[House Report 112-706]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                 Union Calendar No. 516

112th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 112-706

                FOURTH QUARTER 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 19, 2012.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _____

                  U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

29-006                    WASHINGTON : 2012










                     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
                             SUBCOMMITTEES
       SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS

                    JON RUNYAN, New Jersey, Chairman
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado               JERRY McNERNEY, California
ANN MARIE BUERKLE, New York          JOHN BARROW, Georgia
MARLIN A. STUTZMAN, Indiana          MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine
BOB TURNER, New York                 TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota

                  SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

                   MARLIN STUTZMAN, Indiana, Chairman
GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida            BRUCE L. BRALEY, Iowa
BILL JOHNSON, Ohio                   LINDA T. SANCHEZ, California
TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas                TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota
JEFF DENHAM, California
MARK AMODEI, Nevada

                         SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH

                ANN MARIE BUERKLE, New York, Chairwoman
CLIFF STEARNS, Florida               MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine
GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida            CORRINE BROWN, Florida
DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee              SILVESTRE REYES, Texas
DAN BENISHEK, Michigan               RUSS CARNAHAN, Missouri
JON RUNYAN, New Jersey               JOE DONNELLY, Indiana

              SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS

                      BILL JOHNSON, Ohio, Chairman
CLIFF STEARNS, Florida               JOE DONNELLY, Indiana
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado               JERRY McNERNEY, California
DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee              JOHN BARROW, Georgia
DAN BENISHEK, Michigan               BOB FILNER, California
BILL FLORES, Texas
                            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
                  Carolyn Blaydes, Executive Assistant
Michael F. Brinck, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
Jonathan A. Clark, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Economic 
                              Opportunity
              Bernadine N. Dotson, Financial Administrator
        Dolores A. Dunn, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Health
          Jessica G. Eggimann, Committee Clerk/Officer Manager
                   Scott L. Ferguson, Staff Assistant
 Elby A. Godwin, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Oversight 
                           and Investigations
Samantha E. Gonzalez, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Health
     Eric E. Hannel, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Oversight and 
                             Investigations
   Juan Lara, Democratic Staff Director and Counsel, Subcommittee on 
                          Economic Opportunity
                    Rob Mcquade, Research Assistant
                Amy K. Mitchell, Communications Director
          Carol S. Murray, Democratic Legislative Coordinator
  Rory Riley, Staff Director, Subcommittee Disability Assistance and 
                            Memorial Affairs
 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 (Appointed to the Committee 
                   February 11, 2011-August 17, 2012)
    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 19, 2012.
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...............................................    12
Activities of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity...........    14
Activities of the Subcommittee on Health.........................    16
Activities of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations...    18
Executive Branch Communications..................................    19








                                                 Union Calendar No. 516
112th Congress }                                             {   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session    }                                             {  112-706

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



 
 FOURTH QUARTER REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' 
                                AFFAIRS

                                _______
                                

 December 19, 2012.--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 civil 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. 4057, H.R. 5747 and
                               H.R. 5948

    On July 11, 2012, the Committee met and marked up H.R. 
4057, Improving Transparency of Education Opportunities for 
Veterans Act of 2012; H.R. 5747, Military Family Home 
Protection Act; and H.R. 5948, Veterans Fiduciary Reform and 
Honoring Noble Service Act.
    On July 11, 2012, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 4057, as Amended by the EO 
Subcommittee was offered by Mr. Bilirakis of FL. An Amendment 
to the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 
4057 was offered by Mr. Walz of MN. The Amendment to the 
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 4057 was 
adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. The Amendment in 
the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 4057, as amended was 
adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 4057, as 
amended passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was 
favorably reported to the Full House of Representatives by 
voice vote (See H. Report 112-646).
    On September 11, 2012, H.R. 4057 was agreed to in the House 
on motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. 
H.R. 4057, as amended was agreed to by the Full House by voice 
vote.
    On July 11, 2012, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (ANS) was offered by Mr. Braley of IA, to H.R. 5747, 
as Amended by the Subcommittee on O&I. The Amendment in the 
Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 5747, as amended was 
adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 5747, as 
Amended passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was 
favorably reported to the House of Representatives also by 
voice vote.
    On July 11, 2012, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 5948 was offered by Mr. Johnson of OH. 
An Amendment to the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute 
(ANS) to H.R. 5948 was offered by Mr. Bilirakis of FL. The 
Amendment to the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) 
to H.R. 5948 was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. 
The Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 5948, 
As Amended was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 5948, as amended, 
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably 
reported to the Full House by voice vote (See H. Report 112-
678).
    On September 19, 2012, H.R. 5948 was agreed to in the House 
on motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. 
H.R. 5948, as amended was agreed to by the Full House by voice 
vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Full Committee Hearing--Reclaiming the Process: Examining the Veterans 
Benefits Administration (VBA) Claims Transformation Plan as a Means to 
                     Effectively Serve Our Veterans

    On June 19, 2012, the Full Committee held an oversight 
hearing on Veterans Benefit Administration's transformation 
plan, which centers on the Veterans Benefits Management System 
(VBMS), a program that is supposed to digitize disability 
claims and make the process more timely and accurate.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by 
representatives from multiple Veterans Service Organizations.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by a 
representative from the U.S. National Archives and Records 
Administration.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by 
representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the fourth panel testimony was provided by the Honorable 
Allison Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits at the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by 
additional representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See Full Committee on Veterans' Affairs Hearing on 
Reclaiming the Process: Examining the VBA Claims Transformation 
Plan as a Means to Effectively Serve our Veterans, Serial No. 
112-66.

     Full Committee Hearing--Back From the Battlefield: DoD and VA 
   Collaboration to Assist Servicemembers Returning to Civilian Life

    On July 25, 2012, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the House Armed Services Committee to 
address serious concerns that the Departments of Defense and 
Veterans Affairs were not working fast enough toward a seamless 
transition for servicemembers leaving the military.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by the 
Honorable Leon E. Panetta, Secretary of Defense, Department of 
Defense and the Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs. See Joint 
Full Committee on Veterans' Affairs and Armed Services Hearing 
on Back From the Battlefield: DoD and VA Collaborations to 
Assist Servicemembers Returning to Civilian Life, Serial No. 
112-71.

   Full Committee Hearing--The New Orlando VA Medical Center: Broken 
                        Ground, Broken Promises

    On August 13, 2012, the Full Committee held a field hearing 
at the University of Central Florida, College of Medical Health 
and Science in Orlando, FL to discuss continuing efforts to 
reach consensus on how best to move forward to complete the new 
facility, which would offer VA medical care to veterans of 
Central Florida.
    On panel one, testimony was provided by Mr. Glenn D. 
Haggstrom, the Principal Executive Director, Office of 
Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction at the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by 
additional representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs.
    On panel two, testimony was provided by representatives 
from Brasfield & Gorrie. See Full Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs Hearing on The New Orlando VA Medical Center: Broken 
Ground, Broken Promises, Serial No. 112-74.

    Full Committee Hearing--Veterans Affairs in the 112th Congress: 
             Reviewing VA's Performance and Accountability

    On Sept. 20, 2012, the Full Committee held a hearing on 
vital programs including the perennially growing disability 
claims backlog, mental health care, and oversight and 
stewardship of VA funding over the past two years.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by the 
Honorable W. Scott Gould, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Todd 
Grams, Executive in Charge for the Office of Management and 
Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
See Full Committee on Veterans' Affairs Hearing on Veterans 
Affairs in the 112th Congress: Reviewing VA's Performance and 
Accountability, Serial No. 112-76.

 Full Committee Hearing--Joint House and Senate Committee on Veterans' 
   Affairs to Receive Legislative Presentation of the American Legion

    On October 3, 2012, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from the American Legion on its 2013 
legislative priorities.
    The first and only panel consisted of representatives from 
the Veterans Service Organization, the American Legion. See 
Joint House and Senate Full Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
Hearing on Legislative Presentation of The American Legion, 
Serial No. 112-79.

   Full Committee Hearing--VA Conference Spending and Accountability

    On November 28, 2012, the Full Committee held an oversight 
hearing on VA's conference spending and to examine VA's 
response to Congress regarding its conference spending.
    On the first and only panel testimony was provided by the 
Honorable W. Scott Gould, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Todd 
Grams, Executive in Charge for the Office of Management and 
Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 
and Ms. Phillipa Anderson, Assistant General Counsel, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See Full Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs Hearing on VA Conference Spending and Accountability, 
Serial No. 112-81.

 ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL 
                                AFFAIRS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

 Subcommittee Markup of ANS to H.R. 5735, H.R. 5880 and an ANS to H.R. 
                                  5881

    On July 27, 2012 the Committee met and marked up an 
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 5735, a bill to 
provide for the establishment of a Tomb of Remembrance at 
Arlington National Cemetery for interment of cremated fragments 
of the remains of members of the Armed Forces killed in 
Afghanistan, Iraq, or a subsequent conflict when the fragments 
are unidentifiable by use of DNA testing or other means because 
of the condition of the fragments, are unclaimed, or are 
identified and authorized by the person designated to direct 
disposition of the remains for interment in such memorial; H.R. 
5880, Veterans Disability Examination Access Improvement Act; 
and an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 5881, 
Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act.
    On July 27, 2012, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (ANS) was offered by Rep. Jon Runyan of NJ to H.R. 
5735, which was adopted by the Subcommittee by voice vote and 
forwarded favorably to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On July 27, 2012, H.R. 5880 passed the Subcommittee by a 
voice vote and was forwarded favorably to the Full Committee by 
voice vote.
    On July 27, 2012, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (ANS) was offered to H.R. 5881 by Rep. Runyan of New 
Jersey. The ANS to H.R. 5881 was adopted by the Subcommittee by 
voice vote.
    H.R. 5881, as amended was forwarded favorably to the Full 
Committee by voice vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

   Subcommittee Hearing--Invisible Wounds: Examining the Disability 
  Compensation Benefits Process for Victims of Military Sexual Trauma

    On July 18, 2012, the Subcommittee held a hearing focused 
on urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide 
consistent review of military sexual assault claims and 
appropriate care for those who have endured military sexual 
assault.
    On the first panel, testimony was received by 
representatives from two Veterans Service Organizations and the 
Service Women's Action Network.
    On the second panel, testimony was received by 
representatives from Give an Hour and the Connecticut Veterans 
Legal Center.
    On the third panel, testimony was received by a constituent 
witness.
    On the fourth and final panel testimony was received by 
representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense and the 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Invisible Wounds: 
Examining the Disability Compensation Benefits Process for 
Victims of Military Sexual Trauma, Serial No. 112-70.

  Subcommittee Hearing--Breaking Through the Backlog: Evaluating the 
            Effectiveness of the New State Strike Force Team

    On September 22, 2012, the Subcommittee held a hearing to 
review alternate models in order to assist VA in alleviating 
the continuing problem of claims backlog.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by 
representatives from the Texas Veterans Commission.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by 
representatives from the Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See Breaking Through the 
Backlog: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the New State Strike 
Force Team, Serial No. 112-78.

     Subcommittee Hearing--Wading Through Warehouses of Paper: The 
  Challenges of Transitioning Veterans Records to Paperless Technology

    On December 4, 2012, the Subcommittee held a hearing to 
review the implementation of technology to address the backlog 
of benefits claims.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Richard 
Dumancas, Deputy Director for Claims, The American Legion; Mr. 
Michael Viterna, Esq., President, National Association of 
Veterans Advocates; and Mr. Jeffrey Hall, Assistant National 
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Jim 
Neighbors, Director of DoD/VA Collaboration Office, U.S. 
Department of Defense; Mr. Scott Levins, Director of the 
National Personnel Records Center, U.S. National Archives and 
Records Administration; and Mr. Alan Bozeman, Director, 
Veterans Benefits Management System, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Wading 
Through Warehouses of Paper: The Challenges of Transitioning 
Veterans Records to Paperless Technology, Serial No. 112-82.

       Subcommittee Facility Visit--Indianapolis Regional Office

    On August 24, 2012, Professional Staff Member visited the 
Indianapolis, Indiana Regional Office to evaluate the new 
transformation model, including the use of fully developed 
claims and segmented processing lanes.

   Subcommittee Facility Visit--St. Louis, Missouri, Regional Office

    October 24-26, 2012, Professional Staff Member visited the 
St. Louis, Missouri Regional Office to observe a new pilot at 
the National Call Center, and the National Personnel Records 
Center to follow up on an on-going investigation about misfiled 
veterans' records.

         ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 4115, H.R. 3524, H.R. 4057, H.R. 4740, H.R. 
                                  5747

    On June 28, 2012, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R. 
4115, Helping Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Return to 
Employment at Home Act; H.R. 3524, Disabled Veterans Employment 
Protection Act, H.R. 4057, Improving Transparency of Education 
Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2012; H.R. 4740, Fairness for 
Military Homeowners Act of 2012; H.R. 3860, to require the 
Transportation Security Administration to comply with the 
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act; and 
Military Family Home Protection Act.
    On June 28, 2012, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 4057, Improving Transparency of 
Education Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2012 was offered by 
Rep. Braley of IA and adopted by the EO Subcommittee by voice 
vote. H.R. 4057, As Amended was favorably forwarded to the Full 
Committee by voice vote.
    On June 28, 2012, H.R. 4115, Helping Iraq and Afghanistan 
Veterans Return to Employment at Home Act, passed the EO 
Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 4115 was favorably forwarded 
to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On June 28, 2012, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 4740, Fairness for Military Homeowners 
Act of 2012 was offered by Rep. Stutzman of IN and adopted by 
the EO Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 4740, As Amended was 
favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On June 28, 2012, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 3524, Disabled Veterans Employment 
Protection Act was offered by Rep. Braley of IA and adopted by 
the EO Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 3524, As Amended was 
favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On June 28, 2012, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 5747, Military Family Home Protection 
Act was offered by Rep. Braley of IA and adopted by the EO 
Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 5747, As Amended was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4115, H.R. 4740, H.R. 
                            3860, H.R. 5747

    On June 21, 2012 the Subcommittee held a legislative 
hearing on H.R. 4115, Helping Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans 
Return to Employment at Home Act; H.R. 4740, Fairness for 
Military Homeowners Act of 2012; H.R. 3860, to require the 
Transportation Security Administration to comply with the 
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act; H.R. 
5747, Military Family Home Protection Act.
    Members of Congress sponsoring the legislation as well as 
representation from VA, DOL, and multiple VSOs testified before 
the subcommittee. See Economic Opportunity Legislative Hearing 
on H.R. 4115, H.R. 4740, H.R. 3860, H.R. 5747, Serial No. 112-
69.

    Joint Subcommittee Hearing With the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
  Investigations--Odyssey of the CVE (Center for Veterans Enterprise)

    On August 2, 2012, the Subcommittees held an oversight 
hearing on the Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE) which has 
under scrutiny from the Committee about the way it conducts its 
verification and re-verification of veteran-owned small 
businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small 
businesses (SDVOSBs).
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Thomas J. 
Leney, the Executive Director of the Office of Small and 
Disadvantaged Business Utilization at the U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Richard 
J. Hillman, the Managing Director at Forensic Audits and 
Investigative Service at the U.S. Government Accountability 
Office and Mr. James J. O'Neill, the Assistant Inspector 
General for Investigations in the Office of the Inspector 
General at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Richard 
F. Weidman, Executive Director, Policy & Government Affairs, 
Vietnam Veterans of America and Mr. Scott Denniston, Executive 
Director, National Veteran Small Business Coalition. See Joint 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and Oversight and 
Investigations Hearing on Odyssey of the CVE, Serial No. 112-
73.

    Subcommittee Hearing--Examining the Re-Design of the Transition 
                        Assistance Program (TAP)

    On September 20, 2012, the Subcommittee held a hearing to 
outline the ways in which it believes TAP can be most 
successful in giving veterans the training they need to return 
to civilian life.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by 
representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 
the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of 
Defense.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by 
representatives from the U.S Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, 
U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard. See Examining the 
Re-Design of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), Serial 
No. 112-77.

  Subcommittee Hearing--Review of Veterans Employment Challenges and 
                   Initiatives of the 112th Congress

    On November 15, 2012, the Subcommittee held a hearing to 
focus on finding opportunities, and reviewing existing 
programs, to help unemployed veterans find meaningful 
employment. The hearing examined how the federal government can 
better connect resources for unemployed veterans at the state 
level, reaching veterans in communities across the nation.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by 
representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by 
representatives from the Texas Veterans Commission and the 
National Association of State Workforce Agencies and Executive 
Director of the South Carolina Department of Employment and 
Workforce. See Review of Veterans Employment Challenges and 
Initiatives of the 112th Congress. Serial No. 112-80.

          Subcommittee Facility Visit--Randolph Air Force Base

    On August 13-17, 2012, Subcommittee Staff Director and 
Professional Staff Member visited Randolph Air Force Base 
outside of San Antonio, Texas to view the effectiveness of the 
Transition Assistance Program.

         Subcommittee Facility Visit--Marine Corps Air Station

    On August 27-31, 2012, Professional Staff Members visited 
the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, California to view the 
effectiveness of the Transition Assistance Program.

                ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

         Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 3337 and ANS to H.R. 4079

    On June 29, 2012, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R. 
3337, the Open Burn Pit Registry Act of 2011; and an Amendment 
in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 4079, the Safe 
Housing for Homeless Veterans Act.
    On June 29, 2012, an Amendment to H.R. 3337, the Open Burn 
Pit Registry Act of 2011, was offered by Rep. Stearns of FL. 
The Amendment to H.R. 3337 was adopted by the Subcommittee on 
Health by voice vote. H.R. 3337, as amended, was forwarded 
favorably to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On June 29, 2012, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (ANS) was offered to H.R. 4079, the Safe Housing for 
Homeless Veterans Act, by Rep. Beurkle of NY. The ANS to H.R. 
4079 was adopted by the Subcommittee on Health by voice vote. 
H.R. 4079, as amended, was forwarded favorably to the Full 
Committee by voice vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Hearing--Optimizing Care for Veterans with Prosthetics: An 
                                 Update

    On July 31, 2012, the Subcommittee met in open session to 
conduct an oversight hearing on the Department of Veterans 
Affairs' (VA's) prosthetic procurement reforms. On May 16, 
2012, the Subcommittee held a hearing that exposed potential 
negative impacts on patient care that may result from upcoming 
reforms to VA's prosthetic procurement policies. Chairwoman 
Buerkle and Ranking Member Michaud sent a letter on June 18, 
2012, requesting that the Secretary respond to specific 
questions regarding the concerns raised at the hearing. At this 
hearing, the Subcommittee examined the Department's incomplete 
response to the letter, the actions that VA had taken since the 
May hearing, and the potential impact of such actions on 
veterans with amputations.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Dr. Robert A. Petzel, M.D., the Under Secretary for 
Health, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. The Under Secretary was accompanied by 
representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
See Optimizing Care for Veterans with Prosthetics, Serial No. 
112-61.

   Subcommittee Hearing--VA Fee Basis Care: Examining Solutions to a 
                             Flawed System

    On September 14, 2012, the Subcommittee held an oversight 
hearing to address significant challenges the Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA) faces with the current structure of the 
fee basis program regarding quality, cost, and care 
coordination. The inadequate accountability and fiscal controls 
are well-documented by the VA Office of Inspector General and 
the Government Accountability Office. The Subcommittee focused 
on the need to improve the fee program and ways to redesign the 
system to ensure veterans receive quality, coordinated care in 
a cost effective manner. Of particular concern to the 
Subcommittee were two new VA-driven initiatives, the Patient-
Centered Community Care (PCCC) and Non-VA Care Coordination 
(NVCC) programs, and the strategy and criteria VA used to 
develop, design, and implement them.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by 
representatives from several Veterans Service Organizations.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by 
representatives from Humana Veterans Healthcare Services, Inc., 
Cary Medical Center, and the National Academy of Public 
Administration.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Dr. Robert A. Petzel, M.D., the Under Secretary for Health, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. The Under Secretary was accompanied by representatives 
from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See VA Fee Basis 
Care: Examining Solutions to a Flawed System, Serial No. 112-
75.

                   Site Visit--Boston, Massachusetts

    September 7-9, 2012--Subcommittee Staff Director traveled 
to Boston, Massachusetts, to participate in the American 
Orthotic and Prosthetic Association Veterans Meeting to hear 
from clinicians providing prosthetic and orthotic care to 
veterans throughout the country through contracts with VA about 
troubling concerns and the impact new VA policies and 
procurement reforms could have on prosthetic care.

                  Site Visit--West Palm Beach, Florida

    September 24-25, 2012--Committee Chairman and Subcommittee 
Staff Director traveled to West Palm Beach, Florida, for an 
oversight visit to evaluate the clinical operations of the West 
Palm Beach VAMC.

                 Site Visit--Martinsburg, West Virginia

    October 31, 2012--Subcommittee staff traveled to 
Martinsburg, West Virginia, for an oversight visit to evaluate 
the clinical operations of the Martinsburg VAMC and the 
activities of VA's Capital Region Readiness Center.

                   Site Visit--Minneapolis, Minnesota

    November 8, 2012--Subcommittee Staff Director traveled to 
Minneapolis, Minnesota, for an oversight visit to evaluate the 
Minneapolis VA Health Care System's implementation of eight 
recommendations made by the VA Inspector General as a result of 
an investigation into a veteran suicide while under VA care.

      ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT & INVESTIGATIONS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

         Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 3730, H.R. 4481, H.R. 5948

    On June 27, 2012, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R. 
3730, the Veterans Data Breach Timely Notification Act; H.R. 
4481, the Veterans Affairs Employee Accountability Act; and 
H.R. 5948, the Veterans Fiduciary Reform Act of 2012.
    On June 27, 2012, an Amendment was offered to H.R. 3730, 
the Veterans Data Breach Timely Notification Act. The Amendment 
to H.R. 3730 was adopted by the O&I Subcommittee by voice vote. 
H.R. 3730, as amended, was forwarded favorably to the Full 
Committee by voice vote.
    On June 27, 2012, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (ANS) was offered to H.R. 4481, the Veterans Affairs 
Employee Accountability Act. The Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 4481 was adopted by the subcommittee 
by voice vote. H.R. 4481, as amended, was forwarded favorably 
to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On June 27, 2012, An Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 5948, the Veterans Fiduciary Reform 
Act of 2012, was offered by Rep. Johnson of OH. The Amendment 
in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 5948 was adopted by 
the Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 5948, as amended, was 
forwarded favorably to the Full Committee by voice vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

     Joint Subcommittee Hearing with the Subcommittee on Economic 
    Opportunity--Odyssey of the CVE (Center for Veterans Enterprise)

    On August 2, 2012, the Subcommittees held an oversight 
hearing on the Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE), which has 
been under review from the Committee about how it conducts its 
verification and re-verification of veteran-owned small 
businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small 
businesses (SDVOSBs).
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Thomas J. 
Leney, Executive Director of the Office of Small and 
Disadvantaged Business Utilization at the U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Richard 
J. Hillman, Managing Director at Forensic Audits and 
Investigative Service at the U.S. Government Accountability 
Office, and Mr. James J. O'Neill, Assistant Inspector General 
for Investigations in the Office of the Inspector General at 
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Richard 
F. Weidman, Executive Director, Policy & Government Affairs, 
Vietnam Veterans of America and Mr. Scott Denniston, Executive 
Director, National Veteran Small Business Coalition. See Joint 
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and Economic 
Opportunity Hearing on Odyssey of the CVE, Serial No. 112-73.

Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 2985, H.R. 3730, H.R. 
                            4481, H.R. 5948

    On June 20, 2012, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 
2985, the Veteran's I.D. Card Act; H.R. 3730, the Veterans Data 
Breach Timely Notification Act; H.R. 4481, the Veterans Affairs 
Employee Accountability Act; and H.R. 5948 the Veterans 
Fiduciary Reform Act of 2012.
    Representatives from VA as well as several VSOs testified 
before the subcommittee. See Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations Legislative Hearing on H.R. 2985, H.R. 3730, 
H.R. 4481, H.R. 5948, Serial No. 112-68.

                    Site Visit--Frederick, Maryland

    July 26, 2012--Professional Staff Member made an oversight 
visit to the VA Acquisition Academy in Frederick, Maryland.

                       Site Visit--Tampa, Florida

    August 30-31, 2012--Subcommittee Staff Director made an 
oversight visit to the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in 
Tampa, Florida.

                    EXECUTIVE BRANCH COMMUNICATIONS

    June 19, 2012: Communication 06514, a letter from the 
Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, transmitting 
second quarterly report of HY 2012 on the Uniformed Services 
Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Received on May 14, 
2012.
    June 22, 2012: Communication 06578, a letter from the 
Adjutant General, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 
proceedings of the 112th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, held in San Antonio, Texas, 
August 28-September 1, 2011, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 118 and 44 
U.S.C. 1332.
    June 25, 2012: Communication 06611, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Departments final rule--Servicemembers' Group Life 
Insurance Traumatic Injury Projection Program--Genitourinary 
Losses (RIN: 2900-A020) received May 31, 2012, Pursuant to 5 
U.S.C 801(a)(1)(A).
    July 13, 2012: Communication 06926, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Autopsies at VA Expense (RIN: 
2900-AO03) received June 27, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    July 13, 2012: Communication 06925, a letter from the 
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Labor, transmitting 
the 2011 annual report on the Department's Veterans' Employment 
and Training Service, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 2009(b).
    July 13, 2012: Communication 06927, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--VA Veteran-Owned Small Business 
Verification Guidelines (RIN: 2900-AO40) received June 26, 
2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    July 24, 2012: Communication 07060, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Dependency and Indemnity 
Compensation (DIC) Benefits for Survivors of Former Prisoners 
of War Rated Totally Disabled at Time of Death (RIN: 2900-AO22) 
received July 9, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    July 24, 2012: Communication 07059, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Dependency and Indemnity 
Compensation Payable to a Surviving Spouse with One or More 
children Under Age 18 (RIN: 2900-AO38) received July 9, 2012, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    July 24, 2012: Communication 07065, a report from the 
Acting Under Secretary and Deputy Secretary, Departments of 
Defense and Veterans Affairs, transmitting Veterans Affairs and 
Department of Defense Joint Executive Council Fiscal Year 2011 
Annual Report, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8111(f).
    August 7, 2012: Memorial 0275, a memorial of the following 
title was presented by the Speaker: A memorial of the House of 
Representatives of the State of Hawaii, relative to House 
Resolution No. 64 urging the Congress to adopt the Veterans 
Remembered Flag.
    August 7, 2012: Communication 07414, a letter from the 
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a 
letter notifying that the Department intends to take in Cardona 
v. Shinseki, Vet. App. No. 11-3083.
    September 11, 2012: Communication 07580, a letter from the 
Acting Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, 
transmitting third quarterly report of FY2012 on the Uniformed 
Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
    September 20, 2012: Memorial 0285, a memorial of the 
following title was presented by the Speaker: A memorial of the 
House of Representatives of the State of California, relative 
to Assembly Joint Resolution No. 6 requesting that the Congress 
and the President enact the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 
2011.
    September 21, 2012: Communication 08011, a 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 September 5, 2012, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    September 21, 2012: Communication 08012, a letter from the 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management; Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Guide and Service Dogs (RIN: 2900-
AN51) received September 5, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    October 9, 2012: Communication 08066, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Exempting In-Home Video Telehealth 
From Copayments (RIN: 2900-AO26) received September 21, 2012, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    October 23, 2012: Communication 08145, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Fisher House and Other Temporary 
Lodging (RIN: 2900-AN79) received October 1, 2012, pursuant to 
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    October 23, 2012: Communication 08144, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Removal of 30-Day Residency 
Requirement for Per Diem Payments During an In-Patient Hospital 
Stay (RIN: 2900-AO36/WP2011-037) received October 2, 2012, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    October 23, 2012: Communication 08143, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Servicemembers' Group Life 
Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance-Slayer's Rule 
Exclusion (RIN: 2900-AN40) received October 7, 2012, pursuant 
to U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    November 6, 2012: Communication 08238, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Extension of Statutory Period for 
Compensation for Certain Disabilities Due to Undiagnosed 
Illnesses and Medically Unexplained Chronic Multi-Symptom 
Illnesses (RIN: 2900-AO09) received October 11, 2012, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    November 16, 2012: Communication 08425, a letter from the 
Deputy Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Veterans' Group Life Insurance 
(VGLI), No-Health Period Extension (RIN: 2900-AO24) received 
October 31, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    November 27, 2012: Communication 08463, notification from 
the Public Affairs Specialist, the Disable American Veterans, 
transmitting the 2012 National Convention Proceedings of the 
Disable American Veterans, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 90i and 44 
U.S.C. 1332.
    November 30, 2012: Communication 08532, a letter from the 
Acting Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, 
transmitting the fourth quarterly report of FY 2012 on the 
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. 
Referred jointly to the Committees on the Judiciary and 
Veterans' Affairs.
    December 3, 2012: Communication 08565, a letter from the 
Over-All Supervising Commander, Walter Cushing Veterans of 
World War II, Inc., transmitting a letter from the Walter 
Cushing Guerrillas Units.
    December 7, 2012: Communication 08658, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Servicemembers' Group Life 
Insurance--Still born Child Coverage (RIN: 2900-AO30) received 
November 27, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    December 7, 2012: Communication 08659, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Authorization for Non-VA Medical 
Services (RIN: 2900-AO47) received November 28, 2012, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    December 7, 2012: Communication 08660, a 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 the Board of Veterans' 
Appeals; Repeal of Prior Rule Change (RIN: 2900-AO43) received 
November 27, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    December 7, 2012: Communication 08661, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--VA Acquisition Regulation: 
Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (RIN: 2900-AN97) 
received November 27, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).

                                  
