[House Report 113-300]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                 Union Calendar No. 218

113th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 113-300

                 FIRST ANNUAL 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, 2013.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                          _____

                 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

   39-006                 WASHINGTON : 2013










                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

                     JEFF MILLER, Florida, Chairman
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado               MICHAEL MICHAUD, Maine,
GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida,             Ranking Member
  Vice-Chairman                      CORRINE BROWN, Florida
DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee              MARK TAKANO, California
JEFF DENHAM, California,             JULIA BROWNLEY, California
BILL FLORES, Texas                   DINA TITUS, Nevada
JON RUNYAN, New Jersey               ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona
DAN BENISHEK, Michigan               RAUL RUIZ, California
TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas                GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California
*MARK AMODEI, Nevada                 ANN McLANE KUSTER, New Hampshire
MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado               BETO O'ROURKE, Texas
BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio                  TIM WALZ, Minnesota
PAUL COOK, California
JACKIE WALORSKI, Indiana
    Helen W. Tolar, Staff Director and Chief Counsel (January 2013-
                            September 2013)
          Jon Towers, Staff Director (September 2013-Present)

                 Nancy Dolan, Democratic Staff Director

----------
*The House received a communication from the Honorable Mark E. Amodei. 
Mr. Amodei submitted his resignation from the Committees on the 
Judiciary, Natural Resources, and Veterans' Affairs. The resignations 
were accepted without objection.

                             SUBCOMMITTEES
       SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS

                    JON RUNYAN, New Jersey, Chairman
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado               DINA TITUS, Nevada,
GUS BILIRAKIS, Florida                 Ranking Member
MARK AMODEI, Nevada                  BETO O'ROURKE, Texas
PAUL COOK, California                RAUL RUIZ, California
                                     GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California
                              ----------                              

                  SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

                      BILL FLORES, Texas, Chairman
JON RUNYAN, New Jersey               MARK TAKANO, California,
MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado                 Ranking Member
PAUL COOK, California                JULIA BROWNLEY, California
BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio                  DINA TITUS, Nevada
                                     ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona
                         SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH

                    DAN BENISHEK, Michigan, Chairman
DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee              JULIA BROWNLEY, California,
JEFF DENHAM, California                Ranking Member
TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas                CORRINE BROWN, Florida
JACKIE WALORSKI, Indiana             RAUL RUIZ, California
BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio                  GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California
VACANCY                              ANN McLANE KUSTER, New Hampshire
                              ----------                              

              SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS

                    MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado, Chairman
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado               ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona,
DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee                Ranking Member
TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas                MARK TAKANO, California
DAN BENISHEK, Michigan               ANN McLANE KUSTER, New Hampshire
JACKIE WALORSKI, Indiana             BETO O'ROURKE, Texas
                                     TIM WALZ, Minnesota
                            Committee Staff

    Helen W. Tolar, Staff Director and Chief Counsel (January 2013-
                            September 2013)

                 Nancy Dolan, Democratic Staff Director

   Jonathan A. Towers, Deputy Staff Director (January 2013-September 
             2013)/Staff Director (September 2013-Present)
  David M. Tucker, Democratic Deputy Staff Director and Chief Counsel;
  Kelsey Baron, Staff Assistant (January 2013-December 2013)/Research 
Assistant, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity (December 2013-Present)
           Carolyn Blaydes, Executive & Legislative Assistant
Michael F. Brinck, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
  (January 2013-September 2013)/Deputy Staff Director (September 2013-
                                Present)
  Justin Brown, Democratic Staff Director, Subcommittee on Disability 
                    Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
                 Curt Cashour, Communications Director
Jonathan A. Clark, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Economic 
                              Opportunity
     Bernadine N. Dotson, Financial Administrator & Printing Clerk
        Dolores A. Dunn, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Health
   Jessica G. Eggimann, Chief Clerk, Office Manager, and Legislative 
                              Coordinator
 Elby A. Godwin, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Oversight 
              and Investigations (January 2013-March 2013)
           Edward Gilman, Democratic Communications Director
Samantha E. Gonzalez, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Health
     Eric E. Hannel, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Oversight and 
                             Investigations
  Jon Hodnette, Investigative Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight and 
                             Investigations
   Juan Lara, Democratic Staff Director and Counsel, Subcommittee on 
      Economic Opportunity and the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
                             Investigations
  Rob McQuade, Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations 
                       (January 2013-August 2013)
    Mary Ashley Miller, Staff Assistant (December 2013-January 2013)
 Carol S. Murray, Democratic Legislative Coordinator and Office Manager
Megan Olmstead, Research Assistant and Counsel, Subcommittee on Health 
                         (October 2013-Present)
               Harold Rees, Senior Investigative Counsel
    Rory Riley, Staff Director and Counsel, Subcommittee Disability 
                    Assistance and Memorial Affairs
 Lauren Rogan, Professional Staff Member and Counsel, Subcommittee on 
               Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
                   Michael N. Siegel, Press Assistant
 Cathleen C. Wiblemo, Democratic Staff Director, Subcommittee on Health
   Jian Iza C. Zapata, Democratic Professional Staff Member for the 
  Subcommittees on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and the 
           Subcommittee on Health (January 2013-October 2013)










                         LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

                              ----------                              

                          House of Representatives,
                            Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
                                 Washington, DC, December 19, 2013.
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
Oversight Agenda for the 113th Congress..........................    11
Activities of the Full Committee.................................    25
Activities of the Subcommittees:
Activities of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 
  Memorial Affairs...............................................    36
Activities of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity...........    46
Activities of the Subcommittee on Health.........................    54
Activities of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations...    59
Messages from the President and other Executive Branch 
  Communications.................................................    66










                                                 Union Calendar No. 218
113th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 1st Session                                                    113-300

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



 
  FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' 
                                AFFAIRS



                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                                _______
                                

 December 19, 2013.--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 Veteran's 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.--
          (1) The text of all bills or resolutions for markup, 
        and any amendments in the nature of a substitute to 
        such bills or resolution to be first recognized by the 
        Chairman, shall be made available, via written or 
        electronic notice, to Committee members at least 48 
        hours prior to a scheduled markup, except as agreed to 
        by unanimous consent.
          (2) Subject to the second sentence of this paragraph, 
        it shall not be in order for the Committee to consider 
        any amendment proposed to a bill or resolution under 
        consideration by the Committee, or proposed to an 
        amendment in the nature of a substitute noticed under 
        paragraph (1), unless a written or electronic copy of 
        such amendment has been delivered to each Member of the 
        Committee (or Subcommittee for purposes of Subcommittee 
        markups) at least 24 hours before the meeting at which 
        the amendment is to be proposed. This paragraph may be 
        waived by unanimous consent and shall apply only when 
        the 48-hour written notice has been provided in 
        accordance with paragraph (1).
    (i) Congressional Budget Office Scoring.--The Committee 
shall not include any bill or resolution for consideration 
during a committee markup which is not accompanied by an 
accounting from the Congressional Budget Office of the 
mandatory and discretionary costs or savings associated with 
such bill or resolution.
    The accounting from the Congressional Budget Office need 
not be official, but is expected to provide Committee members 
with an approximation of the budgetary impact a bill or 
resolution may have prior to any vote to favorably forward or 
report such bill or resolution. The requirements of this 
paragraph may be waived by a majority of Committee members, a 
quorum being present.

      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.

                        RULE 10--FACILITY NAMING

    (a) Facility Naming.--No Department of Veterans Affairs 
(VA) facility or property shall be named after any individual 
by the Committee unless:
          (1) Such individual is deceased and was:
                  (A) A veteran who (i) was instrumental in the 
                construction or the operation of the facility 
                to be named, or (ii) was a recipient of the 
                Medal of Honor or, as determined by the 
                Chairman and Ranking Minority Member, otherwise 
                performed military service of an 
                extraordinarily distinguished character;
                  (B) A Member of the United States House of 
                Representatives or Senate who had a direct 
                association with such facility;
                  (C) An Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, a 
                Secretary of Veterans Affairs, a Secretary of 
                Defense or of a service branch, or a military 
                or other Federal civilian official of 
                comparable or higher rank; or
                  (D) An individual who, as determined by the 
                Chairman and Ranking Minority Member, performed 
                outstanding service for veterans.
          (2) Each Member of the Congressional delegation 
        representing the State in which the designated facility 
        is located must indicate in writing such Member's 
        support of the proposal to name such facility after 
        such individual.
          (3) The pertinent State department or chapter of each 
        Congressionally chartered veterans' organization having 
        a national membership of at least 500,000 must indicate 
        in writing its support of such proposal.
          (4) The above criteria for naming a VA facility may 
        be waived by unanimous consent.
                     U.S. House of Representatives

                     Committee on Veterans' Affairs

                OVERSIGHT AGENDA FOR THE 113TH CONGRESS

    The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs conducts its 
oversight with the help of four Subcommittees: Oversight and 
Investigations; Economic Opportunity; Disability Assistance and 
Memorial Affairs; and Health. It is expected that oversight of 
the issues outlined below will be a shared responsibility of 
both the full Committee and the appropriate Subcommittees.
Jobs and Economic Opportunity
    1. Licensing and Certification Barriers--The inability of 
servicemembers to quickly translate skills learned in the 
military to post-service employment remains a serious 
impediment to getting qualified workers into civilian-
equivalent jobs. The Committee will continue to oversee the 
efforts of the Departments of Labor and Defense in working with 
States and credentialing bodies to break down these barriers.
    2. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training 
Service (VETS)--In evaluating VETS' programs, the Committee 
will focus on interagency cooperation between VETS and the 
Department of Veterans Affairs' Vocational Rehabilitation and 
Employment (VRE) program to assess the effectiveness of 
combined efforts to place disabled veterans into jobs. We will 
also take a detailed look at the performance of the State Grant 
Program with an emphasis on promoting more consistent results. 
The Committee will also look into the overall effectiveness and 
timeliness of the information provided by employment assistance 
programs to veterans.
    The Committee will oversee the redesign of the Transition 
Assistance Program (TAP) for those leaving military service. 
Specifically, we intend to conduct a continuing review of the 
content of TAP provided under the mandatory attendance 
provisions of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. The Committee 
will continue to conduct on-site visits to observe TAP classes 
and to gauge revision and deployment of the TAP curriculum.
    3. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment--VA's 
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VRE) program provides 
veterans with service-connected disabilities the ability to 
obtain and maintain suitable employment, and enables certain 
other disabled veterans to achieve independence in daily 
living. The Committee will examine VRE's recent efforts to 
implement its 5-track program throughout the 57 regional 
offices. We will also focus on VRE's referral of rehabilitated 
veterans to the state employment services for job placement.
    4. Employment of National Guard and Reserve Members--The 
Committee will review the efforts of the Department of Labor 
and VA in facilitating employment opportunities to veterans, 
with a focus on recently separated service members returning 
from Iraq and Afghanistan, including demobilizing Reserve and 
National Guard personnel.
    5. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)--The Committee 
will continue to provide oversight of SCRA compliance, with 
emphasis upon violations by financial institutions overcharging 
on mortgages, improperly foreclosing, and depriving military 
families of the protections afforded under SCRA.
    6. GI Bill--The Committee will continue monitoring VA's 
efforts to implement the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational 
Assistance with an emphasis on simplifying administration of 
the benefit. We will also examine ways to improve the delivery 
of all veterans' and survivors' education benefits. The 
Committee will also explore efforts to track long-term outcomes 
as well as compile data regarding the transferability of 
benefits.
    7. Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)--Under the 
VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, VRAP offers up to 12 months of 
training for in-demand occupations to 99,000 unemployed 
veterans between 35 and 60 years old. The Committee will 
conduct continuing oversight of the roles of the state 
employment agencies, the Department of Labor, and VA in the 
application, approval and enrollment, and training of 
participants. Most importantly, we will monitor whether 
veterans who have been trained through VRAP actually receive 
employment in the high-demand jobs for which they've been 
trained.
    8. Reserve Component Transition Assistance and the 
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act 
(USERRA)--USERRA ensures that Guard and Reserve members are 
able to return to their civilian jobs following deployment. The 
Committee will assess the effectiveness of USERRA with special 
emphasis on employers' willingness to hire National Guard and 
Reserve members and employment-related issues related to 
returning to the workforce following activation, as well as 
issues related enforcement.
    9. State Approving Agencies (SAA)--SAAs approve educational 
programs to ensure that veterans' GI Bill resources are used 
only for legitimate purposes. The Committee will examine the 
SAAs performance in ensuring compliance with VA policies and 
procedures, as well as educating school personnel, preventing 
fraud, and discovering questionable recruiting practices. We 
will examine how SAAs can become more accountable for the 
funding they receive from VA.
    10. Small Business Contracting Goals for Veteran and 
Service-Connected Disabled Business Owners--Overall, the 
Federal government continues to fall short in meeting the three 
percent procurement goal for service disabled veteran-owned 
small businesses (SDVOSB). In 2006, Congress passed Public Law 
109-461 which provided SDVOSB and veteran-owned small 
businesses (VOSB) several advantages in contracting with VA as 
well as additional tools for VA to contract with SDVOSB and 
VOSB. The Committee will continue its oversight of VA's 
progress implementing the small business provisions of P.L. 
109-461.
    11. VA Loan Guaranty Program--The Committee will review 
veterans' loan programs to determine whether existing laws, 
regulations and VA initiatives are sufficient to reduce 
foreclosures on veteran-owned homes. The Committee will include 
the views of the mortgage industry and other real estate 
experts to see if improvements can be made to the existing 
system including additional protections for mortgagors. We will 
also review VA operations in the secondary market, to include 
VA's Vendee Loan program.
    12. Paralympics--To foster the use of sports as part of 
rehabilitation, Public Law 110-389 authorized VA to provide a 
grant to the US Paralympic program to promote development of 
adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans from the 
grassroots to elite, competitive levels. The Committee will 
review VA's Paralympics grant program with an emphasis on the 
results of grassroots adaptive sports programs.
    13. Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs--The 
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is an 
enforcement agency within the Department of Labor. In addition 
to other equal employment laws, OFCCP enforces the Vietnam Era 
Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA). The law 
requires that employers with Federal contracts of $100,000 or 
more provide equal opportunity and affirmative action for 
certain veterans. The Federal government awards prime 
contractors worth approximately $200 billion per year. The 
Committee will examine OFCCP's recent investigatory and 
enforcement actions related to VEVRAA, staffing matters, and 
the general complaint process.
Health Care
    1. Veterans Choice and Access to Fee Care--The Committee 
will examine the availability and means through which the 
Veterans Health Administration provides care to eligible 
veterans whose access to traditional medical services is 
limited by geography, disability, or other challenges. 
Specifically, the Committee is concerned about the 
implementation of two new national initiatives--the Patient 
Centered Community Care (PCCC) and Non-VA Care Coordination 
(NVCC) programs--both of which would make significant changes 
to VA's fee care program. Serious issues have been raised about 
the validity and accuracy of the business case and cost-benefit 
analysis VA used to develop PCCC and NVCC and whether their 
implementation will perpetuate the current broken fee care 
system. The Committee will also conduct oversight of the 
provision of dialysis services in regard to a May 2012 
Government Accountability Office report that found substantial 
weaknesses in the execution of the planning and early 
implementation phases of the ongoing VA Dialysis Pilot Program.
    2. Mental Health Care Quality, Access, and Staffing--The 
Committee will conduct rigorous oversight of the provision of 
mental health care to veteran patients. Serious questions have 
been raised about VA's ability to provide timely, effective, 
and accessible mental health care and benefits to veterans 
especially those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS). 
An April 2012 VA Inspector General (IG) report exposed serious 
deficiencies with the accuracy and reliability of VA to 
determine whether or not VA's mental health care access goals 
are being met and are appropriate measures of quality care. 
Among the issues we will explore are: VA's efforts to establish 
usable data to assess patient demand, patient waiting times, 
appropriate staffing levels, and clinic capacity; VA's progress 
in hiring additional mental health staff; the usability and 
effectiveness of mental health provider performance and 
productivity measures; partnerships and collaborations with 
community providers to address service gaps; and, systematic 
issues impeding patient wellness.
    3. Beneficiary Travel--The Committee will evaluate the 
administration of VA's beneficiary travel program to include 
overall program accountability, the management of funds, and 
the manner of payments to eligible veterans. We will also 
oversee the implementation of section 104 of Public Law 112-
154, which directs VA to conduct a three-year pilot program to 
assess the feasibility and advisability of extending 
beneficiary travel for veterans obtaining care at Vet Centers.
    4. Caring for Veterans with Amputations--The Committee will 
continue to closely monitor and assess the provision of care to 
veterans with amputations. VA faces documented challenges in 
meeting the needs of younger and more active veterans with 
amputations with the latest technology and providing a strong 
system-wide prosthetic limb program that is consistent and 
coordinated. In the 112th Congress, the Committee held several 
hearings that exposed troubling concerns among veterans with 
amputations and community-based clinicians about the impact new 
VA policies on the approval of advanced technologies and the 
veteran's choice to utilize a community-based provider. Among 
the issues we will assess is the implementation and impact of 
prosthetic procurement reforms. Serious concerns have been 
raised by veterans with amputations and other stakeholders that 
VA's planned prosthetic procurement reforms will take 
prosthetic purchasing authority away from prosthetic 
specialists and transfer it to contracting officers, which 
would lead to substantial delays in care and clinical judgments 
regarding veterans needs being overridden by individuals with 
little to no experience in prosthetic care.
    5. Guide and Service Dogs--The Committee will closely 
monitor the implementation of section 109 of Public Law 112-
154, which prohibits VA from denying the use of service dogs 
in, or on, any VA facility or property or any facility or 
property that receives VA funding. Contrary to the intent of 
Congress, concerns have been raised that this provision could 
prevent veterans with owner-trained or otherwise 
``unaccredited'' service dogs from accessing VA property. The 
Committee will also assess the implementation of regulations 
that provide veterans with visual, hearing, or mobility 
impairments with benefits to support the use of a service dog 
as part of the management of such impairments. In particular, 
we will closely monitor a recently suspended study to assess 
the benefits of providing service dogs to veterans with PTSD.
    6. Sexual Assault Prevention and Safety Measures--The 
Committee will closely monitor the implementation of section 
106 of Public Law 112-154, which directs VA to develop and 
implement a comprehensive policy on reporting, tracking, and 
prevention of sexual assault and other safety incidents at VA 
medical facilities. In June 2011, the Government Accountability 
Office issued a report which found 284 allegations of sexual 
assault in VA facilities between 2007 and 2010 resulting from 
significant deficiencies in risk assessment, reporting, 
tracking and oversight by VA leadership. The Committee will 
ensure that corrective actions are in place to effectively and 
efficiently respond to any and all unsafe incidents and ensure 
the safety of VA patients and employees. (Continuation of 
efforts from the 112th Congress.)
    7. Strategic and Policy Implications of the Affordable Care 
Act--The Committee will examine the impact of Public Law 111-
148, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), on 
the VA healthcare system. VA healthcare has been deemed to meet 
``minimum essential coverage'' requirements under the law. 
Nevertheless, the enactment of the ACA carries significant 
strategic and policy implications for VA, including potential 
impacts regarding VA enrollment and utilization, information 
technology and data collection requirements, and workforce 
recruitment and retention efforts.
    8. Women Veterans--The Committee will evaluate VA's 
progress in increasing access and overcoming barriers 
associated with health care quality and satisfaction for women 
veterans, the fastest growing segment of the veteran 
population. Among the many issues the Committee will focus on 
are the implementation of provisions in Public Law 111-163 
aimed to assist women veterans, including readjustment and 
child care pilot programs and the activities and 
recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans.
    9. Medical Recruitment, Retention and Staffing--VA faces a 
large nursing shortage in the next several years. The Committee 
will review efforts being made by the VA to recruit, hire and 
train medical staff. Of particular interest will be the recent 
contract to reintegrate and retain veterans at all levels in 
the VA.
    10. Support for Families and Caregivers--The Committee will 
continue to monitor the implementation of the caregiver 
assistance programs established in Public Law 111-163, the 
Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act. Among the 
issues are the provision of stipend payments, mental health 
care services, respite care, and training.
    11. Management of Major Medical Facility Projects--The 
Committee will continue its aggressive oversight of VA 
leadership failures with regard to VA's capital asset planning, 
approval, and budgeting process and the execution of major 
medical facility construction projects. We will also examine 
the status of ongoing projects, to include Orlando, Florida; 
New Orleans, Louisiana; and Denver, Colorado; and assess issues 
with the management and oversight of facility design, 
construction, and activation which have led to significant cost 
increases and scheduling delays.
    12. Recovering Servicemembers and Veterans--The Committee 
will continue to aggressively look at the VA and DOD systematic 
and persistent leadership, management, and oversight problems 
affecting the case management and care coordination of wounded 
warriors.
    13. Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) 
Structure--The Committee will examine the current VISN 
structure and ways to realign the VISNs to better manage 
performance, promote innovation, and establish uniformity of 
health care services and practices throughout the system. The 
VISN system has remained in place for fifteen years, with the 
only structural change taking place in 2002 when VISN 13 and 14 
were integrated and renamed VISN 23. With the rapid application 
of new information technology that has revolutionized the way 
we live, interact, and conduct business, the Committee will 
focus on opportunities to restructure the VISNs toward the goal 
of more patient-centered care.
    14. Medical and Prosthetic Research Program--The Committee 
will examine the value of VA research with respect to injuries 
and illnesses related to military service and the acceleration 
of discoveries and applications, especially for neurotrauma, 
sensory loss, amputation, polytrauma, and prosthetic needs. 
Among the issues we will also focus on are: the adequacy of 
research space and equipment and the development of a 
clearinghouse designed to promote VA and DOD researchers 
awareness collaboration and joint publication of research.--add 
in infrastructure
    15. Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT)--The Committee will 
provide aggressive oversight of the impact and effectiveness of 
a new initiative VA is implementing referred to as PACT which 
is intended to increase access, coordination, communication, 
and continuity of care by allowing patients to have a dedicated 
primary care team and a more active role in their health care.
    16. Pain Management--The Committee will examine VHA's pain 
management strategy. Managing pain is an increasingly 
significant issue, especially for recently returning combat 
veterans presenting with a wide range of physical and mental 
health problems, including musculoskeletal ailments and post 
traumatic stress. The Committee will focus on: pain awareness, 
education, intervention; utilization of best practices for the 
continuum of acute and chronic pain; and the challenge of 
prescription drug diversion and abuse.
    17. VA Partnerships With Faith-based and Community 
Organizations--The Committee will continue to examine the role 
of community providers and faith-based organizations in helping 
servicemembers transition to civilian life and the need to 
foster better communication, education, and collaboration 
between VA and these critical community resources. 
Specifically, the Committee will focus on VA's relationship 
with community organizations and actions necessary to establish 
meaningful and effective partnerships to better support 
veterans in their home communities. We will also closely 
monitor the implementation of Section 3 of the Executive Order 
on Improving Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans, 
Servicemembers, and Military Families, which directs VA and the 
Department of Health and Human Services to establish pilot 
projects to test the effectiveness of community partnerships in 
helping to meet the mental health needs of veterans.
    18. Vet Centers--The Committee will examine the services 
provided to servicemembers, veterans, and their families 
through Vet Centers and evaluate the role of such centers 
within the larger VA health care system. The Committee will 
also address the implementation of Section 304 of Public Law 
111-163, the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act 
of 2010, which requires VA to establish a program to provide 
mental health services to immediate family members of returning 
veterans, particularly those who served in the National Guard 
and Reserve, and section 401, which made active-duty 
servicemembers eligible to receive readjustment counseling at 
VA Vet Centers.
    19. Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Records and Interoperability--
The Committee has and will continue to devote substantial 
attention to health information sharing between DOD and VA, 
understanding the need for this sharing to support the 
transition from active duty to veterans status. However, VA and 
DOD face significant challenges in achieving long-term data 
sharing capability. While the two Departments have developed a 
strategy at the higher levels, both Departments lack objective, 
quantifiable, and measurable goals to assess their success in 
achieving full electronic health record interoperability and VA 
and DOD lack mechanisms for identifying and implementing 
efficient and effective information technology solutions to 
jointly address both Departments' common health care system 
needs.
    20. Homeless Veterans Programs--The Committee will continue 
to provide meaningful oversight of VA's plan to end 
homelessness among the veteran population by 2015 and assure 
that homeless veterans gain access to the supportive services 
and meaningful employment they need to reintegrate into stable 
community environments. In particular, the Committee will work 
to ensure that VA's efforts regarding homeless veterans are 
sustainable and focused on the elimination of the factors 
underlying homelessness, including the aggressive diagnosis and 
treatment of mental health issues and substance use disorder. 
The Committee will also assess the use, effectiveness, and any 
duplication of the specialized programs to assist homeless 
veterans and examine ways to strengthen VA's ability to prevent 
at-risk veterans from becoming homeless.
    21. Camp Lejeune Veterans and Family Members--The Committee 
will monitor the implementation of section 102 of Public Law 
112-154, which provides hospital care, medical services, and 
nursing home care through the VA to certain veterans and their 
eligible family members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, 
North Carolina, from January 1, 1957 to December 31, 1987, 
during which time the well water was contaminated. These 
veterans are eligible to receive medical care for the following 
fifteen illnesses or conditions: esophageal cancer; lung 
cancer; breast cancer; bladder cancer; kidney cancer; leukemia; 
multiple myeloma; myleodysplasic syndromes; renal toxicity; 
hepatic steatosis; female infertility; miscarriage; 
scleroderma; neurobehavioral effects; and non-Hodgkin's 
lymphoma, although the law acknowledges that there is 
insufficient medical evidence to conclude that any particular 
illnesses are attributable to military service during that 
period. The VA will be the final payer to other third-party 
health insurance plans for eligible family members.
    22. Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury 
(TBI)--The subcommittee will continue to investigate the role 
of post traumatic stress and/or brain injury with veteran 
suicides, including overmedication (chronic pain management) 
and other treatment plans. In the 112th Congress, O&I 
identified more than 2000 studies and projects, in both DoD and 
VA, related to PTS and TBI. Scores of these programs were 
duplicative.
    23. Gulf War Illness--Early in CY 2013, the Institute of 
Medicine will publish its latest studies on the relationship 
between Gulf War service (1990-1991), environmental and 
chemical exposure, and a host of illnesses that plague veterans 
from that war. Although service connection has been established 
for some health issues, VA is not properly utilizing the Gulf 
War Registry, nor is it connecting veteran reported illnesses 
to Gulf War service. This lack of attention to detail prevents 
veterans from receiving medical care for service related issues 
including sleep disturbances, heart problems, and memory 
failure.
    24. Veterans Courts--Many states have given veterans with 
legal troubles the opportunity to have their cases heard and 
resolved through special courts which liaise with community 
resources and VA to address the root causes of veterans' legal 
problems, e.g., substance abuse, PTSD, etc. In return for 
seeking and sustaining treatment for these issues, veterans are 
given the ability to keep their record clean and resolve their 
underlying issues. The Committee will assess VA's role in 
cooperating with these courts and monitor effectiveness.
    25. Telehealth and Telemedicine--The Committee will assess 
the VA's ongoing efforts to provide greater access to 
telehealth and telemedicine as part of its overall outreach to 
rural veterans as well as looking into the effectiveness of 
these programs in providing greater access and quality health 
care.

Accountability and Transparency

    1. VA Budget Transparency--The Committee will continue to 
oversee the sufficiency and transparency of VA's budget and 
budgeting process. We will ensure that appropriated dollars are 
used for their intended purpose and not diverted to other uses 
without Congressional awareness and assent. This oversight will 
include every appropriation account and all programs under 
those accounts. The Committee also plans to explore VA's 
planning, programming, budgeting and execution efforts as well 
as fiscal management and control issues.
    2. VA's Acquisition Process--VA continues to spend billions 
annually for the procurement of pharmaceuticals, medical and 
surgical supplies, prosthetic devices, information technology, 
construction, and services. VA still faces major challenges 
implementing a more efficient, effective, and coordinated 
acquisition program. The Committee will review VA's procurement 
practices, and discuss possible legislative remedies. In VA 
construction, the Committee will address the prevalent practice 
of contractors increasing their profits by submitting change 
orders through proposed legislation that will stipulate that if 
the actual contract price (e.g. construction on major medical 
facility) exceeds x% of authorized amount, contractor must 
cover difference.
    3. Competitive Sourcing and Alternative Management 
Systems--The VA is implementing the President's Management 
Agenda and Office of Management and Budget Directives through 
competitive sourcing and alternative management systems. The 
Committee is interested in the factual basis for the conduct of 
this program and the organizational benefits yielded.
    4. Energy Sustainability and Efficiencies--The Committee 
will continue to conduct oversight on VA's progress with 
sustainability and energy efficiencies at the various VA 
locations to include VA health care facilities and National 
Cemeteries. The examination will include a focused look at how 
the VA has spent funding authorized to enhance sustainability 
and efficiency programs and whether the funding is being well 
spent and the savings touted by VA are quantifiable.
    5. Fund Programs--The Committee will utilize a forensic 
accountant to conduct a detailed review of VA's medical care 
collection fund (including demonstrations, consolidations and 
outsourcing initiatives), the Supply Fund, the ADVANCE Fund, 
the VA plus One Fund, the Franchise Fund and others as 
identified. Of concern is how VA moves money to and from these 
funds, how they are categorized (whether obligated or 
unobligated) and whether or not this money is properly revealed 
to Congress.
    6. Consolidated Patient Accounting System (CPAC)--The 
Committee will continue to conduct oversight on VA's 
consolidation of VHA's business office functions into seven 
regional centers. The examination will focus on the 
transformation of VHA billing and collections activities, and 
to determine how closely VHA purports to be aligned with 
industry best practices.
    7. Evaluating Management Efficiencies--The VA plans to 
achieve specified savings each fiscal year by implementing 
various procedures to achieve cost avoidance. The Committee 
will examine the relationship of projected savings with 
demonstrated savings and assess the impact on delivery of 
quality services.
    8. Office of Resolution Management for EEO Complaints--
Public Law 105-114, the Veterans Benefits Act of 1997, included 
a requirement that the Department of Veterans Affairs take 
actions to improve its equal employment opportunity program and 
created the Office of Resolution Management. The Committee will 
review the effectiveness of the Office of Resolution 
Management, but also notes the large increase in both EEO 
complaints and the financial burden for VA.
    9. National Archives and Records Administration--The 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) maintains 
the military personnel records of discharged members of the 
Armed Forces. The Committee will examine the security of 
veteran records maintained at NARA to ascertain the protection 
of personal identifying information of our nation's veterans, 
as well as the transmittal of these records to VA in order to 
assist veterans in the claims process, and to help reduce the 
claims backlog.
    10. VA Information Technology Programs--The Committee will 
continue its oversight of VA's IT programs. We will pay 
specific attention to the progress of VA's integrated 
enterprise architecture plan and efforts to improve its 
internal and external cyber security, as well as review the 
effectiveness of the VA's Project Management Accountability 
System (PMAS) and the new T-4 information technology 
contracting process, which is a five-year Indefinite Delivery/
Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Task Order contract 
with a program ceiling of $12 billion.
    11. Proprietary and Sensitive Information--Aside from 
storing personally identifiable information for millions of 
veterans, VA's IT architecture also stores proprietary 
information related to VA research on science, health, and IT. 
VA has made efforts at improving IT security pertaining to PII, 
but efforts aimed at storing proprietary information have not 
received the same amount of scrutiny. Additionally, the 
Committee has tracked VA's underperforming supply chain risk 
management efforts related to the electronic health record, and 
this lack of progress has raised concerns in other areas of IT 
storage. The Committee will continue its oversight work in this 
area.
    12. VA's Fourth Mission, Emergency Management 
Capabilities--The events of September 11, 2001 as well as the 
Hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region in 2005 raised national 
awareness of the role of the Federal government in times of 
emergency or disaster. The Committee will continue its 
oversight of VA's role and responsibilities as part of the 
National Response Framework.
    13. VA Senior Executive Service Bonuses--The Committee will 
continue its oversight of VA's bonus practices for its Senior 
Executive Service employees, as well as review performance 
measures including Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 
mandates.
    14. Credentialing and Screening of VA Healthcare 
Employees--The Committee will examine VA's implementation of 
Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommendations that 
indicated serious flaws in screening the professional 
credentials of VA healthcare practitioners.
    15. VA/DOD Benefits Delivery at Discharge Program--The 
Committee will evaluate DOD's utilization of a single 
examination that meets both military services' separation 
requirements and VA's disability compensation criteria. The 
Committee will also review VA's efforts to co-locate Veterans 
Benefits Administration and Veterans Health Administration 
personnel involved in compensation and pension claims 
processing to provide more efficient one-stop claims processing 
centers. Further, we will examine the effectiveness of the 
implementation of the integrated DoD/VA Disability Evaluation 
System (iDES).
    16. Electronic Health Records--VA and DOD, through their 
joint Health Executive Council, have developed a plan to create 
an interoperable electronic medical record first by 2005, and 
more recently by 2017. The Committee will review the progress 
that has been made in interoperability and the timely bi-
directional exchange of medical information.
    17. Human Subjects Protection Program--The Committee will 
continue to review programs that involve human subjects, 
including any effort that must be approved by an Independent 
Review Board, to ensure veterans are properly protected as 
necessary.
    18. Controlled Substances Security--The IG's Combined 
Assessment Program Reviews have repeatedly found material 
weaknesses in VA medical center security of controlled 
substances. Poor security or lack of security seriously 
increases the potential for waste, fraud, abuse, and drug 
diversion. The Committee will examine how VA is addressing this 
issue.
    19. Laboratory and Clinical Select Agent Security--VA Level 
3 Laboratories and all VA Medical Centers are host to various 
chemical, biological and radiological agents. The Subcommittee 
will review the security of these agents. This is an ongoing 
Committee interest.
    20. Workers' Compensation Program--The IG previously 
reported on VA's poor case management of workers' compensation 
claims. VA is at risk for program abuse, fraud, and unnecessary 
costs because it has not fully implemented IG recommendations 
issued in 1999. The Committee will examine what should be done 
to improve the Workers Compensation Program.
    21. Enhanced Land Leases and Divestment of Federal 
Property--The Committee will review the adequacy of internal 
controls related to leasing or selling of VA assets and assess 
the tangible benefit to taxpayers, as well as exploring how VA 
efforts fit into its overall capital asset strategic plan.
    22. Historic Properties--The Committee will review the use 
and condition of historic properties owned and operated by VA, 
and whether the Department can sustain the costs and 
maintenance involved with these properties in the future.
    23. Whistleblower--Whistleblowers continue to be a vital 
source of accurate and timely information. Protecting an 
employee's legal right to communicate with Congress is 
essential to oversight and this subcommittee looks to 
strengthen whistleblower protections. The Committee will 
continue to monitor VA's adherence to whistleblower 
protections.
    24. Profitability Spectrum--The Committee will continue to 
review profits acquired by VA for licensing department rooftop 
space for cell towers (more than $3 million in FY12), for 
patents (at least $391,894 in FY12), and land leases. We will 
also review how the money is being accounted for and 
distributed.
    25. Financial Management Systems--In 2004 VA scrapped its 
CoreFLS program after spending $249 million. VA's FLITE 
program, a replacement for the failed CoreFLS program, was 
stopped in 2010 after more than $90.8 million was spent. In 
February 2011 SAM was also cancelled after more than $20 
million. VA is in dire need of an updated financial management 
system. The Committee will continue to oversee and investigate 
any efforts to modernize VA's financial management system.
    26. VA Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs 
(OCLA)--Frequently inconsistent, incomplete, and untimely 
responses to requests for information from the Committee, along 
with a lack of established procedures within OCLA, warrant 
further review so the Committee can get the information 
necessary to perform its oversight.
    27. Conferences & Training--In 2011, VA spent over $100 
million on conferences. Inspector General reports suggest 
widespread waste in conference spending. The Committee will 
continue to investigate VA's exorbitant conferences and 
training costs.

Benefits and Memorial Affairs

    1. Rating Schedule Hearing--The current rating schedule was 
created after WWII. VA has recently undertaken an effort to 
comprehensively revise all 15 body systems in the VASRD. In 
September 2012, GAO issued a report finding that VA was over 12 
months behind schedule on this update and lacked a complete 
plan for the updates. Therefore, the Committee will continue 
its oversight to keep VA on track in reforming the rating 
schedule and determine whether a focused study or new 
legislation (as suggested by GAO) should be introduced.
    2. Temporary/Total Ratings--A majority of the temporary 
total ratings handed down by VA Regional Offices have been 
found to be in error. Although VA initially attributed these 
errors to a computer glitch, VA OIG regional office audits 
continue to reveal a high error rate as to these claims. The 
Committee will oversee how best to address this issue in the 
interest of saving VA time and money.
    3. National Cemeteries Hearing--The Committee will examine 
the immediate and long-term needs of the VA National Cemetery 
Administration (NCA) and the American Battle Monuments 
Commission (ABMC) to provide burial or commemoration to 
America's fallen heroes. Specifically, the Committee will 
follow up on the NCA audit, as well as the VA OIG's audit of 
the NCA audit, to determine if all burial errors have been 
corrected and if NCA has executed proper management controls to 
prevent such errors in the future.
    4. VA's Transformation Plan--A Committee hearing was held 
last June on VA's Transformation Plan. At the hearing, VA did 
not present a cohesive plan for transforming the agency, but 
rather listed a conglomerate of loosely tied initiatives. The 
Committee has made numerous requests for a copy of the 
Transformation Plan with no response from VA. Continued 
oversight of this effort is essential.
    5. Call Center and eBenefits Issues--The various Call 
Centers have been a constant area of consternation for veterans 
who complain about long wait times, no call backs and incorrect 
information about their claims status from the representatives. 
Although VA tries to re-direct many of these veterans to 
eBenefits (an electronic means for veterans to obtain 
information on their claims), recent briefings from VA reveal 
that eBenefits is not updated in a timely manner and is not 
providing veterans with the most up to date casetracking 
information. Continued oversight of this effort is necessary.
    6. The Current Appeals Process--The Committee will continue 
to monitor the compensation and pension claims appeal process 
at the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA), the Appeals Management 
Center (AMC) and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims 
(CAVC). The Committee plans to focus on exploring avenues to 
simplify the current appeals process, increase accountability 
and reduce avoidable remands.
    7. Blue Water Navy--Vietnam veterans who served in the 
waters offshore Vietnam are ineligible for Agent Orange 
compensation on a presumptive basis unless VA has registered 
the ships on which they served as eligible for the presumption 
of exposure to Agent Orange. Although organizations advocating 
for these ``Blue Water Navy'' veterans have been working with 
VA to add many ships to its registry, many advocates are still 
pushing for full recognition for this group. The Committee will 
continue to oversee this issue.
    8. Filipino Veterans--Recently, the Obama administration 
indicated that it will undertake a review of denied Filipino 
veterans' claims. The Committee will examine this effort as it 
is unclear exactly what standard will be used to review denied 
claims.
    9. VBA Staffing and Productivity--Since 2007, VA has 
consistently requested additional staffing to keep up with the 
claims backlog, requiring significantly more funding. Although 
VA has added approximately 3,000 new claims processors in the 
last five years, the backlog has continued to increase, rather 
than decrease. Accordingly, the Committee will examine the 
impact of additional staffing on productivity at VA's regional 
offices, as well as other alternatives to addressing the 
backlog besides additional staffing.
    10. VA Insurance Programs--The potential for in-service 
medical conditions may make it difficult or even impossible for 
servicemembers to obtain private insurance; therefore VA 
administers a variety of life insurance programs for 
servicemembers and veterans. The Committee will continue to 
oversee the effectiveness of these programs, to include the 
benefits of automatic enrollment, the addition of new 
conditions covered by traumatic injury protection; and 
additional coverage options for family members.
    11. VA Pension Program--In the 112th Congress, it was 
revealed that VA's pension program was being abused in some 
instances because veterans were hiding assets in order to 
qualify for the program. In addition, a whistleblower report 
showed evidence of problems processing payments, including 
duplicate payments for some veterans. Therefore, the Committee 
will continue to oversee all aspects of the pension program to 
ensure that pension claims are processed efficiently and that 
veterans are receiving the proper payment amount.
    12. Claims Processing Consistency--Recent reports have 
revealed that timeliness and accuracy statistics for VA claims 
vary widely with regional offices in major metropolitan areas 
(such as Oakland, Los Angeles, and New York City) having far 
lower performance metrics than those in less populated areas 
(such as Lincoln, NE; Sioux Falls, SD; and Togus, ME). Although 
VA uses a brokering system to transfer claims from some lower 
performing regional offices to higher performing offices, 
rigorous oversight of this aspect of the claims process will 
ensure that similarly situated veterans are treated equally 
regardless of their physical location.
    13. Coordination Between VBA and VHA--Although both VBA and 
VHA are within VA, veterans often complain that there is little 
to no communication or meaningful collaboration between the two 
departments, often causing complications. Oversight of the 
communication and collaboration process between VBA and VHA 
will ensure a more effective ``big picture'' method for 
treating disabled veterans.
                    ACTIVITIES OF THE FULL COMMITTEE

First Session

                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Legislative Hearing on H.R. 813; H.R. 806; and a discussion draft bill 
        ``To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the 
        Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a Future-
        Years Veterans Program and a quadrennial veterans review, to 
        establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a Chief 
        Strategy Officer, and for other purposes.''
    On July 17, 2013 the Full Committee held a legislative 
hearing on H.R. 813, Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 
2013; H.R. 806, To amend title 38, United States Code, to make 
permanent the requirement for annual reports on Comptroller 
General reviews of the accuracy of Department of Veterans 
Affairs medical budget submissions, and for other purposes; and 
a discussion draft bill ``To amend title 38, United States 
Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to 
Congress a Future-Years Veterans Program and a quadrennial 
veterans review, to establish in the Department of Veterans 
Affairs a Chief Strategy Officer, and for other purposes.''
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Robert D. 
Snyder, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Policy and 
Planning U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accompanied by: 
Ms. Helen Tierney, Executive in Charge for the Office of 
Management and Chief Financial Officer U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and Mr. Duane C. Flemming, Director, Policy 
Analysis and Forecasting Office of the Assistant Deputy Under 
Secretary for Health Veterans Health Administration U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Carl 
Blake, National Legislative Director Paralyzed Veterans of 
America accompanied by: Mr. Adrian Atizado, Assistant National 
Legislative Director Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Ray 
Kelley, Director, National Legislative Service Veterans of 
Foreign Wars; Ms. Diane M. Zumatto, National Legislative 
Director, AMVETS; and Mr. Louis J. Celli, Jr., Director, 
National Legislative Division The American Legion. See 
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 813; H.R. 806; and a discussion 
draft bill ``To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a 
Future-Years Veterans Program and a quadrennial veterans 
review, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a 
Chief Strategy Officer, and for other purposes, Serial No. 113-
30.
Full Committee Markup of H.R. 671, H.R. 1405, H.R. 570, H.R. 1412, H.R. 
        357, H.R. 602
    On May 8, 2013, the Full Committee met and marked up H.R. 
671, the Ruth Moore Act of 2013; H.R. 1405, To amend title 38, 
United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to include an appeals form in any notice of decision 
issued for the denial of a benefit sought; H.R. 570, the 
American Heroes COLA Act; H.R. 1412, Improving Job 
Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2013; H.R. 357, GI Bill 
Tuition Fairness Act of 2013; H.R. 602, the Veterans 2nd 
Amendment Protection Act.
    On May 8, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute 
(A.N.S) to H.R. 671, as amended, was offered by Ranking Member 
Michaud of Maine and adopted by the Full Committee by voice 
vote. H.R. 671, as amended passed the Full Committee and was 
favorably reported to the Full House of Representatives by 
voice vote.
    On May 8, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute 
(A.N.S) to H.R. 1405, as amended, was offered by Rep. Titus of 
Nevada and adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 
1405, as amended passed the Full Committee and was favorably 
reported to the Full House by voice vote.
    On May 8, 2013, H.R. 570, introduced by Rep. Runyan of New 
Jersey, passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was 
favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote.
    On May 8, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute 
(A.N.S) to H.R. 1412 was offered by Rep. Coffman of Colorado 
and adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 1412, as 
amended passed the Full Committee and was favorably reported to 
the Full House by voice vote.
    On May 8, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute 
(A.N.S) to H.R. 357, as amended was offered by Chairman Miller 
of Florida and adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. 
H.R. 357, as amended passed the Full Committee and was 
favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote.
    On May 8, 2013, H.R. 602, introduced by Chairman Miller of 
Florida passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was 
favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote.
    On May 17, 2013, H.R. 671, as amended was reported by the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, H. Rept. 113-63.
    On May 17, 2013, H.R. 570 was reported by the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-62.
    On May 17, 2013, H.R. 1412, as amended was reported by the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-64.
    On May 21, 2013, H.R. 570 passed the House on a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended and agreed to 
by voice vote.
    On May 21, 2013, H.R. 1412, as amended, passed the House on 
a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended and 
was agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416--0 
(Roll no. 164).
    On May 22, 2013, H.R. 570, was referred to the Senate 
Veterans' Affairs committee.
    On June, 3, 2013, H.R. 357, as amended was reported by the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-94 and placed on 
the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 66.
    On June 4, 2013, H.R. 671, as amended passed the House on a 
motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended was 
agreed to by voice vote.
    On June 6, 2013, H.R. 671, as amended was referred to the 
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.
    On July 19, 2013, H.R. 602 was reported by the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-159 and placed on the Union 
Calendar, Calendar No. 114.
    On June 25, 2013, H.R. 1405, as amended was reported by the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, H. Rept. 113-130.
    On September 23, 2013, H.R. 1412, as amended, passed the 
Senate with an amendment to the title by Unanimous Consent.
    On September 27, 2013, H.R. 1412 was agreed to, with Senate 
Amendments, by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402--0 (Roll 
no. 491).
    On September 30, 2013, H.R. 1412, as amended was signed by 
the President and became Public Law No: 113-37.
    On October 28, 2013, H.R. 1405, as amended passed the House 
on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended 
and agreed to by voice vote.
Full Committee Markup of H.R. 813; H.R. 2072; H.R. 2481, H.R. 1804, as 
        amended; H.R. 2189, as amended; H.R. 1443, as amended; H.R. 
        2011
    On August 1, 2013, the Full Committee met and marked up 
H.R. 813, the Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013; H.R. 
1804, as amended the Foreign Travel Accountability Act; H.R. 
2073, the Demanding Accountability for Veterans Act of 2013; 
H.R. 2189, as amended to establish a commission or task force 
to evaluate the backlog of disability claims of the Department 
of Veterans Affairs; H.R. 2481 The Veterans G.I. Bill 
Enrollment Clarification Act of 2013; H.R. 1443, as amended 
Tinnitus Research and Treatment Act of 2013; and H.R. 2011, 
Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act of 
2013.
    On August 1, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 813 was offered by Rep. Bilirakis of 
Florida and adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 
813, as amended passed the Full Committee and was favorably 
reported to the Full House of Representatives by voice vote.
    On August 1, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 1804, as amended was Offered by 
Rep. Huelskamp and adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. 
H.R. 1804, as amended passed the Full Committee and was 
favorably reported to the Full House of Representatives by 
voice vote.
    On August 1, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 2072 was offered by Rep. Benishek 
of Michigan and was adopted by the Full Committee by voice 
vote. H.R. 2072, as amended passed the Full Committee and was 
favorably reported to the Full House of Representatives by 
voice vote.
    On August 1, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 2189, as amended was offered by 
Rep. Runyan of New Jersey and adopted by the Full Committee by 
voice vote. H.R. 2189, as amended passed the Full Committee and 
was favorably reported to the Full House of Representatives by 
voice vote.
    On August 1, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 2481 was offered by Rep. Flores of 
Texas and was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 
2481, as amended passed the Full Committee and was favorably 
reported to the Full House of Representatives by voice vote.
    On August 1, 2013, H.R. 1443, as amended passed the Full 
Committee by voice vote and was reported favorably to the Full 
House of Representatives by voice vote.
    On August 1, 2013, H.R. 2011, introduced by Rep. John 
Delaney of Maryland passed the Full Committee by voice vote and 
was reported favorably to the Full House by voice vote.
    On September 11, 2013, H.R. 2481, as amended was reported 
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-207.
    On September 17, 2013, H.R. 813, as amended was reported by 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-212 and placed 
on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 156.
    On September 17, 2013, H.R. 2011 was reported by the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-211.
    On September 25, 2013, H.R. 1804, as amended was reported 
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-227.
    On September 27, 2013, H.R. 2189, as amended was Reported 
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-236.
    On October 7, 2013, Supplemental report to H.R. 1804, as 
amended was filed by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, H. 
Rept. 113-227, Part II.
    On October 16, 2013, H.R. 2072, as amended was reported by 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-245 and placed 
on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 173.
    On October 22, 2013, H.R. 1443, as amended was reported by 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-247 and placed 
on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 175.
    On October 28, 2013, H.R. 2481, as amended passed the House 
on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended 
and agreed to by voice vote.
    On October 28, 2013, H.R. 2189, as amended passed the House 
on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended 
agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404-1 (Roll no. 
561).
    On October 28, 2013, H.R. 2011 passed the House on a motion 
to suspend the rules and pass the bill agreed to by the Yeas 
and Nays: (2/3 required): 404-2 (Roll no. 562).
    On October 29, 2013, H.R. 2481, as amended was referred to 
the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.
    On October 29, 2013, H.R. 2189, as amended was referred to 
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.
    On October 29, 2013, H.R. 2011 was referred to the Senate 
Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Full Committee Markup of H.R. 3521

    On November 20, 2013 the Full Committee met and marked up 
H.R. 3521, ``To authorize Department of Veterans Affairs major 
medical facility leases, and for other purposes.'' Introduced 
by Chairman Miller of Florida; On November 20, 2013 H.R. 3521 
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was reported 
favorably to the Full House by voice vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Business Meeting--Organization of the 113th Congress

    On January 22, 2013 the Full Committee met to formally 
organize the Committee's agenda and priorities for the 113th 
Congress. The Full Committee approved the Rules of the Full 
Committee, the oversight agenda, ratio of Subcommittees, 
Subcommittee and Full Committee Membership for Republican and 
Democratic Members, Chairmanship and Ranking Members of 
Subcommittees, and the Committee staff of both the Majority and 
Minority for the 113th Congress.

Full Committee Hearing--Honoring the Commitment: Overcoming Barriers to 
        Quality Mental Health Care for Veterans

    On February 13, 2013, the Full Committee met to discuss the 
Department of Veterans Affair's performance in providing timely 
and effective mental health care to veterans and to explore 
methods by which to further improve availability of care.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by M. David 
Rudd, Ph.D. ABPP, Dean, College of Social and Behavioral 
Sciences Co-Founder and Scientific Director, National Center 
for Veteran Studies University of Utah; Linda Spoonster 
Schwartz, RN, Dr. PH, FAAN, Commissioner of Veterans Affairs 
State of Connecticut, Joy J. Ilem, Deputy National Legislative, 
Director Disabled American Veterans; and Ralph Ibson, National 
Policy Director, Wounded Warrior Project.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Dr. Robert A. Petzel, M.D., Under Secretary for 
Health Veterans, Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Dr. Sonja Batten, Deputy Chief Consultant for 
Specialty Mental Health Office of Patient Care Services, 
Veterans Health Administration U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Dr. Janet Kemp, Director, Suicide Prevention and 
Community Engagement National Mental Health Program Office of 
Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See Honoring the Commitment: 
Overcoming Barriers to Quality Mental Health Care for Veterans, 
Serial No. 113-03.

Full Committee Site Visits--CODEL Miller--San Diego, CA; Honolulu, HI; 
        Guam; and the Philippines

    On February 15-24, 2013, Chairman Miller led a CODEL to San 
Diego, CA, Honolulu, HI, Guam, and the Philippines to assess 
the clinical operations, programs, and collaborative activities 
of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense 
medical facilities. In addition, the delegation reviewed the 
management and activities of Department of Veterans Affairs 
Regional Offices (RO), as well as certain cemeteries under the 
administration of the National Cemetery Administration and the 
American Battle Monuments Commission. The delegation also 
included House Veterans' Affairs Committee members: Ranking 
Member Michael H. Michaud (ME), Vice-Chairman Gus M. Bilirakis 
(FL), Honorable Timothy J. Walz (MN), House Appropriations 
Committee member, Honorable Jo Bonner (AL), House Veterans' 
Affairs Committee Majority Staff Director, Helen Tolar, and 
Jian Zapata of the Minority Staff.

Full Committee Hearing--Joint House and Senate Committee on Veterans' 
        Affairs to receive Legislative Presentation of the Disabled 
        American Veterans (DAV)

    On February 26, 2013, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from Disabled American Veterans (DAV) on its 
2013 legislative priories.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was received by Mr. 
Larry A. Polzin, National Commander accompanied by: Mr. Garry 
J. Augustine, National Service Director; Mr. Joseph A. 
Violante, National Legislative Director; Mr. Barry A. 
Jesinoski, Executive Director Washington Headquarters; Mr. 
Arthur H. Wilson, National Adjutant; Mr. Ron B. Minter, 
National Director of Voluntary Service; and Ms. Donna M. Adams, 
National Commander Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. See 
Joint House and Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs to 
receive Legislative Presentation of the Disabled American 
Veterans (DAV), Serial No.113-05.

Full Committee Hearing--Electronic Health Record U-Turn: Are VA and DOD 
        Headed in the Wrong Direction?

    On February 27, 2013, the Full Committee held a hearing on 
the implementation of the integrated Electronic Health Record 
(iEHR) and the cooperation on this effort between the 
Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Roger W. Baker, Assistant Secretary for Information 
and Technology and Chief Information Officer U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs accompanied by: The Honorable Dr. Robert A. 
Petzel, M.D., Under Secretary for Health Veterans, Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; The 
Honorable Jonathan A. Woodson, Assistant Secretary of Defense 
for Health Affairs Director, TRICARE Management Activity U.S. 
Department of Defense accompanied by: The Honorable Elizabeth 
A. McGrath, Deputy Chief Management Officer U.S. Department of 
Defense; Ms. Valerie C. Melvin, Director, Information 
Management and Technology Resources Issues U.S. Government 
Accountability Office; and Mr. Jacob B. Gadd, Deputy Director 
for Healthcare, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Division, The American Legion. See Electronic Health Record U-
Turn: Are VA and DOD Headed in the Wrong Direction? Serial 
No.113-06.

Full Committee Meeting--Joint House and Senate Committees on Veterans' 
        Affairs to receive Legislative Presentation of Multiple 
        Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

    On February 28, 2013, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from Multiple Veteran Service Organizations 
(VSOs) on their legislative priorities in 2013.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Tom 
Tarantino, Deputy Policy Director, Iraq and Afghanistan 
Veterans of America; Bruce McKenty, National Commander, 
Military Order of the Purple Heart; Sam Huhn, National 
President, Blinded Veterans Association; H. Gene Overstreet, 
USMC, Ret., President, Non-commissioned Officer Association; 
Richard Delaney, National President, The Retired Enlisted 
Association; Charles Susino, National Commander, American Ex-
Prisoner of War; and Dawn Halfaker, President, Board of 
Directors, Wounded Warrior Project. This hearing was hosted by 
the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee; and therefore does not 
have a House Serial No.

Full Committee Meeting--Joint House and Senate Committees on Veterans' 
        Affairs to receive Legislative Presentation of the Veterans of 
        Foreign Wars (VFW)

    On March 5, 2013, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The 
VFW presented their legislative priorities to the House and 
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees for fiscal year 2014.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
John E Hamilton, Commander-in-Chief Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States. This hearing was hosted by the Senate 
Veterans' Affairs Committee; and therefore does not have a 
House Serial No.

Full Committee Hearing--Joint House and Senate Committees on Veterans' 
        Affairs to receive Legislative Presentation of Multiple Veteran 
        Service Organizations (VSOs)

    On March 6, 2013 the Full Committee participated in a joint 
hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to receive 
testimony from Multiple Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) on 
its 2013 legislative priories.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Cleve Geer, National Commander, AMVETS; CMSGT John R. ``Doc'' 
McCauslin USAF (RET), Chief Executive Officer, Air Force 
Sergeants Association; Mr. Bill Lawson, President, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America; Mr. Sheldon Ohren, National Commander, 
Jewish War Veterans; Ms. Vivianne Cisneros Wersel, Au.D, Gold 
Star Wives; Mr. Mark A. Kilgore, National President, Fleet 
Reserve Association; Mr. John Rowan, National President, 
Vietnam Veterans of America; RADM W. Clyde Marsh, USN (RET), 
President, National Association of State Directors of Veterans 
Affairs; and MG Gus Hargett, President, National Guard 
Association of the United States. See Joint House and Senate 
Committees on Veterans' Affairs to receive Legislative 
Presentation of Multiple Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), 
Serial No. 113-07.

Full Committee Hearing--Focusing on People: A Review of VA's Plans for 
        Employee Training, Accountability, and Workload Management to 
        Improve Disability Claims Processing

    On March 20, 2013, the Full Committee held a hearing 
focused on improving VA effectiveness through more 
comprehensive, far-seeing approaches to processing disability 
claims.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Allison Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs accompanied by: Ms. Diana Rubens, Deputy Under 
Secretary for Field Operations, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
Focusing on People: A Review of VA's Plans for Employee 
Training Accountability, and the Workload Management to Improve 
Disability Claims Processing, Serial No.113-12.

Full Committee Hearing--U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget 
        Request for Fiscal Year 2014

    On April 11, 2013, the Full Committee held hearing on the 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal 
Year 2014.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Eric. K Shinseki, Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs accompanied by: The Honorable Dr. Robert A. Petzel, 
M.D., Under Secretary for Health Veterans, Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; The 
Honorable Allison Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; The Honorable Steve L. Muro, Under Secretary for 
Memorial Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. W. Todd Grams, Executive in 
Charge, Office of Management Chief Financial Officer, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. Stephen W. Warren, 
Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Information and 
Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Jeffrey 
Hall, Assistant National Legislative director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Mr. Carl Blake, National Legislative 
Director Paralyzed Veterans of America; Ms. Diane M. Zumatto, 
National Legislative Director, AMVETS; Mr. Ray Kelley, 
Legislative Director, Veterans of Foreign War; and Mr. Louis 
Celli, Legislative Director, The American Legion. See U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year 
2014, Serial No. 113-15.

Full Committee Roundtable Discussion with Veterans Services 
        Organizations

    On April 16, 2013, the Majority Members of the Full 
Committee hosted the first HVAC Veterans Service Organization 
Roundtable of the 113th Congress. The event brought together 
representatives from nearly 30 Veterans Service Organizations, 
HVAC members and congressional leaders for an off-the-record 
discussion regarding perennial veterans-related challenges such 
as VA's benefits claims backlog and mental health care access.
    Participants included representatives from: The American 
Legion, AMVETS, Air Force Sergeants Association, Association of 
the U.S. Army, Association of the U.S. Navy, Blinded Veterans 
Association, Disabled American Veterans, Fisher House, Fleet 
Reserve Association, IAVA, Jewish War Veterans of America, 
NASDVA, National Association of Uniformed Services, National 
Guard Association of the United States, National Military 
Family Association, Non-Commissioned Officers Association, 
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Remind.org, Reserve Officers 
Association, Soldier On, Student Veterans of America, The 
Retired Enlisted Association, Tragedy Assistance Program for 
Survivors, U.S. Paralympics, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vets 
First, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Wounded Warrior 
Project. Majority Members of the Full Committee, Chairman Paul 
Ryan of the House Budget Committee, and House Majority Whip 
Kevin McCarthy were also in attendance.

Full Committee Hearing--Examining the Implications of the Affordable 
        Care Act on VA Healthcare

    On April 24, 2013, the Full Committee held a hearing 
regarding the effects of the Affordable Care Act on the VA's 
ability to provide prompt and adequate healthcare.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Dr. Robert A. Petzel, M.D., Under Secretary for 
Health Veterans, Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs Accompanied by: Ms. Patricia Vandenberg MHA, 
BSN, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health Policy and 
Planning, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Ms. Lynne Harbin, Deputy Chief Business 
Officer Member Services, Chief Business Office, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Lisa 
Zarlenga, Tax Legislative Counsel, U.S. Department of the 
Treasury Accompanied by: Mr. Jason Levitis, Senior Advisor to 
the Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy, U.S. Department of the 
Treasury. See Examining the Implications of the Affordable Care 
Act on VA Healthcare, Serial No. 113-17.

Full Committee Hearing--Expediting Claims or Exploiting Statistics?: An 
        Examination of VA's Special Initiative to Process Rating Claims 
        Pending Over Two Years

    On May 22, 2013, the Full Committee held an oversight 
hearing on the progress of the VA in completing disability 
claims that have been in process for over two years.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Allison A. Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits, 
Veterans Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs accompanied by: Ms. Diana Rubens, Deputy Under 
Secretary for Field Operations, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
Expediting Claims or Exploiting Statistics?: An Examination of 
VA's Special Initiative to Process Rating Claims Pending Over 
Two Years Serial No. 113-20.

Full Committee Hearing--Assessing VA's Capital Investment Options to 
        Provide Veterans' Care

    On June 27, 2013, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in open session to conduct an oversight hearing to address 
the status and potential for a new paradigm for the Department 
of Veterans Affairs (VA) Major Medical Facility and Lease 
Program.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Robert A. 
Sunshine, Deputy Director, and Congressional Budget Office.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Robert A. Petzel M.D., Under Secretary for Health, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs accompanied by: Philip Matovsky, Assistant Deputy Under 
Secretary for Health for Administrative Operations, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and 
Jim Sullivan, Director, Office of Asset Enterprise Management, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Assessing VA's Capital 
Investment Options to Provide Veterans' Care, Serial No. 113-
26.

Joint Committee Hearing of the House Committee on Armed Services and 
        the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs--DOD and VA 
        Collaboration to Assist Service Members Returning to Civilian 
        Life

    On July 10, 2013, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
participated in a joint hearing with the House Committee on 
Armed Services regarding cooperation between the DOD and VA and 
efforts to more effectively coordinate each department's 
endeavors to assist veterans' transition to civilian life.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by the 
Honorable Frank Kendall, Under Secretary of Defense for 
Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Department of Defense 
accompanied by: The Honorable Jonathan Woodson, M.D., Assistant 
Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and Director, TRICARE 
Management Activity Department of Defense; the Honorable 
Jessica L. Wright, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for 
Personnel and Readiness Department of Defense; and the 
Honorable Stephen W. Warren, Acting Assistant Secretary for 
Information and Technology Department of Veterans Affairs 
accompanied by: The Honorable Dr. Robert A. Petzel, M.D., Under 
Secretary for Health Veterans Health Administration Department 
of Veterans Affairs. See Joint Committee Hearing of the House 
Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs--DOD and VA Collaboration to Assist Service 
Members Returning to Civilian Life, Serial No. 113-29.

Field Hearing--``A Matter of Life and Death: Examining Preventable 
        Deaths, Patient-Safety Issues and Bonuses for VA Execs Who 
        Oversaw Them.''

    On September 9, 2013 the Full Committee conducted a field 
hearing at the Alleghany Courthouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 
to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs' approach to 
stopping preventable patient deaths and lapses in care at VA 
medical centers around the country. The purpose of this hearing 
is to examine whether VA has the proper management and 
accountability structures in place to stop the emerging pattern 
of preventable veteran deaths and serious patient-safety issues 
at VA medical centers across the country.
    During the first panel testimony was provided by Ms. 
Brandie Petit Veteran Family Member from Atlanta, GA; Mr. 
Gerald J. Rakiecki a veteran and VA Police Officer from 
Buffalo, NY; Ms. Sydney N.W. Schoellman, a veteran family 
member from Dallas, TX; Ms. Phyllis Hollenbeck M.D., FAAP, a VA 
Primary Care Physician; Mr. Robert E. Nicklas a veteran family 
member from Pittsburgh, PA who was accompanied by Ms. Judy 
Nicklas; and Ms. Maureen A. Ciarolla a veteran family member 
from Pittsburgh, PA.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by the 
Honorable Robert A. Petzel, Under Secretary for Health, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Under Secretary Petzel was 
accompanied by several Medical Center Directors with the 
Veterans Health Administration at the U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See A Matter of Life and Death: Examining 
Preventable Deaths, Patient Safety Issues and Bonuses for VA 
Execs Who Oversaw Them, Serial No. 113-32.

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

    On September 10, 2013 the Full Committee participated in a 
Joint Hearing with the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs to 
receive testimony from the American Legion on its 2014 
legislative priorities.
    The first and only panel consisted of the National 
Commander and representatives from the Veterans Service 
Organization, the American Legion. This hearing was hosted by 
the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee; and therefore does not 
have a House Serial No.

Full Committee Hearing--Trials in Transparency: An Analysis of the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs' Cooperation with Congress in 
        Meeting its Oversight Responsibilities on Behalf of Veterans

    On September 19, 2013 the Full Committee met in open 
session to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs' 
transparency challenges and cooperation with Congress. The 
purpose of this hearing was to examine how VA's lack of 
responsiveness to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee's 
information requests is impeding the committee's oversight 
responsibilities and how the Department can improve its 
transparency in the future.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by the 
Honorable Joan Mooney, Assistant Secretary for Congressional 
and Legislative Affairs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
See: Trials in Transparency: An Analysis of VA Cooperation with 
Congress in Meeting its Oversight Responsibilities on Behalf of 
Veterans Serial No. 113-37.

Full Committee Hearing--Effect of Government Shutdown on Department of 
        Veterans Affairs Benefits and Services to Veterans

    On October 9, 2013 the Full Committee met in open session 
to examine how the Department of Veterans Affairs lack of 
responsiveness to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee 
information requests is impeding the committee's oversight 
responsibilities and how the department can improve its 
transparency in the future.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by the 
Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    Submissions for the Record were provided by several 
Veterans Service Organizations. See Effect of Government 
Shutdown on VA Benefits and Services to Veterans, Serial No. 
113-38.

Full Committee--Building the Department of Veterans Affairs' Future: 
        Confronting Persistent Challenges in VA Major Construction and 
        Lease Programs

    On November 20, 2013 the Full Committee met in open session 
to review the need for corrective actions to improve the 
administration, management and oversight of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs lease procurement process.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Ms. 
Linda Halliday, Assistant Inspector General for Audits and 
Evaluations, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Halliday who was accompanied by Ms. 
Maureen Regan, Counselor to the Inspector General, Office of 
the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Lloyd Caldwell P.E., Director of Military Programs, U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers; Mr. Glenn D. Haggstrom, Principal Executive 
Director, Office of Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by, Ms. 
Stella Fiotes, Executive Director, Office of Construction and 
Facilities Management, U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs.
    Multiple Veterans Service Organization provided statements 
for the record. See Building VA's Future: Confronting 
Persistent Challenges in VA Major Construction and Lease 
Programs, Serial No. 113-46.

 ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL 
                                AFFAIRS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 569, H.R. 570, H.R. 
        602, H.R. 671, H.R. 679, H.R. 733, H.R. 894 and H.R. 1405

    On April 16, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee held a legislative 
hearing on H.R. 569, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living 
Adjustment Act of 2013; H.R. 570, American Heroes COLA Act; 
H.R. 602, Veterans' 2nd Amendment Protection Act; H.R. 671, 
Ruth Moore Act of 2013; H.R. 679, Honor America's Guard-Reserve 
Retirees Act; H.R. 733, Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement 
Act; H.R. 894, To amend title 38, United States Code, to 
improve the supervision of fiduciaries of veterans under the 
laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and 
H.R. 1405, To amend title 38, United States Code, to require 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include an appeals form in 
any notice of decision issued for the denial of a benefit 
sought.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Bill Johnson, Member U.S. House of Representatives, The 
Honorable Chellie Pingree, Member U.S. House of 
Representatives, and The Honorable Timothy Walz, Member U.S. 
House of Representatives.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Jeffrey 
Hall, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Raymond Kelley, Director of National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Colonel Robert 
F. Norton, USA (Ret.), Deputy Director of Government Relations, 
Military Officers Association of America; Heather Ansley, Esq., 
MSW, Vice President of Veterans Policy VetsFirst, a program of 
United Spinal Association; and Michael D. Murphy, Executive 
Director, National Association of County Veterans Service 
Officers.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by 
representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
specifically David R. McLenachen, Director, Pension and 
Fiduciary Service accompanied by: Mary Ann Flynn, Deputy 
Director, Policy and Procedures Compensation Service; and 
Richard Hipolit, Assistant General Counsel. See Legislative 
Hearing on H.R. 569, H.R. 570, H.R. 602, H.R. 671, H.R. 679, 
H.R. 733, H.R. 894 and H.R. 1405, Serial No. 113-16.

Subcommittee Markup--Markup of H.R. 569, H.R. 570, H.R. 671, H.R. 894 
        and H.R. 1405

    On April 25, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs met to mark up H.R. 569, 
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013; 
H.R. 570, American Heroes COLA Act; H.R. 671, Ruth Moore Act of 
2013; H.R. 894, To amend title 38, United States Code, to 
improve the supervision of fiduciaries of veterans under the 
laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and 
H.R. 1405, To amend title 38, United States Code, to require 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include an appeals form in 
any notice of decision issued for the denial of a benefit 
sought.
    On April 25, 2013, H.R. 569, Veterans' Compensation Cost-
of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013, introduced by Rep. Runyan of 
NJ, passed the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 
Memorial Affairs by voice vote. H.R. 569 was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee.
    On April 25, 2013, H.R. 570, American Heroes COLA Act, 
introduced by Rep. Runyan of NJ, passed the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs by voice vote. H.R. 
570 was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
    On April 25, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 671, Ruth Moore Act of 2013, 
introduced by Rep. Pingree of ME, was offered by Rep. Titus of 
NV and adopted by the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 
Memorial Affairs by voice vote. H.R. 671, As Amended passed the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs by 
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
    On April 25, 2013, an Amendment to title 38 of H.R. 894, To 
amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the supervision 
of fiduciaries of veterans under the laws administered by the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, introduced by Rep. Johnson of 
OH, passed the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 
Memorial Affairs by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to 
the Full Committee.
    On April 25, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S) was offered to H.R. 1405, To amend title 38, 
United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to include an appeals form in any notice of decision 
issued for the denial of a benefit sought, introduced by Rep. 
Titus of NV, was offered by Rep. Titus of NV and adopted by the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs by 
voice vote. H.R. 1405, As Amended passed the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs by voice vote. H.R. 
1405, As Amended was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
    On May 22, 2013, H.R. 570, American Heroes COLA Act, was 
received in the Senate where it was Read twice and referred to 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
    On June 6, 2013, H.R. 671, Ruth Moore Act of 2013, was 
received in the Senate where it was read twice and referred to 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
    On June 25, 2013, H.R. 1405, as amended was reported by the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-130.
    On October 28, 2013, H.R. 1405, as amended passed the House 
on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended 
and was agreed to by voice vote.
    On October 29, 2013, H.R. 1405, as amended was referred to 
the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1288, H.R. 1494, H.R. 
        1623, H.R. 1809, H.R. 2086, H.R. 2138, H.R. 2189, H.R. 2341, 
        H.R. 2382 and H.R. 2423

    On June 28, 2013 the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on H.R. 1288, World War II 
Merchant Mariner Service Act; H.R. 1494, Blue Water Navy Ship 
Accountability Act; H.R. 1623, VA Claims Efficiency Through 
Information Act of 2013; H.R. 1809, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
provide notice of average times for processing claims and 
percentage of claims approved, and for other purposes; H.R. 
2086, Pay As You Rate Act; H.R. 2138, Ending VA Claims 
Disability Backlog and Accountability Act; H.R. 2189, To 
establish a commission or task force to evaluate the backlog of 
disability claims of the Department of Veterans Affairs; H.R. 
2341, Veterans Pension Protection Act; H.R. 2382, Prioritizing 
Urgent Claims for Veterans Act; and H.R. 2423, Disabled 
Veterans' Access to Medical Exams Improvement Act.
    On the first panel, testimony was proved by The Honorable 
G.K. Butterfield, Member U.S. House of Representatives; The 
Honorable Christopher Gibson, Member U.S. House of 
Representatives; and The Honorable Kevin McCarthy, Member U.S. 
House of Representatives.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Verna Jones, 
Director, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission The 
American Legion; Mr. Alexander Nicholson, Legislative Director, 
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; and Heather Ansley, 
Esq., MSW, Vice President of Veterans Policy VetsFirst, a 
program of United Spinal Association.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Thomas 
Murphy, Director, Compensation Service U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs accompanied by: Richard Hipolit, Assistant 
General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1288, H.R. 1494, H.R. 1623, H.R. 
1809, H.R. 2086, H.R. 2138, H.R. 2189, H.R. 2341, H.R. 2382 and 
H.R. 2423, Serial No.113-27.

Subcommittee Markup--Markup of H.R. 2086, H.R. 2189, H.R. 2423

    On July 17, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs met to mark up H.R. 2086, Pay As You Rate 
Act; H.R. 2189, To establish a commission or task force to 
evaluate the backlog of disability claims of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and H.R. 2423, Disabled Veterans' Access to 
Medical Exams Improvement Act.
    On July 17, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 2086, introduced by Rep. Titus of 
Nevada, was offered by Rep. Titus of Nevada and adopted by the 
DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 2086, As Amended passed 
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
    On July 17, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 2189, To establish a commission or 
task force to evaluate the backlog of disability claims of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, introduced by Rep. Miller of 
Florida, was offered by Rep. Runyan of New Jersey. An amendment 
to the A.N.S. to H.R. 2189 was offered by Ms. Titus of Nevada 
and adopted by the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 
Memorial Affairs by voice vote. The A.N.S to H.R. 2189, as 
amended was adopted by the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs by voice vote. H.R. 2189, as 
amended passed the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 
Memorial Affairs and was favorably forwarded to the Full 
Committee.
    On July 17, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 2423, Disabled Veterans' Access to 
Medical Exams Improvement Act, introduced by Rep. Runyan of New 
Jersey, was offered by Rep. Runyan of New Jersey. An Amendment 
to the A.N.S. to H.R. 2423 was offered by Rep. Titus of Nevada 
and adopted by the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 
Memorial Affairs by voice vote. H.R. 2423, as amended passed 
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
    On September 27, 2013, H.R. 2189, as amended was reported 
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-236.
    On October 28, 2013, H.R. 2189, as amended passed the House 
on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, and was 
agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404-1 (Roll no. 
561).
    On October 29, 2013, H.R. 2189, as amended was referred to 
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Site Visit--Los Angeles, California

    On January 28-31, 2013, the Staff Director of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
visited the Los Angeles Regional Office (RO), Los Angeles 
National Cemetery and Los Angeles County Veterans Court. The 
main purpose of the trip was to conduct oversight of the 
training being held at the RO, which was temporarily shut down 
for four weeks in an effort to address poor timeliness and 
quality concerns. In addition, staff conducted oversight of 
planned new columbarium construction at the cemetery and the 
overall process of the veterans court.

Subcommittee Hearing--The 100% Temporary Disability Rating: An 
        Examination of Its Effective Use

    On February 5, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on VA 
mishandling of temporary total disability ratings. The hearing 
noted the results of this neglect and purposed to identify 
areas of improvement improvements in the claims processing 
system.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Rich 
Weidman, Executive Director for Policy and Government Affairs, 
Vietnam Veterans of America; Ms. Linda Halliday, Assistant 
Inspector General for Audits and Evaluations Office of the 
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
accompanied by: Mr. Larry Reinkemeyer, Director, Kansas City 
Audit Operations Division Office of the Inspector General, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Brent Arronte, Director, 
San Diego Benefits Inspection Division Office of the Inspector 
General U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Diana 
Rubens, Deputy Under Secretary for Field Operations, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
See The 100% Temporary Disability Rating: An Examination of Its 
Effective Use, Serial No. 113-2.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Baltimore, Maryland

    On March 4-5, 2013, the Staff Director of the Subcommittee 
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs visited the 
Baltimore RO to conduct oversight of its operations due to 
increased media attention for poor performance and the decision 
to close the office for four weeks for re-training (as had been 
done at the LA RO) in April 2013.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Baltimore, Maryland

    On March 12, 2013, the Staff Director of the Subcommittee 
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs accompanied 
Chairman Miller to the Baltimore RO and VA adjudication academy 
to follow up on findings made during the previous week, 
emphasizing improvements to the office's poor performance and 
the agenda for the office's upcoming station enhancement 
training.

Subcommittee Hearing--Sustaining the Sacred Trust: An Update on our 
        National Ceremonies

    On April 10, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on the 
management and upkeep of Veterans' cemeteries domestic and 
abroad.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Steve L. Muro, Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, National 
Cemetery Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
accompanied by: Mr. Glenn Powers, Deputy Under Secretary for 
Field Programs, National Cemetery Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Kathryn Condon, Executive 
Director of Army National Cemeteries Program, U.S. Department 
of Defense; and The Honorable Raymond Wollman, Deputy 
Secretary, American Battle Monuments Commission.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Linda 
Halliday, Assistant Inspector General for Audits and 
Evaluations Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs accompanied by: Ms. Cherie Palmer, Director, 
OIG Chicago Office of Audits and Evaluations Department of 
Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Diane M. 
Zumatto, National Legislative Director, AMVETS; and Ms. Ami 
Neilberger-Miller, Director of Outreach and Education Tragedy 
Assistance Program for Survivors. See Sustaining the Sacred 
Trust: An Update on our National Ceremonies, Serial No. 113-14.

Subcommittee Hearing--Why are Veterans Waiting Years on Appeal?: A 
        Review of the Post-Decision Process for Appealed Veterans' 
        Disability Benefits Claims

    On June 18, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs held a hearing focused on the achievements 
of benchmark standards and accountability to improve the 
Veterans' claims backlog. The hearing also addressed next steps 
to ensure the claims process continues to be effective in 
meeting needs.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by 
representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs 
including Mr. Keith Wilson, Director Roanoke Regional Office 
Veterans Benefits Administration; Ms. Laura Eskenazi, Principal 
Deputy Vice Chairman Board of Veterans' Appeals; Mr. Ronald S. 
Burke, Jr., Director Appeals Management Center National Capital 
Region Benefits Office Veterans Benefits Administration; and 
The Honorable Bruce E. Kasold, Chief Judge U.S. Court of 
Appeals for Veterans Claims. See Why are Veterans Waiting Years 
on Appeal?: A Review of the Post-Decision Process for Appealed 
Veterans' Disability Benefits Claims, Serial No. 113-22.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Florida Delegation

    On July 9, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs assisted in the coordination of a 
bipartisan Roundtable for Members of the Florida delegation to 
discuss issues related to claims processing at the St. 
Petersburg Regional Office. Chairman Miller and Committee 
Member Corrine Brown co-hosted the event.
    The Roundtable offered Members an opportunity to hear 
directly from the Under Secretary for Benefits, Allison A. 
Hickey, on VA's claims process for disability benefits, 
departmental transformation, Congressional relations, and the 
operations of the St. Petersburg Regional Office. 
Representatives from a majority of the Florida delegation also 
were in attendance.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Tampa, Florida

    On July 12-16, 2013, the Staff Director of the Subcommittee 
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs traveled to 
Tampa, FL to conduct oversight of the 33rd annual National 
Wheelchair Games, which is co-hosted by VA and Paralyzed 
Veterans of America (PVA); St. Petersburg, FL, to conduct 
oversight of the Regional Office, including a focus on the Day 
One Brokering Center, Fully Developed Claims Initiative, and 
Veterans Benefits Management System, as well as the Bay Pines 
National Cemetery to conduct a general oversight tour; and 
Sarasota, FL, to conduct oversight of the Sarasota National 
Cemetery's on-going construction projects.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Winston-Salem, North Carolina

    On August 7-8, 2013, the Staff Director of the Subcommittee 
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs traveled to the 
Winston-Salem RO to conduct oversight of the facility focusing 
on the Benefits Delivery at Discharge and Quick Start programs, 
as well as to take part in a Fully Developed Claims workshop.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Atlanta, Georgia

    On August 19-22, 2013, the Staff Director of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
traveled to Atlanta, GA, to conduct oversight of the Atlanta 
RO, to include a VBMS demonstration; to conduct oversight of 
the Georgia National and Marietta National Cemeteries; and to 
tour the CACI scanning facility and receive a briefing from the 
vendor regarding the VA scanning contract.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Dallas and El Paso, Texas

    On September 2-6, 2013, the Staff Director of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
accompanied Rep. Flores to Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX and El Paso TX, 
to conduct oversight of the Waco RO; participate in a panel 
discussion at the Veterans Resource Center of Dallas, TX; 
conduct oversight of the Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery; 
participate in a discussion regarding coordination of the 
William Beaumont Army Medical Center and VA Medical Center 
regarding VBA intake for El Paso/west Texas veterans; meet with 
service-members at Ft. Bliss regarding their participation in 
the IDES process, and conduct oversight of the Ft. Bliss 
National Cemetery.

Subcommittee Hearing--Implementation Update: Fully Developed Claims

    On September 11, 2013 the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted a hearing to examine 
how VA is implementing its Fully Developed Claims program and 
how the program can improve VA's future claims processing 
efforts.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Tom 
Murphy, Director, Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by 
representatives from the following veterans service 
organizations, The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, 
AMVETS, and the National Association of State Directors of 
Veterans Affairs. See Implementation Update: Fully Developed 
Claims, Serial No. 113-34.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Veterans' Appeals of Disability 
        Claims

    On October 1, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs hosted a Roundtable on the 
topic of veterans' appeals of disability claims. This event 
brought together representatives from the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, including the Board of Veterans Appeals, as 
well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and the 
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. VA reports that 
there are over 260,000 veterans' appeals pending. As the number 
of disability claims rises in the coming years, particularly as 
more combat veterans separate from service, the number of 
appeals is also projected to rise commensurately. Just as there 
is a tremendous backlog of claims pending at VA, there is a 
backlog of appeals awaiting decisions from the Regional 
Offices, the Board of Veterans' Appeals, and the Court of 
Appeals for Veterans Claims. This roundtable discussion was 
designed to bring knowledgeable and interested parties to a 
single forum, whereat process, regulation, and law could be 
discussed and ideas for improvement could be fielded.
    In addition to the Department and Court, participants 
included representatives from: Stetson University College of 
Law, Bergmann and Moore, LLC, Feinberg Rozen, LLP, Disabled 
American Veterans, the Federal Bar Association, former judge of 
the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, National 
Organization of Veterans' Advocates, Inc., the National 
Veterans Legal Service Program, Paralyzed Veterans of America, 
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP, House 
Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security 
staff, and Vietnam Veterans of America. Chairman of the House 
Committee on Veterans Affairs participated, as well as 
Subcommittee Chairman Jon Runyan.

Subcommittee Site Visits--Arlington National Cemetery

    On October 6, 2013, Professional Staff Member of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
attended a Town Hall meeting held by Arlington National 
Cemetery, Executive Director, Patrick Hallinan. This Town Hall 
was coordinated in response to families' concerns on the 
memento policy within Section 60 of the cemetery, which is the 
location where the majority of OIF/OEF killed-in-action 
servicemembers are interred. A site-visit of Section 60 was 
conducted upon the conclusion of the discussion.

Subcommittee Hearing--Focused Issues on Dignified Burials: A National 
        Cemetery Update

    On October 30, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to examine the 
current state of various veterans' cemeteries across the 
country as well as the handoff of leadership and ongoing 
planning, design, and construction issues at Arlington National 
Cemetery.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Patrick 
K. Hallinan, Executive Director of Army National Cemeteries 
Program at the U.S. Department of Defense and Mr. Glenn Powers, 
Deputy Under Secretary for Field Programs, National Cemetery 
Administration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Todd 
Kleismit, Director of Community & Government Relations with the 
Ohio Historical Society; Mr. Ray Kelley, Director of National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Ms. Ami 
Neiberger-Miller, Director of Outreach and Education.
    Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors; and Ms. Diane M. 
Zumatto, National Legislative Director at AMVETS. See Focused 
Issues on Dignified Burials: A National Cemetery Update, Serial 
No. 113-40.

Subcommittee Site Visits--Reno and Las Vegas, NV

    On November 4-8, 2013, the Staff Director of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and 
Professional Staff Member travelled to Reno, NV, and Las Vegas, 
NV, to conduct oversight of the Reno Regional Office with Rep. 
Amodei; participate in a Town Hall with veterans in Reno, NV; 
conduct oversight of the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial 
Cemetery, which is a recipient of federal grants; conduct 
oversight of the remote VBA intake center at the Las Vegas VA 
Southern Nevada Healthcare System; and, conduct oversight of 
the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, which is also a 
recipient of federal grants.

Subcommittee Field Hearing--Complications of Geography: Focusing on VBA 
        Outreach, Accessibility, Leadership and Staffing Efforts to 
        Meet the Needs of Veterans Living in Areas Remote from a 
        Regional Office

    On November 7, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted a field hearing at 
Las Vegas City Hall. The hearing highlight concerns specific to 
disabled veterans who do not live in close proximity to a VBA 
Regional Office, the outreach that VBA has undertaken to assist 
these veterans in filing disability benefits claims, the 
effectiveness of technological advancements for VBA's delivery 
of services, consideration of the staffing levels of VA 
Regional Offices, leadership accountability within those 
offices, and the challenges in claims' preparation that may be 
unique to disabled veterans within these remote areas.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Willie 
Clark, Western Area Director, Veterans Benefits Administration 
at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Clark was 
accompanied by Mr. Edward Russell, Director, Reno Regional 
Office, Veterans Benefits Administration at the U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by, Ms. 
Katherine Miller, Executive Director, Nevada Department of 
Veterans Services; Ms. Janet Snyder, Legislative Chair, Society 
of Military Widows; and Mr. Bruce Hollinger, Adjutant 
Quartermaster, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, 
Department of Nevada. See Complications of Geography: Focusing 
on VBA Outreach, Accessibility, Leadership and Staffing Efforts 
to Meet the Needs of Veterans Living in Areas Remote from a 
Regional Office, Serial No. 113-43.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Pennsylvania Delegation

    On November 19, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs assisted in the coordination of 
a bipartisan Roundtable for Members of the Pennsylvania 
delegation to discuss the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Regional 
Offices. Congressman Jim Gerlach and Congressman Michael F. 
Doyle co-hosted the event.
    The Roundtable offered Members an opportunity to hear 
directly from the Under Secretary for Benefits, Allison A. 
Hickey, on VA's claims process for disability benefits, 
departmental transformation, Congressional relations, and the 
operations of the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Regional Offices. 
Representatives Dent, Meehan, Kelly, and Fitzpatrick also were 
in attendance.

Subcommittee Hearing--Adjudicating VA's Most Complex Disability Claims: 
        Ensuring Quality, Accuracy and Consistency on Complicated 
        Issues

    On December 4, 2013, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted a hearing focused on 
adjudicating disability claims that fall into the special-ops 
lane, such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic 
Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and 
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by YN1 Lauren 
Price, USN (Ret.), Public Affairs Representative of Veteran 
Warriors and was accompanied by MMCS James Price, USN (Ret.), 
Senior Logistics Chief of Veteran Warriors. Ms. Bettye McNutt, 
a surviving spouse also testified before the Subcommittee and 
was accompanied by Mr. Glenn R. Bergmann, Esquire of Bergmann & 
Moore, LLC.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Sherman 
Gillums, Associate Executive Director for Veterans Benefits 
with Paralyzed Veterans of America; Ronald Abrams, Esquire, 
Joint Executive Director of the National Veterans Legal 
Services Program; and Mr. Zach Hearn, Deputy Director for 
Claims for The American Legion.
    Mr. Tom Murphy, Director Compensation Service, Veterans 
Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
provided testimony on the third and final panel. Mr. Murphy was 
accompanied by, Ms. Edna MacDonald, Director of the Nashville 
Regional Office, Veterans Benefits Administration with the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Sondra F. McCauley, Deputy 
Assistant Inspector General for Audits and Evaluations, Office 
of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also 
provided testimony and was accompanied by Mr. Brent Arronte, 
Director of San Diego Benefits Inspections Division, Office of 
Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
See Adjudicating VA's Most Complex Disability Claims: Ensuring 
Quality, Accuracy and Consistency on Complicated Issues, Serial 
No. 113-47.

         ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 357, H.R. 562, H.R. 
        631, H.R. 844, H.R. 1305, H.R. 1316, H.R. 1402, H.R. 1412, and 
        a draft bill entitled ``To amend title 38, United States Code, 
        to extend the authority to provide work-study allowance for 
        certain activities by individuals receiving educational 
        assistance by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs'' (H.R. 1453)

    On April 10, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 357, GI Bill Tuition 
Fairness Act of 2013; H.R. 562, VRAP Extension Act of 2013; 
H.R. 631, Servicemembers' Choice in Transition Act of 2013; 
H.R. 844, VetSuccess Enhancement Act; H.R. 1305, to amend title 
38, United States Code, to provide clarification regarding 
eligibility for services under the Homeless Veterans 
Reintegration Program; H.R. 1316, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to specify the responsibilities of the Directors 
and Assistant Directors of Veterans' Employment and Training; 
H.R. 1402, Veterans Paralympic Act of 2013; H.R. 1412, 
Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2013; and H.R. 
1453, Work-Study for Student Veterans Act.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Curtis L. 
Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity, Veterans 
Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
accompanied by: Mr. Danny Pummill, Director, Veterans Benefits 
Administration/Department of Defense Program, Office U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Susan Kelly, Deputy 
Director, Transition to Veterans Program Office, U.S. 
Department of Defense; and The Honorable Keith Kelly, Assistant 
Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, U.S. 
Department of Labor.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Charles 
Huebner, Chief of U.S. Paralympics, U.S. Olympic Committee; Dr. 
Susan Aldridge, Senior Fellow, American Association of State 
Colleges and Universities; Col. G. Michael Denning (USMC) Ret., 
Director of Graduate Military Programs University of Kansas on 
Behalf of Association of Public and Land Grand Universities; 
and Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Weber (USMC) Ret., Vice President for 
Student Affairs, Texas A&M University.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Alexander 
Nicholson, Chief Policy Officer, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans 
of America; Mr. Ryan M. Gallucci, Deputy Director, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States; Mr. Steve L. Gonzalez, Assistant Director, National 
Economic Commission, The American Legion; and Mr. Michael 
Dakduk, Executive Director Student Veterans America (SVA). See 
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 357, H.R. 562, H.R. 631, H.R. 844, 
H.R. 1305, H.R. 1316, H.R. 1402, H.R. 1412, and a draft bill 
entitled ``To amend title 39, United States Code, to extend the 
authority to provide work-study allowance for certain 
activities by individuals receiving educational assistance by 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs,'' (H.R. 1453) Serial No.113-
13.

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 357, H.R. 562, H.R. 631, H.R. 844, H.R. 
        1305, H.R. 1316, H.R. 1402, H.R. 1412, H.R. 1453

    On April 25, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met to mark up H.R. 357, GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013; 
H.R. 562, VRAP Extension Act of 2013; H.R. 631, Servicemembers' 
Choice in Transition Act of 2013; H.R. 844, VetSuccess 
Enhancement Act; H.R. 1305, To amend title 38, United States 
Code, to provide clarification regarding eligibility for 
services under the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program; 
H.R. 1316, To amend title 38, United States Code, to specify 
the responsibilities of the Directors and Assistant Directors 
of Veterans' Employment and Training; H.R. 1402, Veterans 
Paralympic Act of 2013; H.R. 1412, Improving Job Opportunities 
for Veterans Act of 2013; H.R. 1453, Work-Study for Student 
Veterans Act.
    On April 25, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S) H.R. 357, GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 
2013, introduced by Chairman Miller of Florida, was offered by 
Rep. Jon Runyan of New Jersey and adopted by the Economic 
Opportunity Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 357, as amended 
passed the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 25, 2013, H.R. 562, VRAP Extension Act of 2013, 
passed the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 25, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S) H.R. 631, Servicemembers' Choice in 
Transition Act of 2013, introduced by Rep. Flores of Texas, was 
offered by Rep. Bill Flores of TX and adopted by the Economic 
Opportunity Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 631, As Amended, 
passed the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 25, 2013, H.R. 844, VetSucess Enhancement Act, 
introduced by Rep. Takano of CA, passed the Economic 
Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded to the 
Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 25, 2013, H.R. 1305, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to provide clarification regarding eligibility for 
services under the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, 
introduced by Rep. Wenstrup of OH, passed the Economic 
Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded to the 
Full Committee by Voice Vote.
    On April 25, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S) H.R. 1316, to amend title 38, United States 
Code, to specify the responsibilities of the Directors and 
Assistant Directors of Veterans' Employment and Training,'' 
introduced by Rep. Flores of TX, was offered by Rep. Bill 
Flores of TX and adopted by the Economic Opportunity 
Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 1316, as amended passed the EO 
Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee 
by voice vote.
    On April 25, 2013, H.R. 1402, Veterans Paralympic Act of 
2013, introduced by Rep. Coffman of CO, passed the Economic 
Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded to the 
Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 25, 2013, H.R. 1412, Improving Job Opportunities 
for Veterans Act of 2013, introduced by Rep. Coffman of CO, 
passed the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 25, 2013, H.R. 1453, Work-Study for Student 
Veterans Act, introduced by Rep. Takano of CA, passed the 
Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded 
to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On May 21, 2013, H.R. 1412, Improving Job Opportunities for 
Veterans Act of 2013, was received in the Senate and Read twice 
and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
    On June 3, 2013, H.R. 357, GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 
2013 was placed on the Union Calendar, No.66.
    On December XX, H.R. 1412, as amended the VA Expiring 
Authorities Extension Act of 2103, was received in the Senate 
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans 
Affairs.

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--H.R. 331, H.R. 821, H.R. 1357, H.R. 
        1796, H.R. 1842, H.R. 2011, H.R. 2150, H.R. 2210, H.R. 2327, 
        and a draft legislation ``To amend title 38, United States 
        Code, to codify and improve the election requirements for the 
        receipt of educational assistance under the Post-9/11 
        Educational Assistance program of the Department of Veterans 
        Affairs.'' (H.R. 2481)

    On June 26, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a hearing on H.R. 331, to direct the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to permit the centralized reporting of veteran 
enrollment by certain groups, districts, and consortiums of 
educational institutions; H.R. 821, 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. 1357, to amend the VOW to Hire 
Heroes Act of 2011 to improve the Veterans Retraining 
Assistance Program by providing assistance under such program 
for certain training programs that are considered less than 
full-time; H.R. 1796, Troop Talent Act of 2013; H.R. 1842, 
Military Family Home Protection Act; H.R. 2011, Veterans' 
Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act of 2013; H.R. 
2150, Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization 
Act of 2013; H.R. 2210, Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry 
Scholarship Improvements Act of 2013; H.R. 2327, Veterans 
Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2013; and a draft 
legislation ``To amend title 38, United States Code, to codify 
and improve the election requirements for the receipt of 
educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational 
Assistance program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.''
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Ken Calvert (CA-42); The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07); 
The Honorable John Delaney (MD-06); The Honorable Alan Grayson 
(FL-09); and The Honorable Bill Johnson (OH-06).
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Curtis 
L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity, 
Veterans Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs accompanied by: Mr. John Brizzi, Deputy Assistant 
General Counsel U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. 
Frank C. DiGiovanni, Director, Training Readiness and Strategy 
Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and 
Readiness U.S. Department of Defense.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Ryan M. 
Gallucci, Deputy Director, National Legislative Service, 
Veterans of Foreign wars of the United States; Mr. Jeffery 
Steele, Assistant Director, National Legislative Commission The 
American Legion; and MG Andrew ``Drew'' Davis, USMC (Ret.) 
Executive Director The Reserve Officers Association. See 
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 331, H.R. 821, H.R. 1357, H.R. 
1796, H.R. 1842, H.R. 2011, H.R. 2150, H.R. 2210, H.R. 2327, 
and a draft legislation To amend title 38, United States Code, 
to codify and improve the election requirements for the receipt 
of educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational 
Assistance program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (H.R. 
2481). Serial No. 113-25.

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 2210, H.R. 2327, H.R. 331, H.R. 1357, H.R. 
        1842, H.R. 2011, H.R. 2150, H.R. 2481

    On July 18, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met to mark up H.R. 2210, Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David 
Fry Scholarship Improvements Act of 2013; H.R. 2327, Veterans 
Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2013; H.R. 331, To 
direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit the 
centralized reporting of veteran enrollment by certain groups, 
districts, and consortiums of educational institutions; H.R. 
1357, To amend the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to improve 
the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program by providing 
assistance under such program for certain training programs 
that are considered less than full-time; H.R. 1842, Military 
Family Home Protection Act; H.R. 2011, Veterans' Advisory 
Committee on Education Improvement Act of 2013; H.R. 2150, 
Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act 
of 2013; H.R. 2481, Veterans G.I. Bill Enrollment Clarification 
Act of 2013.
    On July 18, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 2210, Marine Gunnery Sergeant John 
David Fry Scholarship Improvements Act of 2013, was offered by 
Rep. Flores of Texas and adopted by the Economic Opportunity 
Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 2210, as amended, passed the 
Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded 
to the Full Committee.
    An Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 
2327, Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2013, 
was offered by Mr. Flores of Texas and adopted by the Economic 
Opportunity Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 2327, as amended, 
passed the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee.
    On July 18, 2013, H.R. 331, to direct the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to permit the centralized reporting of veteran 
enrollment by certain groups, districts, and consortiums of 
educational institutions, introduced by Rep. Calvert of 
California, passed the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee by 
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
    On July 18, 2013, H.R. 1357, to amend the VOW to Hire 
Heroes Act of 2011 to improve the Veterans Retraining 
Assistance Program by providing assistance under such program 
for certain training programs that are considered less than 
full-time, introduced by Rep. Johnson of Ohio passed the 
Economic Opportunity Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 1357 was 
favorably forwarded to the Full Committee.
    On July 18, 2013, H.R. 1842, Military Family Home 
Protection Act, introduced by Rep. Cummings of Maryland passed 
the EO Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 1842 was forwarded 
favorably to the Full Committee.
    On July 18, 2013, H.R. 2011, Veterans' Advisory Committee 
on Education Improvement Act of 2013, introduced by Rep. 
Delaney of Maryland, passed the Economic Opportunity 
Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 2011 was forwarded favorably 
to the Full Committee.
    On July 18, 2013, H.R. 2150, Homeless Veterans' 
Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act of 2013, introduced 
by Rep. Cook of California, passed the Economic Opportunity 
Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 2150 was favorably forwarded 
to the Full Committee.
    On July 18, 2013, H.R. 2481, Veterans G.I. Bill Enrollment 
Clarification Act of 2013, by Rep. Flores of Texas, passed the 
Economic Opportunity Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 2481 was 
forwarded favorably to the Full Committee.
    On September 17, 2013, H.R. 2011 was reported by the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-211.
    On September 11, 2013, H.R. 2481, as amended was reported 
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 113-207.
    On October 28, 2013, H.R. 2011 passed the House on a motion 
to suspend the rules and pass the bill and was agreed to by the 
Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404-2 (Roll no. 562).
    On October 28, 2013, H.R. 2481, as amended passed the House 
on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended 
and was agreed to by voice vote.
    On October 29, 2013, H.R. 2011 was referred to the Senate 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
    On October 29, 2013, H.R. 2481, as amended was referred to 
the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Hearing--Increasing the Functionality of Post 9/11 GI Bill 
        Claims Processing to Reduce Delays

    On February 14, 2013, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a hearing to assess the viability of the automated system 
used to process Post-9/11 GI Bill Claims.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Michael 
Dakduk, Executive Director Student Veterans America (SVA); Ms. 
Kim Hall, Veterans Program Administrator, Humboldt State 
University, Vice President, National Association of Veterans 
Program Administrators (NAVPA); and Ms. Hayleigh Perez, 
Students Veterans Advocacy Group.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by the 
Honorable Roger W. Baker, Assistant Secretary for Information 
and Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accompanied 
by: MG Robert M. Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, Education 
Service Veterans Benefit Administration U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See Subcommittee Hearing on Increasing the 
Functionality of Post 9/11 GI Bill Claims Processing to Reduce 
Delays, Serial No. 113-4.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Dumfries, VA

    On February 22, 2013, the Majority Staff Director and 
Professional Staff traveled to Dumfries, VA to tour a facility 
ran by the defense contractor Serco who operates the Department 
of Veterans Affairs ``VA for Vets'' program which encourages 
veterans to work for VA.

Subcommittee Hearing--Lowering the Rate of Unemployment for the 
        National Guard and Reserve: Are We Making Progress?

    On March 14, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a hearing on programs at the local, state, and Federal 
level that work to reduce unemployment for members of the 
National Guard and Reserve.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Ronald G. 
Young, Director, Family and Employer Program and Policy, U.S. 
Department of Defense; MG Terry M. Haston, Adjutant General, 
Tennessee National Guard; and Maj Ty Shepard, Director, 
California National Guard Employment Initiative.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Theodore 
(Ted) L. Daywalt, CEO and President VetJobs; Mr. John Barnes, 
Managing Partner and CEO Panther Racing; and Mr. Al Garver, 
Executive Director, Enlisted Association of the National Guard 
of the United States. See Subcommittee Hearing on Lowering the 
Rate of Unemployment for the National Guard and Reserve: Are We 
Making Progress? Serial No. 113-10.

Site Visit--Muskogee, OK

    On March 27, 2013, Rep. Flores of Texas and the Majority 
Staff Director traveled to the Muskogee, OK regional processing 
office to view the national VA education call center and the 
long-term solution for processing GI Bill claims.

Subcommittee Hearing--The Value of Education for Veterans at Public, 
        Private and For-Profit Colleges and Universities

    On June 20, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a hearing to review of the values of education for 
veterans at different types of institutions of higher 
education.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Cynthia 
Azari Ed. D., President Riverside City College; Dr. Michael R. 
Smith, J.D., Ph.D., Vice Provost for Strategic Academic 
Initiatives University of Texas at El Paso; and Mr. Michael 
Dakduk, Executive Director Student Veterans America (SVA).
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Steve Gunderson, President and CEO with the 
Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities 
(APSCU); Dr. Daniel J. Carey Ph.D., President Edgewood College 
On Behalf of: National Association of Independent Colleges and 
Universities; and Mr. David Baime, Senior Vice President for 
Government Relations and Policy Analysis American Association 
of Community Colleges.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by MG Robert M. 
Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, Education Service Veterans 
Benefit Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
Subcommittee Hearing on ``The Value of Education for Veterans 
at Public, Private and For-Profit Colleges and Universities'' 
Serial No. 113-24.

Subcommittee Hearing--A Review of the Performance of the Veterans 
        Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) and the Homeless Veterans 
        Reintegration Program (HVRP)

    On September 12, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session to review the performance of 
the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) and the 
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP).
    The purpose of this hearing is to review the past successes 
and current challenges of VRAP and HVRP to ensure both programs 
are helping reintroduce as many veterans into the workforce as 
possible.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Curtis L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity 
with the Veterans Benefit Administration at the U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs and the Honorable Keith Kelly, Assistant 
Secretary Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) at 
the U.S. Department of Labor. See: A Review of the Performance 
of the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) and the 
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP), Serial No. 113-
35.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Ft. Sill, OK

    On September 24-27, Majority and Minority staff traveled to 
Ft. Sill, OK to review the Education Track which is part of the 
Transition Assistance Program. The track was being piloted at 
Ft. Sill and provides two days of instruction to transitioning 
servicemembers on how to best utilize their VA education 
benefits and choose an education/training program that is best 
for them.

Subcommittee Field Hearing--Examining Higher Education Institutions' 
        Services to Veterans

    On November 4, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session in the Bradshaw Building at 
Riverside Community College in Riverside, CA to discuss efforts 
made to recruit veterans and help them adjust to life on campus 
and to review programs, services, and benefits provided to 
veterans by the invited institutions.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Cynthia 
Azari, Interim Chancellor, Riverside Community College 
District; Dr. Steven G. Brint, Vice-Provost, Undergraduate 
Education, University of California, Riverside and Ms. Pamela 
Daly, Campus President, DeVry University--San Diego.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Albert 
R. Renteria, Member, Small Business Taskforce with the American 
Legion; Mr. Sherrod Conyers, California Delegate, National 
Legislative Committee, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States; and Mr. Marques Dredd, Former President, Veterans Club, 
Riverside City College. See: Examining Higher Education 
Institutions' Services to Veterans, Serial No. 113-41.

Subcommittee Field Hearing--Texas' Innovative Approaches to Jobs and 
        Employment for Veterans

    On November 6, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session in the Bill Daniel Student 
Center at Baylor University in Waco, TX to discuss efforts made 
by institutions of higher learning, private sector companies, 
and government agencies to help Texas veterans adjust to 
civilian life.
    On the first panel testimony was provided by Ms. Mary 
Kennedy Thompson, President, Mr. Rooter, LLC; Mr. David Amsden, 
Vice President, Human Resources, Cognizant Technology 
Solutions; Mr. Chris Burton, Store Manager, The Home Depot; Mr. 
John Vizner, Facility Manager, Caterpillar Global Work Tools--
Waco; and Mr. Joseph Kopser, CEO of RideScout.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Janet 
Bagby, VETS Coordinator, Senior Lecturer, Department of 
Education Psychology, Baylor University; Mr. Kris Cervantes, 
Veterans Specialist, McLennan Community College; Mr. Rob 
Wolaver, Executive Vice-President, Texas State Technical 
College--Waco; and Colonel Gerald ``Jerry'' L. Smith USMC 
(Ret.), Director Veteran Resource and Support Center.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Andres 
Alcantar, Chairman, Texas Workforce Commission and Mr. Shawn 
DeBay, Director, Veterans Employment Services, Texas Veterans 
Commission. See Texas' Innovative Approaches to Jobs and 
Employment for Veterans, Serial No. 113-42.

Subcommittee Hearing--VA's Independent Living Program--A Program Review

    On November 13, 2013 the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session to examine the Department of 
Veterans Affairs' Independent Living Program. The program is 
designed to help service-connected disabled veterans whose 
disabilities prevent them from finding employment live more 
meaningful, independent lives.
    The purpose of this hearing was to examine VA's efforts to 
implement GAO's recommendations.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Daniel 
Bertoni, the Director of the Education, Workforce, and Income 
Security at U.S. Government Accountability Office.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. 
Margarita Devlin, Acting Director, Vocational Rehabilitation 
and Employment with the Veterans Benefits Administration at the 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Richard 
C. Daley, the Associate Legislation Director of the Paralyzed 
Veterans of America (PVA) and Mr. Paul R. Varela, the Assistant 
National Legislative Director of the Disabled American Veterans 
(DAV). See VA's Independent Living Program--A Program Review, 
Serial No. 113-45.

                ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on Draft 
        Legislation, `The Veterans Integrated Mental Health Care Act of 
        2013;' Draft Legislation, `The Demanding Accountability for 
        Veterans Act of 2013;' H.R. 241; H.R. 288; H.R. 984; and, H.R. 
        1284

    On May 21, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct a legislative hearing on H.R. 241, the 
Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act; H.R. 288, the 
CHAMPVA Children's Protection Act of 2013; H.R. 984, to direct 
the Secretary of Defense to establish a task force on 
urotrauma; and, H.R. 1284, to amend title 38, United States 
Code, to provide for coverage under the beneficiary travel 
program of the Department of Veterans Affairs of certain 
disabled veterans for travel for certain special disabilities 
rehabilitation, and for other purposes.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by the Honorable 
Dennis Ross, U.S. House of Representatives, 15th District, 
Florida; and the Honorable Brett Guthrie, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 2nd District, Kentucky.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mark Edney, 
FACS, Member, Legislative Affairs Committee and Urotrauma Task 
Force, the American Urological Association; Michael O'Rourke, 
Assistant Director of Governmental Relations, Blinded Veterans 
Association; Adrian Atizado, Assistant National Legislative 
Director, Disabled American Veterans; Alex Nicholson, 
Legislative Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; 
and Alethea Predeoux, Associate Director, Health Analysis, 
Paralyzed Veterans of America.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Robert L. 
Jesse, MD, Ph.D., Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. He was accompanied by Susan Blauert, Deputy Assistant 
General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
Legislative Hearing on Draft Legislation, `The Veterans 
Integrated Mental Health Care Act of 2013;' Draft Legislation, 
`The Demanding Accountability for Veterans Act of 2013;' H.R. 
241; H.R. 288; H.R. 984; and H.R. 1284, Serial No. 113-19.

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on `Draft 
        Legislation, the Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act'; H.R. 
        1443; H.R. 1612; H.R. 1702; and H.R. 2065

    On July 9, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct a legislative hearing on `Draft Legislation, 
the Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act'; H.R. 1443, the 
Tinnitus Research and Treatment Act of 2013; H.R. 1612, to 
direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to convey a parcel of 
land in Tuskegee, Alabama, to Tuskegee University, and for 
other purposes; H.R. 1702, the Veterans Transportation Service 
Act; and H.R. 2065, the Safe Housing for Homeless Veterans Act.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by the Honorable 
Mike Rogers, Member, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
District, Alabama; and the Honorable David McKinley, Member, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 1st District, West Virginia.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Jacob B. 
Gadd, Deputy Director for Healthcare, National Veterans Affairs 
and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Susan E. 
Shore Ph.D., Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee, American 
Tinnitus Association; Adrian Atizado, Assistant National 
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Robert 
Drexler, Member, Board of Directors, International Code 
Council; and Raymond C. Kelley, Director, National Legislative 
Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Robert L. 
Jesse, MD, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health Veterans 
Health Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The 
Principal Deputy Under Secretary was accompanied by Susan 
Blauert, Deputy Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing 
on `Draft Legislation, the Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act'; 
H.R. 1443; H.R. 1612; H.R. 1702; H.R. 2065; Serial No. 113-28.

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 1443, H.R. 1612, H.R. 2065, H.R. 2072, and H.R. 
2726

    On July 23, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met and marked 
up H.R. 1443, the Tinnitus Research and Treatment Act of 2013; 
H.R. 1612, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
convey a parcel of land in Tuskegee, Alabama, to Tuskegee 
University, and for other purposes; H.R. 2065, the Safe Housing 
for Homeless Veterans Act; H.R. 2072, the Demanding 
Accountability for Veterans Act of 2013; and, H.R. 2726, the 
Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act.
    On July 23, 2013, an amendment to H.R. 1443, the Tinnitus 
Research and Treatment Act of 2013, was offered by Ms. Brownley 
of CA. The amendment was adopted by the Subcommittee on Health 
by voice vote. H.R. 1443, as Amended, passed the Subcommittee 
on Health and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by 
voice vote.
    On July 23, 2013, H.R. 1612, to direct the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to convey a parcel of land in Tuskegee, 
Alabama, to Tuskegee University, and for other purposes, passed 
the Subcommittee on Health and was favorably forwarded to the 
Full Committee by voice vote.
    On July 23, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S.) to H.R. 2065, the Safe Housing for Homeless 
Veterans Act, was offered by Mr. Benishek of MI. The A.N.S. to 
H.R. 2065 was adopted by the Subcommittee on Health by voice 
vote. H.R. 2065, as Amended, passed the Subcommittee on Health 
and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice 
vote.
    On July 23, 2013, H.R. 2072, the Demanding Accountability 
for Veterans Act of 2013, passed the Subcommittee on Health and 
was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On July 23, 2013, H.R. 2726, the Long-Term Care Veterans 
Choice Act, was withdrawn from the Subcommittee on Health's 
markup agenda by Unanimous Consent.
    On August 1, 2013, H.R. 1443 and H.R. 2072, as amended, 
were marked up by the Full Committee and ordered to be reported 
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs by voice vote. See H. 
Rept. 113-245.
    On October 16, 2103, H.R. 2072, as amended, was reported 
and placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 173.
    On October 22, 2013, H.R. 1443 was ordered to be reported 
by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and placed on the Union 
Calendar, Calendar No. 175. See H. Rept. 113-247.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Meeting Patient Care Needs: Measuring 
        the Value of VA Physician Staffing Standards

    On March 13, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct an oversight hearing on the Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA) productivity standards. On the first 
panel, testimony was provided by Linda A. Halliday, Assistant 
Inspector General for Audits and Evaluations, Office of the 
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She was 
accompanied by Mr. Larry Reinkemeyer, Director, Kansas City 
Audit Operations Division, Office of the Inspector General, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was also 
provided by: Larry H. Conway B.S., R.R.T, Director of 
Communications, National Association of Veterans Affairs 
Physicians and Dentists; and, Madhulika Agarwal MD, M.P.H., 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Policy and Services, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Dr. Agarwal was accompanied by Jeffrey A. Murawsky MD, 
Director, Great Lakes Health Care System (VISN 12), Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and 
Carter Mecher MD, Senior Medical Advisor, Office of Public 
Health, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See Meeting Patient Care Needs: Measuring the 
Value of VA Physician Staffing Standards, Serial No. 113-8.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Advancing Solutions for Patient-
        Centered Procurement Reform

    On April 18, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health conducted a 
roundtable discussion regarding the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) procurement reform.
    Roundtable participants included: Joy J. Ilem, Deputy 
National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; 
Jonathan Pruden, Southeast Regional Director, Wounded Warrior 
Project; Pat McKay, Director of Federal Government Contracts, 
Philips Healthcare on behalf of the Medical Imaging Technology 
Alliance; Jacob Gadd, Deputy Director for Healthcare, The 
American Legion; Raymond Kelley, Director of the National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Carl Blake, 
National Legislative Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America; 
Alethea Predeoux, Associate Director of Health Analysis, 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Peter Thomas, Counsel, National 
Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics; 
Christina Roof, Legislative Associate, Iraq and Afghanistan 
Veterans of America; Richard Weidman, Executive Director for 
Policy and Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of America; 
Mark Hopkins, Clinical Director, Dankmeyer, Inc., on behalf of 
the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association; Phillip 
Matovsky, Associate Deputy Undersecretary for Health for 
Administrative Operations, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Lucille Beck Ph.D., Chief 
Consultant for Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Joseph Miller Ph.D., National Program Director, Orthotic and 
Prosthetic Service, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; and, Jan Frye, Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for the Office of Acquisition and Logistics, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs.

Subcommittee Hearing--Safety for Survivors: Care and Treatment for 
        Military Sexual Trauma

    On July 19, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct an oversight hearing regarding the care and 
treatment available to survivors of military sexual trauma 
(MST).
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by veteran 
survivors of MST.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Michael 
Shepherd MD, Physician, Office of Health Care Inspections, 
Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Dr. Shepherd was accompanied by Karen McGoff-Yost 
LCSW, Associate Director, Bay Pines Office of Healthcare 
Inspections Office of the Inspector General U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Testimony was also provided by Jonathan M. 
Farrell-Higgins Ph.D., Chief, Stress Disorder Treatment 
Program, Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center, VA Eastern Kansas 
Health Care System, Veterans Integrated Service Network 15, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, and Carol O'Brien Ph.D., Chief, Post Traumatic Stress 
Disorder Programs, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Veterans 
Integrated Service Network 8, Veterans Health Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Rajiv Jain 
MD, Assistant Deputy Undersecretary for Patient Care Services, 
Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Jain 
was accompanied by: David Carroll Ph.D., Acting Chief 
Consultant, Mental Health Services, Office of Patient Care 
Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Stacey Pollack Ph.D., National Mental Health 
Director of Program Policy Implementation, Mental Health 
Services, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Testmimony 
was also provided by Karen S. Guice MD, M.P.P, Principal Deputy 
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Office of 
Health Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense. See Subcommittee 
Hearing on Safety for Survivors: Care and Treatment for 
Military Sexual Trauma, Serial No. 113-31.

Site Visit--Houston, Lubbock, and Dallas, Texas

    On August 27-30, 2013, the Staff Director of the 
Subcommittee on Health traveled to Houston, Lubbock, and 
Dallas, Texas, to accompany the Chairman at oversight visits to 
evaluate the clinical operations of the Michael E. DeBakey 
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC); the 
Lubbock VA Outpatient Clinic; and, the Dallas VAMC.

Subcommittee Oversight Field Hearing--Making a Difference: Shattering 
        Barriers to Effective Mental Health Care for Veterans

    On September 17, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met in 
open session to conduct an oversight field hearing to examine 
how Ohio's Veterans Integrated Service Network 10, the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System of Ohio, 
is addressing common barriers to care that veterans often face 
when attempting to access mental health care services.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by veterans and 
veterans' surviving family members.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Linda D. 
Smith, FACHE, Medical Center Director, Cincinnati VA Medical 
Center, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. She was accompanied by: Kathleen M. Chard, 
Ph.D. Director, Cognitive Processing Therapy Implementation and 
Director, Trauma Recovery Center, Cincinnati VA Medical Center, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Emma Bunag-Boehm, Primary Care Provider, OEF/OIF/OND 
Clinic; Clinician, Persian Gulf Registry, Cincinnati VA Medical 
Center, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and, Chadwick Watiker, Cincinnati Vet Center 
Team Lead, Readjustment Counseling Service, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See Making a Difference: Shattering Barriers 
to Effective Mental Health Care for Veterans, Serial No. 113-
36.

Site Visit--Cincinnati, Ohio

    On September 15-17, 2013, the Staff Director and 
Professional Staff Member for the Subcommittee on Health 
traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio, to staff the Subcommittee 
oversight field hearing entitled, ``Making a Difference: 
Shattering Barriers to Effective Mental Health Care for 
Veterans'' and conduct oversight visits at the Cincinnati 
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the 
University of Cincinnati's C-STAR and Institute of Military 
Medicine Programs.

Site Visit--Tampa, Florida

    On September 22-24, 2013, the Staff Director for the 
Subcommittee on Health traveled to Tampa, Florida, to conduct 
oversight visits at the Supportive Services for Veteran 
Families (SSVF) Program Launch, the James A. Haley Department 
of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), and the Bay Pines 
VAMC.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Between Peril and Promise: Facing the 
        Dangers of VA's Skyrocketing Use of Prescription Painkillers to 
        Treat Veterans

    On October 10, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct an oversight hearing regarding the 
Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) pain management programs 
and the use of medications, particularly opioids, to treat 
veterans experiencing acute and chronic pain. On panel one, 
testimony was provided by veterans and veterans' surviving 
family members.
    On panel two, testimony was provided by Pamela J. Gray MD; 
Claudia H. Bahorik DO; and, Steven Scott MD, Chief of Physical 
Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Robert L. 
Jesse, MD, Ph.D., Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. He was accompanied by Robert Kerns, Ph.D., National 
Director for Pain Research, Veterans Health Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans. See Between Peril and Promise: 
Facing the Dangers of VA's Skyrocketing Use of Prescription 
Painkillers to Treat Veterans, Serial No. 113-39.

Subcommittee Oversight Roundtable--Addressing Operational Challenges to 
        Ensure Accurate and Optimal VA Third Party Collections

    On November 14, 2013, the Subcommittee on Health conducted 
a roundtable discussion regarding opportunities to improve 
patient care by optimizing the Department of Veterans Affairs' 
(VA's) authority to bill and collect from third-party health 
insurance companies for non-service connected care provided to 
certain veterans.
    The Roundtable participants included: Steven ``Griff'' 
Griffin, President and Co-Founder, eReceivables; Greg Snyder, 
National Director for Government Services, eReceivables; Allen 
Fredrickson, MCE, President and Chief Executive Officer, 
Signature Performance Inc.; Michelle Swertzic, Director of 
Client Services, Signature Performance; Paul Johnson, Managing 
Director, Huron Healthcare; Robert Parris, Senior Director, 
Huron Healthcare; The Honorable Nelson M. Ford, President and 
Chief Executive Officer, Logistics Management Institute; Cyndi 
Kindred, Deputy Chief Business Officer for Purchased Care, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Stephanie Mardon, Deputy Chief Business Officer for 
Revenue Operations, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Susan Reed, Deputy Executive 
Director for Consolidated Patient Account Centers, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Philip Matkovsky, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health 
for Administrative Operations, Veterans Health Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Members of the 
Subcommittee on Health also attended the roundtable.

      ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT & INVESTIGATIONS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1490, `Veterans' Privacy Act;' H.R. 1792, 
        `Infectious Disease Reporting Act;' and H.R. 1804, `Foreign 
        Travel Accountability Act'

    On June 19, 2013, the Subcommittee held a legislative 
hearing on H.R. 1490, Veterans' Privacy Act, H.R. 1792, 
Infectious Disease Reporting Act, H.R. 1804, Foreign Travel 
Accountability Act.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Jeff Miller, Member United States House of Representatives; and 
The Honorable Tim Huelskamp, Member United States House of 
Representatives.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Robert 
L. Jesse, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Veterans Health 
Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accompanied 
by: Ms. Jane Clare Joyner, Deputy Assistant General Counsel 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Timothy 
F. Jones, Tennessee State Epidemiologist President Council of 
State and Territorial Epidemiologists; Mr. Nick McCormick, 
Legislative Associate Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, 
and Dr. Paul Etkind, Senior Director of Infectious Diseases 
National Association of County and City Health Officials. See 
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1490, ``Veterans' Privacy Act;'' 
H.R. 1792, ``Infectious Disease Reporting Act;'' and H.R. 1804, 
``Foreign Travel Accountability Act,'' Serial No. 113-23.

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 1490, H.R. 1792, and H.R. 1804

    On June 27, 2013, the Subcommittee met and marked up H.R. 
1490, the Veterans' Privacy Act; H.R. 1792, the Infectious 
Disease Reporting Act; and H.R. 1804, the Foreign Travel 
Accountability Act.
    On June 27, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 1490, the Veterans' Privacy Act, 
introduced by Rep. Jeff Miller of FL, was offered by Rep. 
Coffman of Colorado. The ANS to H.R. 1490 was adopted by the 
Oversight and Investigations (O&I) Subcommittee by voice vote. 
H.R. 1490, as amended passed the Oversight and Investigations 
Subcommittee. H.R. 1490 was favorably forwarded to the Full 
Committee by voice vote.
    On June 27, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 1792, the Infectious Disease 
Reporting Act, was offered by Rep. Coffman of CO, an amendment 
to the (A.N.S) to H.R. 1792 was offered by Rep. O'Rourke of TX. 
The amendment to the A.N.S to H.R. 1792 offered by Rep. 
O'Rourke failed the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. 
The Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 
1792, offered by Rep. Coffman, was agreed to by the Oversight 
and Investigations Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 1792, as 
amended passed the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. 
H.R. 1792, as amended was favorably forwarded to the Full 
Committee by voice vote.
    June 27, 2013, an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute 
(A.N.S) to H.R. 1804, Foreign Travel Accountability Act, was 
offered by Rep. Huelskamp of Kansas. The Amendment in the 
Nature of a Substitute (A.N.S) to H.R. 1804 was agreed to by 
the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee by voice vote. 
H.R. 1804, as amended passed the Oversight and Investigations 
Subcommittee. H.R. 1804 was favorably forwarded to the Full 
Committee by voice vote.
    On August 1, 2013, H.R. 1804 was marked up by the Full 
Committee and ordered to be reported as amended by voice vote.
    On September 25, 2013, H.R. 1804 was reported as amended by 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and placed on the Union 
Calendar, Calendar No. 167. See H. Rept. 113-227.
    On October 4, 2013, SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT FILING AUTHORITY--
Mr. Miller of Florida asked unanimous consent that the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs be permitted to file a 
supplemental report on H.R. 1804 and the motion was agreed to 
without objection.
    On October 7, 2013, a supplemental report was filed by the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, H. Rept. 113-227, Part II.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Hearing--Analyzing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
        Actions To Prevent Legionnaire's Disease in Pittsburgh

    On February 5, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations met to discuss VA officials' knowledge of 
Legionella contamination at the Pittsburgh VAMC and their 
response to this knowledge. This hearing purposed that the 
testimony supplied would inform efforts to create a standard, 
nation-wide protocol to respond to Legionella.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Robert 
Jesse, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Lauri Hicks, Medical 
Epidemiologist, National Center for Immunization and 
Respiratory Diseases, Center for Disease Control and Prevention 
accompanied by: Mr. Mike Moreland, Network Director, VISN 4, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Gary Roselle, Chief, 
Medical Service Program Director, Infectious Diseases, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Victor 
L. Yu, Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh; Dr. 
Janet Stout, Director, Special Pathogens Laboratory; Mr. Aaron 
Marshall, Operations Manager, Enrich Products, Inc.; Mr. Steve 
Schira, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Liquitech, Inc.; 
Ms. Kathleen Dahl, President, AFGE Local 2028, Pittsburgh 
Veterans Affairs Medical Center. See Analyzing VA's Actions to 
Prevent Legionnaire's Disease in Pittsburgh, Serial No. 113-1.

Subcommittee Hearing--Gulf War: What Kind of Care Are Veterans 
        Receiving 20 Years Later?

    On March 13, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations held a hearing to assess the effectiveness of 
current practices to identify, diagnose, and treat Gulf War 
Illness. This hearing's focus was to note how the tools and 
processes in place can be improved.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Lea 
Steele, Research Professor of Biomedical Studies & Director, 
Veterans Health Research Program, Baylor University; Dr. Steven 
S. Coughlin, Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology, Emory 
University; Dr. Bernard M. Rosof, Chairman, Board of Directors, 
Huntington Hospital Chair, Committee on Gulf War and Health: 
Treatment for Chronic Multisymptom Illness Institute of 
Medicine of the National Academies; and Mr. Anthony Hardie, 
Gulf War Veteran.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Victoria 
Davey, Chief Officer, Office of Public Health and Environmental 
Hazards Veterans Health Administration U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs accompanied by: Dr. Maureen McCarthy, Deputy 
Chief, Patient Care Services Office Veterans Health 
Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Stephen 
Hunt, Director, Post-Deployment Integrated Care initiative U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Gavin West, Acting Chief 
Medical Officer Salt Lake City VAMC Special Assistant, Office 
of the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Clinical 
Operations U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Tom Murphy, 
Director of Compensation Service Veterans Benefits 
Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Gulf 
War: What Kind of Care Are Veterans Receiving 20 Years Later? 
Serial No. 113-8.

Subcommittee Hearing--Waiting for Care: Examining Patient Wait Times at 
        the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    On March 14, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations met to discuss current VA practices for 
monitoring patient wait time in VA facilities. This hearing 
purposed to highlight potential solutions to the issue, 
particularly regarding policy improvement and systemic reform.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
William Schoenhard, FACHE, Deputy Under Secretary for Health 
for Operations and Management Veterans Health Administration 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accompanied by: Mr. Thomas 
Lynch, M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health 
Clinical Operations and Management Veterans Health 
Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Philip 
Matkovsky, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health Clinical 
Operations and Management Veterans Health Administration U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Michael Davies, M.D., 
National Director of Systems Redesign Veterans Administration 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Debra A. Draper, 
Director, Health Care Government Accountability Office; and Mr. 
Roscoe Butler, National Field Service Representative Veterans 
Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission The American Legion. See 
Waiting for Care: Examining Patient Wait Times at VA, Serial 
No. 113-11.

Subcommittee Hearing--Joint Subcommittee Hearing of the House Veterans' 
        Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations 
        and SBC Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce: Consistently 
        Inconsistent: Challenges for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned 
        Small Businesses

    On March 19, 2013, the subcommittees held an oversight 
hearing on statutory, regulatory and interpretive differences 
between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Department 
of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracting programs for small 
businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled Veterans.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Joseph 
Wynn, Special Advisor, VET-Force; Mr. Davy Leghorn, Assistant 
Director, National Economic Division, American Legion; Mr. Marc 
Goldschmitt, PMP, CEO, Goldschmitt and Associates, LLC; and Mr. 
Jonathan T. Williams, Partner, PilieroMazza, PLLC.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. William 
Shear, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, 
U.S. Government Accountability Office; Mr. A. John Shoraka, 
Associate Administrator, Office of Government Contracting and 
Business Development, U.S. Small Business Administration; and 
Mr. Tom Leney, Executive Director, Veterans and Small Business 
Programs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See Joint 
Subcommittee Hearing of the House Veterans' Affairs Committeee 
Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations and Small Business 
Commitee Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce: 
Consistently Inconsistent: Challenges for Service-Disabled 
Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, this hearing was hosted by the 
Small Business Committee and therefore does not have a House 
Veterans' Affairs Committee serial number.

Subcommittee Hearing--Department of Veterans Affairs Construction 
        Policy: Failed Plans Result in Plans That Fail

    On May 7, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations met to discuss the failure of the VA to 
adequately undertake--in planning and timely payment--multiple 
building projects of various scale.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Ms. 
Lorelei St. James, Director of Physical Infrastructure Issues, 
Government Accountability Office; Mr. Raymond Kelley, Director 
of Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Mr. Glenn D. 
Haggstrom, Principal Executive Director Office of Acquisition, 
Logistics, and Construction U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
accompanied by: Ms. Stella Fiotes, Executive Director 
Construction and Facilities Management Office of Acquisition, 
Logistics, and Construction U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See VA Construction Policy: Failed Plans Result in 
Plans That Fail, Serial No. 113-18.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Claims Backlog

    On May 17, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations conducted a Claims Backlog Roundtable, which 
focused on establishing a revised evidenced based process that 
will break the claims backlog and provide veterans access to 
their earned benefits within a reasonable timeframe. The event 
brought together government representatives and private 
industry leaders with experience in product tracking and claims 
processing.
    Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Michaud were in 
attendance in addition to the Oversight and Investigations 
Subcommittee Chairman, Mike Coffman. Representatives from the 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and several veterans 
service organizations were also in attendance.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Electronic Health Records

    On May 23, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations conducted an iEHR Roundtable which was a public-
private forum focused on sharing of industry best practices and 
providing architectural guidance to federal agency stakeholders 
to assist with the creation of a standards-based reusable data 
sharing service.
    The purpose of the roundtable was to enable interoperable 
exchange of healthcare data (clinical and business oriented 
data) between legacy and new electronic medical record 
systems--within the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department 
of Defense, and private sector healthcare providers.
    Participants included representatives from: Department of 
Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Interagency Program 
Office, Office of Management and Budget, 3M, Cisco, Dell, GE 
Healthcare, HP, IBM, Intel, Intersystems, Information 
Technology Acquisition Advisory Council, KaMedData, Microsoft, 
National Institute of Standards & Technology, Open Source 
Electronic Health Record Agent, Oracle, and Redhat. House 
Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Michael Michaud, and 
Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Committee Chairman 
Mike Coffman were also in attendance.

Subcommittee Hearing--How Secure Is Veterans' Private Information?

    On June 4, 2013 the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations held a hearing on the recent breach of security 
in the VA Office of Information and Technology, noting 
permissive factors and evaluating the VA's insufficient 
response to the breach.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Linda A. 
Halliday, Assistant Inspector General for Audits and 
Evaluations Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs accompanied by: Ms. Sondra McCauley, Deputy 
Assistant Secretary for Audits and Evaluations Office of 
Inspector General U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. 
Michael Bowman, Director, Information Technology and Security 
Audits Division Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Stephen 
W. Warren, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Information 
and Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accompanied 
by: Mr. Stan Lowe, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information 
Security Office of Information and Technology U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Jerry L. 
Davis, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information 
Security Office of Information and Technology U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs. See How Secure is Veterans' Private 
Information? Serial No. 113-21.

Subcommittee Hearing--Correcting ``Kerfuffles''--Analyzing Prohibited 
        Practices and Preventable Patient Deaths at Jackson VAMC

    On November 13, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations met in open session to examine whether 
Department of Veterans Affairs officials are seriously 
addressing patient care issues at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery 
VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.
    On the first pane, testimony was provided by Dr. Phyllis 
Hollenbeck, M.D., FAAFP, Former Physician of Family Medicine at 
the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center; Dr. Charles 
Sherwood, M.D., Former Chief of Ophthalmology, G.V. (Sonny) 
Montgomery VA Medical Center; Erik Hearon, Maj. Gen. (Ret.), 
United States Air Force and Mr. Charles Jenkins, President, 
American Federation of Government Employees, Local 589.
    During the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Rica 
Lewis-Payton, VISN-16 Network Director, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery 
VA Medical Center; Dr. Gregg Parker, M.D., VISN-16 Neurologist 
and Chief Medical Officer, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical 
Center; and Mr. Joe Battle, Director, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery 
VA Medical Center. See Correcting `Kerfuffles'--Analyzing 
Prohibited Practices and Preventable Patient Deaths at Jackson 
VAMC Serial No. 113-44.

Subcommittee Member Briefing--VA Cyber Security Deficiencies

    On December 3, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations conducted a briefing for Members of the Full 
Committee which focused on numerous problems plaguing cyber 
security in the VA, such as a lack of security controls, 
outdated workstations, numerous security vulnerabilities, and a 
lack of transparency and accountability.
    Two renowned cyber security experts were brought in to 
validate and substantiate these findings and provide 
credibility to the threats to VA's network and the potential 
loss of Veterans' personal information.

Subcommittee Hearing--Joint Subcommittee Hearing of the HVAC 
        Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations & SBC Subcommittee 
        on Contracting and Workforce: Contracting Away Accountability--
        Reverse Auctions in Federal Agency Acquisitions

    On December 11, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigation and the House Small Business Subcommittee on 
Contracting and Workforce met in open session to address 
serious problems with VA and other federal agencies' use of 
reverse auctions in contract bids, including questions 
regarding fees paid, vendor competition, and agency oversight.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Nigel 
Cary, President of Cox Construction Company and Mr. Louis J. 
Celli Jr., Director, Legislative Division of the American 
Legion.
    On panel two, testimony was provided by Ms. Michelle 
Mackin, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management with the 
Government Accountability Office; Mr. Joseph Jordan, 
Administrator in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy 
within the Office of Management and Budget; and Mr. William 
Sisk, Deputy Commissioner, Federal Acquisition Service and 
General Services Administration.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Jan Frye, 
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Acquisitions and 
Logistics at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Frye was 
accompanied by Mr. Philip Matkovsky, Assistant Deputy Under 
Secretary for Health for Administrative Operations.
    Veterans Health Administration. See Contracting Away 
Accountability--Reverse Auctions in Federal Agency Acquisitions 
Serial No. 113-48.

                    EXECUTIVE BRANCH COMMUNICATIONS

    January 3, 2013: Communication 09041, a letter from the 
Deputy General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, Department 
of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Copayments for Medications in 2013 (RIN: 2900-AO58) received 
January 3, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    February 15, 2013: Communication 00489, a letter from the 
Secretary of the Army, Department of Defense, transmitting a 
report on reservations made for interment at Arlington National 
Cemetery, as required by Section 602 of Public Law 112-154. 
Received February 6, 2013.
    February 15, 2013: Communication 00476, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule-Disclosures to Participate in State 
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (RIN: 2900-AO45) received 
February 14, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    March 7, 2013: Communication 00638, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Departments final rule--Grants for the Rural Veterans 
Coordination Pilot (RVCP) (RIN: 2900-A035) received February 
26, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    March 7, 2013: Communication 00639, 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 Homeless providers Grant and 
Per Diem Program (RIN: 2900-AN81) received February 26, 2013, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    March 12, 2013: Communication 00670, a letter from the 
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Department of 
Justice, transmitting First Quarterly Report of FY 2013 under 
The Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008. Referred 
jointly to the Committees on the Judiciary and Veterans' 
Affairs.
    April 12, 2013: Communication 01098, 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 (RIN: 2900-AO36) received 
March 26, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    April 15, 2013: Communication 01116, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation and Management, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Grants for Transportation of Veterans 
in High Rural Areas (RIN: 2900-AO01) received April 2, 2013, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    April 24, 2013: A message from the President of the United 
States transmitting the Administration's 2013 National Drug 
Control Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504.
    April 25, 2013: Communication 01309, 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--Grants to States for Construction 
or Acquisition of State Homes (RIN: 2900-AO60) received April 
10, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    May 8, 2013: Memorial 0024, Title presented by the Speaker: 
A memorial of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
relative to a Senate Resolution requesting the Federal 
Government provide sufficient funding and personnel to process 
veterans' claims in a more timely manner.
    May 15, 2013: Communication 01503, 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--Payment for Home Health Services 
and Hospice Care to Non-VA Providers ( RIN: 2900-AN98) received 
May 6, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    May 16, 2013: Memorial 0029 presented as follows by the 
Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the 
State of Oregon, relative to House Joint Memorial No. 1 
requesting that the Congress overturn the Department of 
Veterans Affairs regulation prohibiting the provision of 
service or therapy dogs for veterans with emotional and mental 
disabilities.
    May 23, 2013: Communication 01609, 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--Tentative Eligibility 
Determinations; Presumptive Eligibility for Psychosis and Other 
Mental Illness (RIN: 2900-AN87) received May 14, 2013, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    May 24, 2013: Communication 01688, a letter from the 
Assistant Secretary, Department of Defense, transmitting 
proposed legislation, titled ``National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2014.''
    May 24, 2013: Communication 01686, a letter from the 
Assistant Secretary of Defense, Department of Defense, 
transmitting additional legislative proposals that the 
Department requests be enacted during the first session of the 
113th Congress.
    May 24, 2013: Communication 01672, a letter from the 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Copayments for Medications in 2013 (RIN: 2900-AO58) received 
May 22, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    June 10, 2013: Communication 01722, 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--VA Dental Insurance Program (RIN: 
2900-AN99) received May 28, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    June 13, 2013: Communication 01863, a letter from the 
Adjutant General, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 
transmitting proceedings of the 113th National Convention of 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, held in 
Reno, Nevada, July 21-25, 2012, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 118 and 
44 U.S.C. 1332.
    June 19, 2013: Communication 01924, a letter from the 
Deputy Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Department 
of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Community Residential Care (RIN: 2900-AO62) received May 28, 
2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    June 28, 2013: Communication 02179, a letter from the 
Acting Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness, Department 
of Defense, transmitting Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center 
of Excellence Report to Congress for 2012.
    June 28, 2013: Memorial 0094, Presented by the Speaker, A 
memorial of the House of Representatives of the State of Maine, 
relative to the House Joint Resolution No. 1111 requesting that 
the President and the Congress support the adoption of the 
Veterans Remembered Flag.
    July 16, 2013: Communication 02259, a letter from the 
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a 
letter reporting the FY 2012 expenditures from the Pershing 
Hall Revolving Fund for projects, activities, and facilities 
that support eth mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    July 16, 2013: Communication 02260, a letter 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 2012 
Annual Report, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8111(f).
    July 24, 2013: Communication 02340, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management Prescribed by Non-
VA Providers (RIN: 2900-A077) received July 16, 2013, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    August 2, 2103: Communication 02729, a letter from the 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Patient Access to Records (RIN: 2900-
A061) received July 26, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    September 9, 2013: Communication 02769, a letter from the 
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Department of 
Justice, transmitting Third Quarterly Report of FY 2013 under 
the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.
    September 9, 2103: Communication 2770, a letter from the 
Principal Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice, 
transmitting Second Quarterly Report of FY2013 on the Uniformed 
Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.
    September 16, 2013: Communication 02956, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Offices of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--VA Veteran Owned Small Business 
Verification Guidelines (RIN: 2900-A049) received August 22, 
2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    September 16, 2013: Communication 02955, a letter from the 
Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Offices of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--VA Health Professional Scholarship 
and Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professional 
Scholarship Programs (RIN: 2900-AO34/WP2010-041), received 
August 22, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    September 30, 2013: Communication 03160, 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--Disease Associated with Exposure 
to Certain Herbicide Agents: Peripheral Neuropathy (RIN: 2900-
AO32) September 12, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    September 30, 2013: Communication 03161, a letter from the 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, the 
Department's final rule--Vet Center Services (RIN: 2900-AN92) 
received September 13, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    October 14, 2013: Communication 03299, a letter from the 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, the 
Department's final rule--VA Acquisition Regulation: Service-
Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Status 
Protests (RIN: 2900-AM92) received September 26, 2013, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    October 16, 2013: Memorial 0139, a memorial presented as 
follows by the Speaker: A memorial of the Senate of the State 
of Texas, relative to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 17 
urging the Congress to restore the presumption of a service 
connection for Agent Orange exposure to United States Navy and 
United States Air Force veterans.
    October 28, 2013: Communication 03416, a letter from the 
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, a 
letter notifying the Congress that the Department will no 
longer enforce section 101 (3) and 101(31) of title 38.
    October 29, 2013: Communication 03437, 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--Eligibility of Disabled Veterans 
and Members of the armed Forces with Severe Burn Injuries for 
Financial Assistance in the Purchase of an Automobile or other 
Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment (RIN: 2900-AO31) received 
September 19, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    October 30, 2103: Communication 03616, 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 Dental Insurance Program-
Federalism (RIN:2900-A085) received October 21, 2013, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 801 (a)(1)(A).
    November 19, 2013: Communication 03763, a letter from the 
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, a 
letter regarding the Department's decision to no longer defend 
section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act.
    November 22, 2013: Memorial 0163, a memorial presented by 
the Speaker, a memorial of the General Assembly of the State of 
California, relative to Assembly Joint Resolution No. 19 urging 
the Congress and the President to provide benefits to those 
veterans discriminated against solely on the basis of their 
sexual orientation.
    December 9, 2013: Communication 04035, a letter from the 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, transmitting, the Department's final rule 
regarding Copayment for Extended Care Services (RIN: 2900-
Ao59), received December 2, 2013, pursuant to U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    December 9, 2013: Communication 04036, from the National 
Adjutant, Chief Executive Officer, the Disabled American 
Veterans, transmitting the 2013 National Convention Proceedings 
of the Disabled American Veterans, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 90i 
and 44 U.S.C. 1332.
    December 11, 2013: Communication 04130, a letter from the 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Criteria for a Catastrophically Disabled Determination for 
Purposes of Enrollment (RIN: 2900-A021) received December, 3, 
2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    December 11, 2013: Communication 04131, from the Director, 
Regulation Policy and Management, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--Specially 
Adapted Housing Eligibility for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 
Beneficiaries (RIN: 2900-A084) received December 3, 2013, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    December 11, 2013: Communication 04132, a letter from the 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Grants to States for Construction or Acquisition of State Homes 
(RIN: 2900-A060) received December 5, 2013, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).

                                 
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