[House Report 113-659]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                 Union Calendar No. 496

113th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 113-659

                 SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES

                                 of the

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

                                 of the

                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                               during the

                    ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS

                              pursuant to

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




 December 11, 2014.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
            
            
                     U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 
   
   49-006 PDF               WASHINGTON : 2014 
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

            
                         LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

                              ----------                              

                          House of Representatives,
                            Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
                                 Washington, DC, December 12, 2014.
Hon. Karen Lehman Haas,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    Dear Ms. Haas: Pursuant to clause 1(d) of rule XI of the 
Rules of the House of Representatives for the 113th Congress, I 
present herewith the annual report on the activity of the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs for the 113th Congress, Second 
Session, including the Committee's review and study of 
legislation within its jurisdiction, and the oversight 
activities undertaken by the Committee.
            Sincerely,
                                               Jeff Miller,
                                                          Chairman.
                            C O N T E N T S

                                                                   Page
Jurisdiction.....................................................     1
Rules of the Committee...........................................     2
Membership and Organization......................................    11
Legislative and Oversight Activities.............................    15
Full Committee Legislative Activities............................    16
Full Committee Oversight Activities..............................    23
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.......    37
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.............................    45
Subcommittee on Health...........................................    49
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.....................    53
Messages from the President and other Executive Branch 
  Communications.................................................    57
  
  
                                                 Union Calendar No. 496
                                                 
113th Congress   }                                 {        Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session      }                                 {        113-659
======================================================================
 
 SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' 
                                AFFAIRS

                                _______
                                

 December 11, 2014.--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

    Clause 1(d) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives for the 113th Congress requires that each 
standing committee, not later than January 2 of each year, 
submit to the House a report on the activities of that 
committee, including separate sections summarizing the 
legislative and oversight activities of that committee during 
that Congress.

                              JURISDICTION


                           RULES OF THE HOUSE

    Clause 1(s) of rule X of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives for the 113th Congress sets forth 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


                     U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES


                             113TH CONGRESS


                             Second Session

                              ----------                              


                       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.
        
   MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

                  ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH CONGRESS

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

          (Ratio: 14-11)

  JEFF MILLER, Florida, Chairman

MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine,           DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado
  Ranking Member                     GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida,
CORRINE BROWN, Florida                 Vice Chairman
MARK TAKANO, California              DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee
JULIA BROWNLEY, California           JEFF DENHAM, California
DINA TITUS, Nevada                   BILL FLORES, Texas
ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona             JON RUNYAN, New Jersey
RAUL RUIZ, California                DAN BENISHEK, Michigan
GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California    TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas
ANN M. KUSTER, New Hampshire         MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado
BETO O'ROURKE, Texas                 BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio
TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota           PAUL COOK, California
                                     JACKIE WALORSKI, Indiana
                                     DAVID W. JOLLY, Florida*

Jonathan A. Towers, Majority Staff 
             Director
   Nancy Dolan, Minority Staff 
             Director

*Representative David W. Jolly was added to the Membership of the Full 
Committee by unanimous consent during a business meeting held on April 
3, 2014.

                        SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS

       SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS

           (Ratio: 5-4)

 JON RUNYAN, New Jersey, Chairman

DINA TITUS, Nevada                   DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado
BETO O'ROURKE, Texas                 GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida
RAUL RUIZ, California                PAUL COOK, California
GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California    DAVID W. JOLLY, Florida*

*Representative David W. Jolly was added to the Membership of the 
Subcommittees on Health and Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
by unanimous consent during a business meeting held on April 3, 2014.

                  SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

           (Ratio: 5-4)

   BILL FLORES, Texas, Chairman

MARK TAKANO, California              JON RUNYAN, New Jersey
JULIA BROWNLEY, California           MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado
DINA TITUS, Nevada                   PAUL COOK, California
ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona             BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio

                         SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH

           (Ratio: 7-5)

 DAN BENISHEK, Michigan, Chairman

JULIA BROWNLEY, California,          DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee
  Ranking Member                     JEFF DENHAM, California
CORRINE BROWN, Florida               TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas
RAUL RUIZ, California                JACKIE WALORSKI, Indiana
GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California    BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio
ANN M. KUSTER, New Hampshire         DAVID W. JOLLY, Florida*

*Representative David W. Jolly was added to the Membership of the 
Subcommittees on Health and Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
by unanimous consent during a business meeting held on April 3, 2014.

              SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS

           (Ratio: 6-5)

 MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado, Chairman

ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona,            DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado
  Ranking Member                     DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee
MARK TAKANO, California              TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas
ANN M. KUSTER, New Hampshire         DAN BENISHEK, Michigan
BETO O'ROURKE, Texas                 JACKIE WALORSKI, Indiana
TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota
                            COMMITTEE STAFF


                             MAJORITY STAFF

        Jonathan A. Towers 
          Staff Director
         Michael F. Brinck
       Deputy Staff Director
    Brandt Anderson, Research 
Assistant, Subcommittee on Health 
        (Oct. 2014-Present)
Kelsey Baron, Research Assistant, 
     Subcommittee on Economic 
            Opportunity
   Curt Cashour, Communications 
             Director
   Amy Centanni, Investigative 
Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight 
  and Investigations (Jun. 2014-
             Present)
Jonathan A. Clark, Staff Director, 
     Subcommittee on Economic 
            Opportunity
  Bernadine N. Dotson, Financial 
           Administrator
Jessica G. Eggimann, Chief Clerk, 
 Legislative Coordinator, Office 
              Manager
Samantha E. Gonzalez, Professional 
           Staff Member
 Eric E. Hannel, Staff Director, 
  Subcommittee on Oversight and 
          Investigations
 Christine Hill, Staff Director, 
      Subcommittee on Health
   Jon Hodnette, Investigative 
Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight 
        and Investigations
   Ashfaq Huda, Detailee--U.S. 
 Government Accountability Office
   Christina Mandruecci, Staff 
 Assistant (Dec.15, 2014-Present)
    Mary Ashley Miller, Staff 
             Assistant
Megan Olmstead, Research Assistant 
   and Counsel, Subcommittee on 
   Health (Jan. 2014-June 2014)
Harold Rees, Senior Investigative 
Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight 
        and Investigations
  Rory Riley, Staff Director and 
     Counsel, Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial 
   Affairs (Jan. 2014-Oct. 2014)
 Lauren Rogan, Professional Staff 
 Member and Counsel, Subcommittee 
   on Disability Assistance and 
         Memorial Affairs
  Michael Siegel, Digital Manager
Ian D. Smith, Research Assistant, 
    Subcommittee on Disability 
  Assistance and Memorial Affairs
 Maria Tripplaar, Staff Director 
   and Counsel, Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial 
    Affairs (Dec. 2014-Present)
Christopher Stowe, Military Fellow

                             MINORITY STAFF

            Nancy Dolan
          Staff Director
          David M. Tucker
 Deputy Staff Director and Chief 
              Counsel
 Kent Anderson, Legislative Fellow
 Megan Bland, Executive Assistant
   Carolyn Blaydes, Legislative 
             Assistant
  Justin Brown, Staff Director, 
    Subcommittee on Disability 
  Assistance and Memorial Affairs
  Juan Lara, Staff Director and 
 Counsel Subcommittee on Economic 
 Opportunity (Jan. 2014-Oct. 2014)
 Carol S. Murray, Office Manager 
    and Legislative Coordinator
  Daniel Rafter, Communications 
             Director
Saki Ververis, Senior Legislative 
             Assistant
    Cathleen C. Wiblemo, Staff 
 Director, Subcommittee on Health
                  LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

    From January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2014 of the First 
and Second Sessions of the 113th Congress, 363 bills were 
referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The Committee 
reported to the House or was discharged from further 
consideration of 29 measures. Ten measures regarding matters 
within the Committee's jurisdiction were enacted into law.
    The following is a summary of the legislative and oversight 
activities of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs from January 
1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 of the 113th Congress.

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

          (Ratio: 14-11)

  JEFF MILLER, Florida, Chairman

MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine,           DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado
  Ranking Member                     GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida,
CORRINE BROWN, Florida                 Vice Chairman
MARK TAKANO, California              DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee
JULIA BROWNLEY, California           JEFF DENHAM, California
DINA TITUS, Nevada                   BILL FLORES, Texas
ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona             JON RUNYAN, New Jersey
RAUL RUIZ, California                DAN BENISHEK, Michigan
GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California    TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas
ANN M. KUSTER, New Hampshire         MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado
BETO O'ROURKE, Texas                 BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio
TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota           PAUL COOK, California
                                     JACKIE WALORSKI, Indiana
                                     DAVID W. JOLLY, Florida*

*Representative David W. Jolly was added to the Membership of the Full 
Committee by unanimous consent during a business meeting held on April 
3, 2014.
                    COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS 


                 FULL COMMITTEE LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES


Second Session

    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES ACT OF 2014

                              (H.R. 5404)


Summary

    H.R. 5404, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring 
Authorities Act of 2014, would amend certain veterans' health 
benefit provisions to extend through 2015, would extend through 
Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 the authority and authorization of 
appropriations under the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health 
Services Act of 2010. The bill would also extend authorities 
related to homelessness, benefits, and other authorities 
including the Secretary of Veterans Affairs' authority to 
transport individuals through 2015. H.R. 5404 would extend the 
Secretary's authority to maintain a regional office in the 
Philippines through FY2015, and would extend the requirement 
that the Secretary report to Congress on the disposition of 
each case recommended to the Secretary for equitable relief 
from the denial of VA benefits due to administrative error 
through 2015. This bill would also extend the authority for the 
Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans through 2015, as well 
as the Secretary's authority to provide specially adapted 
housing assistance through FY2015, and the Secretary's 
authority to enter into an agreement with National Academy of 
Sciences (NAS), under the Agent Orange Act of 1991, for a study 
of the associations between diseases and exposure to dioxin and 
other chemical compounds in herbicides, through 2015.
    The bill would also increase the multipliers used in 
calculating the fees the Secretary is authorized to pay to 
educational institutions and apprenticeships, would amend 
provisions for payments under the Education Debt Reduction 
Program, and would make miscellaneous and technical amendments 
to the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5404 was introduced by Representative Jeff Denham on 
September 8, 2014, and referred to the Committee on Veterans 
Affairs, in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and 
the Budget. H.R. 5404 was originally cosponsored by Committee 
Chairman Jeff Miller. The bill had no additional cosponsors.
    On September 10, 2014, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in open session and ordered the bill favorably reported to 
the House by voice vote.
    On September, 16, 2014, the House agreed to a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5404 by voice vote.
    On September 18, 2014, the Senate passed H.R. 5404 without 
amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On September 26, 2014, H.R. 5404 was signed by the 
President and became Public Law No. 113-175.

                 VA CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2014

                              (H.R. 3593)


Summary

    H.R. 3593, the VA Construction Assistance Act of 2014, 
would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for any 
construction or alteration project that is a major medical 
facility project, to use the services of a medical equipment 
planner as part of the architectural and engineering firm for 
the project, develop and use a project management plan to 
ensure clear and consistent communication among all parties, 
subject the project to construction peer excellence review, 
develop a metrics program to enable the monitoring of change-
order processing time and goals for the change-order process 
consistent with the best practices of other federal agencies, 
and use design-build processes to minimize multiple change 
orders. This bill would direct the Secretary to procure the 
services of the Army Corps of Engineers with respect to 
appointing not less than one special project manager who has 
experience in managing construction projects that exceed $60 
million to oversee such covered projects until completion. H.R. 
3593 would require a special project manager to submit to 
congressional committees detailed plans of a covered project 
and progress reports, which would include an analysis of all 
changes ordered by the VA and recommendations for improving the 
operation of any construction-related activity to reduce costs 
or complete the project in a timelier manner.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3593 was introduced by Representative Mike Coffman on 
November 21, 2013, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill was originally cosponsored by Representative 
Ann Kirkpatrick, and had six additional cosponsors.
    On March 25, 2014, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a legislative hearing on H.R. 3593, and 
received testimony from the following witnesses: Ms. Stella S. 
Fiotes, Executive Director, Office of Construction and 
Facilities Management, Office of Acquisition, Logistics and 
Construction, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Gregory 
Wilshusen, Director, Information Security Issues, U.S. 
Government Accountability Office; Mr. Raymond Kelley, Director, 
National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Ms. 
Diane Zumatto, National Legislative Director, AMVETS; Mr. James 
H. Binns, Chairman, Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War 
Veterans' Illnesses; Mr. Louis Celli, Legislative Director, The 
American Legion; Mr. Davy Leghorn, Assistant Director, Veterans 
Employment and Education Division, The American Legion; and Mr. 
Frank Wilton, Chief Executive Officer, American Association of 
Tissue Banks.
    On September 10, 2014, the Committee met in open session 
and ordered the bill favorably reported to the House by voice 
vote. The Committee Report was filed on September 15, 2014 (H. 
Rept. 113-586).
    On September 16, 2014, the House agreed to a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3593 by voice vote.
    On September 17, 2014, H.R. 3593 was received in the Senate 
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

      VETERANS TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2014

                              (H.R. 4276)


Summary

    H.R. 4276, the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Care 
Improvement Act of 2014, would amend the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to alter the reporting 
requirements under the pilot program to assess the 
effectiveness of providing assistance to eligible veterans with 
traumatic brain injury to enhance their rehabilitation, quality 
of life, and community integration. This bill would direct the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit reports to the 
House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs on the pilot 
program for each quarter occurring between January 1, 2015, and 
September 30, 2017, and would require each quarterly report, 
and the final report, to include specific information. H.R. 
4276 would also replace references to ``assisted living'' with 
the term ``community-based brain injury residential 
rehabilitative care,'' including rehabilitation services within 
the meaning of such care.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4276 was introduced by Representative Bill Cassidy on 
March 18, 2014, and was referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill was originally cosponsored by Majority Leader 
Kevin McCarthy, and had five additional cosponsors.
    On September 10, 2014, the Committee met in open session 
and an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 4276 was 
offered by Representative Dan Benishek, which was adopted by 
voice vote. The Committee ordered the bill, as amended, 
favorably reported to the House by voice vote. The Committee 
Report was filed on September 15, 2014 (H. Rept. 113-598).
    On September 14, 2014, the House agreed to a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4276, as amended, by voice 
vote.
    On September 17, 2014, H.R. 4276 was received in the 
Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

COMPREHENSIVE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND 
                   ACCOUNTABILITY REFORM ACT OF 2014

                              (H.R. 4399)


Summary

    H.R. 4399, the Comprehensive Department of Veterans Affairs 
Performance Management and Accountability Reform Act of 2014, 
would specify criteria and process to improve performance 
appraisal of senior executives at the Department of Veterans 
Affairs. The bill would also amend criteria and process for 
performance pay for physicians and dentists, and would require 
reporting by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. H.R. 4399 would 
also prohibit performance awards in the Senior Executive 
Service for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4399 was introduced by Ranking Member Michael H. 
Michaud on April 4, 2014, and referred to the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had sixteen additional cosponsors.
    On September 10, 2014, the Committee met in open session 
and an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 4399 was 
offered by Ranking Member Michael H. Michaud, which was adopted 
by voice vote. The Committee ordered the bill, as amended, 
favorably reported to the House by voice vote.

                      OUR VETS DESERVE BETTER ACT

                              (H.R. 4862)


Summary

    H.R. 4862, the Our Vets Deserve Better Act, would direct 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), within 30 days after 
enactment, to meet with specified advisory committees to 
receive administrative and policy recommendations to improve 
the VA health care system.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4862 was introduced by Representative Denny Heck on 
June 12, 2014, and was referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On September 10, 2014, the Committee met in open session 
and an Amendment to H.R. 4862 was offered by Representative 
Dina Titus. The Amendment to H.R. 4862 failed the Committee by 
a roll call vote of 13 nays to 12 yeas. H.R. 4862 was 
subsequently removed from the markup agenda at the request of 
the Chairman with the Unanimous Consent of the Committee.

                            ASK VETERANS ACT

                              (H.R. 4971)


Summary

    H.R. 4971, the Ask Veterans Act, would require the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into a contract with a 
non-government entity for the purpose of conducting a survey of 
veteran experiences with medical care of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, and would require that the findings be 
publically available. This bill would also require the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish standards for the 
mental health care of veterans who participated in a sensitive 
mission or served in a sensitive unit, thus involving 
classified information. H.R. 4971 would also require the Board 
of Veterans' Appeals to determine, for purposes of scheduling a 
Board hearing, the location and format of the hearing, and 
would give the appellant the right to opt into a different 
location or format after notice and opportunity to respond.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4971 was introduced by Representative Beto O'Rourke on 
June 25, 2014, and was referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had 32 cosponsors, 11 of which were 
original cosponsors.
    On September 10, 2014, the Committee met in open session 
and an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 4971 was 
offered by Representative Raul Ruiz, which was adopted by voice 
vote. The Committee ordered the bill, as amended, favorably 
reported to the House by voice vote.
    On December 3, 2014, the Committee Report was filed (H. 
Rept. 113-645).

 TO AMEND TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE, TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF 
VETERANS AFFAIRS TO RECOUP CERTAIN BONUSES OR AWARDS PAID TO EMPLOYEES 
                 OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

                              (H.R. 5094)


Summary

    H.R. 5094, to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recoup certain 
bonuses or awards paid to employees of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, would authorize the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) to issue an order directing a VA employee to repay 
the amount of an award or bonus paid to the employee if the 
Secretary determines that such repayment is appropriate, and 
the employee is afforded notice and an opportunity for a 
hearing.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5094 was introduced by Committee Chairman Jeff Miller 
on July 14, 2014, and referred to the Committee on Veterans 
Affairs, in addition to the Committee on Oversight and 
Government. The bill had two cosponsors.
    On September 10, 2014, the Committee met in open session 
and an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 5094 was 
offered by Committee Chairman Jeff Miller, which was adopted by 
voice vote. The Committee ordered the bill, as amended, 
favorably reported to the House by voice vote.

      THE VETERANS ACCESS, CHOICE, AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2014

                              (H.R. 3230)


Summary

    H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability 
Act of 2014, was necessitated after extensive investigation of 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs exposed inexcusable delays 
in veterans' health care, hidden wait times, large scale data 
manipulation, and unconscionable malfeasance on behalf of 
employees and Senior Executives within the Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA).
    H.R. 3230 would improve access to care, would require 
hospital care and medical services be furnished in specific 
circumstances, and would provide greater transparency and 
communication with veterans and require reporting by the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This bill would also improve 
outreach to Indian Health Service medical facilities, and would 
require additional reporting by VA. H.R. 3230 would direct the 
Secretary to enter into agreements to reimburse direct care 
services provided to veterans by the Native Hawaiian health 
care systems, would extend Project ARCH (Access Received Closer 
to Home), would direct the Secretary to establish and implement 
a system to process and pay claims for payment for health care 
furnished by non-VA health care providers that complies with 
the Prompt Payment Act, and would require the Comptroller 
General to report to Congress. This bill would direct the 
Secretary to enter into one or more contracts with a private 
sector entity or entities for an independent assessment of the 
health care furnished in VA medical facilities, and would make 
several other changes to the provision, supervision, and 
coordination of veterans' health care, and other health care 
matters. This bill would also authorize the Secretary to carry 
out certain major medical facility leases at specified 
locations for up to specified amounts, and would provide other 
specific requirements as to leases.
    H.R. 3230 would also expand the Marine Gunnery Sergeant 
John David Fry Scholarship, and make changes to education 
programs. The bill would extend through FY2024 the current $90 
per month limit on a VA pension paid to veterans residing in 
nursing homes when their nursing costs are paid through title 
XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, would extend the 
Secretary's authority to collect fees for certain housing loans 
made, insured, or guaranteed by the VA through FY2024, would 
limit the aggregate amount of awards and bonuses payable to VA 
employees in each of FY2015-FY2024, would extend the VA's 
authority to obtain veterans' income verification information 
from the Commissioner of Social Security or the Secretary of 
the Treasury through FY2024, would authorize the Secretary to 
remove any individual from the VA Senior Executive Service if 
the Secretary determines that the individual's performance or 
misconduct warrants such removal, and would authorize the 
Secretary to remove such individual from the civil service or 
transfer the individual to a General Schedule position at any 
appropriate grade for which the individual is qualified, and 
would further limit the transfer option. The bill would require 
the Secretary to provide Congress with written notice of each 
such removal or transfer and the reason for making it within 30 
days after the removal or transfer, and would provide limited 
appeal rights. The bill would require the U.S. Merit Systems 
Protection Board (MSPB) to report to Congress on the actions it 
plans to take to conduct such expedited reviews. H.R. 3230 
would also waive, for 120 days after this Act's enactment, 
limitations on the initiation of an action to remove an 
individual from the VA Senior Executive Service.
    H.R. 3230 would also authorize appropriations for use by 
the Secretary to improve veterans' access to care and the VA's 
physical infrastructure, and would require the Secretary to 
report to Congress on how the Secretary has obligated such 
funds. The bill would direct the Secretary to submit a funding 
plan to Congress describing how the Secretary intends to use 
such funds.
    H.R. 3230 would establish the Veterans Choice Fund in the 
Treasury, which the Secretary would use to carry out this Act, 
would provide for limitations and would authorize 
appropriations. H.R. 3230 would treats funding as emergency 
funding that is not subject to pay-as-you-go spending 
constraints.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3230 was introduced by Representative Harold Rogers on 
October 2, 2013, and referred to the Committee on 
Appropriations. The bill had two cosponsors.
    On October 2, 2013 H.R. 3230, Rules Committee Resolution, 
H. Res. 370, which provided for consideration of H.R. 3230, 
passed the House. On October 3, 2013, the House considered H.R. 
3230 and passed the bill, by a record vote of 265 yeas and 160 
nays.
    On October 4, 2013, H.R. 3230 was received in the Senate 
and read the first time, and on October 5, 2013, read the 
second time.
    On June 11, 2014, the Senate struck all after the Enacting 
Clause and substituted the language of S. 2450.
    On June 11, 2014, H.R. 3230 passed in the Senate with an 
amendment, and an amendment to the title, by a record vote of 
93 yeas and 3 nays, and message on Senate action was sent to 
the House.
    On June 18, 2014, Committee Chairman Jeff Miller moved that 
the House concur in the Senate amendment to the title of H.R. 
3230. The motion was agreed to by voice vote. Committee 
Chairman Jeff Miller then moved that the House insist upon its 
amendment to the Senate amendment to the text and require a 
conference. The motion was agreed to by voice vote.
    On June 18, 2014, the Speaker appointed conferees for 
consideration of the House amendment and the Senate amendment, 
and modifications committed to conference: Committee Chairman 
Jeff Miller; Representative Doug Lamborn; Representative David 
L. Roe; Representative Bill Flores; Representative Dan 
Benishek; Representative Mike Coffman; Representative Brad 
Wenstrup; Representative Jackie Walorski; Committee Ranking 
Member Michael H. Michaud; Representative Corrine Brown; 
Representative Mark Takano; Representative Julia Brownley; 
Representative Ann Kirkpatrick; and Representative Timothy J. 
Walz.
    On June 18, 2014, the Senate disagreed to House amendment 
to Senate amendment, agreed to request for conference, and 
appointed conferees to include Veterans' Affairs Committee 
Chairman Bernie Sanders; Senator Jay Rockefeller; Senator Patty 
Murray; Senator Sherrod Brown; Senator Jon Tester; Senator Mark 
Begich; Senator Richard Blumenthal; Senator Mazie Hirono; 
Ranking Member Richard Burr; Senator Johnny Isakson; Senator 
Mike Johanns; Senator John McCain; Senator Tom Coburn; and 
Senator Marco Rubio.
    On July 24, 2014, the Conference was held.
    On July 28, 2014, Committee Chairman Jeff Miller filed the 
Conference Report for H.R. 3230 (H. Rept. 113-564).
    On July 30, 2014, the Conference Report was agreed to in 
the House on a motion to suspend the rules by a recorded vote 
of 420 yeas to 5 nays.
    On July 31, 2014, the Conference Report to H.R. 3230 was 
agreed to in the Senate by a recorded vote of 91 yeas to 3 
nays.
    On August 7, 2014, the President signed H.R. 3230, which 
became Public Law No. 113-146.

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS


                  FULL COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES


Second Session

Site Visit--Columbia, South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia 

    On January 5, 2014, through January 7, 2014, The Honorable 
Jeff Miller, Chairman, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 
accompanied by Committee staff, traveled to Columbia, South 
Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia, to conduct oversight visits to 
evaluate the clinical operations of the William Jennings Bryan 
Dorn Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in 
Columbia, South Carolina and the Charlie Norwood Department of 
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia.

Full Committee Hearing--What Can the Federal Government Learn From the 
        Private Sector's Successful Approach to Hiring Veterans?

    On January 28, 2014, the Committee met to highlight the 
success the private sector has had in hiring and retaining 
veterans as employees, and to discuss what impact government 
programs have had on the success of these veterans and their 
employment.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by 
Brigadier General Gary M. Profit, USA (Ret.), Senior Director, 
Military Programs, Walmart; Mr. Sean Kelley, Senior Staffing 
Director, Cloud and Enterprise Group & Military Recruiting, 
Microsoft Corporation; Ms. Maureen E. Casey, Managing Director, 
Military and Veterans Affairs, JPMorgan Chase & Co.; Mr. Jim 
Amos, Chairman, Tasti D-Lite and Planet Smoothie, on Behalf of 
the International Franchise Association; and Mr. Ross Cohen, 
Senior Director, Hiring Our Heroes, U.S. Chamber of Commerce 
Foundation. See ``What can the Federal Government Learn from 
the Private Sector's Successful Approach to Hiring Veterans?,'' 
Serial No. 113-50.

Site Visit--Arlington, Virginia

    On February 11, 2014, The Honorable Jeff Miller, Chairman, 
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, visited Arlington 
National Cemetery (ANC) to meet with ANC's new Executive 
Director, Patrick Hallinan, to discuss Mr. Hallinan's 
transition to becoming the new ANC Executive Director, to tour 
Section 60, and to review ANC's enforcement of policy regarding 
items left at gravesites. The Chairman was accompanied by staff 
of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial 
Affairs.

Full Committee Hearing--Joint House and Senate Veterans' Affairs 
        Committees To Receive Legislative Presentation of the Disabled 
        American Veterans (DAV)

    On February 25, 2014, the Committee participated in a joint 
hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to receive 
testimony from Disabled American Veterans (DAV) on the 
organization's 2014 legislative priorities.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Joseph W. Johnston, National Commander, Disabled American 
Veterans; Mr. Jim Marszalek, National Service Director; Mr. 
Joseph A. Violante, National Legislative Director; Mr. Garry J. 
Augustine, Executive Director, Washington Headquarters; Mr. J. 
Marc Burgess, National Adjutant; Mr. Barry A. Jesinoski, 
Executive Director, National Headquarters; Mr. Ron B. Minter, 
National Director of Voluntary Service; and Ms. Susan K. 
Miller, National Commander, Disabled American Veterans 
Auxiliary. See ``Joint House and Senate Veterans'' Affairs 
Committees to receive Legislative Presentation of the Disabled 
American Veterans (DAV),'' Serial No. 113-53.

Full Committee Hearing--Joint House and Senate Veterans' Affairs 
        Committees To Receive Legislative Presentation of Veterans of 
        Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW)

    On March 5, 2014, the Committee participated in a joint 
hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to receive 
testimony from Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States 
(VFW) on the organization's 2014 legislative priorities.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
William A. Thien, Commander-in-Chief. Mr. Thien was accompanied 
by Mr. William Bradshaw, Director, National Veterans Service; 
Mr. Robert E. Wallace, Executive Director, Washington Office; 
Mr. Raymond Kelley, Director, National Legislative Service; and 
Ms. Karen Nigara, Chairman, National Legislative Committee. See 
``Joint House and Senate Veterans'' Affairs Committees to 
receive Legislative Presentation of Veterans of Foreign Wars 
(VFW).'' 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 Veterans' Affairs 
        Committees To Receive Legislative Presentations of Multiple 
        Veteran Service Organizations (VSOS)

    On March 6, 2014, the Committee participated in a joint 
hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to receive 
testimony from multiple VSOs on the organizations' 2014 
legislative priorities.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Col. 
Peter J. Duffy, USA (Ret.), Director Legislation, National 
Guard Association of the United States; RADM W. Clyde Marsh, 
USN (Ret.), President, National Association of State Directors 
of Veterans Affairs; Mr. John Rowan, National President, 
Vietnam Veterans of America; Col. Robert E. Pickard, USA 
(Ret.), National Commander, Jewish War Veterans of the United 
States of America; Mr. John Mitchell, National Commander, 
AMVETS; Mr. Ron Siebels, National Commander, Military Order of 
the Purple Heart; Mr. Richard ``Rick'' Delaney, National 
President, The Retired Enlisted Association; Col. Robert F. 
Norton, USA (Ret.), Deputy Director, Government Relations, 
Military Officers Association of America; and Mr. Mark Cornell, 
National President, Blinded Veterans Association. See ``Joint 
House and Senate Veterans'' Affairs Committees to receive 
Legislative Presentation of Multiple VSOs,'' Serial No. 113-56.

Full Committee Hearing--Joint House and Senate Veterans' Affairs 
        Committees To Receive Legislative Presentations of Multiple 
        Veteran Service Organizations (VSOS)

    On March 12, 2014, the Committee participated in a joint 
hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to receive 
testimony from multiple VSOs on the organizations' 2014 
legislative priorities.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Anthony K. Odierno, Board of Directors, Wounded Warrior 
Project; Mr. Bill Lawson, National President, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America; SgtMaj. Major H. Gene Overstreet, USMC 
(Ret.), President, Non Commissioned Officers Association of the 
United States of America; Mr. Paul Rieckhoff, Founder and CEO, 
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Ms. Jamie H. Tomek, 
Chair, Government Relations Committee, Gold Star Wives of 
America; Mr. Virgil P. Courneya, National President, Fleet 
Reserve Association; Mr. Charles Susino, Jr., Past National 
Commander, Chairman of the Legislative Committee, American Ex-
Prisoners of War; and CMSgt John R. McCauslin, USAF (Ret.), 
Chief Executive Officer, Air Force Sergeants Association. This 
hearing was hosted by the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee 
and therefore does not have a House Serial No.

Full Committee Hearing--U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget 
        Request for Fiscal Year 2015

    On March 13, 2014, the Committee met to discuss the 
Department of Veterans Affairs' Fiscal Year 2015 budget request 
to Congress.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Secretary Shinseki was accompanied by The 
Honorable Robert A. Petzel, M.D., Under Secretary for Health; 
The Honorable Allison A. Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits; 
The Honorable Steve L. Muro, Under Secretary for Memorial 
Affairs; Ms. Helen Tierney, Executive in Charge for the Office 
of Management and Acting Chief Financial Officer; and Mr. 
Stephen Warren, Executive-in-Charge for Information and 
Technology, Office of Information and Technology. See ``U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year 
2015,'' Serial No. 113-57.

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

    On March 26, 2014, the Committee participated in a joint 
hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to receive 
testimony from The American Legion on the organization's 2014 
legislative priorities.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Daniel M. Dellinger, National Commander of the American Legion. 
Mr. Dellinger was accompanied by Mr. Brett Reistad, Chairman, 
National Legislative Commission; Mr. Louis Celli, Director, 
National Legislative Division; Mr. Ralph Bozella, Chairman, 
National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission; Ms. 
Verna Jones, Director, National Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division; Mr. Dale Barnett, Chairman, National 
Economic Commission; and Mr. Mark Walker, Assistant Director, 
National Economic Division. 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 II: Is VA Responding to 
        Congressional Requests in a Timely Manner?

    On April 3, 2014, the Committee met to discuss issues 
surrounding VA's timely response to requests for information 
made by the Committee, and to explore the internal process by 
which the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs works 
with program officers within VA to meet the Committee's 
information requests.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Sloan Gibson, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. ``See Trials in Transparency II: Is VA 
Responding to Congressional Requests in a Timely Manner?,'' 
Serial No. 113-63.

Full Committee Hearing--a Continued Assessment of Delays in Va Medical 
        Care and Preventable Veteran Deaths

    On April 9, 2014, the Committee met to examine serious 
patient safety incidents at VA medical facilities in Columbia, 
South Carolina; Augusta, Georgia; Memphis, Tennessee; Miami, 
Florida; Phoenix, Arizona; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and 
Atlanta, Georgia.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Barry 
Coates, Veteran; and Mr. Daniel M. Dellinger, National 
Commander, The American Legion. Mr. Dellinger was accompanied 
by Mr. Edward Lilly, Senior Filed Service Officer, The American 
Legion.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Debra A. 
Draper, Director, Health Care, U.S. Government Accountability 
Office; and Dr. John D. Daigh, Jr., M.D., Assistant Inspector 
General for Healthcare Inspections, Office of the Inspector 
General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Thomas 
Lynch, M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for 
Clinical Operations, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Lynch was accompanied by 
Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary 
for Quality, Safety, and Value, Veterans Health Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``A Continued 
Assessment of Delays in VA Medical Care and Preventable Veteran 
Deaths,'' Serial No. 113-64.

Site Visit--Augusta, Maine; Togus, Maine

    On April 11, 2014, The Honorable Jeff Miller, Chairman, 
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and The Honorable Michael 
H. Michaud, Ranking Member, House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs, traveled to Togus and Augusta, Maine, to conduct 
oversight of the Togus Regional Office, Togus VA Medical 
Center, Togus National Cemetery, and the Augusta Maine State 
Veterans Home. The Chairman and Ranking Member were accompanied 
by staff of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 
Memorial Affairs. The purpose of these visits was to conduct 
oversight of locations that impact veterans' benefits 
throughout the State of Maine.

Site Visit--Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    On April 17, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on Health, 
along with the Committee Deputy Staff Director, traveled to 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to conduct an oversight visit at the 
Department of Veterans Affairs National Center on Homelessness 
Among Veterans (NCHAV), in preparation for a future Committee 
hearing on VA's multi-billion dollar effort to end homelessness 
among veterans by 2015. The purpose of this trip was to discuss 
various issues, including the Supportive Services for Veterans 
Families (SSVF) program, the HUD-VASH program, VA's Homeless 
Analytics tool, VA's Homeless Registry, the status of VA's 
five-year initiative to end veteran homelessness, and former 
and ongoing research studies regarding veteran homelessness.

Site Visit--Denver, Colorado

    On April 22, 2014, The Honorable Jeff Miller, Chairman, 
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, visited the construction 
site for the new medical facility for the VA Eastern Colorado 
Health Care System, for purposes of reviewing progress toward 
completion.
    The Chairman also visited the Denver Regional Office and 
the Fort Logan National Cemetery.
    The Chairman was accompanied by staff of the Subcommittee 
on Oversight and Investigations.

Site Visit--Bay Pines, Florida

    On April 24, 2014 through April 25, 2014, The Honorable 
Jeff Miller, Chairman, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 
traveled to Bay Pines, Florida to deliver the keynote address 
at a ceremony renaming the Bay Pines VA Medical Center as the 
Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The 
Chairman was accompanied by staff of the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs.

Full Committee Roundtable--Veterans Service Organization (VSO) 
        Leadership

    On April 29, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs coordinated a VSO Roundtable 
discussion for the Committee. The VSO Roundtable presented an 
opportunity to highlight proposed legislation and Committee 
focus areas, and to provide VSOs a forum to interact with 
Members. Discussion was held on the Committee's oversight 
priorities of accountability, access to effective health care, 
and ongoing oversight of the Veterans Benefits Administration. 
Additionally, the VSO Roundtable provided an opportunity to 
highlight the Chairman's legislative priorities, including H.R. 
813, the Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013, H.R. 4031, 
the Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability 
Act of 2014, and H.R. 357, the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 
2013.
    Participants included the Air Force Sergeants Association; 
The American Legion; The American Defenders of Bataan and 
Corregidor; AMVETS; The Association of the U.S. Army; The 
Association of the U.S. Navy; Blinded Veterans of America; 
Concerned Veterans for America; Disabled American Veterans; 
Fisher House; Fleet Reserve Association; Gold Star Wives of 
America; Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Jewish War 
Veterans of America; Military Officers of America Association; 
Military Order of the Purple Heart; National Association of 
State Workforce Agencies; National Association of Uniformed 
Services; National Military Family Association; National 
Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs; National 
Guard Association of the United States; Non-Commissioned 
Officers of America; U.S. Paralympics; Paralyzed Veterans of 
America; The Bob Woodruff Foundation; Reserve Officers 
Association; The Retired Enlisted Association; Soldier On; 
Student Veterans of America; Tragedy Assistance Program for 
Survivors; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Vets First; Vietnam 
Veterans of America; and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Full Committee Issuance of Subpoena Duces Tecum to Secretary of 
        Veterans Affairs

    On May 8, 2014, the Committee issued a subpoena upon the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, requiring the production of 
specific documents related to communications involving the 
Phoenix VA Health Care System that in any way discussed, 
addressed, or referenced the destruction or deletion of an 
alternate patient wait list referred to by any name, including 
but not limited to the ``interim list,'' and sent to or from 
specifically enumerated individuals.

Site Visit--Jackson and Columbus, Mississippi

    On May 13, 2014, through May 14, 2014, The Honorable Jeff 
Miller, Chairman, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, The 
Honorable Gregg Harper, Member, U.S. House of Representatives, 
and The Honorable Alan Nunnelee, Member, U.S. House of 
Representatives, traveled to Jackson and Columbus, Mississippi 
to conduct oversight and to evaluate the clinical operations of 
the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Department of Veterans Affairs 
Medical Center, the Jackson Regional Office, and the Community 
Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Columbus, Mississippi. The 
Chairman was accompanied by staff of the Subcommittee on 
Health.

Full Committee Business Meeting--U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' 
        Failure To Comply With May 8, 2014 Subpoena

    On May 22, 2014, the Committee met to discuss the 
Department of Veterans Affairs' lack of compliance with a 
subpoena for documents issued by the Committee on May 8, 2014. 
Specifically, the purpose of this meeting was to address the 
VA's continued failure to comply with the subpoena duces tecum 
the Committee issued on May 8, 2014.
    At the business meeting, a motion was passed authorizing 
subpoenas to compel testimony regarding the destruction of an 
alternate wait list associated with the Phoenix VA Health Care 
System by Dr. Thomas Lynch, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary 
for Health for Clinical Operations, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Joan 
Mooney, Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative 
Affairs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. Michael 
Huff, Congressional Relations Officer, Office of Congressional 
and Legislative Affairs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
The motion was conditional, and authorized the subpoenas only 
if the witnesses did not voluntarily appear on May 28, 2014.

Full Committee Hearing--To Receive Witness Testimony Related to 
        Committee Subpoena

    On May 28, 2014, the Committee met to discuss the 
Department of Veterans Affairs' lack of compliance with the 
subpoena for documents issued on May 8, 2014.
    On the first and only panel, witnesses appeared voluntarily 
and testimony was provided by Dr. Thomas Lynch, M.D., Assistant 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Operations, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Joan Mooney, Assistant 
Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. Michael Huff, 
Congressional Relations Officer, Office of Congressional and 
Legislative Affairs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
``To Receive Witness Testimony Related to Committee Subpoena,'' 
Serial No. 113-69.

Site Visit--Pensacola, Florida

    On June 2, 2014, The Honorable Jeff Miller, Chairman, House 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, visited the Joint Ambulatory 
Care Center and the Eglin AFB Community Based Outpatient Center 
for purposes of oversight of operations.
    The Chairman was accompanied by staff of the Subcommittee 
on Oversight and Investigations.

Full Committee Hearing--Oversight Hearing on Data Manipulation and 
        Access to VA Healthcare: Testimony From the Government 
        Accountability Office, VA Office of Inspector General, and the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs

    On June 9, 2014, the Committee met to address ongoing 
issues of systemic manipulation of wait time for appointments 
that occurs throughout the Veterans Health Administration and 
the negative impacts on healthcare provided to veterans.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Dr. 
Debra A. Draper, Ph.D., Director, Health Care, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office; Mr. Philip Matkovsky, Assistant Deputy 
Under Secretary for Health for Administrative Operations, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Mr. Richard J. Griffin, Acting Inspector General, 
Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Mr. Griffin was also accompanied by Ms. Linda A. 
Halliday, Assistant Inspector General for Audits and 
Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See ``Oversight Hearing on Data Manipulation 
and Access to VA Healthcare: Testimony from GAO, IG, and VA,'' 
Serial No. 113-72.

Full Committee Hearing--an Examination of Bureaucratic Barriers To Care 
        for Veterans

    On June 12, 2014, the Committee met to assess and evaluate 
administrative barriers at the Department of Veterans Affairs 
that are impeding quality and efficient access to care for 
veterans.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Tim S. 
McClain, President, Humana Government Business; Mr. Dan 
Collard, Chief Operating Officer, The Studer Group; and Dr. 
Betsy McCaughey, Ph.D., Chairman, Committee to Reduce Infection 
Deaths.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Robert 
L. Jesse, M.D., Ph.D., Acting Under Secretary for Health, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See ``An Examination of Bureaucratic Barriers to Care 
for Veterans,'' Serial No. 113-73.

Full Committee Hearing--Non-VA Care: An Integrated Solution for Veteran 
        Access

    On June 18, 2014, the Committee met to examine and discuss 
the Department of Veterans Affairs' use of non-VA care to 
increase timely access to health care to veterans facing long 
wait times for appointments at VA facilities.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. David J. 
McIntyre Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, TriWest 
Healthcare Alliance; RADM Thomas Carrato, USPHS (Ret.), 
President, Health Net Federal Services; and Ms. Kris Doody, RN, 
Chief Executive Officer, Cary Medical Center, Caribou, Maine.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Randy 
Williamson, Director, Health Care, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office; and Mr. Philip Matkovsky, Assistant 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Administrative 
Operations, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See ``Non-VA Care: An Integrated Solution for 
Veteran Access,'' Serial No. 113-74.

Full Committee Hearing--Review of Awarding Bonuses to Senior Executives 
        at the Department of Veterans Affairs

    On June 20, 2014, the Committee met to discuss negative 
incentives that have been created as a result of performance 
standards, ratings, and awards to senior staff at the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Gina Farrisee, Assistant Secretary for Human 
Resources and Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See ``Review of Awarding Bonuses to Senior Executives 
at the Department of Veterans Affairs,'' Serial No. 113-75.

Full Committee Hearing--Evaluating the Capacity of the VA To Care for 
        Veteran Patients

    On June 23, 2014, the Committee met to assess and evaluate 
VA's efforts to address clinical capacity to increase the 
efficiency of medical facility operations and access to care 
for veteran patients.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Dr. 
Thomas Lynch, M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health 
for Clinical Operations, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Lynch was accompanied by 
Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary 
for Quality, Safety, and Value, Veterans Health Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``Evaluating the 
Capacity of the VA to Care for Veteran Patients,'' Serial No. 
113-76.

Full Committee Hearing--VBA and VHA Interactions: Ordering and 
        Conducting Medical Examinations

    On June 25, 2014, the Committee held a hearing on the 
relationship and interactions of the Veterans Benefits 
Administration (VBA) and the Veterans Health Administration 
(VHA) in the ordering, and manner of conducting, compensation 
and pension (C&P) medical examinations for disability benefit 
purposes. This hearing focused on the relationship between VBA 
and VHA in the ordering, scheduling, completion, and review of 
C&P medical examinations used to make disability benefits 
determinations. Given the recent scheduling manipulation and 
backlog of care experienced by VHA, this hearing sought 
information on whether the large number of VHA employees 
assigned to performing C&P examinations could be better used by 
being assigned to treatment of veterans.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Thomas 
Murphy, Director of Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Murphy 
was accompanied by Ms. Beth McCoy, Acting Deputy Under 
Secretary for Field Operations, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Gerald 
M. Cross, Chief Officer, Office of Disability and Medical 
Assessment, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and Ms. Patricia D. Murray, Director, 
Clinical Programs and Administrative Operations, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
Testimony on the first panel was also provided by Mr. George C. 
Turek, Founder, Owner, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of 
Veterans Evaluation Services. A statement for the record was 
submitted by Jeffrey J. Scarpiello, Director of Business 
Development for Medical Support Los Angeles. See ``VBA and VHA 
Interactions: Ordering and Conducting Medical Examinations,'' 
Serial No. 113-77.

Site Visit--Orlando, Florida

    On July 2, 2014, The Honorable Jeff Miller, Chairman, House 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, visited the Orlando VA medical 
center and the community living center on the campus for 
purposes of oversight of operations. The Chairman was 
accompanied by staff of the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations.

Full Committee Hearing--VA Whistleblowers: Exposing Inadequate Service 
        Provided to Veterans and Ensuring Appropriate Accountability

    On July 8, 2014, the Committee met to hear testimony from 
various VA whistleblowers, representatives from the Office of 
Special Counsel, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to 
discuss VA's continued failure to provide adequate protections 
to whistleblowers.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Jose 
Matthews, M.D., Former Chief of Psychiatry, St. Louis VA Health 
Care System; Dr. Christian Head, M.D., Associate Director, 
Chief of Staff, Legal and Quality Assurance, Greater Los 
Angeles VA Health Care System; Dr. Katherine Mitchell, M.D., 
Medical Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Post-Deployment Center, 
Phoenix VA Health Care System; and Mr. Scott Davis, Program 
Specialist at the VA National Health Eligibility Center.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Carolyn Lerner, Special Counsel, U.S. Office of 
Special Counsel. Ms. Lerner was accompanied by Mr. Eric 
Bachman, Deputy Special Counsel for Litigation and Legal 
Affairs, U.S. Office of Special Counsel. Testimony on the 
second panel was also provided by Dr. James Tuchschmidt, Acting 
Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Dr. Tuchschmidt was accompanied by Dr. Edward 
C. Huycke, Deputy Medical Inspector for National Assessment, 
Office of the Medical Inspector, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See ``VA Whistleblower: Exposing Inadequate Service 
Provided to Veterans and Ensuring Appropriate Accountability,'' 
Serial No. 113-78.

Full Committee Hearing--Service Should Not Lead to Suicide: Access to 
        VA's Mental Health Care

    On July 10, 2014, the Committee met to examine whether of 
VA's mental health and suicide prevention programs are 
effective in reducing the prevalence of mental health issues 
and suicide among the veteran population.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Howard 
Somers and Mrs. Jean Somers, parents of Veteran Daniel Somers, 
deceased; Mr. Richard Selke and Mrs. Susan Selke, parents of 
Veteran Clay Hunt, deceased; Ms. Peggy Portwine, mother of 
Veteran Brian Portwine, deceased; and Sgt. Josh Renschler, USA 
(Ret.).
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Maureen 
McCarthy, M.D., Deputy Chief Patient Care Services Officers, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Dr. McCarthy was accompanied by Dr. Harold Kudler, 
M.D., Acting Chief Consultant for Mental Health Services, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Dr. David Carroll, Ph.D., National Mental Health 
Program Director for Program Integration, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. 
Michael Fisher, Operation Enduring Freedom/Operating Iraqi 
Freedom Specialist, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Alex 
Nicholson, Legislative Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans 
of America; Lt. Gen. Martin R. Steele, USMC (Ret.), Associate 
Vice President for Veterans Research, Executive Director of 
Military Partnerships, Co-Chair of the Veterans Reintegration 
Steering Committee, University of South Florida; Mr. Warren 
Goldstein, Assistant Director for TBI and PTSD Programs, 
National Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, The 
American Legion; and Dr. Jonathan Sherin, M.D., Ph.D., Chief 
Executive Officer, Executive Vice President for Military 
Communities, Volunteers of America. See ``Service Should Not 
Lead to Suicide: Access to VA's Mental Health Care,'' Serial 
No. 113-79.

Full Committee Hearing--Evaluation of the Process To Achieve VBA Goals

    On July 14, 2014, the Committee held a hearing to review 
the Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) continued focus on 
the 2015 goals for disability benefits claims processing as 
well as the viability of these targets, which the Secretary 
established in 2009 at 125 days to complete, and 98 percent 
claims-based accuracy. The hearing focused upon the planned and 
ad hoc strategies implemented to meet these performance goals, 
as well as the opportunities that exist for abuse and deviation 
from VBA's mission.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Kristen 
Ruell, Authorization Quality Services Representative, Pension 
Management Center, Philadelphia Regional Office, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Mr. Ronald Robinson, USA (Ret.), Senior Veterans Service 
Representative, AFGE Local 520, Columbia Regional Office, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Javier Soto, Esquire, Former Rating Veterans 
Service Representative, Executive Vice President, AFGE Local 
1594, St. Petersburg Regional Office, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second 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. Ms. Halliday was accompanied by Mr. Brent 
Arronte, Director, San Diego Benefits Inspections Division, 
Office of Audits and Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, the second 
panel included The Honorable Allison A. Hickey, Under Secretary 
for Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs. Under Secretary Hickey was accompanied by 
Ms. Diana Rubens, Director, Philadelphia Regional Office, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Thomas Murphy, Director, Compensation Service, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Testimony on the second panel was also provided by Mr. 
Daniel Bertoni, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income 
Security, U.S. Government Accountability Office. See 
``Evaluation of the Process to Achieve VBA Goals,'' Serial No. 
113-80.

Full Committee Hearing--Creating Efficiency Through Comparison: An 
        Evaluation of Private Sector Best Practices and the VA Health 
        Care System

    On July 16, 2014, the Committee met to discuss and compare 
the productivity, capacity, and staffing of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs' medical facilities with those in the private 
sector.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Richard J. Umbdenstock, FACHE, President and Chief Executive 
Officer, American Hospital Association; Dr. Monte D. Brown, 
M.D., Vice President for Administration and Secretary, Duke 
University Health System, Associate Dean of Veterans Affairs, 
Duke University School of Medicine; Mr. Daniel F. Evans Jr., 
President and Chief Executive Officer, Fairview Health 
Services; and Mr. Quinton D. Studer, Founder, Studer Group, 
Inc. See ``Creating Efficiency through Comparison: An 
Evaluation of Private Sector Best Practices and the VA Health 
Care System,'' Serial No. 113-81.

Full Committee Hearing--Restoring Trust: The View of the Acting 
        Secretary and the Veterans Community

    On July 24, 2014, the Committee met to discuss changes made 
by the Department of Veterans Affairs to address revelations 
that include extensive patient wait times, manipulation of 
data, and a systemic lack of accountability within the VA 
system.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Sloan D. Gibson, Acting Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. The Acting Secretary was accompanied by Mr. Danny 
Pummill, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Mr. Philip Matkovsky, Assistant Deputy Under 
Secretary for Health for Administrative Operations, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Verna 
Jones, Veterans Affairs Director, The American Legion; Mr. Ryan 
M. Gallucci, Deputy Director, National Legislative Service, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Mr. Carl Blake, 
Acting Associate Executive Director for Government Relations, 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Joseph A. Violante, National 
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Rick 
Weidman, Executive Director of Government Affairs, Vietnam 
Veterans of America; and Mr. Alex Nicholson, Legislative 
Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. See 
``Restoring Trust: The View of the Acting Secretary and the 
Veterans Community,'' Serial No. 113-82.

Full Committee Field Hearing--Challenges in Rural America: VA Access 
        and Mental Health Care

    On August 6, 2014, the Committee held a field hearing to 
discuss the challenges that veterans of Roswell, New Mexico 
experience accessing care, including mental health care, 
through Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 18 and the 
New Mexico VA Health Care System.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. John 
Taylor, Veteran; Mr. Richard Moncrief, Veteran; and Ms. Dawn 
Tschabrun, Chief Executive Officer, Lovelace Hospital.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Lisa 
Freeman, Interim Network Director, Veterans Integrated Service 
Network (VISN) 18, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Freeman was accompanied by 
Dr. James Robbins, Interim Medical Center Director, New Mexico 
VA Health Care System, Veterans Integrated Service Network 
(VISN) 18, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and Dr. Lori Highberger, Deputy Chief Medical 
Officer and Mental Health Lead, Veterans Integrated Service 
Network (VISN) 18, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``Challenges in Rural 
America: VA Access and Mental Health Care,'' Serial No. 113-83.

Full Committee Field Hearing--Challenges in Rural America: 
        Infrastructure Needs and Access to Care

    On August 14, 2014, the Committee held a field hearing to 
examine access to care issues for veterans in Southwestern 
South Dakota, in light of continued concerns about the 
potential closure of the Hot Springs, South Dakota facility.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Tim 
Jurgens, Commander, American Legion Department of South Dakota; 
Mr. Bryan Brewer, President, Oglala Sioux Tribe; Mr. Robert 
Nelson, Veteran; Ms. Amanda Campbell, Community Stakeholder; 
Mr. Patrick Russell, Co-Chair, Hot Springs' Save the VA 
Committee; and Mr. Larry Zimmerman, Secretary, South Dakota 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Steven 
Julius, Chief Medical Center and Acting Director, Veterans 
Integrated Service Network (VISN) 23, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Julius 
was accompanied by Mr. Stephen DiStasio, Director, VA Black 
Hills Health Care System, Veterans Integrated Service Network 
(VISN) 23, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See ``Challenges in Rural America: 
Infrastructure Needs and Access to Care,'' Serial No. 113-84.

Full Committee Hearing--Scheduling Manipulation and Veteran Deaths in 
        Phoenix: Examination of the OIG's Final Report

    On September 17, 2014, the Committee held a hearing to 
examine a final report of the VA Office of Inspector General 
that was released on August 26, 2014.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Richard 
J. Griffin, Acting Inspector General. Mr. Griffin was 
accompanied by Dr. John D. Daigh, Jr., M.D., Assistant 
Inspector General for Healthcare Inspections; Ms. Linda 
Halliday, Assistant Inspector General for Audits and 
Evaluations; Ms. Maureen Regan, Counselor to the Inspector 
General for Audits and Evaluations; and Mr. Larry Reinkemeyer, 
Director, Inspector General Kansas City Audit Office. Also 
testifying on the first panel was Dr. Samuel H. Foote, M.D., 
Retired Medical Director, Diamond Community-Based Outpatient 
Center, Phoenix VA Health Care System; and Dr. Katherine L. 
Mitchell, M.D., Medical Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Post-
Deployment Center, Phoenix VA Health Care System.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Robert A. McDonald, Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Secretary McDonald was accompanied by Dr. 
Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D., Interim Under Secretary for Health, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Lisa 
Thomas, Ph.D., Chief of Staff, Veterans Health Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Thomas was accompanied 
by Dr. Darren Deering, M.D., Chief of Staff, Phoenix VA Health 
Care System, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See ``Scheduling Manipulation and Veteran 
Deaths in Phoenix: Examination of the OIG's Final Report,'' 
Serial No. 113-87.

Full Committee Hearing--Assessing the Implementation of the Veterans 
        Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014

    On November 13, 2014, the Committee held a hearing to 
assess the Department of Veterans Affairs' implementation of 
the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by the 
Honorable Sloan Gibson, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Under Secretary Gibson was accompanied by Dr. 
James Tuchschmidt, M.D., M.M., Acting Principal Deputy Under 
Secretary for Health, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. Gregory L. Giddens, 
Executive Director, Enterprise Program Management Office, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Hearing entitled, ``Assessing 
the Implementation of the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014,'' had not been printed at the time 
of this report's submission to the House and therefore has not 
been assigned a House Serial No.

Full Committee Hearing--VA's Longstanding Information Security 
        Weaknesses Continue To Allow Extensive Data Manipulation

    On November 18, 2014, the Committee held a hearing to 
explore how VA's longstanding information technology security 
weaknesses may be allowing continued data manipulation among 
VA's various computer systems.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Stephen Warren, Executive in Charge and Chief Information 
Officer, Office of Information & Technology, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Mr. Warren was accompanied by Mr. Stan Lowe, 
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Information & Technology, 
Office of Information Security, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Ms. Tina Burnette, Executive Director for 
Enterprise Risk Management, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Testimony on the first panel was also provided by Ms. 
Sondra McCauley, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Audits 
and Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs. Ms. McCauley was accompanied by Mr. 
Michael Bowman, Director, Information Technology and Security 
Audit Office, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Also testifying on the first panel was Mr. 
Greg Wilshusen, Director of Information Security Issues, U.S. 
Government Accountability Office. Hearing entitled, ``VA's 
Longstanding Information Security Weaknesses Continue to Allow 
Extensive Data Manipulation,'' had not been printed at the time 
of this report's submission to the House; and therefore has not 
been assigned a House Serial No.

Full Committee Hearing--Evaluating Federal and Community Efforts To 
        Eliminate Veteran Homelessness

    On December 11, 2014, the Committee held a hearing to 
assess and evaluate federal and community efforts made to 
eliminate Veteran homelessness.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Baylee 
Crone, Executive Director, National Coalition for Homeless 
Veterans; Mr. Steve Berg, Vice President for Programs and 
Policies, National Alliance to End Homelessness; Mr. Jack 
Downing, President and Chief Executive Officer, Soldier On; Mr. 
Phil Landis, President and Chief Executive Officer, Veterans 
Village of San Diego; Mr. Mike Graber, Veteran, IMPACT Veterans 
Services, and Mr. Jon Sherin, Volunteers of America.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Keith Kelly, Assistant Secretary, Veterans Employment 
and Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor; and Ms. Lisa 
Pape, Executive Director of Homeless Programs, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Pape 
was accompanied by Mr. Thomas O'Toole, Acting Director, 
National Center for Homelessness Among Veterans, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Statements for the record were 
provided by Friendship Place; National Rural Health 
Association; United States Interagency Council on Homelessness; 
and Vietnam Veterans of America. Hearing entitled, ``Evaluating 
Federal and Community Efforts to Eliminate Veteran 
Homelessness,'' had not been printed at the time of this 
report's submission to the House; and therefore has not been 
assigned a House Serial No.

ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL 
        AFFAIRS

                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 2018; 
        H.R. 2088; H.R. 2119; H.R. 2529; H.R. 3671; H.R. 3876; H.R. 
        4095; H.R. 4102; H.R. 4141; and H.R. 4191

    On March 26, 2014, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a legislative hearing on 
H.R. 2018, the Honor Those Who Served Act of 2013; H.R. 2088, 
to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a 
pilot program to establish claims adjudication centers of 
excellence; H.R. 2119, the Veterans Access to Speedy Review 
Act; H.R. 2529, the Veteran Spouses Equal Treatment Act; H.R. 
3671, to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the 
eligibility for a medallion furnished by the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to signify the veteran status of a deceased 
individual; H.R. 3876, the Burial with Dignity for Heroes Act 
of 2014; H.R. 4095, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living 
Adjustment Act of 2014; H.R. 4102, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to clarify that the estate of a deceased veteran 
may receive certain accrued benefits upon the death of the 
veteran, and for other purposes; H.R. 4141, to amend title 38, 
United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to enter into enhanced-use leases for excess property 
of the National Cemetery Administration that is unsuitable for 
burial purposes; and, H.R. 4191, the Quicker Veterans Benefits 
Delivery Act.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Al Green, Member, U.S. House of Representatives (TX-9), The 
Honorable Timothy J. Walz, Member, U.S. House of 
Representatives (MN-1), The Honorable Jeff Denham, Member, U.S. 
House of Representatives (CA-10), The Honorable Ander Crenshaw, 
Member, U.S. House of Representatives (FL-4), and The Honorable 
Steve Stivers, Member, U.S. House of Representatives (OH-15).
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Jeffrey 
Hall, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Mr. Alexander Nicholson, Legislative 
Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Heather 
Ansley, Esquire, MSW, Vice President of Veterans Policy, 
VetsFirst, a program of United Spinal Association; and Ms. 
Diane M. Zumatto, National Legislative Director, AMVETS.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Zachary 
Hearn, Deputy Director for Claims, Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Commission, The American Legion; Mr. Anthony A. 
Wallis, Legislative Director and Director of Government 
Affairs, Association of the United States Navy; and Mr. Brendon 
Gehrke, Senior Legislative Associate, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    On the fourth panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Thomas 
Murphy, Director, Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Murphy 
was accompanied by Ms. Patricia Lynch Watts, Director, 
Legislative and Regulatory Service, National Cemetery 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. 
David Barrans, Deputy Assistant General Counsel, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``Legislative Hearing on 
H.R. 2018, H.R. 2088, H.R. 2119, H.R. 2529, H.R. 3671, H.R. 
3876, H.R. 4095, H.R. 4102, H.R. 4141, and H.R. 4191,'' Serial 
No. 113-60.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Assistance at Roundtable Discussion--Oakland, California, 
        Delegation Meeting With the U.S. Department of Veterans 
        Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration

    On January 15, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs attended the 
bipartisan Roundtable discussion held on the Oakland, 
California, VA Regional Office. There are 21 congressional 
districts served by the Oakland Regional Office; accordingly, a 
meeting was held with the Under Secretary for Benefits, The 
Honorable Allison A. Hickey, to discuss the state of the 
Oakland Regional Office and to evaluate the services provided 
to California veterans by the Veterans Benefits Administration.

Site Visit--Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington

    On January 20, 2014, through January 24, 2014, staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
conducted a series of oversight visits in Seattle, Washington 
and Portland, Oregon. This travel entailed visits to the 
Seattle Regional Office, the Disability Rating Activity Site 
(DRAS), as well as the Integrated Disability Evaluation System 
(IDES) in Bremerton and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and the 
Portland Regional Office. Staff attended sensing panels with 
servicemembers while on this travel, to determine the current 
state of the IDES program, as well as potential areas for 
improvement. Additionally, staff conducted oversight visits to 
several locations of the National Cemetery Administration, 
including the Willamette National Cemetery, Roseburg National 
Cemetery, and Eagle Point National Cemetery.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Beyond Transformation: Reviewing 
        Current Status and Secondary Effects of VBA Technology

    On February 5, 2014, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on the current 
status, and secondary effects, of technology of the Veterans 
Benefits Administration. This hearing focused on the status of 
the Veterans Benefits Management System 6.0 (VBMS), VA's 
implementation of concurrent strategy for its work-credit 
system within the new electronic framework of the Regional 
Offices, the multi-year initiative known as Veterans 
Relationship Management (VRM), and the secure electronic 
transmission of disability benefit claimants' Service Treatment 
Records between the Healthcare Artifacts and Image Management 
Solution (HAIMS) of the Department of Defense and VA's VBMS.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Gerald T. 
Manar, Deputy Director, National Veterans Service, Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States; Mr. Jeffrey C. Hall, 
Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled American 
Veterans; Mr. Zachary Hearn, Deputy Director for Claims 
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The American 
Legion; Mr. Frank Logalbo, National Service Director, Wounded 
Warrior Project; and Mr. Eric Jenkins, Rating Veterans Service 
Representative, Winston Salem Regional Office, American 
Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), AFL-CIO and the AFGE 
National VA Council.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Diana 
Rubens, Deputy Under Secretary for Field Operations, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Rubens was accompanied by 
Richard Hipolit, Esquire, Assistant General Counsel, Office of 
General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and 
Lorraine Landfried, Deputy Chief Information Officer for 
Product Development, Office of Information Technology, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Additional testimony on the 
second panel was provided by Major General Richard W. Thomas, 
Director, Healthcare Operations, Defense Health Agency. General 
Thomas was accompanied by Dave Bowen, Director, Health 
Information Technology, Defense Health Agency. See ``Beyond 
Transformation: Reviewing Current Status and Secondary Effects 
of VBA Technology,'' Serial No. 113-51.

Site Visit--Newark, New Jersey; New York, New York

    On February 27, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs traveled to Newark, 
New Jersey, and New York, New York, to conduct oversight of 
several VA locations that impact veterans' benefits throughout 
northern New Jersey and New York, including the Newark 
electronic Regional Office (eRO) and the New York Regional 
Office. Additionally, staff conducted oversight visits to 
several locations of the National Cemetery Administration, 
including the Cypress Hills National Cemetery, Long Island 
National Cemetery, and Calverton National Cemetery.

Subcommittee Assistance at Roundtable Discussion--Wisconsin Delegation 
        Meeting with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans 
        Benefits Administration

    On February 27, 2014, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs assisted the Wisconsin 
delegation in the coordination of a bipartisan Member-level 
Roundtable discussion with Department of Veterans Affairs, 
Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, Danny Pummill, 
and Deputy Under Secretary for Field Operations, Diana Rubens, 
to review VA's efforts to address the sizeable backlog of 
disability benefits compensation claims and to determine what 
these efforts mean for Wisconsin veterans.

Site Visit--Louisville, Kentucky

    On March 20, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs traveled to the Louisville 
Regional Office and the CACI Scanning Facility. The purposes of 
this site visit were to review toxic exposure claims related to 
Camp Lejeune. These claims are centrally processed at the 
Louisville Regional Office. Staff also addressed recent VA 
employee complaints on the indexing of electronic files 
received from the CACI Scanning Facility.

Site Visit--Phoenix, Arizona

    On March 31, 2014, through April 4, 2014, staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
accompanied The American Legion on oversight travel to the 
Phoenix Regional Office. This visit was coordinated with VA, 
and Department staff participated in The American Legion's 
Regional Office Action Review (ROAR) visit and case file review 
of appealed claims. In addition, staff participated in an 
American Legion Town Hall, conducted oversight of the Veterans 
Benefits Administration Call Center and the Phoenix VA Medical 
Center.

Site Visit--Jackson, Mississippi

    On April 14, 2014, through April 18, 2014, staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
accompanied The American Legion on an oversight trip to the 
Jackson Regional Office. The main purpose of this trip was to 
conduct oversight of several issues at the Jackson Regional 
Office, including observing the level of VA cooperation during 
The American Legion's Regional Office Action Review (ROAR) 
visit, as well as participating in case file review of appealed 
claims.

Subcommittee Assistance at Roundtable Discussion--Alabama Delegation 
        Meeting with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
        Benefits Administration

    On April 29, 2014, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs assisted the Alabama delegation 
in the coordination of a bipartisan Member-level Roundtable 
discussion with Department of Veterans Affairs, Under Secretary 
for Benefits, The Honorable Allison A. Hickey, to review VA's 
efforts to address the sizeable backlog of disability 
compensation benefits claims and to determine what these 
efforts mean for Alabama veterans.

Site Visit--Winston-Salem, North Carolina

    On May 12, 2014, through May 16, 2014, staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
travelled to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to conduct 
oversight of several programs at the Winston-Salem Regional 
Office, including the pre-discharge programs known as Benefits 
Delivery at Discharge (BDD) and Quick Start (QS), in 
preparation for the DAMA hearing held on those programs on May 
29, 2014.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Defined Expectations: Evaluating VA's 
        Performance in the Servicemember Transition Process

    On May 29, 2014, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on the Veterans Benefits 
Administration's role in the transition from Servicemember to 
veteran, with a particular focus on the Integrated Disability 
Evaluation System (IDES), as well as the Benefits Delivery at 
Discharge (BDD), and Quick Start (QS) programs.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Nancy E. 
Weaver, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Warrior Care 
Policy, Department of Defense. Ms. Weaver was accompanied by 
Mr. Dave Bowen, Director of Health Information Technology, 
Defense Health Agency, Department of Defense. Additional 
testimony on the first panel was provided by Ms. Diana Rubens, 
Deputy Under Secretary for Field Operations, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Rubens 
was accompanied by Mr. Thomas Murphy, Director of Compensation 
Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    On the second 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. Ms. Halliday was accompanied by Ms. Nora 
Stokes, Director, Bay Pines Benefits Inspection Division, 
Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, and Mr. Ramon Figueroa, Project Manager, Bay Pines 
Benefits Inspection Division, Office of Inspector General, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Eric 
Jenkins, Rating Veterans Service Representative, Winston Salem 
Regional Office, American Federation of Government Employees, 
AFL-CIO and the AFGE National VA Council; Ms. Debra J. Gipson, 
Individual Servicemember; Mr. Geraldo Avila, National MEB/PEB 
Representative, The American Legion; Mr. Paul Raymond Varela, 
Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled American 
Veterans; and Brendon Gehrke, Senior Legislative Associate, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. See ``Defined 
Expectations: Evaluating VA's Performance in the Servicemember 
Transition Process,'' Serial No. 113-71.

Site Visit--Phoenix, Arizona

    On June 8, 2014, through June 11, 2014, staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
accompanied The American Legion to Phoenix, Arizona to observe 
and assist with The American Legion's efforts in Phoenix at its 
Veterans' Crisis Command Center (VCCC), as well as a community 
town hall. While in Phoenix, Subcommittee staff also 
accompanied The American Legion to a meeting with the 
administration of the Phoenix VA Medical Center, and conducted 
a brief oversight visit to the Phoenix Regional Office.

Site Visit--Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    On July 2, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Staff Memorial Affairs travelled to 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to conduct oversight and 
investigation of the Philadelphia Regional Office. During this 
visit, staff discovered a notepad in the possession of the 
Acting Regional Office Director, which contained circled text 
of the names of two Regional Office whistleblowers and a 
notation, with derogatory language, with text noting to ignore 
Congressional staff. This discovery was highlighted in a 
subsequent Committee hearing, as illustrative of the 
bureaucratic arrogance that pervades segments of the Department 
of Veterans Affairs.

Subcommittee Assistance at Roundtable Discussion--Oakland, California, 
        Delegation Meeting with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
        Veterans Benefits Administration

    On July 23, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs attended the follow-up 
bipartisan Roundtable discussion held on the Oakland, 
California, Regional Office, including Members from the 21 
congressional districts served by the Oakland Regional Office; 
this meeting was held with the Under Secretary for Benefits, 
Allison A. Hickey, to discuss the updated state of the Regional 
Office and to evaluate the services provided by the Veterans 
Benefits Administration to California veterans.

Site Visit--Leesburg, Virginia

    On August 5, 2014, through August 7, 2014, and again August 
18, 2014, through August 22, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs traveled to 
Leesburg, Virginia to observe VA's Specialized Adjudication 
Review Course (SPARC) training. In Fiscal Year 2014, VA was 
allocated an additional $10 million to train employees who were 
identified as requiring assistance with production or quality. 
Subcommittee staff had received numerous calls from employees 
at various Regional Offices (ROs), voicing concern over the 
lack of quality and preparation of this training. Accordingly, 
staff attended the last session, of the four sessions held, to 
review curricula, observe the course training, and receive 
feedback from participants and instructors.

Site Visit--Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    On August 28, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs traveled to Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania to observe two Philadelphia Regional Office (RO) 
town halls, which were conducted pursuant to the national 
directive of VA Secretary, Bob McDonald.

Site Visit--St. Petersburg, Florida

    On September 2, 2014, through September 3, 2014, staff of 
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
traveled to St. Petersburg, Florida to attend a town hall and 
meet with employees of the St. Petersburg Regional Office. 
Staff also met briefly with the Regional Office Director, 
attended an AFGE monthly meeting, and observed a Veteran 
Service Center Management (VSCM) briefing on newly rescinded 
employee performance standards.

Site Visit--Camden, New Jersey; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    On September 10, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs travelled to Camden, 
New Jersey, to observe a Philadelphia Regional Office town hall 
held by Regional Office staff, to assess the attendance, 
participation, and conduct of the town hall, as well as to hear 
the concerns of local veterans and other stakeholders.

Site Visit--Reno, Nevada; Las Vegas, Nevada

    On September 15-16, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs travelled to Reno, 
Nevada, and Las Vegas, Nevada, to observe two town halls 
conducted by the Reno Regional Office to assess the attendance, 
participation, and conduct of the town halls, as well as to 
hear the concerns of local veterans and other stakeholders.

Site Visit--Roanoke, Virginia

    On September 16, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs travelled to 
Roanoke, Virginia to observe a town hall sponsored by the 
Roanoke Regional Office (RO). Due to the town hall's 
unannounced cancellation, staff instead held meetings with the 
RO's public affairs staff, the Assistant Director, the Acting 
Veterans Service Center Manager, and a Veterans Benefits 
Administration contractor who reports directly to VA Central 
Office.

Site Visit--Roanoke, Virginia

    On September 22, 2014, staff for the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs traveled to Roanoke, 
Virginia to attend a re-scheduled town hall, to assess the 
attendance, participation, and conduct of the town hall, as 
well as to hear the concerns of local veterans and other 
stakeholders.

Site Visit--Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    On October 2, 2014, through October 3, 2014, in conjunction 
with an October 3, 2014 Subcommittee field hearing, staff of 
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to conduct oversight of 
the Philadelphia Regional Office, the Philadelphia National 
Cemetery, and the Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

Subcommittee Field Hearing--Rhetoric v. Reality: Investigating the 
        Continued Failures of the Philadelphia VA Regional Office

    On October 3, 2014, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a field hearing on alleged 
malfeasance at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Regional Office. 
The hearing reviewed various concerns with Veterans Benefits 
Administration operations at the Philadelphia Regional Office 
(RO), to include management and leadership, claims processing, 
and employee morale. The Subcommittee also elicited testimony 
on several issues addressed in a prior Committee hearing, and 
in preliminary report of the VA Office of Inspector General.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Kristen 
Ruell, Authorization Quality Services Representative, Pension 
Management Center, Philadelphia Regional Office, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Ms. Linda Halliday, Assistant Inspector General for Audits and 
Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Ms. Halliday was accompanied by Ms. Nora 
Stokes, Director, OIG Bay Pines Benefits Inspection Division, 
Office of Audits and Evaluations, Office of Inspector General; 
Mr. Al Tate, Audit Manager, Atlanta Audit Division, Office of 
Audits and Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. Jeffrey Myers, Benefits 
Inspector, San Diego Inspection Division, Office of Audits and 
Evaluations Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Testimony on the first panel was also 
provided by Ms. Diana Rubens, Director, Philadelphia Regional 
Office, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Walter 
Tafe, Director, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, 
Burlington County, New Jersey; and Mr. John Dorrity, MSW, CVA, 
Bureau of Veterans Services, Ocean County, New Jersey. See 
``Rhetoric v. Reality: Investigating the Continued Failures of 
the Philadelphia VA Regional Office,'' Serial No. 113-88.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation 
        Fund: Inquiry Into the Adequacy of Process in Verifying 
        Eligibility

    On November 20, 2014, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing focused on the 
claims approval process for the Filipino Veterans Equity 
Compensation Fund, the status of this program, and the existing 
system to determine eligibility for benefits, including 
relevant documentation.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Brad 
Flohr, Senior Advisor for Compensation Service, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Brigadier General David K. ``Mac'' MacEwen, 59th Adjutant 
General of the U.S. Army, Department of the Army; and Mr. Kevin 
Pratt, Assistant Director for Military Records, National 
Personnel Records Center, National Archives and Records 
Administration. Hearing entitled, ``Filipino Veterans Equity 
Compensation Fund: Inquiry into the Adequacy of Process in 
Verifying Eligibility,'' had not been printed at the time of 
this report's submission to the House; and therefore has not 
been assigned a House Serial No.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Timeless Honor: Reviewing Current 
        Operations of Our National Cemeteries

    On December 9, 2014, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing focusing on the 
state of various veterans' cemeteries, including upkeep, new 
initiatives, and areas for improvement.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Ronald E. Walters, Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, 
National Cemetery Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Mr. Patrick K. Hallinan, Executive Director, Army 
National Cemeteries Program, U.S. Department of Defense; and 
The Honorable Max Cleland, Secretary, American Battle Monuments 
Commission.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Ami 
Neiberger-Miller, Director of Outreach and Education, Tragedy 
Assistance Program for Survivors; and Ms. Diane M. Zumatto, 
National Legislative Director, AMVETS. Hearing entitled, 
``Timeless Honor: Reviewing Current Operations of our National 
Cemeteries,'' had not been printed at the time of this report's 
submission to the House; and therefore has not been assigned a 
House Serial No.

         ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 2942; 
        H.R. 3056; H.R. 3614; H.R. 4031; H.R. 4037; H.R. 4038; H.R. 
        4147; H.R. 4150; and H.R. 4151

    On March 25, 2014, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 2942, to amend title 38, 
United States Code, to reestablish the Professional 
Certification and Licensure Advisory Committee of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs; H.R. 3056, the Warriors' Peer-
Outreach Pilot Program Act; H.R. 3614, the Military Skills to 
Careers Act; H.R. 4031, the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Management Accountability Act of 2014; H.R. 4037, the Improving 
Veterans' Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment 
Act of 2014; H.R. 4038, the Veterans Benefits Administration 
Information Technology Improvement Act of 2014; H.R. 4147, the 
Student Veterans IT Upgrade Act; H.R. 4150, the Veterans 
Employment and Training Service Longitudinal Study Act of 2014; 
and, H.R. 4151, the Veterans Education Survey Act of 2014.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Curtis L. 
Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Coy was accompanied by John 
Brizzi, Esquire, Deputy Assistant General Counsel, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Additional testimony on the 
first panel was provided by The Honorable Keith Kelly, 
Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, 
U.S. Department of Labor. Mr. Kelly was accompanied by Ms. 
Demetra Nightingale, Chief Evaluation Officer, U.S. Department 
of Labor.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Steve 
Gonzalez, Assistant Director, National Economic Commission, The 
American Legion; Mr. Pete Hegseth, Chief Executive Officer, 
Concerned Veterans for America; Mr. Ryan Gallucci, Deputy 
Legislative Director, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States; and Mr. William Hubbard, Vice President of External 
Affairs, Student Veterans of America. See ``Legislative Hearing 
on H.R. 2942; H.R. 3056; H.R. 3614; H.R. 4031; H.R. 4037; H.R. 
4038; H.R. 4147; H.R. 4150; and H.R. 4151,'' Serial No. 113-59.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Site Visit--Washington, DC

    On February 19, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity travelled to the America Works DC location, to 
conduct oversight on program functionality. Focus was placed 
specifically how America Works utilizes VA's Vocational 
Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program and Homeless 
Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP), and potential ways that 
America Works' program can assist in job placement for 
veterans.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--A Review of the Effectiveness of VA's 
        Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program

    On February 27, 2014, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity held a hearing to assess and evaluate the 
performance of VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment 
Program.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Daniel 
Bertoni, Director for Education, Workforce and Income Security, 
Government Accountability Office; Heather Ansley, Esquire, MSW, 
Vice President of Veterans Policy, VetsFirst, a program of 
United Spinal Association; and Mr. Paul Varela, Assistant 
National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Jack 
Kammerer, Director, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment 
Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See ``A review of the Effectiveness of VA's 
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program,'' Serial No. 
113-55.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Veterans Employment

    On March 27, 2014, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
attended a Roundtable discussion in the Members' Room at the 
Library of Congress on veteran employment opportunities in the 
private sector. This Roundtable was hosted by The Honorable 
Michael H. Michaud, Committee Ranking Member, and The Honorable 
Mark Takano, Subcommittee Ranking Member.

Site Visit--St. Clair County, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri

    On April 14, 2014 through April 18, 2014, staff of the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity travelled to St. Clair 
County, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri to conduct oversight 
of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) at Scott Air Force 
Base and the Regional Processing Office for education claims at 
the St. Louis VA Regional Office. The purpose of this trip was 
to review the curriculum and quality of instruction provided to 
the airmen as part of the new TAP GPS program, and to examine 
how VA currently processes education claims as well as the 
efficiency of VA's IT programs to process these claims in a 
timely manner.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Transitional Programs for Veterans

    On April 29, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity attended a Roundtable discussion hosted by the 
Minority staff of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The 
purpose of this Roundtable was to discuss veteran transition 
issues and the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), as well as 
mental health and TBI issues that Servicemembers face when 
transitioning out of the military and into the civilian sector.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Defining and Improving Success for 
        Student Veterans

    On May 8, 2014, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a hearing to assess and evaluate the importance of higher 
education for veterans.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Michael 
Dakduk, Vice President of Military and Veterans Affairs, 
Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities 
(APSCU); Mr. William Hubbard, Vice President of External 
Affairs, Student Veterans of America (SVA); Mr. Ricardo D. 
Torres, President and CEO, The National Student Clearinghouse; 
Mr. Thomas W. Ross, President, The University of North Carolina 
System, on behalf of The American Council on Education (ACE); 
and Dr. Melissa Vito, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs 
and Enrollment Management and Vice Provost for Academic 
Initiatives and Student Success, The University of Arizona.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Curtis 
L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``Defining and Improving 
Success for Student Veterans,'' Serial No. 113-67.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Exploring Jobs for Veterans in the 
        Energy Sector

    On May 20, 2014, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a hearing to evaluate the success veterans can have 
seeking employment in the energy sector based on their past 
military experience.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Wesley 
Carr, President, PEC Safety; Col. Randall Wooten, USAF (Ret.), 
President, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Marshall; 
and Mr. Tyrone Everett, East Coast & Mid/Southwest Regional 
Director, Center for Employment Training (CET).
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Jay 
Hawkins, Vice President for Human Resources, Chesapeake Energy 
Co; Mr. Mark Szabo, Team Lead for Military Recruiting, Baker 
Hughes; and Mr. John Simon, Senior Vice President, Human 
Resources, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, on Behalf of: The 
Center for Energy Workforce Development. See ``Exploring Jobs 
for Veterans in the Energy Sector,'' Serial No. 113-68.

Site Visit--Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland 

    On May 30, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity travelled to Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, to 
observe the VA benefits briefing of the revised TAP, Transition 
GPS, in preparation for a Subcommittee hearing on the 
implementation of the new TAP model.

Site Visit--Albuquerque, New Mexico 

    On August 5, 2014, through August 6, 2014, staff of the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity travelled to Albuquerque, 
New Mexico, to conduct oversight of VA's education programs and 
to participate on the legislative panel at the National 
Association of State Approving Agencies' (NASAA) annual 
conference.

Site Visit--Orlando, Florida

    On October 22, 2014, through October 23, 2014, staff of the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity travelled to Orlando, 
Florida, to conduct oversight of VA's education programs and 
participate on the legislative panel at the National 
Association of Veterans' Program Administrators' annual 
conference. Staff attended several workshops for school-
certifying officials, including a discussion conducted by VA on 
GI Bill benefits and the administration of the in-state 
provision of Public Law (P.L.) 113-146, the Veterans Access, 
Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--The Role of the State Approving 
        Agencies in Ensuring Quality Education Programs for Veterans 

    On November 19, 2014, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity held a hearing to assess the role State Approving 
Agencies (SAA) play in veterans' education and training 
programs.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Ryan M. 
Gallucci, Deputy Director, National Veterans Service, Veterans 
of Foreign Wars of the United States; Mr. William Hubbard, Vice 
President of Government Affairs, Student Veterans of America; 
Mr. Steve Gonzalez, Assistant Director, National Veteran 
Employment and Education Division, The American Legion; and Mr. 
Keith Glindemann, Vice President and Legislative Chair, 
National Association of Veterans' Programs Administrators.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Curtis 
L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity, 
Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Mr. Coy was accompanied by Major General Robert Worley 
II, USAF (Ret.), Director, Education Service; Veterans Benefit 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Dr. 
Joseph W. Wescott, President, National Association of State 
Approving Agencies. Hearing entitled, ``The Role of the State 
Approving Agencies in Ensuring Quality Education Programs for 
Veterans,'' had not been printed at the time of this report's 
submission to the House; and therefore has not been assigned a 
House Serial No.

                ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 183; H.R. 
        2527; H.R. 2661; H.R. 2974; H.R. 3508; H.R. 3180; H.R. 3387; 
        H.R. 3831; H.R. 4198; and, Draft Legislation To Authorize Major 
        Medical Facility Projects for the Department of Veterans 
        Affairs for Fiscal Year 2014, and for Other Purposes 

    On March 27, 2014, the Subcommittee on Health held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 183, the Veterans Dog Training 
Therapy Act; H.R. 2527, to amend title 38, United States Code, 
to provide veterans with counseling and treatment for sexual 
trauma that occurred during inactive duty training; H.R. 2661, 
the Veterans Access to Timely Medical Appointments Act; H.R. 
2974, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the 
eligibility for beneficiary travel for veterans seeking 
treatment or care for military sexual trauma in specialized 
outpatient or residential programs at facilities of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; H.R. 
3508, to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the 
qualifications of hearing aid specialists of the Veterans 
Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
and for other purposes; H.R. 3180, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to include contracts and grants for residential 
care for veterans in the exception to the requirement that the 
Federal Government recover a portion of the value of certain 
projects; H.R. 3387, Classified Veterans Access to Care Act; 
H.R. 3831, the Veterans Dialysis Pilot Program Review Act of 
2014; H.R. 4198, the Appropriate Care for Disabled Veterans 
Act; and, Draft legislation to authorize major medical facility 
projects for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 
2014, and for other purposes.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Michael Grimm, Member, U.S. House of Representatives (NY-11); 
The Honorable Dina Titus, Member, U.S. House of Representatives 
(NV-1); The Honorable Jackie Walorski, Member, U.S. House of 
Representatives (IN-2); The Honorable Sean Duffy, Member, U.S. 
House of Representatives (WI-7); The Honorable Marcy Kaptur, 
Member, U.S. House of Representatives (OH-9); The Honorable 
Kyrsten Sinema, Member, U.S. House of Representatives (AZ-9); 
The Honorable David P. Roe, Member, U.S. House of 
Representatives (TN-1); and The Honorable Jeff Denham, Member, 
U.S. House of Representatives (CA-10).
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Joy J. 
Ilem, Deputy National Legislative Director, Disabled American 
Veterans; Ms. Alethea Predeoux, Associate Director of Health 
Analysis, Paralyzed Veterans of America; and Mr. Aleks Morosky, 
Senior Legislative Associate, National Legislative Service, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Madhulka 
Agarwal M.D., 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 
Mr. Philip Matkovsky, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for 
Health for Operations and Management, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Reneee 
L. Szybala, Esquire, Acting Assistant General Counsel, Office 
of General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
``Legislative Hearing on H.R. 183; H.R. 2527; H.R. 2661; H.R. 
2974; H.R. 3508; H.R. 3180; H.R. 3387; H.R. 3831; H.R. 4198; 
and, Draft legislation to authorize major medical facility 
projects for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 
2014 and for other purposes,'' Serial No. 113-61.

Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4720; H.R. 4887; H.R. 
        4977; H.R. 5059; H.R. 5475; H.R. 5484; and H.R. 5686

    On November 19, 2014, the Subcommittee on Health held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 4720, the Medal of Honor Priority 
Care Act; H.R. 4887, the Expanding Care for Veterans Act; H.R. 
4977, the Creating Options for Veterans Expedited Recovery Act 
(COVER); H.R. 5059, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for 
American Veterans Act (SAV); H.R. 5475, to amend title 38, 
United States Code, to improve the care provided by the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to newborn children; H.R. 5484, 
the Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014; and H.R. 5686, the 
Physician Ambassadors Helping Veterans Act.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Tim Walberg, Member, U.S. House of Representatives (MI-7); The 
Honorable Gus Bilirakis, Member, U.S. House of Representatives 
(FL-12); The Honorable Tim Walz, Member, U.S. House of 
Representatives (MN-1); The Honorable Doug Collins, Member, 
U.S. House of Representatives, (GA-9); and The Honorable John 
Culberson, Member, U.S. House of Representatives (TX-7).
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Christopher Neiweem, Legislative Associate, Iraq and 
Afghanistan Veterans of America; Mr. Brad Adams, Staff 
Attorney, Swords to Plowshares; Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy 
Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States; and Mr. John Rowan, National 
President, Vietnam Veterans of America.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Rajiv 
Jain, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Patient 
Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Jain was accompanied by Jennifer Gray, 
Esquire, Staff Attorney, Office of General Counsel, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Hearing entitled, ``Legislative 
Hearing on H.R. 4720, H.R. 4887, H.R. 4977, H.R. 5059, H.R. 
5475, H.R. 5484; H.R. 5686,'' had not been printed at the time 
of this report's submission to the House; and therefore has not 
been assigned a House Serial No.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Site Visit--Los Angeles, California and Ventura, California

    On February 19, 2014, through February 20, 2014, staff for 
the Subcommittee on Health accompanied the Subcommittee 
Chairman on oversight travel to Los Angeles, California and 
Ventura, California to evaluate the clinical operations of the 
West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 
and Ventura County Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans 
Center.

Subcommittee Field Hearing--An Examination of Veteran Access to 
        Traditional and Alternative Forms of Mental Health Therapy

    On February 20, 2014, the Subcommittee on Health held a 
field hearing on the provision of mental health care services 
to Southern California veterans through the Greater Los Angeles 
Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Kimberly 
Evans Logie, LMFT, Director, Military Collaborative of Ventura 
County; Ms. Lyndsey Hale, Veterans Liaison, VITAS Innovative 
Hospice; Ms. Julie Sardonia, M.A., LMFT, Founder/Executive 
Director, Reins of H.O.P.E., H.O.P.E. for Warriors Program; and 
Mr. Mike McManus, USAF (Ret.), Veteran Service Officer, Ventura 
County Human Services Agency.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Donna M. 
Beiter, RN, MSN, Director, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare 
System, VISN 22, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Beiter was accompanied by 
Dr. Daniel Flynn, Oxnard Community-based Outpatient Clinic, VA 
Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, VISN 22, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Ms. 
Jane Twombley, LMFT, Ventura Vet Center, VA Greater Los Angeles 
Healthcare System, VISN 22, Veterans Health Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``An Examination of 
Veteran Access to Traditional and Alternative Forms of Mental 
Health Therapy,'' Serial No. 113-52.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--VA Accountability: Assessing Actions 
        Taken in Response to Subcommittee Oversight

    On February 26, 2014, the Subcommittee on Health held a 
hearing on the progress made regarding physician staffing and 
productivity standards of the Veterans Health Administration, 
treatment for veterans who experienced military sexual trauma, 
pain management programs, and procurement reform.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable Robert Petzel M.D., Under Secretary for Health, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Dr. Petzel was accompanied by Dr. Robert L. Jesse, 
M.D., Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. 
Madhulika Agarwal, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Under Secretary for 
Health for Policy and Services, Veterans Health Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Rajiv Jain, M.D., 
Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Patient Care Services, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Mr. Phillip Matkovsky, Assistant Deputy Under 
Secretary for Health for Administrative Operations, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
``VA Accountability: Assessing Actions Taken in Response to 
Subcommittee Oversight,'' Serial No. 113-54.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Analyzing Organizational Obstacles 
        To Improving Quality Care for Veterans

    On May 22, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on Health hosted 
and attended a Roundtable discussion entitled, ``Analyzing 
Organizational Obstacles to Improving Quality Care for 
Veterans.'' The Roundtable provided an opportunity for the 
Subcommittee, the Department, key stakeholder groups, and 
representatives from the veterans' service organizations to 
thoroughly discuss organizational impediments to quality care 
throughout the VA health care system and analyze actions needed 
to overcome them. Particular topics of discussion included: the 
lack of a standard organizational chart for Veterans Integrated 
Service Networks (VISNs) and VA Medical Centers (VAMCs); the 
lack of a base set of medical positions for VAMCs; and, the 
inconsistent implementation of key VHA policies, which has led 
to significant deviations from the standards of care and, in 
some cases, patient harm and preventable death.
    Attendees present included: Dr. Robert L. Jesse, Principal 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. 
Carolyn Clancy, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health, 
Safety, and Quality, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. John D. Daigh, Jr., 
Assistant Inspector General for Healthcare Inspections, Office 
of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Ms. Debra Draper, Director, Veterans Health Care, U.S. 
Government Accountability Office; Ms. Lana McKenzie, Associate 
Executive Director of Medical Services, Paralyzed Veterans of 
America; Mr. Carl Blake, National Legislative Director, 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Dr. Samuel Spagnolo, President, 
National Association of VA Physicians and Dentists; Mr. Tim 
McClain, President, Humana Government Business; Dr. Scott Wise, 
Chief Operating Officer, Community Based Outpatient Clinics, 
Humana Government Business; Mr. Ian de Planque, Deputy 
Legislative Director, The American Legion; and, Mr. Adrian 
Atizado, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans.

Subcommittee Field Hearing--An Examination of Rural and Native American 
        Veteran Access to Care

    On August 27, 2014, the Subcommittee on Health held a field 
hearing to evaluate and assess non-VA care, telehealth, and 
transportation services available to Native American veterans, 
as well as rural veterans located in northern Michigan and 
throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Fred 
Kiogima, Tribal Chairman, Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa 
Indians; Mr. Curtis Chambers, Veteran; Mr. Carl Archambeau, 
Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2780; LTC Linda 
Fletcher, USA (Ret), Executive Director, A Matter of Honor; and 
Mr. Charles R. Lerchen, ACVSO, Director of Veterans Services 
Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie Counties.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Paul 
Bockelman, Director, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 
11, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Mr. Bockelman was accompanied by Ms. Peggy Kearns, 
Director, Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center, VISN 11, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and 
Mr. James Rice, Director, Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, 
VISN 12, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See ``An Examination of Rural and Native 
American Veteran Access to Care,'' Serial No.113-85.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--VA's Caregiver Program: Assessing 
        Current Prospects and Future Possibilities

    On December 3, 2014, the Subcommittee on Health held a 
hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) Family 
Caregiver Program, established by Public Law (P.L.) 111-163.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Randall 
B. Williamson, Director, Health Care, Government Accountability 
Office; and Mr. Rajeev Ramchand, Senior Behavioral Scientist, 
RAND Corporation.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Maureen 
McCarthy, Deputy Chief Patient Care Services, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. 
McCarthy was accompanied by Mr. Michael Kilmer, Chief 
Consultant of Care Management and Social Work; and Ms. Margaret 
Kabat, Acting National Director, Caregiver Support Program 
Veterans, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    Statements for the record were provided by Disabled 
American Veterans; Paralyzed Veterans of America; the Wounded 
Warrior Project; and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States.
    Hearing entitled, ``VA's Caregiver Program: Assessing 
Current Prospects and Future Possibilities,'' had not been 
printed at the time of this report's submission to the House; 
and therefore has not been assigned a House Serial No.

     ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3593, H.R. 4261, H.R. 4281, and Other Draft 
        Legislation

    On March 25, 2014, the Subcommittee held a legislative 
hearing on H.R. 3593, the VA Construction Assistance Act of 
2013; H.R. 4261, the Gulf War Health Research Reform Act of 
2014; H.R. 4281, the Protecting Business Opportunities for 
Veterans Act of 2014; and other draft legislation.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Stella S. 
Fiotes, Executive Director, Office of Construction and 
Facilities Management, Office of Acquisition, Logistics and 
Construction, at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Ms. 
Fiotes was accompanied by Mr. Tom Leney, Executive Director, 
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Gregory 
Wilshusen, Director, Information Security Issues, U.S. 
Government Accountability Office; Mr. Raymond Kelley, Director, 
National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Ms. 
Diane Zumatto, National Legislative Director, AMVETS; Mr. James 
H. Binns, Chairman, Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War 
Veterans' Illnesses; Mr. Louis Celli, Legislative Director, The 
American Legion; Mr. Davy Leghorn, Assistant Director, Veterans 
Employment and Education Division, The American Legion; and Mr. 
Frank Wilton, Chief Executive Officer, American Association of 
Tissue Banks. See ``Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3593, H.R. 
4261, H.R. 4281, and Other Draft Legislation,'' Serial No. 113-
58.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Vendors in the OR--VA's Failed 
        Oversight of Surgical Implants

    On January 15, 2014, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a hearing to assess and evaluate VA's 
tracking and handling of, and vendor involvement in, surgical 
implants administered at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Randall 
Williamson, Director, Health Care, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office. Mr. Williamson was accompanied by Mr. 
Wayne McElrath, Director, Forensic Audit and Investigative 
Services, U.S. Government Accountability Office; and Mr. Roscoe 
Butler, Assistant Director for Health Care, National Veterans 
Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, The American Legion.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Philip 
Matkovsky, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for 
Administrative Operations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
Mr. Matkovsky was accompanied Dr. Thomas Lynch, Assistant 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health Clinical Operations, at the 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``Vendors in the OR--
VA's Failed Oversight of Surgical Implants,'' Serial No. 113-
49.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--VA and Human Tissue: Improvements 
        Needed for Veterans Safety

    On April 2, 2014, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a hearing on VA's continuing problems with 
tracking and management of biological implants.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Philip 
Matkovsky, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for 
Administrative Operations, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Matkovsky was accompanied 
by Dr. William Gunnar, M.D., National Director of Surgery, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Dr. Michael Icardi, M.D., National Director of 
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Marcia 
Crosse, Director, Health Care, U.S. Government Accountability 
Office.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Frank 
Wilton, Chief Executive Officer, American Association of Tissue 
Banks. See ``VA and Human Tissue: Improvements Needed for 
Veterans Safety,'' Serial No. 113-62.

Subcommittee Field Hearing--Construction Conundrums: A Review of 
        Continued Delays and Cost Overruns at the Replacement Aurora, 
        Colorado VAMC

    On April 22, 2014, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a field hearing to review continued delays 
and cost overruns occurring at the replacement VA Medical 
Center in Colorado.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Lorelei 
St. James, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, U.S. 
Government Accountability Office; Mr. Kirk Rosa, State 
Commander, Department of Colorado, Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States; Mr. Ralph Bozella, Chairman, Veterans 
Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, The American Legion; Mr. 
Dave Davia, Executive Vice President and CEO, Colorado 
Association of Mechanical and Plumbing Contractors; and Mr. 
Michael Gifford, MPA, IOM, President, Associated General 
Contractors of Colorado.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Glenn 
Haggstrom, Principal Executive Director, Office of Acquisition, 
Logistics, and Construction, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Mr. Haggstrom was accompanied by Ms. Stella S. Fiotes, 
Executive Director, Office of Construction and Facilities 
Management, Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``Construction 
Conundrums: A Review of Continued Delays and Cost Overruns at 
the Replacement Aurora, Colorado VAMC,'' Serial No. 113-65.

Subcommittee Field Hearing--Access to Mental Health Care and Traumatic 
        Brain Injury Services: Addressing the Challenges and Barriers 
        for Veterans

    On April 24, 2014, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a field hearing to assess and evaluate the 
Department of Veterans Affairs' ability to provide accessible 
mental health care and other health care services for veterans 
suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Derek 
Duplisea, Regional Alumni Director, West, Wounded Warrior 
Project; Ms. Ariana Del Negro, Co-Founder, Veterans Leadership 
Assistance; Captain Charles Gatlin, USA (Ret.), Veteran; Mr. 
David Anderson, Veteran and American Legion Commander, Post 51, 
Sacaton, Arizona; Mr. Jerry Boales, Veteran and Chairman, Rock 
Soldiers for Wounded Warriors; Mr. John Davison, father of a 
Wounded Warrior; and Mr. Bradley Hazell, Veteran.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Lisa 
Kearney, PhD, Senior Consultant, National Mental Health 
Technical Assistance, Office of Mental Health Operations, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Dr. Kearney was accompanied by Dr. Joe Scholten, M.D., 
National Director of Special Projects, Physical Medicine and 
Rehabilitation Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Jonathan H. Gardner, MPA, 
FACHE, Director, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Mr. Joshua D. Redlin, LCSW, Team Leader, Tucson 
Vet Center, at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
``Access to Mental Health Care and Traumatic Brain Injury 
Services: Addressing the Challenges and Barriers for 
Veterans,'' Serial No. 113-66.

Site Visit--Phoenix, Arizona and Cheyenne, Wyoming

    On May 13, 2014 through May 15, 2014, staff of the 
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations visited the 
Phoenix VA Health Care System and the Cheyenne VA Medical 
Center as part of an oversight investigation into data 
manipulation of patient schedules.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Assessing Inadequacies in VA Data Usage 
        for and Services Provided to Visually-Impaired Veterans

    On May 29, 2014, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a hearing to assess shortfalls and to 
evaluate potential improvements in VA data usage for visually-
impaired veterans.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Glenn 
Minney, Director of Government Relations, Blinded Veterans 
Association; Mr. Terry Kebbel, Veteran; and Mr. Travis Fugate, 
Veteran.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Dr. Maureen 
McCarthy, M.D., Deputy Chief Patient Care Services, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. 
Lorraine Landfried, Deputy Chief Information Officer for 
Product Development, Office of Information Technology, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Landfried was accompanied 
by Dr. Mary Lawrence, M.D., Deputy Director, Vision Center of 
Excellence; and Mr. Pat Sheehan, Director, 508 Compliance 
Office, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``Assessing 
Inadequacies in VA Data Usage for and Services Provided to 
Visually-Impaired Veterans,'' Serial No. 113-70.

Site Visit--Atlanta, Georgia

    On June 21, 2014, staff of the Subcommittee on Oversight 
and Investigations visited with a whistleblower as part of an 
oversight investigation.

Subcommittee Oversight Hearing--Metrics, Measurements and Mismanagement 
        in the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)

    On September 10, 2014, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a hearing to assess shortfalls and to 
evaluate potential improvements in the BVA appeals process.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Kelli 
Kordich, Senior Counsel, Board of Veterans' Appeals, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Zachary Hearn, Deputy 
Director for Claims, The American Legion; and Mr. Joe Violante, 
National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Laura 
Eskenazi, Executive in Charge and Vice Chairman, Board of 
Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Ms. 
Eskenazi was accompanied by Mr. James Ridgeway, Chief Counsel 
for Policy and Procedure, Board of Veterans' Appeals, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``Metrics, Measurements, 
and Mismanagement in the Board of Veterans' Appeals,'' Serial 
No. 113-86.

 MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT AND OTHER EXECUTIVE BRANCH COMMUNICATIONS

    January 10, 2014: Communication 04449, a letter from the 
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a 
letter reporting the FY2013 expenditures from the Pershing Hall 
Revolving Fund for projects, activities, and facilities that 
support the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    January 15, 2014: Communication 04503, a letter from the 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Duty Periods for Establishing Eligibility for Health Care (RIN: 
2900-AO25) received January 6, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    January 17, 2014: Communication 04525, a letter from the 
Deputy Director of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of 
the General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--Copayments for 
Medications in 2014 (RIN: 2900-AO91) received January 8, 2014, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    January 28, 2014: Communication 04588, from the Director, 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, the 
Department's final rule--Loan Guaranty: Minimum Property and 
Construction Requirements (RIN: 2900-AO67) received January 14, 
2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    January 28, 2014: Communication 04589, from the Director, 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--VA Compensation Service and Pension 
and Fiduciary Service Nomenclature Changes (RIN: 2900-AO64) 
received January 14, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    January 31, 2014: Communication 04626, letter from the 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Community Residential Care (RIN: 
2900-AO62) received January 10, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    January 31, 2014: Communication 04627, letter from the 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Removal of Penalty for Breaking 
Appointments (RIN: 2900-AO51) received January 10, 2014, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    February 26, 2014: Communication 04828, from the Director, 
National Legislative Division, The American Legion, 
transmitting the financial statement and independent audit of 
The American Legion, proceedings of the 95th Annual National 
Convention of the American Legion, held in Houston, Texas from 
August 23-August 29, 2013, and a report on the Organizations 
activities for the year preceding the Convention. Referred to 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and ordered to be printed on 
February 26, 2014.
    March 27, 2014: Memorial 0179, Under clause 3 of rule XII, 
a memorial of the following title was presented as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the 
State of Michigan, relative to House Resolution No. 300 
memorializing the Congress and the Department of Veterans to 
take a stronger role in investigating and eliminating delays in 
veterans' health care.
    April 7, 2014: Communication 05262, from the Deputy 
Director, 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-AO85) received March 24, 2014, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    April 7, 2014: Communication 05263, from the Director, 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Vocational Rehabilitation and 
Employment Program: Changes Related to the Honoring America's 
Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (RIN: 
2900-AO87) received March 24, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    April 7, 2014: Communication 05264, from the Deputy 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Disclosures to Participate in State 
prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (RIN: 2900-AO45) received 
March 19, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    April 10, 2014: Petition 0079, Under clause 3 of rule XII, 
the following petition and papers were presented, as follows: 
By the Speaker: A petition of the County of Saratoga Board of 
Supervisors, New York, relative to Resolution 45-2014 urging 
the Senate to introduce a companion bill of H.R. 1494 and 
ensure its passage within the 113th Congressional Session. 
Referred jointly to the Committees on Armed Services and 
Veterans' Affairs.
    May 1, 2014: Communication 05522, from the Principal Deputy 
Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, transmitting 
fourth quarterly report of FY 2013 on Uniformed Services 
Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994. Referred 
jointly to the Committees on the Judiciary and Veterans' 
Affairs May 1, 2014.
    May 1, 2014: Communication 05523, from the Principal Deputy 
Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, transmitting 
first quarterly report of FY 2014 on Uniformed Services 
Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994. Referred 
jointly to the Committees on the Judiciary and Veterans' 
Affairs May 1, 2014.
    May 8, 2014: Memorial 0200, Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following title was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the 
State of Arizona, relative to House Memorial 2001 urging the 
Congress to restore the presumption of a service connection 
between Agent Orange exposure and subsequent illnesses to 
United States Vietnam War veterans.
    May 15, 2014: Communication 05685, from the Principal 
Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, 
transmitting the second quarterly report of FY 2014 on 
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 
1994. Referred jointly to the Committees on the Judiciary and 
Veterans' Affairs on May 15, 2014.
    May 21, 2014: Communication 05748, from the Adjutant 
General, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., proceedings 
of the 114th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States, held in Louisville, Kentucky, July 
21-24, 2013, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 1332.
    May 28, 2014: Communication 05810, from the Director of 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Loan Guarunty: Ability-to-Repay 
Standards and Qualified Mortgage Definition under the Truth in 
Lending Act (RIN: 2900-AO65) received May 7, 2014, pursuant to 
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    June 19, 2014: Memorial 213, Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following title was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the 
State of Hawaii, relative to House Resolution No. 23 urging the 
Congress to support the Veterans Health and Benefits 
Improvement Act of 2013.
    June 19, 2014: Memorial 214, Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following title was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the 
State of Hawaii, relative to House Resolution No. 22 urging the 
Congress to grant veterans benefits to Filipino Veterans who 
fought in World War II.
    June 19, 2014: Memorial 215, Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following title was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the 
State of Hawaii, relative to House Resolution No. 19 urging the 
Congress to restore the presumption of a service connection for 
Agent Orange exposure to United States veterans who served in 
the waters defined by the Combat Zone and in the airspace over 
the Combat Zone in Vietnam.
    June 19, 2014: Memorial 216, Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following title was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the 
State of Hawaii, relative to House Resolution No. 68 urging the 
Congress to support House Bill 2074.
    June 19, 2014: Memorial 218, Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following titles was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, relative to House Resolution No. 
663 urging the Congress and the President to restore a 
presumption of a service connection for Agent Orange exposure 
for the United States Navy and Air Force veterans who served on 
the inland waterways, territorial waters and in the airspace of 
Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
    June 19, 2014: Memorial 219, Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following titles was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the 
State of Hawaii, relative to House Resolution No. 18 supporting 
the Troop Talent Act of 2013. Referred jointly to the 
Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Armed Services.
    June 23, 2014: Communication 06113, 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 2013 Annual 
Report, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8111(f).
    June 24, 2014: Communication 06139, from the Director, 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Burial Benefits (RIN: 2900-A082) 
received June 6, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    June 25, 2014: Petition 0086, under clause 3 of rule XII, 
the following petition and papers were presented, as follows: 
By the Speaker: A petition of Ontario County Board of 
Supervisors, New York, relative to Resolution No. 265-2014 
urging the adoption of H.R. 543.
    July 15, 2014: Communication 06438, from the Assistant 
Secretary, Department of Defense, transmitting additional 
legislative proposals that the Department requests be enacted 
during the second session of the 113th Congress. Referred 
jointly to the Committees on Armed Services, Oversight and 
Government Reform, Energy and Commerce, Science, Space and 
Technology, the Judiciary, Rules, Natural Resources, 
Transportation and Infrastructures, Financial Services, Foreign 
Affairs, and Veterans Affairs.
    July 18, 2014: Memorial 0268, Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following titles was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the 
state of Michigan, relative to House Resolution No. 371 urging 
the Department of Veterans Affairs to follow Federal Housing 
Administration guidelines as they apply to the site 
condominiums and view them as single-family homes as long as 
they meet certain criteria.
    July 18, 2014: Memorial 0269, Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following titles was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the Senate of the State of Hawaii, 
relative to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 84 urging the 
Congress to restore the presumption of a service connection for 
Agent Orange exposure to United States Veterans who served in 
the waters defined by the Combat Zone and in the airspace over 
the Combat Zone in Vietnam.
    July 23, 2014: Communication 06569 from the Deputy 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Grants for Adaptive Sports 
Programs for Disabled Veterans and Disabled Members of the 
Armed Forces (RIN: 2900-AP07) received July 2, 2014, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    July 24, 2014: Memorial 0288, Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following titles was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the 
state of North Carolina, relative to House Resolution 1256 
honoring the brave men, women, and children who valiantly 
served our country as Coastwise Merchant Mariners during World 
War II.
    July 25, 2014: Memorial 289, Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following titles was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the 
State of North Carolina, relative to House Resolution No. 1256 
honoring the brave men, women, and children who valiantly 
served our country as Coastwise Merchant Mariners during World 
War II.
    July 31, 2014: Communication 06765 from the Director of 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance--
Veterans' Group Life Insurance Regulation Update--ABO, VGLI 
Application, SGLI-2--Year Disability Extension (RIN: 2900-AO74) 
received July 30, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    August 4, 2014: Memorial 306, Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following title was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the House of Representatives of the 
State of Rhode Island, relative to House Resolution No. 318 
urging the Congress to restore the presumption of a service 
connection for Agent Orange exposure to the United States 
Vietnam Veterans who served in the water defined by the combat 
zone, and in the airspace over the Combat Zone.
    August 4, 2014: Communication 06860 from the Director, 
Regulation Policy and Managemnet, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Schedule for Rating Disabilities--
Mental Disorders and Definition of Psychosis for Certain VA 
Purposes (RIN: 2900-AO96) received July 31, 2014, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    September 9, 2014: Communication 06968, from the Acting 
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a 
letter regarding the state of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs.
    September 10, 2014: Communication 07022, from the Director, 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Specially Adapted Housing Eligibility 
for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Beneficiaries (RIN: 2900-
AO84) received August 14, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    September 18, 2014: Communication 07335, from the Deputy 
Director, Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of 
the General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule, Special Home 
Adaptation Grants for Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans 
with Certain Vision Impairment (RIN: 2900-AP12) received 
September 11, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    September 18, 2014: Communication 07336, from the Director, 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule, Substitution in Case of Claimant (RIN: 
2900-AN91) received September 4, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    September 18, 2014: Communication 07337, from the Deputy 
Director, Regulation Policy Management, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule, Updating Certain Citations in VA 
Medical Regulations (RIN: 2900-AP04) received September 11, 
2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    September 18, 2014: Communication 07347, from the Acting 
Director, Office of the National Drug Control Policy, 
transmitting 2014 National Drug Control Strategy, pursuant to 
21 U.S.C. 1504. Referred jointly to the Committees on 
Judiciary, Agriculture, Armed Services, Energy and Commerce, 
Financial Services, Oversight and Government Reform, Foreign 
Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure, Ways and Means, 
Veterans' Affairs, Homeland Security, Natural Resources, 
Intelligence (Permanent Select), and Education and the 
Workforce.
    November 12, 2014: Communication 07654, from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, 
the Department's final rule--Payment or Reimbursement for 
Certain Medical Expenses for Camp Lejeune Family Members (RIN: 
2900-AO79) received September 22, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    November 12, 2014: Communication 07655, from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, 
the Department's final rule--Standard Claims and Appeals Forms 
(RIN: 2900-AO81) received September 22, 2014, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    November 12, 2014: Communication 07656, from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, 
the Department's final rule--Hospital Care and Medical Services 
for Camp Lejeune Veterans (RIN: 2900--AO78) received September 
22, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    November 12, 2014: Communication 07657 from the Secretary, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a report on wait-
time goals of the Veterans Health Administration.
    November 13, 2014: Communication 07694 from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, 
the Department's ``Major'' final rule--Copayments for 
Medications in 2015 (RIN: 2900-AP15) received October 29, 2014, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    November 18, 2014: Memorial 0322, Under clause 3 of rule 
XII, a memorial of the following title was presented as 
follows: By the Speaker: A memorial of the Legislature of the 
State of Alaska, relative to House Joint Resolution 25, urging 
Congress to restore the presumption of a service connection for 
Agent Orange exposure to United States veterans.
    November 18, 2014: Memorial 0323, Under clause 3 of rule 
XII, a memorial of the following title was presented as 
follows: By the Speaker: A memorial of the Legislature of the 
State of Alaska, relative to Senate Joint Resolution 24, 
relating to certain holiday practices at federal Veterans 
Health Administration Facilities.
    November 19, 2014: Memorial 0330, Under clause 3 of rule 
XII, a memorial of the following title was presented as 
follows: By the Speaker: A memorial of the Legislature of the 
State of Alaska, relative to Senate Joint Resolution 24, 
relating to certain holiday practices at federal Veterans 
Health Administration Facilities.
    November 20, 2014: Memorial 0333, Under clause 3 of rule 
XII, a memorial of the following title was presented as 
follows: By the Speaker: A memorial of the House of 
Representatives of the State of Michigan, relative to House 
Resolution No. 385 urging the Congress to investigate the 
Department of Veterans Affairs' treatment of military veterans 
seeking health care at facilities throughout the country.
    November 20, 2014: Petition 0112, Under clause 3 of rule 
XII, the following petition and papers were presented, as 
follows: By the Speaker, A petition of the Blinded Veterans 
Association, Washington, D.C., relative to Resolution 21-14 
supporting legislation to require the President, Vice 
President, and Members of Congress to enroll for VA medical 
care services and receive health care exclusively from the VA 
health care system. Referred jointly to the Committees on House 
Administration, Oversight and Government Reform in addition to 
Veterans' Affairs.
    November 20, 2014: Communication 08076, from the Secretary, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a letter regarding 
the use of private sector health care for the Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    November 20, 2014: Communication 08077, from the Chief 
Regulations Policy and Management, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Technical Corrections Based on Public 
Law 104-262 (RIN: 2900-AO93) received November 13, 2014, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    November 20, 2014: Communication 08078, from the Chief, 
Regulations Policy, Tracking and Control, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Designee for Patient Personal Property 
(RIN: 2900-AO41) received November 13, 2014, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    November 20, 2014: Communication 08079, from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, 
the Department's ``Major'' final rule--Expand Access to Non-VA 
Care Through the Veterans Choice Program (RIN: 2900-AP24) 
received November 4, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    November 20, 2014: Communication 08080 from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Exempting Mental Health Peer 
Support Services from Copayments (RIN: 2900-AP11) received 
November 18, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    November 20, 2014: Communication 08081 from the Chief, 
Regulations Policy, Tracking and Control, Office of General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Designee for Patient Personal Property 
(RIN: 1900-AO41) received November 18, 2014, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    November 20, 2014: Communication 08111 from the Assistant 
Attorney General, Department of Justice, transmitting fourth 
quarterly report of FY 2014 on Uniformed Services Employment 
and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994. Referred jointly to the 
Committees on the Judiciary and Veterans' Affairs Committees.
    December 1, 2014: Communication 08118 from the National 
Adjutant, Chief Executive Officer, the Disabled American 
Veterans, transmitting, the 2014 National Convention 
Proceedings of the Disabled American Veterans.