[House Report 112-341]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                 Union Calendar No. 230

112th Congress, 1st Session  - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 112-341

 
               SECOND SEMIANNUAL REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES

                                 OF THE

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

                                 of the

                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                               during the

                      ONE HUNDRED TWELFTH CONGRESS

                              pursuant to

    Clause 1(d) Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives




 December 22, 2011.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 

            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

                     JEFF MILLER, Florida, Chairman

CLIFF STEARNS, Florida               BOB FILNER, California
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado               CORRINE BROWN, Florida
GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida            SILVESTRE REYES, Texas
DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee              MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine
MARLIN A. STUTZMAN, Indiana          LINDA T. SANCHEZ, California
BILL FLORES, Texas                   BRUCE L. BRALEY, Iowa
BILL JOHNSON, Ohio                   JERRY McNERNEY, California
JEFF DENHAM, California              JOE DONNELLY, Indiana
JON RUNYAN, New Jersey               TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota
DAN BENISHEK, Michigan               JOHN BARROW, Georgia
ANN MARIE BUERKLE, New York          RUSS CARNAHAN, Missouri
TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas
MARK AMODEI, Nevada
BOB TURNER, New York

            Helen W. Tolar, Staff Director and Chief Counsel
                            Committee Staff

            Helen W. Tolar, Staff Director and Chief Counsel
              Malcom A. Shorter, Democratic Staff Director
               Jonathan A. Towers, Deputy Staff Director
               Tony J. Buckles, Democratic Chief of Staff
 David M. Tucker, Democratic Deputy Staff Director and Chief Counsel; 
                        Communications Director
Michael F. Brinck, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
     Jonathan A. Clark, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Subcommittee on Economic 
                              Opportunity
    William J. Collins, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Disability 
                            Assistance and 
                            Memorial Affairs
          Jana Dannheisser, Staff Assistant (9/6/11-10/30/11)
              Bernadine N. Dotson, Financial Administrator
        Dolores A. Dunn, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Health
     Jessica G. Eggimann, Committee Clerk/Officer Manager (8/29/11)
 Elby A. Godwin, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Oversight 
                           and Investigations
    Samantha E. Gonzalez, Research Assistant, Subcommittee on Health
     Eric E. Hannel, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Oversight and 
                             Investigations
Martin L. Herbert, Democratic Staff Director, Subcommittee on Oversight 
                           and Investigations
   Micah T. Ketchel, Research Assistant, Subcommittee on Disability 
                            Assistance and 
                            Memorial Affairs
                   Diane K. Kirkland, Printing Clerk
   Juan Lara, Democratic Staff Director and Counsel, Subcommittee on 
                          Economic Opportunity
               Rob McQuade, Research Assistant (9/15/11)
          Carol S. Murray, Democratic Legislative Coordinator
                Amy K. Mitchell, Communications Director
    Rory Riley, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee Disability 
               Assistance and Memorial Affairs (11/01/11)
 Kimberly W. Ross, Democratic Staff Director and Counsel, Subcommittee 
             on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
                   Michael N. Siegel, Press Assistant
                Casey Street, Professional Staff Member
    Orfa A. Torres, Democratic Senior Legislative Assistant for the 
  Subcommittees on Economic Opportunity and Oversight & Investigations
 Cathleen C. Wiblemo, Democratic Staff Director, Subcommittee on Health
  Jian Iza C. Zapata, Democratic Senior Legislative Assistant for the 
 Subcommittees on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Health
                         LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

                              ----------                              

                          House of Representatives,
                            Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
                                 Washington, DC, December 22, 2011.
Hon. Karen L. Haas,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    Dear Ms. Haas: 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,
                                               Jeff Miller,
                                                          Chairman.
                            C O N T E N T S

                              ----------                              
                                                                   Page
Jurisdiction of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.........     1
Rules of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs......................     2
Activities of the Full Committee.................................     9
Activities of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 
  Memorial Affairs...............................................    10
Activities of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity...........    11
Activities of the Subcommittee on Health.........................    14
Activities of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations...    16
Executive Branch Communications..................................    17
                                                 Union Calendar No. 230
112th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 1st Session                                                    112-341

======================================================================




    SECOND SEMIANNUAL REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON 
                           VETERANS' AFFAIRS



                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 December 22, 2011.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

Mr. Miller, from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, pursuant to Clause 
                 1(d) Rule XI, submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                JURISDICTION OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON 
                           VETERANS' AFFAIRS

    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 civilian life.
          (7) Servicemembers' civil relief.
          (8) Veterans' hospitals, medical care, and treatment 
        of veterans.

              RULES OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS


                       RULE 1--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    (a) Applicability of House Rules.--The Rules of the House 
are the rules of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and its 
subcommittees so far as applicable, except that a motion to 
recess from day to day, and a motion to dispense with the first 
reading (in full) of a bill or resolution, if printed copies 
are available, are non-debatable privileged motions in 
Committees and subcommittees.
    (b) Subcommittees.--Each subcommittee of the Committee is a 
part of the Committee and is subject to the authority and 
direction of the Committee and to its rules so far as 
applicable.
    (c) Incorporation of House Rule on Committee Procedure.--
Rule XI of the Rules of the House, which pertains entirely to 
Committee procedure, is incorporated and made part of the rules 
of the Committee to the extent applicable. Pursuant to clause 
2(a)(3) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, the Chairman of 
the full Committee is directed to offer a motion under clause 1 
of Rule XXII of the Rules of the House whenever the Chairman 
considers it appropriate.
    (d) Vice Chairman.--Pursuant to clause 2(d) of Rule XI of 
the Rules of the House, the Chairman of the full Committee 
shall designate the Vice Chairman of the Committee.

                RULE 2--REGULAR AND ADDITIONAL MEETINGS

    (a) Regular Meetings.--The regular meeting day for the 
Committee shall be at 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each 
month in such place as the Chairman may designate. However, the 
Chairman may dispense with a regular Wednesday meeting of the 
Committee.
    (b) Additional Meetings.--The Chairman of the Committee may 
call and convene, as he considers necessary, additional 
meetings of the Committee for the consideration of any bill or 
resolution pending before the Committee or for the conduct of 
other Committee business. The Committee shall meet for such 
purpose pursuant to the call of the Chairman.
    (c) Notice.--The Chairman shall notify each member of the 
Committee of the agenda of each regular and additional meeting 
of the Committee at least 24 hours before the time of the 
meeting, except under circumstances the Chairman determines to 
be of an emergency nature. Under such circumstances, the 
Chairman shall make an effort to consult the ranking minority 
member, or in such member's absence, the next ranking minority 
party member of the Committee.

                RULE 3--MEETINGS AND HEARINGS GENERALLY

    (a) Open Meetings and Hearings.--Meetings and hearings of 
the Committee and each of its subcommittees shall be open to 
the public unless closed in accordance with clause 2(g) of Rule 
XI of the Rules of the House.
    (b) Announcement of Hearing.--The Chairman, in the case of 
a hearing to be conducted by the Committee, and the 
subcommittee Chairman, in the case of a hearing to be conducted 
by a subcommittee, shall make public announcement of the date, 
place, and subject matter of any hearing to be conducted on any 
measure or matter at least one week before the commencement of 
that hearing unless the Committee or the subcommittee 
determines that there is good cause to begin the hearing at an 
earlier date. In the latter event, the Chairman or the 
subcommittee Chairman, as the case may be, shall consult with 
the ranking minority member and make such public announcement 
at the earliest possible date. The clerk of the Committee shall 
promptly notify the Daily Clerk of the Congressional Record and 
the Committee scheduling service of the House Information 
Resources as soon as possible after such public announcement is 
made.
    (c) Wireless Telephone Use Prohibited.--No person may use a 
wireless telephone during a Committee or subcommittee meeting 
or hearing.
    (d) Media Coverage.--Any meeting of the Committee or its 
subcommittees that is open to the public shall be open to 
coverage by radio, television, and still photography in 
accordance with the provisions of clause 4 of House Rule XI.
    (e) Requirements for Testimony.--
          (1) Each witness who is to appear before the 
        Committee or a subcommittee shall file with the clerk 
        of the Committee, at least 48 hours in advance of his 
        or her appearance, a written statement of his or her 
        proposed testimony. Each witness shall, to the greatest 
        extent practicable, also provide a copy of such written 
        testimony in an electronic format prescribed by the 
        Chairman. Each witness shall limit any oral 
        presentation to a summary of the written statement.
          (2) Pursuant to clause 4 of Rule XI of the Rules of 
        the House, in the case of a witness appearing in a non-
        governmental capacity a written statement of proposed 
        testimony shall include a curriculum vitae and a 
        disclosure of the amount and source (by agency and 
        program) of any Federal grant (or subgrant thereof) or 
        contract (or subcontract thereof) received during the 
        current fiscal year or either of the two preceding 
        fiscal years by the witness or by an entity represented 
        by the witness.
    (f) Calling and Questioning Witnesses.--
          (1) Committee and subcommittee members may question 
        witnesses only when they have been recognized by the 
        Chairman of the Committee or subcommittee for that 
        purpose, and only for a 5-minute period until all 
        members present have had an opportunity to question a 
        witness. The 5-minute period for questioning a witness 
        by any one member may be extended only with the 
        unanimous consent of all members present. The 
        questioning of witnesses in both Committee and 
        subcommittee hearings shall be initiated by the 
        Chairman, followed by the ranking minority party member 
        and all other members alternating between the majority 
        and minority. Except as otherwise announced by the 
        Chairman at the beginning of a hearing, members who are 
        present at the start of the hearing will be recognized 
        before other members who arrive after the hearing has 
        begun. In recognizing members to question witnesses in 
        this fashion, the Chairman shall take into 
        consideration the ratio of the majority to minority 
        members present and shall establish the order of 
        recognition for questioning in such a manner as not to 
        disadvantage the members of the majority.
          (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) 
        regarding the 5-minute rule, the Chairman after 
        consultation with the ranking minority member may 
        designate an equal number of members of the Committee 
        or subcommittee majority and minority party to question 
        a witness for a period not longer than 30 minutes. In 
        no event shall the Chairman allow a member to question 
        a witness for an extended period under this rule until 
        all members present have had the opportunity to ask 
        questions under the 5-minute rule. The Chairman after 
        consultation with the ranking minority member may 
        permit Committee staff for its majority and minority 
        party members to question a witness for equal specified 
        periods of time.
          (3) When a hearing is conducted by the Committee or a 
        subcommittee on any measure or matter, the minority 
        party members on the Committee shall be entitled, upon 
        request to the Chairman of a majority of those minority 
        members before the completion of the hearing, to call 
        witnesses selected by the minority to testify with 
        respect to that measure or matter during at least one 
        day of the hearing thereon.
    (g) Subpoenas.--Pursuant to clause 2(m) of Rule XI of the 
Rules of the House, a subpoena may be authorized and issued by 
the Committee or a subcommittee in the conduct of any 
investigation or series of investigations or activities, only 
when authorized by a majority of the members voting, a majority 
being present.
    (h) Notice Requirements.--The text of all bills or 
resolutions for markup shall be made available to both majority 
and minority staff at least 48 hours prior to a scheduled 
markup, except as agreed to by unanimous consent. All primary 
amendments must be submitted to both majority and minority 
staff no less than 24 hours prior to a scheduled markup, except 
as agreed to by unanimous consent.

      RULE 4--QUORUM AND RECORD VOTES; POSTPONEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS

    (a) Working Quorum.--A majority of the members of the 
Committee shall constitute a quorum for business and a majority 
of the members of any subcommittee shall constitute a quorum 
thereof for business, except that two members shall constitute 
a quorum for the purpose of taking testimony and receiving 
evidence.
    (b) Quorum for Reporting.--No measure or recommendation 
shall be reported to the House of Representatives unless a 
majority of the Committee was actually present.
    (c) Record Votes.--A record vote may be demanded by one-
fifth of the members present or, in the apparent absence of a 
quorum, by any one member. With respect to any record vote on 
any motion to amend or report, the total number of votes cast 
for and against, and the names of those members voting for and 
against, shall be included in the report of the Committee on 
the bill or resolution.
    (d) Prohibition Against Proxy Voting.--No vote by any 
member of the Committee or a subcommittee with respect to any 
measure or matter may be cast by proxy.
    (e) Postponing Proceedings.--Committee and subcommittee 
chairmen may postpone further proceedings when a record vote is 
ordered on the question of approving a measure or matter or on 
adopting an amendment, and may resume proceedings within two 
legislative days on a postponed question after reasonable 
notice. When proceedings resume on a postponed question, 
notwithstanding any intervening order for the previous 
question, an underlying proposition shall remain subject to 
further debate or amendment to the same extent as when the 
question was postponed.

                         RULE 5--SUBCOMMITTEES

    (a) Establishment and Jurisdiction.--
          (1) There shall be four subcommittees of the 
        Committee as follows:
                  (A) Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 
                Memorial Affairs, which shall have legislative, 
                oversight and investigative jurisdiction over 
                compensation; general and special pensions of 
                all the wars of the United States; life 
                insurance issued by the Government on account 
                of service in the Armed Forces; 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; 
                burial benefits; the Board of Veterans' 
                Appeals; and the United States Court of Appeals 
                for Veterans Claims.
                  (B) Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, 
                which shall have legislative, oversight and 
                investigative jurisdiction over education of 
                veterans, employment and training of veterans, 
                vocational rehabilitation, veterans' housing 
                programs, readjustment of servicemembers to 
                civilian life, and servicemembers civil relief.
                  (C) Subcommittee on Health, which shall have 
                legislative, oversight, and investigative 
                jurisdiction over the Veterans Health 
                Administration (VHA) including medical 
                services, medical support and compliance, 
                medical facilities, medical and prosthetic 
                research, and major and minor construction.
                  (D) Subcommittee on Oversight and 
                Investigations, which shall have oversight and 
                investigative jurisdiction over veterans' 
                matters generally, information technology, 
                procurement, and over such matters as may be 
                referred to the subcommittee by the Chairman of 
                the full Committee for its oversight or 
                investigation and for its appropriate 
                recommendations. The subcommittee shall have 
                legislative jurisdiction over such bills or 
                resolutions as may be referred to it by the 
                Chairman of the full Committee. Provided, 
                however, that the activities of the 
                Subcommittee shall in no way limit the 
                responsibility of the other subcommittees of 
                the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for carrying 
                out their oversight duties.
          (2) Each subcommittee shall have responsibility for 
        such other measures or matters as the Chairman refers 
        to it.
    (b) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the membership of a 
subcommittee shall not affect the power of the remaining 
members to execute the functions of that subcommittee.
    (c) Ratios.--On each subcommittee, there shall be a ratio 
of majority party members to minority party members which shall 
be consistent with the ratio on the full Committee.
    (d) Referral to Subcommittees.--The Chairman of the 
Committee may refer a measure or matter, which is within the 
general responsibility of more than one of the subcommittees of 
the Committee, as the Chairman deems appropriate. In referring 
any measure or matter to a subcommittee, the Chairman of the 
Committee may specify a date by which the subcommittee shall 
report thereon to the Committee.
    (e) Powers and Duties.--
          (1) Each subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold 
        hearings, receive evidence, and report to the full 
        Committee on all matters referred to it or under its 
        jurisdiction. Subcommittee chairmen shall set dates for 
        hearings and meetings of their respective subcommittees 
        after consultation with the Chairman of the Committee 
        and other subcommittee chairmen with a view toward 
        avoiding simultaneous scheduling of Committee and 
        subcommittee meetings or hearings whenever possible.
          (2) Whenever a subcommittee has ordered a bill, 
        resolution, or other matter to be reported to the 
        Committee, the Chairman of the subcommittee reporting 
        the bill, resolution, or matter to the full Committee, 
        or any member authorized by the subcommittee to do so 
        shall notify the Chairman and the ranking minority 
        party member of the Committee of the Subcommittee's 
        action.
          (3) A member of the Committee who is not a member of 
        a particular subcommittee may sit with the subcommittee 
        during any of its meetings and hearings, but shall not 
        have authority to vote, cannot be counted for a quorum, 
        and cannot raise a point of order at the meeting or 
        hearing.
          (4) Each subcommittee shall provide the Committee 
        with copies of such record votes taken in subcommittee 
        and such other records with respect to the subcommittee 
        as the Chairman of the Committee deems necessary for 
        the Committee to comply with all rules and regulations 
        of the House.

                RULE 6--GENERAL OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITY

    (a) Purpose.--Pursuant to clause 2 of Rule X of the Rules 
of the House, the Committee shall carry out oversight 
responsibilities. In order to assist the House in--
          (1) Its analysis, appraisal, evaluation of--
                  (A) The application, administration, 
                execution, and effectiveness of the laws 
                enacted by the Congress, or
                  (B) Conditions and circumstances, which may 
                indicate the necessity or desirability of 
                enacting new or additional legislation, and
          (2) Its formulation, consideration and enactment of 
        such modifications or changes in those laws, and of 
        such additional legislation, as may be necessary or 
        appropriate, the Committee and its various 
        subcommittees, consistent with their jurisdiction as 
        set forth in Rule 5, shall have oversight 
        responsibilities as provided in subsection (b).
    (b) Review of Laws and Programs.--The Committee and its 
subcommittees shall review and study, on a continuing basis, 
the applications, administration, execution, and effectiveness 
of those laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is 
within the jurisdiction of the Committee or subcommittee, and 
the organization and operation of the Federal agencies and 
entities having responsibilities in or for the administration 
and execution thereof, in order to determine whether such laws 
and the programs thereunder are being implemented and carried 
out in accordance with the intent of the Congress and whether 
such programs should be continued, curtailed, or eliminated. In 
addition, the Committee and its subcommittees shall review and 
study any conditions or circumstances which may indicate the 
necessity or desirability of enacting new or additional 
legislation within the jurisdiction of the Committee or 
subcommittee (whether or not any bill or resolution has been 
introduced with respect thereto), and shall on a continuing 
basis undertake future research and forecasting on matters 
within the jurisdiction of the Committee or subcommittee.
    (c) Oversight Plan.--Not later than February 15 of the 
first session of a Congress, the Committee shall meet in open 
session, with a quorum present, to adopt its oversight plans 
for that Congress for submission to the Committee on House 
Administration and the Committee on Oversight and Government 
Reform, in accordance with the provisions of clause 2(d) of 
Rule X of the Rules of the House.
    (d) Oversight by Subcommittees.--The existence and 
activities of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations 
shall in no way limit the responsibility of the other 
subcommittees of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for 
carrying out oversight duties.

                  RULE 7--BUDGET ACT RESPONSIBILITIES

    (a) Budget Act Responsibilities.--Pursuant to clause 
4(f)(1) of Rule X of the Rules of the House, the Committee 
shall submit to the Committee on the Budget not later than six 
weeks after the President submits his budget, or at such time 
as the Committee on the Budget may request--
          (1) Its views and estimates with respect to all 
        matters to be set forth in the concurrent resolution on 
        the budget for the ensuing fiscal year that are within 
        its jurisdiction or functions; and
          (2) An estimate of the total amounts of new budget 
        authority, and budget outlays resulting therefrom, to 
        be provided or authorized in all bills and resolutions 
        within its jurisdiction that it intends to be effective 
        during that fiscal year.

                   RULE 8--RECORDS AND OTHER MATTERS

    (a) Transcripts.--There shall be a transcript made of each 
regular and additional meeting and hearing of the Committee and 
its subcommittees. Any such transcript shall be a substantially 
verbatim account of remarks actually made during the 
proceedings, subject only to technical, grammatical, and 
typographical corrections authorized by the person making the 
remarks involved.
    (b) Records.--
          (1) The Committee shall keep a record of all actions 
        of the Committee and each of its subcommittees. The 
        record shall contain all information required by clause 
        2(e)(1) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House and shall 
        be available for public inspection at reasonable times 
        in the offices of the Committee.
          (2) There shall be kept in writing a record of the 
        proceedings of the Committee and each of its 
        subcommittees, including a record of the votes on any 
        question on which a recorded vote is demanded. The 
        result of each such record vote shall be made available 
        by the Committee for inspection by the public at 
        reasonable times in the offices of the Committee. 
        Information so available for public inspection shall 
        include a description of the amendment, motion, order 
        or other proposition and the name of each member voting 
        for and each member voting against such amendment, 
        motion, order, or proposition, and the names of those 
        members present but not voting.
    (c) Availability of Archived Records.--The records of the 
Committee at the National Archives and Records Administration 
shall be made available for public use in accordance with Rule 
VII of the Rules of the House. The Chairman shall notify the 
ranking minority member of any decision, pursuant to clause 3 
or clause 4 of Rule VII of the Rules of the House, to withhold 
a record otherwise available, and the matter shall be presented 
to the Committee for a determination on written request of any 
member of the Committee.
    (d) Availability of Publications.--Pursuant to clause 
2(e)(4) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, the Committee 
shall make its publications available in electronic form to the 
maximum extent feasible.

                             RULE 9--TRAVEL

    (a) Requirements for Travel.--All requests for travel, 
funded by the Committee, for Members and staff in connection 
with activities or subject matters under the general 
jurisdiction of the Committee, shall be submitted to the Chair 
for approval or disapproval. All travel requests should be 
submitted to the Chair at least five working days in advance of 
the proposed travel. For all travel funded by any other source, 
notice shall be given to the Chair at least five working days 
in advance of the proposed travel. All travel requests shall be 
submitted to the Chair in writing and include the following:
          (1) The purpose of the travel.
          (2) The dates during which the travel is to occur.
          (3) The names of the locations to be visited and the 
        length of time to be spent in each.
          (4) The names of members and staff of the Committee 
        for whom the authorization is sought. Travel by the 
        minority shall be submitted to the Chair via the 
        Ranking Member.
    (b) Trip Reports.--Members and staff shall make a written 
report to the Chair within 15 working days on all travel 
approved under this subsection. Reports shall include a 
description of their itinerary, expenses, and activities, and 
pertinent information gained as a result of such travel.
    When travel involves majority and minority Members or 
staff, the majority shall submit the report to the Chair on 
behalf of the majority and minority. The minority may append 
additional remarks to the report at their discretion.
    (c) Applicability of House Rules.--Members and staff of the 
Committee performing authorized travel on official business 
shall be governed by applicable laws, resolutions, and 
regulations of the House and of the Committee on House 
Administration.

                    ACTIVITIES OF THE FULL COMMITTEE


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Full Committee Markup of H.R. 2433, H.R. 2646, H.R. 2302, H.R. 2349, 
        H.R. 2074, H.R. 1025, and H.R. 1263

    On September 8, 2011, the Committee met and marked up H.R. 
1025, a bill 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. 1263, a bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act 
to provide surviving spouses with certain protections relating 
to mortgages and mortgage foreclosures; H.R. 2074, the Veterans 
Sexual Assault Prevention Act; H.R. 2302, a bill to amend title 
38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to notify Congress of conferences sponsored by the 
Department of Veterans Affairs; H.R. 2349, the Veterans' 
Benefits Training Improvement Act of 2011; H.R. 2433, the 
Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011; and H.R. 2646, the 
Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 
2011.
    On September 8, 2011, the Full Committee met and marked up 
seven bills which were ordered reported favorably to the House: 
H.R. 1025, by voice vote; H.R. 1263, as amended, by voice vote; 
H.R. 2074, as amended, by voice vote; H.R. 2302, as amended, by 
voice vote; H.R. 2349, as amended, by voice vote; H.R. 2433, as 
amended, to the House by a rollcall vote of 17 ayes to 5 nos; 
and H.R. 2646, as amended, by voice vote.
    On September 20, 2011, the House agreed to suspend the 
rules and pass H.R. 2646, as amended, by a vote of 412-3 (Roll 
No. 714).
    On October 11, 2011, the House agreed to suspend the rules 
and pass H.R. 1025, H.R. 1263, H.R. 2074, H.R. 2302, as 
amended, and H.R. 2349, as amended by voice vote.
    On October 12, 2011, the House agreed to suspend the rules 
and pass H.R. 2433, as amended, by a vote of 418-6 (Roll No. 
785).
    On November 21, 2011, H.R. 674 was signed into law by the 
President (P.L. No. 112-56.)

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Full Committee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 2433, H.R. 1941, and H.R. 169

    On July 15, 2011, the Full Committee held a hearing on H.R. 
2433, Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011; H.R. 1941, 
Hiring Heroes Act of 2011; and, H.R. 169, A bill 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.
    Testifying were current and former Members of Congress, 
representatives of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 
representatives of the Department of Labor (DOL), as well as 
several Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). See Full 
Committee Legislative Hearing on H.R. 2433, H.R. 1941, and H.R. 
169, Serial No. 112-24.

Full Committee--Failures at Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center: 
        Window to a National Problem

    On October 12, 2011, the Full Committee held an oversight 
hearing on problems that have plagued the Miami VA Medical 
Center (VAMC) for years including patient safety, compliance, 
budget and leadership issues, as well as several recent 
incidents involving veteran deaths.
    Only one person testified at the hearing, William 
Schoenhard, FACHE, Deputy Under Secretary for Health for 
Operations and Management, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    He was accompanied by Nevin M. Weaver, FACHE, Network 
Director, Veterans Affairs Sunshine Healthcare Network/Veterans 
Integrated Services Network 8, Veterans Health Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Mary D. Berrocal, MBA, 
Director, Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
Failures at Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Window to a 
National Problem, Serial No. 112-31.

Full Committee--Potential Budgetary Savings Within the U.S. Department 
        of Veterans Affairs: Recommendations From Veterans' Service 
        Organizations

    On November 15, 2011, the Full Committee held an oversight 
hearing on future spending by VA and how to better care for 
America's veterans. Several Veterans Service Organizations 
provided the Committee with nine areas in which potential 
savings could be found to provide greater benefits and care 
within VA health and benefits programs. The recommendations, 
made to the Committee this spring, ranged from questionable 
bonus payments being made to senior executives when agency 
performance is deteriorating to better coordination of VA's 
fee-basis program.
    On the first panel, testimony was given by representatives 
from Disabled American Veterans, and the Paralyzed Veterans of 
America. They were accompanied by representatives from AMVETS, 
American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    On the second panel testimony was given by Todd Grams, 
Executive in Charge for the Office of Management and Chief 
Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and 
Belinda J. Finn, Assistant Inspector General for Audits and 
Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See Potential Budgetary Savings within the 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Recommendations from 
Veterans' Service Organizations, Serial No. 112-34.

 ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL 
                                AFFAIRS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 923, H.R. 1025, H.R. 1826, and H.R. 1898

    On July 22, 2011, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs met and marked up H.R. 923, Veterans 
Pensions Protection Act of 2011; H.R. 1025, 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. 1826, to amend title 38, United States 
Code, to reinstate criminal penalties for persons charging 
veterans unauthorized fees; and H.R. 1898, the Veterans 2nd 
Amendment Protection Act.
    H.R. 923 and H.R. 1826 were amended and forwarded favorably 
to the Full Committee. H.R. 1025 and H.R. 1898 were forwarded 
favorably to the Full Committee.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 923, H.R. 1025, H.R. 1826, H.R. 
        1898, and H.R. 2349

    On July 7, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 
923, Veterans Pensions Protection Act of 2011; H.R. 1025, 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. 1826, to amend title 38, 
United States Code, to reinstate criminal penalties for persons 
charging veterans unauthorized fees; H.R. 1898, the Veterans 
2nd Amendment Protection Act; and H.R. 2349, Veterans' Benefits 
Act of 2011.
    VA and various VSOs testified on the bills. See legislative 
Hearing on H.R. 923, H.R. 1025, H.R. 1826, H.R. 1898, and H.R. 
2349, Serial No. 112-22.

Subcommittee Hearing--Arlington National Cemetery: An Update on Reform 
        and Progress

    On October 6, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
state of Arlington National Cemetery. After years of poor 
management and neglect, it was revealed in 2010 that problems 
at the nation's preeminent cemetery were rampant and included 
inaccurate burial records, unmarked graves, and a lack of 
accountability among senior management.
    On the first panel testimony was provided by Major General 
William H. McCoy, USA, Acting Inspector General, Department of 
the Army Inspector General Agency (DAIG), U.S. Department of 
Defense.
    On the second panel was Kathryn A. Condon, Executive 
Director, National Cemeteries Program, Office of the Secretary 
of the Army, Department of the Army, U.S. Department of 
Defense. See National Cemetery: An Update on Reform and 
Progress, Serial No. 112-30.

                   ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON 
                          ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 1263, H.R. 1911, H.R. 2274, H.R. 2302, H.R. 
        2329, and H.R. 2345

    On July 21, 2011, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R. 
1263, to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide 
surviving spouses with certain protections relating to 
mortgages and mortgage foreclosures; H.R. 1911, Protecting 
Veterans' Homes Act; H.R. 2274, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and 
the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress annual reports 
on the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program, and for other 
purposes; H.R. 2301, Streamlining Education Claims Processing 
Act of 2011; H.R. 2302, to amend title 38, United States Code, 
to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to notify Congress 
of conferences sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
and for other purposes; H.R. 2329, Ensuring a Response for 
Servicemembers Act; and, H.R. 2345, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to extend the authorization of appropriations for 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly assistance 
allowance to disabled veterans training or competing for the 
Paralympic Team and the authorization of appropriations for the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide assistance to the 
United States Paralympics, Inc.
    H.R. 2274 and H.R. 2301 were amended and forwarded 
favorably to the Full Committee. H.R. 1263, H.R. 1911, H.R. 
2302, H.R. 2329, and H.R. 2345 were forwarded favorably to the 
Full Committee.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 1911, H.R. 240, H.R. 1263, H.R. 
        120, H.R. 2274, H.R. 2301, H.R. 2302, H.R. 2345, and H.R. 2329

    On July 7, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 
1911, Protecting Veterans' Homes Act; H.R. 240, to amend title 
38, United States Code, to promote jobs for veterans through 
the use of sole source contracts by the Department of Veterans 
Affairs for purposes of meeting the contracting goals and 
preferences of the Department of Veterans Affairs for small 
business concerns owned and controlled by veterans; H.R. 1263, 
to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide 
surviving spouses with certain protections relating to 
mortgages and mortgage foreclosures, and for other purposes; 
H.R. 120, Disabled Veterans' Surviving Spouses Home Loans Act; 
H.R. 2274, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to 
submit to Congress annual reports on the Post-9/11 Educational 
Assistance Program, and for other purposes; H.R. 2301, 
Streamlining Education Claims Processing Act of 2011; H.R. 
2345, to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the 
authorization of appropriations for the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to pay a monthly assistance allowance to disabled 
veterans training or competing for the Paralympic Team and the 
authorization of appropriations for the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to provide assistance to United States Paralympics, 
Inc.; and H.R. 2329, Ensuring a Response for Servicemembers 
Act.
    Representation from VA as well as several VSOs testified 
before the subcommittee. See Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1911, H.R. 240, H.R. 
1263, H.R. 120, H.R. 2274, H.R. 2301, H.R. 2302, H.R. 2345, and 
H.R. 2329, Serial No. 112-21.

Subcommittee Hearing--Reviewing the Progress of the Partnership Between 
        the United States Paralympics and the U.S. Department of 
        Veterans Affairs To Promote Adaptive Sports

    On July 7, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
partnership between United States Paralympics and the 
Department of Veterans Affairs for promoting adaptive sports.
    Testifying were representatives from several VSO's, U.S. 
Paralympics, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
Reviewing the Progress of the Partnership between the United 
States Paralympics and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
to Promote Adaptive Sports, Serial No. 112-28.

Subcommittee Hearing--Hiring Heroes: Job Creation for Veterans and 
        Guard/Reserve members in Waterloo, IA

    On October 17, 2011, the Subcommittee held a field hearing 
in Waterloo, Iowa discussing the topic of job creation for 
Veterans and Guard/Reserve Members.
    The first panel consisted of two members of the Army 
National Guard in Iowa.
    The second panel consisted of representatives from 
businesses and corporations located in Iowa. They testified on 
the ways in which hiring veterans can be beneficial to their 
businesses, as well as what they do to recruit veterans as 
employees.
    The third panel consisted of representatives from the 
Department of Labor and the National Guard. See Hiring Heroes: 
Job Creation for Veterans and Guard/Reserve Members in 
Waterloo, IA, Serial No. 112-32.

Subcommittee Hearing--Examining Veterans' Employment Issues in 
        Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne, IN

    On October 19, 2011, the Subcommittee held a field hearing 
in Fort Wayne, Indiana on the topic of veterans' employment 
issues in Northeast Indiana.
    The first panel consisted of representatives from local 
employers, the local Chamber of Commerce, and the local 
government.
    The second panel consisted of representatives from the 
Indiana National Guard and the Department of Labor. See 
Examining Veterans' Employment Issues in Northeast Indiana, 
Fort Wayne, IN, Serial No. 112-33.

Joint Subcommittee Hearing (Economic Opportunity and Oversight and 
        Investigations)--Follow-up on the U.S. Department of Veterans 
        Affairs Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business 
        Certification Process

    On November 30, 2011, the Subcommittees on Oversight & 
Investigations (O&I) and Economic Opportunity (EO) held a joint 
hearing to review the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) 
certification process. In addition to questions surrounding a 
new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released on 
companies fraudulently posing as SDVOSBs to attain government 
contracts, the Subcommittees also asked about a recent decision 
by VA that will place veteran-owned businesses at a competitive 
disadvantage in pursuing contracts at VA.
    Among those testifying were Thomas J. Leney, Executive 
Director, Small and Veteran Business Programs, Office of Small 
and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Gregory D. Kutz, Forensic Audits and 
Investigative Service, U.S. Government Accountability Office, 
and Ralph O. White, Managing Associate General Counsel for 
Procurement Law, Office of General Counsel, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office. See Joint Subcommittee Hearing (E/O and 
O/I)--Follow-up on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Certification 
Process, Serial No. 112-35.

                ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 923, H.R. 1025, H.R. 1826, and H.R. 1898

    On July 28, 2011, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R. 
1154, the Veterans Equal Treatment for Service Dogs Act or the 
VETS Dogs Act; H.R. 1855, the Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury 
Rehabilitative Services' Improvements Act of 2011; H.R. 2074, 
the Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention Act; H.R. 2530, a bill 
to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for increased 
flexibility in establishing rates for reimbursement of State 
homes by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for nursing home 
care provided to veterans; and H.R. 2646, a bill to authorize 
certain Department of Veterans Affairs major medical facility 
projects and leases, to extend certain expiring provisions of 
law, and to modify certain authorities of the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs.
    H.R. 1855 and H.R. 2646 were amended and forwarded 
favorably to the Full Committee. H.R. 1154, H.R. 2074, and H.R. 
2530 were forwarded favorably to the Full Committee.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Hearing--Veterans Health Care in Michigan's Upper 
        Peninsula: Where Are We? Held in Iron Mountain, MI

    On June 20, 2011, the Subcommittee held an oversight 
hearing in Iron Mountain, Michigan to conduct an oversight 
hearing on the accessibility and quality of healthcare for 
veterans residing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. 
Specifically, whether there has been a measurable impact on 
services and outreach as a result of the $533 million Congress 
provided in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 to improve the delivery 
of healthcare to rural veterans; the recruitment and retention 
of medical personnel, including facility leadership; the 
delivery of mental health care throughout the service area; the 
scope and effectiveness of telehealth programs, and the level 
of collaboration and partnerships with community providers.
    Testifying before the subcommittee were representatives 
from several VSOs and VA. See Veterans Health Care in 
Michigan's Upper Peninsula: Where Are We? Held in Iron 
Mountain, MI, Serial No. 112-19.

Subcommittee Hearing--Implementation of Caregiver Assistance: Moving 
        Forward

    On July 11, 2011, the subcommittee held an oversight 
hearing entitled, ``Implementation of Caregiver Assistance: 
Moving Forward,'' to track the progress of the implementation 
of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 
2010, which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) only 
recently brought online after months of delay. Due to 
Congressional pressure this spring, caregivers of America's 
wounded warriors are finally receiving training and financial 
support to care for their family.
    Testifying was a representative from Wounded Warrior 
Project and several representatives from the Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See Implementation of Caregiver Assistance: 
Moving Forward, Serial No. 112-23.

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 198, H.R. 1154, H.R. 1855, H.R. 
        2074, H.R. 2530, and Draft Legislation

    On July 25, 2011, the subcommittee held a legislative 
hearing on H.R. 198, H.R. 1154, H.R. 1855, H.R. 2074, H.R. 
2530, and Draft Legislation.
    Representatives from VA and several VSOs testified in front 
of the subcommittee. See Subcommittee Legislative Hearing on 
H.R. 198, H.R. 1154, H.R. 1855, H.R. 2074, H.R. 2530, and Draft 
Legislation, Serial No. 112-26.

Site Visit--Chicago, IL

    On August 16, 2011 a member of the Majority Staff attended 
the VHA Leadership Conference to evaluate whether the 
conference provided any tangible benefit to improve the 
delivery of health care within Veterans Health Administration 
(VHA), including any special skills, tools, processes, or 
technologies that were disseminated that would make an 
immediate impact on addressing the access and cost challenges 
facing VHA.

Site Visit--Big Spring, TX

    On August 31, 2011, a member of the Majority Staff visited 
the Big Spring Veterans Affairs Medical Center to conduct 
oversight of the clinical operations of the facility and 
provide support for a veterans' forum in San Angelo, TX.

Site Visit--Turkey, Afghanistan, and Landstuhl/Ramstein, Germany

    On October 6-11, 2011, Rep. Phil Roe, MD (R-TN/HVAC), Rep. 
Tim Walz (D-MN/HVAC), Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA/HVAC), Rep. Dan 
Benishek, MD (R-MI/HVAC), and members from the Majority and 
Minority Staffs traveled to Turkey, Afghanistan, and Germany to 
(1) evaluate current U.S. military medical framework and 
theater evacuation system in Afghanistan by visiting various 
medical units, including aid stations, combat support hospital 
role III facilities, and the role IV facility in Landstuhl, 
Germany; (2) assess progress in capturing health information 
electronically on the battlefield; (3) evaluate implementation 
of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and behavioral health 
management techniques on the battlefield to include the 
effectiveness of new TBI protocols and ``virtual'' therapy and 
sleep centers; (4) evaluate new pain care technology applied 
far forward on the battlefield; (5) meet with U.S. Embassy 
Officials and senior military leadership to gain national/
strategic and military operational overviews of Afghanistan; 
(6) and visit and dine with deployed servicemembers.

Subcommittee Hearing--The Federal Recovery Coordination Program: 
        Assessing Progress toward Improvement

    On October 6, 2011, the subcommittee held an oversight 
hearing on the Federal Recovery Coordination Program (FRCP) and 
uncovered a worsening problem of care coordination between the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of 
Defense (DoD). The hearing was in response to a previous 
oversight hearing in May that exposed significant issues with 
the FRCP, which is meant to coordinate the clinical and non-
clinical care needs of severely wounded, ill, or injured 
servicemembers and veterans, and a similar program administered 
by DoD called the Recovery Coordination Program.
    Testifying were representatives from several VSOs and the 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See the Federal Recovery 
Coordination Program: Assessing Progress toward Improvement, 
Serial No. 112-29.

Subcommittee Hearing--Understanding and Preventing Veteran Suicide

    On December 2, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing 
entitled, ``Understanding and Preventing Veteran Suicide,'' to 
track the progress being made to prevent suicide and steps 
taken to identify at risk servicemembers and veterans by the 
Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Despite increased 
resources and services, significant obstacles remain including 
limits on data, stigma, access issues, and a lack of 
partnership with community care providers.
    Panelists included representatives from several VSOs, the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, and mental health specialists. 
See Understanding and Preventing Veteran Suicide, Serial No. 
112-36.

              ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT 
                           AND INVESTIGATIONS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 2243, H.R. 2383, and H.R. 2388

    On July 28, 2011, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations met and marked up H.R. 2243, The Veterans' 
Employment Promotion Act; H.R. 2383, the Modernizing Notice to 
Claimants Act; and the Access to Timely Information Act.
    H.R. 2243, H.R. 2383, and H.R. 2388 were forwarded 
favorably to the Full Committee.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 2383, H.R. 2243, H.R. 2388 and 
        H.R. 2470

    On July 20, 2011, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a legislative hearing on H.R. 2383, 
Modernizing Notice to Claimants Act; H.R. 2243, Veterans 
Employment Promotion Act; H.R. 2388, Access to Timely 
Information Act; and H.R. 2470, E-SERV Act.
    Testifying before the subcommittee were representatives 
from the Department of Defense (DOD), VA, and several VSOs. See 
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 2383, H.R. 2243, H.R. 2388, and 
H.R. 2470, Serial No. 112-25.

Subcommittee Hearing--Evaluating the U.S. Department of Veterans 
        Affairs Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business 
        Certification Process

    On July 28, 2011, the subcommittee held a hearing on 91 
pending criminal investigations in the Department of Veterans 
Affairs' (VA) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business 
(SDVOSB) program. Investigations have been under way through 
the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and VA's Office of 
the Inspector General (VAOIG). Some investigations have been 
ongoing for several years.
    Testifying in front of the subcommittee was Belinda J. 
Finn, Assistant Inspector General for Audits and Evaluations, 
Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, and she was accompanied by Gregory D. Kutz, Director, 
Forensic Audits and Investigative Service, United States 
Government Accountability Office, and another VA official, 
James O'Neill.

Site Visit--Philadelphia, PA

    On November 9, 2011, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations Democratic Staff traveled to Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania to visit the National Call Center. The 
Philadelphia national call center serves calls related to 
compensation and pension, in addition to insurance inquiries.

                    EXECUTIVE BRANCH COMMUNICATIONS

    July 18, 2011: Letter from the Director of Regulation 
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
final rule--Reimbursement Offsets for Medical Care or Services 
(RIN: 2900-AN55) received June 24, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801-(a)-(1)-(a).
    September 13, 2011: Letter from the Director of Regulation 
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
final rule--Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program (RIN: 
2900-AN73) received August 22, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801-
(a)-(1)-(a).
    September 20, 2011: Letter from the Director of Regulation 
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
final rule--Release of Information from Department of Veterans 
Affairs records (RIN: 2900-AN72) received August 16, 2011, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801-(a)-(1)-(a).
    September 26, 2011: Letter from the Director of Regulation 
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
final rule--Rules governing Hearings before the Agency of 
Original Jurisdiction and Board of Veterans Appeals; 
Clarification (RIN: 2900-AO06) received August 29, 2011, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801-(a)-(1)-(a).
    September 26, 2011: Letter from the Director of Regulation 
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
final rule--Expansion of State Home Care for Parents of a Child 
Who Died while Serving in the Armed Services (RIN: 2600-AN96/WP 
2010-071) received August 29, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801-
(a)-(1)-(a).
    September 26, 2011: Letter from the Director of Regulation 
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
final rule--Technical Revisions to Conform to the Caregivers 
and Veterans Omnibus Health Act of 2010 (RIN: 290-AN85/WP2010-
044) received August 29, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801-(a)-
(1)-(a).
    September 20, 2011: Letter from the Director of Regulation 
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
final rule--Per Diem Payments for the Care Provided to Eligible 
Veterans Evacuated from a State Home as a Result of an 
Emergency (RIN: 2900-AN63) received September 8, 2011, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 801-(a)-(1)-(a).
    October 28, 2011: Letter from the National Adjutant, Chief 
Executive Officer, The Disabled American Veterans, transmitting 
the report of the proceedings of the organization's National 
Convention, including their annual audit report of receipts and 
expenditures as of December 31, 2011 pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 
1332.
    November 8, 2011: Letter from the Director of Regulations 
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Presumptive Service Connection for 
Diseases Associated with Service in the Southwest Asia Theater 
of Operations During the Persian Gulf War: Functional 
Gastrointestinal Disorders (RIN: 2900-AN83) received October 
11, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801-(a)-(1)-(a).
    November 14, 2011: Letter from the Assistant Attorney 
General, Department of Justice, transmitting third quarterly 
report of FY 2011 of Uniformed Service Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act.
    November 15, 2011: Letter from the Director of Regulation 
Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
final rule--Sharing Information between the Department of 
Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense (RIN: 2900-AN95) 
received October 19, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801-(a)-(1)-
(a).
    November 15, 2011: Letter from the Secretary, Army, 
Department of Defense, transmitting a report entitled ``A 
Report to Congress on Implementation on Army Directive on Army 
National Cemeteries Program.''
    November 17, 2011: Letter from the Assistant Attorney 
General, Department of Justice, transmitting legislative 
proposals.

                                  
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