[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

                              ----------                              S0
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

                                ------                                


                           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.
                                ------                                


                           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.
                                ------                                


                           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.
                                ------                                


                           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.
                                ------                                


                           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.
                                ------                                


                           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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \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.

                                  
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