri
On July 13, 2010, the full Committee conducted a hearing to
examine an incident involving reusable dental equipment and
veteran patient safety at the John Cochran VA Medical Center in
St. Louis, Missouri. In December 2008, the Committee was
notified of improper reprocessing of endoscopes which put
thousands of veterans in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Miami,
Florida, at possible risk of hepatitis and HIV. In February
2009, another 1,000 veterans in Augusta, Georgia, received
notifications that they were at risk for hepatitis and HIV
because of improper processing of ear, nose, and throat
endoscopes. Additionally, the Department notified 79 additional
veterans in Florida, whom they failed to notify previously,
that they were also at risk.
Veterans Susan Maddux and Terri Odom provided testimony, as
well as, representatives from The American Legion, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs, The Honorable Claire McCaskill
and The Honorable Phil Hare also provided testimony. See
Veterans at Risk: The Consequences of the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Center Non-Compliance, Serial No. 111-
90.
Full Committee Roundtable--Innovative Treatments for Traumatic Brain
Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
On July 21, 2010, the full Committee held a roundtable
discussion to review innovative treatment options for veterans
injured while serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 20
participants shared relevant information concerning treatment
tools that have been developed or are in development concerning
traumatic brain injury and combat stress, which are viewed as
the signature wounds of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi
Freedom.
Representatives from the VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs, Pikes Peak Behavioral Health
Group, Soul Medicine Institute, Emory University, Duke
University Medical Center, Advanced Pain Centers, S.C, Navy
Medical Research and Development Center, EPI-SOAR Consulting,
Westat, North Florida Foundation for Research and Education,
Inc, Healthcare Solutions Network of North Carolina, Inc,
Center of Excellence, International Hyperbaric Medical
Association, University of Pittsburgh, Ross & Ross, Department
of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, participated in
the discussion.
Full Committee Hearing--Continued Oversight of Inadequate Cost Controls
at the VA
On July 28, 2010, the full Committee conducted a hearing to
assess recent actions taken by the Department of Veterans
Affairs to improve its oversight of procurement practices.
Specifically, the Committee reviewed the procurement mechanism
known as miscellaneous obligations, which is used when funds
need to be obligated to ensure they are available when the
actual expenditures occur, but the amount to be spent is
uncertain. In fiscal year 2009, the VA spent almost $12 billion
on miscellaneous obligations, up nearly $6 billion from
reported fiscal year 2007 levels.
VA officials report that new policies and procedures have
been crafted in response to Congressional oversight and
recommended by reports from the Government Accountability
Office. Members pressed to see an itemized list of
miscellaneous obligations spending, which VA witnesses could
not provide, and insisted that new policies be implemented with
expedience. Witnesses included the U.S. Government
Accountability Office and the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. See Continued Oversight of Inadequate Cost Controls at
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Serial No. 111-95.
Disabled American Veterans--Atlanta, Georgia
From July 31-August 1, 2010, majority and minority staff
participated in the Disabled American Veterans National
Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Staff spoke to the membership
and addressed numerous questions. Some key issues discussed
included the VRE program and the Post-9/11 GI Bill program.
Staff discussed the rate for VRE was raised by 7 percent in a
bill that passed the House which included child care, and
provided an additional month of assistance for veterans seeking
employment.
Site Visit to Atlanta, Georgia
On August 1, 2010, minority staff visited the VA Regional
Office in Atlanta to review the claims processes in place and
see if and how recent initiatives were being implemented and
whether they were having the intended impact on processing
claims expeditiously.
Site Visit to Quantico, Virginia
On August 16, 2010, majority and minority staff traveled to
the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. In Quantico, staff
visited the Wounded Warrior Regiment, which performs important
services to transitioning Marines, including outreach and
coordination with the VA health care system as well as the
Sergeant Merlin German Wounded Warrior Call Center, which
supports the Wounded Warrior Regiment's effort by providing
wounded warriors and their families with a 24/7 point of
contact.
The American Legion--Milwaukee, Wisconsin
From August 29-September 1, 2010, majority staff
participated in The American Legion National Convention in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Staff participated in the legislative
panel and met with veterans attending the Economic Commission's
workshops. Concerns were raised about the low number of
veterans employed in VA regional offices; the small number of
VA employment representatives who attend job fairs; extensive
paperwork required by VA to process a VA home loan; and
veteran-owned small business owners raised concerns that
HUBZone firms take priority over veteran-owned small business
firms.
Full Committee Hearing--Personality Disorders Discharges: Impact on VA
Benefits
On September 15, 2010, the full Committee conducted a
hearing to review how a military discharge of personality
disorder can impact veterans' benefits. Categorized by the
military with having a pre-existing condition, separating
servicemembers are unable to prove to the Department of
Veterans Affairs that their condition is a result of military
service--potentially barring them from access to health care
and benefits. The hearing specifically reviewed what health
care options and benefits are available to these veterans,
recent Department of Defense policy changes for personality
disorder discharges, and why the military continues to send
servicemembers with pre-existing mental conditions into combat.
Chuck Luther, a former Sergeant in the U.S. Army; Joshua
Kors; the United States Army; the U.S. Department of Defense;
and, the Department of Veterans Affairs provided testimony. See
Personality Disorders Discharges: Impact on Veterans' Benefits,
Serial No. 111-97.
Full Committee Hearing--The True Cost of the War
On September 30, 2010, the full Committee conducted a
hearing on the true cost of the war. Economists, veteran
advocates, retired military leaders, veterans and their
families discussed the real life consequences of war, not just
in financial terms but in the practical reality of day-to-day
living. The hearing specifically focused on the rising
estimates of the cost of veterans' care provided by the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs, how veterans and their families
have coped with post-combat life, and how the government could
prepare to keep the promises made to America's fighting troops
and veterans.
Testimony was provided by Linda J. Bilmes, MBA, Professor,
John F. Kennedy School of Government Harvard University; Joseph
E. Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate, Professor, Columbia University;
Joseph A. Violante, National Legislative Director, Disabled
American Veterans; Major General John Batiste, USA (Ret.);
Major General William L. Nash, USA (Ret.); Colonel James
McDonough, USA (Ret.); Paul Sullivan, Executive Director,
Veterans for Common Sense; Lorrie Knight-Major, mother of a
veteran from Silver Spring, Maryland; Corey Gibson, a veteran
from Terre Haute, Indiana; and, LTC Donn Van Derveer, USA
(Ret.), a veteran from Ashville, Alabama. See The True Cost of
the War, Serial No. 111-103.
ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL
AFFAIRS
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
First Session
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 952 and H.R. 2270
On June 3, 2009, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R.
952, the Compensation Owed for Mission Based Activities in
Theater (COMBAT) Act and H.R. 2270, the Benefits for Qualified
World War II Veterans Act of 2009. H.R. 952 was amended and
forwarded to the full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 2270 was
forwarded to the full Committee by voice vote.
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 2379, H.R. 2774, and H.R. 2968
On July 9, 2009, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R.
2379, the Veterans' Group Life Insurance Improvement Act of
2009; H.R. 2774, the Families of Veterans Financial Security
Act; and, H.R. 2968, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
eliminate the required reduction in the amount of the
accelerated death benefit payable to certain terminally-ill
persons insured under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance
or Veterans' Group Life Insurance. All three bills were
forwarded to the full Committee by voice vote.
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 761 and H.R. 3485
On October 21, 2009, the Subcommittee met and marked up
H.R. 761, eligibility for parents of deceased veterans for
interment in a national cemetery and H.R. 3485, the Veterans
Pensions Protection Act. Both bills were forwarded to the full
Committee by voice vote.
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 4121
On November 18, 2009, the Subcommittee met and marked up
H.R. 4121, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization
Act of 2009 which was forwarded to the full Committee by voice
vote.
Second Session
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 3787, H.R. 4541, H.R. 5064 and H.R. 5549
On July 27, 2010, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R.
3787, to amend title 38, United States Code, to recognize the
service in the reserve components of certain persons by
honoring them with status as veterans under law; H.R. 4541,
Veterans Pensions Protection Act of 2010; H.R. 5064, Fair
Access to Veterans Benefits Act of 2010; and, H.R. 5549, RAPID
Claims Act. H.R. 3787 and H.R. 4541 were amended and forwarded
to the full Committee. H.R. 5064 and H.R. 5549 were forwarded
to the full Committee by voice vote.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITES
First Session
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Joint Hearing--
Document Tampering and Mishandling at VBA
On March 3, 2009, the Subcommittees held a hearing to focus
on three primary issues that have come to public attention
wherein the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has tampered
with or mishandled documents from veterans and their families
in the 57 regional offices. These issues include misdating of
claims at the New York Regional Office, shredding documents
wrongly placed in shredder bins, and denying widows their
survivor benefits.
The Subcommittees heard from veterans service
organizations; National Veterans Legal Service Program; a
senior veterans service representative of the VBA Regional
Office in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on behalf of the
American Federation of Government Employees; and, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. See, Document Tampering and
Mishandling at the Veterans Benefits Administration, Serial No.
111-4.
Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--The Nexus between Engaged in Combat
with the Enemy and PTSD in an Era of Changing Warfare Tactics
On March 24, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the
issues surrounding the VA application of the provisions found
in 38 United States Code Sec. 1154 and the definition of
``engaged in combat with the enemy.''
The Subcommittee heard testimony from veterans service
organizations; the Committee on Veterans' Compensation for
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for the Institute of Medicine of
the National Academies; Invisible Wounds of War; the RAND
Corporation; the U.S. Department of Defense; and, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. See, Nexus between Engaged in
Combat with the Enemy in an Era of Changing Warfare Tactics,
Serial No. 111-9.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing on H.R. 952
On April 23, 2009, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on the Compensation Owed for Mental Health Based on
Activities in Theater Post-traumatic Stress Disorder or the
Combat PTSD Act, H.R. 952. This hearing focused on the
clarification of the meaning of ``combat with the enemy'' as
referenced in 38 United States Code Sec. 1154(b) by adding
``(A) in a theater of combat operations (as determined by the
Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense) during
a period of war; (B) or in combat against a hostile force
during a period of hostilities.''
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the Disabled American
Veterans; the National Veterans Legal Service Program; American
Ex-Prisoners of War; National Organization of Veterans'
Advocates, Inc.; and, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
See Legislative Hearing on H.R. 952, the Compensation Owed for
Mental Health Based on Activities in Theater Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder Act, Serial No. 111-13.
Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Examining Appellate Processes and their
Impact on Veterans
On May 14, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing examining
the appellate processes regarding the Board of Veterans'
Appeals, the Appeals Management Center, and the United States
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. In examining the appeals
process, the hearing evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness
of the agencies tasked with handling appeals, including ways to
reduce backlog and expedite decisions on claims. In light of an
increase in appeals requiring adjudicative action and the
amount of time required for appeals to be adjudicated, backlog
and drawn out appeals processes plague the system.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the U.S. Court of
Appeals for Veterans Claims; the American Association of
Government Employees Local 17; Board of Veterans Appeals;
Disabled American Veterans; National Veterans Legal Services
Program; National Organization of Veterans' Advocates; the
Board of Veterans' Appeals of the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs; and, the Appeals Management Center of the Veterans
Benefits Administration. See Examining Appellate Processes and
Their Impacts on Veterans, Serial No. 111-19.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 1522, H.R. 1982, H.R. 2270
On May 21, 2009, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 1522, the United States Cadet Nurse Corps
Equity Act; H.R. 1982, the Veterans Entitlement to Service Act
of 2009; and, H.R. 2270, Benefits for Qualified World War II
Veterans Act of 2009.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the Honorable Nita M.
Lowey of New York; a World War II Cadet Nurse from Galesferry,
Connecticut; the Honorable Carolyn C. Kilpatrick of Michigan;
the World War II American Volunteer Group of the Flying Tigers;
and, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Disabled
Veterans of America; the American Federation of Government
Employees; and, the Honorable Steve Buyer of Indiana submitted
testimony for the record. See Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1522,
H.R. 1982, and H.R. 2270, Serial No. 111-23.
Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Addressing the Backlog: Can VA Manage
One Million Claims?
On June 18, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the
problems plaguing the Department of Veterans Affairs'
disability claims processing system which is predicted to reach
one million backlogged claims by the next fiscal year. The
hearing focused on exploring VA's strategy to manage its claims
workload and to analyze VA's compliance with various
requirements outlined in Public Law 110-389.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from veterans service
organizations; a veteran from Gladstone, Oregon; Service
Women's Action Network; Advisory Committee on Disability
Compensation of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
Decision Review Officer, Veterans Affairs Cleveland Regional
Office on behalf of the American Federation of Government
Employees, AFL-CIO; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and,
the DoD/VA Interagency Program Office. See Addressing the
Backlog: Can the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Manage One
Million Claims?, Serial No. 111-30.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 2379, H.R. 2713, H.R. 2774 and
H.R. 2968
On June 24, 2009, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 2379, The Veterans' Group Life Insurance
Improvement Act of 2009; H.R. 2713, the Disabled Veterans Life
Insurance Enhancement Act; H.R. 2774, Families of Veterans
Financial Security Act; and, H.R. 2968, to amend title 38,
United States Code, to eliminate the required reduction in the
amount of the accelerated death benefit payable to certain
terminally-ill persons insured under Servicemembers' Group Life
Insurance or Veterans' Group Life Insurance.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Members of Congress
on their respective bills; Tragedy Assistance Program for
Survivors, Inc.; Disabled American Veterans; and, the VA
Regional Office Insurance Center of the Veterans Benefits
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 2379, H.R. 2713, H.R. 2774, and
H.R. 2968, Serial No. 111-31.
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and
Subcommittee on Health Oversight Joint Hearing--Eliminating the
Gaps: Examining Women Veterans' Issues
On July 16, 2009, the Subcommittees held a hearing to
further explore the overarching issues that women veterans face
when entering the VA benefits and health care systems.
Statistics show that women are 20 percent less likely to be
awarded a disability claim than their male counterparts. With a
growing proportion of women veterans entering the military, the
hearing addressed various issues, including: military sexual
trauma, fragmented and gendered disparities in health care,
insufficient numbers of clinicians specified for women
veterans, lack of outreach to women veterans, and a male
dominated culture at the VA.
The Subcommittees heard testimony from Disabled American
Veterans; Service Women's Action Network; Wounded Warrior
Project; National Association of State Women Veterans
Coordinators, Inc.; Texas Veterans Commission; Grace Under
Fire; U.S. Government Accountability Office; Society for
Women's Health Research; Department of Psychiatry Director,
Trauma and Loss Program, Georgetown University Medical Center
on behalf of the Committee on Veterans' Compensation for
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Institute of Medicine and
National Research Council, the National Academies; and, the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Eliminating the Gaps:
Examining Women Veterans' Issues, Serial No. 111-34.
Subcommittee Hearing--Examining Ancillary Benefits and Veterans'
Quality of Life Issues
On July 23, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
discuss secondary service-connected disability benefits that
are considered when evaluating claims for compensation,
including special monthly compensation, aid and attendance,
housebound, automotive and adaptive equipment, and the clothing
allowance. Studies have found that ancillary benefits available
to veterans and their families are based on different
eligibility criteria and entitlements, which are sometimes
confusing and complicated. The hearing focused on ways to
improve ancillary benefit standards in order to better serve
veterans.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from veterans service
organizations; National Veterans Legal Services Program;
Institute of Medicine; Economic Systems Inc.; Quality of Life
Foundation; National Organization on Disability; and, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. See Examining Quality of Life
and Ancillary Benefits Issues, Serial No. 111-37.
Subcommittee Hearing--Honoring the Fallen: How Can We Better Serve
America's Veterans and Their Families?
On September 24, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine the VA's National Cemetery Administration, Arlington
National Cemetery, the national cemeteries administered by the
U.S. Department of Interior, and the overseas cemeteries under
the jurisdiction of the American Battle Monuments Commission.
The hearing provided a comprehensive exploration of all current
burial benefits and explored the current burial benefits and
policies provided for veterans, and any additional measures
needed for properly memorializing our nation's veterans and
their families.
Witnesses for the hearing included the American Battle
Monuments Commission; Arlington National Cemetery; the U.S.
Department of the Interior; veterans service organizations;
National Funeral Directors Association; American Federation of
Government Employees, AFL-CIO, Local 2241; and, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. See Honoring the Fallen: How
Can We Better Serve America's Veterans and Their Families?,
Serial No. 111-44.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 761, H.R. 2243, H.R. 3485, H.R.
3544, and Draft Legislation
On October 8, 2009, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 761, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
provide for the eligibility of parents of certain deceased
veterans for interment in national cemeteries; H.R. 2243,
Surviving Spouses' Benefit Improvement Act of 2009; H.R. 3485,
Veterans Protection Act; H.R. 3544, National Cemeteries
Expansion Act; and draft legislation, the Veteran Appellate
Review Modernization Act.
Witnesses included The Honorable Barney Frank; a Gold star
Mother; The Honorable Brian Higgins; the U.S. Court of Appeals
for Veterans Claims; National Veterans Legal Service Program;
National Funeral Directors Association; veterans service
organizations; National Organization of Veterans' Advocates
Inc.; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Board of
Veterans' Appeals; National Military Family Association; The
Retired Enlisted Association; and, the Military Officers
Association of America. See Legislative Hearing on H.R. 761,
H.R. 2243, H.R. 3485, H.R. 3544, and Draft Legislation, Serial
No. 111-48.
Second Session
Site Visit to Providence, Rhode Island
On January 26, 2010, majority and minority staff conducted
a site visit to Providence, Rhode Island, to assess the
Veterans Benefits Administration's Regional Office. Staff
evaluated the progress of the Business Transformation Lab and
was able to see first-hand how the Lab operated. Staff also
discussed concerns with the regional office staff on how the
Lab was being implemented.
Site Visit to Little Rock, Arkansas
On January 19, 2010, majority and minority staff conducted
a site visit to Little Rock, Arkansas, to assess the Veterans
Benefits Administration's Regional Office claims processing
capabilities. The staff was briefed by the director and her
team with an overview of the regional office operations and its
performance on the progress of the claims processing pilot.
Subcommittee Hearing--Implementation and Status Update on the Veterans'
Benefits Improvement Act, P.L. 110-389
On February 3, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
analyze VA's compliance with various claims processing-related
requirements outlined in Public Law 110-389. The hearing also
provided an opportunity to continue the Subcommittee's
oversight into the problems plaguing the VA disability claims
processing system and to explore VA's strategy to manage its
claims workload, including electronic and paperless processing.
Witnesses for the hearing included veterans service
organizations; National Organization of Veterans' Advocates,
Inc.; Rating Specialist from the Los Angeles, California,
Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of the American
Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO; and, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. See Implementation and Status
Update on the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act, P.L. 110-389,
Serial No. 111-58.
Subcommittee Hearing--Examination of the VA Benefits Delivery Discharge
and Quick Start Programs
On February 24, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine two pre-discharge initiatives, the Benefits Delivery at
Discharge (BDD) and Quick Start programs. Both programs were
established by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs
to streamline service members' transition from active duty to
veterans' status. The BDD and Quick Start programs are
mechanisms that if implemented effectively, can help
significantly reduce or eliminate the growing VA compensation
and pension claims backlog.
Witnesses included the U.S. Government Accountability
Office; veterans service organizations; Wounded Warrior Care
and Transition Policy for the U.S. Department of Defense; and,
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Examination of VA
Benefits Delivery Discharge and Quick Start Program, Serial No.
111-63.
Subcommittee Hearing--Examination of VA Regional Office Disability
Claims Quality Review Methods
On March 24, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing on VA's
Systematic Technical Accuracy Review program to assess one of
VBA's quality review systems which serves as VA's primary
method for improving claims processing timeliness and accuracy.
Witnesses included the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
the U.S. Government Accountability Office; National Veterans
Legal Services Program; veterans service organizations; and,
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Examination of VA
Regional Office Disability Claims Quality Review Methods--Is
VBA's Systematic Technical Accuracy Review (STAR) Making the
Grade?, Serial No. 111-68.
Site Visit to Baltimore, Maryland
On April 14, 2010, majority and minority staff visited the
Baltimore Regional Office to review the Veterans Benefits
Management System initiative, the Virtual Regional Office (VRO)
pilot, Disability Evaluation System initiative, and the overall
operation of the office's compensation and pension claims
processing system. Staff observed that the paperless processing
capability offered by the VRO presented promise, yet, there was
no clear indication of how the automated system would ensure
high accuracy rates as well as increased timeliness. In
addition, the VRO did not appear to be completed by the target
date. Nonetheless, VA's staff managing the VRO was motivated
and appeared open to considering issues concerning the system.
Subcommittee Hearing--Examining VA's Fiduciary Program
On April 22, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine VA's fiduciary program and ways that Congress and VA
can work together to better protect those veterans that are in
need of fiduciary services. The hearing also provided an
opportunity to examine limitations on owning, possessing, and/
or operating guns imposed relating to veterans whose affairs
are managed by VA fiduciaries.
Witnesses included U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; the
U.S. Government Accountability Office; veterans service
organizations; and, the American Federation of Government
Employees, AFL-CIO. See, Examining VA's Fiduciary Program: How
Can VA Better Protect Vulnerable Veterans and their Families,
Serial No. 111-72.
Subcommittee Hearing--Quality vs. Quantity
On May 5, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing to examine
VBA's employee work credit and management systems and evaluate
their effectiveness in ensuring accountability and quality in
processing compensation and pension claims and appeals. The
hearing also sought to examine a report examining the VBA work
credit and management systems that was mandated by legislation
developed in the 110th Congress, the Veterans Disability
Benefits Claims Modernization Act of 2008, H.R. 5892, which
later was incorporated into Public Law 110--389.
Witnesses included the Institute for Public Research CNA;
National Organization of Veterans' Advocates, Inc.; National
Veterans Legal Service Program; veterans service organizations;
the American Federation of Government Employees; and, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. See Quality vs. Quantity:
Examining the Veterans Benefits Administration's Employee Work
Credit and Management Systems, Serial No. 111-77.
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and the
Subcommittee on Health Joint Hearing--Healing the Wounds:
Evaluating Military Sexual Trauma Issues
On May 20, 2010, the Subcommittees conducted a hearing to
evaluate military sexual trauma (MST) issues which refers to
the experiences of sexual harassment and/or sexual assault that
occurred while a veteran was in the military. The hearing
focused on ways in which the Veterans Benefits Administration,
Veterans Health Administration, and the Department of Defense
can better address the needs of veterans impacted by MST and
identify ways to better prevent, treat and properly compensate
them.
Witnesses included the Society for Women's Health Research,
Helen Benedict author of The Lonely Solider: The Private War of
Women Serving in Iraq; RAINN--Rape, Abuse, and Incest National
Network; Disabled American Veterans; Iraq and Afghanistan
Veterans of America; the U.S. Department of Defense; and, the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Healing the Wounds:
Evaluating Military Sexual Trauma Issues, Serial No. 111-79.
Subcommittee Hearing--The State of the Veterans Benefits Administration
On June 15, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing to
examine the state of the Veterans Benefits Administration at
the Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically, the VBA
compensation and pension system, including staff training
requirements, interagency communication strategies, regional
and national workload management challenges, accuracy goals,
and targeted pilot programs.
Representatives from the National Organization for
Veterans' Advocates, Inc.; American Federation of Government
Employees; Veterans for Common Sense; Disabled American
Veterans; Veterans Law Section of the Federal Bar Association;
Veterans for Common Sense; and, the Advisory Committee on
Disability Compensation, provided testimony. See The State of
the Veterans Benefits Administration, Serial No. 111-85.
Site Visit to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
On June 17, 2010, majority and minority staff conducted a
site visit to the Veterans Benefits Administration in the
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Regional Office to assess the Case-
Managed Development pilot program, the station's provision of
services to veterans living overseas, and other aspects of the
regional office operations. Staff received a briefing by the
Director and senior management team on an overview of the
operations and performance.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 3407, H.R. 3787, H.R. 4541, H.R.
5064, H.R. 5549, and Draft Legislation
On July 1, 2010, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 3407, Severely Injured Veterans Benefit
Improvement Act of 2009; H.R. 3787, to amend title 38, United
States Code, to recognize the service in the reserve components
of certain persons by honoring them with status as veterans
under law; H.R. 4541, the Veterans Protection Act of 2010; H.R.
5064, The Fair Access to Veterans Benefits Act of 2010; H.R.
5549, Rapid Claims Act; and, draft legislation.
Members of Congress testified on their respective bills;
veterans service organizations; and, the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs provided testimony. The National Guard of the
United States; the Association of the United States Navy; the
Military Officers Association of America; National Guard
Association of the United States; Reserve Officers Association
of the United States; Reserve Enlisted Association; and, The
Retired Enlisted Association provided testimony. See
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3407, H.R. 3787, H.R. 4541, H.R.
5064, H.R. 5549, and Draft Legislation, Serial No. 111-89.
Site Visit to Cleveland, Ohio
From August 2-6, 2010, majority and minority staff attended
the VBA Leadership Conference 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. The
Conference, ``Breaking the Back of the Backlog,'' provided
staff with the opportunity to participate in various sessions
on claims, compensation, pension, vocational rehabilitation,
employment, and education.
Subcommittee Hearing--Examining Training Requirements of Veterans
Benefits Administration Claims Processing Personnel
On September 16, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing
on the effectiveness of personnel training within the Veterans
Benefits Administration to address the backlog of unresolved
claims. Representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs
reported improvements in both the quantity and quality of VBA's
training model, and were confident that over time, with
continued focus, pending benefit claims will begin to
dramatically decrease.
Representatives from the U.S. Government Accountability
Office; VBA Regional Office of the Winston-Salem, North
Carolina, Department of Veterans Affairs; Disabled American
Veterans; National Veterans Legal Services Program; Cost
Analysis and Research Division; Institute for Defense Analyses;
and, The American Legion, provided testimony. See Examining
Training Requirements of Veterans Benefits Administration
Claims Processing Personnel, Serial No. 111-98.
ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
First Session
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 228, H.R. 466, H.R. 1088, H.R. 1089, and
H.R. 1171
On March 19, 2009, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R.
228, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a
scholarship program for students seeking a degree or
certificate in the areas of visual impairment and orientation
and mobility; H.R. 466, Wounded Veteran Job Security Act; H.R.
1088, Mandatory Veteran Specialist Training Act of 2009; H.R.
1089, Veterans Employment Rights Realignment Act of 2009; and,
H.R. 1171, Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program
Reauthorization Act of 2009.
H.R. 1089, as amended, was forwarded favorably to the full
Committee. H.R. 228, H.R. 466, H.R. 1088, and H.R. 1171 were
forwarded favorably to the full Committee.
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 1037, H.R. 1098, H.R. 1172, H.R. 1821, and
H.R. 2180
On June 4, 2009, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R.
1037, Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act of
2009; H.R. 1098, Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009; H.R.
1172, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include on
the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a
list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and
their survivors; H.R. 1821, Equity for Injured Veterans Act of
2009; and, H.R. 2180, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
waive housing loan fees for certain veterans with service-
connected disabilities called to active service.
H.R. 1037, H.R. 1098, H.R. 1172, and H.R. 1821 were amended
and forwarded favorably to the full Committee. H.R. 2180 was
forwarded favorably to the full Committee.
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 2696, H.R. 2874, H.R. 1182, H.R. 2416, H.R.
2614, H.R. 1168, and H.R. 2461
On October 8, 2009, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R.
2696, Servicemembers' Rights Protection Act; H.R. 2874, Helping
Active Duty Deployed Act of 2009; H.R. 1182, Military Spouses
Residency Relief Act; H.R. 2416, to require the Department of
Veterans Affairs to use purchases of goods or services through
the Federal supply schedules for the purpose of meeting certain
contracting goals for participation by small business concerns
owned and controlled by veterans, including veterans with
service-connected disabilities; H.R. 2614, Veterans' Advisory
Committee on Education Reauthorization Act of 2009; H.R. 1168,
Veterans Retraining Act of 2009; and, H.R. 2461, Veterans Small
Business Verification Act .
H.R. 2696, H.R. 2874, and H.R. 1168 were amended and
forwarded favorably to the full Committee. H.R. 1182, H.R.
2416, and H.R. 2461 were forwarded favorably to the full
Committee.
Second Session
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 3948, H.R. 3484, H.R. 3976, H.R. 4079, H.R.
4592, H.R. 950, H.R. 3561, H.R. 3577, H.R. 3579, H.R. 1879, and
H.R. 1169
On March 4, 2010, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R.
3948, Test Prep for Heroes Act; H.R. 3484, to amend title 38
United States Code, to extend the authority for certain
qualifying work-study activities for purposes of the
educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans
Affairs; H.R. 3976, Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act of
2010; H.R. 4079, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
temporarily remove the requirement for employers to increase
wages for veterans enrolled in on-the-job training programs;
H.R. 4592, Energy Jobs for Veterans Act; H.R. 950, to amend
chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, to increase
educational assistance for certain veterans pursuing a program
of education offered through distance learning; H.R. 3561, to
amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of
educational assistance provided to certain veterans for flight
training; H.R. 3577, Education Assistance to Realign New
Eligibilities for Dependents Act of 2009; H.R. 3579, to amend
title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the
amount of the reporting fees payable to educational
institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational
assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for
other purposes; H.R. 1879, National Guard Employment Protection
Act of 2010; and, H.R. 1169, to amend title 38, United States
Code, to increase the amount of assistance provided by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disabled veterans for
specially adapted housing and automobiles and adapted
equipment.
H.R. 3948, H.R. 3484, H.R. 3976, H.R. 4079, H.R. 4592, H.R.
950, and H.R. 1879 were amended and forwarded favorably to the
full Committee. H.R. 3561, H.R. 3577, H.R. 3579, and H.R. 1169
were forwarded favorably to the full Committee.
Subcommittee Mark up of H.R. 929, H.R. 3685, H.R.4359, H.R. 4469, H.R.
4765, H.R. 5360, and H.R. 5484
On July 15, 2010, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R.
929, to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program of
training to provide eligible veterans with skills relevant to
the job market, and for other purposes; H.R. 3685, to require
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include on the main page
of the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a
hyperlink to the VetSuccess Internet website and to publicize
such Internet website; H.R. 4359, WARMER Act; H.R. 4469, to
amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for
protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are
members of the Armed Forces deployed in support of a
contingency operation; H.R. 4765, to amend title 38, United
States Code, to authorize individuals who are pursuing programs
of rehabilitation, education, or training under laws
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to receive
work-study allowances for certain outreach services provided
through congressional offices, and for other purposes; H.R.
5360, HELP Veterans Act of 2010; and, H.R. 5484, VetStar
Veteran-Friendly Business Act of 2010.
H.R. 5360 and H.R. 929 were amended and forwarded favorably
to the full Committee. H.R. 3685, H.R. 4359, H.R. 4469, H.R.
4765, and H.R. 5484 were forwarded favorably to the full
Committee.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
First Session
Subcommittee Hearing--VA's Update on Short and Long-Term Strategies for
Implementing New G.I. Bill Requirements
On February 26, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing
leading up to the implementation of the Chapter 33, Post-9/11
New GI Bill benefits on August 1, 2009, to ensure benefits will
be delivered on time. The hearing provided the VA with an
opportunity to give an update on the progress, milestones they
have met, identify issues with implementation, short and long-
term strategies, and plan phases.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs and Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center,
Atlantic. See VA's Update on Short and Long-Term Strategies for
Implementing New G.I. Bill Requirements, Serial No. 111-2.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 147, H.R. 228, H.R. 297, H.R.
466, H.R. 929, H.R. 942, H.R. 950, H.R. 1088, H.R. 1089, and
H.R. 1171
On March 4, 2009, the Subcommittee conducted a legislative
hearing on H.R. 147, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
to allow taxpayers to designate a portion of their income tax
payment to provide assistance to homeless veterans, and for
other purposes; H.R. 228, to direct the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to establish a scholarship program for students seeking
a degree or certificate in the areas of visual impairment and
orientation and mobility; H.R. 297, Veteran Vocational
Rehabilitation and Employment Subsistence Allowance Improvement
Act of 2009; H.R. 466, Wounded Veteran Job Security Act; H.R.
929, to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program of
training to provide eligible veterans with skills relevant to
the job market, and for other purposes; H.R. 942, Veterans
Self-Employment Act of 2009; H.R. 950, to amend chapter 33 of
title 38, United States Code, to increase educational
assistance for certain veterans pursuing a program of education
offered through distance learning; H.R. 1088, Mandatory Veteran
Specialist Training Act of 2009; H.R. 1089, Veterans Employment
Rights Realignment Act of 2009; and, H.R. 1171, Homeless
Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2009.
The Members of Congress testified on their respective
bills. See Legislative Hearing on H.R. 147, H.R. 228, H.R. 297,
H.R. 466, H.R. 929, H.R. 942, H.R. 950, H.R. 1088, H.R. 1089,
and H.R. 1171, Serial No. 111-5.
Site Visit to St. Petersburg, Florida
From March 8-9, 2009, majority staff attended the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs Lender Training Extravaganza.
The training conference allowed staff to address several VA
housing loan issues as well as to learn about the lender
process. Some of the issues discussed include loan origination,
underwriting, loan policy, and other issues of concern.
Subcommittee Hearing--Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Programs
On April 2, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing to learn
more about the Department of Veterans Affairs' Vocational
Rehabilitation and Employment Program and its relationship with
the Department of Labor in assisting our veterans obtain
meaningful employment while healing from the wounds sustained
while in military service.
Witnesses from the veterans service organizations; the U.S.
Department of Labor; and, the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs provided testimony. See Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment (VR&E) Programs, Serial No. 111-10.
Subcommittee Hearing--Contracts and Contracting Policy at the VA
On April 23, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
determine if there is a need to retrain Federal employees on
existing laws and regulations concerning contracts at VA; if
there is a majority of Federal agencies not meeting the three
percent set aside for veteran owned small businesses; if there
is a need to streamline existing programs; and, if there is a
lack of enforcement of existing laws and regulations.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Oak Grove
Technologies; MicroTech, LLC; MCB Lighting and Electrical;
CSSS.NET; Federal Sources, Inc.; National Veteran-Owned
Business Association, Veterans Enterprise Training and Services
Group, Inc.; National American Veterans; U.S. Small Business
Administration; and, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Testimony for the record included Greentree Environmental
Services, Inc. and JBC Corp. See Contracts & Contracting Policy
at the VA, Serial No. 111-14.
Subcommittee Hearing--Federal Contractor Compliance
On May 14, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing to review
the current state of federal contractor compliance. The hearing
offered a look at this important issue and insight into the
issue and awareness of concerns surrounding contractor
compliance. The Subcommittee previously received concerns from
veterans complaining about federal contractors not complying
with the regulations.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from North Carolina
Employment Security Commission; DirectEmployers Association,
Inc.; veterans service organizations; the U.S. Department of
Labor; and, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See
Federal Contractor Compliance, Serial No. 111-20.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 1037, H.R. 1098, H.R. 1168, H.R.
1172, H.R. 1821, H.R. 1879, and H.R. 2180
On May 21, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R.
1037, Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act of
2009; H.R. 1098, Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009; H.R.
1168, Veterans Retraining Act of 2009; H.R. 1172, to include in
the Department of Veterans Affairs' website a list of
organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and their
survivors; H.R. 1821, Equity for Injured Veterans Act of 2009;
H.R. 1879, National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2009;
and, H.R. 2180, to waive housing loan fees for certain veterans
with service-connected disabilities called to active service.
The Members of Congress testified on their respective
bills. See Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1037, H.R. 1098, H.R.
1168, H.R. 1172, H.R. 1821, H.R. 1879, and H.R. 2180, Serial
No. 111-24.
Subcommittee Hearing--Post-9/11 G.I. Bill: Is the VA ready for August
1st?
On June 25, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing to allow
the VA and its contractor to update the Subcommittee on the on-
going and evolving short and long-term strategies that will be
used to implement the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill; the short-term and
long-term plans; and, providing an overview of the milestones
that have been met.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs and Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center.
See Post-9/11 G.I. Bill: Is the VA ready for August 1st?,
Serial No. 111-32.
Site Visit to El Paso, Texas
From June 30-July 3, 2009, majority staff traveled to El
Paso, Texas to meet with the leadership from the U.S.-Mexico
International Boundary & Water Commission about contracting
activities with local veterans. Staff also met with the VA
hospital staff and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
staff. Additionally, staff met with contracting individuals at
Ft. Bliss to discuss set aside challenges and the Small
Business Consortium.
Site Visit to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
On July 14, 2009, majority staff traveled to Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, to attend the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment Service (VR&E) Workload Management and Leadership
Training. During the site visit, staff was able to discuss the
impact that the new G.I. Bill will have on V&RE programs. The
housing stipend in the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill is more generous and
the concern is that veterans will forgo needed counseling to
use the G.I. Bill. Other issues of concern were the Independent
Living program cap of 2600 and the contracting system that VR&E
is currently using.
Subcommittee Hearing--The Evolution of State Approving Agencies
On July 16, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
determine the future role of State Approving Agencies, their
level of funding, expanded duties, and the growing demands
being placed by the new Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.
Witnesses included Congressman Timothy Bishop of New York;
veterans service organizations; the National Association of
State Approving Agencies; and, the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. See The Evolution of State Approving Agencies, Serial
No. 111-35.
Site Visit to Las Vegas, Nevada
From July 20-23, 2009, majority staff traveled to Las
Vegas, Nevada, to attend the 5th Annual National Veteran Small
Business Conference & Expo. The conference provided veteran-
owned and service-disabled veteran owned small businesses the
opportunity to learn more about development and contracting
opportunities within the Federal government.
Subcommittee Hearing--Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Contracts for Veteran Counseling
On July 30, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
discuss the contract under a National Acquisition Strategy to
deliver counseling services to veterans and complaints against
the VA from prime contractors tasked to provide counseling
services to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service
participants.
Witnesses included the Heritage of America, LLC; Sygnetics,
Inc.; Paralyzed Veterans of America; Veterans Entrepreneurship
Task Force; and, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Contracts for Veteran
Counseling, Serial No. 111-40.
Site Visit to Nashville, Tennessee
From August 3-5, 2009, majority staff traveled to
Nashville, Tennessee, to attend the National Association of
State Approving Agencies (NASAA) Annual Training and Business
Meeting. Because the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill permanently funds
State Approving Agencies at $19 million annually, staff was
given the opportunity to participate in a discussion regarding
current and new legislation and the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. This
meeting provided staff the opportunity to listen to the
agencies and representatives on how the new education benefit
and funding are affecting NASAA and schools.
Site Visit to Corpus Christi, Texas
From August 7-9, 2009, majority staff traveled to Corpus
Christi, Texas, to attend the American GI Forum 61st Annual
American Conference. The American GI Forum provided workshops
regarding resources available for veterans on economic
opportunity and local leaders were available to address any
concerns from veterans.
Subcommittee Hearing--Review of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center
Atlantic and the VA's Interagency Agreement
On September 10, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing for
the VA and Space and Naval Warfare Systems (SPAWAR) to respond
to the VA's Inspector General's report release in June of 2009.
The report titled, ``Review of Interagency Agreement between
the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Navy,
Space Naval and Warfare Systems Center'' indicated that both
the VA and SPAWAR have been irresponsible in implementing the
Interagency Agreement.
Witnesses included the Office of Inspector General; the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and, the Space and Naval
Warfare Systems Center, Atlantic. See Review of Space and Naval
Warfare Systems Center Atlantic and the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs' Interagency Agreement, Serial No. 111-41.
Site Visit to Alaska
From September 14-18, 2009, minority and majority staff
traveled to Alaska to visit the Transition Assistance Program
classes that were being held at Fort Richardson and Fort
Wainwright Air Force Bases at Elmendorf and Eileson.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 294, H.R. 1169, H.R. 1182, H.R.
2416, H.R. 2461, H.R. 2614, H.R. 2696, H.R. 2874, H.R. 2928,
H.R. 3223, H.R. 3554, H.R. 3561, H.R. 3577, and H.R. 3579
On September 24, 2009, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 294, Veteran-Owned Small Business Promotion Act
of 2009; H.R. 1169, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
increase the amount of assistance provided by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to disabled veterans for specially adapted
housing and automobiles and adapted equipment; H.R. 1182,
Military Spouses Residency Relief Act; H.R. 2416, to require
the Department of Veterans Affairs to use purchases of goods or
services through the Federal supply schedules for the purpose
of meeting certain contracting goals for participation by small
business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, including
veterans with service-connected disabilities; H.R. 2461,
Veterans Small Business Verification Act; H.R. 2614, Veterans'
Advisory Committee on Education Reauthorization Act of 2009;
H.R. 2696, Servicemembers' Rights Protection Act; H.R. 2874,
Helping Active Duty Deployed Act of 2009; H.R. 2928, to amend
title 38, United States Code, to provide for an apprenticeship
and on-job training program under the Post-9/11 Veterans
Educational Assistance Program; H.R. 3223, to amend title 38,
United States Code, to improve the Department of Veterans
Affairs contracting goals and preferences for small business
concerns owned and controlled by veterans; H.R. 3554, National
Guard Education Equality Act; H.R. 3561, to amend title 38,
United States Code, to increase the amount of educational
assistance provided to certain veterans for flight training;
H.R. 3577, Education Assistance to Realign New Eligibilities
for Dependents (EARNED) Act of 2009; and, H.R. 3579, to amend
title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the
amount of the reporting fees payable to educational
institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational
assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for
other purposes.
The Members of Congress testified on their respective
bills. See Legislative Hearing on H.R. 294, H.R. 1169, H.R.
1182, H.R. 2416, H.R. 2461, H.R. 2614, H.R. 2696, H.R. 2874,
H.R. 2928, H.R. 3223, H.R. 3554, H.R. 3561, H.R. 3577, Serial
No. 111-45.
Subcommittee Hearing--VA Status Report on Post-9/11 G.I. Bill
On October 15, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
review the VA's progress on the implementation of the Post-9/11
G.I. Bill. The hearing addressed issues of concern that have
been raised by veteran service organizations, the media and to
clarify any misinterpretation by these entities. The VA
provided an overview on how they process housing and book
stipend payments to students and tuition payments to
universities.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided testimony.
See VA Status Report on Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, Serial No. 111-51.
Site Visit to San Antonio, Texas
From October 21-23, 2009, majority staff visited San
Antonio, Texas, to attend the VA Lender Training Conference
sponsored by the VA. The conference provided staff the
opportunity to assess the VA's work to provide lenders with the
knowledge and understanding of the VA home loan program. In
addition, staff was able to assess how well lenders know the
program, their concerns, and potential improvements needed.
Some of the issues covered were loan guaranty, VA appraisals,
energy efficient mortgages and eligibility requirements.
Subcommittee Hearing--Adaptive Housing Grants
On November 19, 2009, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing
to review current adaptive housing grants and the need to
update them. The primary concerns raised included the need to
increase the grant amounts; the number of Temporary Residence
Assistance grants recipients have been low; and, the need to
expand the scope of adaptations and injuries.
The testifying witnesses included veterans service
organizations; Homes for our Troops; and, the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs. See Adaptive Housing Grants, Serial No.
111-52.
Subcommittee Roundtable--Education
On December 3, 2009, the Subcommittee conducted an
Education Roundtable to allow stakeholders to express their
concerns and provide specific recommendations regarding the
various VA education programs. The Subcommittee reviewed and
discussed the legislative recommendations provided by the
veterans service organizations and schools to expand and
improve existing veteran education programs administered by the
VA.
Second Session
Site Visit to Muskogee, Oklahoma
From January 14-15, 2010, majority and minority staff
visited the VA's Education Regional Processing Center in
Muskogee to examine the processing of Chapter 33 benefits.
Staff viewed a demonstration of processing claims, conducted a
town hall with senior leadership as well as processing staff,
and reviewed the regional education call center.
Subcommittee Hearing--Long-Term Solution for Post-9/11 G.I. Bill
On January 21, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
provide the VA with an opportunity to present clear details
about the VA's schedule for designing, developing, and
implementing the educational benefits promised to veterans as
required by Public Law 110-252.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the U.S. Department
of Labor; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and, the
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic. See Long-Term
Solution for Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, Serial No. 111-56.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 3257, H.R. 3484, H.R. 3579, H.R.
3813, H.R. 3948, H.R. 3976, H.R. 4079, H.R. 4203, H.R. 4359,
H.R. 4469, and H.R. 4592
On February 25, 2010, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 3257, Military Family Leave Act of 2009; H.R.
3484, to extend the authority for certain qualifying work-study
activities for purposes of the educational assistance programs
of the Department of Veterans Affairs; H.R. 3579, to amend
title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the
amount of the reporting fees payable to educational
institutions that enroll veterans receiving educational
assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for
other purposes; H.R. 3813, Veterans Training Act; H.R. 3948,
Test Prep for Heroes Act; H.R. 3976, Helping Heroes Keep Their
Home Act; H.R. 4079, to temporarily remove the requirement for
employers to increase wages for veterans enrolled in on-the-job
training programs; H.R. 4203, to direct the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to provide veterans certain educational
assistance payments through direct deposit; H.R. 4359, Warmer
Act; H.R. 4469, to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to
provide for protection of child custody arrangements for
parents who are members of the Armed Forces deployed in support
of a contingency operation; and, H.R. 4592, Energy Jobs for
Veterans Act.
The Members of Congress testified on their respective
bills; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; the U.S.
Department of Defense; veterans service organizations; New York
Bureau of Veterans Education; and the Law Offices of Mark E.
Sullivan provided testimony. The American Bar Association; an
Army National Guard Blue Star Wife; National Association of
Veterans' Program Administrators; National Military Family
Association; Pennsylvania Association of Private School
Administrators; and, Student Veterans of America submitted
statements for the record. See Legislative Hearing on H.R.
3257, H.R. 3484, H.R. 3579, H.R. 3813, H.R. 3948, H.R. 3976,
H.R. 4079, H.R. 4203, H.R. 4359, H.R. 4469 and H.R. 4952,
Serial No. 111-64.
Subcommittee Hearing--VA's Center for Veteran Enterprise
On March 11, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing to
examine the role the Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE) plays
for veteran-owned small business which is operated by the
Department of Veterans Affairs. CVE is responsible for
verifying businesses for participation in the set-aside
program, improve the business climate for veterans, minimize
access barriers, and inform the public about the benefits of
working with veteran-owned small businesses.
Witnessed included the National Veteran-Owned Business
Association; veterans service organizations; and, the Office of
Small and Disadvantage Business Utilization of the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. See U.S. Department of
Veterans' Affairs Center for Veteran Enterprise, Serial No.
111-67.
Site Visit to Japan
From April 4-10, 2010, majority and minority staff
conducted several site visits to U.S. Military installations in
Japan and Okinawa to observe the Transition Assistance Program
training. Staff also had the opportunity to speak with U.S.
Embassy staff in Toyoko and medical personnel from Yokosuka,
Massawa, Iwakuni, and Camp Hanson regarding the ability of U.S.
veterans to obtain disability medical examinations in Japan.
Subcommittee Hearing--Status of Veterans Employment
On April 15, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing to
examine the status of veterans' employment, review existing VA
programs that assist homeless veterans in finding employment,
as well as some of the barriers to employment in the public and
private sectors, hiring authorities, and causes of high
unemployment rates among younger veterans and female veterans.
The Congressional Research Service; Bureau of Labor
Statistics; the U.S. Department of Labor; veteran service
organization; the Office of Personnel Management; and, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs provided testimony. See Status
of Veterans Employment, Serial No. 111-71.
Subcommittee Hearing--Status of Veterans Small Business
On April 29, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing to
determine major obstacles faced by veterans, the status of
small business prospects with the Federal government, and how
the overall downturn in the economy is affecting veterans.
Representatives from the U.S. Government Accountability
Office; the U.S. Small Business Administration; The American
Legion; Vietnam Veterans of America; International Franchise
Association; Export-Import Bank of the United States; and, the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided testimony. See
Status of Veteran Small Business, Serial No. 111-74.
Subcommittee Hearing--Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program
On May 6, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing to
examine the status of Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
(VR&E) programs managed by the VA, review all the programs that
fall under VR&E, their status and effectiveness, and current
funding levels. The VR&E program is developing new ways to
improve the quality of its services such as increasing relevant
training for its staff, and also developing user-friendly
online testing methods that will save veterans time and enable
face-to-face counseling with program staff.
The Director of the Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment Service, Veteran Benefits Administration, U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs provided testimony. See
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program, Serial No.
111-76.
Subcommittee Hearing--Loan Guaranty Program
On May 20, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing to
examine the status of the loan guaranty program managed by VA
which acts as an underwriter of the loans ensuring that the
lender is protected against loss if the veteran fails to repay
the loan and eliminating the need for a veteran to provide a
downpayment. VA guaranteed loans are made by private lenders,
such as banks, savings & loans, or mortgage companies to
eligible veterans for the purchase of a home which must be for
their own personal occupancy.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the American Bankers
Association; NC Mortgage Bankers Association; National
Association of REALTORS; veteran service organizations; and the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Loan Guaranty Program,
Serial No. 111-80.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 114, H.R. 3685, H.R. 4319, H.R.
4635, H.R. 4664, H.R. 4765, H.R. 5360, and H.R. 5484
On June 10, 2010, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 114, Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition
Business Benefit Act; H.R. 3685, to require the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to include on the main page of the Internet
website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a hyperlink to
the VetSuccess Internet website and to publicize such Internet
website; H.R. 4319, Specially Adapted Housing Assistance
Enhancement Act of 2009; H.R. 4635, Foreclosure Mandatory
Mediation Act of 2010; H.R. 4664, to amend the Servicemembers
Civil Relief Act to provide for a one-year moratorium on the
sale or foreclosure of property owned by surviving spouses of
service members killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation
Enduring Freedom; H.R. 4765, to authorize individuals who are
pursuing programs of rehabilitation, education, or training
under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
receive work-study allowances for certain outreach services
provided through congressional offices, and for other purposes;
H.R. 5360, HELP Veterans Act of 2010; H.R. 5484, VetStar
Veteran Friendly Business Act of 2010.
The Members of Congress testified on their respective
bills. See Legislative Hearing on H.R. 114, H.R. 3685, H.R.
4319, H.R. 4635, H.R. 4664, H.R. 4765, H.R. 5360, and H.R.
5484, Serial No. 111-84.
Site Visit to Chicago, Illinois
On July 12, 2010, majority and minority staff participated
in the Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation
and Employment (VR&E) Service Workload Management Leadership
Training Conference in Chicago, Illinois. Staff had an
opportunity to address and interact with about 100 senior VR&E
staff from across the country. Issues discussed included, the
need for more computers and new software to better track the
veterans being served by VR&E. The conference was also an
opportunity for the senior leadership to propose ideas for
legislative consideration.
Site Visit to Las Vegas, Nevada
On July 19, 2010, majority and minority staff attended the
Department of the Army Small Business Expo conducted in part
with the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Staff was invited to
address the main body of small business veteran entrepreneurs
and hear their concerns regarding issues being considered by
the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Small Business
Committee. The main concern was the issue of ``may'' versus
``shall'' in the Federal Acquisition Regulations. The authority
to change the language rests with the Small Business Committee
and it seems that they prefer to change the language to ``may''
for everyone.
Subcommittee Hearing--Licensure and Certification
On July 29, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine programs developed by the U.S. Department of Labor,
U.S. Department of Defense, and the VA to assist servicemembers
transitioning from the military to a civilian career. The
Subcommittee was informed of what is currently being done for
transitioning veterans and what areas need to be further
reviewed to make the transition smoother. The Department of
Labor, VA, and the Department of Defense highlighted the
programs they have developed and instituted to track military
training requirements and the civilian equivalent. The
Subcommittee was also informed which occupations are
transitioning well and lead to employment and which military
occupations are not transferring to civilian employment.
Representatives from the veterans service organizations;
Military.com/Monster Worldwide; the U.S. Department of Labor;
the U.S. Department of Defense; and the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs provided testimony. See Licensure and
Certification, Serial No. 111-96.
Site Visit to Denver, Colorado
From August 7-11, 2010, the majority staff participated in
the National Association of State Approving Agencies, Inc.,
panel in Denver, Colorado, to discuss the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.
Among the many concerns raised was the elimination of the
interval payments, the impact on the yellow ribbon program in
the state of New York and the impact on five states that have a
higher dollar amount than the proposed $20,000 national cap.
Site Visit to New York, New York
From August 25-26, 2010, majority staff traveled to New
York to conduct oversight visits to the Manhattan VA Medical
Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, and New York VA
Regional Office. The purpose of the visit was to ensure that
the centers were following the proper procedures and were in
compliance with VA Central Office Directives. In addition,
staff evaluated the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Program, education and employment services.
Subcommittee Hearing--Update of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill
On September 16, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing
on the ongoing effort to successfully implement the long-term
solution of a centralized web-based benefits delivery system
and the current status of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill program for
the fall 2010 semester.
Representatives from the National Association of Veterans'
Program Administrators; American Association of State Colleges
and Universities; Veterans of Modern Warfare; National Veterans
Service; veterans service organizations; Space and Naval
Warfare Systems Center Atlantic; and the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs provided testimony. See Update of Post-9/11
G.I. Bill, Serial No. 111-99.
Subcommittee Hearing--Federal Contractor Compliance
On September 29, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing
to review the current level of federal contractor compliance
enforcement with VA contractors. Concerns about the
government's ability to enforce current contracting laws geared
toward employing veterans were discussed.
Representatives from the National Association of State
Workforce Agencies; The American Legion; American Veterans;
Veterans Entrepreneurship Task Force; Office of Federal
Contract Compliance Programs; the U.S. Department of Labor; and
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided testimony. See
Federal Contractor Compliance, Serial No. 111-102.
Site Visit to Las Vegas, Nevada
From October 19-22, 2010, majority and minority staff
traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, to attend the National
Association of Veterans' Program Administrators Conference.
Staff attended several workshops for school certifying
officials to include on-the-job apprenticeship, vocational
rehabilitation, and G.I. Bill benefits. Congressional staff
participated in a legislative session with the Senate majority
staff and led a discussion regarding current and new
legislation on education.
ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
First Session
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 1377
On March 19, 2009, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R.
1377, to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran
eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department
facility, and for other purposes, which was forwarded
favorably, as amended, to the full Committee by voice vote.
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 1211
On June 4, 2009, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R.
1211, the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, which was
forwarded favorably, as amended, to the full Committee by voice
vote.
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 1197, H.R. 1293, H.R. 1302, H.R. 1335, H.R.
1546, H.R. 2770, H.R. 2926, and a Draft Discussion on Family
Caregivers
On July 9, 2009, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R.
1197, the Medal of Honor Health Care Equity Act of 2009; H.R.
1293, the Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural
Alteration Grant Increase Act of 2009; H.R. 1302, to amend
title 38, United States Code, to establish the position of
Director of Physician Assistant Services within the office of
the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health; H.R. 1335,
to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain
copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled;
H.R. 1546, the Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury
Act of 2009; H.R. 2770, the Veterans Nonprofit Research and
Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2009; H.R. 2926, to
amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to provide, without expiration, hospital care,
medical services, and nursing home care for certain Vietnam-era
veterans exposed to herbicide and for veterans of the Persian
Gulf War; and a Draft Bill, to amend title 38, United States
Code, to provide certain caregivers of veterans with training,
support, and medical care, and for other purposes. H.R. 1197,
H.R. 1293, H.R. 1302, H.R. 1546, and the Draft Bill were
reported favorably to the full Committee by voice vote. H.R.
1335, H.R. 2770, H.R. 2926 were forwarded favorably, as
amended, to the full Committee by voice vote.
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 2504, H.R. 2559, H.R. 2735, H.R. 3885, and
Draft Bill
On October 22, 2009, the Subcommittee met and marked up
H.R. 2504, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide
for an increase in the annual amount authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out
comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans; H.R.
2559, the Help Our Homeless Veterans Act; H.R. 2735, to amend
title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to
the comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans; H.R.
3885, the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act, and Draft
Legislation to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize
appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs program
to provide financial assistance for supportive services for
very low-income veteran families in permanent housing.
H.R. 2504, H.R. 3885, and the Draft Bill were ordered
reported favorably to the full Committee by voice vote. H.R.
2559 and H.R 2735 were forwarded reported favorably, as
amended, to the full Committee by voice vote.
Second Session
Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 1017 and H.R. 5145
On April 29, 2010, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R.
1017, the Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act; and
H.R. 5145, the Assuring Quality Care for Veterans Act.
H.R. 5145 was ordered reported favorably to the full
Committee by voice vote. H.R. 1017 was forwarded favorably, as
amended, to the full Committee by voice vote.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
First Session
Site Visit to San Diego
From February 5-6, 2009, majority and minority Subcommittee
staff visited the San Diego VA Medical Center. During the tour,
staff was briefed on the work being done by the Spinal Cord
Injury (SCI) Center located at the VAMC, one of several within
the VA health care system. The San Diego SCI center supports
family caregivers of veterans undergoing SCI treatment.
Facility staff has developed a Personal Care Attendant training
program to introduce caregivers to the challenges they will
face in caring for an SCI patient and help with the tools they
will need to provide the best care possible.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 784, H.R. 785, H.R. 1211, and a
Discussion Draft on Emergency Care Reimbursement
On March 3, 2009, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 784, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress
quarterly reports on vacancies in mental health professional
positions in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities;
H.R. 785, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry
out a pilot program to provide outreach and training to certain
college and university mental health centers relating to the
mental health of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and
Operation Enduring Freedom, and for other purposes; H.R. 1211,
the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act; and a
Discussion Draft to amend title 38, United States Code, to
expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-
Department facility, and for other purposes (H.R. 1377).
Members of Congress testified on their respective bills
and, in addition, veterans service organizations and the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs provided testimony. The
Subcommittee received submissions for the record from the
Honorable Bob Filner and veterans service organizations. See
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 784, H.R. 785, H.R. 1211, and
Discussion Draft on Emergency Care Reimbursement, Serial No.
111-3.
Subcommittee Hearing--Closing the Health Gap of Veterans in Rural
Areas: Discussion of Funding and Resource Coordination
On March 19, 2009, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing to provide oversight of the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs rural health funding, spending, and resource
coordination, and to explore whether resources are used
efficiently to narrow the health disparities of veterans living
in rural areas.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the Disabled American
Veterans, the South Carolina Office of Rural Health, and the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Closing the Health Gap
of Veterans in Rural Areas: Discussion of Funding and Resource
Coordination, Serial No. 111-8.
CODEL to Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Germany
From April 13-18, 2010, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on
Health led a Congressional delegation to visit medical
facilities in the chain of care for Operation Enduring Freedom
(OEF) servicemembers. This visit offered a first-hand look at
the level and quality of care being provided to active duty
servicemembers in Afghanistan. Accompanying Chairman Michael H.
Michaud were Congressman Thomas S.P. Perriello; Congressman
Glenn C. Nye; Congresswoman Deborah Halvorson; Congressman
David P. Roe; LTG Eric Schoomaker, Surgeon General of the U.S.
Army, VADM Adam M. Robinson; and, majority and minority staff
of the Committee.
The Congressional Delegation provided members with a
detailed look at medical facilities and technology and health
care delivery tools being used to treat servicemembers in OEF.
Of particular importance to Subcommittee members was the
quality of U.S. Department of Defense electronic records.
Smooth electronic communication between DoD and the VA is a
critical underpinning of a smooth transfer from the DoD medical
system to the VA health care system.
While in Afghanistan, the CODEL visited two forward
operating bases, to observe the care available to
servicemembers injured on the front lines, and to study the
first steps on the chain of care for injuries in theater. In
addition, the CODEL toured Camp Bagram. Home to the most
advanced hospital in the area of operations, Camp Bagram treats
patients injured on the front lines, after they have been
transferred out of the forward operating bases. The hospital at
Camp Bagram, a level III facility, has an emergency room,
operating room, and an intensive care unit.
After departing Afghanistan, the CODEL toured Landstuhl
Regional Medical Center (LRMC), located in Landstuhl, Germany.
Possessing the most advanced medical technology available and a
staff drawn from across the armed services, LRMC receives all
servicemembers evacuated from theater due to injury. As a level
IV medical facility, LRMC offers a wide variety of specialty
care.
Site Visit to Bay Pines, Florida
On April 22, 2009, majority Subcommittee staff traveled to
the Bay Pines VA Medical Center. At the VAMC, staff met with
facility personnel to discuss Project HERO (Healthcare
Effectiveness through Resource Optimization), a pilot program
intended to enhance the efficiency of VA's contracted care. VA
personnel responded to a variety of questions giving staff a
better understanding of Project HERO. This trip was part of a
larger effort by Subcommittee staff to assess Project HERO by
visiting all four sites at which it was being piloted.
Subcommittee Hearing--Charting the VA's Progress on Meeting the Mental
Health Needs of Our Veterans: Discussion of Funding, Mental
Health Strategic Plan, and the Uniform Mental Health Services
Handbook
On April 30, 2009, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing to provide oversight of the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs mental health funding; the Mental Health Strategic
Plan; and the Uniform Mental Health Services Handbook.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from veterans service
organizations, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office
of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. In addition, the Subcommittee received submissions for
the record from the following: The Honorable Marcy Kaptur,
AMVETS, and a former Mental Health Program Specialist within
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Charting the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs' Progress on Meeting the Mental
Health Needs of Our Veterans: Discussion of Funding, Mental
Health Strategic Plan, and the Uniform Mental Health Services
Handbook, Serial No. 111-17.
Subcommittee Hearing--VA Medical Care: The Crown Jewel and Best Kept
Secret
On May 19, 2009, the Subcommittee held an oversight hearing
to assess the efficacy and responsibility of the Veterans
Health Administration's outreach activities to veterans and the
community, and to gain a better understanding of what VHA does
to inform veterans of the availability of the wide range of
services. The hearing also sought to better understand how the
outreach strategies differ for younger Operation Enduring
Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans versus veterans of
older generations.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from veterans service
organizations, the Altarum Institute, Give an Hour, Trilogy
Integrated Resources, Easter Seals, the American Psychological
Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In
addition, the Subcommittee received submissions for the record
from the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. See U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care: The Crown Jewel
and Best Kept Secret, Serial No. 111-22.
Site Visit to San Francisco, California
From May 27-28, 2009, majority and minority Subcommittee
staff traveled to San Francisco to attend the ``Brain at War''
conference. Hosted at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and
sponsored by the Veterans Health Research Institute, the
``Brain at War'' conference brings together academic and
medical experts, clinicians, and policy-makers in a discussion
on the neuropsychological consequences of war. The conference
strengthens collaboration on crucial issues concerning care for
veterans and active duty servicemembers suffering from
traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and other mental or physical
disorders.
While in San Francisco, staff also toured the San Francisco
VAMC to see the medical advances being pioneered at the
facility. These included a non-invasive imaging system used for
the early detection of colon cancer and research undertaken by
the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical
Center. Subcommittee staff were also briefed on energy
conservation initiatives at the VAMC, a leader in the field
among VA facilities.
Subcommittee Hearing--Meeting the Needs of Family Caregivers of
Veterans
On June 4, 2009, the Subcommittee held an oversight hearing
to assess how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs meets the
needs of family caregivers of veterans and to identify any gaps
in supportive services for family caregivers.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from veterans service
organizations; the ARCH National Respite Coalition; the
National Family Caregivers Association; Addus Healthcare, Inc.;
and, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, the
Subcommittee received a submission for the record from the
Disabled American Veterans. See Meeting the Needs of Family
Caregivers of Veterans, Serial No. 111-26.
Subcommittee Hearing--Assessing Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced
Services and the Future of the VA
On June 9, 2009, the Subcommittee held an oversight hearing
to assess the implementation and the effectiveness of the
Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services as a capital
planning tool, and to explore whether CARES should continue in
the future or if the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs should
adopt an alternate capital planning mechanism.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from veterans service
organizations, a representative of the CARES Commission, the
U.S. Government Accountability Office, and the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs. See Assessing Capital Asset Realignment
for Enhanced Services and the Future of the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs, Serial No. 111-27.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 2770, H.R. 1293, H.R. 1197, H.R.
1302, H.R. 1335, H.R. 1546, H.R. 2734, H.R. 2738, H.R. 2898,
and Draft Discussion Legislation
On June 18, 2009, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 2770, the Veterans Nonprofit Research and
Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2009; H.R. 1293, the
Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural Alteration
Grant Increase Act of 2009; H.R. 1197, the Medal of Honor
Health Care Equity Act of 2009; H.R. 1302, to amend title 38,
United States Code, to establish the position of director of
Physician Assistant Services within the office of the Under
Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health; H.R. 1335, to amend
title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs from collecting certain copayments from
veterans who are catastrophically disabled; H.R. 1546, the
Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2009;
H.R. 2734, the Health Care for Family Caregivers Act of 2009;
H.R. 2738, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide
travel expenses for family caregivers accompanying veterans to
medical treatment facilities; H.R. 2898, the Wounded Warrior
Caregiver Assistance Act; a Discussion Draft to amend title 38,
United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
to provide, without expiration, hospital care, medical
services, and nursing home care for certain Vietnam-era
veterans exposed to herbicide and veterans of the Persian Gulf
War (H.R. 2926); and a Discussion Draft to annually conduct a
survey of family caregivers of disabled veterans, and for other
purposes.
Members testified on their respective bills and the Vietnam
Veterans of America provided testimony before the Subcommittee.
In addition, the Subcommittee received submissions for the
record from veterans service organizations, the Honorable Bob
Filner, the Honorable Steve Buyer, the Honorable Jerry Moran,
the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the National
Association of Veterans' Research and Education Foundations,
and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Legislative
Hearing on H.R. 2770, H.R. 1293, H.R. 1197, H.R. 1302, H.R.
1335, H.R. 1546, H.R. 2734, H.R. 2738, H.R. 2898, and Draft
Discussion Legislation, Serial No. 111-29.
Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance
and Memorial Affairs Joint Hearing--Eliminating the Gaps:
Examining Women Veterans' Issues
On July 16, 2009, the Subcommittees held an oversight
hearing to explore the overarching issues that women veterans
face when entering the Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
and health care systems.
The Subcommittees heard testimony from veterans service
organizations; the Service Women's Action Network; the National
Association of State Women Veteran Coordinators, Inc.; Grace
After Fire; the U.S. Government Accountability Office; the
Society for Women's Health Research; the Institute of Medicine;
and, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, the
Subcommittees received a submission for the record from The
Honorable Michael H. Michaud. See Eliminating the Gaps:
Examining Women Veterans' Issues, Serial No. 111-34.
Site Visit to Jackson, Mississippi
From August 6-7, 2009, majority and minority staff traveled
to Jackson, Mississippi, to speak to VA personnel at the
Jackson VA Medical Center about the Project HERO pilot program.
This trip was part of the Subcommittee's effort to study the
effectiveness of the pilot program through conversations with
staff at each of the four demonstration sites.
In addition, staff met with facility personnel dealing with
family caregivers to discuss the issues impacting caregivers.
VA staff cited the informal training process for caregivers,
the high cost of traveling to the facility, and the heavy
physical and mental toll on the caregiver.
Site Visit to Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, and Seattle, Washington
From August 23-27, 2009, majority and minority staff
traveled to Anchorage, Alaska; Fairbanks, Alaska; and Seattle,
Washington. In Anchorage, staff toured the Alaska VA Health
Care System facility to be briefed on collaboration between the
VA and Elmendorf Air Force Base, located in Anchorage. In
Fairbanks, they visited a vet center and community based
outpatient clinic to discuss with local VA staff how they meet
the challenges presented by the need to provide services to a
highly rural population.
In Seattle, staff were briefed on a wide variety of topics,
ranging from information technology interfacing and
collaboration with the Department of Defense, to community-
based outreach initiatives. Staff also discussed the work being
done by the Seattle Polytrauma Center, one of several
polytrauma network sites within the VA system. However, the
focus of the briefing was the view of local staff on the
effectiveness of the Project HERO pilot program. This was the
final leg in the Subcommittee's objective to visit all four
Project HERO demonstration sites as part of an effort to assess
the program.
Subcommittee Hearing--Is the VA Meeting the Pharmaceutical Needs of
Veterans? An Examination of the VA National Formulary, Issues
of Patient Safety, and Management of the Pharmacy Benefits
Program
On September 22, 2009, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing to assess whether the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs is adequately meeting the pharmaceutical needs of our
veterans. The hearing specifically focused on the issues
surrounding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' national
formulary, patient safety, and the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs' management of the pharmacy benefits program.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from a Professor from
Georgetown University, a Professor from Columbia University,
the National Council on Patient Information and Education,
Vietnam Veterans of America, the U.S. Federal Drug
Administration, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office
of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. See Is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Meeting
the Pharmaceutical Needs of Veterans? An Examination of the VA
National Formulary, Issues of Patient Safety, and Management of
the Pharmacy Benefits Program, Serial No. 111-42.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 1017, H.R. 1036, H.R. 2504, H.R.
2559, H.R. 2735, H.R. 3073, H.R. 3441, H.R. 2506, and Draft
Discussions on Homelessness, Graduate Psychology Education, and
Psychiatric Service Dogs
On October 1, 2009, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 1017, the Chiropractic Care Available to All
Veterans Act; H.R. 1036, the Veterans Physical Therapy Services
Improvement Act of 2009; H.R. 2504, to amend title 38, United
States Code, to provide for an increase in the annual amount
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to carry out comprehensive service programs for
homeless veterans; H.R. 2735, to amend title 38, United States
Code, to make certain improvements to the comprehensive service
programs for homeless veterans; H.R. 3073, To amend title 38,
United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
establish a grant program to provide assistance to veterans who
are at risk of becoming homeless; H.R. 3441, to provide for
automatic enrollment of veterans returning from combat zones
into the VA medical system, and for other purposes; H.R. 2506,
Veterans Hearing and Assessment Act; a Draft Discussion, to
amend title 38, United States Code, to improve per diem grant
payments for organizations assisting homeless veterans (H.R.
3796); a Draft Discussion, to reform and expand the Veterans
Affairs Supportive Housing Program carried out by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department
of Veterans Affairs; a Draft Discussion, to reform and expand
the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program carried out by
the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the
Department of Veterans Affairs; a Draft Discussion, to direct
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transfer funds to the
Secretary of Health and Human Services for a graduate
psychology education program; and a Draft Discussion, the
Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act (H.R. 3885).
Members testified on their respective bills, and in
addition, veterans service organizations and the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs provided testimony. In addition,
the Subcommittee received submissions for the record from the
American Chiropractic Association, the American Physical
Therapy Association, and the American Tinnitus Association. See
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1017, H.R. 1036, H.R. 2504, H.R.
2559, H.R. 2735, H.R. 3073, H.R. 3441, H.R. 2506, and Draft
Discussions on Homelessness, Graduate Psychology Education, and
Psychiatric Service Dogs, Serial No. 111-47.
Subcommittee Hearing--Identifying the Causes of Inappropriate Billing
Practices by the VA
On October 15, 2009, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing to identify inaccurate billing practices of the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs and their insurers and explore
ways to correct them.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from veterans service
organizations, the U.S. Government Accountability Office, and
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Identifying the
Causes of Inappropriate Billing Practices by the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs, Serial No. 111-50.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
Second Session
Site Visit to San Diego, California
From January 28-30, 2010, majority and minority staff
traveled to San Diego, California. In San Diego, staff visited
Wounded Warrior Battalion West at Camp Pendleton, and the
Balboa Naval Medical Center. Staff was briefed on what
Battalion leadership does to ensure a smooth transition from
the DoD health care system to the VA health care system.
Central to this discussion was the Balboa Naval Medical Center,
which provides care to members of the Battalion. Of particular
interest to the Committee was the process through which
clinicians and personnel at the Balboa Naval Medical Center
identify servicemembers with traumatic brain injury, because
diagnosing and tracking these patients throughout both the DoD
and VA health care systems is critical to providing them with
appropriate care.
While in San Diego, staff also visited the San Diego VA
Medical Center to learn more about an information technology
pilot program that allows VA and Kaiser Permanente to share
medical information, with the goal of improving efficiency
through reduced referrals, consultations, and documentation.
VAMC personnel provided staff with a demonstration of the
program and a briefing on its use.
Subcommittee Hearing--Review of the VA Contract Health Care: Project
HERO
On February 3, 2010, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing to examine whether the Project HERO contract care pilot
program is meeting its goal to provide efficient, high-quality
contract care to veterans for those services that are not
available directly through the VA.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from veterans service
organizations; the Congressional Research Service of the
Library of Congress; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Inspector General; Humana Veterans Healthcare
Services, Inc.; Delta Dental of California; and, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. See Review of the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs Contract Health Care: Project
HERO, Serial No. 111-57.
Subcommittee Hearing--The Veterans Health Administration's Fiscal Year
2011 Budget
On February 23, 2010, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing to examine the Veterans Health Administration's fiscal
year 2011 budget and assess how it meets committee priorities
for the coming year. A special emphasis was placed on budgetary
issues relating to construction of facilities.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from veterans service
organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Additionally, the Subcommittee received a submission for the
record from the National Association for Veterans' Research and
Education Foundations. See The Veterans Health Administration's
Fiscal Year 2011 Budget, Serial No. 111-61.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 4241
On March 3, 2010, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 4241, to amend chapter 17 of title 38, United
States Code, to allow for increased flexibility in payments for
State veterans homes.
The Honorable Michael H. Michaud testified on his bill and,
in addition, the National Association of State Veterans Homes,
Maine Veterans' Homes, Nevada State Veterans Home, Yukio Okutsu
State Veterans Home, Tennessee State Veterans Homes Board, and
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided testimony. In
addition, the Subcommittee received submissions for the record
from veterans service organizations. See Legislative Hearing on
H.R. 4241, Serial No. 111-65.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 949, H.R. 1075, H.R. 2698, H.R.
2699, H.R. 2879, H.R. 3926, H.R. 4006, H.R. 84, and 3
Discussion Drafts
On March 25, 2010, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 949, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
improve the collective bargaining rights and procedures for
review of adverse actions of certain employees of the
Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; H.R.
1075, RECOVER Act (Restoring Essential Care for Our Veterans
for Effective Recovery; H.R. 2698, Veterans and Survivors
Behavioral Health Awareness Act; H.R. 2699, Armed Forces
Behavioral Health Awareness Act; H.R. 2879, Rural Veterans
Health Care Improvement Act of 2009; H.R. 3926, Armed Forces
Breast Cancer Research Act; H.R. 84, Veterans Timely Access to
Health Care Act; a Draft Discussion, to amend title 38, United
States Code, to make certain improvements in the laws relating
to performance pay and collective bargaining rights for certain
employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs; a Draft
Discussion, to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve
the continuing professional education reimbursement provided to
health professionals employed by the Department of Veterans
Affairs; and a Draft Discussion, to amend title 38, United
States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
waive certain requirements relating to mental health
counselors.
Members testified on their respective bills, veterans
service organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. The Subcommittee received submissions for the record
from the following parties: the American Federation of
Government Employees, National Association of Government
Employees, and National Federation of Federal Employees. See,
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 949, H.R. 1075, H.R. 2698, H.R.
2699, H.R. 2879, H.R. 3926, H.R. 4006, H.R. 84, and 3
Discussion Drafts, Serial No. 111-69.
Subcommittee Field Hearing--Providing Essential Services and Benefits
to Veterans in New Mexico and Across America
On March 29, 2010, the Subcommittee held a field hearing in
Las Cruces, New Mexico, to examine the service provided to
veterans in New Mexico. Issues of focus at the hearing included
access to care and the quality of rural health care.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the Mesilla Valley
Community of Hope, a veteran, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States, Department of New Mexico, the New Mexico
Department of Veterans' Services, the U.S. Department of
Defense, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See
Providing Essential Service and Benefits to Veterans in New
Mexico and Across America, Serial No. 111-70.
Site Visit to El Paso, Texas and Salt Lake City, Utah
From March 30-31, 2010, majority and minority staff
conducted a site visit to the William Beaumont Army Medical
Center and the El Paso VAMC in El Paso, Texas. Subcommittee
staff met with leadership from VISN 18, the El Paso VAMC, and
the William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WMAMC) to discuss
VA's role in a proposed replacement army medical center.
Currently, the VAMC is co-located with WMAMC, immediately
adjacent to the military medical facilities. However, there are
plans to open a new facility for WMAMC and a decision has not
yet been made on what role, if any, VA will have in this new
facility. Subcommittee staff was briefed by VA and WMAMC
leadership on the status of discussions surrounding this issue.
On March 31, majority staff traveled from El Paso to Salt
Lake City to tour the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center. Staff
was briefed on VA's suicide prevention efforts, especially
relating to outreach. In addition, staff was briefed on the
Salt Lake City VAMC's work to serve rural and Native American
veterans. The VAMC has made heavy use of telemedical equipment
and mobile mental health clinics to meet the needs of rural
veterans, and has attempted to recognize the unique concerns of
Native American veterans, and create an atmosphere welcoming
them. Most notably, they have built a sweat lodge on the campus
of the VAMC.
Site Visit to Salt Lake City, Utah
From April 18-21, 2010, minority staff traveled to Salt
Lake City to tour the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center. Staff
was briefed on the VAMC's initiatives regarding recreation
therapy, prosthetics, seamless transition including the Post-
Deployment Integrated Care Clinic, rural health programs
including collaborations with the Indian Health Service,
caregivers and the medical foster home program, and
collaborative activities with various medical affiliates.
Subcommittee Hearing--VA's Implementation of the Enhanced Contract Care
Pilot Program
On April 29, 2010, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing to assess VA's implementation of an enhanced contract
care pilot program authorized in the 110th Congress. The
Subcommittee studied VA's progress in moving forward with this
program and enhancing access to care for veterans in rural
areas.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs. See VA's Implementation of the Enhanced
Contract Care Pilot Program, Serial No. 111-73.
Site Visit to San Antonio, Texas
From May 16-18, 2010, majority and minority staff traveled
to San Antonio, Texas, to attend the Association of the Army's
Annual Medical Symposium and Exhibition. At the symposium,
staff heard from expert speakers from the U.S. Army medical
system as they discussed health care issues relevant at all
levels of the military health care system, from on the
battlefield, to military treatment facilities within the U.S.
Staff was also briefed on issues concerning the transition of
servicemembers from the military health care system to the VA
health care system.
Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance
and Memorial Affairs Joint Hearing--Healing the Wounds:
Evaluating Military Sexual Trauma Issues
On May 20, 2010, the Subcommittees conducted a hearing to
evaluate military sexual trauma (MST) issues. The Department of
Veterans Affairs refers to MST as the experiences of sexual
harassment and/or sexual assault that occurred while a veteran
was in the military. The hearing focused on ways in which the
Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Health
Administration, and the Department of Defense can better
address the needs of veterans impacted by MST and identify ways
to better prevent, treat and properly compensate them.
Witnesses discussed the barriers faced by servicemembers
who are exposed to sexual trauma during their military service.
Society for Women's Health Research, Helen Benedict, author of
The Lonely Soldier: The Private War of Women Serving in Iraq,
RAINN--Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, Disabled
American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America,
U.S. Department of Defense, and U.S. Department of Veteran
Affairs. See Healing the Wounds: Evaluating Military Sexual
Trauma Issues, Serial No. 111-79.
Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 4062, H.R. 4465, H.R. 4505,
Draft Legislation Improve VA Outreach Act of 2010, and Draft
Legislation World War II Hearing Aid Treatment Act
On May 27, 2010, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 4062, the Veterans' Health and Radiation Safety
Act; H.R. 4465, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take into account
each child a veteran has when determining the veteran's
financial status when receiving hospital care or medical
services; H.R. 4505, to enable state homes to furnish nursing
home care to parents any of whose children died while serving
in the Armed Forces; Draft Legislation, Improve VA Outreach Act
of 2010; and, Draft Legislation, World War II Hearing Aid
Treatment Act.
Members testified on their respective bills. Veterans
service organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs provided testimony and in addition, the Subcommittee
received submissions for the record from the Disabled American
Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Gold Star
Wives of America, Inc. See Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4062,
H.R. 4465, H.R. 4505, and Draft Legislation, Serial No. 111-81.
Subcommittee Hearing--Recreation Therapy and Healing Our Wounded
Warriors, New Port Richey, Florida
On June 8, 2010, the Subcommittee held a field hearing in
New Port Richey, Florida, to examine the practice of
recreational therapy. Recreational therapy entails the use of
sports and other recreational activities to treat veterans
suffering from a wide variety of mental and physical injuries.
This therapy can provide benefits ranging from a decrease in
stress and depressive symptoms to an enhancement in motor
function and confidence.
Witnesses at the hearing included recipients of
recreational therapy, private providers of such therapy, and
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Recreation Therapy
and Healing our Wounded Warriors, Serial No. 111-82.
Site Visit to San Francisco, California
From June 16-18, 2010, majority and minority staff traveled
to San Francisco, California, to attend ``The Brain at War:
Neurocognitive Consequences of Combat,'' an annual symposium
sponsored by the NCIRE Veterans Health Research Institute. At
this conference, Subcommittee staff heard from expert VA
clinicians and researchers examining the latest treatments and
data on TBI and PTSD. In addition, representatives of the U.S.
Department of Defense and the Armed Forces branches discussed
the latest strategies for resiliency training and battlefield
management of stress and brain trauma.
Following the symposium, staff toured the Monterrey
Community Based Outpatient Clinic. They were briefed by clinic
leadership on how VA is collaborating with DoD.
Subcommittee Hearing--Overcoming Rural Health Care Barriers: Use of
Innovative Wireless Health Technology
On June 24, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing to learn
more about innovative wireless health technologies and to
explore their potential application at the Department of
Veterans Affairs. Wireless health is an emerging field where
technologies enable physicians, patients and their caregivers
to prevent and diagnose health ailments, as well as monitor and
manage treatments.
AirStripTM Technologies, Continua Health Alliance MedApps,
Scottsdale Cogon Systems, Inc.; the University of Virginia;
Three Wire Systems; the U.S. Department of Defense; the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; West Wireless Health Institute;
The Brookings Institution; and, the Nursing University of
Virginia Health System provided testimony. See Overcoming Rural
Health Care Barriers: Use of Innovative Wireless Health
Technology, Serial No. 111-87.
Subcommittee Field Hearing--Serving Virginia's Rural Veterans in
Bedford, Virginia
On July 19, 2010, the Subcommittee held a field hearing to
focus on rural veterans in southwest Virginia. The Subcommittee
heard testimony to further outline the needs of rural veterans
in Southwest Virginia and examine how VA can meet these needs
through this pilot program, telemedicine, and other efforts.
Witnesses at the hearing included the Virginia Army
National Guard, veterans service organization, and the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs provided testimony. See Serving
Virginia's Rural Veterans, Bedford, Virginia, Serial No. 111-
92.
Subcommittee Hearing--Healing the Physical Injuries of War
On July 22, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
evaluate the specialized medical services that VA makes
available to veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and
Operation Iraqi Freedom. The highly complex physical wounds
that many younger veterans have suffered demand specialized
care, such as prosthetics services, burn treatment, spinal cord
injury treatment, and polytrauma services. This hearing
evaluated VA's system-wide capacity to handle this demand.
Witnesses at the hearing included veterans service
organizations, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the
U.S. Department of Defense. See Healing the Physical Injuries
of War, Serial No. 111-93.
Site Visit to Quantico, Virginia
On August 16, 2010, majority staff of the Subcommittee on
Health and the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity traveled to
the Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Virginia. In
Quantico, staff visited the Wounded Warrior Regiment, which
performs important services to transitioning Marines, including
outreach and coordination with the VA health care system.
Site Visit to Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado
From August 30-September 3, 2010, majority and minority
staff visited Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado. In Denver,
they were briefed by VAMC leadership on the status of
construction of the new VAMC, which is scheduled to be open and
ready to replace the current facility by June 2014. In
addition, Subcommittee staff were briefed by leadership at VA's
Denver-based Health Administration Center on the important
issues facing them today. The Health Administration Center
administers health care programs for dependents and survivors
of veterans, including the spina bfida health care program, the
children of women Vietnam veterans health care program, and the
foreign medical program.
In Colorado Springs, staff visited Fort Carson, where they
attended a resiliency training session led by the Magis Group,
an organization that helps servicemembers returning from
theatre transition from a combat environment and reintegrate
into the home environment. In particular, the Magis Group
focuses on resiliency training, whereby servicemembers are
taught techniques to deal with stress.
Subcommittee Hearing--Veterans Health Administration Contracting and
Procurement Practices
On September 23, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
provide oversight of the contracting and procurement practices
by the Veterans Health Administration at the Department of
Veterans Affairs. The hearing specifically focused on existing
deficiencies and explored potential remedies in order to
improve practices so that they are fair, fiscally responsible,
and effective.
Representatives from the Mobile Medical International
Corporation; Robert Bosch Healthcare; Ramtech Building Systems,
Inc.; Wise Knowledge Systems Goold Health Systems; the U.S.
Government Accountability Office; and, the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs provided testimony. See, Veterans Health
Administration Contracting and Procurement Practices, Serial
No. 111-100.
Legislative Hearing--H.R. 3843, H.R. 4041, H.R. 5428, H.R. 5543, H.R.
5516, H.R. 5641, H.R. 5996, Draft Legislation on Traumatic
Brain Injury and Pending Legislation
On September 29, 2010, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 3843, the Transparency for America's Heroes
Act; H.R. 4041, to authorize certain improvements in the
Federal Recovery Coordinator program, and for other purposes;
H.R. 5428, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
educate certain staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs and
to inform veterans about the Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill
of Rights, and for other purposes; H.R. 5516, the Access to
Appropriate Immunizations for Veterans Act of 2010; H.R. 5543,
to amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal the
prohibition on collective bargaining with respect to matters
and questions regarding compensation of employees of the
Department of Veterans Affairs other than rates of basic pay,
and for other purposes; H.R. 5641, the Heroes at Home Act; H.R.
5996, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve
the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of veterans with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; H.R. 6123, the Veterans'
Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvements
Act of 2010; H.R. 6127, the Extension of Health Care
Eligibility for Veterans Who Served at Qarmat Ali; H.R. 6220,
the Inform All Veterans Act; Draft Legislation, to amend title
38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in
programs for homeless veterans administered by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; and Draft
Legislation, to amend title 38, United States Code, to make
certain improvements in laws relating to health care for
veterans, and for other purposes.
Members testified on their respective bills, veterans
service organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs provided testimony. In addition, the Subcommittee
received submissions for the record from the American
Federation for Government Employees, the Honorable Bob Filner,
the Honorable Steve Buyer, the Independence through Enhancement
of Medicare and Medicaid Coalition, the National Coalition for
Homeless Veterans, the National Association for the Advancement
of Orthotics and Prosthetics, National Nurses United, Veterans
of Foreign Wars of the United States, and the Vietnam Veterans
of America. See Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3843, H.R. 4041,
H.R. 5428, H.R. 5516, H.R. 5543, H.R. 5641, H.R. 5996, H.R.
6123, H.R. 6127 H.R. 6220, and Draft Legislation, Serial No.
111-101.
Site Visit to Chicago, Illinois
On October 1, 2010, majority and minority staff of the
Subcommittee on Health, Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations, and Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
traveled to Chicago, Illinois, to attend the dedication
ceremony of the James Lovell Joint Health Care Facility.
Site Visit to Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona
From November 1-5, 2010, majority and minority staff
traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to attend the Association of
Military Surgeons of the U.S. Conference and to visit the VA
medical center in Phoenix. Staff also toured the Consolidated
Mail Order Pharmacy facility in Tucson, Arizona, and the
Warrior Transition Unit in Fort Huachuca.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
First Session
Site Visit to Seattle, Washington
On January 29, 2009, majority staff conducted a site visit
to the Puget Sound VA Medical Center/Madigan Army Medical
Center in Seattle, Washington.
The purpose of this site visit was to discuss the programs
for sharing electronic medical information between VA and DOD
at Madigan Army Medical Center and Puget Sound VAMC. Staff also
discussed the impact of centralization over VistA innovation
within the Veterans Health Administration and the Office of
Information and Technology.
Site Visit to Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Los Angeles, California
From February 18-20, 2009, majority and minority staff
conducted a site visit to Kirkland Air Force Base and the VA
Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as the
Greater Los Angeles Health Care System Research Program.
In Albuquerque, staff visited with VA and DoD Directors of
the New Mexico VA Health Care System and the 377th Medical
Group to observe joint ventures between the VA and the Air
Force, and to review the Research and Development Cooperative
Studies Program.
In Los Angeles, staff reviewed the activities of the
Internal Review Board and Research and Development Committee at
the Los Angeles VA Health Care System.
Site Visit to Little Rock, Arkansas; Montgomery, Alabama; and Austin,
Texas
From February 22-25, 2009, majority and minority staff
conducted a site visit to the Little Rock VA Medical Center,
the Central Alabama VA Health Care System, and the Austin
Management Quality Assurance Service Center.
The purpose of this trip was to review the Little Rock
VAMC's new independent Internal Review Board and Research &
Development Committee and meet with the Research Compliance
Officer. Staff also inspected the Montgomery VAMC contracting
procedures cited by Office of Inspector General reports, while
reviewing patient safety issues, third-party collections,
waiting times and seamless transition protocols. Staff was
briefed by VA's Office of Business Oversight on contract
management and miscellaneous obligations.
Subcommittee Hearing on Oversight and Investigations and Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Joint Hearing-Document
Tampering and Mishandling at VBA
On March 3, 2009, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations and the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance
and Memorial Affairs evaluated three issues including misdating
of claims at the New York VA Regional Office, shredding of
documents wrongly placed in shredder bins, and the denial of
widow's survivor benefits. The purpose was to further explore
the manner in which VBA personnel are directed and trained to
handle sensitive materials from veterans and their survivors.
Witnesses from the Disabled American Veterans; National
Veterans Legal Services Program; Gold Star Wives of America,
Inc.; the American Federation of Government Employees; Office
of the VA Inspector General; and the Veterans Benefits
Administration of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
provided testimony. See Document Tampering and Mishandling at
the Veterans Benefits Administration, Serial No. 111-4.
Site Visit to Baltimore, Maryland
On March 12, 2009, majority staff visited the Research and
Development Center, which is home for the Office of Research
and Development's research IT Department which develops and
manages the Office of Research and Development's software
applications.
The purpose of this visit was to explore the capabilities
of the current systems, while looking at the plans for IT
research in the future.
Subcommittee Hearing--Vision Center of Excellence: What Has Been
Accomplished in Thirteen Months?
On March 17, 2009, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing to
evaluate the progress of DoD and VA on the Vision Center of
Excellence (VCOE) and the registry mandated by the National
Defense Authorization Act of 2008. The Subcommittee assessed,
to the extent possible, DoD's efforts in furthering the
communication and efforts with VA. The Subcommittee also
evaluated VA's efforts in transitioning vision-injured veterans
from DoD care to VHA and, what roll VA plays in creating and
supporting the VCOE.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from three veterans and
family members; the Blinded Veterans Association; the U.S.
Department of Defense; and, the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. See The Vision Center of Excellence: What Has Been
Accomplished in Thirteen Months?, Serial No. 111-7.
Site Visit to Washington, District of Columbia
On April 14, 2009, majority staff traveled to the
Washington VA Medical Center. The purpose of this trip was to
observe and learn about the VistA system and Bar Code
Medication Administration Demonstration. Staff met with the
Director of the VA Medical Center, as well as the Associate
Chief of Staff and Chief of Informatics at the medical
facility.
Site Visit to Baltimore, Maryland
On April 15, 2009, majority staff traveled to the Baltimore
Regional Office to meet with the Director, the Veterans Service
Center Manager, and the Supervisory Veterans Service
Representative for the Public Contact Team.
The purpose of this trip was to educate staff on the
functions and tasks required of a Regional Office, as well as
the challenges that the ROs face to include backlog issues,
manning issues, constraints of space and personnel. Staff
toured the facility to review the claims processing flow,
outreach and public contact, and training facilities.
Site Visit to Tampa and Bay Pines, Florida
From April 19-21, 2009, majority and minority staff
conducted a site visit to the James A. Haley VA Medical Center,
the Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center and the Bay Pines
Regional Office.
Staff visited the James Haley VA Medical Center to review
endoscopy procedures leading up to the Subcommittee's June 16,
2009, hearing. Staff also followed up on document handling
procedures at the Bay Pines Regional Office. Staff also took
part in the naming ceremony of the new Michael Bilirakis
Department of Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injury Center
located at the Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center.
Subcommittee Hearing--Leaving No One Behind: Is the Federal Recovery
Coordination Program Working?
On April 28, 2009, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing to
evaluate the newly implemented Federal Recovery Coordination
Program (FRCP). The memorandum of understanding between DoD and
VA was signed on October 30, 2007, and the federal recovery
coordinators (FRCs) began working with patients as recently as
January 28, 2008. Although this is a new program, its mission
is vital to injured veterans and their families. The FRCP was
designed to empower injured veterans and their families. The
FRCs ensure that the assistance and guidance needed to provide
a healthy recovery is readily available, and the veterans
enrolled in the program are receiving their earned benefits as
expeditiously as possible. The purpose of this hearing was to
provide oversight of this program to make certain it is working
as intended and those responsible for directing this office
have the support they need to succeed.
The witnesses testifying at this hearing included two
Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans; the spouse of an OIF/OEF
veteran; the mother of an injured veteran and TBI Awareness
Advocate; the Blinded Veterans Association; and, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. See Leaving No One Behind: Is
the Federal Recovery Coordination Program Working?, Serial No.
111-15.
Site Visit to Lexington, Kentucky
On May 11, 2009, majority staff visited the Lexington VA
Medical Center. Staff conducted a follow-up visit to the
Subcommittee's March 17, 2009, hearing on the Vision Center of
Excellence. Staff met with ophthalmologists to discuss care of
veterans with severe eye injuries to ensure that their records
are easily transferred to each medical facility to ensure
timely and accurate treatment.
Subcommittee Hearing--Gulf War Illness Research: Is Enough Being Done?
On May 19, 2009, the Subcommittee conducted the first of a
series of hearings evaluating the development of research by
the VA and Institute of Medicine (IOM) on Gulf War Illnesses.
The purpose of the series of hearings was to provide background
information, an overview of research and the methodology that
the VA utilizes to determine the parameters relating to Gulf
War Illness and to examine whether enough has been done for
Gulf War Veterans. The Subcommittee traced the history, scope,
and impact of toxins and pesticides used during the Vietnam and
Gulf War; assessed the methodology utilized in the first Gulf
War Illness Report offered by the VA, while examining the
relationship between the IOM and the VA, and reviewed the
scientific findings and recommendations of the Research
Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illnesses.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from a Gulf War veteran;
the Veterans for Common Sense; Vietnam Veterans of America; the
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses;
Central Intelligence Agency; the U.S. Department of Defense;
and, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Gulf War
Illness Research: Is Enough Being Done?, Serial No. 111-21.
Site Visit Austin, Texas
On May 21, 2009, majority staff visited the Central Texas
VA Health Care System located in Temple, Texas.
The purpose of this trip was to investigate allegations of
mismanagement, waste of funds and abuse of authority at the
Central Texas Veterans Health Care System and the Brain Imaging
and Recovery Laboratory.
Site Visit to Detroit, Michigan
From June 1-2, 2009, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee, along with majority and minority staff traveled
to the Detroit VA Regional Office.
The purpose of the trip was to follow up on the March 3,
2009, hearing on the mishandling of documents and to learn more
about why and how often ``Amnesty Days'' are held at the
Regional Office. Staff was briefed on lost cases and shredding
allegations, as well as incidents documented by the VA Office
of Inspector General. Staff also toured the facility and met
with union leadership.
Subcommittee Hearing--Endoscopy Procedures at the VA: What Happened,
What Has Changed?
On June 16, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
evaluate the safety of VA's endoscopic procedures and while
specifically evaluating the three VA medical center facilities
identified as having problems with endoscopy procedures, assess
the protocol and procedures in place throughout VHA to ensure
veterans are not being placed at unnecessary risk. The three
subject facilities were: Tennessee Valley Health Care System,
the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee;
the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia; and
the Bruce W. Carter Medical Center in Miami, Florida. The
Subcommittee evaluated Inspector General reports to determine
the improvements VA has made and explore, with the assistance
of the IG, the risks veterans are exposed to and how VA can
eliminate them.
Witnesses in attendance were the Office of Inspector
General and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See
Endoscopy Procedures at the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs: What Happened, What Has Changed?, Serial No. 111-28.
Site Visit to Mountain Home, Tennessee
From June 30, 2009 through July 1, 2009, the Ranking Member
of the Subcommittee, along with minority staff traveled to the
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Mountain Home,
Tennessee, to discuss possible collaborative efforts between
the medical center and the East Tennessee State University, as
well as conduct an oversight visit to investigate the handling
of endoscope equipment at the medical center as a follow up to
the June 16, 2009 Subcommittee hearing on endoscopy procedures.
Subcommittee Hearing--Interagency Program Office: Examining the
Progress of Electronic Health Record Interoperability Between
VA and DOD
On July 14, 2009, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing to
evaluate the progress that the Interagency Program Office (IPO)
has made with regard to the mandate in the National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2008, Section 1635. The deadline to
achieve this interoperable health record is September 30, 2009.
Within the NDAA of 2009, there was an amendment to Section 1635
of the NDAA 2008 that requires DoD and VA to develop one
standard for use by both agencies in their pursuit of
interoperable electronic personal health information. The
Subcommittee evaluated the progress of the IPO in spite of not
meeting its deadline and to understand the expectations of what
will be provided at that time.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the U.S. Government
Accountability Office; the DoD/VA Interagency Program Office;
the U.S. Department of Defense; and, the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. See Interagency Program Office: Examining the
Progress of Electronic Health Record Interoperability Between
VA and DoD, Serial No. 111-33.
Subcommittee Hearing--Enforcement of U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs' Brachytherapy Program Safety Standards
On July 22, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the
Department of Veterans Affairs' brachytherapy program's safety
standards while assessing what actions VA took to ensure that
the procedures and directives in place were sufficient to
protect veterans receiving treatment. Brachytherapy is a form
of nuclear radiotherapy to treat prostate cancer where small
radioactive seeds are implanted in the prostate to destroy
cancerous cells.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the University of
Pennsylvania's Department of Radiation Oncology; the U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission; the American Society of
Radiation Oncology; the Joint Commission; and, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. See Enforcement of U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs' Brachytherapy Program Safety
Standards, Serial No. 111-36.
Subcommittee Hearing--Implications of U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs' Limited Scope of Gulf War Illness Research
On July 30, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
evaluate the scientific information and analyze the different
schools of thought on Gulf War Illness Research. The
Subcommittee focused on the current direction of the research,
and the speed at which it is moving. The Subcommittee also
discussed the disparity in the Institute of Medicine reports
and conclusions with that of the Research Advisory Committee
report findings, and evaluated the VA's role in Gulf War
Research.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the Institute of
Medicine of the National Academies; the Research Advisory
Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses; the University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center; the Boston University School
of Public Health's Department of Environmental Health; a Gulf
War Veteran; and, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See
The Implications of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs'
Limited Scope of Gulf War Illness Research, Serial No. 111-39.
Site Visit to Chicago, Illinois
From August 11-13, 2009, majority staff conducted a site
visit to the North Chicago VA Medical Center, the Great Lakes
Naval Facility, the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, and the
Hines VA Medical Center.
The purpose of this visit was to gain further information
and monitor the progress made by the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Navy in partnering to implement a
jointly administered medical facility in North Chicago,
Illinois. In support of this effort, staff also visited the
North Chicago VA Medical Center and the Great Lakes Naval
Health Clinic. Staff visited the Hines and Jesse Brown VA
Medical Centers to gain a better understanding of the work
being performed at these facilities.
Subcommittee Hearing--Senior Executive Service Bonuses and Other
Administrative Issues at the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs
On September 23, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
(1) review SES bonuses VA officials have received during fiscal
year 2008 and assess improvements made in the bonus
determination process; (2) evaluate the current hiring process
and the Human Resources structure of the VA; and (3) assess the
minority hiring trend of lower level GS positions compared to
middle and upper management and Senior Executive Service
positions.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the Office of
Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
See Senior Executive Service bonuses and Other Administrative
Issues at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Serial No.
111-43.
Site Visit to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
On October 6, 2009, majority and minority staff conducted a
site visit to the Philadelphia VA Medical Center in
Pennsylvania.
The purpose of this visit was to follow up on the
Subcommittee's July 22, 2009, hearing on brachytherapy
procedures at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. Additionally,
recent media articles pointed to more problems at the Center,
citing that personnel at the VAMC took blood samples from
patients without consent, as well as possible patient neglect
by medical staff at the Community Living Center (CLC). Staff
toured the facilities and met with the Director of the medical
center and other VA personnel to discuss the ongoing problems
at the VAMC.
Site Visit to Fairfield and Palo Alto, California
From October 7-9, 2009, majority staff traveled to Travis
Air Force Base and the Palo Alto VA Polytrauma Center.
The purpose of travel to Travis Air Force Base was to
conduct oversight of the implementation deadline of Essentris,
the electronic inpatient medical record, one of the six
requirements that the Interagency Program Office had to meet
for the deadline of September 30, 2009. Staff found that VA and
DoD had separate computers to access their individual
electronic records systems. Travis Air Force Base also had to
execute a separate contract to have the capability to transmit
radiographic images. At the Palo Alto VA Polytrauma Center,
staff toured the facility with specific emphasis on document
sharing with DoD, as well as Federal Recovery Coordination
Program implementation.
Subcommittee Hearing--Acquisition Deficiencies at the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs
On December 16, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
provide a framework for the Committee's legislative efforts in
targeting significant reform in acquisition at the Department
and to improve the procurement structure at the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs, to provide better transparency,
accountability, and oversight in acquisition at the VA. Several
U.S. Government Accountability Office and VA Office of
Inspector General reports cited prolific material weaknesses,
and detailed how Small Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses were
possibly being denied several hundred million dollars in
contract opportunities due to insufficient or no oversight.
The Project on Government Oversight; the Scott Group of
Virginia, LLC: Microtech; Vetrepreneur LLC; the U.S. Government
Accountability Office; VA's Office of Inspector General; and,
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided testimony. See
Acquisition Deficiencies at the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs, Serial No. 111-54.
Second Session
Site Visit to Chicago, Illinois; and San Diego and San Francisco,
California
From January 3-7, 2010, majority and minority staff of the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the
Subcommittee on Health traveled to North Chicago to discuss the
progress of the joint U.S. Department of Defense and U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs venture of the Captain James A.
Lovell Federal Health Care Center. The staff also traveled to
VA and DoD facilities in San Diego and San Francisco to receive
briefings on the Bi-Directional Health Information Exchange,
the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record pilot between the VA and
Kaiser Permanente, as well as DoD's inpatient electronic health
record system Essentris.
Subcommittee Hearing--Transitioning Heroes: New Era, Same Problems
On January 21, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing
to evaluate the social work case management which is essential
to coordinating complex components of care for polytrauma
patients and their families. The hearing focused on how the
U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs cooperate to support wounded veterans during the
transition process and the specific specialized services
offered to injured veterans who are transitioning to civilian
life.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from an Operation Iraqi
Freedom Veteran; The American Legion; Iraq and Afghanistan
Veterans of America; the Wounded Warrior Project; the U.S.
Department of Defense; and, the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. See Transitioning Heroes: New Era, Same Problems?,
Serial No. 111-55.
Subcommittee Hearing--The VA Office of Inspector General and Office of
Information and Technology Budget Requests for Fiscal Year 2011
On February 23, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of
Inspector General and VA's Office of Information and Technology
budgets for fiscal year 2011. The VA Office of the Inspector
General ensures transparency and accountability within the VA,
and the VA Office of Information and Technology enhances VA's
business processes, and allows VA's medical technology to
remain at the forefront of today's technology.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the VA Office of
Inspector General and the VA Office of Information and
Technology. See U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of
Inspector General and Office of Information Technology Budget
Requests for Fiscal Year 2011, Serial No. 111-60.
Site Visit to Knoxville, Iowa; Sheridan, Wyoming; and, Ft. Harrison,
Montana
On April 5, 2010, majority staff conducted a site visit to
the Knoxville VA Medical Center, the Sheridan VA Medical
Center, and the Ft. Harrison VA Medical Center. The primary
focus of this trip was to follow up and provide oversight of
activities recently reported by the Office of Inspector
General, including patient quality of care and quality
management, environment of care, as well as quality assurance,
peer review and credentialing and privileging issues within the
Department of Optometry at the Ft. Harrison VA Medical Center.
Staff also followed up on outreach activities and activities
involving care to rural veterans.
Site Visit to Chicago, Illinois
From April 29-30, 2010, majority and minority staff
traveled to the North Chicago/Great Lakes Naval Station to
follow up and assess interoperability efforts between the
Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs,
as well as monitor progress made by the Department of Veterans
Affairs and the United States Navy in implementing a jointly
administered medical facility.
Site Visit to Roanoke and Richmond, Virginia
From May 13-14, 2010, majority staff traveled to the
Roanoke VA Regional Office and the Richmond VA Medical Center
to discuss the programs for sharing electronic medical
information between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and
the U.S. Department of Defense and to see improvements in mail
handling and destruction of document procedures at the VA
Regional Office. Staff also evaluated current brachytherapy
procedures and inspected the Richmond VA Medical Center.
Subcommittee Hearing--Assessing Information Security at the VA
On May 19, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing to
examine the current status of information security at the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs and its ability to guard against
both malicious and accidental sensitive information breaches.
The hearing also evaluated the VA's compliance with traditional
Federal Information Security Management Act requirements, as
well as their progress in conforming to updated security
requirements mandated by the Office of Management and Budget.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the U.S. Government
Accountability Office; and the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs Office of Information and Technology. See Assessing
Information Security at the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs, Serial No. 111-78.
Subcommittee Hearing--Emergency Preparedness: Evaluating the VA's
Fourth Mission
On June 23, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing to
examine the current capabilities of the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs Office of Operations, Security and
Preparedness. The purpose of this hearing was to review the
VA's role in emergency preparedness and evaluate the impact on
their primary health care missions, the resource implications
for its budget, and the merits of enhancing its capabilities
relative to other federal alternatives in how VA can best serve
the Nation's homeland security interests.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from BT Marketing; the
Healthcare Coalition for Emergency Preparedness; The American
Legion; the American Red Cross; the U.S. Department of Defense;
and, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Emergency
Preparedness: Evaluating the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs' Fourth Mission, Serial No. 111-86.
Subcommittee Hearing--Evaluating the VA Office of General Counsel
On June 30, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing to
evaluate the Office of General Counsel at the Department of
Veterans Affairs. The purpose of this hearing was to assess the
current state of the VA's Office of General Counsel including
the seven professional staff groups that comprise the Office of
General Counsel. This hearing also sought to hear the
challenges the Office of General Counsel is facing and the
solutions being implemented to correct long-standing issues.
Additionally, this hearing examined the role the Office of
General Counsel has regarding contracting in the VA as well as
the role of balanced legal recommendations and its impact on
both the VA and veterans.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the law firm of
Tully, Rinckey and Associates, PLLC, and the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel. See Evaluating the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel,
Serial No. 111-88.
Site Visit to Chicago, Illinois
On July 8, 2010, the full Committee Ranking member,
accompanied by majority and minority staff, traveled to the
U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs Joint Medical Facility to review progress being made on
the joint VA/DoD venture. This trip provided the Committee with
the most current information on the status of the VA/DoD Joint
activities at the medical facility.
Subcommittee Hearing--Examining the Progress of Suicide Prevention
Outreach Efforts at the VA
On July 14, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a hearing to
examine the progress of suicide prevention outreach efforts at
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Subcommittee
evaluated the current state of VA's ability to educate the
public of their services concerning suicide prevention and
discussed the effectiveness of the media campaign to encourage
veterans to seek help at the VA.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from a Gulf War and
Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran; the mother of an Operation
Iraqi Freedom Veteran; Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of
America; The American Legion; Vietnam Veterans of America; the
U.S. Department of Defense; and, the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. See Examining the Progress of Suicide
Prevention Outreach Efforts at the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs, Serial No. 111-91.
Subcommittee Hearing--Gulf War Illness: The Future of Dissatisfied
Veterans
On July 27, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted its third in a
series of hearings focused on Gulf War Illness. The purpose of
the final hearing in the series was to gauge the outlook going
forward for veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness,
specifically examining how the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs administers health care and benefits to this group of
veterans.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the Veterans of
Modern Warfare; The American Legion; Veterans for Common Sense;
the VA's Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans; the Institute
of Medicine; the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War
Veterans' Illnesses; and, the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. See Gulf War Illness: The Future of Dissatisfied
Veterans, Serial No. 111-94.
Site Visit to Iron Mountain, Michigan
On August 4, 2010, majority staff conducted a site visit of
the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center located in the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan. The purpose was to evaluate quality
management issues and patient care at the facility.
Additionally, staff followed up on VA Office of Inspector
General reports citing unsecured patient records and sensitive
documents, and lack of medical equipment inspection by staff.
Site Visit to Saint Louis, Missouri
From August 17-18, 2010, majority staff visited the St.
Louis Regional Office, the St. Louis VA Medical Center at
Jefferson Barracks, and the John Cochran St. Louis VA Medical
Center. The primary focus was to conduct a general site visit
to ensure that proper procedures were being followed to ensure
quality of care and patient safety. Additionally, staff
followed up on a recent issue involving the improper
sterilization of dental equipment and reprocessing procedures
and the April 20, 2010, VA Office of Inspector General Report
on ``Endoscope Reprocessing Issues.'' Staff toured the regional
office to ensure proper procedures are being followed in
relation to shredding and claims processing. Finally, staff met
with veterans service organizations to discuss various issues
and be sure veteran's needs are being met by the VA in the St.
Louis region.
Site Visit to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From August 22-23, 2010, majority staff conducted a site
visit to the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center. The purpose of this
visit was to evaluate quality management issues and patient
care at the facility. Additionally, in 2007, the facility
admitted to the loss of Legionella biological samples in its
testing laboratory, resulting in the firing of a doctor who
acted as a whistleblower for this issue. Staff was able to re-
assess this issue and discuss how this situation was handled.
Site Visit to New York, New York
From August 25-26, 2010, majority staff of the Subcommittee
on Oversight and Investigations and the Subcommittee on
Economic Opportunity conducted an unannounced site visit of the
Manhattan VA Medical Center, as well as announced visits to the
Manhattan VA Regional Office and the Bronx VA Medical Center.
The purpose of the visit was to evaluate quality management,
the process of credentialing and privileging to ensure
compliance with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Central
Office directives, coordination of care, medication management,
as well as procedures in place to ensure the safeguard of
veterans Personal Identifiable Information. Staff also
evaluated the services provided including education benefits,
the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, employment services and
the home loan guaranty program at the VA Regional Office.
Site Visit to Canandaigua and Buffalo, New York
From September 8-10, 2010, majority staff conducted a site
visit to the Canandaigua and Buffalo VA Medical Centers. The
purpose of these visits was to conduct a general site visit to
ensure that proper procedures are being followed to ensure
quality of care and patient safety. Following numerous hearings
on suicide prevention, staff was able to tour the VA's National
Suicide Prevention Hotline Center and evaluate the operations
at the Canandaigua facility. In Buffalo, NY, staff also
discussed information technology security issues and patient
privacy at the facility.
Site Visit to Chicago, Illinois
On October 1, 2010, majority and minority staff traveled to
the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs Joint Health Care facility to take part in the
dedication ceremony of the facility.
SUMMARY OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS REFERRED, HEARINGS, AND EXECUTIVE SESSIONS CONDUCTED
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
99th 100th 101st 102nd 103rd 104th 105th 106th 107th 108th 109th 110th 111th
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bills and Resolutions Referred.................. 198 147 194 215 174 128 134 146 194 253 239 345 360
Hearings Sessions............................... 76 44 72 67 71 39 56 66 58 66 71 108 103
Meetings and Markup Sessions.................... 20 16 26 20 23 19 18 13 14 16 18 25 36
Bills Reported.................................. 17 14 33 21 25 15 15 10 14 22 10 26 33
Bills in House.................................. 3 1 4 3 11 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Pending in Senate Committees.................... 8 9 23 7 11 10 1 1 10 7 11 38 39
Bills on Senate Calendar or in Senate........... 1 3 1 3 3 0 0 1 0 5 0 0 0
Laws Enacted.................................... 6 4 8 24 15 6 6 11 13 9 10 18 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEARINGS AND EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
(All hearings and executive sessions of the Committee are
open to the public and held in the Committee hearing room, Room
334, Cannon House Office Building unless otherwise designated.)
January 27, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Room 345 Cannon. Full
Committee Roundtable with the Veterans Service Organizations
and Military Associations to Discuss Legislative Priorities for
the 111th Congress.
February 4, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Meeting on
Organization and Oversight Plan.
February 4, 2009.--10:30 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on The
State of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (Serial No.
111-1)
February 24, 2009.--2:00 p.m. Room 345 Cannon. Full
Committee Joint House and Senate Hearing to Receive the
Legislative Presentation of the Disabled American Veterans.
February 26, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs'
Update on Short- and Long-Term Strategies for Implementing New
GI Bill Requirements. (Serial No. 111-2)
March 3, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 784, H.R. 785, H.R. 1211, and
Discussion Draft on Emergency Care Reimbursement. (Serial No.
111-3)
March 3, 2009.--1:30 p.m. Joint Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs and the Subcommittee on
Oversight and Investigations Hearing on Document Tampering and
Mishandling at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (Serial
No. 111-4)
March 4, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Room 340 Cannon. Subcommittee on
Economic Opportunity Legislative Hearing on H.R. 147, H.R. 228,
H.R. 297, H.R. 466, H.R. 929, H.R. 942, H.R. 950, H.R. 1088,
H.R. 1089, and H.R. 1171. (Serial No. 111-5)
March 5, 2009.--9:30 a.m. Room 106 Dirksen. Full Committee
Joint House and Senate Hearing to Receive the Legislative
Presentation of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Blinded
Veterans Association, Jewish War Veterans, Wounded Warrior
Project, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, American Ex-
Prisoners of War, and Gold Star Wives of America.
March 10, 2009.--2:00 p.m. Full Committee Hearing on U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year
2010 (Serial No. 111-6)
March 12, 2009.--9:30 a.m. Room 106 Dirksen. Full Committee
Joint House and Senate Hearing to Receive the Legislative
Presentation of the American Veterans (AMVETS), Fleet Reserve
Association, The Retired Enlisted Association, Vietnam Veterans
of America, Military Officers Association of America, National
Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, Air Force
Sergeants Association, Non Commissioned Officers Association,
and Military Order of the Purple Heart.
March 17, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations Hearing on The Vision Center of Excellence: What
Has Been Accomplished in Thirteen Months? (Serial No. 111-7)
March 18, 2009.--9:30 a.m. Room 334 Cannon. Full Committee
Joint House and Senate Hearing to Receive the Legislative
Presentation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
March 19, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health Markup
of H.R. 1377.
March 19, 2009.--10:15 a.m. Subcommittee on Health Hearing
on Closing the Health Gap of Veterans in Rural Areas:
Discussion of Funding and Resource Coordination. (Serial No.
111-8)
March 19, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Markup of H.R. 228, H.R. 466, H.R. 1088, H.R. 1089,
and H.R. 1171.
March 24, 2009.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing on The Nexus Between
Engaged in Combat with the Enemy and PTSD in an Era of Changing
Warfare Tactics. (Serial No. 111-9)
March 25, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Markup of H.R.
1171, H.R. 1377, and H.R. 1513.
April 2, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Programs. (Serial No. 111-10)
April 20, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Jacksonville, Florida. Full
Committee Field Hearing on Building the Critical Health
Infrastructure for Veterans in Jacksonville, Florida. (Serial
No. 111-11)
April 21, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Orlando, Florida. Full
Committee Field Hearing on Building the Critical Health
Infrastructure for Veterans in Orlando, Florida. (Serial No.
111-12)
April 23, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Legislative Hearing on H.R.
952. (Serial No. 111-13)
April 23, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Contracts and Contracting Policy at the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (Serial No. 111-14)
April 28, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations Hearing on Leaving No One Behind: Is the Federal
Recovery Coordination Program Working? (Serial No. 111-15)
April 29, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on
Funding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs of the Future.
(Serial No. 111-16)
April 30, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health Hearing
on Charting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Progress
on Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Our Veterans: Discussion
of Funding, Mental Health Strategic Plan, and the Uniform
Mental Health Services Handbook. (Serial No. 111-17)
May 6, 2009.--10:15 a.m. Full Committee Markup of H.R. 23,
H.R. 466, H.R. 1088, H.R. 1089, and H.R. 1170.
May 13, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on
Innovative Technologies and Treatments Helping Veterans.
(Serial No. 111-18)
May 14, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing on Examining Appellate
Processes and Their Impacts on Veterans. (Serial No. 111-19)
May 14, 2009.--1:30 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Federal Contractor Compliance. (Serial
No. 111-20)
May 19, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations Hearing on Gulf War Illness Research: Is Enough
Being Done? (Serial No. 111-21)
May 19, 2009.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Health Hearing on
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care: The Crown
Jewel and Best Kept Secret. (Serial No. 111-22)
May 20, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Roundtable on The
Growing Needs of Women Veterans: Is the VA Ready?
May 21, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Legislative Hearing on H.R.
1522, H.R. 1982, and H.R. 2270. (Serial No. 111-23)
May 21, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Room 340 Cannon. Subcommittee on
Economic Opportunity Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1037, H.R.
1098, H.R. 1168, H.R. 1172, H.R. 1821, H.R. 1879, and H.R.
2180. (Serial No. 111-24)
June 3, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on A
National Commitment to End Veterans' Homelessness. (Serial No.
111-25)
June 3, 2009.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Markup of H.R. 952 and H.R.
2270.
June 4, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health Markup of
H.R. 1211.
June 4, 2009.--10:15 a.m. Subcommittee on Health Hearing on
Meeting the Needs of Family Caregivers of Veterans. (Serial No.
111-26)
June 4, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Room 340 Cannon. Subcommittee on
Economic Opportunity Markup of H.R. 1037, H.R. 1098, H.R. 1172,
H.R. 1821, and H.R. 2180.
June 9, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health Hearing on
Assessing Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services and
the Future of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Health
Infrastructure. (Serial No. 111-27)
June 10, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Markup of H.R.
1016, H.R. 1211, H.R. 952, H.R. 1037, H.R. 1098, H.R. 1172,
H.R. 1821, and H.R. 2180.
June 16, 2009.--10:30 a.m. Room 340 Cannon. Subcommittee on
Oversight and Investigations Hearing on Endoscopy Procedures at
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: What Happened, What
Has Changed? (Serial No. 111-28)
June 18, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1293, H.R. 1197, H.R. 1302, H.R.
1335, H.R. 1546, H.R. 2734, H.R. 2738, H.R. 2770, H.R. 2898 and
Draft Discussion Legislation. (Serial No. 111-29)
June 18, 2009.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing on Addressing the
Backlog: Can the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Manage One
Million Claims? (Serial No. 111-30)
June 24, 2009.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Legislative Hearing on H.R.
2379, H.R. 2713, H.R. 2774, and H.R. 2968. (Serial No. 111-31)
June 25, 2009.--1:30 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Post-9/11 GI Bill: Is the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs Ready for August 1st? (Serial
No. 111-32)
July 9, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health Markup of
H.R. 1197, H.R. 1293, H.R. 1302, H.R. 1335, H.R. 1546, H.R.
2770, H.R. 2926, and Draft Discussion on Family Caregivers.
July 9, 2009.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Markup of H.R. 2379, H.R. 2774,
and H.R. 2968.
July 14, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations Hearing on Examining the Progress of Electronic
Health Record Interoperability Between the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense. (Serial No.
111-33)
July 15, 2009.--10:15 a.m. Full Committee Markup of Draft
Legislation to make certain improvements in the laws
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs relating to
insurance and health care, H.R. 2770, H.R. 1293, and H.R. 3155.
July 16, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Joint Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs and the Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on Eliminating the Gaps: Examining Women Veterans'
Issues. (Serial No. 111-34)
July 16, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on The Evolution of State Approving
Agencies. (Serial No. 111-35)
July 22, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations Hearing on Enforcement of the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs' Brachytherapy Program Safety Standards.
(Serial No. 111-36)
July 23, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing on Examining Quality of
Life and Ancillary Benefits Issues. (Serial No. 111-37)
July 29, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on
Meeting the Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military
Paralympic Program. (Serial No. 111-38)
July 30, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Room 340 Cannon. Subcommittee on
Oversight and Investigations Hearing on The Implications of the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Limited Scope of Gulf War
Illness Research. (Serial No. 111-39)
July 30, 2009.--1:30 p.m., Room 340 Cannon. Subcommittee on
Economic Opportunity Hearing on Vocational Rehabilitation
Employment Contracts for Veteran Counseling. (Serial No. 111-
40)
September 10, 2009.--9:30 a.m. Room 345 Cannon. Full
Committee Joint House and Senate Hearing to Receive the
Legislative Presentation of The American Legion.
September 10, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Review of the Space and Naval Warfare
Systems Center Atlantic and the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs' Interagency Agreement. (Serial No. 111-41)
September 16, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Veterans
Court Roundtable.
September 22, 2009.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on Is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Meeting
the Pharmaceutical needs of Veterans? (Serial No. 111-42)
September 23, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations Hearing on Senior Executive Service Bonuses
and Other Administrative Issues at the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs. (Serial No. 111-43)
September 24, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing on Honoring the Fallen:
How Can We Better Serve America's Veterans and Their Families?
(Serial No. 111-44)
September 24, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Legislative Hearing H.R. 294, H.R. 1169, H.R. 1182,
H.R. 2416, H.R. 2461, H.R. 2614, H.R. 2696, H.R. 2874, H.R.
2928, H.R. 3223, H.R. 3554, H.R. 3561, H.R. 3577, and H.R.
3579. (Serial No. 111-45)
September 30, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on
Energy Efficiency at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
(Serial No. 111-46)
October 1, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1017, H.R. 1036, H.R. 2504, H.R.
2559, H.R. 2735, H.R. 3073, H.R. 3441, H.R. 2506 and Draft
Discussions on Homelessness, Graduate Psychology Education, and
Psychiatric Service Dogs. (Serial No. 111-47)
October 7, 2009.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Roundtable on Implications of
the Department of Veterans Affairs' PTSD Rule-Making.
October 8, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Legislative Hearing on H.R.
761, H.R. 2243, H.R. 3485, H.R. 3544, and Draft Legislation.
(Serial No. 111-48)
October 8, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Markup of H.R. 2696, H.R. 1182, H.R. 2416, H.R.
2461, H.R. 2614, H.R. 2874, and H.R. 1168.)
October 14, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on
Update on the State of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
(Serial No. 111-49)
October 15, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on Identifying the Causes of Inappropriate Billing
Practices by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (Serial
No. 111-50)
October 15, 2009.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Status Report on Post-9/11 GI Bill. (Serial No. 111-51)
October 21, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Markup of H.R. 761 and H.R.
3485.
October 22, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health Markup
of H.R. 2504, H.R. 2559, H.R. 2735, H.R. 3796, H.R. 3073, and
H.R. 3885.
October 28, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Markup of H.R.
1168 and Veterans' Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers
Protection Act of 2009.
November 18, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Markup of the Veterans Appeals
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2009.
November 19, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Adaptive Housing Grants. (Serial No.
111-52)
December 2, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Funding:
Appropriations to Programs. (Serial No. 111-53)
December 3, 2009.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Education Roundtable.
December 16, 2009.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations Hearing on Acquisition Deficiencies at the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (Serial No. 111-54)
January 20, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Room 345 Cannon. Full
Committee Roundtable with the Veterans Service Organizations
and Military Associations to Discuss Legislative Priorities for
2010.
January 21, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations Hearing on Transitioning Heroes: New Era, Same
Problems? (Serial No. 111-55)
January 21, 2010.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Long-Term Solution for Post-9/11 GI
Bill. (Serial No. 111-56)
January 27, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Room 345 Cannon. Full
Committee Roundtable on Meeting the Unique Health Care Needs of
Rural Veterans.
February 3, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on Review of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Contract Health Care: Project HERO. (Serial No. 111-57)
February 3, 2010.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing on Implementation and
Status Update on the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act, P.L.
110-389. (Serial No. 111-58)
February 4, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Budget Request for FY 2011
and FY 2012. (Serial No. 111-59)
February 23, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations Hearing on U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs Office of Inspector General and Office of Information
Technology Budget Requests for Fiscal Year 2011. (Serial No.
111-60)
February 23, 2010.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on the Veterans Health Administration's Fiscal Year
2011 Budget. (Serial No. 111-61)
February 24, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on
Exploring the Relationship Between Medication and Veteran
Suicide. (Serial No. 111-62)
February 24, 2010.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing on Examination of the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits Delivery at
Discharge and Quick Start Programs. (Serial No. 111-63)
February 25, 2010.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3257, H.R. 3484, H.R.
3579, H.R. 3813, H.R. 3948, H.R. 3979, H.R. 4079, H.R. 4203,
H.R. 4359, H.R. 4469, and H.R. 4592. (Serial No. 111-64)
March 2, 2010.--2:00 p.m. Room 345 Cannon. Full Committee
Joint House and Senate Hearing to Receive the Legislative
Presentation of the Disabled American Veterans.
March 3, 2010.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Health
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4241. (Serial No. 111-65)
March 4, 2010.--1:30 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Markup of H.R. 3948, H.R. 3484, H.R. 3976, H.R.
4079, H.R. 4592, H.R. 950, H.R. 3561, H.R. 3577, H.R. 3579,
H.R. 1879, and H.R. 1169.
March 4, 2010.--9:30 a.m. Room 345 Cannon. Full Committee
Joint House and Senate Hearing to Receive the Legislative
Presentation of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Jewish War
Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Ex-Prisoners of
War, Blinded Veterans Association, Military Officers
Association of America, Air Force Sergeants Association, and
Wounded Warrior Project.
March 9, 2010.--9:30 a.m. Room G-50 Dirksen. Full Committee
Joint House and Senate Hearing to Receive the Legislative
Presentation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
March 10, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Markup of H.R.
3976, H.R. 4592, H.R. 1879, H.R. 4667, and Discussion Draft of
End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2010.
March 10, 2010.--10:15 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on
Structuring the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs of the 21st
Century. (Serial No. 111-66)
March 11, 2010.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs'
Center for Veteran Enterprise. (Serial No. 111-67)
March 17, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Roundtable on
Heroes Homecoming.
March 18, 2010.--9:30 a.m. Room G-50 Dirksen. Full
Committee Joint House and Senate Hearing to Receive the
Legislative Presentation of the American Veterans (AMVETS),
National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs,
Non Commissioned Officers Association, Gold Star Wives, The
Retired Enlisted Association, Fleet Reserve Association,
Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Iraq and Afghanistan
Veterans of America.
March 18, 2010.--2:00 p.m. Room 345 Cannon. Full Committee
Claims Summit 2010.
March 24, 2010.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing on Examination of the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office Disability
Claims Quality Review Methods. (Serial No. 111-68)
March 25, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 949, H.R. 1075, H.R. 2698, H.R.
2699, H.R. 2879, H.R. 3926, H.R. 4006, H.R. 84, and 3
Discussion Drafts. (Serial No. 111-69)
March 29, 2010.--2:00 p.m. Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Subcommittee on Health Field Hearing on Providing Essential
Services and Benefits for Veterans in New Mexico and across
America. (Serial No. 111-70)
April 15, 2010.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Status of Veterans Employment. (Serial
No. 111-71)
April 22, 2010.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing on Examining the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs Fiduciary Program: How Can VA
Better Protect Vulnerable Veterans and Their Families? (Serial
No. 111-72)
April 29, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health Markup
of H.R. 1017 and H.R. 5145.
April 29, 2010.--10:15 a.m. Subcommittee on Health Hearing
on The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Implementation of
the Enhanced Contract Care Pilot Program. (Serial No. 111-73)
April 29, 2010.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Status of Veterans Small Businesses.
(Serial No. 111-74)
May 5, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on Health
Effects of the Vietnam War--The Aftermath. (Serial No. 111-75)
May 6, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Program. (Serial No. 111-76)
May 6, 2010.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing on Quality vs.
Quantity: Examining the Veterans Benefits Administration's
Employee Work Credit and Management Systems. (Serial No. 111-
77)
May 12, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Markup of H.R.
1017, H.R. 5145, and H.R. 3885.
May 19, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations Hearing on Assessing Information Security at the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (Serial No. 111-78)
May 20, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Joint Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs and the Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on Healing the Wounds: Evaluating Military Sexual
Trauma Issues. (Serial No. 111-79)
May 20, 2010.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Loan Guaranty Program. (Serial No. 111-
80)
May 26, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Roundtable on
Veterans Employment.
May 27, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4062, H.R. 4465, H.R. 4505, and
Draft Legislation. (Serial No. 111-81)
June 8, 2010.--8:30 a.m. New Port Richey, Florida.
Subcommittee on Health Field Hearing on Recreation Therapy and
Healing Our Wounded Warriors. (Serial No. 111-82)
June 9, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General's
Open Recommendations: Are We Fixing the Problems? (Serial No.
111-83)
June 10, 2010.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Legislative Hearing on H.R. 114, H.R. 3685, H.R.
4319, H.R. 4635, H.R. 4664, H.R. 4765, H.R. 5360, and H.R.
5484. (Serial No. 111-84)
June 15, 2010.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing on The State of the
Veterans Benefits Administration. (Serial No. 111-85)
June 23, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations Hearing on Emergency Preparedness: Evaluating
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Fourth Mission.
(Serial No. 111-86)
June 24, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health Hearing
on Overcoming Rural Health Care Barriers: Use of Innovative
Wireless Health Technology Solutions. (Serial No. 111-87)
June 30, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations Hearing on Evaluating the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel. (Serial No. 111-88)
July 1, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Legislative Hearing on H.R.
3407, H.R. 3787, H.R. 4541, H.R. 5064, H.R. 5549, and Draft
Legislation. (Serial No. 111-89)
July 13, 2010.--1:00 p.m. St. Louis, Missouri. Full
Committee Field Hearing on Veterans at Risk: The Consequences
of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Non-
Compliance. (Serial No. 111-90)
July 14, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations Hearing on Examining the Progress of Suicide
Prevention Outreach Efforts at the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. (Serial No. 111-91)
July 15, 2010.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Markup of H.R. 929, H.R. 3685, H.R. 4469, H.R.
5360, and H.R. 5484.
July 19, 2010.--8:30 a.m. Bedford, Virginia. Subcommittee
on Health Field Hearing on Serving Virginia's Rural Veterans.
(Serial No. 111-92)
July 21, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Roundtable on
Innovative Treatments for TBI and PTSD.
July 22, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health Hearing
on Healing the Physical Injuries of War. (Serial No. 111-93)
July 27, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations Hearing on Gulf War Illness: The Future for
Dissatisfied Veterans. (Serial No. 111-94)
July 27, 2010.--2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Markup of H.R. 3787, H.R. 4541,
H.R. 5064, and H.R. 5549.
July 28, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on
Continued Oversight of Inadequate Cost Controls at the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. (Serial No. 111-95)
July 29, 2010.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Licensure and Certification. (Serial No.
111-96)
September 15, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Markup of
Veterans Benefits and Economic Welfare Improvement Act of 2010,
H.R. 3685, H.R. 5360, H.R. 5630, H.R. 3787, and H.R. 5993.
September 15, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on
Personality Disorder Discharges: Impact on Veterans' Benefits.
(Serial No. 111-97)
September 16, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing on Examining Training
Requirements of Veterans Benefits Administration Claims
Processing Personnel. (Serial No. 111-98)
September 16, 2010.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Update of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.
(Serial No. 111-99)
September 22, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Room 345 Cannon. Joint
House and Senate Hearing to Receive the Legislative
Presentation of The American Legion.
September 23, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health
Hearing on Veterans Health Administration Contracting and
Procurement Practices. (Serial No. 111-100)
September 29, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Subcommittee on Health
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3843, H.R. 4041, H.R. 5428, H.R.
5543, H.R. 5516, H.R. 5641, H.R. 5996, H.R. 6123, H.R. 6127,
H.R. 6220, and Draft Legislation. (Serial No. 111-101)
September 29, 2010.--1:00 p.m. Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity Hearing on Federal Contractor Compliance. (Serial
No. 111-102)
September 30, 2010.--10:00 a.m. Full Committee Hearing on
The True Cost of the War. (Serial No. 111-103)
COMMITTEE WEB SITES
www.veterans.house.gov
www.republicans.veterans.house.gov
The Committee on Veterans' Affairs operates, maintains, and
updates a website (veterans.house.gov), as well as a minority
website (republicans.veterans.house.gov) containing
comprehensive and timely information on Committee activities,
Federal actions, and other news of interest to veterans. The
websites contain thousands of pages of information: Committee
Information; Committee Resources; Chairman's Welcome Message;
Committee Schedule; Publications; Committee Hearings; Committee
Spotlight; Legislation; Recent News; Multimedia Links; Veterans
Benefits; Veterans Healthcare; Subcommittees; and Live
Webcasting. The websites continue to be a resource for the
veteran community for news and information relating to benefits
and programs.
OVERSIGHT PLAN FOR THE 111TH CONGRESS
Clause 2(d)(1) of Rule X of the Rules of the House of
Representatives for the 111th Congress requires each standing
committee, not later than February 15 of the first session, to
adopt an oversight plan for the 111th Congress. The oversight
plan must be submitted simultaneously to the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on House
Administration.
The following agenda constitutes the oversight plan of the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs for the 111th Congress. It
includes areas in which the Committee and its subcommittees
expect to conduct oversight during this Congress, but does not
preclude oversight or investigation of additional matters or
programs as they arise. Because the Committee generally
conducts oversight through its subcommittees, the plan is
organized by subcommittee. The full Committee may, at the
discretion of the Chairman, after consultation with the Ranking
Republican Member, conduct any of the oversight activities
planned by the subcommittees.
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
1. Modernizing the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA)
Disability Benefits Claims Processing System. The Subcommittee
plans to continue its oversight activities centered on
modernizing and revising the VA disability benefits claims
process, as well as the implementation of P.L. 110-389.
2. Benefits. The Subcommittee will examine veterans'
benefits programs, such as special monthly compensation, home,
auto, and clothing allowances, and burial benefits, to ensure
effective operation and sufficient benefit levels.
3. Examination of the Nonservice-Connected Pension
Programs. The Subcommittee plans to examine whether pension
programs are benefiting those who need it most. In addition,
this Subcommittee will explore the need to expand the pension
program to include certain veterans or survivors who may have
been previously omitted and the pay-go costs associated with
any expansion.
4. Outreach. The Subcommittee plans to look at the outreach
efforts conducted by the VA to ensure that eligible veterans,
survivors and other beneficiaries are aware of benefits to
which they may be entitled, paying special attention to
geographic limitations and considerations.
5. Appeals. The Subcommittee will further explore the
compensation and pension claims appeal process at the Board of
Veterans Appeals (BVA), the Appeals Management Center (AMC) and
the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). The
Subcommittee plans to focus on exploring avenues to simplify
the current appeal process, increase accountability and reduce
avoidable remands.
6. National and Overseas Cemeteries. The Subcommittee will
examine the immediate and long-term needs of the VA National
Cemetery Administration (NCA) and the American Battle Monuments
Commission (ABMC) to provide burial or commemoration to
America's fallen heroes. The Subcommittee will review the need
for additional VA national cemeteries or grants to state
cemeteries, standards used to establish national cemeteries and
the condition of existing cemeteries to determine if their
condition befits their status as national shrines to our
nation's veterans. Additionally, the Subcommittee will review
the adequacy of benefits for the provision and placement of
headstones and markers provided by VA and the expansion of the
ABMC's interpretative program.
7. Information Technology. The Subcommittee will continue
to review current information technology systems and software
applications being used by the VBA with a focus on VETSNET and
Virtual VA. The Subcommittee will explore the potential for
web-based claim application capabilities and benefits
management portals. It will also explore the applicability of
rules-based and other expert systems to automate the
adjudication of disability claims.
8. Insurance Matters. The Subcommittee will examine the
insurance programs under the jurisdiction of VA to ensure the
provision of the proper level of indemnification and
appropriate categories of coverage. Additionally, the
Subcommittee will review the overall operation of these
insurance programs.
9. Presumptions. The Subcommittee will continue to examine
the process for establishing presumptions of service-connection
for the purpose of providing disability benefits compensation,
focusing on veterans from both current and past conflicts.
10. Seamless Transition. The Subcommittee will continue to
examine and support efforts to ensure that wounded warriors and
other transitioning servicemembers are able to receive benefits
in an accurate and timely manner, including the Transition
Assistance Program (TAP), Disabled Transition Assistance
Program (DTAP), Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program
and implementation of a single VA/DoD disability exam process.
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunities
1. Employment and Self-Employment Opportunities for
Veterans. The Subcommittee plans to review the efforts of the
Department of Labor and the VA in providing employment
opportunities to veterans, with a focus on recently separated
service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, including
demobilizing Reserve and National Guard personnel. The
Subcommittee also plans to review federal contracting efforts
to ensure veterans' employment.
2. Department of Labor Workforce and Transition Services.
The Subcommittee plans to monitor the progress and
effectiveness of the Veterans Employment, Training and Employer
Outreach Advisory Committee within the Department of Labor,
including the progress of the Credentialing Work Group.
3. Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS). VETS
oversees several programs for the Department of Labor that
directly impacts veterans' benefits and employment. VETS is
currently provided funding for the State Grants for Local
Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled
Veterans' Program (DVOPs) Specialists, the National Veterans
Training Institute (NVTI), the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration
Program (HVRP), the Veterans' Workforce Investment Program
(VWIP), and program administration.
4. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. VA's
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program
provides services and assistance to enable veterans with
service-connected disabilities to obtain and maintain suitable
employment, and to enable certain other disabled veterans to
achieve independence in daily living. The Subcommittee will
examine VR&E's recent efforts to implement its 5-track program
throughout the 57 regional offices. In addition the
Subcommittee will likely focus on areas such as suitable
employment including self employment assistance to the most
seriously disabled veterans, contracted services, claims
processing, and employer outreach.
5. Transition Assistance to Demobilizing Reserve and
National Guard Personnel. Due to the increased utilization of
the Selected Reserve since September 11, 2001, many more
citizen soldiers are being activated and serving on active
duty. Consequently, as the Reserve and National Guard forces
demobilize after their activation period, they like active duty
troops require period of readjustment and transition services.
The Subcommittee will continue to examine and focus its efforts
to ensure that Selected Reserve personnel receive the
assistance and benefits they may need to successfully
transition into civilian workforce and lifestyle. The
Subcommittee is also interested in reviewing the demobilization
process and the recommendations from the Task Force on
Returning Global War on Terror Heroes Report.
6. Veterans Preference in Federal Hiring/Categorical
Ranking Systems. Veterans have complained that the Federal
Veterans Preference program is ineffective. The Office of
Personnel Management has implemented an alternative personnel
system to enlarge applicant selection pools. The Subcommittee
will be reviewing the current personnel system.
7. Veterans' Priority of Hiring and Federal Contractors.
Title 38 requires Federal contractors to provide hiring
priority to certain qualified veterans and to report job
openings to state and local employment services. The
Subcommittee will review the effectiveness of current law with
a view towards enforcement.
8. Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights
Act. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights
Act (USERRA) provides a broad range of employment rights and
responsibilities for veterans and employers. The Subcommittee
will assess the effectiveness of USERRA with special emphasis
on employers' willingness to hire National Guard and Reserve
members and employment-related issues related to returning to
the workforce following activation as well as issues related
enforcement.
9. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). As more
Reservists and National Guard members are activated there is an
increasing reliance on the protections offered under SCRA. The
Subcommittee will continue to provide oversight over the SCRA.
10. GI Bill. The Subcommittee plans to closely monitor the
VA's efforts to implement the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational
Assistance Act of 2008, with a focus on ensuring that the VA
will be ready to meet its August 2009 deadline for
implementation. The Subcommittee will also examine ways in
which to improve veterans' educational benefits and ensure that
these benefits are available to veterans when they need them.
11. State Approving Agencies. The Subcommittee will examine
how State Approving Agencies can be streamlined, reduce areas
of responsibility, become more accountable for expenditures and
reduce multiple agency overlap in services to better improve
education benefits for veterans.
12. Small Business Contracting Goals for Veteran and
Service Connected Disabled Business Owners. The Federal
government has poor results in assuring that small business
contracting goals with service-connected disabled veteran small
business owners are being met. The Subcommittee will explore
the root cause for this underachievement.
13. VA Federal Procurement, Contract Bundling, and Non-
Competitive Contracts. The VA has the second largest Federal
procurement budget after DoD. We should monitor how VA does
business and how its procurement policies affect the VA and
veterans seeking to do business with the VA. There is a concern
that large corporations who secure large contracts with the VA
and the Federal government at large generally fail to comply
with their small business contract submission that incorporates
veterans as subcontractors. To date the VA has imposed no
penalty on any company for failing to execute their small
business plan. We need to see what the Defense Acquisition
University is doing to ensure that all contractors are in
compliance with the small business goals.
14. VA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business/Center
for Veterans Enterprise. Public Law 109-461 required the VA to
set and meet certain procurement goals with respect to veteran
and service-disabled veteran owned small businesses. The
Subcommittee will examine VA's efforts to implement P.L. 109-
461 which required the VA to set and meet certain procurement
goals with respect to veteran and service-disabled veteran
owned small businesses. The Subcommittee will examine the
effectiveness of the Center for Veterans Enterprise and the
Veterans Business Development Corporation.
15. VA Loan Guaranty Program. The Subcommittee will review
existing veterans' loan programs to determine the effect of the
current downturn in real estate on veteran home owners. The
Subcommittee will include the views of the mortgage industry
and other real estate experts to see if improvements can be
made to the existing system including additional protections
for mortgagors. The Subcommittee will also review VA operations
in the secondary market.
16. Paralympics. The Subcommittee plans to monitor the
progress of the VA's Paralympics grant program.
17. Information Technology. VBA currently uses several
information technology applications to assist administration of
its education and vocational rehabilitation and employment
programs. Despite this basic level of automation, significant
backlogs persist. The Subcommittee will assess opportunities to
increase the ability of rules-based systems to improve
administration and decrease the backlogs.
Subcommittee on Health
1. Provision of VA Health Care.--The Subcommittee will
examine the VA's health care delivery structure to determine
whether it is the most effective and efficient means of
delivering the best care to our veterans. Among the issues the
Subcommittee will explore include the adequacy of the existing
VISN structure; the role of technology such as telehealth/
telemedicine in improving care to rural and under-served
veterans; and quality of care and access issues. The
Subcommittee also plans on providing oversight of VA's Project
HERO (``Healthcare Effectiveness through Resource
Optimization'') initiative, as well as VA's current contract
care practices.
2. Health Care Personnel.--The Subcommittee plans on
evaluating VA's current efforts as well as explore innovative
solutions to recruit and retain nurses, physicians, dentists,
and other health and mental health care professionals.
3. Women Veterans' Programs.--With the rapid and steady
increase in the number of women veterans, the Subcommittee will
examine VA's provision of health care services to women and
identify service gaps where improvements can be made. A special
effort will be made to ensure that VA is equipped to care for
victims of military sexual trauma.
4. Homelessness.--The Subcommittee plans to review VA's
current efforts to alleviate homelessness amongst veterans, and
examine ways to improve services to homeless veterans including
women veterans with children.
5. Reintegration.--The Subcommittee will assess means of
improving health care services and reintegration efforts for
returning servicemembers.
6. VA Medical and Prosthetic Research.--The Subcommittee
plans on examining the effectiveness of the VA's current
research endeavors and the degree to which the research
translates into clinical applications. The Subcommittee also
plans on looking at such issues as the role of intellectual
property, the function, and effectiveness of VA's research
corporations, and the effect of data security measures on
research efforts.
7. Prosthetics and Specialized Services.--The Subcommittee
plans to examine VA's specialized services, such as blind
rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, and prosthetics.
Specifically, the Subcommittee will explore ways to improve
these services and ways the VA can meet Congress' intent.
8. Long-Term Care.--The Subcommittee plans to examine the
current state of VA's long-term care programs, and explore ways
to improve and augment the VA's efforts in this area including
state veterans homes and contract community homes. The
Subcommittee will assess the VA's efforts to provide more home
and community-based care options to better provide long-term
care services to veterans.
9. CARES, VA Construction, and Facilities Management.--The
Subcommittee plans to monitor the VA's health-related capital
asset program, including looking at innovative ways the VA can
provide health care services in the future. The Subcommittee
plans on reviewing the current state of the VA's construction
programs, including major and minor construction, facilities
management efforts, and capital asset plans. The Subcommittee
plans to assess VA's historic preservation, and enhanced use
lease efforts to better utilize existing VA capital assets.
10. VA Funding.--The Subcommittee plans to examine the
adequacy of VA funding, and assess whether a new budget
projection model and a different appropriations measure can
offer more efficient use of resources. Specifically, the
Subcommittee will examine the VA's budget to determine whether
it accurately funds services for returning servicemembers and
whether it accounts for the long-term costs of these new
veterans. In addition, the Subcommittee will examine the
Medical Care Collections Fund (MCCF) and VA's forecast and
planning efforts to ensure that the VA is taking steps to meet
health care demand.
11. PTSD and Mental Health Issues.--The Subcommittee plans
to continue its oversight of the VA's current efforts in the
area of mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
as they relate to returning servicemembers and veterans of
previous conflicts.
12. Traumatic Brain Injury and VA Polytrauma Centers.--The
Subcommittee plans on examining the VA's efforts in diagnosing
and treating Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), as well as the
operation of the VA's Polytrauma Centers. The Subcommittee
seeks to learn whether the VA is meeting the needs of veterans
returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who have shown a marked
increase in TBI.
13. VA/DOD Cooperation.--The Subcommittee plans to examine
how the VA and DOD health care systems can best work together
to provide health care services to veterans. The Subcommittee
plans to look at the progress the two agencies have made in
ensuring that health information is shared, including
electronic medical records, and other ways that VA and DOD can
improve services to returning servicemembers and veterans.
14. Outreach and Education.--The Subcommittee plans on
exploring VA's current outreach and education efforts and
examine ways in which the VA can better provide information and
guidance on veterans' health issues to veterans, the public,
and other governmental and private entities.
15. VA's Fourth Mission.--The VA has an important role to
play outside of the direct provision of health care to
veterans. The Subcommittee plans to examine the VA's readiness
to accomplish its fourth mission--to serve as backup to the
Department of Defense health care system in times of war or
other emergencies and to support communities following domestic
terrorist incidents and natural disasters. The Subcommittee
seeks to be assured that the VA has devoted adequate resources
for its fourth mission contingencies and that the VA's fourth
mission duties do not detract from its first mission of caring
for veterans.
16. VA Pharmaceutical Care.--The Subcommittee plans to
monitor VA's efforts to offer affordable, safe, and diverse
pharmaceutical services. The Subcommittee will explore whether
the VA's process for updating the formulary is adequate; the
accessibility of non-formulary drugs that are medically
necessary; and VA's efforts in the area of medication
management.
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
1. VA Inspector General.--The Subcommittee plans to review
how the VA implements the recommendations of the VA Inspector
General (IG) to increase VA efficiency and effectiveness. The
Subcommittee will work to ensure that the IG has the resources
it needs to accomplish its mission and assist in restoring
veterans' confidence in the system.
2. VA Management.--The Subcommittee plans to monitor and
address the effectiveness of VA management in delivering
veterans' benefits.
3. Human Subjects Protection.--Previous problems in VA
Research involving human subjects led the committee to initiate
several inquiries into protecting human subjects in VA studies,
while ensuring affiliates respect and conform to the same level
of protection. The Subcommittee will review this matter to
assure the protections have been succinctly addressed and are
working according to the Federal Policy for the Protection of
Human Subjects.
4. Seamless Transition.--The Subcommittee will continue to
monitor VA and Department of Defense (DoD) efforts to assure
that the transition between the two departments is seamless and
responsive to the needs of veterans. The Subcommittee plans on
examining issues such as the progress of the Yellow Ribbon
Reintegration Program and DoD's referral of discharged Guard
and Reserve personnel to VA's dental program for their follow-
up dental care.
5. Fully Interoperable Electronic Personal Health
Information between VA & DoD.--Congress has mandated VA-DoD
development of interoperable health records or systems. The
Subcommittee will evaluate timelines and progress in this
effort.
6. Credentialing, Privileging, and Screening of VA
Employees.--The Subcommittee will review the portfolio of
background checks and reviews that involve current and
potential VA employees with the goal of assuring that veterans
and coworkers are safe.
7. VA's Fourth Mission.--The Subcommittee plans to examine
the VA's role in responding to natural or man-made disasters
and as a backup to the Department of Defense health care
system. The Subcommittee will explore whether the VA can meet
its ``fourth mission'' responsibilities under the National
Response Framework and provide for its continuity of
operations.
8. Financial and Logistics Integrated Technology Enterprise
(FLITE).--After the failure of the CoreFLS financial and
logistics system, VA has embarked on a new effort called FLITE.
VA intends to follow a multiple-year, phased approach that will
integrate and standardize financial and asset management
processes across all VA offices by 2014 at an estimated cost of
$570 million. The Subcommittee intends to maintain close
oversight of this multi year project.
9. VA Information Security Management Program.--The loss of
computer hardware containing the personal information of
millions of veterans enhanced awareness of ongoing problems
with VA's informational security program. The Subcommittee has
an ongoing interest in the effectiveness of the program.
10. Small Business Contracting Goals for Service Connected
Disabled Business Owners.--The Federal government has a poor
result in assuring that small business contracting goals with
service-connected disabled veteran small business owners are
being met. The Subcommittee will explore the root cause for the
underachievement.
11. Chemical, Radiological, Biological and other Test
Veterans Issues.--The Subcommittee will continue to explore
issues surrounding chemical, radiological, and biological
testing of veterans, as well as issues related to Agent Orange
and Gulf War exposures.
12. VA's Procurement and Acquisition Activities.--VA spends
over $6 billion annually for medical and surgical supplies,
prosthetics, information technology, construction and other
materials and services. The Subcommittee will examine
contracting, logistics, and development of control systems at
VA to ensure that Veterans' needs are met and the taxpayers'
interests are protected.
13. Medical Care Collections Fund.--The Subcommittee will
conduct oversight on VA collection efforts.
14. EEO Complaint Resolution System.--Following significant
problems in VA's EEO process, Congress mandated the creation of
an independent office to provide mediation and other dispute
resolution services. The Subcommittee will examine how
effective this office has been and whether it has adequate
resources to function as Congress intended.
15. Laboratory and Clinical Select Agent Security.--VA
Level 3 Laboratories and all VA Medical Centers are host to
various chemical, biological and radiological agents. The
Subcommittee will examine VA compliance with law and
regulations governing use and storage of such materials.
16. Electronic Claims Processing.--The Veterans Benefits
Administration must move to electronic processing of benefits
claims if it is to address the claims backlog. O`I will conduct
oversight of the cooperative efforts of VBA and the Office of
Information and Technology to address this critical need.
REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS'
AFFAIRS, SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 301 OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET
ACT OF 1974, ON THE BUDGET PROPOSED FOR FY 2010
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC, March 13, 2009.
Hon. John M. Spratt, Jr.,
Chairman, House Committee on the Budget,
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to Sec. 301(d) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, and House Rule X, clause
4(f), and Rule 7 of the Rules of the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs hereby submits its
Views and Estimates with regard to programs and matters within
the jurisdiction of the Committee to be set forth in the
concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2010. The
Minority will be submitting Additional and Dissenting Views
under separate cover.
Caring for our veterans is an ongoing cost of war, and a
continuing cost of our national defense. As a Congress, and a
nation, we must fulfill our obligations to the men and women
who have served. We hope that you will carefully consider these
Committee views and estimates. We have a lot of work ahead of
us if we are to keep our promises to veterans. Working
together, we can make sure that our veterans are not forgotten,
and that we meet our obligations to them as a nation.
Sincerely,
Bob Filner, Chairman; Corrine Brown, Vic Snyder,
Michael H. Michaud, Stephanie Herseth
Sandlin, Harry E. Mitchell, John J. Hall,
Deborah Halvorson, Thomas S.P. Perriello,
Harry Teague, Ciro Rodriguez, Joe Donnelly,
Jerry McNerney, Zachary T. Space, Timothy
J. Walz, John H. Adler, Ann Kirkpatrick,
Glenn C. Nye.
DEMOCRATIC VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
March 13, 2009
Introduction
On February 26, 2009, the Administration submitted its
preliminary FY 2010 budget. This 134-page document, entitled A
New Era of Responsibility: Renewing America's Priorities,
provides scant detail regarding the VA's FY 2010 budget. By
necessity, this year's Views and Estimates will not contain the
same level of detailed analysis and individual account
recommendations as in previous years.
Because of the lack of details regarding non-VA programs in
this year's preliminary budget, the Committee will not be
making recommendations regarding the Veterans Employment and
Training Service of the Department of Labor, the American
Battle Monuments Commission, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for
Veterans Claims.
SECTION 1--DISCRETIONARY ACCOUNTS
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
For FY 2010, the Administration is requesting $52.5 billion
for the discretionary accounts of the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA). This request is $4.9 billion, or 10.3 percent,
over FY 2009 enacted levels. The Administration is estimating a
total resource level, including medical care collections, of
$55.9 billion for FY 2010. This overall level is $1.3 billion
over the recommendations of the Independent Budget, which is
co-authored by AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed
Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. This
year marks the first time in the 23-year history of the
Independent Budget that an administration has proposed a budget
that exceeds its recommendations.
For the second year, the Independent Budget has included
amounts attributable to medical care collections in its funding
level recommendation for the Medical Services account. The
Independent Budget argues that amounts for discretionary
programs of the VA should be fully appropriated and hence
collections should not be included. The Independent Budget is
silent regarding how resources realized through medical
collections should be spent by the Department, or even if the
VA should continue to collect for the provision of health care
services for non-service-connected conditions. In order to more
accurately compare budget numbers, amounts attributable to
medical care collections should be added to the discretionary
appropriations request, or conversely, the amount estimated for
collections should be subtracted from the Independent Budget
request.
The Committee\1\ is recommending $53.3 billion for the
discretionary accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) for FY 2010. This recommendation is an increase of $5.7
billion, or 12 percent over the FY 2009 enacted level of $47.6
billion, and $800 million, or 1.5 percent, above the
Administration's request.
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\1\While the Views and Estimates reflect a consensus effort, the
Committee wishes to note that not all Members of the Committee
necessarily agree with every aspect of the report. Accordingly, the
Committee reserves its flexibility to determine program needs and
recognizes the potential for funding changes as the Committee and
Congress work their will through the legislative process.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Administration's number for total resources for
discretionary programs for FY 2010 indicates an appropriations
level of $52.5 and an amount attributable to collections of
$3.4 billion. The VA saw an 11 percent increase in collections
from FY 2007 to FY 2008, and is estimating $2.5 billion in
collections for FY 2009. The Administration's estimate would
represent an increase in collections of $900 million, or 36
percent, from FY 2009 estimated levels.
The Committee is estimating that the VA will realize at
least $2.8 billion in medical care collections in FY 2010. When
this amount is added to the recommended level of appropriated
discretionary funding the Committee is recommending an overall
level of resources for the VA of $56.1 billion. This represents
an increase of $200 million over the Administration's proposed
total resource level of $55.9 billion and $1.5 billion above
the Independent Budget recommendation of $54.6 billion.
The Committee is concerned that the VA may find it
difficult to realize an increase of 36 percent in collections
using existing authorities, even with the increase in the
number of Priority 8 veterans allowed into the system this
fiscal year. The Committee recommends that an additional $600
million above the Administration's request be provided in
appropriated dollars in order to safeguard the provision of
health care to veterans. The Committee believes this is a
prudent step as it awaits further details regarding the
Administration's budget request. As further details are
provided and the Committee is assured that the VA can collect
these additional revenues using current authorities, then the
Committee would recommend that these additional dollars be used
by the VA to further improve access to care and enhance
specialty care programs, including long-term care.
The Committee's recommended funding level for FY 2010 also
includes an additional $200 million to augment the VA account
that funds discretionary activities of the Veterans Benefits
Administration and the Department's General Administration
activities. The Committee recommends providing this increase to
safeguard VA claims activities and to assist the Department in
beginning its transformation into a 21st Century organization,
a goal outlined by the new Administration.
FY 2010 VA DISCRETIONARY BUDGET REQUEST
[$ In billions]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2010 FY 2010 Committee vs.
Enacted Independent President's Committee vs. Enacted President's
Budget Request Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA Discretionary............... $47.6 *$54.6 $52.5 $53.3 +$5.7 +$0.8
($51.8)
Medical Care Collections....... $2.5 $0 $3.4 $2.8 +$0.3 -$0.6
Total Resources $50.1 $54.6 $55.9 $56.1 +$6.0 +$0.2
Discretionary (With
collections)..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*To assist in the analysis of the varying budget proposals, the figure in parentheses ($51.8) represents the
Committee's estimate as to collections subtracted from the recommended level in order to better compare
realistic appropriations levels.
The Committee is pleased to note that the Administration's
budget request marks a sharp departure from Bush Administration
budgets in assuming out-year increases for veterans' spending.
For FY 2009, the Bush Administration submitted a budget that
assumed a net five-year cut of $20 billion. The preliminary
budget for FY 2010 assumes a five-year increase of $25 billion
over baseline estimates.
When the Administration submits a detailed budget in April,
the Committee plans to revisit its recommended funding level,
if warranted. The Committee believes that its recommended level
of $53.3 billion provides the resources to enable the VA to
meet its responsibilities in FY 2010 in all VA accounts, but
retains an interest in ensuring that specific accounts are
funded at sufficient levels.
The Committee remains committed to working diligently to
ensure that VA budgets are sufficient to meet the needs of
veterans and are in place at the beginning of the fiscal year.
The Committee plans on addressing innovative ideas, such as
advanced appropriations and other budgetary reforms, to ensure
that veterans get the dollars they need when they need them and
the VA is better able to plan and forecast to meet the
challenges ahead.
VA Medical Care
VA medical care is considered to be comprised of three
accounts: Medical Services, Medical Support and Compliance, and
Medical Facilities. These three accounts, and Medical and
Prosthetic Research, make up the funding levels for the
Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
Including the recommended additional funding, the Committee
believes that the proposed FY 2010 budget provides sufficient
resources to provide the necessary funding levels for veterans'
medical care. When the Committee's estimated collections level
is factored in, the Committee believes that VHA accounts should
be funded at levels that at least match the Independent Budget
request. The Committee expects the VA to provide a robust
research budget that does not rely on the ability of VA
researchers to obtain other Federal research dollars in order
to achieve increases above FY 2009 levels.
Consistent with the Committee's focus on improving health
care access for rural veterans, the Committee will work to
ensure that the VA's Office of Rural Health is sufficiently
funded and staffed at an appropriate level to spearhead and
coordinate VA's efforts in this area.
The Committee applauds the Administration's efforts to end
the enrollment ban on the enrollment of Priority 8 veterans and
supports the VA's stated intent to accomplish this
incrementally in order to safeguard current quality and
timeliness standards. The Committee also looks forward to
working with the Administration to improve mental health care
treatment and services, as well as improve homeless programs
and enhance outreach efforts. The Committee will also continue
its focus on providing health care to returning servicemembers
and veterans of past conflicts and look for ways to improve the
VA's ability to address specific health care needs of veterans.
Departmental Administration
Veterans Benefits Administration
Information Technology Systems
Office of Inspector General
The General Operating Expenses (GOE) account provides
discretionary funding for the Veterans Benefits Administration
(VBA) and general administrative functions of the Department,
including funding the Office of the Secretary, the Assistant
Secretaries, the Office of the General Counsel, and the Board
of Veterans Appeals. For FY 2009, GOE received $1.8 billion in
appropriated funding.
The Committee recommendation of $53.3 billion includes an
additional $200 million for the GOE account. The Committee
recommends providing this additional level of funding as it
awaits further details regarding the Administration's proposal
to shift the funding mechanism for contract examinations for
disability compensation eligibility from mandatory to
discretionary. The Committee is also looking to the
Administration to provide the funding necessary to assist the
VA as it begins its transformation into an organization more
aligned with the needs of veterans and to beef up its strategic
planning capabilities.
The Committee will also work to ensure that the VBA has the
funding it needs in the short term to hire and train needed
claims processors and to work to implement the reforms the VA's
disability compensation system contained in P.L. 110-389, the
Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008. Over the long term,
the Committee looks forward to working with the Administration
and the VA to transform this system and utilize all available
technologies and processes to address the claims backlog.
The Committee will look forward to receiving detailed
funding information regarding the VA's Information Technology
Systems (IT) account. The Committee will work to ensure that
the VA has the resources to continue reforming its IT operation
and that IT functions as a tool to improve the provision of
benefits and services to veterans.
The Committee notes that the National Cemetery
Administration received $50 million as part of the American
Recovery and Investment Act, P.L. 111-5. The Committee is
hopeful that this account will be provided the resources it
needs to maintain current services and that additional funding
is provided for the National Shrine Initiative.
The Office of Inspector General will be expected to do more
in the next fiscal year, and the committee will look to the
Administration to provide sufficient funding for this vital
operation.
Construction and Grant Programs
For FY 2009, the VA received $1.9 billion for its
Construction, Major Projects, Construction, Minor Projects,
Grants for Construction of State Extended Care Facilities, and
Grants for Construction of State Veterans Cemeteries. The
Independent Budget has recommended $2.3 billion for these
accounts for FY 2010.
The American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009, P.L. 111-
5, provided $1.4 billion in funding for the VA, including $150
million for Grants for Construction of State Extended Care
Facilities. The VA, for FY 2009, identified $434 million worth
of Priority Group 1 projects. These projects have State
matching funds in place. The FY 2009 appropriation of $175
million and the $150 million provided in the Recovery Act would
still require an additional $109 million to meet the total
backlog in Priority Group 1 projects. A Funding level
consistent with FY 2009 for this program would provide the $109
million plus provide an additional $66 million for new
projects.
The Committee is hopeful that the Administration will
request sufficient construction funding consistent with recent
appropriations levels. The Committee looks forward to working
with the Administration and the VA to better improve the VA's
construction process and better enable the VA to provide the
infrastructure needed to match current and future needs. The
Committee also plans to work with the Administration and the VA
to identify ways that VA can reduce energy consumption and
costs and improve environmental sustainability.
SECTION 2--MANDATORY ACCOUNTS
On March 10, 2009, Secretary Shinseki testified before the
Committee to outline the Administration's request for FY 2010.
The Secretary indicated that the VA's mandatory account
requirements would necessitate $57 billion, an increase of $9.7
billion, or 21 percent, over FY 2009 levels. The Committee is
awaiting further details regarding this increase.
The Committee believes that there are many benefits
programs administered by the VA that are in need of
modernization, and many that need increases in order to fulfill
the original intent of the underlying legislation. The
Committee will also look to work with the VA and veterans to
consider major overhauls in the manner in which benefits claims
are handled to make the claims process a model of fairness and
efficiency. Many of these reforms and changes will require
additional mandatory expenditures, at least in the short term.
The Committee is cognizant of the need for fiscal restraint
and the PAYGO requirements under the Rules of the House of
Representatives to offset increases in mandatory spending, and
plans on working with other committees, where appropriate, to
improve benefits for veterans. The Committee encourages the
Committee on the Budget to consider the creation of a reserve
fund or other budgetary mechanism that may assist the Committee
as it begins the process of examining ways in which to
modernize the VA's disability claims system.
ADDITIONAL VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Fiscal Year 2010
We agree with the Views and Estimates of the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs Majority concerning the funding levels and
priorities for veterans health and benefits programs and
services for fiscal year 2010. We believe that with these
recommendations, the President's budget will meet the needs of
today's veterans and begin to address many of the more
important challenges facing the Department of Veterans Affairs
in the future.
However, we believe there is one issue that is not
sufficiently addressed, namely the vital need to reform the
budget and appropriations process to ensure that veterans
health care programs receive sufficient, timely, and
predictable funding, not just today, but far into the future.
While funding for veterans health care has increased
significantly in recent years, we believe it is essential that
the Committee remain dedicated to securing both adequate and
timely funding for veterans health care.
The services and operations of the Department of Veterans
Affairs have continuously been hampered by a lack of
predictable funding. In July 25, 2007, testimony to the Senate
Committee on Veterans' Affairs detailed the operational
difficulties consistently encountered by VA managers and
officials due to the uncertainty of funding and resources.\2\
For too many years, the VA has had to make do with insufficient
budgets resulting in restricted access for many veterans. We
remain concerned that late and unpredictable funding for VA
medical care programs will delay the provision of care,
diminish the quality of service, and result in less efficient
use of funds.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\Joseph M. Manley, VA Medical Center Director (Retired), Funding
for VA Healthcare, Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 110th
Congress 1st Session, 25 July 2007. James W. Dudley, Mandated VA
Funding, Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 110th Congress 1st
Session, 25 July 2007. Former VA Official's Perspective on VA Health
Care Appropriations: Operational Difficulties and Political Demands,
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 110th Congress 1st Session, 25
July 2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The VA requires an assured source of funding in order to
meet the demand for services and adequately maintain
operational facilities. We conclude that the budget and
appropriations processes for VA medical care programs can be
significantly improved through advanced appropriations--a
mechanism already utilized by the Committee on the Budget for
select federal programs. Earlier this year, legislation was
introduced, H.R. 1016, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform
and Transparency Act, which would authorize one-year advance
appropriations for veterans medical care programs. An advance
appropriation would provide the VA with up to a year in which
to plan the most efficient and effective means to deliver care
to an increasing number of veterans with increasingly complex
medical conditions. The legislation would also improve the
transparency of VA's budget forecasting process, in order to
aid the Committee on the Budget and the Committee on
Appropriations in future development of appropriation bills
that provide sufficient funding to meet the best estimate of
anticipated demand for veterans health care services.
This legislation has been endorsed by virtually every major
veterans and military service organization, including the four
co-authors of The Independent Budget, the nine members of The
Partnership for Veterans Health Care Budget Reform, and The
Military Coalition, comprised of 35 military and veterans
organizations. The legislation is also actively supported by
the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Advance
appropriations have also been endorsed by two dozen former
senior VA officials, regional and hospital directors, including
former Secretary Anthony Principi, former Deputy Secretary
Hershel Gober, and four prior Under Secretaries for Health,
stretching back to 1994.
Our recommendation is that the Committee on the Budget work
with the Committee on Veterans' Affairs to secure advanced
appropriations to ensure that VA budgets are not only
sufficient, but are available when needed. We intend to
collaborate with our colleagues on the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs to consider and report this legislation authorizing
advance appropriations, working toward Congressional approval
and final enactment this year. We ask the Budget Committee to
remove any obstacles in the budget resolution to allow advance
appropriations for veterans medical care in FY2011.
Specifically, Section 302 of the FY2009 Budget Resolution (S.
Con. Res. 70) provided a general point of order against advance
appropriations. However, the FY2009 Budget Resolution
delineated a specific list of programs not subject to that
point of order. We recommend that the budget resolution for
FY2010 include language that separately exempts all three VA
medical care accounts (Medical Services, Medical Support and
Compliance, and Medical Facilities) from any point of order
against advance appropriations for FY2011.
Sincerely,
Michael H. Michaud,
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin,
Harry E. Mitchell,
John J. Hall,
Harry Teague,
Timothy J. Walz.
ADDITIONAL VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Fiscal Year 2010
I write to submit an additional view into the record
regarding the House Veterans' Affairs Committee's Views and
Estimates on the budget for FY 2010. The Committee's funding
levels and priorities for veterans' health care display an
unparalleled and long overdue commitment to the men and women
who served our nation in uniform. However, I write to urge a
greater commitment to mental health services, specifically in
awarding veterans the compensation owed for the incurrence of
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
For too long we have heard the harrowing stories of
soldiers returning from war, bearing the scars and wounds of
battle, only to face an adversarial process in seeking
treatment and compensation. This is especially true for
soldiers who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In the Iraq
and Afghanistan wars alone, over 100,000 veterans have been
diagnosed with PTSD. Tragically, however, only 42,000 have been
granted service-connected disability for their condition.
This is true for past conflicts as well. The disability
claims backlog at the VA tops 800,000, a great majority of
which are Vietnam Veterans seeking compensation for PTSD. These
facts are a clear indication that current regulations at the VA
are too stringent for veterans seeking disability benefits.
Many veterans have lost faith in their government and
elected officials because of the hoops they have to jump
through at the VA as well as the presumption in current law
that they are scamming the system. We must work to restore
their trust.
The main prohibitive factor to making the necessary changes
is cost, which is why it is imperative that the budget allow
for the resources to improve the system. CBO estimates that
lowering the burdensome threshold that is currently denying
veterans their urgently needed benefits would cost $4.7 billion
over 10 years. While this may seem expensive, a RAND study has
determined that the cost of untreated PTSD to our nation could
total $6.2 billion over two years. In order to prevent this
catastrophe, the budget needs to adequately fund the
compensation that veterans have earned.
There is consensus among veterans that we need to improve
the way PTSD claims are handled; legislation to fix the problem
has been endorsed by the American Legion, the VFW, DAV,
Military Order of the Purple Heart, IAVA, and other VSOs.
Addressing this issue in the budget would raise the profile of
this need and publicly state to all those who serve their
country that their government is indeed living up to its
commitment to the men and women who sacrifice life and limb to
defend it.
Again, I want to state that the Obama Administration and
the House Veterans' Affairs Committee have both done a
tremendous job in displaying their commitment to veterans.
However, I recommend that the Committee on the Budget work with
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs to secure the funding to
address this urgent and growing need for mental health
compensation.
Sincerely,
John J. Hall.
REPUBLICAN LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC, March 13, 2009.
Hon. John M. Spratt, Jr.,
Chairman, House Committee on the Budget,
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to section 301(d) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, House Rule X, clause 4(f),
and Rule 7 of the Rules of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
I herewith submit to the Committee on the Budget the Views and
Estimates of the Republican Members of the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs regarding the Administration's fiscal year
(FY) 2010 budget request for the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) with regard to programs and matters within the
jurisdiction of the Committee.
The Republican Views and Estimates address the major areas
of focus that are critical to fulfilling our nation's
commitment to veterans. This document reflects our enduring
priorities, which include: providing care to veterans with
service-connected disabilities, those with special needs, and
the indigent; ensuring a seamless transition from military
service to VA; and providing veterans with every opportunity to
lead full, healthy lives. As you are aware, the Administration
is still developing the details of its FY 2010 budget request.
The budget summary it provided did not address the funding for
any specific VA program or activity. Therefore, please note
that in formulating the attached Views and Estimates,
Republican Members of the Committee relied on FY 2009
appropriated amounts as a baseline for their recommendations.
We look forward to working with our Committee's Majority
Members as well as the Members of the Budget Committee to put
forth a budget that will honor and enhance the lives of our
nation's veterans, as well as remain fiscally responsible to
the American taxpayer.
Sincerely,
Steve Buyer, Ranking Republican Member; Cliff
Stearns, Deputy Ranking Republican Member;
Jerry Moran, Committee Member; Henry E.
Brown, Jr., Ranking Republican Member,
Subcommittee on Health; Jeff Miller,
Committee Member; John Boozman, Ranking
Republican Member, Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity; Brian P. Bilbray, Committee
Member; Doug Lamborn, Ranking Republican
Member, Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs; Gus M.
Bilirakis, Committee Member; Vern Buchanan,
Committee Member; David P. Roe, Ranking
Republican Member, Subcommittee on
Oversight and Investigations.
REPUBLICAN VIEWS AND ESTIMATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010
March 13, 2009
OVERVIEW
For veterans' healthcare and program costs in fiscal year
(FY) 2010, the Republican Members of the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs recommend $1.9 billion above the Administration's
request for FY 2010. This represents a $550 million increase in
discretionary spending and a $1.36 billion increase in direct
spending for veterans' programs.
The Republican Members further recommend out-year funding
for veterans discretionary programs as follows: $58.4 billion
for FY 2011, $63.6 billion for FY 2012, $68.7 billion for FY
2013, and $72.8 billion for FY 2014, a total increase of $14.6
billion over the Administration's projections. These more
realistic estimates would adequately fund VA for the five year
period, assuming medical inflation of 2.6% and increased
workloads due to the restoration of health care eligibility for
many priority 8 veterans, the drawdown in Iraq, and increased
demand for VA health care from the economic downturn. We
believe the Administration's out-year funding projections would
result in serious budget shortfalls for veterans' healthcare.
The Administration's budget submission contains only a
request for overall levels of funding for the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA), and a detailed request for FY 2010 will
not be submitted to Congress until sometime in April.
Consequently, an in-depth analysis of the Administration's
budget request is not possible at this time, and these views
and estimates may be subject to revision when more information
is available from VA. We recommended increases for the specific
accounts use FY 2009 appropriated funding levels as a baseline.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Administration
Disability Compensation and Pension Service--The Republican
Members are deeply concerned about the growing size of the
backlog of claims for disability compensation. Despite large
increases in staffing at the compensation and pension service
(C&P), the backlog of pending claims continues to grow. There
must be greater emphasis on training and accountability with
new employees. Because rating specialists require an average of
two years before becoming fully productive, comprehensive
training is crucial. Therefore, the Republican Members
recommend an additional $16 million for Training and
Performance Support Systems, and an additional $4 million for
skills certification for C&P employees as described in P.L.
110-389. The Republican Members also recommend at least an
additional $2.5 million to fund 30 additional FTEE for VBA's
National Training Academy in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Republican Members recognize that additional direct
compensation FTEE alone will not the improve quality, accuracy,
consistency, and timeliness in claims processing without
corresponding increases in quality checks and business
processing improvement. Therefore, we make the following
recommendations to address this issue:
Systematic Technical Accuracy Review (STAR) Reviews--
STAR reviews are one of many ways that VBA reviews the
quality of their rating decisions. Despite the recent
increase in the number of STAR reviews, Republican
Members believe that too much emphasis continues to be
placed on just quantity rather than on both quality and
production. Deciding claims correctly the first time
should be the emphasis, even if the initial
adjudication period is somewhat longer. We recommend at
least additional $8 million to increase the number of
STAR reviews and the FTEE that conduct STAR training at
regional offices.
Rules Based Paperless Adjudication System--Additional
staffing and training will not alone reduce the
backlog. VBA plans to enhance its use of information
technology to enhance claims processing abilities. They
have begun this by funding a paperless claims
processing initiative, known as Virtual VA, which will
reduce reliance on burdensome paper claims files.
Additionally, VBA must utilize rules-based technology
to help claims adjudicators make rating decisions in a
more accurate and timely manner. To replace the
complicated, paper-driven process that is more than
twenty-five years old, the Republican Members support
such an initiative. This reflects our long-held
position favoring increased use of information
technology, and we recommend at least an additional
$170 million to fund this initiative.
Veterans Choice in Filing Pilot Program--The
Republican Members also recommend $5 million for a two-
year pilot program in which veterans who live in the
jurisdiction of VA regional offices in New York, New
York; Newark, New Jersey; Atlanta, Georgia; and
Detroit, Michigan would be able to submit disability
claims to any VA regional office for adjudication. This
pilot program would allow veterans to have their claims
adjudicated at a VA regional office with a favorable
performance record.
Concurrent Receipt--The Administration's budget
request proposes concurrent receipt for veterans who
are medically retired and eligible for VA disability
compensation. The Republican Members support
eligibility for concurrent receipt of disability
benefits from VA in addition to Department of Defense
retirement benefits.
Economic Security Programs--The GI Bill and the VA
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program are
designed to ultimately lead to gainful employment and
productive lives for those veterans who are able to work. The
VA Loan Guaranty program is designed to enable veterans to be a
part of the American ideal of home-ownership, and VA insurance
programs provide survivors with a measure of financial
security. The VA Specially Adapted Housing and Adapted Auto
grants provide severely disabled veterans increased mobility in
and out of the home and for many severely disabled veterans
make it possible for them to continue their working careers.
Increase in Vocational Rehabilitation Stipend--We must
improve education and training opportunities for unemployed
veterans to provide them with skills relevant to today's job
market. We recommend $357 million to allow an increase in the
basic VR&E subsistence allowance from $541 to $1,200 per month.
H.R. 297, to increase the VR&E subsistence allowance, would
authorize such an increase to provide an adequate allowance for
veterans and their families during participation in the
program.
Re-authorize the VA Small Business Loan Program--Because
small business creates the vast majority of jobs, we recommend
reauthorization of VA's expired small business loan guaranty
program with sufficient resources to guarantee $1 billion in
new loans to veteran-owned small businesses. H.R. 294, the
Veteran-Owned Small Business Promotion Act of 2009, would
authorize an updated small business loan guarantee. We also
recommend $400,000 in funding to support an additional 5 FTEE
to manage the program, which would be operated under contract
in a manner similar to VA's Insurance programs.
Improve SAH Funding--To improve the lives of severely
injured veterans, we recommend that the Specially Adapted
Housing (SAH) grants be increased to $180,000 and $36,000
respectively and the Adapted Auto grant should be increased to
$33,000. H.R. 1169, to improve Specially Adapted Housing, would
authorize the increases.
Develop Assistive Technologies--We also recommend
sufficient resources for the medical care account to include a
grant program that would provide $2 million per year to
encourage development of advanced assistive technologies for
the SAH program proposed in H.R. 1170, to develop assistive
technologies for specially adapted housing.
Economic Opportunity Administration--The Republican Members
believe that we should shift management of programs that
promote economic security to a separate VA administration.
Therefore, we recommend a budget with sufficient resources to
create a fourth administration, the Veterans Economic
Opportunity Administration, within the VA to manage the
education, vocational rehabilitation and employment, loan
guaranty, small business and homeless programs. Other than
those related to the initial startup, there would not be
significant costs to establish the new administration and it
would not expand the federal bureaucracy.
National Cemeteries and Related Agencies
Four departments or agencies within the Federal Government
maintain the final resting place of veterans and dependents.
These are the VA's National Cemetery Administration (NCA),
which has jurisdiction over 125 national cemeteries; the
American Battle Monuments Commission, which has jurisdiction
over 25 overseas military cemeteries; the Department of the
Army, which has jurisdiction over Arlington National Cemetery
and the United States Soldiers and Airman's National Cemetery;
and the Department of the Interior, which has jurisdiction over
14 historic veteran cemeteries. Republican Members are
concerned that with four different agencies overseeing these
cemeteries, there are four different standards of upkeep and
appearance.
To improve the overall upkeep and appearance at all our
veterans' final resting places, we recommend a National Shrine
Commitment for all veteran cemeteries. The funding from the
commitment would be used on infrastructure projects such as
irrigation improvements, renovation of historic structures,
headstone cleansing, and road resurfacing. We recommend at
least an additional $300 million to continue the National
Shrine Commitment at NCA. Additionally, we recommend at least
$3 million to fund a comprehensive and independent study of the
cemeteries under the jurisdiction of other agencies besides
NCA. This study would help identify areas that need to be
improved to ensure the final resting place of all veterans is
maintained in a manner that honors their sacrifices for our
country. The Republican Members also recommend that the two
open cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the National Parks
Service be moved to the jurisdiction of the National Cemetery
Administration and recommend at least $4 million for such a
move.
NCA Major Construction and Gravesite Expansion--The
Republican Members recommend at least an additional
$125 million to accelerate NCA's five-year strategic
plan to fund gravesite expansion. Republican Members
also recommend at least an additional $10 million for
land acquisition construction initiative. This program
provides the flexibility NCA needs to purchase land for
future national cemeteries when it becomes available.
Grants for the Construction of State Cemeteries--The
Republican Members also recommend an additional $10
million for grants for the construction of state
cemeteries. This program provides funding to states to
build national cemeteries and requires that the state
then pay all operation and maintenance costs once the
cemetery is built. The program continues to have a
waiting list and additional funding would provide
better access to veterans cemeteries for veterans and
their families.
Veterans Health Administration
Medical Services--The Republican Members recommend $35.3
billion for medical services which is $4.3 billion above the
enacted FY 2009 amount for this account. This increase accounts
for health care inflation, estimated workload, and the
following initiatives:
Rural Health Care--We recommend at least a $605
million increase to implement section 403 of Public Law
110-387 which establishes a three-year pilot program in
five Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) for
veterans in highly rural areas who elect to receive
healthcare from non-VA healthcare providers;
Prosthetic Limb Program Modernization--We recommend
at least a $100 million increase to modernize VA's
prosthetic limb program, especially to meet the needs
of the younger and more active amputees with the latest
technology. It is vitally important that VA is capable
of providing consistent and coordinated state-of-the
art care regardless of where the veteran amputee lives;
Mental Health Initiatives--We recommend at least a
$250 million increase to support the progress being
made to implement the Mental Health Strategic Plan and
hire additional new mental health professionals to
ensure all veterans have access to these vital services
at all VA medical centers and clinics throughout the
system;
Military Vision Centers of Excellence and Eye Trauma
Registry--We recommend at least a $9 million increase
for VA's participation in the establishment of these
joint Department of Defense/VA centers and the eye
trauma registry;
Caregiver Assistance--We recommend at least a $25
million increase to expand current programs to support
family caregivers and respite services under VA's Home
Health Care services;
Home Improvement Structural Alterations (HISA)
Grants--We recommend a $5.5 million increase for a
pending legislative change that would raise the maximum
amount of the grants to $6,800 for service-connected
veterans and $2,000 for non-service connected veterans;
Health Professional Educational Assistance Program--
We recommend a $25 million increase to provide
scholarships to employees pursuing degrees or training
in health care disciplines for which recruitment and
retention of qualified personnel is difficult. We
expect this additional funding to include support for
the recruitment and retention of mental health care and
other staff in rural settings;
Medical Care Collections Fund--According to the
Congressional Research Service and VA budget data,
medical care collections have fallen significantly
under projections in four of the past five years for an
average shortfall of 21%. While there was a 6%
improvement for FY 2008, the Republican Members are
concerned that VA will fall considerably short of
meeting the ambitious 33% increase in collections
projected in the Administration's FY 2010 budget
request. Therefore, we recommend a $536 million
increase in medical services to ensure adequate funding
will be available to support quality and timely health
care for veterans.
CPAC Collections Program--The Republican Members
recommend that the VA compress the five year timeline
to three years for initiating seven Consolidated
Patient Accounting Centers (CPAC). We appreciate VA
Secretary Shinseki's willingness to consider this
proposal. We support compressing the implementation
timelines and reprioritizing the order of establishing
the CPAC regions to three years in order to improve
third-party collections and to maximize collections
potential. We also support funding for the facilities,
IT equipment, and personnel necessary for the
consolidations.
Possible Administration Legislative Proposal--The
Republican Members are very concerned about a proposal the
Administration is considering to bill third-party insurers of
service-connected veterans for the treatment of their
disability or injury incurred in the line of duty. We strongly
believe that the same military values that guided these
servicemembers in service to our country should define how our
government provides services and assistance to them now as
veterans. The prospect of VA collecting from third-party
insurers for care provided for service-connected conditions is
contrary to these military values and our obligation as a
grateful Nation. In addition, such action could result in
higher health care premiums and have the effect of requiring
service-connected veterans to pay for their own care. We intend
to protect and honor the service of our highest priority
veterans with the investment of tax dollars adequate to provide
for all service-connected care and we strongly oppose any
attempt to allow VA to offset this absolute obligation with
collections from private insurers.
Medical Facilities--The Republican Members recommend at
least $5.179 billion for medical facilities which is $150
million above the enacted FY 2009 amount for this account.
Energy Initiatives--We recommend at least a $150
million increase to implement planned energy
initiatives and establish a long-term strategy for
energy conservation and sustainability. This includes
selected energy and water conservation measures,
conducting renewably fueled electric/steam generation
feasibility studies, and installing building level
electric meters in medical facilities;
Medical and Prosthetic Research--We place a high premium on
conducting research into injuries and illnesses related to
military service that improve the medical treatment of
veterans. We recommend at least $51 million above the $510
million enacted for this account in FY 2009.
VHA Major Construction Projects--We recommend at least $1
billion, which is $182 million above the FY 2009 level, to move
forward with advance planning, completion of partially funded
FY 2009 projects and to begin new projects on VA's prioritized
list. The recommended amount for the advance planning fund is
$178.1 million and includes $36.8 million to carry out section
804 of Public Law 109-461 for the design of a co-located joint-
use medical facility in Charleston, South Carolina.
VHA Minor Construction Projects--We recommend at least
$691.3 million, which is $66.06 million above the FY 2009
level. The increase includes funding for the installation of
solar photovoltaic roof applications at medical facilities in
coordination with other energy initiatives.
Office of Information and Technology
The Republican Members believe that a top VA priority
should be information technology (IT) systems that are
standardized, integrated, secure, function properly, and should
be funded sufficiently. We commend VA Secretary Shineski for
his support of continuing the consolidation of the department's
IT infrastructure and funding. VA must increase funding to
accelerate its migration of Veterans' Health Information System
of Technology Architecture (VistA) into VA's new integrated
enterprise health care system. The new system needs to
incorporate data standards that allow data sharing with other
federal departments and agencies and also with private and
public sector organizations. More importantly, VA and the
Department of Defense (DoD) must be able to exchange critical
medical and personnel information on all patients transitioning
from DoD to VA. This information exchange must be done securely
in real time, bi-directionally, and inter-operably.
All VETSNET application development should be finalized and
any further funding should be limited to final code conversion
and operations and maintenance. VA should immediately begin to
move beyond this 20-year old project to automate compensation
and pension claims processing system.
Financial and Logistics Integrated Technology Enterprise
(FLITE) is the follow-on to the failed Core-FLS system. It is
essential that VA has an enterprise wide system that integrates
financial management, asset management, logistics, accounting,
purchasing, funds control, real property and inventory
management. Funding levels should be sufficient to continue its
implementation timelines. This program has been plagued with
poor program management and dysfunctional procurements which
need to be strengthened.
Virtual VA is a paperless delivery system that was
conceptualized and demonstrated in 1999 as a VBA initiative to
image all documents related to claims processing and benefits
delivery. The serious document shredding incidents in various
Regional Offices in 2008 reiterate the importance of
electronically capturing all documents at the time of receipt.
An additional $170 million has been recommended under the
compensation and pension service section.
Office of the Inspector General
For FY 2009, Congress appropriated $72.5 million for the VA
Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The OIG is responsible
for the audit, investigation, and inspection of all VA programs
and operations. Funding from appropriations at $107 million and
537 FTEE provides resources to increase work on several
oversight initiatives. These include expansion of the
Consolidated Financial Statement (CFS) and Federal Information
Security Management Act (FISMA) audits as well as expansion of
OIG oversight in two sensitive and vulnerable VA program
areas--health care for returning Operation Enduring Freedom and
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans and VA information
technology (IT). OIG has recently begun cyclical inspections of
VBA regional offices, all of which are in critical need of OIG
oversight. For the 3-year cycle necessary to cover the 57
regional offices, the Republican Members recommend an
additional $5 million to resource a second field division of 20
FTEE for this purpose with a special emphasis on claims
processing. The total funding for the OIG recommended by the
Republican Members is at least $112 million, $39.5 million
above the FY 2009 level.
Department of Labor
Veterans Employment and Training Service
In the past, an economic downturn or industrial evolution
has displaced significant numbers of mid-career workers, making
their skills irrelevant in the labor market. Such is the case
today as the U.S. economy weakens and labor demands shift to
new or expanding sectors. Therefore, the Republican Members
recommend funding the Veterans Workforce Investment Program
(VWIP) at a level of at least $20 million. H.R. 295, More
Training for Veterans Act of 2009, would authorize this
funding. The VWIP program focuses on employment and training
services to veterans needing new skill sets.
We also recommend funding a new retraining program managed
by VETS at the level of $100 million and an additional $400,000
to support 5 additional FTEE as proposed in H.R. 1168. The
program would include relocation assistance to ensure
unemployed veterans are able to move to areas where their new
job skills are in demand.
The number of homeless veterans has been a persistent
national problem and reducing the number of the homeless
veterans has been difficult. But there has been modest
progress. Increasingly, homeless veteran community includes
veterans with dependent children; therefore, we recommend an
additional $10 million for HVRP grants to providers who focus
on services to homeless veteran families including family-style
housing. We will also seek legislation to extend the current
HVRP authorization through FY 2014 and urge the Budget
Committee to include funding at the full authorized $50 million
per year.
Department of Defense
Department of the Army
Improvements at Arlington National Cemetery--While
recognizing that Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is funded
through the Department of the Army budget, ANC is a national
cemetery over which the Committee on Veterans' Affairs has
oversight. In order to ensure that this national shrine
continues to have adequate capacity well into the future, the
Republican Members recommend at least $60.3 million for
gravesite and columbarium expansion and utility improvements at
ANC.
REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS'
AFFAIRS, SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 301 OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET
ACT OF 1974, ON THE BUDGET PROPOSED FOR FY 2011
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC, March 5, 2010.
Hon. John M. Spratt, Jr.,
Chairman, House Committee on the Budget,
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to section 301(d) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, clause 4(f) of Rule X of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, and Rule 7 of the Rules
of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs hereby submits its Views and Estimates with
regard to programs and matters within the jurisdiction of the
Committee to be set forth in the concurrent resolution on the
budget for fiscal year 2011. The Minority will be submitting
Additional and Dissenting Views under separate cover.
Caring for our veterans is an ongoing cost of war, and a
continuing obligation of our national defense. As a Congress,
and a nation, we must fulfill our promises to the men and women
who have served. Working together, we can ensure that our
veterans are not forgotten, and that we meet our obligations to
them as a nation.
Sincerely,
Bob Filner, Chairman; Corrine Brown, Vic Snyder,
Michael H. Michaud, Stephanie Herseth
Sandlin, Harry E. Mitchell, John J. Hall,
Deborah Halvorson, Thomas S.P. Perriello,
Harry Teague, Ciro Rodriguez, Joe Donnelly,
Jerry McNerney, Zachary T. Space, Timothy
J. Walz, John H. Adler, Ann Kirkpatrick,
Glenn C. Nye.
DEMOCRATIC VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
March 5, 2010
SECTION 1--DISCRETIONARY ACCOUNTS
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
The Committee\3\ recommends $57.537 billion for the
discretionary accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) for FY 2011. This recommendation is $4.5 billion, or 8.5
percent, above the FY 2010 level of $53.039 billion, and $571
million above the Administration's FY 2011 request of $56.966
billion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\While the Views and Estimates reflect a consensus effort, the
Committee wishes to note that not all Members of the Committee
necessarily agree with every aspect of the report. Accordingly, the
Committee reserves its flexibility to determine program needs and
recognizes the potential for funding changes as the Committee and
Congress work their will through the legislative process.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This year marks the first budget submission after the
enactment of P.L. 111-81, the Veterans Health Care Budget
Reform and Transparency Act of 2009, which mandated that the
Administration's budget request include amounts for the
following fiscal year for VA medical care accounts. The
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010, P.L. 111-117, enacted
on December 16, 2009, for the first time included $48.2 billion
in advance appropriations for VA medical care for FY 2011. For
FY 2012, the Administration has requested $50.6 billion for VA
medical care for FY 2012. This amount, along with an estimated
$3.7 billion in collections would provide a total resource
level of $54.3 billion for VA medical care, a $2.8 billion
increase above amounts provided for FY 2011.
For FY 2011, the Administration estimates that it will
obtain $3.4 billion in medical collections, for a total VA
medical care resource level of $51.5 billion. This is $4.3
billion, or 9.1 percent, above FY 2010 levels. The Committee
notes that the VA's current estimate for FY 2010 collections is
$72 million more than the amount assumed in the FY 2010
Consolidated Appropriations Act and is confident that the VA's
estimate for FY 2011 can be matched or exceeded.
The Independent Budget, co-authored by AMVETS, Disabled
American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the
Veterans of Foreign Wars has recommended a total resource level
of $52 billion for VA medical care. The Independent Budget has
also requested that this sum be fully appropriated and is
silent as to how third-party collections should be utilized in
providing resource to the VA. The Independent Budget has not
made any recommendations regarding FY 2012 medical care
funding.
Although the Committee is not recommending medical care
funding levels for FY 2012, the Committee believes that the
Administration's request is consistent with a current services
estimate, and plans to work closely with the Administration and
other committees as the appropriations process moves forward to
ensure that FY 2012 funding accurately reflects the resource
requirements facing the VA on October 1, 2011.
VA MEDICAL CARE ACCOUNTS (FY 2010-FY 2012)
[in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
President's Request
FY 2010 -------------------------------------
FY 20111 FY 2012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medical Services....................................... $34,707,500 $37,136,000 $39,649,985
Medical Support and Compliance......................... 4,930,000 5,307,000 5,535,000
Medical Facilities..................................... 4,859,000 5,740,000 5,426,000
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Medical Care................................. 44,496,500 48,183,000 50,610,985
--------------------------------------------------------
Medical Care Collections Fund (non-add)1............... 2,954,000 3,355,000 3,679,000
Total, Medical Care with Collections (non-add)..... 47,450,500 51,538,000 54,289,985
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1On December 16, 2009, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010 was signed into law. Division E of this Act
included appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This included VA funding for FY 2010, as
well as advance appropriations for the VA medical care accounts in FY 2011. The President's Budget request for
FY 2011 reflects the same amounts appropriated for 2011 in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010.
For medical care, the Administration's FY 2011 budget
request, submitted on February 1, 2010, requested no additional
funding above the amounts provided in the FY 2010 Consolidated
Appropriations Act. The Committee recommends an additional $221
million be added to the Medical Facilities account to support
non-recurring maintenance requirements. The Committee also
recommends increases for the Medical and Prosthetic Research,
General Operating Expenses, Office of Inspector General, Minor
Construction, Grants for Construction of State Extended Care
Facilities, and Grants for Construction of State Veterans
Cemeteries accounts.
The Committee believes that the Administration's request
and the additional resources recommended by the Committee will
enable the VA to meet the wide-ranging health care needs of our
veterans, begin to address the disabilities claims backlog, and
improve the administration of non-medical benefits claims such
as the post-9/11 GI bill. While the Committee will tirelessly
advocate for the resources to enable the VA to meet its
responsibilities to our veterans, the Committee remains
cognizant that taxpayer dollars are scarce and that we must
ensure that VA spends resources wisely. The Committee is
proposing increased funding levels for the Office of Inspector
General to assist in these efforts. The Committee has
recommended increases for the VA's construction accounts and
remains committed to ensuring that VA infrastructure is
sufficient to deliver the highest quality health care to
veterans.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING REQUIREMENTS
Should Congress consider additional stimulus, supplemental,
or emergency spending, especially as relating to our current
economic crisis, the Committee will seek additional funding to
address VA's long-standing construction and facilities backlog.
These projects, which have been identified, would not only
improve health care and access to veterans but bolster
employment opportunities throughout the nation. The Committee
could seek an additional $700 million to fund the following:
Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM)......................... $400 million
Minor Construction...................................... $200 million
Major Construction...................................... $100 million
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Total............................................... $700 million
The VA has a large portfolio of capital assets, which
consists of about 5,500 buildings and almost 34,000 acres of
land. The VA monitors the condition of these facilities and
according to the December 2009 Facility Condition Assessment
Status Report, the VA estimates that $9.4 billion is needed to
correct all of the deficiencies and to upgrade the condition of
VA facilities. The situation is particularly bleak for the VA
research infrastructure because they must compete with the
facility upgrade needs of the VA medical center. Currently, the
VA is in the process of reviewing the research infrastructure
needs of the VA medical center. Currently, the VA is in the
process of reviewing the research infrastructure needs and by
the end of FY 2009, 53 sites have been surveyed with about 20
sites that are waiting to be assessed in FY 2010. To date, the
estimated funding needed to improve the research infrastructure
exceeds $570 million. Of this, about 44 percent or about $250
million are priority 1 deficiencies where corrections are
needed to resume normal operations, halt accelerated
deterioration, replace items that are at or beyond their useful
lifecycle, and correct life and safety hazards. The Committee
recommendation of $400 million will help the VA focus on the
non-recurring maintenance backlog.
In addition to addressing the repairs and maintenance needs
of existing capital assets, the VA requires significant
investments to fully fund the capital projects that are in
development. For example, the FY 2011 budget for VA major
construction identifies 21 partially funded projects from prior
years. An additional $4.5 billion is needed to complete these
projects, but the FY 2011 budget only requests $790 million to
fund just three of the 21 projects. This means that
approximately $3.7 billion remains to be funded in the out-
years. The budget also prioritizes newly scored major
construction projects submitted in the FY 2011 planning cycle.
There were 61 such projects requiring $8.4 billion. Of this,
the VA only requests partial funding for two newly scored
projects amounting to $73 million. The Committee recommends
$200 million and $100 million for minor and major construction
respectively, so that the VA can fund additional projects. With
the additional funding, the VA can improve access to VA health
care, including funding additional Community Based Outpatient
Centers (CBOCs) so that more veterans can receive medical care
closer to their homes.
VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (VHA)
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011 FY 2011 FY 2011 Recomm.
FY 2010 Administration Independent Committee vs.
Request Budget\1\ Recomm. Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medical Services.............................. $34,707,500 $37,136,000 $40,940,954 $37,136,000 $0
Medical Support and Compliance................ 4,930,000 5,307,000 5,314,595 5,307,000 0
Medical Facilities............................ 4,859,000 5,740,000 5,706,507 5,961,000 221,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total, VA Medical Care.................. 44,496,500 48,183,000 51,962,056 48,404,000 221,000
MCCF Collections.............................. 2,954,000 3,355,000 ........... 3,355,000 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total, VA Medical Care (with 47,450,500 51,538,000 51,962,056 51,759,000 221,000
Collections)...........................
Medical and Prosthetics Research.............. 581,000 590,000 700,000 650,000 60,000
=================================================================
Total, Veterans Health Administration... 48,031,500 52,128,000 52,662,056 52,409,000 281,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\The Independent Budget includes amounts attributable to medical care collections in its base funding level
for the Medical Services Account.
VA medical care consists of the Medical Services, Medical
Support and Compliance, and Medical Facilities accounts.
Funding for the Veterans Health Administration includes the
medical care accounts, and the Medical and Prosthetic Research
account. Other VA accounts, such as Information Technology
Systems and the construction accounts assist the VHA in
operating the largest integrated health care system in the
nation.
The Committee recommends $48.4 billion for VA medical care,
which is $221 million above the Administration's FY 2011 budget
request of $48.2 billion. When medical collections are
included, the Committee recommends $51.8 billion in total
available resources for VA medical care. This level is $200
million lower than the amount recommended by the Independent
Budget.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\The Independent Budget includes amounts attributable to medical
care collections in its base funding level for the Medical Services
account.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For VA Medical and Prosthetic Research, the Committee
recommends an appropriated level of $650 million, $69 million
above FY 2010 and $60 million above the Administration's
request of $590 million.
MEDICAL SERVICES
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011
FY 2010 Administration FY 2011 Independent FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
Request Budget\2\ Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$34,707,500 $37,136,000 $40,940,954 $37,136,000 $0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\Account descriptions are adapted from H. Rept. 111-188, to
accompany H.R. 3082, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and
related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This account provides for medical services of eligible
veterans and beneficiaries in VA medical centers, outpatient
clinic facilities, contract hospitals, State homes, and
outpatient programs on a fee basis. Hospital and outpatient
care is also provided by the private sector for certain
dependents and survivors of veterans under the civilian health
and medical programs for the VA.
Recommendation
For FY 2011, the Administration requests $37.1 billion for
the Medical Services account, an increase of $2.4 billion or 7
percent above the FY 2010 level.
The Committee supports the funding level requested by the
Administration. This funding has been provided in the FY 2010
Consolidated Appropriations Act. The Committee is confident
that this level will provide sufficient resources to enable the
VA to provide high quality health care to veterans and to
address many of the priorities shared by the Committee and the
Administration. Some of these priorities include:
Mental Health--The Administration's budget request will
enable the VA to expand key programs for post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as
the diagnosis and treatment of depression, substance abuse and
other mental health problems. The Committee acknowledges the
VA's robust investments in mental health; however, addressing
mental health issues continues to be a challenge. This is
evidenced by the rising rates of suicide, incarceration, and
homelessness among our veterans. The Committee believes that
the VA must not only expand existing efforts but also must
explore new evidence-based initiatives with a proven track
record for yielding positive program results.
Homeless Veterans--It is estimated that about one-third of
the adult homeless population served the country in the Armed
Services. The current population estimates suggest that over
130,000 veterans are homeless on any given night and twice as
many experience homelessness at some point during the course of
the year. Homelessness is also a growing problem for our
veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, especially as
they as they face higher rates of PTSD and TBI.
The Committee applauds the VA's commitment to ending
homelessness among our veterans. In addition to the various
homeless proposals in the FY 2011 budget, the Committee
encourages the VA to continue to increase resources dedicated
to homeless prevention. While it is important to offer
transitional housing and supportive services through such
existing programs, it is equally important to make proper
investments in preventing homelessness. The Committee
recommends that initiatives to end homelessness not be targeted
solely to the VHA, but also include the Veterans Benefits
Administration (VBA) in coordinating the range of benefits
available through the VA. This may include opportunities to
obtain education and counseling along with other key benefits
which may aid in preventing homelessness among our veterans.
Women Veterans--Today, there are approximately 1.7 million
women veterans, or 7 percent of the nearly 25 million veterans.
Assuming current enrollment rates, the number of female
veterans who utilize the VA system will double in the next five
years, making female veterans one of the fastest growing
subgroups of veterans.
The Committee recognizes the VA's efforts to improve health
care for women veterans, which includes proposals to institute
a new peer call center and a social networking site. In
addition to these efforts, the Committee encourages the VA to
identify and study the unique challenges and barriers that
women veterans face when seeking health care through the VA.
This would assist the VA in taking the necessary steps to
improve health care for women veterans. The Committee notes
that H.R. 1211, the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act,
passed the House of Representatives last year. Among the
provisions in the bill, the VA would be required to conduct a
barriers study, offer child care, and provide time-limited
medical care for newborn children of women veterans receiving
maternity care.
The Committee encourages the VA to explore new innovative
ways of expanding access and improving the quality of medical
care provided to women veterans. The Committee also urges the
VA to develop and follow a long-term plan for ensuring that
women veterans receive health care that is equal to what male
veterans receive through the VA as the VA looks toward the
future of providing quality health care to all of our veterans.
Rural Veterans--Of the almost 8 million veterans who are
enrolled in the VA health care system, about 3 million, or
almost 40 percent, live in rural areas. The Committee concurs
with the VA's proposed investments in rural outreach, which
include expanded use of home-based primary care and mental
health care along with technology-based solutions, including
the VA's telehealth and telemedicine efforts. Additionally, the
Committee believes that the VA must work to strengthen the role
and influence of the Office of Rural Health so that it can work
to coordinate and improve health care for enrolled rural
veterans and disseminate best practices.
OEF/OIF (Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi
Freedom) Veterans--In order to improve the VA's budget
estimation capabilities and better forecast workload and
demand, the Committee urges the VA to work with the Department
of Defense to facilitate timely information exchange on the
number of returning OEF/OIF servicemembers. Working more
closely with the Department of Defense is even more crucial as
additional troops are sent overseas and the VA works to update
budget projection models to properly reflect current force
levels.
The Committee recognizes the challenges of projecting
medical care costs for OEF/OIF veterans given the range and
types of health care services sought by our newest veterans.
Some OEF/OIF veterans may only use VA occasionally for pharmacy
benefits while others use VA extensively for treatment of
catastrophic war injuries. VA's capability to accurately
predict health care costs and demand for our newest veterans
has a direct impact upon the VA's ability to provide health
care to all of our veterans and the Committee encourages the VA
to work towards more accurate per unit medical care cost
projections for OEF/OIF veterans by refining their projection
models.
Priority Group 8 Veterans--The VA expects to enroll more
than 500,000 previously ineligible veterans into Priority Group
8 by FY 2013. Recent estimates also show that the VA will
enroll about 193,000 veterans by the end of FY 2010. The
Committee encourages the VA to improve outreach plans and work
with veterans' groups as the VA works to undue the ban
enrollment ban put in place in 2003.
Caregivers--Because the VA does not collect data on this
population, the number of family members and friends who
provide care for veterans is unknown. However, a July 2007
report released by the President's Commission on Care for
America's Returning Wounded Warriors (the Dole-Shalala
Commission) found that of the 1,730 injured OEF/OIF veterans
surveyed, about 21 percent of active duty, 15 percent of the
reserve, and 24 percent of retired or separated servicemembers
had friends or family who gave up a job to be the caregiver. As
caregivers continue to play an important role as caretakers of
veterans, the VA lags in offering supportive services for these
caregivers.
The Committee commends the VA for recognizing the plight of
caregivers by submitting several legislative proposals to help
caregivers in the FY 2011 budget. These include providing
health care, education, and training for caregivers, as well as
paying for the travel expenses that caregivers may incur when
accompanying the veteran to his or her medical appointments.
However, these proposals lack key details about the target
population of individuals who will receive these supportive
services. We encourage the VA to work with the Committee to
further define this target population and identify the range of
supportive services that the Department proposes to offer.
MEDICAL SUPPORT AND COMPLIANCE
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011
FY 2010 Administration FY 2011 Independent FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
Request Budget Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$4,930,000 $5,307,000 $5,314,595 $5,307,000 $0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
The Medical Support and Compliance appropriation funds the
expenses of management and administration of the VA health care
system to include financial management, public health and
environmental hazard, quality and performance management,
medical inspection, human research oversight, training programs
and continuing education, security, volunteer operations, and
human resources.
Recommendation
For FY 2011, the Administration requests $5.3 billion for
the Medical Support and Compliance account, an increase of $377
million, or 7.6 percent above the amounts provided in FY 2010.
The Committee supports the funding level requested by the
Administration. This funding has been provided in the FY 2010
Consolidated Appropriations Act.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011
FY 2010 Administration FY 2011 Independent FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
Request Budget Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$4,859,000 $5,740,000 $5,706,507 $5,961,000 $221,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
The Medical Facilities appropriation provides funds for the
operation and maintenance of the VA health care system's
capital infrastructure. Included under this heading are
provisions for costs associated with utilities, engineering,
capital planning, leases, laundry, groundskeeping, garbage,
housekeeping, facility repair, and property disposition and
acquisition.
Recommendation
For FY 2011, the Administration requests $5.7 billion for
the Medical Facilities account, an increase of $881 million or
18 percent above the FY 2010 level. Of the FY 2011 request, the
Administration expects to obligate $1.1 billion for non-
recurring maintenance, which is a decrease of $221 million from
the updated obligations estimate for FY 2010.
The Committee recommends $6 billion for this account, which
is $221 million above the Administration's request and $1.1
billion above the FY 2010 level. The Committee recommendation
would restore non-recurring maintenance funding to the FY 2010
level.
Non-Recurring Maintenance--In FY 2010, the Administration
estimated that they would obligate $972 million for non-
recurring maintenance, but later revised this estimate to $1.3
billion. The Committee recommendation would restore the
proposed funding cut to non-recurring maintenance and provides
additional resources to address the non-recurring maintenance
backlog. Additionally, the Committee applauds the VA's
commitment to allocate at least 5 percent of the total Medical
Facilities appropriations for non-recurring maintenance and
minor construction projects of research facilities. The
Committee supports the VA's efforts to ensure that sufficient
resources are dedicated to combat the deterioration of the
existing VA research infrastructure so that the VA may continue
to promote excellence in research in state of the art
facilities.
MEDICAL AND PROSTHETIC RESEARCH
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011
FY 2010 Administration FY 2011 Independent FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
Request Budget Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$581,000 $590,000 $700,000 $650,000 $60,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
This account includes medical, rehabilitative, and health
services research. Medical research is an important aspect of
the VA's programs, providing complete medical and hospital
services for veterans. The prosthetic research program is also
essential in the development and testing of prosthetic,
orthopedic, and sensory aids for the purpose of improving the
care and rehabilitation of eligible disabled veterans,
including amputees, paraplegics, and the blind. The health
services research program provides unique opportunities to
improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the health care
delivery system. In addition, budgetary resources from a number
of areas including appropriations from the medical care
accounts, reimbursements from the Department of Defense (DOD),
grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), private
proprietary sources, and voluntary organizations provide
support for the VA's researchers.
Recommendation
For FY 2011, the Administration requests $590 million for
Medical and Prosthetic Research, which is $9 million or 1.5
percent above the FY 2010 level. VA also estimates additional
program resources of $1.3 billion from private and federal
grants, grants from the NIH, DOD, and Centers for Disease
Control. The Committee notes that these estimates of additional
program resources are never fully actualized by the VA, and has
traditionally recommended increased appropriated funding levels
to ensure that VA research receives the funding it needs to
continue its world-class research efforts.
The Committee recommends $650 million for Medical and
Prosthetic Research, an amount $60 million above the
Administration's request and $69 million above the FY 2010
level.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis in the U.S. Department of
Commerce estimates a 3.2 percent increase in the Biomedical
Research and Development Price Index in FY 2011. This
translates to $19 million, which is needed to maintain the
research efforts at the FY 2010 level. The Committee
recommended funding for Medical and Prosthetic Research
provides $10 million in addition to the $9 million already
included in the Administration's request. The Committee
recommendation would also provide an additional $50 million to
increase funding for VA research grants.
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011
FY 2010 Administration FY 2011 Independent FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
Request Budget Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$2,086,707 $2,611,973 $2,339,364 $2,629,973 $18,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
The General Operating Expenses appropriation provides for
the administration of non-medical veterans' benefits through
the VBA and departmental management and support.
With the funding provided in this account, VBA administers
the following programs:
Compensation and Pension Service--VA provides
service-connected compensation to veterans with disabilities
incurred or aggravated during military service, dependency and
indemnity compensation (DIC) to surviving spouses, children and
low-income dependent parents of veterans, pension benefits to
elderly and disabled low-income wartime veterans, death pension
to the surviving spouses and children of wartime veterans and
benefits to certain children of veterans who were disabled by
spina bifida or other congenital conditions related to their
parent's military service.
Education Service--VA provides education
assistance to servicemembers, veterans, and certain eligible
survivors and dependents in exchange for military service. VA
education assistance, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the
Montgomery GI Bill, is used by the Armed Forces as a recruiting
and retention tool, as well as a readjustment benefit for
servicemembers seeking to achieve educational and vocational
goals in the civilian workforce.
Housing (Loan Guaranty Service)--VA assists
veterans and servicemembers to purchase and retain homes in
recognition of their service to the nation. VA's partial
guarantee on loans made by private lenders enables veterans and
servicemembers to purchase homes with little or no down
payment, thereby making home ownership affordable to many
veterans.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR`E)--
VR`E provides employment services and assistance to enable
veterans with service-connected disabilities to obtain suitable
employment and, to the maximum extent possible, achieve
independence in daily living.
Insurance--The Insurance Program provides
servicemembers and their families with universally available
life insurance, as well as traumatic injury protection
insurance. It also provides for the conversion to a renewable
term insurance policy after a servicemember's separation from
service and provides life insurance to veterans who have lost
the ability to purchase commercial insurance at standard
(healthy) rates due to lost or impaired insurability resulting
from military service.
This account also supports all of the staff offices with
General Administration, including the Office of the Secretary,
the Board of Veterans' Appeals, General Counsel, Office of
Management, Office of Human Resources and Administration,
Office of Policy and Planning, Office of Operations, Security
and Preparedness, Office of Public and Intergovernmental
Affairs, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, and
the Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction.
Recommendation
For FY 2011, the Administration requests $2.612 billion for
the General Operating Expenses (GOE) account, which is an
increase of $525 million above the $2.087 billion provided in
FY 2010. This request includes $2.1 billion for VBA, $463
million for General Administration, and $24 million for the
Administration's Acquisition Improvement Initiative.
The Committee recommends $2.630 billion, an increase of $18
million above the Administration's request and $543 million
above the FY 2010 level. The Committee recommendation includes
$15 million for 150 additional vocational rehabilitation and
employment counselors and $3 million in additional funding for
the Education division in order to assist with additional
expenses, including any additional information technology
expenses that are not covered within the Information Technology
Systems account.
The Secretary, in his testimony before the Committee on
February 4, 2010, stated, in regards to the VA's GOE request,
that the:
[L]argest increase in our 2011 budget request, in percentage
terms, is directed to the Veterans Benefits Administration as
part of our mitigation of the increased workload. The
President's 2011 budget request for VBA is $2.149 billion, an
increase of $460 million, or 27 percent, over the 2010 enacted
level of $1.689 billion. The 2011 budget supports an increase
of 4,048 FTEs, including maintaining temporary FTE funded
through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, P.L.
111-5. In addition, the budget also includes $145.3 million in
information technology (IT) funds in 2011 to support the
ongoing development of a paperless claims processing system.
The Committee supports this FTE increase, especially those
FTE involved in processing applications for Post-9/11 GI Bill
benefits and those associated with the claims process.
One of the biggest challenges facing the Administration is
the veterans' compensation and pension claims backlog and the
increasing delays veterans and survivors face in receiving
their benefits. The Committee has taken steps to address this
chronic problem, including supporting additional resources to
hire more claims processors and beginning systemic reforms,
most notably in title II of P.L. 110-389, the Veterans Benefits
Improvement Act of 2008. The next step in the process is to
explore more comprehensive reform, a reform effort led by VA,
and informed by Congress, veterans and other stakeholders. In
order for VA to reach its stated paperless claims processing
system goal by 2012, this reform must utilize 21st Century
technology, including electronic rules-based processing.
Additionally, for achieving its business transformation effort
within the VBA, which VA is coupling with the above-stated IT
effort, VA should develop further its strategic plan with
realistic and well-informed metrics and milestones, focus on
the quality versus the quantity of its work product and ensure
enhanced training of VBA's claims processing personnel.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011 Administration FY 2011 Independent FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
FY 2010 Request Budget Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$3,307,000 $3,307,000 $3,552,884 $3,307,000 $0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
The Information Technology Systems account was established
in P.L. 109-114. The account previously encompassed the entire
nonpay information technology portfolio for the VA, including
all automation efforts in all administrations. Starting in FY
2007, and reflected for the first time in the budget request
for FY 2008, this account also includes pay and associated
costs for information technology staff.
Recommendation
For FY 2011, the Administration requests $3.307 billion for
the Information Technology (IT) Systems account, which is the
same as the amounts provided in FY 2010. This includes $1.3
billion in Medical IT investments; $380 million for Benefits
and Memorials IT investments; $527 million in Corporate IT
investments for the VA's Corporate 21st Century Core
initiative; and $158 million in Inter-agency IT investments,
which includes funds for the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record
(VLER) and the Bi-directional Health Information Exchange
(BHIE).
The Committee recommends the amount requested by the
Administration as the VA plots a path forward in ensuring that
the VA's IT efforts support the missions of the VA. We intend
to closely monitor funding committed to support the VA's
electronic medical records and IT efforts in the benefits and
claims processing areas.
NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011
FY 2010 Administration FY 2011 Independent FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
Request Budget Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 $250,504 $274,500 $250,504 $0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
The National Cemetery Administration was established in
accordance with P.L. 93-43, the National Cemeteries Act of
1973. It has a fourfold mission: to provide for the interment
of, in any national cemetery with available grave space, the
remains of eligible deceased servicemembers and discharged
veterans, together with their spouses and certain dependents,
and to permanently maintain their graves; to provide headstones
for, and to mark graves of eligible persons in national, State,
and private cemeteries; to administer the grant program for aid
to States in establishing, expanding, or improving State
veterans' cemeteries; and to administer the Presidential
Memorial Certificate Program. This appropriation will provide
for the operation and maintenance of 164 cemeterial
installations in 39 States, the District of Columbia, and
Puerto Rico.
Recommendation
For FY 2011, the Administration requests $250.5 million for
the National Cemetery Administration, which is $504,000 or 0.2
percent above the FY 2010 level. With the requested funding,
the VA will determine where new national veterans cemeteries
should be built based on a new population threshold of 80,000
veterans (170,000 veterans under current policy) living within
75 miles of a potential cemetery site. This reflects a
significant decrease in the population threshold, which means
that more veterans will have access to a veterans' cemetery
burial option within 75 miles of their residence.
The Committee supports the Administration's requested
funding level.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011
FY 2010 Administration FY 2011 Independent FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
Request Budget Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$109,000 $109,367 $112,020 $121,367 +$12,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
The Office of Inspector General was established by the
Inspector General Act of 1978 and is responsible for the audit,
investigation, and inspection of all VA programs and
operations. The overall operational objective is to focus
available resources on areas which would help improve services
to veterans and their beneficiaries, assist managers of VA
programs to operate economically in accomplishing program
goals, and to prevent and deter recurring and potential fraud,
waste, and inefficiencies.
Recommendation
In FY 2011, the Administration requests $109.4 million for
the Office of Inspector General (IG), which is an increase of
$367,000 or 0.3 percent above the FY 2010 level. With this
funding request, the Office of Inspector General will be able
to maintain 576 FTEs, the same staffing total funded with the
amounts provided in FY 2010.
The Committee recommends an additional $12 million for this
account to better match the resource requirements of the IG for
FY 2011.
At the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations budget
hearing on the Office of Inspector General and Information
Technology accounts, the Deputy Inspector General testified
that a stagnant budget could limit the IG's ability to take on
new oversight initiatives. The limited resources also would
result in the IG conducting reactive investigations and would
reduce their ability to conduct proactive investigations.
CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011
FY 2010 Administration FY 2011 Independent FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
Request Budget Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1,194,000 $1,151,036 $1,295,000 $1,151,036 $0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
The Construction, Major Projects appropriation provides for
constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the
facilities under the jurisdiction or for the use of the VA,
including planning, architectural and engineering services,
assessments, and site acquisition where the estimated cost of a
project is $10,000,000 or more.
Recommendation
For FY 2011, the Administration requests $1.2 billion, a
decrease of $43 million, or 3.6 percent below the FY 2010
level. The Administration's request includes $1 billion for
VHA-related construction and $107 million for NCA-related
construction.
The VHA-related construction request totaling $1.2 billion
includes the following:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Location Description Estimated Funding 2011 Request
Cost Through 2010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Orleans, LA.......................... New Medical Facility....... $995,000,000 $625,000,000 $310,000,000
Denver, CO............................... New Medical Facility....... 800,000,000 307,300,000 450,700,000
Palo Alto, CA............................ Polytrauma/Ambulatory Care. 642,900,000 164,877,000 30,000,000
Alameda Point, CA........................ Outpatient Clinic and 208,600,000 0 17,332,000
Columbarium (Design).
Omaha, NE................................ Replacement Facility 560,000,000 0 56,000,000
(Design).
Advance Planning Fund.................... Various Stations........... ............ ............ 89,750,000
Facility Security Projects............... Various Stations........... ............ ............ 41,390,000
Judgment Fund............................ Various Stations........... ............ ............ 6,000,000
BRAC Land Acquisition.................... Various Stations........... ............ ............ 13,000,000
Resident Engineers for Major Construction Various Stations........... ............ ............ 23,964,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The NCA-related construction request totaling $107 million
includes the following:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Location Description Estimated Funding 2011 Request
Cost Through 2010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indiantown Gap, PA....................... Gravesite Expansion & $23,500,000 $0 $23,500,000
Cemetery Improvements--
Phase 4.
Los Angeles, CA.......................... Columbarium Expansion...... 27,600,000 0 27,600,000
Tahoma, WA............................... Gravesite Expansion & 25,800,000 0 25,800,000
Cemetery Improvements--
Phase 2.
Advance Planning Fund.................... Various Stations........... ............ ............ 20,000,000
NCA Land Acquisition Fund................ Various Stations........... ............ ............ 10,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee supports the Administration's requested
funding level of $1.2 billion. As stated previously, the
Committee plans on working to include additional construction
resources when any opportunities present themselves.
CONSTRUCTION, MINOR PROJECTS
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011
FY 2010 Administration FY 2011 Independent FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
Request Budget Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$703,000 $467,700 $785,000 $632,700 +$165,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
The Construction, Minor Projects appropriation provides for
constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the
facilities under the jurisdiction or for the use of the VA,
including planning, assessment of needs, architectural and
engineering services, and site acquisition, where the estimated
cost of a project is less than $10,000,000.
Recommendation
For FY 2011, the Administration requests $467.7 million, a
decrease of $235 million, or 33.5 percent below the level
provided in FY 2010. This request includes $387 million for
VHA, $43 million for NCA, $15 million for VBA, and $23 million
for General Administration staff offices.
The Committee recommends $632.7 million, an increase of
$165 million above the Administration's request. The
Committee's recommendation will bring the FY 2011 levels closer
to the FY 2010 funding level for this account which provides
funding for construction projects where the estimated cost is
under $10 million. The VA faces a huge backlog in these
projects and additional resources will help address this
backlog while supporting VA facilities across the nation.
GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STATE EXTENDED CARE FACILITIES
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011
FY 2010 Administration FY 2011 Independent FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
Request Budget Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 $85,000 $275,000 $175,000 +$90,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
This program provides grants to assist States to construct
State home facilities, for furnishing domiciliary or nursing
home care to veterans, and to expand, remodel or alter existing
buildings for furnishing domiciliary, nursing home or hospital
care to veterans in State homes. A grant may not exceed 65
percent of the total cost of the project.
Recommendation
For FY 2011, the Administration requests $85 million, a
decrease of $15 million, or 15 percent below the level provided
in FY 2010. The Committee recommends $175 million, an increase
of $90 million above the Administration's request and $75
million above the FY 2010 level.
According to the 2000 Census, there were 9.7 million
veterans age 65 and older in the U.S and Puerto Rico. The
number of men age 85 and older who are veterans has increased
drastically from 150,000 in the 1990 Census to 400,000 in the
2000 Census, and is expected to increase drastically to 1.2
million by the 2010 Census. With this significant growth in the
aging veteran population, the Committee recognizes the
important role that state homes play in the VA's long-term care
strategy. As such, the Committee believes that the VA must
begin to address the state home backlog. With the Committee's
recommended funding increase, the VA can begin to reduce the
backlog of Priority Group 1 state home projects, which are
those projects that have state funding to begin construction
but are waiting for funding from the VA. According to the VA's
``FY 2010 Priority List of Pending State Home Construction
Grant Applications,'' there are 53 Priority Group 1 projects
with an estimated $405 million in VA grant costs.
GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STATE VETERANS CEMETERIES
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011
FY 2010 Administration FY 2011 Independent FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
Request Budget Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$46,000 $46,000 $51,000 $51,000 +$5,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
This program provides grants to assist States with the
establishment, expansion, and improvement of State veterans'
cemeteries which are operated and permanently maintained by the
States. Grants under this program fund up to 100 percent of
construction costs and the initial equipment expenses when the
cemetery is established. The States remain responsible for
providing the land and for paying all costs related to the
operation and maintenance of the State cemeteries, including
the costs for subsequent equipment purchases.
Recommendation
For FY 2011, the Administration requests $46 million, which
is the same as the FY 2010 enacted level.
The Committee recommends a funding level of $51 million, an
increase of $5 million above the Administration's request and
$5 million above the FY 2010 level. The Committee
recommendation would provide additional resources to match what
the VA expects to obligate for these grants in FY 2010.
Department of Labor
Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS)
The Assistant Secretary for VETS serves as the principal
advisor to the Secretary of Labor on all policies and
procedures affecting veterans' employment matters. VETS
furnishes employment and training services to servicemembers
and veterans through a variety of programs, including providing
grants to States, public entities and non-profit organizations,
including faith-based organizations, to assist veterans seeking
employment. VETS also investigates complaints filed under
veterans' preference and re-employment laws. Specifically, VETS
administers the following programs: DVOP/LVER state grant
program; Transition Assistance Program; Veterans' Preference
and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
(USERRA); Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP);
Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP); Federal
Contractor Program; and, the National Veterans' Training
Institute (NVTI). The Administration requested a total of
$262.5 million in FY 2011 to support the staffing and grant-
making ability of VETS. This is a $6.4 million increase over
amounts provided in FY 2010. The Committee recommends an
increase of $66 million for VETS, for a total funding level of
$328.5 million. This recommended level would provide an
additional $31 million for State Grants in order for States to
hire more DVOP and LVER staff to better manage the One-Stop
Career Centers, military facilities, VR&E offices, and HVRP to
provide better priority services to veterans. Committee
recommends an additional $2 million to HVRP. Although accurate
numbers are impossible to come by--no one keeps national
records on homeless veterans--current estimates suggest that as
many as 130,000 veterans are homeless on any given night and
twice as many experience homelessness at some point during the
course of the year. According to the National Survey of
Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (U.S. Interagency
Council on Homelessness and the Urban Institute, 1999),
veterans account for 23 percent of all homeless people in
America. The Committee also recommends increasing the funding
level for VWIP to $30 million. Not all States participate in
VWIP grants. This is due not to a lack of eligible
participants, but to a lack of resources. Providing an
additional $30 million will provide assistance to more
participants and would further enable the Administration to
provide more green energy-related jobs for veterans and afford
veterans with more marketable skills in a tough economy. The
Committee also recommends an additional $3 million in funding
for the NVTI. These additional resources will better assist
NVTI in providing the training necessary to be a successful
DVOP/LVER and provide sufficient resources to meet any
expansion of the training requirement.
Other Agencies
AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011
FY 2010 Enacted Administration Independent Budget FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
Request Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$62,675 $64,200 N/A $64,200 $0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
The American Battle Monuments Commission is responsible for
the administration, operation and maintenance of cemetery and
war memorials to commemorate the achievements and sacrifices of
the American Armed Forces where they have served since April 6,
1917. In performing these functions, the Commission maintains
24 permanent American military cemetery memorials and 31
monuments, memorials, markers, and offices in 15 foreign
countries, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,
and the British dependency of Gibraltar. In addition, six
memorials are located in the United States: the East Coast
Memorial in New York; the West Coast Memorial, The Presidio in
San Francisco; the Honolulu Memorial in the National Memorial
Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii; and the American
Expeditionary Forces Memorial, the World War II, and Korean War
Veterans Memorials in Washington, DC.
Recommendation
For FY 2011, the Administration is requesting a total of
$84.8 million for the ABMC consisting of $64.2 million for
salaries and expenses and $20.2 million for costs associated
with foreign currency fluctuations. The Committee recommends
that the requested level be provided in FY 2011.
U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS
[$ in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2011
FY 2010 Enacted Administration Independent Budget FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs.
Request Recommendation Request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$27,115 $90,147 N/A $90,147 $0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
The Veterans' Judicial Review Act established the U.S.
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The Court reviews appeals
from claimants seeking review of a benefit denial. The Court
has the authority to overturn findings of fact, regulations,
and interpretations of law.
Pro bono program.--The Legal Services Corporation
administers a grant program to provide pro bono representation
and legal assistance to claimants who file appeals with the
Court. The Congress funds the grant program through the Court's
appropriation. To maintain impartiality, the Court does not
administer the program or comment on the program's budget
estimate.
Recommendation
The Administration has requested a total appropriation for
the Court of $90.1 million. This includes $62 million for the
construction of a new courthouse that would be transferred to
the General Services Administration. The Court's budget
submission also includes $2.5 million for the Pro Bono
Representation Program administered by the Legal Services
Corporation. The Committee recommends the requested level of
$90.1 million be provided in FY 2011.
Section 2--Mandatory Accounts
The Committee will look to improve veterans' benefits as
well as address improvements to VA educational assistance
programs. The Committee will also be facing a number of
expiring authorities over the next few years which will need to
be continued in order for veterans not to see a diminution in
benefits. These efforts will require appropriate offsets or a
commitment by Congress to improve these earned benefits.
Congress may also need to provide the Committee with some
flexibility in mandatory spending as the Committee begins to
take steps to improve the claims processing system and looks to
bring the veterans benefits system into alignment with the
current needs of veterans in a new century.
Section 3--Other Matters
Section 425 of S. Con. Res. 13, the FY 2010 Budget
Resolution, states that:
[A]ll committees are directed to conduct rigorous
oversight hearings to root out waste, fraud, and abuse
in all aspects of Federal spending and Government
operations, giving particular scrutiny to issues raised
by the Federal Office of the Inspector General or the
Comptroller General of the United States. Based upon
these oversight efforts, the committees are directed to
make recommendations to reduce wasteful Federal
spending to promote deficit reduction and long-term
fiscal responsibility. Such recommendations should be
submitted to the House Committee on the Budget in the
views and estimates reports prepared by committees as
required under 301(d) of the Congressional Budget Act
of 1974.
The Committee will continue its vigorous oversight efforts
over the VA, the benefits we provide to veterans and the
programs in place to serve them. The Committee is committed to
working with the Administration to assist in efforts to
transform the VA into a 21st Century organization that puts the
needs of veterans first. As part of that effort we have pledged
to look at programs and benefits for veterans anew and bring
innovative ideas to the forefront.
The Committee will be working tirelessly to ensure that
veterans receive the health care they deserve while we ensure
that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and to their full extent;
we will be looking at ways we can transform the manner in which
VA provides benefits and services, and we will look at ways to
make the VA more accountable for the unprecedented resources we
have provided. The Committee has recommended funding levels
above the Administration's request for the IG in order to
assist the Committee in identifying instances where VA
resources are not spent as efficiently as possible or are spent
inappropriately.
Section 4--Chart (on following page)
VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
FY 2011 BUDGET OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS--MARCH 5, 2010
[$ in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
FY 2011 FY 2011 Committee Recommendation Committee
Discretionary Accounts FY 2010 Administration Independent FY 2011 Committee Recommendation vs. Recommendation
Request Budget\1\ Recommendation vs. FY 2010 Administration's vs. Independent
Request Budget\1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medical Services\1\........................................ 34,707,500 37,136,000 40,940,954 37,136,000 +2,428,500 0 -3,804,954
Medical Support and Compliance............................. 4,930,000 5,307,000 5,314,595 5,307,000 +377,000 0 -7,595
Medical Facilities......................................... 4,859,000 5,740,000 5,706,507 5,961,000 +1,102,000 +221,000 +254,493
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Medical Care.................................. 44,496,500 48,183,000 51,962,056 48,404,000 +3,907,500 +221,000 -3,558,056
Medical Care Collections Fund (non-add)31.................. 2,954,000 3,355,000 ................. 3,355,000 +401,000 0 +3,355,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Medical Care with Collections (non-add)....... 47,450,500 51,538,000 51,962,056 51,759,000 +4,308,500 +221,000 -203,056
Medical and Prosthetic Research............................ 581,000 590,000 700,000 650,000 +69,000 +60,000 -50,000
General Operating Expenses................................. 2,086,707 2,611,973 2,339,364 2,629,973 +543,266 +18,000 +290,609
Information Technology Systems............................. 3,307,000 3,307,000 3,552,884 3,307,000 0 0 -245,884
National Cemetery Administration........................... 250,000 250,504 274,500 250,504 +504 0 -23,996
Office of Inspector General................................ 109,000 109,367 112,020 121,367 +12,367 +12,000 +9,347
Construction, Major Projects............................... 1,194,000 1,151,036 1,295,000 1,151,036 -42,964 0 -143,964
Construction, Minor Projects............................... 703,000 467,700 785,000 632,700 -70,300 +165,000 -152,300
Grants for Construction of State Extended Care Facilities.. 100,000 85,000 275,000 175,000 +75,000 +90,000 -100,000
Grants for Construction of State Veterans Cemeteries....... 46,000 46,000 51,000 51,000 +5,000 +5,000 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Departmental Administration................... 7,795,707 8,028,580 8,684,768 8,318,580 +522,873 +290,000 -366,188
Other Discretionary\2\..................................... 166,103 164,738 170,482 164,738 -1,365 0 -5,744
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, VA Discretionary.............................. 53,039,310 56,966,318 61,517,306 57,537,318 +4,498,008 +571,000 -3,979,988
Medical Care Collections Fund (MCCF)\1\.................... 2,954,000 3,355,000 0 3,355,000 +401,000 0 +3,355,000
====================================================================================================================================
Total, VA Discretionary with MCCF collections........ 55,993,310 670,321,318 61,517,306 60,892,318 +4,899,008 +571,000 -624,988
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\The Independent Budget includes amounts attributable to medical care collections in its base funding level for the Medical Services Account.
\2\Other Discretionary includes the administrative expenses for the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund and the Vocational Rehabilitation Loan Program, as well as the Native American
Veterans Housing Loan Program. In addition, it includes the program fund and credit subsidy totals for the Vocational Rehabilitation Loan Program and the Native American Veteran Housing Loan
Program.
ADDITIONAL VIEWS AND ESTIMATES, COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS, FISCAL
YEAR 2011
REPRESENTATIVE JOE DONNELLY
I support many of the recommendations of the House
Committee on Veterans' Affairs Views and Estimates of the
Fiscal Year 2011 budget. I am proud to be part of a committee
that continues to push for the expansion of eligibility for
access to care for our veterans, tackle the disability claims
backlog, and improve veterans' education benefits.
Additionally, I would support the committee seeking
additional major construction funds should Congress consider
any additional supplemental, emergency, or economic recovery
appropriations; the backlog of projects both partially funded
and completely unfunded is too deep to fulfill the needs of our
veterans for reasonable access to care. However, I believe the
committee should have requested more funds for major
construction for regular FY 2011 appropriations. In the
administration's FY 2011 budget request, only $73 million is
requested for a list of 61 newly scored major construction
projects totaling well over $8 billion.
Too often, veterans in my district--and across the
country--are forced to drive hours and hundreds of miles to
seek the care they were promised in return for their service
and sacrifice to our country. But veterans and their families
are not alone in recognizing the need for expanded healthcare
services in north central Indiana.
In September 2008, a Subcommittee on Health roundtable
discussion was held in South Bend. Representatives from the
subcommittee, the local VA, local veterans service
organizations, and the community discussed access to care in
the South Bend area, where the South Bend CBOC has more than
8,000 veterans enrolled and sees approximately 200 patients
each day. Following this discussion, the Department of Veterans
Affairs announced in April 2009 plans for a new healthcare
center in South Bend, raising the hopes of thousands of Hoosier
veterans and the community that the days of hours-long travel
for healthcare would soon be over. I was pleased to see it
listed on the VA's major construction list but disappointed
that the administration did not request funds for FY 2011
construction.
On behalf of the veterans and communities of my district, I
recommend additional funds for the major construction accounts
in order to accelerate the building of these projects and to
provide veterans like those in north central Indiana with the
access to healthcare they deserve and have spent years waiting
for.
REPUBLICAN LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC, March 5, 2010.
Hon. John M. Spratt, Jr.,
Chairman, House Committee on the Budget,
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to section 301(d) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, House Rule X, clause 4(f),
and Rule 7 of the Rules of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
I herewith submit to the Committee on the Budget the Views and
Estimates of the Republican Members of the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs regarding the Administration's fiscal year
(FY) 2011 budget request for the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) with regard to programs and matters within the
jurisdiction of the Committee.
The Republican Views and Estimates address the major areas
of focus essential to fulfilling our nation's commitment to
veterans. Overall, the Republican Members generally agree with
the President's FY 2011 budget proposal but believe additional
funds are required in critical areas.
These areas include health care and benefits programs for
wounded warriors, particularly for medical and prosthetic
research programs, prosthetic services, and rehabilitation. We
also strongly advocate a special emphasis on helping veterans
qualify for and find meaningful employment during these
difficult economic times, and on ensuring that veterans have
access to VA health care regardless of where they live.
We look forward to working with our Committee's Majority
Members as well as the Members of the Budget Committee to put
forth a budget that will honor and enhance the lives of our
nation's veterans, as well as remain fiscally responsible to
the American taxpayer.
Sincerely,
Steve Buyer, Ranking Republican Member; Cliff
Stearns, Deputy Ranking Republican Member;
Jerry Moran, Committee Member; Henry E.
Brown, Jr., Ranking Republican Member,
Subcommittee on Health; Jeff Miller,
Committee Member; John Boozman, Ranking
Republican Member, Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity; Brian P. Bilbray, Committee
Member; Doug Lamborn, Ranking Republican
Member, Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs; Gus M.
Bilirakis, Committee Member; Vern Buchanan,
Committee Member; David P. Roe, Ranking
Republican Member, Subcommittee on
Oversight and Investigations.
REPUBLICAN VIEWS AND ESTIMATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011
March 5, 2010
OVERVIEW
For veteran's healthcare and program costs in fiscal year
(FY) 2011, the Administration has requested a total of $125
billion. For discretionary spending, the Administration has
requested $60.3 billion, and for mandatory spending, the
Administration has requested $64.7 billion.
For veterans' program costs in FY 2011, Republican Members
of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs recommend $113.7 million
above the Administration's request for discretionary spending,
as follows: Compensation and Pension Training and Performance
Support Systems, $5 million; Compensation and Pension Skills
Certification, $10 million; Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment Service, 200 additional Full Time Equivalents (FTE),
$20.4 million; Training of State Veterans Employment Service
staff at the National Veterans Training Institute, $2 million;
Veterans Training Program Veterans Employment and Training
Service (VETS) Workforce Investment Program, $11 million;
National Cemeteries and Related Agencies National Shrine
Commitment, $10 million; Office of the Inspector General, 230
additional FTE, $50 million; Department of Labor VETS program,
50 additional FTE, $5.3 million.
For veteran's healthcare costs in FY 2011, Republican
Members of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs recommend $200
million above the Administration's request for discretionary
spending, as follows: Veterans' Court, $10 million; Medical and
Prosthetic Research, $50 million; Prosthetic Limb Program
Modernization, $20 million; Recreational Therapy, $30.6
million; and Rural Health Initiative, $89.4 million. These
increases would be funded through a fee-basis care recovery
program within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
estimated to generate recoveries of at least $200 million
annually.
Finally, we recommend that $2.3 billion be used from the
Administration's $100 billion jobs creation and economic
recovery request to fund legislative initiatives to promote job
readiness programs for veterans and a small business loan
guarantee program for veterans.
In total, the Republican Members recommend an increase of
$2.66 billion in discretionary and mandatory spending above the
Administration's request for veterans' healthcare and program
costs, and for legislative initiatives in FY 2011.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Veterans Benefits Administration
Compensation and Pension Service--The President's FY 2011
budget request for Compensation and Pension Service (C&P) seeks
$53.5 billion.
The President has proposed a budget that provides an
additional $460 million to fund 4,048 additional permanent FTE
to process claims for benefits. Over 3,900 of those new
employees are slated for the Compensation and Pension Service
(C&P). Republican Members believe that an increase in Veterans
Benefits Administration (VBA) personnel is in order, but
allocating 97 percent to C&P does not meet the pressing needs
also found in the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Service (VR&E) and the Education Service (ES). Therefore,
Republican Members recommend an additional $20.4 million to
fund additional permanent FTE for VR&E and $18.5 million for
the ES.
It is important to note that according to VA, it takes at
least two years for new C&P claims processors to become
effective. However, the VR&E program hires highly credentialed
staff who require little training beyond understanding the VA's
paperwork program and are effective almost immediately.
Similarly, the training period for education claims processors
is measured in weeks rather than years and new ES staff are
productive relatively soon after hiring.
Republican Members generally agree with the President's
request for C&P, but recommend an additional $5 million for
Training and Performance Support Systems, and an additional $10
million for skills certification required by P.L. 110-389.
Republican Members are deeply concerned about the growing
size of the backlog of claims for VA disability compensation.
The number of unresolved claims has soared over the past year.
More than 400,000 new claims are now pending, with an
additional 200,000 decisions being appealed. The numbers grew
despite the nearly 4,000 additional employees VA has hired
since 2007.
Additionally, VA recently established new regulations to
make it easier for Vietnam veterans who were exposed to the
Agent Orange herbicide to receive service-connected
compensation. VA expects a significant increase in workload as
a result of the regulatory change.
Republican Members believe a multifaceted approach is
necessary for VA to overcome the challenges it faces. This
approach includes a paradigm shift that involves placing a high
level of priority on quality of work as well as quantity. To do
so, VA must place greater emphasis on employee training and
accountability.
We have long recognized the need for technological
improvements in VA's business process, including the
development of a paperless adjudication system. VA is striving
to meet the requirements of the Veterans Disability Benefits
Claims Modernization Act of 2008, which became part of P.L.
110-389. VA's efforts include creation of the Veterans Benefits
Management System (VBMS) to replace its antiquated paper-driven
process.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)--The
President's budget proposes to reduce the VR&E staff by nine
FTE. During the VA's Budget hearing testimony, the Department
described the decrease as an artifact of how personnel costs
are allocated. The President's budget estimates a 10 percent
increase in caseload over FY 2010 and an increase of 20 percent
over FY 2009. With the President's budget proposal, VR&E staff
levels would result in an average caseload of approximately 150
per counselor. At the same time, the number of disabled
veterans returning home from the current conflicts is
increasing. Therefore, Republican Members believe it is
imperative to increase the number of VR&E staff to decrease the
average caseload and shorten the time it takes to begin
rehabilitation.
The VR&E program has five tracks ranging from immediate
employment services to long term education and training.
Regardless of the track, all veterans desiring to participate
in the VR&E program must complete the phases that include
application for the benefit, determination of eligibility,
evaluation, and planning. According to VA, this process
typically takes about 171 days to complete. During that time, a
significant number of veterans withdraw from the program, many
because of the need to work to support their families. By
increasing the VR&E staff levels, the extended period of
application and evaluation should be reduced, resulting in
fewer dropouts and a higher rehabilitation rate.
Therefore, we agree with the authors of the Independent
Budget that VR&E direct service staff levels should be
increased by 200 FTE with a cost of approximately $20.4
million. Republican Members recommend an additional $20.4
million above the President's request to fund the recommended
200 additional FTE for the VR&E Service. Such an increase would
reduce the average caseload to just over 100.
The President's budget also proposed about $165.4 million
for the existing state grant program to fund the Disabled
Veterans Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPS) and Local
Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER). DVOPS and LVER are
state employment service staff whose mission is to provide
intensive job placement services to disabled veterans and
outreach to employers to promote hiring veterans in general.
The President also proposed $8 million to fund additional DVOPS
and LVER to support the Transition Assistance Program (TAP).
While Republican Members are supportive of providing these
employment services to veterans, the Members believe this
additional $8 million should be used to provide TAP services at
U.S. bases through contract. By using contract personnel,
Republican Members believe the President's proposal will enable
DVOPS and LVER to focus on providing direct employment services
to veterans.
Education--VA's strategic goal is 26 days to adjudicate an
original claim for education benefits. It currently takes 47
days.
To meet the influx of the new Post 9/11 GI Bill claims, VA
increased ES staffing to 1,889 FTE in FY 2010 by hiring several
hundred short term personnel. The President's budget proposes
to reduce ES direct FTE from 1,889 to 1,521. That decrease
reflects shifting some of the term employees hired to augment
the permanent claims processing staffs to permanent employees.
Most of the remaining term employees would be released to
reflect implementation of a new information technology system
to automate education claims processing.
However, Republican Members remain skeptical of the
Department's ability to meet the proposed December 2010
implementation date for the new IT system. Therefore,
Republican Members recommend reallocating $18.5 million in
General Operating Expenses funds from the President's budget to
maintain the current mix of 1,889 permanent and term FTE
employees for the entire FY 2011. Maintaining the current level
of FTE should enable VA to meet the VA's strategic processing
goals in case of a slip in IT delivery and to bridge the
transition period from manual to automated processing.
National Cemeteries and Related Agencies
The President's FY 2011 budget request for the National
Cemetery Administration (NCA) seeks $251 million.
Republican Members generally concur with the President's
request for NCA, but recommend an additional $10 million be
included to continue the National Shrine Commitment at NCA.
This additional funding would ensure the highest possible
standards for all of our veterans' final resting places, and
would be used for infrastructure projects such as irrigation,
renovation of historic structures, headstone cleansing, and
road resurfacing.
Additionally, we recommend a comprehensive and independent
study of the federal veterans' cemeteries under the
jurisdiction of the VA National Cemetery Administration, the
American Battle Monuments Commission, the Department of the
Army, and the Department of the Interior. This study would
identify areas for improvement to ensure a consistent, high
standard is maintained for veterans' cemeteries. Republican
Members are concerned that having four different agencies share
this responsibility has led to four different standards of
upkeep and appearance of veterans' cemeteries.
Veterans Health Administration
Medical Services--Republican Members recommend $37.3
billion for medical services, which is $200 million more than
the Administration's request. Further, Republican Members
recommend that VA conduct a recovery audit for outpatient
medical services that we expect would provide additional
resources of at least $200 million. We expect that this
recommendation would accommodate for health care inflation,
estimated workload, and the following initiatives:
Rural Health Care--Republican Members are concerned that VA
has not implemented section 403 of Public Law 110-387, which
establishes a three-year pilot program in five Veterans
Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) for veterans in highly
rural areas who elect to receive healthcare from non-VA
healthcare providers. Therefore, we recommend an additional
$89.4 million to move forward with this important initiative.
Prosthetic Limb Program Modernization--We are encouraged by
VA's intent to obligate an additional $148 million to modernize
VA's prosthetic limb program. However, Republican Members
recommend an additional $20 million because it is vitally
important that VA be capable, system-wide of meeting the needs
of the younger and more active amputees with the latest
technology and providing consistent and coordinated state-of-
the-art care regardless of where the veteran amputee lives.
Mental Health Initiatives--We are also encouraged by VA's
intent to obligate an additional $410 million or nine percent
increase to support the implementation of the Mental Health
Strategic Plan and the hiring of additional new mental health
professionals to ensure all veterans have access to these vital
services throughout the system.
Recreation Therapy Services--Republican Members recommend
an increase in obligations for recreation therapy services of
$30.6 million. We are concerned that recreation therapy
services are not consistently funded system-wide. Further, the
budget does not identify obligations for such services.
Therefore, Republican Members also recommend that VA provide a
separate budget line item to track and account for the
allocation of funds for recreation therapy services at each VA
medical center.
Republican Members believe this is important because VA
recreation therapy supports wellness programs and provides the
first opportunity to engage veterans in sports as a part of
their rehabilitation. The Congress recognized the value of
sports in rehabilitation with the enactment of Public Law 110-
389. This law requires VA to award grants through the United
States Olympic Committee to grassroots organizations to plan,
develop, manage, and implement an integrated adaptive sports
program for disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed
Forces.
Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) Program--Republican Members
wholeheartedly support the VJO program VA launched in 2009 to
work with local justice system partners to provide outreach and
alternative treatment for justice-involved veterans, including
Veterans' courts, drug courts, and mental health courts. The
budget request includes plans for 40 full time VJO specialist
positions. Republican Members recommend an additional $10
million for funding 113 more full time specialist positions to
accommodate full time positions in each VA medical center.
Medical Care Collections Fund--We are pleased with the
progress VA has made in improving third-party collections. In
FY 2009, VA exceeded the projection level. Additionally,
Republican Members are encouraged and pleased with the
Secretary's decision to pursue a more aggressive timeline to
consolidate their collection activities at seven Consolidated
Patient Accounting Centers (CPAC).
Outpatient Audit and Recovery Program--The Office of
Inspector General (IG) reported a net cost to the Department
due to errors in the process VA uses for paying fee basis bills
of $865 million over five years. While VA currently employs a
recovery audit for inpatient medical services, it has not yet
used the authority Congress provided to conduct a recovery
audit program for outpatient medical services. The current
inpatient program has identified about $6.8 million in
overpayments in 2009 and over $109 million in the program to
date. We recommend that VA conduct a similar audit and recovery
program for outpatient medical services. Through such a
program, we believe VA could identify overpayments of at least
10 to 15 percent of the total amount VA spends on the
outpatient fee basis program, which exceeded $2 billion in FY
2009. We estimate that VA would realize at least $200 million
in savings from this program.
Medical Facilities--Republican Members recommend $5.74
billion for medical facilities consistent with the
Administration's request, which is $881 million more than the
enacted FY 2010 amount for this account.
Energy Initiatives--Republican Members place a high premium
on advancing renewable energy projects at VA facilities.
Savings from the use of alternative sources of energy result in
additional resources for medical care for our veterans. We
recommend at least $325 million of this amount be obligated to
implement planned energy initiatives and establish a long-term
strategy for energy conservation and sustainability. VA has
completed 29 feasibility studies to implement renewable energy
projects at selected VA medical facilities. In FY 2010, VA
expects to allocate about $13 million to move forward with the
procurement process on these projects. We expect that with the
additional resources for FY 2011, VA will be able to fully fund
all the identified projects.
Medical Support and Compliance--Republican Members
recommend $5.3 billion for Medical Support and Compliance,
consistent with the Administration's request.
Medical and Prosthetic Research--Republican Members
recognize the importance of medical and prosthetic research to
ensure that our veterans are receiving the best possible in
care, treatment, and medical practices. We recommend $640
million in direct appropriations for medical and prosthetic
research. This amount is $50 million above the Administration's
FY 2011 request and an increase of $59 million more than the FY
2010 appropriation.
The signature injury of the War on Terror is traumatic
brain injury (TBI). TBI can also be one of the most
debilitating combat injuries, and every effort should be made
to improve protective equipment such as helmets, which can
substantially limit physiological damage sustained in combat.
Of particular interest in this regard is a new technology
developed for race car drivers to measure G-force impact. We
recommend VA direct funds in collaboration with the Department
of Defense to conduct a series of similar tests and evaluations
to improve combat helmets for servicemembers.
VHA Major Construction Projects--Republican Members
recommend $1.04 billion, consistent with the Administration's
request for major medical construction projects. However,
Republican Members are concerned with a shift in the priority
and scope of a major medical facility project in Omaha, NE. In
the VA FY 2010 budget submission, Omaha, NE, was described as
having ``HVAC and clinical deficiencies'' with an estimated
cost of $256 million. In the FY 2011 Budget Submission, this
project was elevated from the seventh to the number two
priority without justification, and the scope of the project
was changed to a replacement facility at a cost of $560
million. Further, the budget request includes $56 million for
the design of the project. This project has been moved ahead of
other FY 2010 scored projects in Lexington, KY; Columbia, SC;
Reno, NV; West Los Angeles, CA; Lebanon, PA, and Portland, OR.
Therefore, Republican Members recommend that $56 million be
instead appropriated for the Lexington, KY campus realignment.
Finally, Republican Members request $36.8 million of advance
planning and design funds be used to carry out section 804 of
Public Law 109-461 for the design of a co-located joint-use
medical facility in Charleston, SC.
VHA Minor Construction Projects--For FY 2011, Republican
members recommend $387 million for minor construction costs to
maintain and improve an aging VA infrastructure, consistent
with the Administration's request.
Advance Appropriations
The Administration's request includes $50.6 billion in
advance appropriations for FY 2012, consistent with Public Law
111-81. The purpose of the advance appropriations is to ensure
continuity of funding in the areas of Medical Services ($39.6
billion requested), Medical Support and Compliance ($5.5
billion requested), and Medical Facilities ($5.4 billion
requested).
Republican Members are concerned that the Administration's
request for advance appropriations for FY 2012 may not reflect
the total resource amount projected by the Enrollee Health Care
Projection Model. However, without having the ability to
evaluate specific components of this advance appropriation
request (Medical Care, long term care, CHAMPVA, Vet Centers,
and State Home Per Diem), it is not possible to assess the
sufficiency of the request.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is required by
law to conduct a study of the adequacy and accuracy of the
budget projection and report on whether the Administration's
advance appropriations request for VA health care funding is
consistent with expenditures estimated under the Model.
However, the GAO study will not be available prior to the
submission of our Views and Estimates, and it remains to be
determined if the Administration's budget request is
transparent for GAO assessments.
Office of Information and Technology
Republican Members believe that a top VA priority should be
information technology (IT) systems that are standardized,
integrated, and secure, function properly, and should be funded
sufficiently. We commend VA Secretary Shinseki for his support
of continuing the consolidation of the department's IT
infrastructure and funding. We are pleased with the top down
review of all VA IT programs utilizing the Program Management
Accountability System, which has put 45 VA IT projects on hold
because they have not met deadlines or have failed to be
delivered.
The FY 2010 appropriated amount for the Office of
Information and Technology (OI&T) was $3.307 billion.
Republican Members concur with the FY 2011 Administration
request of $3.307 billion for the OI&T.
During testimony provided at the Oversight and
Investigations Subcommittee hearing on February 23, 2010, VA
indicated there is a carry-over amount from the FY 2009
appropriations of $700 million for OI&T. Republican Members
believe the procurement and implementation of currently
available technology applications to identify and monitor when
previously entered clinical documentation has been copied and
pasted into another electronic patient record document within
VHA's computerized medical record system (CPRS) should come
from a portion of the FY 2009 carry-over account. This
procurement would provide mandatory monitoring of the copy and
paste functions within the CPRS system. This issue was brought
to the Committee's attention in a number of Inspector General
Combined Assessment Program (CAP) reviews of VA facilities.
Republican Members also recommend an additional amount of
$56.2 million to fund the development of the Purchased Care
Claims Processing System and the Patient Accounting System for
the automation of the fee-for-service program also to be
procured out of the FY 2009 carry-over amount.
Office of the Inspector General
For FY 2010, Congress appropriated $109 million for the VA
Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The OIG is responsible
for the audit, investigation, and inspection of all VA programs
and operations. Funding from appropriations at $109 million and
551 FTE provides resources to increase work on several
oversight initiatives.
The President's request for FY 2011 remains at the FY 2010
appropriated level. While this was an increase from the
appropriations from the FY 2009 level, Republican Members
believe it still does not provide sufficient resources to allow
the OIG to perform the amount of work consistent with the large
agency for which it must provide oversight. Republican Members
recommend adding $50 million for the VA Office of Inspector
General to provide an additional 230 FTE. The additional
staffing resources would permit the OIG to perform much needed
investigative and auditing work to include reduction of the
Regional Office review cycle; appropriate oversight on the
claims processes; more timely review of Outpatient Clinics,
currently on a 20 year review cycle; and strengthening the OIG
criminal investigations unit and their audit personnel. The
additional resources would also allow new or increased
oversight of the VA's homeless programs, elderly care programs,
and non-VA care provided to veterans. This additional funding
will allow the OIG to be more pro-active than reactive such as
in the colonoscopy investigations.
The total funding for the OIG recommended by Republican
Members is $159 million, $50 million above the Administration's
request.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Veterans Employment and Training Service--The U.S.
Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service
(VETS) manages programs intended to assist veterans seeking
employment. For FY 2011, the President proposes $262.5 million
for VETS, an increase of $6.4 million. The Homeless Veteran
Reintegration Program (HVRP) will receive $5 million of that
increase. Overall, the Republican Members agree with the
President's proposal but believe that the current economic
climate requires additional funds to assist unemployed
veterans.
Therefore, Republican Members recommend increasing funding
for the basic infrastructure devoted to promoting veterans as
ideal employees to businesses and providing the skills to
qualify for good-paying jobs. To ensure that state employment
service Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPS)
and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) are
properly prepared to meet their statutory duties, Republican
Members recommend an additional $2 million to fund the training
operations at the National Veterans Training Institute (NVTI).
This increase should enable NVTI to meet the training
requirements of Public Law 109-461.
Lastly, to improve federal oversight of the DVOPS and
LVERs, HVRP grantees, Veterans Workforce Investment Program
(VWIP) grantees, and NVTI, Republican Members recommend an
additional $5.3 million to fund 50 additional federal staff.
LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES
The Administration's budget request for other budget
functions included a $100 billion jobs creation and economic
recovery package. Republican Members believe it is critical
that veterans be explicitly targeted in any jobs creation and
economic recovery package.
Veterans Small Business Loan Guarantees--Veterans comprise
about 3.5 million or 13 percent of the 27 million U.S. small
businesses. VA previously operated a small business direct and
guaranteed loan program that terminated in 1986. H.R. 294, the
Veteran-Owned Small Business Promotion Act of 2009, would
reauthorize the VA's small business loan guaranty program.
Therefore, Republican Members recommend that not less than $1
billion of the $100 billion be applied to this legislative
proposal to authorize VA and Small Business Administration
loans to veteran-owned small businesses.
Veterans Job Readiness--On January 1, 2010, there were
968,000 unemployed veterans. Of that number, 685,000 were
between the ages of 35 and 64--the years when most people
experience the largest financial burdens. Unlike younger
veterans, this is the age group that has either passed
eligibility for VA education and training programs and who also
may not be able to afford to pursue a long-term degree program
to improve their marketability. Therefore, it is vital to
provide funds for shorter-term training to provide skills
relevant to today's job market.
To meet these job readiness needs, Republican Members also
recommend $700 million from the Administration's $100 billion
jobs creation and economic recovery request to fund the
training proposed in H.R. 4220, the Promoting Jobs for Veterans
Act of 2009. Of that amount, VA would receive an additional
$470 million in mandatory funds and $210 million in
discretionary funds. Further, of that amount the Department of
Labor would receive $20 million.
Further, we anticipate a legislative proposal that would
authorize eligibility for most unemployed veterans between the
ages of 35 and 60 eligible for up to one year of education or
training under the Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill. The program
would be effective from FY 2011 through FY 2013. The estimated
cost for FY 2011 would be $645 million, also to be funded from
the Administration's $100 billion jobs creation and economic
recovery request.
MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
----------
Presidential Messages
January 15, 2009: Communication from the President of the
United States, transmitting the Administration's 2009 National
Drug Control Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504.
May 12, 2010: Communication from the President of the
United States, transmitting the Administration's 2010 National
Drug Control Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504.
Executive Communications
January 14, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Increase in Rates Payable Under the
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program and
Other Miscellaneous Issues (RIN: 2900-AM67) Received January 7,
2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
January 21, 2009: Letter from the Secretary, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting a report for fiscal year 2005
through 2008 on expenditures from the Pershing Hall Revolving
Fund for projects, activities, and facilities that support the
mission of the Department, pursuant to Public Law 102-86,
(403(d)(6)(A).
February 26, 2009: Letter from the Acting Secretary of
Labor, Department of Labor, transmitting the Department's first
quarterly report in response to USERRA amendments made by the
Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.
March 3, 2009: Letter from the Chairman, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's report on the
Board of Veterans' Appeals' activities during fiscal year 2008.
March 10, 2009: Letter from the Director, National
Legislative Commission, The American Legion, transmitting the
financial statement and independent audit of The American
Legion, proceedings of the 90th annual National Convention of
the American Legion, held in Phoenix, Arizona from August 22-
28, 2008 and a report on the Organization's activities for the
year preceding the Convention, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 49.
March 26, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Termination of Phase-In Period for
Full Concurrent Receipt of Military Retired Pay and Veterans
Disability Compensation Based on a VA Determination of
Individual Unemployability (RIN: 2900-AN19) Received March 19,
2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
March 26, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--The Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision
Equity Act of 2007 (RIN: 2900-AN03) Received March 19, 2009,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
March 30, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's ``Major'' final rule--Post-9/11 GI Bill (RIN:
2900-AN10) Received March 27, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
April 2, 2009: Letter from the Under Secretary for Benefits
and Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and
Readiness, Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of
Defense, transmitting a report for fiscal year 2008 regarding
the activities and accomplishments of both Departments,
pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 320.
May 11, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (RIN:
2900-AN04) Received March 30, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
May 18, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Per Diem for Nursing Home Care of
Veterans in State Homes (RIN: 2900-AM97) Received April 27,
2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
May 18, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulation
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Headstones and Markers (RIN: 2900-
AN29) Received April 30, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
May 19, 2009: Letter from the Federal Register Liaison
Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Reimbursement for Interment Costs
(RIN: 2900-AM98) Received May 13, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
June 4, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Expansion of Enrollment in the VA
Health Care System (RIN: 2900-AN23) Received May 18, 2009,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
June 4, 2009: Letter from the Office of Regulation Policy &
Management, VA, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Presumptive Service Connection for
Disease Associated With Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents:
AL Amyloidosis (RIN: 2900-AN01) Received May 6, 2009, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
June 18, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Headstone and Marker Application
Process (RIN: 2900-AM53) Received June 2, 2009, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
June 18, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Pension Management Center Manager
(RIN: 2900-AN22) Received June 9, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
June 18, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Severance Pay, Separation Pay, and
Special Separation Benefits (RIN: 2900-AN25) Received June 9,
2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
June 18, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance
Traumatic Injury Protection Program (RIN: 2900-AN00) Received
June 9, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
June 23, 2009: Letter from the Secretary, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting a draft bill to authorize
$1,196,230,000 for the Department of Veterans Affairs major
facility construction project for Fiscal Year 2010 and
$196,227,000 for major facility leases for fiscal year 2010.
July 15, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment Program-Duty to Assist (RIN: 2900-AM91) Received
July 8, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
July 23, 2009: Letter from the Director, Regulation Policy
& Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Foreign Medical Program of the
Department of Veterans Affairs--Hospital Care and Medical
Services in Foreign Countries (RIN: 2900-AN07) Received July 1,
2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
July 30, 2009: Letter from the OSD Federal Register Liaison
Officer, Department of Defense, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Post 9/11 G.I. Bill [DOD-2009-OS-0021] (RIN: 0790-
AI43) Received July 1, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
July 30, 2009: Letter from the Federal Register Liaison
Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Civilian Health and Medical Program of
the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA): Preauthorization
of Durable Medical Equipment (RIN: 2900-AM9) Received July 1,
2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
September 8, 2009: Letter from the Director, Regulation
Policy & Management, Department of Veterans Affairs,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Elimination of
Requirement for Prior Signature Consent and Pre- and Post-Test
Counseling for HIV Testing (RIN: 2900-AN20) Received July 28,
2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
September 23, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Medication Prescribed by Non-VA
Physicians (RIN: 2900-AL68) Received September 3, 2009,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
September 23, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulation
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Presumption of Service Connection for
Osteoporosis for Former Prisoners of War (POWs) and Former POWs
diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (RIN: 2900-
AN16) Received September 3, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
October 13, 2009: Letter from the Director, Regulation
Policy & Management, Department of Veterans Affairs,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Loan Guaranty;
Assistance to Eligible Individuals in Acquiring Specially
Adapted Housing; Cost-of-Construction Index (RIN: 2900-AN26)
received September 24, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
October 14, 2009: Letter from the Secretary, Department of
Labor, transmitting the 2008 Annual Report of the Assistant
Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training of the
Department of Labor, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 2009(b).
October 26, 2009: Letter from the National Adjutant, Chief
Executive Officer, the Disabled American Veterans, transmitting
the 2009 National Convention Proceedings of the Disabled
American Veterans, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 90i and 44 U.S.C.
1332.
October 26, 2009: Letter from the Deputy Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, transmitting
recommendations concerning the extension of the Senior
Oversight Committee.
November 16, 2009: Letter from the Director, Regulation
Policy and Management, Department of Veterans Affairs,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Presumption of
Service Connection for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (RIN:
2009-AN05) received November 3, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
December 11, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance-
Dependent Coverage (RIN: 2900-AN39) Received November 17, 2009,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
December 15, 2009: Letter from the Director, Regulation
Policy and Management, Department of Veterans Affairs,
transmitting the Department's final rule--VA Acquisition
Regulation: Supporting Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled
Veteran-Owned Small Business (RIN: 2900-AM92) received December
1, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
December 15, 2009: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Community Residential Care Program
(RIN: 2900-AM82) Received December 1, 2009, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
January 12, 2010: Letter from the Secretary, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting a letter reporting the FY 2009
expenditures from the Pershing Hall Revolving Fund for
projects, activities, and facilities that support the mission
of the Department of Veterans Affairs, pursuant to Pub. L. 102-
86, Sec. 403(d)(6)(A).
January 26, 2010: Letter from the Assistant Attorney
General, Department of Justice, transmitting fourth quarterly
report of FY 2009 on Uniformed Services Employment and
Reemployment Rights Act.
February 26, 2010: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Copayments for Medications (RIN: 2900-
AN50) received January 5, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
March 2, 2010: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment Program--Basic Entitlement; Effective Date of
Induction Into a Rehabilitation Program; Cooperation in Initial
Evaluation (RIN: 2900-AN13) received January 19, 2010, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
March 2, 2010: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment Program--Self-Employment (RIN: 2900-AN31) received
January 19, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
March 2, 2010: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment Program--Periods of Eligibility (RIN: 2900-AM84)
received January 19, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
March 10, 2010: Letter from the Director, National
Legislative Commission, The American Legion, transmitting the
financial statement and independent audit of The American
Legion, proceedings of the 91st annual National Convention of
the American Legion, held in Louisville, Kentucky, from August
21-27, 2009, and a report on the organization's activities for
the year preceding the Convention, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 49.
March 12, 2010: Letter from the Director of Regulations
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the
Department's final rule--VA Veteran-Owned Small Business
Verification Guidelines (RIN: 2900-AM78) received February 5,
2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
March 22, 2010: Letter from the Assistant Attorney General,
Department of Justice, transmitting First Quarterly Report of
FY 2010 under The Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008,
pursuant to Pub. L. 110-389.
April 15, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations
Policy and Management, Department of Veterans Affairs,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Grants to States for
Construction or Acquisition of State Home Facilities-Update of
Authorized Beds (RIN: 2900-AM70) received April 8, 2010,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
April 26, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations
Policy and Management, Department of Veterans Affairs,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Revision of 38 CFR
1.17 to Remove Obsolete References to Herbicides Containing
Dioxin (RIN: 2900-AN56) received April 8, 2010, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
April 28, 2010: Letter from the Chairman, Board of
Veterans' Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting
a copy of the Report of the Chairman for fiscal year 2009.
May 11, 2010: Letter from the General Counsel, Department
of Defense, transmitting proposed legislation for the National
Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year 2011.
June 9, 2010: Letter from the Director, Office of National
Drug Control Policy, transmitting 2010 National Drug Control
Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504.
June 14, 2010: Letter from the Principal Deputy General
Counsel, Department of Defense, transmitting a legislative
proposal to be a part of the National Defense Authorization
Bill for Fiscal Year 2011.
June 23, 2010: Letter from the Secretary, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting a draft of proposed legislation
entitled, ``Veterans Benefits Programs Improvement Act of
2010.''
June 24, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations
Management, Office of the General Counsel, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Copayments for Medications after June 30, 2010 (RIN: 2900-AN65)
received June 10, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
June 24, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations
Management, Office of the General Counsel, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Copayments for Medications (RIN: 2900-AN50) received June 10,
2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
June 29, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations Policy
and Management, Office of the General Counsel, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
State Cemetery Grants (RIN: 2009-AM96) received June 10, 2010,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
June 29, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulation Policy
and Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Loan Guaranty: Elimination of
Redundant Regulations (RIN: 2900-AN71) received June 15, 2010,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
July 13, 2010: Letter from the Adjutant General, the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., transmitting proceedings
of the 109th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States, held in Phoenix, Arizona, August 15-
20, 2009, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 118 and 44 U.S.C. 1332.
July 13, 2010: Letter from the Adjutant General, the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., transmitting proceedings
of the 110th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States, held in Phoenix, Arizona, August 15-
20, 2009, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 118 and 44 U.S.C. 1332.
September 14, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulation
Policy and Management Office of the General Counsel, Department
of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Stressor Determinations for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
(RIN: 2900-AN32) received July 12, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
September 14, 2010: Letter from the Assistant Attorney
General, Department of Justice, transmitting Second Quarterly
Report of FY 2010 under The Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act
of 2008, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-389.
September 14, 2010: Letter from the Assistant Attorney
General, Department of Justice, transmitting third quarterly
report of FY 2010 on Uniformed Services Employment and
Reemployment Rights Act.
September 14, 2010: Letter from the Secretary, Department
of Veterans Affairs, transmitting draft legislation ``to amend
title 38, United States Code, to improve veterans' health care
benefits and for other purposes.''
September 20, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel,
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's
``Major'' final rule--Diseases Associated With Exposure to
Certain Herbicide Agents (Hairy Cell Leukemia and Other Chronic
B Cell Leukemias, Parkinson's Disease and Ischemic Heart
Disease) (RIN: 2900-AN54) received September 8, 2010, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
September 24, 2010: Letter from the National Adjutant,
Chief Executive Officer, the Disabled American Veterans,
transmitting the 2010 National Convention Proceedings of the
Disabled American Veterans, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 90i and 44
U.S.C. 1332.
September 28, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel,
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Disenrollment procedures (RIN: 2900-AN76) received
September 1, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
November 15, 2010: Letter from the Secretary, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting a draft bill to authorize
$1,112,845,000 for the Department of Veterans Affairs major
facility construction project for fiscal year 2011 and
$47,338,000 for major facility leases for Fiscal Year 2011.
November 15, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel,
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Technical Revisions to Conform with the Veterans'
Mental Health Care Act of 2008 and Other Laws (RIN: 2900-AN52)
received September 8, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
November 15, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulation
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel,
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Loan Guaranty: Assistance to Eligible Individuals
in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing (RIN: 2900-AM87)
received September 15, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
November 15, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel,
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Deceased Indebted Servicemembers and Veterans:
Authority Concerning Certain Indebtedness (RIN: 2900-AN14)
received September 8, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
November 15, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel,
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Presumptions of Service Connection for Persian Gulf
Service (RIN: 2900-AN24) received September 28, 2010, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
November 15, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations
and Policy Management, Department of Veterans Affairs,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Specially Adapted
Housing and Special Home Adaption (RIN: 2900-AN21) received
September 23, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
November 15, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulation
Policy and Management, Office of General Counsel, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Economic Impact Analysis for RIN 2900-AN15, Charges billed to
third parties for prescription drugs furnished by VA to a
veteran for a non-service-connected disability received October
5, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
November 15, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations
and Policy Management, Office of General Counsel, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Compensation for Certain Disabilities Due to Undiagnosed
Illnesses (RIN: 2900-AN68) received October 12, 2010, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
November 15, 2010: Letter from the Secretary, Department of
Health and Human Services, transmitting a report entitled
``Report to Congress of the Interagency Access to Health Care
in Alaska Task Force.''
December 1, 2010: Letter from the Assistant Attorney
General, Department of Justice, transmitting fourth quarterly
report of fiscal year 2010 on Uniformed Services Employment and
Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.
December 2, 2010: Letter from the Deputy Director, Director
Regulations Management, Office of the General Counsel,
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program
(RIN: 2900-AN53) received November 10, 2010, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
December 2, 2010: Letter from the Director, Office of
National Drug Control Policy, transmitting 2011 National Drug
Control Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504.
December 7, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel,
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Responding to Disruptive Patients (RIN: 2900-AN45)
received November 15, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
December 17, 2010: Letter from the Secretary, Department of
Veterans Affairs, transmitting a letter reporting the fiscal
year 2010 expenditures from the Pershing Hall Revolving Fund
for projects, activities, and facilities that support the
mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs, pursuant to
Public Law 102-86, Sec. 403(d)(6)(A).
December 21, 2010: Letter from the Director, Regulations
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel,
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's
final rule -- Payment for Inpatient and Outpatient Health Care
Professional Services at Non-Departmental Facilities and Other
Medical Charges Associated with Non-VA Outpatient Care (RIN:
2900-AN37) received December 15, 2010, 2010, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
STATISTICAL DATA--WAR VETERANS AND DEPENDENTS
Current information on statistical data on War Veterans and
Dependents can be found on the Web at http://www1.va.gov/opa/
fact/amwars.asp. Listed below is the current information as of
May 2010.
American Revolution (1775-1783)
Total U.S. Servicemembers\1\.....................................217,000
Battle Deaths......................................................4,435
Non-mortal Woundings...............................................6,188
War of 1812 (1812-1815)
Total U.S. Servicemembers........................................286,730
Battle Deaths......................................................2,260
Non-mortal Woundings...............................................4,505
Indian Wars (approx. 1817-1898)
Total U.S. Servicemembers (VA estimate)..........................106,000
Battle Deaths (VA estimate)........................................1,000
Mexican War (1846-1848)
Total U.S. Servicemembers.........................................78,718
Battle Deaths......................................................1,733
Other Deaths (In Theater).........................................11,550
Non-mortal Woundings...............................................4,152
Civil War (1861-1865)
Total U.S. Servicemembers (Union)..............................2,213,363
Battle Deaths (Union)............................................140,414
Other Deaths (In Theater) (Union)................................224,097
Non-mortal Woundings (Union).....................................281,881
Total Servicemembers (Conf.)\2\................................1,050,000
Battle Deaths (Confederate)\3\....................................74,524
Other Deaths (In Theater) (Confederate) 34
...................59,297
Non-mortal Woundings (Confederate)...............................Unknown
Spanish-American War (1898-1902)
Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide)............................306,760
Battle Deaths........................................................385
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)..............................2,061
Non-mortal Woundings...............................................1,662
World War I (1917-1918)
Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide)..........................4,734,991
Battle Deaths.....................................................53,402
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater).............................63,114
Non-mortal Woundings.............................................204,002
Living Veterans........................................................1
World War II (1941-1945)
Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide).........................16,112,566
Battle Deaths....................................................291,557
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)............................113,842
Non-mortal Woundings.............................................670,846
Living Veterans\5\.............................................2,079,000
Korean War (1950-1953)
Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide)..........................5,720,000
Battle Deaths.....................................................33,739
Other Deaths (In Theater)..........................................2,835
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater).............................17,672
Non-mortal Woundings.............................................103,284
Living Veterans................................................2,507,000
Vietnam War (1964-1975)
Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide)\6\.......................8,744,000
Deployed to Southeast Asia\7\..................................3,403,000
Battle Deaths\8\..................................................47,434
Other Deaths (In Theater)\8\......................................10,786
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)\8\..........................32,000
Non-mortal Woundings\9\..........................................153,303
Living Veterans510
........................................7,569,000
Desert Shield/Desert Storm (1990-1991)
Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide)..........................2,322,000
Deployed to Gulf.................................................694,550
Battle Deaths........................................................148
Other Deaths (In Theater)............................................235
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)..............................1,565
Non-mortal Woundings.................................................467
Living Veterans 510
.......................................2,254,000
America's Wars Total (1775-1991)
U.S. Military Service during Wartime..........................41,892,128
Battle Deaths....................................................651,031
Other Deaths (In Theater)........................................308,800
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)............................230,254
Non-mortal Woundings...........................................1,430,290
Living War Veterans \11\......................................16,962,000
Living Veterans (Periods of War ` Peace)......................22,795,000
Global War on Terror (Oct 2001- )
(Data as of September 30, 2010)
Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide)..........................1,430,985
Deployed to Iraq ` Afghanistan (Data as of December 13, 2010)....202,100
Battle Deaths......................................................4,591
Other Deaths (In Theater)..........................................1,252
Non-mortal Woundings..............................................41,771
(The Global War on Terror (GWOT), including Operation Enduring
Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), are
ongoing conflicts.)
_____
NOTES:
1. Exact number is unknown. Posted figure is the median of
estimated range from 184,000-250,000.
2. Exact number is unknown. Posted figure is median of estimated
range from 600,000-1,500,000.
3. Death figures are based on incomplete returns.
4. Does not include 26,000 to 31,000 who died in Union prisons.
5. Estimate based upon new population projection methodology.
6. Covers the period 8/5/64-1/27/73 (date of cease fire).
7. Department of Defense estimate.
8. Covers period 11/1/55-5/15/75.
9. Excludes 150,341 not requiring hospital care.
10. Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) estimate, as of 4/09, does
not include those still on active duty and may include veterans who
served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
11. Total will be more than sum of conflicts due to no ``end date''
established for Persian Gulf War.
Source: Department of Defense (DOD), except living veterans, which
are VA estimates as of September 2009.
U.S. VETERANS AND DEPENDENTS ON BENEFITS ROLLS
[As of September 2009]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Surviving
Veterans Children Parents spouses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Civil War................................................... ........... 2 ........... ...........
Indian Wars................................................. ........... ........... ........... ...........
Spanish-American War........................................ ........... 82 ........... 69
Mexican Border.............................................. ........... 13 ........... 50
World War I................................................. ........... 2,885 ........... 3,986
World War II................................................ 244,659 13,883 82 216,028
Korean Conflict............................................. 153,743 3,087 88 60,121
Vietnam Era................................................. 1,051,294 8,346 2,660 168,085
Gulf War\1\................................................. 998,751 13,239 1,026 16,659
Non service-connected....................................... 314,245 17,146 2 180,810
Service-connected........................................... 3,069,653 26,867 5,021 315,057
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For compensation and pension purposes, the Persian Gulf War period has not yet been terminated and includes
veterans of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.