[House Report 114-879]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                 Union Calendar No. 690

114th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 114-879





                        REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES

                                 of the

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

                                 of the

                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                               during the

                    ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH CONGRESS

                              pursuant to

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

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]


 December 16, 2016.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
            
                                  ______

                         U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE 

23-035                         WASHINGTON : 2016             
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
                         LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

                              ----------                              

                          House of Representatives,
                            Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
                                 Washington, DC, December 19, 2016.
Hon. Karen L. Haas,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    Dear Ms. Haas: In accordance with clause (d)1 of rule XI of 
the Rules of the House of Representatives for the 114th 
Congress, I submit herewith the report of the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs setting forth its activities in reviewing and 
studying the application, administration, and execution of 
those laws, the subject matter of which is within the 
jurisdiction of our committee.
            Sincerely,
                                               Jeff Miller,
                                                          Chairman.
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                                                          
                            Committee Staff

                   Jonathan A. Towers, Staff Director
                Michael F. Brinck, Deputy Staff Director

             Don Phillips, Staff Director (Minority Office)
    David M. Tucker, Deputy Staff Director and Chief Counsel, Staff 
Director, Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations (Minority Office) 
                       (January 2015-August 2016)

 Brandt Anderson, Research Assistant, Subcommittee on Health (January 
                             2015-May 2015)
   Kelsey Baron, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Economic 
                              Opportunity
        Kiley Bidelman, Staff Assistant (September 2015-Present)
Megan Bland, Executive Assistant (Minority Office) (June 2014-November 
                                 2015)
    Carolyn Blaydes, Senior Legislative Assistant (Minority Office)
 Tammy Bonzanto, Healthcare Investigator, Subcommittee on Oversight & 
                            Investigations 
                          (June 2015-Present)
  Justin Brown, Democratic Staff Director, Subcommittee on Disability 
     Assistance and Memorial Affairs (January 2015-September 2016)
                 Curt Cashour, Communications Director
   Amy Centanni, Investigative Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight & 
                             Investigations
Jonathan A. Clark, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
      Cecilia Daly, Professional Staff Member (April 2015-Present)
 Hillary Dickinson, Research Assistant, Subcommittee on Health (August 
                             2015-Present)
 Andrea Donelson, Executive Assistant and New Media Manager (Minority 
                                Office) 
                        (November 2015-Present)
    Bernadine N. Dotson, Financial Administrator and Printing Clerk
   Jessica G. Eggimann, Chief Clerk, Office Manager, and Legislative 
                              Coordinator
        Lee Footer, Professional Staff Member (Minority Office)
Samantha E. Gonzalez, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Health
 Anderson Griffin, Communications Director (Minority Office, July 2016-
                                Present)
     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
    Christina Mandruecci, Staff Assistant (January 2015-August 2015)
 William Mallison, Contract Investigator, Subcommittee on Oversight & 
                            Investigations 
                          (July 2015-Present)
   Tim Mantegna, Digital Manager and Press Assistant (February 2015-
                                Present)
 Carol S. Murray, Legislative Coordinator and Office Manager (Minority 
                                Office)
 Caroline Ponseti, Digital Manager and Press Assistant (February 2016-
                                Present)
Harold Rees, Senior Investigative Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight & 
                             Investigations
  Rory Riley, Staff Director and Counsel, Subcommittee on Disability 
      Assistance and Memorial Affairs (January 2015-October 2015)
    Grace Rodden, Investigative Counsel (Minority Office) (May 2015-
                                Present)
 Lauren Rogan, Professional Staff Member and Counsel, Subcommittee on 
  Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (January 2015-March 2015)
    Michael N. Siegel, Digital Manager (January 2015-February 2015)
    Alyssa Schroeder, Research Assistant, Disability Assistance and 
                Memorial Affairs (November 2015-Present)
 David Simon, Communications Director (Minority Office) (January 2015-
                               July 2016)
 Ian Smith, Research Assistant, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
           and Memorial Affairs (January 2015-February 2015)
    Erin Snow, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
                           (Minority Office) 
                          (April 2015-Present)
  Maria Tripplaar, Staff Director, Disability Assistance and Memorial 
                                Affairs 
                         (October 2015-Present)
Saki Ververis, Senior Legislative Assistant (Minority Office) (January 
                            2016-July 2016)
   John Vick, Research Assistant, Disability Assistance and Memorial 
                                Affairs 
                       (April 2015-October 2015)
 Cathleen C. Wiblemo, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Health (Minority 
                                Office)
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                            C O N T E N T S

                                                                   Page
Jurisdiction of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.........     1
Rules of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs......................     2
Oversight Agenda for the 114th Congress..........................    12
Membership and Organization......................................    21
Legislative and Oversight Activities of the Full Committee.......    24
Activities of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 
  Memorial Affairs...............................................   132
Activities of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity...........   147
Activities of the Subcommittee on Health.........................   162
Activities of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations...   177
Messages from the President and other Executive Branch 
  Communications.................................................   187








                                                Union Calendar No. 690
114th Congress   }                                      {       Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session      }                                      {      114-879

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



 
 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS 
                         FOR THE 114TH CONGRESS

                                _______
                                

 December 16, 2016.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

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

                              R E P O R T

    Clause 1(d) of the rule XI of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives for the 114th 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

    Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives 
establishes the standing committees of the House and their 
jurisdiction. Under that rule, all bills, resolutions, and 
other matters relating to the subjects within the jurisdiction 
of any standing committee shall be referred to such committee. 
Clause 1(s) of Rule X establishes the jurisdiction of the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs as follows:
    (1) Veterans' measures generally.
    (2) Cemeteries of the United States in which veterans of 
any war or conflict are or may be buried, whether in the United 
States or abroad (except cemeteries administered by the 
Secretary of the Interior).
    (3) Compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and education 
of veterans.
    (4) Life insurance issued by the Government on account of 
service in the Armed Forces.
    (5) Pensions of all the wars of the United States, general 
and special.
    (6) Readjustment of servicemembers to civil life.
    (7) Servicemembers' civil relief.
    (8) Veterans' hospitals, medical care, and treatment of 
veterans.

              RULES OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS


              U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 114TH CONGRESS


                       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(f) of House Rule XI 
as follows:
          (1) If audio or visual coverage of the hearing or 
        meeting is to be presented to the public as live 
        coverage, that coverage shall be conducted and 
        presented without commercial sponsorship.
          (2) The allocation among the television media of the 
        positions or the number of television cameras permitted 
        by a committee or subcommittee chair in a hearing or 
        meeting room shall be in accordance with fair and 
        equitable procedures devised by the Executive Committee 
        of the Radio and Television Correspondents' Galleries.
          (3) Television cameras shall be placed so as not to 
        obstruct in any way the space between a witness giving 
        evidence or testimony and any member of the committee 
        or the visibility of that witness and that member to 
        each other.
          (4) Television cameras shall operate from fixed 
        positions but may not be placed in positions that 
        obstruct unnecessarily the coverage of the hearing or 
        meeting by the other media.
          (5) Equipment necessary for coverage by the 
        television and radio media may not be installed in, or 
        removed from, the hearing or meeting room while the 
        committee is in session.
          (6)(A) Except as provided in subdivision (B), 
        floodlights, spotlights, strobelights, and flashguns 
        may not be used in providing any method of coverage of 
        the hearing or meeting.
          (B) The television media may install additional 
        lighting in a hearing or meeting room, without cost to 
        the Government, in order to raise the ambient lighting 
        level in a hearing or meeting room to the lowest level 
        necessary to provide adequate television coverage of a 
        hearing or meeting at the current state of the art of 
        television coverage.
          (7) If requests are made by more of the media than 
        will be permitted by a committee or subcommittee chair 
        for coverage of a hearing or meeting by still 
        photography, that coverage shall be permitted on the 
        basis of a fair and equitable pool arrangement devised 
        by the Standing Committee of Press Photographers.
          (8) Photographers may not position themselves between 
        the witness table and the members of the committee at 
        any time during the course of a hearing or meeting.
          (9) Photographers may not place themselves in 
        positions that obstruct unnecessarily the coverage of 
        the hearing by the other media.
          (10) Personnel providing coverage by the television 
        and radio media shall be currently accredited to the 
        Radio and Television Correspondents' Galleries.
          (11) Personnel providing coverage by still 
        photography shall be currently accredited to the Press 
        Photographers' Gallery.
          (12) Personnel providing coverage by the television 
        and radio media and by still photography shall conduct 
        themselves and their coverage activities in an orderly 
        and unobtrusive manner.
    (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, or at such other time as designated 
        by the Chairman after consultation with the Ranking 
        Member, 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 2(g)(5) of Rule XI of the 
        Rules of the House:
                  (A) 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 any 
                Federal grants or contracts, or contracts or 
                payments originating with a foreign government, 
                received during the current calendar year or 
                either of the two previous calendar years by 
                the witness and related to the subject matter 
                of the hearing.
                  (B) The disclosure required by this Rule 
                shall include the amount and source of each 
                Federal grant (or subgrant thereof) or contract 
                (or subcontract thereof) related to the subject 
                matter of the hearing and the amount and 
                country of origin of any payment or contract 
                related to the subject matter of the hearing 
                originating with a foreign government.
    (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) Non-Committee Members may be invited to sit at 
        the dais for Committee hearings with the unanimous 
        consent of all Members present. Further, non-Committee 
        Members may be recognized for questioning of witnesses 
        but only after all Committee Members have first been 
        recognized.
          (4) 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.
          (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) Non-Committee Members may be invited to 
                sit at the dais for subcommittee hearings with 
                the unanimous consent of all Members present. 
                Further, non-Committee Members may be 
                recognized for questioning of witnesses but 
                only after all subcommittee Members have first 
                been recognized for questioning.
                  (5) 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. Evidence of a Member's support in 
        writing may either be in the form of a letter to the 
        Chairman and Ranking Member or co-sponsorship of 
        legislation proposing to name the particular VA 
        facility in question.
          (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.
    (b) The above criteria for naming a VA facility may be 
waived by unanimous consent.

                     U.S. House of Representatives

                     Committee on Veterans' Affairs

                OVERSIGHT AGENDA FOR THE 114TH CONGRESS

    The Committee on Veterans' Affairs conducts its oversight 
with the help of four Subcommittees: Oversight and 
Investigations; Economic Opportunity; Disability Assistance and 
Memorial Affairs; and Health. It is expected that oversight of 
the issues outlined below will be a shared responsibility of 
both the full Committee and the appropriate subcommittees.
Subcommittee on Disability and Memorial Affairs
     Appeals reform--The Board of Veterans Appeals 
(BVA) reviews benefits claims submitted by veterans who 
disagree with the decision made on their claim by a VA Regional 
Office. It currently takes over two years for BVA to reach a 
decision due to the backlog of claims. The process often 
involves a remand by BVA to the Regional Office for additional 
information which further lengthens the time to a final 
decision. The Committee will explore alternative processes and 
initiatives to the current system.
     VBA Training--The Veterans Benefits 
Administration's (VBA) overall training strategy continues to 
result in questionable outcomes. VBA recently spent about $10 
million to upgrade the skills of claims examiners. However, 
Committee staff attended several training sessions and spoke 
with participants to determine the quality of the training. 
Participants were nearly unanimous in their judgment that the 
training was of poor quality, hastily organized and inadequate 
in nearly all phases. The Committee will review VBA's training 
program beginning with initial skills training through advanced 
and recurrent training.
     Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims--The Court of 
Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) was established in 1988 and 
has exclusive jurisdiction over decisions made by the BVA. The 
Committee will conduct oversight over the operation of the 
Court, including the current, jurisdiction, and compensation 
and benefits of CAVC judges sitting on the Court compared to 
other Article III courts and the Federal judiciary. The 
Committee will make the comparison to determine whether CAVC 
judges are adequately compensated relative to their workloads 
and scope of work.
     VBMS and VBA IT Systems--The Committee will review 
the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) and other VBA IT 
systems, to include inquiry into claims, future capabilities 
and efficiencies, prevention of government waste due to 
erroneous automatic payments or other system failures, and 
strategic planning for the paperless environment. VA has spent 
hundreds of millions of tax dollars to develop an information 
technology system to process disability benefit claims. To 
date, the Committee continues to receive information that the 
system is frequently inoperative thereby forcing claims 
processors to use inefficient systems designed decades ago.
     VBA Fiduciary Program--The Committee will review 
the performance of the VBA Fiduciary Program. The program is 
designed to provide financial security to veterans who have 
been determined unable to manage their VA benefit payments. 
Fiduciaries are designated by VA and can be a family member, a 
close friend, or a professional fiduciary. The review will 
include oversight of how fiduciaries are appointed, the 
Department's compliance with provisions in the Brady Handgun 
Violence Prevention Act (Public Law 103-159, 107 Stat. 1536) 
that can effectively deny veterans in the fiduciary program of 
the Second Amendment rights as well as fraud associated with 
the program.
     Discharge and Benefits Eligibility--The 
Subcommittee will review the treatment of character of 
discharge and subsequent effect on benefits and healthcare. The 
Committee is aware that many veterans receive types of 
discharges that deprive them of their VA benefits as well as 
affect their ability to hold many types of employment. These 
discharges are sometimes awarded due to a servicemember's 
performance under the stresses of PTSD and other mental health-
related issues.
     IDES Program--the Subcommittee will conduct 
oversight over the Integrated Disability Examination System 
(IDES) program collaboration of DoD and VA, to include outcomes 
and timeliness. IDES is intended to begin the disability claims 
process while a servicemember is on active duty. The goal is to 
completely reach a decision on the claim by the time the 
servicemember is discharged or shortly thereafter.
     National Cemeteries--The Subcommittee will 
continue oversight over National Cemetery Administration (NCA), 
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), American Battle Monuments 
Commission (ABMC), to include each organization's mission and 
operation to include inquiry into matters of unclaimed remains, 
access, and the methodology for determining veteran 
satisfaction. Each of the above organizations provides a 
hallowed resting place for veterans. VA alone operates over 150 
National Cemeteries to provide an honorable resting placed for 
veterans and certain dependents. The Committee will look into a 
number of issues including poor cemetery maintenance, 
destruction of and misplaced grave markers, and overall 
management issues.
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
     Effectiveness of the Transition Assistance Program 
(TAP)--The Committee continues to be concerned about the 
effectiveness of the TAP program which is intended to prepare 
servicemembers for their return to civilian life. The 
Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Labor jointly 
manage and provide content to the five-day course that focuses 
on skills needed to obtain gainful employment as well as an 
understanding of the benefits that are available to them from 
VA and DoL.
     Performance of the Veterans Employment and 
Training Service's State Grant program including performance of 
the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist/Local 
Veterans Employment Representative (DVOPS and LVERs) use of 
employment outcome measures--The DVOPS/LVER program funds state 
employment service staffs who are dedicated to placing veterans 
in good-paying jobs. There are significant issues surrounding 
the inconsistent performance of this program across the states 
and the outcome measures used to determine performance continue 
to be inadequate.
     Effectiveness and outcomes of Education and 
Training Programs for Returning Veterans with a focus in GI 
Bill processing, implementing the in-state and Frye scholarship 
provisions in the Choice Act, and the VetSuccess on Campus 
program--The Post-9/11 GI bill is the most generous education 
program for veterans since the original WWII GI Bill. Based on 
the length of service, the program funds up to full tuition and 
fees at public institutions of higher learning and about 
$19,000 per year at private institutions as well as a monthly 
living stipend based on the housing allowance paid to 
servicemembers at the rank of E-5 and the zip code of the 
institution. Recent changes to the program have expanded 
eligibility for surviving dependents and the Committee intends 
to determine how VA is implementing those changes as well as 
the performance and value of the success-on-Campus program that 
stations VA Vocational Rehabilitation staff on approximately 95 
campuses.
     Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) 
program. The VR&E program provides education and training 
benefits for disabled veterans with barriers to employment. The 
program will fund all costs related to long and short-term 
education and training as well as immediate job placement 
services. VRE also manages the Independent Living (IL) program 
designed to enable the most severely injured veterans to live 
as independently as possible. The Committee continues to be 
concerned about counselor caseloads and outcomes of VRE 
programs. The Committee will also conduct oversight over 
management and overall effectiveness of the VR&E program.
     Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE)--CVE is 
responsible for vetting the applications of veteran and 
service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses wanting to 
participate in the program designed to increase the amount of 
procurement dollars spent with veteran and disabled veteran-
owned small businesses. CVE's vetting program continues to 
approve companies that are not qualified for multiple reasons 
as well as disapprove qualified companies. The Committee will 
review CVE's performance and coordinate with the Small Business 
Committee to determine appropriate alternatives.
     Licensing and Credentialing Issues--The 
Subcommittee plans to look into efforts by states and other 
entities to provide appropriate licenses and credentials to 
qualified veterans whose military training make them eligible 
for such credentials or licenses. The Department of Defense 
spends billions of tax dollars to provide servicemembers with 
the skills needed to complete DoD's mission. The vast majority 
of those skills translate well to civilian jobs. Unfortunately, 
few states recognize and give credit for military training to 
qualify for state-licensed positions and therefore, the 
training provided by DoD is essentially wasted. The Committee 
will review states' progress toward awarding credit for 
military training.

Subcommittee on Health

     Implementation of Public Law 113-146, the Veteran 
Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014--The Committee 
will thoroughly examine the actions the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) has taken to ensure that the law is implemented in 
accordance with statutorily required timelines and 
Congressional intent. Last year, Committee oversight and 
whistleblower revelations exposed systemic access to care 
delays, widespread data manipulation, and failures of 
accountability across the VA healthcare system. These issues 
left some veterans waiting weeks, months, or--in some cases--
years for needed VA medical appointments. As such, particular 
consideration will be given to the status of the Veterans 
Choice program created by section 101 of the law and other 
efforts undertaken by VA to ensure veterans receive timely and 
accessible medical care, whether at VA medical facilities or 
through non-VA providers. The Committee will begin looking at a 
longer term solution that fully incorporates non-VA care into 
the traditional VA care model, either through a restructured 
PC3 program or other vehicle. The Committee will also closely 
monitor VA's efforts to ensure that payments to non-VA 
providers are both accurate and timely and continue aggressive 
oversight of VA's efforts to ensure that all appropriate 
actions are taken to hold VA leaders and employees accountable 
for actions that cause harm to veteran patients.
     Mental Health Care Quality, Access, and Staffing--
The Committee will continue to conduct rigorous oversight of 
the provision of mental health care to veteran patients, 
particularly those at risk of suicide. On average, 22 veterans 
commit suicide each day--in spite of significant increases in 
VA's mental health and suicide prevention budget, staff, and 
programs over the last several years. In light of this seeming 
disconnect, the Committee will examine the effectiveness of 
VA's mental health and suicide prevention programs in reducing 
the prevalence of mental health issues and suicide among the 
veteran population. As part of this effort, the Committee will 
also examine the quality, availability, and efficacy of the 
readjustment counseling services provided through VA Vet 
Centers.
     Women Veterans--The Committee will evaluate 
actions needed to increase access and overcome barriers to care 
for women veterans. Women are the fastest growing segment of 
the veteran population yet research continues to indicate that 
VA struggles with providing women veterans with appropriate 
gender-specific and gender-sensitive care in a welcoming 
environment. In response, the Committee will examine VA's 
current practices and actions needed to improve the provision 
of care to women veterans.
     Medical Recruitment, Retention and Staffing--The 
Committee will closely examine VA's staffing, recruitment, and 
retention plans. VA has identified staffing shortages as a key 
issue impacting access to care for veteran patients. Recently, 
VA transmitted a plan to Congress detailing VA's intent to 
invest $2.2 billion to hire approximately 9,600 new permanent 
medical staff. The Committee will closely monitor the use of 
these funds and the impact staffing increases have on access to 
and quality of care for veteran patients. In light of the long-
history of VA Inspector General and Government Accountability 
Office reports regarding deficiencies in the productivity and 
staffing measures used by VA medical centers and clinics, the 
Committee will also assess VA's methodology to identify, 
prioritize, and correct staffing shortages.
     Caregiver Support--The Committee will continue to 
monitor the implementation of the caregiver assistance programs 
established in Public Law 111-163, the Caregivers and Veterans 
Omnibus Health Services Act. The Committee recognizes and 
respects the valuable services caregivers provide--often to the 
detriment of their own emotional, physical, and financial 
health--to veterans in need. As such, the Committee will also 
continue to examine the findings and recommendation made by the 
Government Accountability Office and the RAND Corporation, 
among others, regarding how to improve caregiver programs. 
Notably, the Committee will also evaluate the feasibility of 
the expansion of the Family Caregiver Program and the 
requirements VA must meet to responsibly expand it to family 
caregivers of pre-9/11 veterans. In addition to evaluating the 
feasibility of the expansion of the Family Caregiver Program to 
pre-9/11 veterans, the Committee will also examine the 
feasibility of including ``ill'' veterans' caregivers in the 
program.
     Management of Major Medical Facility Projects and 
Leases--The Committee will continue its aggressive oversight of 
VA's major medical facility construction projects and leases. 
The Committee will also evaluate actions needed to expedite 
VA's leasing projects in light of recent changes that require 
VA to work with the General Services Administration to execute 
major medical facility leases. Particular consideration will be 
given to the status of ongoing major medical facility 
construction projects in Orlando, Florida; New Orleans, 
Louisiana; and Denver, Colorado; and the twenty-seven major 
medical facility leases authorized in Public Law 113-146.
     Organizational and Management Structure--The 
Committee will closely examine the current Veterans Health 
Administration organizational and management structure. Last 
year, the Committee received testimony from the VA Inspector 
General that, ``. . . there are several organizational issues 
that impeded the efficient and effective operation of [the 
Veterans Health Administration] and place patients at-risk of 
unexpected outcomes.'' The Committee will thoroughly evaluate 
these organizational impediments to care and assess changes 
that may be needed to improve the provision of timely, quality 
care to veteran patients. VISN scope, function, and manpower 
requirements will be examined for possible restructuring. The 
Committee will also monitor VA's efforts to increase the 
efficiency of medical facility operations and, ultimately, 
access to care for veteran patients. In addition, the Committee 
will also evaluate best practices utilized by private sector 
health care systems and their applicability to--and inclusion 
in--the VA healthcare system.
     Medical and Prosthetic Research Program and 
Centers of Excellence--The Committee will closely examine VA's 
medical and prosthetic research program. VA's Office of 
Research and Development (ORD) conducts an extensive research 
program that is tasked with conducting research to advance the 
health care provided by VA and to the nation. Outside of ORD, 
VA also operates a number of Centers of Excellence across the 
country that conduct research on specific aspects of VA health 
care. The Committee will aggressively oversee the totality of 
VA's research programs and ensure that best practices are 
conducted and disseminated throughout the country.
     Prosthetic Care and Procurement--The Committee 
will continue to closely monitor and assess the provision of 
care to veterans requiring prosthetic devices. In 2012, VA 
undertook an initiative to reform prosthetics procurement 
practices. Under the new system, purchasing authority for 
prosthetics equipment above $3,000 was transferred from 
prosthetics purchasing agents to contracting specialists. The 
Committee remains concerned that these reforms have resulted in 
lengthy and unacceptable delays in care for veterans in need. 
As such, the Committee will also examine the continuing impacts 
of prosthetic procurement reform and actions needed to ensure 
veterans--particularly those requiring high-level prosthetic 
devices--receive timely and responsive prosthetic care.
     Pain Management--The Committee will examine the 
increasing use of prescription medications to treat veterans 
experiencing acute and chronic pain. Data suggests that 
veterans are a particularly high-risk population for 
prescription misuse, substance use disorder, accidental 
overdose, accidents, and/or self-inflicted injury. In 
particular, questions were raised in the 113th Congress 
regarding the need for VA to provide a ``higher consent'' form 
to veterans regarding medication side effects and offering them 
alternative therapies to medications in order to manage their 
pain. Accordingly, the Committee will examine actions needed to 
improve pain management across the VA health care system.
     VA Partnerships with Community Organizations--The 
Committee will continue to examine the role of non-profit, 
faith-based, and community providers in helping veterans 
transitioning from active duty to civilian life and/or 
struggling with health or other issues. Operating outside the 
constraints of a Federal bureaucracy, faith-based, non-profit, 
community, and other nongovernmental organizations are uniquely 
situated to assist VA in breaking down identified barriers to 
care for veterans in need. Indeed, these groups are already 
playing a pivotal role in caring for the veterans in 
communities across the country every day, providing a range of 
services including transportation, housing, mental health 
counseling, crisis intervention services, scholarships, 
financial assistance, and workforce reintegration programs. The 
Committee will focus on VA's relationship with these critical 
community partners and further actions needed to increase and 
improve meaningful and effective working relationships between 
them and VA.
     Homeless Veterans--The Committee will thoroughly 
examine the actions VA has taken to provide homeless and at-
risk veterans with appropriate housing, healthcare, and 
training and employment opportunities. In November 2009, then-
VA Secretary Shinseki announced a Five-Year Plan to End Veteran 
Homelessness. Since this Plan was implemented in 2010, veteran 
homelessness has decreased by 33 percent and VA's total medical 
care obligations for homeless veterans has increased to roughly 
$6 billion, more than ten percent of VA's entire medical care 
budget. In light of the pending conclusion of the Plan and the 
considerable investments that have been made in support of it, 
the Committee will closely assess the status and sustainability 
of the progress made to-date to eradicate veteran homelessness. 
Importantly, the Committee will also work to ensure that VA's 
efforts regarding homeless veterans are focused not just on 
housing but also on the elimination of the factors underlying 
homelessness.
     Toxic Exposures--The Committee will examine VA's 
efforts to improve the research and treatment available to 
veterans who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals during 
their military service. Negative health effects as a result of 
exposure to toxic chemicals can have lifelong and generational 
effects on veterans and their families. In recognition of this, 
the Committee will assess the actions VA has taken in response 
to verified or suspected toxic exposure incidents and evaluate 
actions still needed to improve services to veterans and family 
members.
     Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Long Term 
Rehabilitation--The Committee will continue to examine the 
treatment provided to veterans with TBI. Identifying and 
implementing innovative treatment techniques to aid these 
veterans in their recovery has been a long-standing Committee 
priority. Particular consideration will be provided to 
overseeing the ongoing community-based brain injury residential 
rehabilitative care pilot program. Anecdotal evidence seems to 
indicate that veterans involved in the pilot program are 
satisfied with it and appear to experience functional gains as 
a result of the services they receive. In support of these 
initial findings, the Committee will continue to oversee the 
pilot as well as assess actions needed to enhance 
rehabilitation, quality of life, and community integration for 
veterans with TBI.
     Complementary and Alternative Medicine--The 
Committee will assess the availability, use, and efficacy of 
complementary and alternative medicine to treat veterans in 
need. Anecdotal evidence from veterans in complementary and 
alternative medicine programs indicates positive health effects 
and, increasingly, veterans are advocating for a variety of 
treatment options in addition to traditional medicine. As such, 
the Committee will examine how VA is incorporating 
complementary and alternative medicine into VA medical 
facilities and monitoring the effectiveness of complementary 
and alternative treatments for veterans with physical and 
mental health issues.
     Veterans Courts--The Committee will assess VA's 
Veterans Justice Outreach programs and, in particular, the role 
of veterans courts. Veterans with mental health, substance use, 
and other needs that are left untreated can sometimes become 
involved with the criminal justice system. The Committee will 
evaluate the use and effectiveness of veterans courts in 
assisting veterans with mental health and other needs access 
treatment and avoid unnecessary criminalization and 
incarceration.
     Pharmacy Issues--The Committee will examine 
ongoing issues with VA's pharmacy practices and formulary. The 
Committee will also evaluate the process through veterans are 
prescribed non-formulary medications, as required, and the 
process through which new medications are vetted and, 
ultimately, provided to veteran patients. The Committee will 
also oversee the use and effectiveness of VA's consolidated 
mail outpatient pharmacy.
     Civilian Health and Medical Program of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)--CHAMPVA provides 
health benefits to spouses and children of veterans who are 
disabled or who died from a service-connected disability. When 
the Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) was passed in 
2010, children of these veterans were left out of the 
provisions allowing dependents to stay on their parents' 
insurance until age 26. However, within the military health 
program TRICARE, dependents are allowed to stay until 26, 
creating a potential inequity for CHAMPVA dependents. The 
Committee will examine the feasibility and advisability of 
extending the CHAMPVA program to age 26 for those who are 
eligible.

Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations

     VA Procurement and Acquisition--The VA procurement 
and acquisition process has been a recurring problem area for 
the VA. The Committee will look into numerous allegations of 
inappropriate and inefficient procurement practices at the VA 
and work toward identifying concrete steps that VA can take to 
improve the procurement and acquisition process.
     VA Major Construction--The Committee will be 
undertaking a comprehensive investigation and review of VA's 
Major Construction program. VA's current practices may increase 
costs and delays in constructing facilities, as most recently 
evidenced at the Denver VA Medical Center project, a project 
where costs have skyrocketed and estimates regarding completion 
have stretched into the future.
     VA Claims Process--The Committee will be looking 
into the VA claims process to ensure that claims are handled 
quickly and fairly, including claims that are handled under an 
expedited process that may cut important due process corners.
     VA Health Care Quality and Timeliness--The 
Committee will continue oversight over VA health care quality 
concerns and issues involving delays and access. The Committee 
is especially concerned over staffing shortages and the effects 
such shortages have on health care access.
     VA Land Use Agreements--The Committee will review 
allegations of wasteful and improper VA land use lease 
agreements that may have an effect on health care quality and 
timeliness and waste taxpayer dollars.
     Whistleblower Retaliation--The Committee is 
concerned over continued allegations regarding VA retaliation 
against whistleblowers. The Committee will look closely into 
whistleblower retaliation and whether recent statements 
regarding zero tolerance for retaliation are being effectively 
followed throughout the VA system.
     VA Mental Health Care--The Committee will be 
reviewing the effectiveness and adequacy of VA's mental health 
efforts, including its management of psychiatric medications 
and suicide prevention efforts that may not provide appropriate 
access to care to veterans seeking mental health care. The 
Committee will also review the use and misuse of opioids in the 
treatment of mental health issues involving PTSD, TBI, and 
substance use addictions.
     VA Information Technology--The Committee will 
continue its vigorous oversight over the VA's information 
technology program, including the effectiveness of VA's 
cybersecurity efforts. The Committee will also look into VA's 
efforts to replace the scheduling software currently used by 
the Veterans Health Administration as well as efforts by VA and 
the Department of Defense to put into place interoperable and 
integrated electronic health records.

   MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

                  ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEENTH CONGRESS

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

          (Ratio: 14-10)

  JEFF MILLER, Florida, Chairman

MARK TAKANO, California, Acting Ranking Member (19 July 2016-Present)
CORRINE BROWN, Florida, Ranking Member (Jan 2015-18 July 2016)ice 
JULIA BROWNLEY, California           Chairman
DINA TITUS, Nevada                   DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee
RAUL RUIZ, California                DAN BENISHEK, Michigan
ANN KUSTER, New Hampshire            TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas
BETO O'ROURKE, Texas                 MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado
KATHLEEN RICE, New York              BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio
TIM WALZ, Minnesota                  JACKIE WALORSKI, Indiana
JERRY McNERNEY, California           RALPH ABRAHAM, Louisiana
                                     LEE ZELDIN, New York
                                     RYAN COSTELLO, Pennsylvania
                                     AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN, 
                                     America Samoa
                                     MIKE BOST, Illinois

Jonathan A. Towers, Majority Staff 
             Director
  Don Phillips, Democratic Staff 
             Director

                        SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS
       SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS

           (Ratio: 5-3)

RALPH ABRAHAM, Louisiana, Chairman

DINA TITUS, Nevada,                  DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado
  Ranking Member                     LEE ZELDIN, New York
JULIA BROWNLEY, California           RYAN COSTELLO, Pennsylvania
RAUL RUIZ, California                MIKE BOST, Illinois

                  SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

           (Ratio: 5-4)

   BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio, Chairman

MARK TAKANO, California,             LEE ZELDIN, New York
  Ranking Member                     RYAN COSTELLO, Pennsylvania
DINA TITUS, Nevada                   AMATA AUMUA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN, 
KATHLEEN RICE, New York              America Samoa
JERRY McNERNEY, California           MIKE BOST, Illinois

                         SUBCOMMITEE ON HEALTH

           (Ratio: 7-5)

 DAN BENISHEK, Michigan, Chairman

JULIA BROWNLEY, California,          GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida
  Ranking Member                     DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee
MARK TAKANO, California              TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas
RAUL RUIZ, California                MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado
ANN KUSTER, New Hampshire            BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio
BETO O'ROURKE, Texas                 RALPH ABRAHAM, Louisiana

              SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS

           (Ratio: 6-4)

 MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado, Chairman

ANN KUSTER, New Hampshire,           DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado
  Ranking Member                     DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee
BETO O'ROURKE, Texas                 DAN BENISHEK, Michigan
KATHLEEN RICE, New York              TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas
TIM WALZ, Minnesota                  JACKIE WALORSKI, Indiana
                            COMMITTEE STAFF


                             MAJORITY STAFF

        Jonathan A. Towers
          Staff Director

         Michael F. Brinck
       Deputy Staff Director

    Brandt Anderson, Research 
Assistant, Subcommittee on Health 
      (January 2015-May 2015)
 Kelsey Baron, Professional Staff 
 Member, Subcommittee on Economic 
           Opportunity 
  Kiley Bidelman (September 2015-
             Present)
   Tamara Bonzanto, Healthcare 
 Investigator (June 2015-Present)
   Curt Cashour, Communications 
             Director
   Amy Centanni, Investigative 
Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight 
        and Investigations
Jonathan A. Clark, Staff Director, 
     Subcommittee on Economic 
            Opportunity
 Cecilia Daly, Professional Staff 
Member, Subcommittee on Disability 
 Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
       (April 2015-Present)
   Hillary Dickinson, Research 
Assistant, Subcommittee on Health 
       (August 2015-Present)
  Bernadine N. Dotson, Financial 
           Administrator
Jessica G. Eggimann, Chief Clerk, 
 Legislative Coordinator, Office 
              Manager
   Samantha E. Gonzalez, Senior 
     Professional Staff Member
 Eric E. Hannel, Staff Director, 
  Subcommittee on Oversight and 
   Investigations (January 2015-
           October 2016)
 Christine Hill, Staff Director, 
      Subcommittee on Health
   Jon Hodnette, Investigative 
Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight 
 and Investigations (January 2015-
  October 2016)--Staff Director 
      (November 2016-Present)
   Christina Mandreucci, Staff 
  Assistant (January 2015-August 
               2015)
 Tim Mantegna, Digital Manager & 
  Press Assistant (February 2015-
          February 2016)
    William Mallison, Contract 
  Investigator, Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations (July 
           2015-Present)
Caroline Ponseti, Digital Manager 
 & Press Assistant (February 2016-
             Present)
Harold Rees, Senior Investigative 
Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight 
 and Investigations (January 2015-
          November 2016)
   Rory Riley, Staff Director, 
    Subcommittee on Disability 
 Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
    (January 2015-October 2015)
 Lauren Rogan, Professional Staff 
 Member and Counsel, Subcommittee 
   on Disability Assistance and 
  Memorial Affairs (January 2015-
          February 2015)
 Michael Siegel, Digital Manager 
   (January 2015-February 2015)
    Alyssa Schroeder, Research 
    Assistant, Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial 
  Affairs (November 2015-Present)
  Ian Smith, Research Assistant, 
    Subcommittee on Disability 
 Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
   (January 2015-February 2015)
 Maria Tripplaar, Staff Director 
   and Counsel, Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial 
  Affairs (October 2015-Present)
  John Vick, Research Assistant, 
    Subcommittee on Disability 
 Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
     (April 2015-October 2015)

                             MINORITY STAFF

           Don Phillips
          Staff Director

 Megan Bland, Executive Assistant 
   (January 2015-November 2015)
     Carolyn Blaydes, Senior 
       Legislative Assistant
  Justin Brown, Staff Director, 
    Subcommittee on Disability 
 Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
   (January 2015-September 2016)
    Andrea Donelson, Executive 
 Assistant and New Media Manager 
      (November 2015-Present)
  Lee Footer, Professional Staff 
              Member
 Carol S. Murray, Office Manager 
    and Legislative Coordinator
   Grace Rodden, Investigative 
    Counsel (May 2015-Present)
   David Simon, Communications 
 Director (January 2015-July 2015)
    Erin Snow, Staff Director, 
     Subcommittee on Economic 
 Opportunity (April 2015-Present)
    David Tucker, Deputy Staff 
    Director and Chief Counsel 
    (January 2015-August 2016)
Saki Ververis, Senior Legislative 
Assistant (January 2015-July 2016)
    Cathleen C. Wiblemo, Staff 
 Director, Subcommittee on Health

       LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE FULL COMMITTEE

    From January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016 of the First 
and Second Sessions of the 114th Congress, 452 bills were 
referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The Committee 
reported to the House or was discharged from further 
consideration of 38 measures. Sixteen 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, 2015 to December 31, 2016 of the 114th Congress.

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS


                             (Ratio: 14-10)

  JEFF MILLER, Florida, Chairman

MARK TAKANO, California, Acting Ranking Member (19 July 2016-Present)
CORRINE BROWN, Florida, Ranking Member (Jan 2015-18 July 2016)ice 
JULIA BROWNLEY, California           Chairman
DINA TITUS, Nevada                   DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee
RAUL RUIZ, California                DAN BENISHEK, Michigan
ANN KUSTER, New Hampshire            TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas
BETO O'ROURKE, Texas                 MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado
KATHLEEN RICE, New York              BRAD WENSTRUP, Ohio
TIM WALZ, Minnesota                  JACKIE WALORSKI, Indiana
JERRY McNERNEY, California           RALPH ABRAHAM, Louisiana
                                     LEE ZELDIN, New York
                                     RYAN COSTELLO, Pennsylvania
                                     AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN, 
                                     America Samoa
                                     MIKE BOST, Illinois
                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS


                 FULL COMMITTEE LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES


First Session

                 VETERANS IDENTIFICATION CARD ACT 2015

                               (H.R. 91)


Summary

    H.R. 91, the Veteran's Identification Card Act of 2015, 
directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue a 
veteran's identification card to a requesting veteran who is 
neither entitled to military retired pay nor enrolled in the VA 
system of patient enrollment.
    The bill also requires such card, among other things, to: 
(1) display the veteran's name and photograph, and (2) serve as 
proof that the veteran has a DD-214 form or other official 
document in his or her military personnel file that describes 
the veteran's military service. The bill also directs VA to 
charge a card fee and states that such card shall not serve as 
proof of entitlement to any benefits.

Legislative History

    H.R. 91 was introduced by Representative Vern Buchanan on 
January 6, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Veterans 
Affairs. H.R. 91 had 82 cosponsors.
    On May 18, 2015, the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 91, as amended, by 402 Yeas and 0 Nays.
    On June 22, 2015, H.R. 91 passed the Senate with an 
amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On July 7, 2015, the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and agree to the Senate amendment by 411 Yeas and 0 
Nays.
    On July 9, 2015, H.R. 91 was presented to the President.
    On July 20, 2015, H.R. 91 was signed by the President and 
became Public Law No. 114-31.

                           CLAY HUNT SAV ACT

                               (H.R. 203)


Summary

    H.R. 203, the Clay Hunt SAV Act, requires the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) arrange for an independent third 
party evaluation, to be conducted by September 30, 2018, and 
each fiscal year thereafter, of the VA's mental health care and 
suicide prevention programs; and (2) submit a report to 
Congress, by December 1, 2018, and each year thereafter, 
containing the most recent evaluations not yet submitted to 
Congress and any recommendations the Secretary considers 
appropriate.
    H.R. 203 directs the Secretary to submit interim reports to 
Congress by September 30, 2016, and September 30, 2017, on the 
VA's mental health care and suicide prevention programs.
    H.R. 203 directs the Secretary to survey the VA's websites 
and information resources to publish a website that serves as a 
centralized source to provide veterans with information, 
updated at least once every 90 days, regarding the VA's mental 
health care services.
    H.R. 203 requires the Secretary to carry out a three-year 
pilot program to repay the education loans relating to 
psychiatric medicine that are incurred by individuals who: are 
eligible to practice psychiatric medicine in the Veterans 
Health Administration (VHA) or are enrolled in the final year 
of a residency program leading to a specialty qualification in 
psychiatric medicine; demonstrate a commitment to a long-term 
career as a psychiatrist in the VHA; and agree to a period of 
two or more years of obligated service with the VHA in the 
field of psychiatric medicine, as determined by the Secretary.
    H.R. 203 limits the loan repayment to no more than $30,000 
for each year an individual performs such obligated service, as 
determined by the Secretary.
    H.R. 203 directs the Secretary to submit interim and final 
reports to Congress on such pilot program.
    H.R. 203 directs the Secretary to establish a three-year 
pilot program at not less than five Veterans Integrated Service 
Networks (VISNs) to assist veterans transitioning from active 
duty and to improve the access of veterans to mental health 
services. Requires the pilot program at each VISN to include: 
(1) a community oriented veteran peer support network carried 
out in partnership with an entity that has experience in peer 
support programs, and (2) a community outreach team for each 
medical center in such VISN.
    H.R. 203 directs the Secretary to submit interim and final 
reports to Congress on such pilot program.
    H.R. 203 authorizes the Secretary to collaborate with 
nonprofit mental health organizations to prevent suicide among 
veterans. Requires the Secretary and any such organization to 
exchange training sessions and best practices.
    H.R. 203 directs the Secretary to select a VA Director of 
Suicide Prevention Coordination to undertake any collaboration 
with nonprofit mental health organizations.
    H.R. 203 extends for one year combat veterans' eligibility 
for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care 
for illnesses that have not been medically proven to be 
attributable to their service, provided they: (1) were 
discharged or released from active duty between January 1, 
2009, and January 1, 2011, and (2) did not enroll to receive 
such care during the five-year period of eligibility following 
their discharge.
    H.R. 203 prohibits the authorization of any additional 
appropriations to carry out this Act's provisions.

Legislative History

    H.R. 203 was introduced by Representative Timothy Walz on 
January 7, 2015, and referred to the House Veterans' Affairs 
Committee. The bill had 39 cosponsors, 11 of which were 
original cosponsors.
    On January 12, 2015, the House agreed to a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass the bill agreed to by 403 Yeas and 0 
Nays.
    On January 21, 2015, H.R. 203 was reported by Senator 
Isakson without amendment and without a written report.
    On February 3, 2015, H.R. 203 passed the Senate without 
amendment by 99 Yeas and 0 Nays.
    On February 11, 2015, H.R. 203 was presented to the 
President.
    On February 12, 2015, H.R. 203 was signed by the President 
and became Public Law No: 114-2.
    On April 23, 2015, Senator Isakson from the Senate 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs filed the written report, No. 
114-34.

   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS BUDGET PLANNING REFORM ACT OF 2015

                               (H.R. 216)


Summary

    H.R. 216, the Department of Veterans' Affairs Budget 
Planning Reform Act of 2015, directs the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) to submit annually to Congress a Future-Years 
Veterans Program (Program) reflecting estimated expenditures 
and proposed appropriations included in the budget for that 
fiscal year.
    H.R. 216 requires the Program to: (1) set forth a five-year 
VA plan to address the U.S. commitment to veterans and the 
resources necessary to meet that commitment; (2) be included in 
VA's annual budget submission to the Congress, starting with 
the FY2020 budget submission; and (3) be published on a 
publicly available VA website.
    H.R. 216 requires the Secretary, in 2019 and quadrennially 
thereafter, to conduct a review of the strategy for meeting 
such commitment and resources requirement (Quadrennial Veterans 
Review) which shall include a comprehensive examination of U.S. 
policies and strategies for veterans, including recommendations 
regarding the long-term strategy and priorities for veterans 
programs, services, and benefits, and guidance on VA programs, 
assets, budget, and policies.
    H.R. 216 requires each Review to be coordinated with the 
Program.
    H.R. 216 directs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress 
regarding each Review, and (2) publish each Review on a 
publicly available VA website.
    H.R. 216 directs the Secretary to establish an Independent 
Veterans Review Panel for each year in which a Review is 
conducted which shall review the process by which the review is 
formulated and submit a related report to Congress.
    H.R. 216 directs the Secretary to provide annually to the 
appropriate VA officials written policy guidance for the 
preparation and review of the planning and program 
recommendations and budget proposals of the VA elements of such 
officials.
    H.R. 216 directs the Secretary to designate a Chief 
Strategy Officer to: (1) advise the Secretary on long-range VA 
strategy and implications, and (2) develop and execute the 
Program.
    H.R. 216 states that: (1) no additional funds are 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act, and (2) 
this Act shall be carried out using funds otherwise available 
to VA.

Legislative History

    H.R. 216 was introduced by Representative Corrine Brown on 
January 8, 2015, and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill was originally cosponsored by 
Chairman Jeff Miller, and had 3 additional cosponsors.
    On January 27, 2015, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 216, and received testimony 
from the following witnesses: the Honorable Alan Grayson, 
Member of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives, 9th 
Congressional District, Florida; Mr. David R. McLenachen, 
Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Assistance, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Mr. McLenachen was accompanied by: Dr. Rajiv Jain, 
Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Patient 
Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Ms. Susan Sullivan, Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Policy, Office of Policy and Planning, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Kim McLeod, Counsel, Office 
of General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Joseph A. Violante, National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy Director, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Mr. Zachary 
Hearn, Deputy Director--Claims of the Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Commission, The American Legion; and Mr. Blake 
Ortner, Deputy Government Relations Director, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America.
    On February 12, 2015, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in an open session and an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 216 was offered by Ranking Member Brown of 
Florida and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 216, as amended, 
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full House by voice vote. The Committee Report 
was filed on March 23, 2015 (H. Rept. 114-48).
    On March 24, 2015, the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass the bill, as amended by 420 Yeas and 0 Nays.
    On March 25, 2015, H.R. 216 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

 TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO RECOUP BONUSES AND 
     AWARDS PAID TO EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

                               (H.R. 280)


Summary

    H.R. 280, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
recoup bonuses and awards paid to employees of the Department 
of Veterans Affairs, authorizes the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) to issue an order directing a VA employee to repay 
the amount, or a portion of the amount, of an award or bonus 
paid to the employee if: (1) the VA determines that such 
repayment is appropriate, and (2) the employee is afforded 
notice and an opportunity for a hearing conducted by another 
federal agency. H.R. 280 makes such repayment decisions final 
and unreviewable.
    H.R. 280 makes this Act applicable to awards or bonuses 
paid before, on, or after the date of this Act's enactment.

Legislative History

    H.R. 280 was introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller on January 
12, 2015, and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs in addition to the the House Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform. The bill had 9 additional cosponsors.
    On January 27, 2015, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 280, and received testimony 
from the following witnesses: the Honorable Alan Grayson, 
Member of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives, 9th 
Congressional District, Florida; Mr. David R. McLenachen, 
Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Assistance, 
Veterans Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Mr. McLenachen was accompanied by: Dr. Rajiv Jain, 
Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Patient 
Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Ms. Susan Sullivan, Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Policy, Office of Policy and Planning, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Kim McLeod, Counsel, Office 
of General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Joseph A. Violante, National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy Director, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Mr. Zachary 
Hearn, Deputy Director--Claims of the Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Commission, The American Legion; and Mr. Blake 
Ortner, Deputy Government Relations Director, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America.
    On February 12, 2015 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met 
in an open session and an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute H.R. 280 was offered by Chairman Miller of Florida 
and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 280, as amended, passed the 
Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the 
Full House by voice vote. The Committee Report was filed on 
March 2, 2015, and discharged from the Committee on Oversight 
and Government Reform (H. Rept. 114-32).
    On March 2, 2015, the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass the bill, as amended, by voice vote.
    On March 3, 2015, H.R. 280 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

                   LONG-TERM CARE VETERANS CHOICE ACT

                               (H.R. 294)


Summary

    H.R. 294, Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act, authorizes 
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), during the three-year 
period beginning on October 1, 2015, at the request of a 
veteran for whom the VA is required to provide nursing home 
care, to place such veteran in a medical foster home that meets 
VA standards. Requires such veteran to agree, as a condition of 
such placement, to accept VA home health services.
    H.R. 294 limits the number of veterans placed in a medical 
foster home that may have their care covered at the expense of 
the United States to 900.
    H.R. 294 amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014 to reduce the aggregate amount of 
awards and bonuses that may be paid by the VA in each of 
FY2015-FY2018 to $300 million.

Legislative History

    H.R. 294 was introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller on January 
13, 2015, and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 2 additional cosponsors.
    On January 27, 2015, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 294, and received testimony 
from the following witnesses: the Honorable Alan Grayson, 
Member of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives, 9th 
Congressional District, Florida; Mr. David R. McLenachen, 
Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Assistance, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Mr. McLenachen was accompanied by: Dr. Rajiv Jain, 
Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Patient 
Services Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Ms. Susan Sullivan, Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Policy, Office of Policy and Planning, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Kim McLeod, Counsel, Office 
of General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Joseph A. Violante, National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy Director, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Mr. Zachary 
Hearn, Deputy Director for Claims of the Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Commission, The American Legion; and Mr. Blake 
Ortner, Deputy Government Relations Director, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America.
    On February 12, 2015 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met 
in open session and an amendment in the nature of a substitute, 
H.R. 294, was offered by Chairman Miller of Florida and was 
adopted by voice vote. H.R. 294, as amended, passed the Full 
Committee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full 
House by voice vote. The Committee Report was filed on March 2, 
2015 (H. Rept. 114-35).
    On March 2, 2015, the House agreed on the motion to suspend 
the rules and pass the bill, as amended, by 405 Yeas and 0 
Nays.
    On March 2, 2015, H.R. 294 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

 HOMELESS VETERANS' REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2015

                               (H.R. 474)


Summary

    H.R. 474, Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs 
Reauthorization Act of 2015, extends through FY2020 the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) homeless veterans 
reintegration programs. (Those programs provide job training, 
counseling, and placement services to homeless veterans to 
expedite their reintegration into the labor force.)
    H.R. 474 makes eligible for participation in those 
programs: (1) homeless veterans, (2) veterans who are 
participating in the VA supported housing program for which 
rental assistance is provided under the United States Housing 
Act of 1937, and (3) veterans who are transitioning from being 
incarcerated.

Legislative History

    H.R. 474 was introduced by Representative Brad Wenstrup on 
January 22, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 4 additional cosponsors.
    On March 24, 2015 the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session and held a legislative hearing on H.R. 474 
and received testimony from the following witnesses: the 
Honorable Patrick Murphy, U.S. House of Representatives, 18th 
Congressional District, Florida; Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy 
Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States; Mr. Christopher Neiweem, Legislative 
Associate, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Mr. Steve 
Gonzalez, Assistant Director, National Veteran Employment & 
Education Division, The American Legion; Dr. Joseph W. Wescott, 
President, National Association of State Approving Agencies; MG 
Robert M. Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, Education Service, 
Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Accompanied by: Mr. Tom Leney, Executive Director, 
Small and Veteran Business Programs, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Ms. Kimberly McLeod, Deputy 
Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Mr. John Brizzi, Deputy Assistant General 
Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Teresa W. 
Gerton, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor.
    On April 15, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session and ordered H.R. 474 to be favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On May 18, 2015, the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 474 by voice vote.
    On May 19, 2015, H.R. 474 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans Affairs.

      VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2015

                               (H.R. 675)


Summary

    H.R. 675, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment 
Act of 2015, directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to 
increase, as of November 30, 2015, the rates of: veterans' 
disability compensation, additional compensation for 
dependents, wartime disability compensation, the clothing 
allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and 
indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Each 
such increase shall be the same percentage as the benefits 
increase provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and 
Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act, as of 
December 1, 2015. The VA shall publish such adjusted rates in 
the Federal Register.

Legislative History

    H.R. 675 was introduced by Representative Ralph Abraham on 
February 3, 2015, and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had 5 cosponsors, 1 of which was an 
original cosponsor.
    On April 14, 2015 the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs held a legislative hearing on H.R. 675 and 
received testimony from the following witnesses: The Honorable 
Chellie Pingree, U.S. House of Representatives; Mr. David R. 
McLenachen, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Disability 
Assistance, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Mr. McLenachen was accompanied by Ms. 
Laura H. Eskenazi, Executive-in-Charge and Vice Chairman, Board 
of Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and 
Mr. David J. Barrans, Assistant General Counsel, Office of 
General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Zachary Hearn, Deputy Director for Claims, Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Mr. Blake C. 
Ortner, Deputy Government Relations Director, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America; Mr. Paul R. Varela, Assistant National 
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Ronald B. 
Abrams, Joint Executive Director, National Veterans Legal 
Services Program; Mr. Kenneth M. Carpenter, Founding Member, 
National Organization of Veterans' Advocates.
    On May 14, 2015, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs met in open session and ordered H.R. 675 
to favorably be forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On May 21, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 675 was offered by Rep. Ralph Abraham of Louisiana and 
was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. An amendment 
to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 675 was 
offered by Rep. Ryan Costello of Pennsylvania and was adopted 
by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 675, as amended, 
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full House by voice vote. The Committee Report 
was filed on July 16, 2015 (H. Rept. 114-206).
    On July 28, 2015, the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass the bill, as amended, by 409 Yeas and 0 
Nays.
    On July 29, 2015, H.R. 675 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

                 ENSURING VA EMPLOYEE ACOUNTABILITY ACT

                              (H.R. 1038)


Summary

    H.R. 1038, Ensuring VA Employee Accountability Act, would 
require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to retain a 
copy of any reprimand or admonishment received by a VA employee 
in the employee's permanent record.

Legislative History

    H.R. 1038 was introduced by Representative Ryan Costello on 
February 24, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On March 24, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 1038, and received testimony 
from the following witnesses: the Honorable Patrick Murphy, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 18th Congressional District, 
Florida; Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy Director, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States; Mr. Christopher Neiweem, Legislative Associate, Iraq 
and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Mr. Steve Gonzalez, 
Assistant Director, National Veteran Employment & Education 
Division, The American Legion; Dr. Joseph W. Wescott, 
President, National Association of State Approving Agencies; MG 
Robert M. Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, Education Service, 
Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Accompanied by: Mr. Tom Leney, Executive Director, 
Small and Veteran Business Programs, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Ms. Kimberly McLeod, Deputy 
Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Mr. John Brizzi, Deputy Assistant General 
Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Teresa W. 
Gerton, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor.
    On April 15, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session and ordered H.R. 1038 to be favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On May 18, 2015, the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 1038 by voice vote.
    On May 19, 2015, H.R. 1038 was received by the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

        SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF ACT

                              (H.R. 1313)


Summary

    H.R. 1313, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business 
Relief Act, would treat the surviving spouse of a service-
disabled veteran who acquires the ownership interest in a small 
business of the deceased veteran as such veteran for purposes 
of eligibility for VA service-disabled small business 
contracting goals and preferences for: (1) 10 years after the 
veteran's death if such veteran was either 100% disabled or 
died from a service-connected disability, or (2) 3 years after 
such death if the veteran was less than 100% disabled and did 
not die from a service-connected disability.

Legislative History

    H.R 1313 was introduced by Representative Jerry McNerney on 
March 4, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On March 24, 2015 the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 1313 and received testimony 
from the following witnesses: the Honorable Patrick Murphy, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 18th Congressional District, 
Florida; Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy Director, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States; Mr. Christopher Neiweem, Legislative Associate, Iraq 
and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Mr. Steve Gonzalez, 
Assistant Director, National Veteran Employment & Education 
Division, The American Legion; Dr. Joseph W. Wescott, 
President, National Association of State Approving Agencies; MG 
Robert M. Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, Education Service, 
Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Accompanied by: Mr. Tom Leney, Executive Director, 
Small and Veteran Business Programs, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Ms. Kimberly McLeod, Deputy 
Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Mr. John Brizzi, Deputy Assistant General 
Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Teresa W. 
Gerton, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor.
    On April 15, 2015 the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in an open session and ordered H.R. 1313 to favorably be 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On May 18, 2015, the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 1313 by 403 Yeas and 0 Nays.
    On May 19, 2015, H.R. 1313 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

            DIGNIFIED INTERMENT OF OUR VETERANS ACT OF 2015

                              (H.R. 1338)


Summary

    H.R. 1338, Dignified Interment of our Veterans Act of 2015, 
would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study 
and report to Congress on matters relating to the interring of 
veterans' unclaimed remains in national cemeteries under the 
control of the National Cemetery Administration, including: the 
scope of the issues relating to veterans' unclaimed remains, 
including the estimated number of such remains; the 
effectiveness of VA procedures for working with persons or 
entities having custody of unclaimed remains to facilitate 
their interment in such cemeteries; state and local laws that 
affect the Secretary's ability to inter unclaimed veterans' 
remains in such cemeteries; and recommendations for appropriate 
legislative or administrative action.
    H.R. 1338 would ensure the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014 is amended to limit FY2016 awards 
and bonuses to $2 million for VA employees who are members of 
the Senior Executive Service.

Legislative History

    H.R. 1338 was introduced by Representative Bill Shuster on 
March 6, 2015, and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 98 cosponsors, 21 of which were original 
cosponsors.
    On June 24, 2015, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs held a legislative hearing on H.R. 1338 
and received testimony from the following witnesses: The 
Honorable Bill Johnson, U.S. House of Representatives; Mr. 
David R. McLenachen, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for 
Disability Assistance Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Mr. 
Matthew Sullivan, Deputy Under Secretary for Finance and 
Planning, and CFO National Cemetery Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs and was Mr. David Barrans, 
Assistant General Counsel Office of General Counsel, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Zachary Hearn, Deputy 
Director for Claims, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Division, The American Legion; Mr. Paul R. Varela, Assistant 
National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Mr. 
Aleks Morosky, Deputy Director National Legislative Service, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars; Ms. Diane Zumatto, National 
Legislative Director, AMVETS; Mr. Chris Neiweem, Legislative 
Associate, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
    On July 9, 2015 the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs met in open session and ordered H.R. 1338 
to be favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On September 17, 2015 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in open session and an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1338 was offered by Rep. Abraham of 
Louisiana and was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. 
H.R. 1338, as amended passed the Full Committee by voice vote 
and was favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote. The 
Committee Report was filed on October 26, 2015 (H. Rept. 114-
312).
    On November 16, 2015, the House agreed to the motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1338, as amended, by 409 Yeas 
and 0 Nays.
    On November 17, 2015, H.R. 1338 was received by the Senate 
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

           BOOSTING RATES OF AMERICAN VETERAN EMPLOYMENT ACT

                              (H.R. 1382)


Summary

    H.R. 1382, Boosting Rates of American Veteran Employment 
Act, would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 
in awarding a contract or task order for the procurement of 
goods or services, to give preference to offerors based on the 
percentage of the offeror's full-time employees who are 
veterans.
    H.R. 1382 would require the debarment from contracting with 
the VA for not less than five years of any offeror determined 
to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented the veteran 
status of its employees.

Legislative History

    H.R. 1382 was introduced by Representative Kathleen Rice on 
March 16, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 8 cosponsors, 5 of which were original 
cosponsors.
    On March 24, 2015 the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 1382 and received testimony 
from the following witnesses: the Honorable Patrick Murphy, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 18th Congressional District, 
Florida; Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy Director, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States; Mr. Christopher Neiweem, Legislative Associate, Iraq 
and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Mr. Steve Gonzalez, 
Assistant Director, National Veteran Employment & Education 
Division, The American Legion; Dr. Joseph W. Wescott, 
President, National Association of State Approving Agencies; MG 
Robert M. Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, Education Service, 
Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Accompanied by: Mr. Tom Leney, Executive Director, 
Small and Veteran Business Programs, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Ms. Kimberly McLeod, Deputy 
Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Mr. John Brizzi, Deputy Assistant General 
Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Teresa W. 
Gerton, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor.
    On April 15, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session and an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1382 was offered by Representative Kathleen 
Rice of New York and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 1382, as 
amended passed the EO Subcommittee by voice vote and was 
favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On May 18, 2015, the House agreed on a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 1382 by 404 Yeas and 0 Nays.
    On May 19, 2015, H.R. 1382 was received by the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

               HONOR AMERICA'S GUARD-RESERVE RETIREES ACT

                              (H.R. 1384)


Summary

    H.R. 1384, Honor America's Guard-Reserve Retirees Act, 
would establish that any person who is entitled to retired pay 
for nonregular (reserve) service or who, but for age, would be 
so entitled shall be honored as a veteran. A person shall not 
be entitled to any benefit by reason of such recognition.

Legislative History

    H.R. 1384 was introduced by Representative Timothy Walz on 
March 16, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 132 cosponsors, 30 of which were original 
cosponsors.
    On June 24, 2015, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs held a legislative hearing on H.R. 1384 
and received testimony from the following witnesses: The 
Honorable Bill Johnson, U.S. House of Representatives; Mr. 
David R. McLenachen, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for 
Disability Assistance, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs, who was accompanied by Mr. 
Matthew Sullivan, Deputy Under Secretary for Finance and 
Planning, and CFO National Cemetery Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs and Mr. David Barrans, Assistant 
General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Mr. Zachary Hearn, Deputy Director for 
Claims, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The 
American Legion; Mr. Paul R. Varela, Assistant National 
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Aleks 
Morosky, Deputy Director, National Legislative Service, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars; Ms. Diane Zumatto, National 
Legislative Director, AMVETS; Mr. Chris Neiweem, Legislative 
Associate, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
    On July 9, 2015, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs met in open session and ordered H.R. 1384 
to be favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On September 17, 2015, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in open session and H.R. 1384 passed the Full Committee by 
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full House by 
voice vote. The Committee Report was filed on October 21, 2015 
(H. Rept. 114-302).
    On November 16, 2015, the House agreed on a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1384 by 407 Yeas and 0 Nays.
    On November 17, 2015, H.R. 1384 was received in the Senate 
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

                         RUTH MOORE ACT OF 2015

                              (H.R. 1607)


Summary

    H.R. 1607, Ruth Moore Act of 2015, would direct the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report to Congress, by 
December 1, 2015 and each year thereafter through 2019, on 
claims submitted during the previous fiscal year for disability 
compensation based on a covered mental health condition alleged 
to have been incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma 
(covered claims). Each report shall include: the number of 
covered claims submitted or considered; the number and 
percentage of such claims submitted by each sex, and the number 
of claims approved or denied; the number and percentage, listed 
by each sex, of approved covered claims assigned to each rating 
percentage; the three most common reasons for denial of covered 
claims, and the number of denials based on the veteran's 
failure to report for a medical examination; the number of 
covered claims pending and the number on appeal; the average 
number of days that covered claims take to complete; and a 
description of related training provided to Veterans Benefits 
Administration employees. The VA shall submit to Congress an 
initial report within 90 days after enactment of this Act, and 
annual reports beginning in December 2015. It is the sense of 
Congress that the VA should update regulations regarding 
military sexual trauma by: ensuring that military sexual trauma 
is specified as an in-service stressor in determining the 
service-connection of post-traumatic stress disorder, and 
recognizing the full range of physical and mental disabilities 
(including depression, anxiety, and other disabilities as 
indicated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental 
Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association) 
that can result from military sexual trauma. For the period 
starting fifteen months after enactment of this Act and lasting 
until VA publishes updated regulations, the VA shall provide: a 
copy of the congressional report to each veteran who has 
submitted a covered claim or been treated for military sexual 
trauma at a VA medical facility; and monthly to each such 
veteran, information that includes the date that the VA plans 
to complete such updated regulations, the number of granted or 
denied covered claims, a comparison to the rate of grants and 
denials with the rate for other claims regarding post-traumatic 
stress disorder, the three most common reasons for claim 
denials, and the average time for processing covered claims at 
each regional office. The VA shall report to Congress monthly 
regarding: (1) all adjudicated covered claims and their 
outcomes, and (2) the reason for denial of any covered claim.
    H.R. 1607 would ensure the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014 is amended to limit to $2 million 
during each of FY2016-FY2018 the aggregate amount of awards and 
bonuses paid to VA employees who are members of the Senior 
Executive Service.

Legislative History

    H.R 1607 was introduced by Representative Chellie Pingree 
on March 25, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had 31 cosponsors, 10 of which were 
original cosponsors.
    On April 14, 2015, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a legislative hearing on 
H.R. 1607 and received testimony from the following witnesses: 
The Honorable Chellie Pingree, U.S. House of Representatives; 
Mr. David R. McLenachen, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for 
Disability Assistance, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. McLenachen was accompanied 
by Ms. Laura H. Eskenazi, Executive-in-Charge and Vice 
Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and Mr. David J. Barrans, Assistant General 
Counsel, Office of General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Mr. Zachary Hearn, Deputy Director for Claims, 
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The American 
Legion; Mr. Blake C. Ortner, Deputy Government Relations 
Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Paul R. Varela, 
Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled American 
Veterans; Mr. Ronald B. Abrams, Joint Executive Director, 
National Veterans Legal Services Program; Mr. Kenneth M. 
Carpenter, Founding Member, National Organization of Veterans' 
Advocates.
    On May 14, 2015, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
on Memorial Affairs met in an open session and an Amendment in 
the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 1607 was offered by Rep. 
Dina Titus of Nevada and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 1607, 
as amended passed the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote and was 
favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On May 21, 2015 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met in 
open session and an amendment in the nature of a substitute to 
H.R. 1607 was offered by Rep. Mike Bost of Illinois and was 
adopted by voice vote. H.R. 1607, as amended, passed the Full 
Committee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full 
House by voice vote. The Committee Report was filed on July 16, 
2015 (H. Rept. 114-207).
    On July 27, 2015, the House agreed on a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 1607, as amended, by voice vote.
    On July 28, 2015, H.R. 1607 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans Affairs.

TO NAME THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMUNITY-BASED OUTPATIENT 
  CLINIC IN THE DALLES, OREGON, AS THE ``LOREN R. KAUFMAN VA CLINIC''

                              (H.R. 1762)


Summary

    H.R. 1762 would establish that the Department of Veterans 
Affairs community-based outpatient clinic located at 704 
Veterans Drive, The Dalles, Oregon, shall be designated as the 
``Loren R. Kaufman VA Clinic.''

Legislative History

    H.R. 1762 was introduced by Representative Greg Walden on 
April 13, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 4 cosponsors, 3 of which were original 
cosponsors.
    On May 23, 2015, the House agreed on a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 1762, as amended, by voice vote.
    On June 10, 2015, the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
discharged the bill by Unanimous Consent. H.R. 1762 passed the 
Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On June 14, 2015, H.R. 1762 was presented to the President.
    On June 22, 2015, H.R. 1762 was signed by the President and 
became Public Law No: 114-179.

                     VA ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2015

                              (H.R. 1994)


Summary

    H.R. 1994, VA Accountability Act of 2015, would authorize 
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to remove or demote a 
VA employee based on performance or misconduct. The VA may also 
remove an individual from the civil service or demote the 
individual through a reduction in grade or annual pay rate. A 
demoted individual: (1) shall be paid at the demoted rate as of 
the date of demotion, (2) may not be placed on administrative 
leave or any other category of paid leave while an appeal is 
ongoing, and (3) may only receive pay and other benefits if the 
individual reports for duty. The VA shall notify Congress of, 
and the reason for, any removal or demotion. An employee shall 
have the right to an appeal before the Merit Systems Protection 
Board within seven days of removal or demotion. If an 
administrative judge does not make a final decision within 45 
days the original decision becomes final. The Board or an 
administrative judge may not stay any removal or demotion. 
Between the date on which an individual appeals a removal from 
the civil service and the date on which the administrative 
judge issues a final decision on the appeal, the individual may 
not receive any pay, awards, bonuses, incentives, allowances, 
differentials, student loan repayments, special payments, or 
benefits. The VA may not remove or demote an employee during 
the pendency of a whistleblower complaint made to the VA Office 
of Special Counsel or to the central whistleblower office until 
a final decision has been made. The Special Counsel may 
terminate an investigation of a prohibited personnel practice 
alleged by a VA employee or former employee after it has given 
the individual a written statement of the reasons for the 
termination.
    H.R. 1994, would establish an individual's appointment to a 
permanent position within the competitive service or as a 
career appointee within the Senior Executive Service (SES) 
shall become final after an 18-month probationary period, which 
the VA may extend. Final appointment shall be made by the 
employee's supervisor.
    H.R. 1994 would establish an additional method for filing 
whistleblower complaints in which a VA employee may file such 
complaints with his or her immediate and next-level 
supervisors, and ultimately with the VA after having properly 
filed a complaint at each supervisory level. If a supervisor 
makes a positive determination regarding such complaint the VA 
shall: (1) inform the employee of the ability to volunteer for 
a transfer, and (2) give preference to such transfer. The VA 
may not exempt any employee from such whistleblower coverage. 
The central whistleblower office shall be responsible for 
investigating all VA whistleblower complaints, regardless of 
whether such complaints are made by or against an employee who 
is not a SES member. The VA shall ensure that the central 
whistleblower office: is not an element of the Office of the 
General Counsel; is not headed by an official who reports to 
the General Counsel; does not provide, or receive from, the 
General Counsel any information regarding a whistleblower 
complaint except pursuant to an action regarding the complaint 
before an administrative body or court; and does not provide 
advice to the General Counsel.
    The VA shall carry out the following adverse actions 
against a supervisor who commits a prohibited personnel action 
relating to a whistleblower complaint: for a first offense, an 
adverse action that is not less than a 14-day suspension and 
not more than removal; and for a second offense, removal. A 
supervisor subject to an adverse employment action shall have 
five days to respond to a notification of the proposed action, 
and if the supervisor's response is inadequate or untimely, the 
adverse action will take effect. The criteria used to evaluate 
a supervisor's performance shall include whistleblower-related 
actions. A supervisor who commits a prohibited personnel action 
shall not be paid any award or bonus for a one-year period, and 
any award or bonus paid during that period shall be recouped. 
VA employees shall receive annual whistleblower complaint 
training.
    H.R. 1994 would ensure the VA shall provide five annual 
performance level ratings for SES employees as follows: 
outstanding, exceeds fully successful, fully successful, 
minimally satisfactory, and unsatisfactory. The number of 
employees who may receive outstanding or exceeds fully 
successful ratings in each year is limited. At least once every 
five years the VA shall reassign each individual employed in an 
SES position to a position at a different location that does 
not include the supervision of the same personnel or programs. 
The VA may waive this requirement if it notifies Congress of 
the waiver and the reasons for it. The VA shall enter into a 
contract with a nongovernmental entity to review the SES 
management training program.
    H.R. 1994 would ensure the VA shall reduce the federal 
annuity of an individual removed from the SES who: (1) is 
convicted of a felony that influenced his or her performance 
while employed in that position, and (2) was afforded prior 
notice and an opportunity for a hearing conducted by another 
department or federal agency. The VA may reduce the federal 
annuity of an individual convicted of such a felony and who was 
subject to removal or transfer from the SES, but who left the 
VA before final action was taken.
    H.R. 1994 would establish that the VA may not place an 
employee on administrative leave or any other type of paid non-
duty status for more than a total of 14 days during any 365-day 
period. The VA may waive this prohibition if it gives Congress 
a detailed explanation of the reasons the employee was placed 
on such leave or status and the reasons for extending that 
placement.
    H.R. 1994 would establish Congressional testimony by a VA 
employee in his or her official capacity shall be considered 
official duty, and the VA shall provide any such employee with 
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, 
during the period when the employee is so testifying.
    H.R. 1994 would ensure the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014 is amended to reduce to $300 million 
the aggregate amount of awards and bonuses that may be paid by 
the VA in each of FY2015-FY2018.
    H.R. 1994 would ensure the Government Accountability Office 
shall study the amount of time spent by VA employees carrying 
out labor organizing activities and the amount of VA space used 
for such activities.
    H.R. 1994 would ensure the VA Inspector General shall 
submit to the VA and to Congress any report that recommends 
actions to address an issue with respect to public health or 
safety relating to misconduct by a VA employee. Such a report 
shall include: (1) an explanation of any VA-recommended changes 
to the report during the period in which the Inspector General 
was preparing the report, and (2) the names of each responsible 
manager (which the Inspector General shall not make public). 
The VA: (1) shall notify each responsible manager within seven 
days and provide such person with appropriate counseling and a 
mitigation plan to resolve the issue, and (2) may not pay any 
bonus or award to such manager if an issue is unresolved.

Legislative History

    H.R. 1994 was introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller on April 
23, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs in addition to the House Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform. The bill had 98 cosponsors, 5 of which were 
original cosponsors.
    On June 2, 2015 the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 1994 and received testimony 
from the following witnesses: The Honorable Bill Flores, U.S. 
House of Representatives, 17th Congressional District, Texas; 
The Honorable Paul Cook, U.S. House of Representatives, 8th 
Congressional District, California; The Honorable Sean Patrick 
Maloney, U.S. House of Representatives, 18th Congressional 
District, New York; Mr. Paul R. Varela, Assistant National 
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Brendon 
Gehrke, Senior Legislative Associate, National Legislative 
Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Mr. 
Steve Gonzalez, Assistant Director, Veterans Employment and 
Education Division, The American Legion; Mr. David Borer, 
General Counsel, American Federation of Government Employees, 
AFL-CIO; Mr. Christopher Neiweem, Legislative Associate, Iraq 
and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Mr. Rick Weidman, 
Executive Director, Government Affairs Vietnam Veterans of 
America; Mr. Curtis L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic 
Opportunity, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Ms. Cathy Mitrano, Deputy 
Assistant Secretary for the Office of Resource Management, 
Human Resources and Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Ms. Teresa W. Gerton, Acting Assistant Secretary, 
Veterans' Employment and Training Service, U.S. Department of 
Labor; Dr. Susan S. Kelly, Director Transition to Veterans 
Program Office, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for 
Personnel and Readiness, U.S. Department of Defense.
    On June 25, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session and an Amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1994 was offered by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of 
Ohio and was voted on by a recorded vote with 5 yeas to 4 nays, 
and was adopted by the EO Subcommittee. A Substitute to the 
Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 1994 was 
offered by Rep. Mark Takano of California and was voted on by a 
recorded vote with 5 nays to 4 yeas, and was not adopted by the 
EO Subcommittee. An Amendment to the Amendment in the nature of 
a substitute to H.R. 1994 was offered by Rep. Kathleen Rice of 
New York and was voted on by a recorded vote with 5 nays to 4 
yeas, and was not adopted by the EO Subcommittee. H.R. 1994, as 
amended, passed the EO Subcommittee by voice vote and was 
favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On July 15, 2015, the Full Committee met in open session 
and an amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 1994, as 
amended, was offered by Rep. Miller of Florida and was adopted 
by roll call. A substitute to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1994, as amended, was offered by Rep. Mark 
Takano of California and was not adopted by roll call. An 
amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to 
H.R. 1994, as amended, was offered by Rep. Tim Huelskamp of 
Kansas and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 1994, as amended, 
passed the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 14 yeas to 10 
nays and was favorably reported to the Full House by voice 
vote.
    On July 23, 2015, the Committee Report was filed and the 
bill was discharged from the Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform (H. Rept. 114-225 Part I).
    On July 27, 2015, the Committee filed a Supplemental Report 
(H. Rept. 114-225 Part II).
    On July 29, 2015, H.R. 1994 was passed by the House by 256 
Yeas and 170 Nays.
    On July 30, 2015, H.R. 1994 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

                VETERANS' INFORMATION MODERNIZATION ACT

                              (H.R. 2256)


Legislation

    H.R. 2256, Veterans' Information Modernization Act, would 
direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report 
annually to Congress during 2016 through 2020 on its furnishing 
of hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care. Each 
report shall: evaluate the effectiveness of the Veterans Health 
Administration (VHA) program in improving the quality of, and 
increasing access to, veterans hospital care, medical services, 
and nursing home care; and assess physician and other VHA 
employee workloads, patient demographics and utilization rates, 
physician compensation, physician and VHA employee 
productivity, the percentage of hospital care, medical 
services, and nursing home care provided to veterans in VA 
facilities and in non-VA facilities, pharmaceutical prices, and 
outstanding third party health billings.
    H.R. 2256 would ensure the definition of homeless veteran 
is expanded for purposes of VA benefits.
    H.R. 2256 would ensure the VA shall: (1) adopt the device 
identification system developed for medical devices by the Food 
and Drug Administration (FDA) or implement a comparable 
standard identification system to identify biological implants 
for use in VA medical facilities, (2) implement a system for 
tracking biological implants from human or animal source to 
implantation which shall be compatible with the identification 
system, and (3) implement inventory recall controls compatible 
with the tracking system. 180-day implementation deadlines are 
set for the identification and tracking systems.
    H.R. 2256 would ensure the VA may procure biological 
implants of human origin only from a vendor that: uses the 
standard identification system and has safeguards to ensure 
that a distinct identity code has been in place at each 
distribution step of each biological implant from its donor; is 
registered as required by the FDA, and for a vendor that uses a 
tissue distribution intermediary or a tissue processor, 
provides assurances that the intermediary or processor is 
registered as required by the FDA; ensures that donor 
eligibility determinations and other records accompany each 
biological implant at all times, regardless of the donor's 
country of origin; agrees to cooperate with all biological 
implant recalls; agrees to notify the VA of any adverse event 
or reaction report it provides to the FDA, or of any FDA 
warning letter issued to the vendor or a tissue processor or 
tissue distribution intermediary it uses; agrees to retain all 
records associated with the procurement of a biological implant 
by the VA for at least 10 years; and provides assurances that 
the biological implants provided by the vendor are acquired 
only from tissue processors that maintain active accreditation 
with the American Association of Tissue Banks or a similar 
national accreditation specific to biological implants. The VA 
may procure biological implants of non-human origin only from a 
vendor that: uses the standard identification system; is a 
registered establishment as required by the FDA, and in the 
case of a vendor that is not the original product manufacturer 
of such implants the vendor provides assurances that the 
original product manufacturer is registered as required by the 
FDA; agrees to cooperate with all biological implant recalls; 
agrees to notify the VA of any adverse event report it provides 
to the FDA, or any FDA warning letter issued to the vendor or 
the original product manufacturer it uses; and agrees to retain 
all records associated with the procurement of a biological 
implant by the VA for at least 10 years. The VA shall procure 
biological implants under the General Services Administration's 
federal supply schedules unless the implants are not available 
under them. A VA procurement employee who procures biological 
implants with the intent to avoid, or with reckless disregard 
of, the procurement requirements of this Act shall be 
ineligible to hold a certificate of appointment as a 
contracting officer or serve as a representative of an ordering 
officer, contracting officer, or purchase card holder.
    H.R. 2256 would extend through FY2019 the mandatory 
rounding down of percentage increases of certain educational 
assistance rates and survivors' and dependents' educational 
assistance rates. Post-FY2019 increases shall be rounded to the 
nearest whole dollar.
    H.R. 2256 would ensure The Veterans Expedited Recovery 
Commission is established to: examine the efficacy of the 
evidence-based therapy model for treating mental health 
illnesses of veterans; conduct a patient-centered survey within 
each of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks to examine the 
experience of veterans seeking mental health assistance through 
the VA and non-VA systems, the preferences of veterans 
regarding mental health treatment, and VA outreach efforts; 
examine complementary alternative treatment therapies for 
mental health issues; and study the potential increase of VA 
claims relating to mental health issues by veterans who served 
in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or 
Operation New Dawn, including an assessment of VA resources to 
meet such claims.

Legislative History

    H.R. 2256 was introduced by Representative Dan Benishek on 
May 12, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On May 15, 2015 the Subcommittee on Health met in an open 
session and ordered H.R. 2256 to be forwarded favorably to the 
Full Committee by voice vote.
    On May 21, 2015 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met in 
an open session and an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 2256 was offered by Rep. Dan Benishek of Michigan and 
was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 2256, as amended, passed the 
Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the 
Full House by voice vote. The Committee Report was filed on 
July 7, 2015 (H. Rept. 114-191).
    On July 21, 2015 the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 2256, as amended, by 408 Yeas and 0 
Nays.
    On July 22, 2015 H.R. 2256 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

         CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATION AND CHOICE IMPROVEMENT ACT

                              (H.R. 2496)


Summary

    H.R. 2496, Construction Authorization and Choice 
Improvement Act, would authorize the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) to carry out the replacement of the existing VA 
Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, in FY2015 in an amount not 
to exceed $900 million.
    H.R. 2496, would establish the 40-mile distance requirement 
for a veteran to use a non-VA medical facility under the 
veterans choice program of the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014 shall be construed to allow a 
veteran to access a non-VA medical facility if: the veteran 
resides more than 40 miles driving distance from the closest VA 
facility; or the veteran faces an unusual or excessive burden 
in traveling to such VA medical facility not only because of 
geographical challenges (as under current law) but also because 
of environmental factors, such as roads that are not accessible 
to the general public, traffic, or hazardous weather, because 
of a medical condition that impacts the ability to travel, or 
because of other factors as the Secretary determines.

Legislative History

    H.R. 2496 was introduced by Representative Mike Coffman on 
May 21, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On May 21, 2015 H.R. 2496 was discharged from the Committee 
on Veterans' Affairs and passed the House without objection.
    On May 22, 2015 H.R. 2496 passed the Senate without 
amendment by voice vote and was presented to the President, 
signed by the President and became Public Law No: 114-19.

  TO DESIGNATE THE ARBORETUM AT THE HUNTER HOLMES MCGUIRE VA MEDICAL 
  CENTER IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, AS THE ``PHYLLIS E. GALANTI ARBORETUM

                              (H.R. 2693)


Summary

    H.R. 2693 would designates the arboretum at the Hunter 
Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, as the 
Phyllis E. Galanti Arboretum.

Legislative History

    H.R. 2693 was introduced by Representative Dave Brat on 
June 9, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. This bill had 11 original cosponsors.
    On December 8, 2015, H.R. 2693 was discharged from the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs and passed the House without 
objection.
    On December 10, 2015, H.R. 2693 was discharged from the 
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs by Unanimous Consent and 
passed the Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On December 11, 2015, H.R. 2693 was presented to the 
President.
    On December 18, 2015, H.R. 2693 was signed by the President 
and became Public Law No: 114-103.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND VETERANS HEALTH CARE CHOICE IMPROVEMENT ACT 
                                OF 2015

                              (H.R. 3236)

    Summary H.R. 3236, Surface Transportation and Veterans 
Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015, would direct the 
Secretary of Transportation to reduce the amount apportioned 
for a surface transportation program, project, or activity for 
FY2015 by amounts apportioned or allocated under the Highway 
and Transportation Funding Act of 2014 and the Highway and 
Transportation Funding Act of 2015 for the period from October 
1, 2014, through July 31, 2015.
    H.R. 3236 would amend the Highway and Transportation 
Funding Act of 2014 to continue from October 1, 2014, through 
October 29, 2015, and authorizes appropriations through that 
period for specified federal-aid highway programs under: the 
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), the 
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity 
Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) Technical Corrections Act 
of 2008, SAFETEA-LU, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st 
Century (TEA-21), the National Highway System Designation Act 
of 1995, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act 
of 1991 (ISTEA), and other specified law. Subjects funding for 
FY2015, and for the period October 1, 2015 through October 29, 
2015 for such programs, to certain funding level restrictions. 
Amends MAP-21 to authorize appropriations out of the general 
fund of the Treasury for the Tribal High Priority Projects 
program for the same period. Prescribes an obligation ceiling 
of $40.256 billion for FY2015, including $3,189,683,060 for the 
period October 1, 2015, through October 29, 2015, for federal-
aid highway and highway safety construction programs.
    H.R. 3236, would authorize appropriations from the HTF 
(other than the Mass Transit Account) for administrative 
expenses of the federal-aid highway program for the same 
period.
    H.R. 3236 would extend for the same period the 
authorization of appropriations for National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety programs, including: 
highway safety research and development, national priority 
safety programs, the National Driver Register, the High 
Visibility Enforcement Program, and NHTSA administrative 
expenses. Amends SAFETEA-LU to extend for the same period high-
visibility traffic safety law enforcement campaigns under the 
High Visibility Enforcement Program. Sets aside a specified 
amount of the total apportionment to states for highway safety 
programs for a cooperative program to research and evaluate 
priority highway safety countermeasures for the same period.
    H.R. 3236 would extend for the same period the 
authorization of appropriations for Federal Motor Carrier 
Safety Administration (FMCSA) programs, including: motor 
carrier safety grants, FMCSA administrative expenses, 
commercial driver's license program improvement grants, border 
enforcement grants, performance and registration information 
system management grants, commercial vehicle information 
systems and networks deployment grants, safety data improvement 
grants, a set-aside for high priority activities that improve 
commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance with commercial 
motor vehicle safety regulations, a set-aside for new entrant 
motor carrier audit grants, FMCSA outreach and education, and 
the commercial motor vehicle operators grant program.
    H.R. 3236 would amend the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish 
Restoration Act to continue, for the same period, the 
authorized distribution of funds for coastal wetlands, 
recreational boating safety, projects under the Clean Vessel 
Act of 19921, boating infrastructure projects, and the National 
Outreach and Communications Program.
    H.R. 3236 would extend for the same period the 
apportionment of nonurbanized (rural) area formula grants for 
competitive grants and formula grants for public transportation 
on Indian reservations.
    H.R. 3236 would extend the apportionment of urbanized area 
formula grants for passenger ferry projects for the same 
period.
    H.R. 3236 extend for the same period the authorization of 
appropriations from the HTF Mass Transit Account for: formula 
grants for public transportation, including allocations for 
specified projects; research, development demonstration, and 
deployment projects; the transit cooperative research program; 
technical assistance and standards development grants; human 
resources and training grants; capital investment grants; and 
administrative expenses.
    H.R. 3236 would allocate, for the same period, certain 
amounts to states and territories for formula bus and bus 
facilities grants.
    H.R. 3236 would authorize appropriations for the same 
period for hazardous materials (hazmat) transportation safety 
projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make certain 
expenditures, including an amount for hazmat training grants, 
from the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Fund for 
the same period.
    H.R. 3236 would amends Amends the Internal Revenue Code to 
extend through October 30, 2015, the authority for expenditures 
from: (1) the Highway and Mass Transit Accounts of the Highway 
Trust Fund, (2) the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust 
Fund, and (3) the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.
    H.R. 3236 would appropriate additional funds to the Highway 
and Mass Transit Accounts of the Highway Trust Fund.
    H.R. 3236 would require tax information returns reporting 
mortgage interest received in a trade or business to include: 
(1) the outstanding principal on the mortgage, (2) the date of 
the origination of the mortgage, and (3) the address of the 
property which secures the mortgage.
    H.R. 3236 would require that: (1) the value of the basis in 
any property acquired from a decedent be consistent with the 
basis as determined for estate tax purposes; and (2) executors 
of estates disclose to the Internal Revenue Service and to 
persons acquiring any interest in the decedent's estate 
information identifying the value of each interest received.
    H.R. 3236 would make the six-year limitation on assessments 
of additional tax applicable to understatements of gross income 
due to an overstatement of unrecovered costs or other basis.
    H.R. 3236 would change tax return due dates for 
partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations. Extends the 
automatic extension for corporate income tax returns from three 
to six months.
    H.R. 3236 would extend through 2025 the authority for 
transfers of excess pension assets of a defined benefit plan to 
a retiree health benefits account.
    H.R. 3236 would equalize excise tax rates for liquefied 
petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas, and compressed natural 
gas.
    H.R. 3236 would revise aviation security service passenger 
fee requirements. Requires the deposit into the Treasury as 
offsetting receipts the following sums collected to pay the 
costs of providing civil aviation security services to airline 
passengers: $1.560 billion for FY2024, and $1.6 billion for 
FY2025.
    H.R. 3236 would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs 
(VA) to develop a plan to consolidate all non-VA provider 
programs into a new, single Veterans Choice Program to furnish 
hospital care and medical services at non-VA facilities for 
veterans in the patient enrollment system.
    H.R. 3236 would require the presidential budget for FY2017 
and every ensuing fiscal year to include an appropriations 
account for non-VA provider programs.
    H.R. 3236 would grant the VA temporary authority, until the 
end of FY2015, to use certain transfers from the Veterans 
Choice Fund to pay for health care for eligible veterans at 
non-VA facilities, including pharmaceuticals for treatment of 
Hepatitis C.
    H.R. 3236 would modifies requirements of the Veterans 
Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to: repeal the 
60-day limit on follow-up care; repeal the August 1, 2012, 
enrollment limitation on the eligibility of veterans in the 
patient enrollment system; extend provider eligibility to any 
health care provider meeting VA criteria; and base the 40-mile 
distance requirement as on distance traveled from a VA medical 
facility, including one offering primary care for a veteran 
seeking primary care.
    H.R. 3236 would prohibit the use of funds by the VA to 
expand the dialysis pilot program, or to create any new 
dialysis capability provided by the VA in a facility that is 
not an initial facility under the dialysis pilot program, until 
an independent analysis of the dialysis pilot program is 
conducted for each such initial facility and 180 days have 
elapsed since the VA reports on the results.
    H.R. 3236 would Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: 
exclude individuals covered for medical care under TRICARE or 
the VA from the determination of whether an employer is an 
applicable large employer with respect to employee enrollment 
in minimum essential health care coverage under an eligible 
employer-sponsored plan, treat a veteran receiving hospital 
care or medical services for a service-connected disability as 
not disqualified from participating in or contributing to a 
tax-preferred health savings account.
    H.R. 3236 would designate this title, except for section 
4007, an emergency requirement, thereby exempting it from the 
pay-as-you-go requirement of budget neutrality.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3236 was introduced by Representative Bill Shuster on 
July 28, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs in addition to the Committees on: House Transportation 
and Infrastructure; House Ways and Means; House Energy and 
Commerce; House Science, Space, and Technology; House Natural 
Resources; House Education and the Workforce; House Budget; 
House Homeland Security. The bill had 2 original cosponsors.
    On July 29, 2015 the House passed H.R. 3236 by 385 Yeas and 
34 Nays and 1 Present.
    On July 30, 2015 H.R. 3236 was received in the Senate, read 
twice, considered, read the third time, and passed (under the 
order of 7/29/15, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative) 
without amendment by 91 Yeas and 4 Nays.
    On July 31, 2015 H.R. 3236 was presented to the President, 
signed by the President, and became Public Law No: 114-41.

                             HIRE VETS ACT

                              (H.R. 3286)


Summary

    H.R. 3286, HIRE VETS Act, would direct the Department of 
Labor to establish a HIRE Vets Medallion Program to solicit 
voluntary information from employers for purposes of 
recognizing, by the award of a HIRE Vets Medallion, verified 
efforts by these employers to: (1) recruit, employ, and retain 
veterans; and (2) provide community and charitable services 
supporting the veteran community. Labor shall annually: (1) 
solicit voluntary medallion applications from employers, and 
(2) review applications and present the President with a list 
of recipients. The President shall annually present the 
medallion and corresponding certificate to recipients at a time 
to coincide with the annual commemoration of Veterans Day. 
Labor shall begin soliciting applications by January 31, stop 
accepting applications not earlier than April 30, and finish 
application review by August 31. The President shall notify 
chosen applicants no later than October 11. Medallions shall be 
awarded in November.
    H.R. 3286 would state that labor shall establish two levels 
of medallions for large and small employers, to be designated 
the Gold HIRE Vets Medallion and the Platinum HIRE Vets 
Medallion. The bill prescribes awards criteria.
    H.R. 3286 would establish that a recipient: (1) may 
publicly display the medallion and certificate through the end 
of the calendar year, and (2) may not publicly display the 
award as part of any advertisement implying receipt of the 
award for any calendar year other than the one in which it was 
awarded.
    H.R. 3286 would establishe the HIRE Vets Medallion Award 
Fund. Labor may assess a reasonable medallion application fee 
and shall deposit such fees into the fund.
    H.R. 3286 would state that beginning two years after 
enactment of this bill, Labor shall submit annual reports on 
fees, program costs, the number of applications, and the 
medallions awarded, including the name and medallion level of 
each recipient.
    H.R. 3286 excludes from the definition of ``employer'' the 
federal government, any state, or any foreign state.
    H.R. 3286 would ensure that The Veterans Access Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014 is amended to cap FY2016 bonuses at 
$2 million for senior executive service employees of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.

Legislative History

    On April 14, 2016 the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 3286 and received testimony 
from the following witnesses: Honorable David McKinley, U.S. 
House of Representatives, 1st Congressional District, West 
Virginia; the Honorable Paul Cook U.S. House of 
Representatives, 8th Congressional District, California, and 
the Honorable Martha McSally, U.S. House of Representatives, 
2nd Congressional District, Arizona; Mr. Curtis L. Coy, Deputy 
Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity with the Veterans 
Benefits Administration at the U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Mr. Coy was accompanied by Ms. Carin Otero, Associate 
Deputy Assistant Secretary for HR Policy and Planning in the 
Office of Human Resources and Administration at the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Sam Shellenberger, Deputy 
Assistant Secretary for Operations with the Veterans' 
Employment and Training Service at the U.S. Department of Labor 
also provided testimony; Mr. Davy Leghorn, Assistant Director, 
Veterans Employment and Education Division, The American 
Legion; Dr. Joseph W. Wescott, Legislative Director at the 
National Association of State Approving Agencies; Mr. Walter 
Ochinko, Policy Director with the Veterans Education Success; 
Mr. Jared Lyon, President & CEO with Student Veterans of 
America; and Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy Director of National 
Legislative Service for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States; A statement for the record was provided by 
Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs.
    On May 11, 2016 an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 3286 was offered by Rep. Wenstrup of Ohio. The 
amendment in the nature of a substitute was agreed to by the EO 
Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 
3286, as amended to the Full Committee was offered by Ranking 
Member Takano of California and was adopted by the EO 
Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met in 
an open session and an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 3286, as amended was offered by Chairman Miller of 
Florida and was agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. 
H.R. 3286, as amended passed the Full Committee via voice vote 
and a motion to favorably report H.R. 3286, as amended to the 
House of Representatives was offered by Ranking Member Brown 
and agreed to via voice vote. The Committee Report was filed on 
September 6, 2016 (H. Rept. 114-708).
    On November 29, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3286, as amended by voice vote.
    On November 30, 2016 H.R. 3286 was received in the Senate.

                       FINAL FAREWELL ACT OF 2016

                              (H.R. 3715)


Summary

    H.R. 3715, Final Farewell Act of 2016, would direct the 
Department of Veterans Affairs to permit the interment or 
funeral, memorial service, or ceremony of a deceased veteran at 
a national cemetery during weekends, other than federal holiday 
weekends, upon the request of the veteran's next-of-kin. Any 
grant to assist a state in establishing a veterans' cemetery 
shall require that the cemetery permits the interment or 
funeral, memorial service, or ceremony of a deceased veteran 
during weekends, other than federal holiday weekends, upon the 
request of the veteran's next-of-kin.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3715 was introduced by Representative Corrine Brown on 
October 8, 2015 and was referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. This bill had no cosponsors.
    On April 13, 2016 the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs held a legislative hearing on H.R. 3715 
and received testimony from the following witnesses: the 
Honorable Jeff Miller, U.S. House of Representatives, 1st 
Congressional District, Florida; the Honorable Corrine Brown, 
5th Congressional District, Florida; the Honorable Ryan 
Costello, U.S. House of Representatives, 6th Congressional 
District, Pennsylvania; and the Honorable Mia Love, U.S. House 
of Representatives, 4th Congressional District, Utah; Mr. David 
R. McLenachen, Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Assistance 
with the Veterans Benefits Administration at the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. McLenachen was accompanied 
by Mr. Matt Sullivan, Deputy Under Secretary of Finance and 
Planned and CFO with the National Cemetery Administration with 
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Patrick K. 
Hallinan, Executive Director with the Army National Military 
Cemeteries at the Department of the Army; Mr. Carl Blake, 
Associate Executive Director for Government Relations for the 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy 
Director, National Legislative Service, for the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States; Mr. Paul R. Varela, 
Assistant National Legislative Director for the Disabled 
American Veterans; Ms. Elizabeth Davis, Advocate for Survivors' 
Benefits; and Mr. Edward G. Lilley, Team Leader for the Health 
Policy, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division 
for the American Legion; A statement for the record was proved 
by Mr. John Rowan, National President of Vietnam Veterans of 
America On May 11, 2016 the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs met in an open session and an 
A.N.S. to H.R. 3715 was offered by Rep. Titus of Nevada was 
agreed to by the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to 
favorably forward H.R. 3715, as amended to the Full Committee 
was offered by Ranking Member Titus and was adopted by the DAMA 
Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met in 
an open session and a motion to favorably report H.R. 3715, as 
amended to the House of Representatives was offered by Ranking 
Member Brown of Florida and was agreed to via voice vote.
    On May 23, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to suspend the 
rules and pass H.R. 3715, as amended by voice vote.
    On May 24, 2016 H.R. 3715 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Full Committee Legislative Hearing on H.R. 189, H.R. 216, H.R. 245, 
        H.R. 280, and H.R. 294

    On January 27, 2015, the Full Committee held a legislative 
hearing on H.R. 189, the Servicemember Foreclosure Protections 
Extension Act of 2015; H.R. 216, the Department of Veterans 
Affairs Budget Planning Reform Act of 2015; H.R. 245, to amend 
title 38, United States Code, to codify certain existing 
provisions of law relating to effective dates for claims under 
the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and 
for other purposes; H.R. 280, to authorize the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to recoup bonuses and awards paid to employees 
of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and, H.R. 294, the Long-
Term Care Veterans Choice Act.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Alan Grayson, Member of Congress, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 9th Congressional District of Florida.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: David R. 
McLenachen, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Disability 
Assistance Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs: Accompanied by: Rajiv Jain, M.D., Assistant 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Patient Services, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Susan Sullivan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy 
Office of Policy and Planning, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and, Kim McLeod, Counsel Office of General Counsel, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by: Joseph A. 
Violante, National Legislative Director, Disabled American 
Veterans; Aleks Morosky, Deputy Director, National Legislative 
Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Zachary Hearn, Deputy 
Director, Claims of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Commission, The American Legion; Blake Ortner, Deputy 
Government Relations Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America. 
See ``Hearing on H.R. 189, H.R. 216, H.R. 245, H.R. 280, and 
H.R. 294,'' Serial No. 114-3.

Full Committee Markup of H.R. 280, H.R. 294, H.R. 216, and H.R. 189

    On February 12, 2015, the Full Committee met and marked up 
H.R. 280, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
recoup bonuses and awards paid to employees of the Department 
of Veterans Affairs, introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller of 
Florida; H.R. 294, the Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act, 
introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller of Florida; H.R. 216, the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Planning Reform Act of 
2015, introduced by Ranking Member Corrine Brown of Florida; 
and, H.R. 189, the Servicemember Foreclosure Protections 
Extension Act of 2015, introduced by Rep. Alan Grayson of 
Florida.
    On February 12, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute H.R. 280 was offered by Chairman Jeff Miller of 
Florida and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 280, as amended, 
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full House by voice vote.
    On February 12, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute H.R. 294 was offered by Chairman Jeff Miller of 
Florida and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 294, as amended, 
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full House by voice vote.
    On February 12, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute H.R. 216 was offered by Ranking Member Corrine Brown 
of Florida and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 216, as amended, 
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full House by voice vote.
    On February 12, 2015, H.R. 189 passed the Full Committee by 
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full House by 
voice vote.

Full Committee Markup of H.R. 475, H.R. 571, H.R. 675, H.R. 1575, H.R. 
        1607, and H.R. 2256

    On May 21, 2015, the Full Committee met and marked up H.R. 
475, GI Bill Processing Improvement Act of 2015, introduced by 
Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio; H.R. 571, the Veterans Affairs 
Retaliation Prevention Act of 2015, introduced by Rep. Jeff 
Miller of Florida; H.R. 675, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-
of-Living Adjustment Act of 2015, introduced by Rep. Ralph 
Abraham of Louisiana; H.R. 1575, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to make permanent the pilot program on counseling 
in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from 
service in the Armed Forces, introduced by Ranking Member 
Corrine Brown of Florida.
    On May 21, 2015, an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute 
to H.R. 475 was offered by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio and was 
adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. An amendment to 
the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 475 was 
offered by Rep. Mark Takano of California and was not adopted 
by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 475, as amended, 
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full House by voice vote.
    On May 21, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 571 was offered by Chairman Jeff Miller of Florida and 
was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 571, as amended, passed the 
Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the 
Full House by voice vote.
    On May 21, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 675 was offered by Rep. Ralph Abraham of Louisiana and 
was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. An amendment 
to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 675 was 
offered by Rep. Ryan Costello of Pennsylvania and was adopted 
by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 675, as amended, 
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full House by voice vote.
    On May 21, 2015, H.R. 1575 passed the Full Committee by 
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full House by 
voice vote.
    On May 21, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 1607 was offered by Rep. Mike Bost of Illinois and was 
adopted by voice vote. H.R. 1607, as amended, passed the Full 
Committee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full 
House by voice vote.
    On May 21, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 2256 was offered by Rep. Dan Benishek of Michigan and 
was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 2256, as amended, passed the 
Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the 
Full House by voice vote.

Full Committee Markup of H.R. 1994

    On July 15, 2015, the Full Committee met and marked up H.R. 
1994, VA Accountability Act of 2015, introduced by Chairman 
Jeff Miller of Florida.
    On July 15, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1994, as amended, was offered by Chairman 
Jeff Miller of Florida and was adopted by roll call. An 
amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to 
H.R. 1994, as amended, was offered by Rep. Mark Takano of 
California and was not adopted by roll call. An amendment to 
the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 1994, as 
amended, was offered by Rep. Tim Huelskamp of Kansas and was 
adopted by voice vote. H.R. 1994, as amended, passed the Full 
Committee by a roll call vote of 14 yeas to 10 nos and was 
favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote.

Full Committee Markup of Markup of H.R. 3106, as Amended; H.R. 3016; 
        H.R. 677; H.R. 1338; H.R. 1384; H.R. 2360, as Amended; and H.R. 
        2915

    On September 17, 2015, the Full Committee met and marked up 
H.R. 3106, as amended, the Construction Reform Act of 2015, 
introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller of Florida; H.R. 3016, the 
VA Provider Equity Act, introduced by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of 
Ohio; H.R. 677, the American Heroes COLA Act of 2015, 
introduced by Rep. Ralph Abraham of Louisiana; Unanimous 
Consent to consider the remaining agenda items to include the 
following bills and amendments En Bloc was agreed to without 
objection with a quorum present: H.R. 1338, the Dignified 
Interment of Our Veterans Act of 2015, introduced by Rep. Bill 
Shuster of Pennsylvania, with an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute offered by Rep. Ralph Abraham of Louisiana; H.R. 
1384, the Honor America's Guard-Reserve Retirees Act, 
introduced by Rep. Tim Walz of Minnesota; H.R. 2360, as 
amended, the Career Ready Student Veterans Act, introduced by 
Rep. Mark Takano of California; H.R. 2915, the Female Veteran 
Suicide Prevention Act, introduced by Rep. Julia Brownley of 
California, with an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute 
offered by Rep. Julia Brownley of California.
    On September 17, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3106, as amended, was offered by Chairman 
Jeff Miller of Florida and was adopted. An amendment to the 
amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3106, as 
amended, was offered by Rep. Julia Brownley of California and 
was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. An amendment 
to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3106, as 
amended, was offered by Rep. Kathleen Rice of New York and was 
adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. The amendment in 
the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3106, as amended, was 
adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 3106, as 
amended, passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was 
favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote.
    On September 17, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3016 was offered by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of 
Ohio and was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. An 
amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to 
H.R. 3016 was offered by Rep. Phil Roe of Tennessee and was 
adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. An amendment to 
the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3016 was 
offered by Rep. Mark Takano of California and was not adopted 
by the Full Committee by voice vote. An additional amendment to 
the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3016 was 
offered by Rep. Mark Takano of California and was not adopted 
by the Full Committee by roll call. An amendment to the 
amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3016 was 
offered by Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada and was not adopted by the 
Full Committee by voice vote. The amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3016, as amended, was adopted by the Full 
Committee by voice vote. H.R. 3016, as amended, passed the Full 
Committee by voice vote and was favorably reported to the Full 
House by voice vote.
    On September 17, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 677 was offered by Rep. Ralph Abraham of 
Louisiana and was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. 
An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to 
H.R. 677 was offered by Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada and was not 
adopted by the Full Committee by roll call. The amendment in 
the nature of a substitute to H.R. 677, as amended, was adopted 
by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 677, as amended, 
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably 
reported to the Full House by voice vote.
    On September 17, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1338 was offered by Rep. Ralph Abraham of 
Louisiana and was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. 
H.R. 1338, as amended, passed the Full Committee by voice vote 
and was favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote.
    On September 17, 2015, H.R. 1384 passed the Full Committee 
by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full House by 
voice vote.
    On September 17, 2015, H.R. 2360, as amended, passed the 
Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the 
Full House by voice vote.
    On September 17, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 2915 was offered by Rep. Julia Brownley of 
California and was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. 
H.R. 2915, as amended, passed the Full Committee by voice vote 
and was favorably forwarded to the Full House by voice vote.

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS


                  FULL COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES


First Session

Site Visit--Denver, CO

    On January 20, 2015, the Chairman of the Full Committee 
traveled to Denver, Colorado, to conduct an oversight visit to 
the Eastern Colorado Health Care System Clinic replacement 
hospital site with Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado and Rep. Doug 
Lamborn of Colorado. The visit was in response to VA's breach 
of contract with Kiewit-Turner and the project's excessive cost 
overruns and delays. The trip took place in advance of a Full 
Committee hearing on the Denver project entitled, ``Building a 
Better VA: Assessing Ongoing Major Construction Management 
Problems within the Department.''

Full Committee Hearing--Building a Better VA: Assessing Ongoing Major 
        Construction Management Problems Within the Department

    On January 21, 2015, the Full Committee met in open session 
to conduct a hearing assessing the ongoing construction and 
management problems within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Sloan D. Gibson, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Dennis Milsten, Associate 
Executive Director, Office of Programs and Plans, Office of 
Construction and Facilities Management, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and, Lloyd C. Caldwell, P.E. Director of 
Military Programs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: David Wise, 
Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office; Roscoe Butler, Deputy Director for 
Healthcare, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The 
American Legion; and, Ray Kelley, Director, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars. See ``Building a 
Better VA: Assessing Ongoing Major Construction Management 
Problems within the Department,'' Serial No. 114-1.

Full Committee Business Meeting--To Formally Organize the Veterans' 
        Affairs Committee for the 114th Congress

    On January 21, 2015, the Full Committee met to formally 
establish the Veterans' Affairs Committee for the 114th 
Congress.
    There were no testimonies provided. See ``Business Meeting 
to Formally Organize the Veterans' Affairs Committee for the 
114th Congress.''

Full Committee Hearing--U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget 
        Request for Fiscal Year 2016

    On February 11, 2015, the Full Committee met to discuss the 
Department of Veterans Affair's Fiscal Year 2016 budget request 
to Congress.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Robert A. McDonald, Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Carolyn Clancy M.D., Interim 
Under Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; the Honorable Allison A. Hickey, Under Secretary for 
Benefits, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ronald E. 
Walters, Interim Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Helen Tierney, Executive in 
Charge for the Office of Management, and VA Chief Financial 
Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and, Stephen 
Warren, Executive in Charge and Chief Information Officer, 
Office of Information and Technology, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Carl Blake, 
Associate Executive Director, Government Relations, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America, On Behalf of the Co-Authors of the 
Independent Budget: Accompanied by: Joseph A. Violante, 
National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Ray 
Kelley, Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of 
Foreign Wars; Diane M. Zumatto, National Legislative Director, 
AMVETS; and, Ian de Planque, Legislative Director, The American 
Legion. See ``U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget 
Request for Fiscal Year 2016,'' Serial No. 114-7.

Full Committee Business Meeting--To Designate Congressman Jerry 
        McNerney (CA-09) and Congressman Tim Walz (MN-01) to HVAC 
        Subcommittees

    On February 11, 2015, the Full Committee met to discuss the 
designation of Congressman Jerry McNerney of California and 
Congressman Tim Walz of Minnesota to a subcommittee.
    There were no testimonies provided. See ``Business Meeting 
to Designate Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) and Congressman 
Tim Walz (MN-01) to HVAC Subcommittees.''

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

    On February 24, 2015, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from the Disabled American Veterans on its 
2015 legislative priorities.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Ronald F. Hope, National Commander, Disabled American Veterans; 
Accompanied by: J. Marc Burgess, National Adjutant; Barry A. 
Jesinoski, Executive Director, National Headquarters; Garry J. 
Augustine, Executive Director, Washington Headquarters; Jim 
Marszalek, National Service Director; Joseph A. Violante, 
National Legislative Director; John Kleindienst, National 
Director of Voluntary Service; Jeffrey C. Hall, National 
Director of Employment; and, LeeAnn Karg, DAV Auxiliary 
National Commander. See ``Joint Hearing of the House and Senate 
Veterans' Affairs Committees to receive the Legislative 
Presentation of the Disabled American Veterans,'' This hearing 
was hosted by the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and 
therefore does not have a House Serial No.

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

    On February 25, 2015, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from The American Legion on its 2015 
legislative priorities.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Michael D. Helm, National Commander, The American Legion; 
Accompanied by: Brett Reistad, Legislative Chairman; Ian de 
Planque, Legislative Director; Ralph Bozella, Chairman, 
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation; Louis Celli, Director, 
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation; James Fratolillo, 
Chairman, Veterans Employment and Veterans Preference 
Committee; and Joseph Sharpe, Jr., Director, Veterans 
Employment and Education. See ``Joint Hearing of the House and 
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees to receive the Legislative 
Presentation of The American Legion,'' This hearing was hosted 
by the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and therefore does 
not have a House Serial No.

Full Committee Roundtable

    On February 27, 2015, the Full Committee held a roundtable 
discussion with veterans service organizations on issues facing 
America's veterans. Members of the Full Committee attended the 
roundtable, as did: Mr. Michael D. Helm, National Commander, 
American Legion; Robert L. Frank, CMSgt (Ret.) USAF, Chief 
Executive Officer, Air Force Sergeants Association; Mr. Aaron 
G. Bresnahan, National President, Association of the U.S. Navy; 
Mr. Mark Cornell, National President, Blinded Veterans of 
America; Mr. Pete Hegseth, Chief Executive Officer, Concerned 
Veterans of America; Mr. Ronald Hope, National Commander, 
Disabled American Veterans; Mr. John D. Ippert, National 
President, Fleet Reserve Association; Ms. Harriet Boyden, 
President, Gold Star Wives of America; Mr. Paul Rieckhoff, 
Founder/CEO, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Col. 
Maxwell Spencer Colon, USA (Ret.), National Commander, Jewish 
War Veterans of America; Vice Admiral Norbert R. Ryan, Jr., USN 
(Ret.), President/CEO, Military Officers of America 
Association; Mr. Pat Little, National Commander, Military Order 
of the Purple Heart; Mr. Joseph W. Wescott, II, Ed. D., 
National Association of State Approving Agencies; Mr. Lonnie 
Wangen, President, National Association of State Directors of 
Veterans Affairs; Mr. Bob Simoneau, Deputy Executive Director, 
National Association of State Workforce Agencies; Lt. Gen. Jack 
Klimp,; President, National Association for Uniformed Services; 
MG Gus L. Hargett, President, National Guard Association of the 
United States; Ms. Joyce Wessel Raezer, Executive Director, 
National Military Family Association; Sgt. Maj. H. Gene 
Overstreet, President, Non-Commissioned Officers of America; 
Mr. Al Kovach, Jr., National President, Paralyzed Veterans of 
America; Ms. Anne Marie Dougherty, Executive Director, The Bob 
Woodruff Foundation; BG Michael J. Silva, USAR (Ret.), 
President, Reserve Officers Association; Mr. John F. Downing, 
President/CEO, Soldier On; Mr. D. Wayne Robinson, President/
Chief Executive Officer, Student Veterans of America; Mr. Larry 
Hyland, USAF (Ret.), National President, The Retired Enlisted 
Association; Ms. Bonnie Carroll, Founder/President, Tragedy 
Assistance Program for Survivors; Mr. Charlie Huebner, Chief, 
U.S. Paralympics; Mr. John W. Stroud, Commander-in-Chief, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars; Mr. John Rowan, National President, 
Vietnam Veterans of America; Mr. Steven Nardizzi, Esq., 
Executive Director, Wounded Warrior Project.

Site Visit--Tucson, AZ

    On March 1, 2015, the Chairman of the Full Committee 
traveled to Tucson, Arizona, to conduct oversight visits to the 
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System and the University of 
Arizona's VETS Centers. The visit to SAVAHCS focused on the 
implementation of the Choice program as well as staffing, 
productivity, homelessness, and care for blind and visually 
impaired veterans. The visit to U of A's VETS Centers focused 
on the centers' impact on the school's veteran student 
population.

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

    On March 4, 2015, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from Veterans of Foreign Wars on its 2015 
legislative priorities.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
John W. Stroud, Commander in Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars: 
Accompanied by: Bill Bradshaw, Director, National Veterans 
Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Bob Wallace, Executive 
Director, Washington, DC Office, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Ray 
Kelley, Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of 
Foreign Wars; and, Gil Hernandez, Chairman, National 
Legislative Committee. This hearing was hosted by the Senate 
Veterans' Affairs Committee and therefore does not have a House 
Serial No.

Full Committee Hearing--The Power of Legislative Inquiry--Improving the 
        VA by Improving Transparency

    On March 16, 2015, the Full Committee met to discuss 
transparency within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Leigh A. Bradley, General Counsel, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Maureen T. Regan, Counselor to the Inspector 
General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Charles Tiefer, 
Professor of Law, University of Baltimore School of Law; 
Michael D. Bopp, Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. See 
``The Power of Legislative Inquiry--Improving the VA by 
Improving Transparency,'' Serial No. 114-9.

Full Committee Hearing--Joint Hearing of the House and Senate Veterans' 
        Affairs Committees To Receive the Legislative Presentation of 
        Multiple Veterans Service Organizations (JWV, AFSA, TREA, FRA, 
        NASDVA, NGAUS, AXPOW, GSW and WWP)

    On March 18, 2015, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from multiple veterans' organizations on 
their 2015 legislative priorities.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: COL 
Maxwell S. Colon (USA, Ret.), National Commander, Jewish War 
Veterans; Rob Frank, Chief Executive Officer, Air Force 
Sergeants Association; Larry Hyland, National President, The 
Retired Enlisted Association; John D. Ippert, National 
President, Fleet Reserve Association; Lonnie Wangen, President, 
National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs; 
COL Peter J. Duffy (USA, Ret.), Director Legislation, National 
Guard Association of the United States; Charles Susino, Jr., 
Past National Commander and Chair of the Legislative Committee, 
American Ex-Prisoners of War; Jeanette B. Early, National 
President Emeritus, Gold Star Wives; and Ryan Kules, National 
Director, Alumni, Wounded Warrior Project. This hearing was 
hosted by the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and therefore 
does not have a House Serial No.

Site Visit--Milwaukee, WI

    On March 29-31, 2015, the Chairman of the Full Committee 
traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to conduct an oversight visit 
to the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center. The oversight 
visit focused on the implementation of the Choice program, as 
well as the facility's pain management practices, care for 
blind and visually impaired veterans, and construction and 
facility maintenance. The Chairman also visited the VA River 
Valley Outpatient Clinic in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Full Committee Field Hearing--Tomah VAMC: Examining Quality, Access, 
        and a Culture of Over-Reliance on High-Risk Medications

    On March 30, 2015, the Full Committee conducted a Full 
Committee oversight field hearing with the Senate Committee on 
Homeland Security and Government Affairs to discuss 
overprescription of high-risk medication at the Tomah VA 
Medical Center in Tomah, Wisconsin.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: Candace 
Delis, Auburndale, WI; Ryan Honl, Tomah, WI; Noelle Johnson, 
PHARM.D., BCACP, CGP Urbandale, IA; Heather Simcakoski, Stevens 
Point, WI; and Marvin Simcakoski, Stevens Point, WI.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: John Daigh, 
M.D., Assistant Inspector General for Healthcare Inspections, 
Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Accompanied by: Alan Mallinger, M.D., Senior 
Physician, Office of Healthcare Inspections;Carolyn Clancy 
M.D., Interim Under Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Renee Oshinski, Acting 
Network Director, VISN 12, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; and, Mario V. DeSanctis, FACHE, 
Medical Center Director, Tomah VAMC. See ``Tomah VAMC: 
Examining Quality, Access, and a Culture of Over-Reliance on 
High-Risk Medications.'' This hearing was hosted by the Senate 
Veterans' Affairs Committee and therefore does not have a House 
Serial No.

Full Committee Hearing--Denver Va Medical Center: Constructing a Way 
        Forward

    On April 15, 2015, the Full Committee met to discuss the 
construction of the VA Medical Center in Denver, Colorado.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Lloyd C. Caldwell, P.E., Director of Military Programs, U.S. 
Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of the Army; and the 
Honorable Sloan D. Gibson, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Stella Fiotes, Executive 
Director, Office of Construction and Facilities Management, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and, Dennis Milsten, 
Director of Operations, Office of Construction and Facilities 
Management, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``Denver 
VA Medical Center: Constructing a Way Forward,'' Serial No. 
114-15.

Full Committee Hearing--Philadelphia and Oakland: Systemic Failures and 
        Mismanagement

    On April 22, 2015, the Full Committee met to discuss the 
failures and mismanagements of the VA in Philadelphia, PA, and 
Oakland, CA.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: Kristen 
Ruell, J.D., Whistleblower, Philadelphia Regional Office, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Joseph Malizia, President, 
Local 940, American Federation of Government Employees; Diana 
Blender, Whistleblower, Philadelphia Regional Office, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; and Rustyann Brown, 
Whistleblower, Oakland Regional Office, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Linda 
Halliday, Assistant Inspector General for Audits and 
Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Nora Stokes, Director, Bay 
Pines Benefits Inspections Division, Office of Inspector 
General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Brent 
Arronte, Director, San Diego Benefits Inspections Division, 
Office of Audits and Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was also 
provided by Danny G. I. Pummill, Principal Deputy Under 
Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Diana Rubens, 
Director, Philadelphia Regional Office, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Lucy 
Filipov, Assistant Director, Philadelphia Regional Office, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Julianna M. Boor, Director, Oakland Regional Office, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Michele Kwok, Assistant Director, Oakland Regional 
Office, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See, ``Philadelphia and Oakland: Systemic 
Failures and Mismanagement,'' Serial No. 114-16.

Full Committee Hearing--Examining Access and Quality of Care and 
        Services for Women Veterans

    On April 30, 2015, the Full Committee met to discuss the 
care and services that are provided to women veterans through 
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Dawn Halfaker, veteran; Joy Ilem, Deputy National Legislative 
Director, National Service and Legislative Headquarters, 
Disabled American Veterans; Lauren Augustine, Legislative 
Associate, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; and, 
Patricia Hayes, Ph.D., Chief Consultant for Women's Health 
Services, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Susan McCutcheon, R.N., Ed.D., National Mental 
Health Director for Family Services, Women's Mental Health, and 
Military Sexual Trauma, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; and, Curtis Coy, Deputy Under 
Secretary for Economic Opportunity, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
``Examining Access and Quality of Care and Services for Women 
Veterans,'' Serial No. 114-18.

Full Committee Business Meeting--Business Meeting: Motion To Issue a 
        Subpoena to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, To Produce 
        Complete MSPB and EEO Files From the Regional Office in 
        Philadelphia to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

    On April 30, 2015, the Full Committee met to address the 
motion to subpoena the Department of Veterans Affairs to 
produce complete MSPB and EEO files from the Philadelphia VA 
Regional Office.
    There were no testimonies provided. See, ``Business 
Meeting: Motion to Issue a Subpoena to the U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs, to produce complete MSPB and EEO files from 
the Regional Office in Philadelphia to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs.''

Full Committee Hearing--Assessing the Promise and Progress of the 
        Choice Program

    On May 13, 2015, the Full Committee met in open session to 
conduct a Full Committee oversight hearing on the Choice 
program created by the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146).
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: Donna 
Hoffmeier, Program Officer, VA Services, Health Net Federal 
Services; David J. McIntyre Jr., President and Chief Executive 
Officer, TriWest Healthcare Alliance; and, the Honorable Sloan 
Gibson, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: James Tuchschmidt, M.D., Interim Principal 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Darin 
Selnick, Senior Veterans Affairs Advisor, Concerned Veterans 
for America; Carlos Fuentes, Senior Legislative Associate, 
National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States; Roscoe G. Butler, Deputy Director for Health 
Care, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The 
American Legion; Joseph A. Violante, National Legislative 
Director, Disabled American Veterans; and, Christopher Neiweem, 
Legislative Associate, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of 
America. See ``Assessing the Promise and Progress of the Choice 
Program,'' Serial No. 114-19.

Full Committee Hearing--Joint Hearing of the House and Senate Veterans' 
        Affairs Committees To Receive the Legislative Presentation of 
        Multiple Veterans Service Organizations (PVA, AMVETS, MOAA, 
        MOPH, IAVA, VVA, BVA and NCOA)

    On May 20, 2015, the Full Committee participated in a joint 
hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to receive 
testimony from multiple veterans' organizations (PVA, AMVETS, 
MOAA, MOPH, IAVA, VVA, BVA and NCOA) on their 2015 legislative 
priorities.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: Al 
Kovach, National President, Paralyzed Veterans of America; CDR 
Larry E. Via, National Commander, AMVETS; COL Robert F. Norton, 
U.S. Army (Ret.), Deputy Director, Government Relations, 
Military Officers Association of America; J. Patrick Little, 
National Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart; John 
Rowan, National President, Vietnam Veterans of America; Glenn 
Minney, Director of Government Relations, Blinded Veterans 
Association; Paul Rieckhoff, Founder and CEO, Iraq and 
Afghanistan Veterans of America; and Sergeant Major H. Gene 
Overstreet, USMC (Ret.), President, Non Commissioned Officers 
Association. This hearing was hosted by the Senate Veterans' 
Affairs Committee and therefore does not have a House Serial 
No.

Site Visit--Cincinnati, OH

    On June 9, 2015, the Chairman for the Full Committee 
traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio, to conduct an oversight visit to 
the Cincinnati VA Medical Center with Rep. Brad Wenstrup of 
Ohio. The trip focused on wait times, the utilization of the 
Choice program and other sources of non-VA care, and ways to 
strengthen VA's purchased care options.

Full Committee Hearing--The State of VA's Fiscal Year 2015, Budget

    On June 25, 2015, the Full Committee held a hearing to 
examine the VA's Budget for the 2015 Fiscal Year.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Sloan Gibson, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: James Tuchschmidt, M.D., 
Interim Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Edward Murray, Acting Assistant Secretary for Management and 
Interim Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and, Gregory Giddens, Principal Executive Director 
Office of Acquisitions, Logistics, and Construction, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``The State of VA's Fiscal 
Year 2015, Budget,'' Serial No. 114-29.

Full Committee Hearing--Exploring VA's Administration of Individual 
        Unemployability Benefits

    On July 15, 2015, the Full Committee held a hearing to 
examine the individual unemployment benefits under the VA's 
Administration.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by 
Daniel Bertoni, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income 
Security, U.S. Government Accountability Office; Bradley Flohr, 
Senior Advisor, Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration; Paul R. Varela, Assistant National Legislative 
Director, Disabled American Veterans; and Ian de Planque, 
Legislative Director, The American Legion. See ``Exploring VA's 
Administration of Individual Unemployability Benefits,'' Serial 
No. 114-32.

Full Committee Hearing--To Receive the Secretary's Testimony Regarding 
        the Pending VA Health Care Budget Shortfall and System Shutdown

    On July 22, 2015, the Full Committee held a hearing to 
receive testimony regarding the Department's notification of a 
$3 billion budget shortfall in the Medical Services account 
that will result in a nationwide shutdown of VA hospital 
operations if Congress does not act before August, 2015.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Robert McDonald, Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: James Tuchschmidt, M.D., 
Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
``To Receive the Secretary's Testimony regarding the Pending VA 
Health Care Budget Shortfall and System Shutdown,'' Serial No. 
114-34.

Full Committee Hearing--A Call for System-Wide Change: Evaluating the 
        Independent Assessment of the Veterans Health Administration

    On October 7, 2015, the Full Committee held a hearing to 
discuss and evaluate the independent assessment of the VA 
Health Administration.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Robert A. McDonald, Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: the Honorable David J. 
Shulkin M.D., Under Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Testimony was also provided by Richard J. 
Byrne, Senior Vice President, The MITRE Corporation; and, Brett 
P. Giroir M.D., Senior Fellow, Texas Medical Center Health 
Policy Institute. See ``A Call for System-Wide Change: 
Evaluating the Independent Assessment of the Veterans Health 
Administration,'' Serial No. 114-37.

Full Committee Hearing--An Examination of the VA Office of Inspector 
        General's Final Report on the Inappropriate Use of Position and 
        the Misuse of the Relocation Program and Incentives

    On October 21, 2015, the Full Committee held a hearing to 
assess and examine the VA Office of Inspector General' Report 
of inappropriate use of position and the misuse of relocation 
program and incentives.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by 
Linda Halliday, Deputy Inspector General, Office of Inspector 
General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Danny Pummill 
Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs was invited to testify but did not appear. 
Mr. Pummill was invited to be accompanied by Ms. Diana Rubens 
Director, Philadelphia and Wilmington Region Office, Veterans 
Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Mr. Robert McKenrick Director, Los Angeles Regional Office, 
Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Ms. Kimberly Graves Director, St. Paul Regional 
Office, Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and Mr. Antione Waller Director, Baltimore 
Regional Office, Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veteran Affairs. These individuals did also not 
appear. See ``An Examination of the VA Office of Inspector 
General's Final Report on the Inappropriate Use of Position and 
the Misuse of the Relocation Program and Incentives,'' Serial 
No. 114-38.

Full Committee Business Meeting--Motion To Issue Subpoenas to Employees 
        of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, To Compel Them To 
        Appear and Provide Testimony to the House Committee on 
        Veterans' Affairs on the Inspector General's Final Report, 
        Entitled ``Inappropriate Use of Position and the Misuse of the 
        Relocation Program and Incentives.''

    On October 21, 2015, the Full Committee met in open session 
to conduct a motion to issue subpoenas to employees of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, and compel them to appear and 
provide testimony to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
on the Inspector General's final report.

Full Committee Hearing--``Testimony of Subpoenaed Witnesses on the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs Alleged Misuse of Relocation 
        Program and Incentives''

    On November 2, 2015, the Full Committee held a hearing to 
hear testimony from subpoenaed witnesses of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs on the misuse of relocation program and 
incentives.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by 
Danny Pummill, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, 
Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Accompanied by: Diana Rubens, Director, Philadelphia 
and Wilmington Regional Offices, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Robert 
McKenrick, Director, Los Angeles Regional Office, Veterans 
Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Kimberly Graves, Director, St. Paul Regional Office, Veterans 
Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
and, Antione Waller, Director, Baltimore Regional Office, 
Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veteran 
Affairs. Testimony was also provided by Linda Halliday, Deputy 
Inspector General, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs. The Honorable Allison Hickey, Former Under 
Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs was invited to provide testimony 
but did not appear. See, ``Testimony of Subpoenaed Witnesses on 
the Department of Veterans Affairs Alleged Misuse of Relocation 
Program and Incentives,'' Serial No. 114-41.

Full Committee Hearing--Choice Consolidation: Assessing VA's Plan To 
        Improve Care in the Community

    On November 18, 2015, the Full Committee held a hearing on 
the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) plan to consolidate 
non-VA care programs.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Sloan Gibson, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: the Honorable David J. 
Shulkin, M.D., Under Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Baligh Yehia, M.D., Assistant Deputy 
Undersecretary for Health for Community Care, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and, Joe 
Dalpiaz, Network Director, Heart of Texas Health Care Network, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See ``Choice Consolidation: Assessing VA's Plan to 
Improve Care in the Community,'' Serial No. 114-45.

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS


                 FULL COMMITTEE LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES


Second Session

                    AMERICAN HEROES COLA ACT OF 2015

                               (H.R. 677)


Summary

    H.R. 677, American Heroes COLA Act of 2015, authorizes the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in lieu of furnishing a 
headstone or marker to a deceased individual, to furnish a 
medallion or other device to signify the deceased individual's 
veteran status, to be attached to a headstone or marker 
furnished at private expense. A deceased individual, for the 
purposes of such provision, is an individual who: (1) served in 
the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917; and (2) is eligible 
for a headstone or marker, or who would be eligible but for his 
or her date of death.
    H.R. 677 would state ``Claim'' and ``formal claim'' (a 
claim submitted on a DOD-prescribed form) are defined for 
purposes of provisions relating to claims for benefits under 
laws administered by the VA.
    H.R. 677 would establish that the VA shall report quarterly 
to Congress for five years regarding submitted VA claims. Each 
report shall include the total number of: claims submitted, 
including the total number of informal and formal claims; forms 
indicating an intent to file a benefits claim; claim 
notification letters that included an invitation to submit an 
additional formal claim and the total number of claimants who 
submitted such additional formal claim; electronically filed 
claims submitted; and fully-developed claims submitted. It is 
the sense of Congress that the VA should develop a form for 
increasing or reopening a claim that does not require 
resubmittal of information previously submitted on a formal 
claim form.
    H.R. 677 would establish that the VA may pay burial and 
funeral expenses, accrued benefits, dependency and indemnity 
compensation, and non-service connected disability or death 
pension amounts to a survivor of a veteran who has not filed a 
formal claim if the record contains sufficient evidence to 
establish the survivor's entitlement to such benefits. The date 
of receipt of such benefits application shall be the earlier 
of: the date on which the survivor notifies the VA of the 
veteran's death through a death certificate or other relevant 
medical evidence indicating that the death was due to a 
service-connected or compensable disability, or the date on 
which any other federal agency notifies the VA of the veteran's 
death. The bill requires the VA to report to Congress on 
benefits paid pursuant to covered claims.
    H.R. 677 would establish that the VA shall provide the 
following claimants priority when processing veterans benefits 
claims: veterans who have attained the age of 70; veterans who 
are terminally ill; veterans with life-threatening illnesses; 
homeless veterans; veterans who were awarded the Medal of 
Honor; veterans who are former prisoners of war; veterans whose 
claims are being reviewed again in relation to a previously 
denied claim relating to military sexual trauma; veterans who 
the VA determines, on a case-by-case basis, are seriously or 
very seriously injured; and veterans whom the VA determines 
should otherwise be given priority for good cause.
    H.R. 677 would establish that if a veteran has submitted a 
medical opinion or report from a private physician in support 
of a disability compensation claim, the VA may not order a 
medical examination by a VA physician unless the VA provides 
the veteran with an explanation of why: (1) the submitted 
medical opinion or report was not sufficiently complete, and 
(2) additional medical evidence is necessary. This provision 
shall apply to medical evidence submitted one year after 
enactment of this Act by veterans who have not submitted any 
prior VA disability compensation claims.
    H.R. 677 would establish that during the nine-year period 
beginning on December 1, 2016, whenever there is an increase in 
benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and 
Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, the VA shall 
increase by the same percentage the amounts payable as 
veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for 
dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult 
children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for 
surviving spouses and children.
    H.R. 677 would establish that the process for appointment 
of fiduciaries for veterans is revised. If the VA determines a 
beneficiary to be mentally incompetent for purposes of 
appointing a fiduciary, the VA shall provide the beneficiary 
with a written statement detailing the reasons for such 
determination. A beneficiary may appeal such determination. A 
beneficiary for whom the VA appoints a fiduciary may, at any 
time, request the VA to remove such fiduciary and appoint a new 
one. The VA shall comply with a good faith request if the 
fiduciary: (1) has received a fee from the beneficiary and a 
volunteer fiduciary is available to assist the beneficiary, or 
(2) is not acting in the beneficiary's best interests. The VA 
shall ensure that any removal or new appointment shall not 
delay or interrupt the beneficiary's receipt of benefits. A VA-
appointed fiduciary shall act independently of the VA and in 
the interest of the beneficiary. A veteran may predesignate a 
fiduciary. If a beneficiary does not designate a fiduciary the 
VA shall appoint a fiduciary who is: (1) a relative, (2) a 
guardian, or (3) authorized to act on the beneficiary's behalf 
under a durable power of attorney. The VA, if it determines 
that a commission is necessary to obtain the services of a 
fiduciary in the best interests of a beneficiary, may authorize 
a fiduciary appointed by the VA to obtain from the monthly 
benefits provided to the beneficiary a reasonable commission 
for fiduciary services rendered. Such commission shall not 
exceed the lesser of: (1) 3% of the monthly monetary benefits 
paid on behalf of the beneficiary to the fiduciary, or (2) $35. 
A commission may not be authorized for a fiduciary who receives 
any other form of remuneration or payment in connection with 
rendering fiduciary services for the beneficiary. Temporary 
benefit payments to a person having custody and control of an 
incompetent or minor beneficiary are permitted. Specified state 
and local agencies and nonprofit social service agencies may 
act as fiduciaries. The VA shall maintain a list of state and 
local agencies and nonprofit social service agencies that are 
qualified to act as a fiduciary. The bill requires the 
investigation for the certification of a fiduciary to include 
criminal and credit background checks. A background check shall 
be performed each time a person is proposed as a fiduciary. A 
person convicted of a federal or state offense may serve as a 
fiduciary only if the VA finds such person to be appropriate 
under the circumstances. A fiduciary shall disclose the number 
of beneficiaries on whose behalf the fiduciary acts. The VA 
shall: (1) maintain records of any person whose fiduciary 
status has been revoked, and (2) notify a beneficiary within 14 
days after learning that the fiduciary has been convicted of a 
specified crime. The VA shall investigate alleged misuse of 
benefits, and if substantiated, transmit such information to 
the Department of Justice and each federal agency that pays 
benefits to fiduciaries or beneficiaries. The VA shall, when 
determining whether a proposed fiduciary must furnish a bond, 
consider: (1) the existence of any familial or other personal 
relationship between the proposed fiduciary and the 
beneficiary, and (2) the care the proposed fiduciary has taken 
to protect the beneficiary's interests. Each Veterans Benefits 
Administration regional office shall maintain specified 
fiduciary information. A fiduciary must (currently, may) file 
an annual accounting of the administration of beneficiary 
benefits. The VA shall conduct annual random audits of 
fiduciaries who receive a commission for such service.
    H.R. 677 would establish that the Board of Veterans' 
Appeals shall, for purposes of scheduling a veteran's appeal 
hearing at the earliest possible date, determine whether to 
provide such hearing: (1) at its principal location or at 
another VA facility or other federal facility within the 
regional VA's area, and (2) through the use of video 
conferencing or by an appellant's personal appearance. (Current 
law merely permits an appellant to request that a hearing be at 
the Board's principal location or at a VA facility located 
within the regional VA's area.) The Board shall notify the 
appellant of such decisions. Upon notification, the appellant 
may request a different location or type of hearing, and the 
Board shall grant such request while ensuring that the hearing 
is scheduled at the earliest possible date.
    H.R. 677 would establish that the Veterans Benefits Act of 
2003 is amended to extend until December 31, 2017, the VA's 
authority to provide for persons other than VA employees (i.e., 
contract physicians) to conduct medical disability examinations 
of applicants for VA benefits. A VA-contracted physicians may 
conduct such examinations at any location in any state, the 
District of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or 
possession of the United States so long as the examination is 
within the scope of the contract and the physician: has a 
current unrestricted license to practice his or her health care 
profession; is not barred from practicing such health care 
profession in any state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. 
commonwealth, territory, or possession; and is performing 
authorized duties for the VA pursuant to a contract.
    The Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1996 is amended 
to provide similar authorities for examination locations under 
the pilot program authorizing the VA to use contract physicians 
to perform medical disability examinations of applicants for 
benefits carried out through the Under Secretary for Benefits.
    H.R. 677 would establish that the VA shall: (1) carry out a 
five-year pilot program to provide a faster disability 
compensation appeals process, and (2) inform claimants about 
such program. Appeals filed under the pilot program are 
described as ``fully developed appeals.'' A claimant may elect 
to file a fully developed appeal by filing with the VA: (1) a 
notice of disagreement along with the claimant's written 
election to have the appeal determined under the pilot program, 
(2) all necessary evidence, and (3) a statement of the claim's 
supporting argument. A claimant who elects to file a claim 
under the pilot program may elect to revert to the standard 
appeals process at any time. Such reversion shall be final. 
Such a claimant or an electing claimant who is later determined 
to be ineligible for the pilot program shall revert to the 
standard appeals process without any penalty other than the 
loss of docket number. The VA shall transfer jurisdiction over 
a fully developed appeal directly to the Board of Veterans' 
Appeals. The Board shall: maintain fully developed appeals on a 
separate docket; hear fully developed appeals in the order 
received; decide not more than one fully developed appeal for 
each four traditional appeals decided, though this ratio may be 
adjusted for fairness purposes after one year; and decide each 
fully developed appeal within one year of a claimant's filing 
the notice of disagreement. A claimant may not submit or 
identify to the Board any new evidence relating to a fully 
developed appeal after filing such appeal unless the claimant 
reverts to the standard appeals process. The Board shall 
establish an office to develop necessary federal records, 
independent medical opinions, and new medical exams that the 
Board determines are necessary to decide a fully developed 
appeal. The Board may not provide hearings for fully developed 
appeals.
    H.R. 677 would establish that the VA shall take steps to 
ensure that regional offices certify VA Form 9, Appeal to Board 
of Veterans' Appeals forms within one year of receipt.
    H.R. 677 would establish that a commission or task force is 
established to evaluate the backlog of VA disability claims and 
appeals. The commission or task force shall: (1) carry out a 
comprehensive evaluation of the claims backlog and the appeals 
process and provide Congress and the President with initial, 
interim, and final reports; and (2) terminate 60 days after 
submission of the final report.
    H.R. 677 would establish that the Department of Defense 
(DOD) shall accept additional documentation for verifying 
active duty service as a coastwise merchant seaman between 
December 7, 1941-December 31, 1946, for purposes of veterans' 
burial benefits and medal and decorations eligibility, 
including: in the case of an individual who served on a 
coastwise merchant vessel seeking such recognition for whom no 
applicable Coast Guard shipping or discharge form, ship 
logbook, merchant mariner's document or Z-card, or other 
official employment record is available, applicable Social 
Security Administration records, together with validated 
testimony given by the individual or the primary next of kin 
that the individual performed such service between December 7, 
1941-December 31, 1946; and in the case of such an individual 
for whom such employment record has been destroyed or is 
otherwise unavailable, other official documentation 
demonstrating that the individual performed such service 
between December 7, 1941-December 31, 1946. (These individuals 
shall not be entitled to other benefits based upon such 
service.) DOD, when determining whether to recognize service 
performed during such period, shall recognize masters of 
seagoing vessels or other command officers who were authorized 
to document an individual for purposes of hiring for, or 
discharging from, the merchant marine. DOD shall verify that an 
individual performed such qualifying service under honorable 
conditions without regard to an individual's sex, age, or 
disability.
    H.R. 677 would establish that the VA shall designate at 
least one U.S. city each year as an ``American World War II 
City'' based on the city's: (1) contributions to the war effort 
during World War II; and (2) efforts to preserve the history of 
such contributions, including through establishment of 
preservation organizations or museums, restoration of World War 
II facilities, and recognition of World War II veterans. 
Wilmington, North Carolina, is designated as the first such 
city.
    H.R. 677 would establish that Congress: (1) expresses its 
appreciation to the men and women left permanently wounded, 
ill, or injured as a result of their service in the Armed 
Forces; and (2) supports the annual recognition of permanently 
disabled American veterans.
    H.R. 677 would establish that the Caregivers and Veterans 
Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 is amended to extend 
through December 31, 2021, the pilot program of providing 
reintegration and readjustment services in group retreat 
settings to certain women veterans recently separated from 
military service.

Legislative History

    H.R. 677 was introduced by Representative Ralph Abraham on 
February 3, 2015, and referred to the House Veterans' Affairs 
Committee. Representative Dina Titus was the only original 
cosponsor.
    On April 14, 2015 the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs held a legislative hearing on H.R. 677 and 
received testimony from the following witnesses: The Honorable 
Chellie Pingree, U.S. House of Representatives; Mr. David R. 
McLenachen, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Disability 
Assistance, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Mr. McLenachen was accompanied by Ms. 
Laura H. Eskenazi, Executive-in-Charge and Vice Chairman, Board 
of Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and 
Mr. David J. Barrans, Assistant General Counsel, Office of 
General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Zachary Hearn, Deputy Director for Claims, Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Mr. Blake C. 
Ortner, Deputy Government Relations Director, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America; Mr. Paul R. Varela, Assistant National 
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Ronald B. 
Abrams, Joint Executive Director, National Veterans Legal 
Services Program; Mr. Kenneth M. Carpenter, Founding Member, 
National Organization of Veterans' Advocates.
    On May 14, 2015 the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs met in open session and ordered H.R. 677 
to be favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On September 17, 2015 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in an open session and an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 677 was offered by Rep. Abraham of Louisiana 
and was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. An 
amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to 
H.R. 677 was offered by Rep. Titus of Nevada and was not 
adopted by the Full Committee by roll call. The amendment in 
the nature of a substitute to H.R. 677, as amended was adopted 
by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 677, as amended 
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably 
reported to the Full House by voice vote. The Committee Report 
was filed on February 1, 2016 (H. Rept. 114-405).
    On February 9, 2016, the House agreed on the motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 677, as amended by voice vote.
    On February 10, 2016, H.R. 677 was received in the Senate 
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

   TO DESIGNATE THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMUNITY-BASED 
 OUTPATIENT CLINIC IN NEWARK, OHIO, AS THE DANIEL L. KINNARD VA CLINIC

                               (H.R. 960)


Summary

    H.R. 960 would establish the Department of Veterans Affairs 
community based outpatient clinic in Newark, Ohio, shall be 
known as the ``Daniel L. Kinnard VA Clinic.''

Legislative History

    H.R. 960 was introduced by Representative Patrick Tiberi on 
February 12, 2015, and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had 14 cosponsors, 12 of which were 
original cosponsors.
    On May 23, 2016, the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 960 by voice vote.
    On May 24, 2016, H.R. 960 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

                   CAREER-READY STUDENT VETERANS ACT

                              (H.R. 2360)


Summary

    H.R. 2360, Career-Ready Student Veterans Act, would add the 
following new criteria for state approval, with respect to the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance, of 
applications of educational institutions providing veterans 
with non-accredited courses: a program designed to prepare an 
individual for state licensure or certification must meet any 
state instructional curriculum licensure or certification 
requirements; or a program designed to prepare an individual 
for employment pursuant to standards developed by a state board 
or agency in an occupation requiring approval or licensure must 
be approved or licensed by that state board or agency. The VA 
may waive either of these two requirements if: the educational 
institution is accredited by an agency or association 
recognized by the Department of Education; the program did not 
meet the requirements at any time during the two-year period 
preceding the waiver date; the waiver furthers the purposes of 
the educational assistance programs or would further the 
education interests of individuals eligible for assistance 
under such programs; and the educational institution does not 
provide any incentive payment based on securing enrollments or 
financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in student 
recruiting or admission activities or in making decisions 
regarding the award of student financial assistance, except for 
recruitment of foreign students residing in foreign countries 
who are ineligible for federal student assistance. The VA shall 
submit to Congress notice of, and justification for, a waiver 
within 30 days of issuance. The VA shall disapprove a course of 
education unless the educational institution providing it 
discloses publicly any conditions or additional requirements, 
including training, experience, or exams, required to obtain 
the license, certification, or approval for which the course is 
designed to provide preparation. If after enrollment in a 
course subject to disapproval an individual pursues one or more 
courses of education at the same educational institution while 
remaining continuously enrolled, such course or courses shall 
not be subject to disapproval by reason of this Act.

Legislative History

    H.R. 2360 was introduced by Representative Mark Takano on 
May 15, 2015 and was referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had 7 cosponsors.
    On June 2, 2015 the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 2360 and received testimony 
from the following witnesses: The Honorable Bill Flores, U.S. 
House of Representatives, 17th Congressional District, Texas; 
The Honorable Paul Cook, U.S. House of Representatives, 8th 
Congressional District, California; The Honorable Sean Patrick 
Maloney, U.S. House of Representatives, 18th Congressional 
District, New York; Mr. Paul R. Varela Assistant National 
Legislative Director Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Brendon 
Gehrke Senior Legislative Associate National Legislative 
Service Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Mr. 
Steve Gonzalez Assistant Director Veterans Employment and 
Education Division The American Legion; Mr. David Borer General 
Counsel American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO; 
Mr. Christopher Neiweem Legislative Associate Iraq and 
Afghanistan Veterans of America; Mr. Rick Weidman Executive 
Director Government Affairs Vietnam Veterans of America; Mr. 
Curtis L. Coy Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity 
Veterans Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Accompanied by: Ms. Cathy Mitrano Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for the Office of Resource Management Human Resources 
and Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. 
Teresa W. Gerton Acting Assistant Secretary Veterans' 
Employment and Training Service U.S. Department of Labor; Dr. 
Susan S. Kelly Director Transition to Veterans Program Office 
of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness 
U.S. Department of Defense.
    On June 25, 2015 the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in an open session and an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 2360 was offered by Rep. Mark Takano of 
California and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 2360, as amended 
passed the EO Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On September 17, 2015 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in an open session and H.R. 2360, as amended passed the 
Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the 
Full House by voice vote. The Committee Report was filed on 
November 16, 2015 (H. Rept. 114-336).
    On February 9, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 2360, as amended by voice vote.
    On February 10, 2016 H.R. 2360 was received in the Senate 
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

  TO AMEND TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE, TO IMPROVE THE PROVISION OF 
              ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR VETERANS

                              (H.R. 2460)


Summary

    H.R. 2460, to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
improve the provision of adult day health care services for 
veterans, would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
to enter into an agreement or a contract with each state home 
to pay for adult day health care for a veteran eligible for, 
but not receiving, nursing home care. The veteran must need 
such care either specifically for a service-connected 
disability, or, if not specifically for one, the veteran must 
have a service-connected disability rated 70% or more. Payment 
under each agreement or contract between the VA and a state 
home must equal 65% of the payment that the VA would otherwise 
pay to the state home if the veteran were receiving nursing 
home care.

Legislative History

    H.R. 2460 was introduced by Representative Lee Zeldin on 
May 19, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 53 cosponsors.
    On April 20, 2016 the Subcommittee on Health held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 2460 and received testimony from 
the following witnesses: Honorable Lee M. Zeldin, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 1st Congressional District of New York; the 
Honorable Mike Bost, U.S. House of Representatives, 12th 
Congressional District of Illinois; the Honorable Ann M. 
Kuster, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional 
District of New Hampshire; the Honorable Elise M. Stefanik, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 21st Congressional District of 
New York; and, the Honorable Jackie Walorski, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 2nd Congressional District of Indiana; Diane 
M. Zumatto, National Legislative Director, AMVETS; Shurhonda Y. 
Love, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Fred S. Sganga, Legislative Officer, 
National Association of State Veterans Homes; Maureen McCarthy 
M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Patient 
Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Susan Blauert, Chief 
Counsel, Health Care Law Group, Office of General Counsel, on 
behalf of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On April 29, 2016 the Subcommittee on Health met in an open 
session and ordered H.R. 2460 to be forwarded favorably to the 
Full Committee by voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met in 
an open session and a motion to favorably report H.R. 2460 to 
the House was offered by Ranking Member Brown and agreed to via 
voice vote.
    On May 23, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to suspend the 
rules and pass H.R. 2460 by voice vote.
    On May 24, 2016 H.R. 2460 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

 TO NAME THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMUNITY-BASED OUTPATIENT 
     CLINIC IN SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE, THE DANNIE A. CARR VETERANS 
                           OUTPATIENT CLINIC

                              (H.R. 2814)


Summary

    H.R. 2814 would designate the Department of Veterans 
Affairs community-based outpatient clinic located at 1124 
Blanton Drive, Sevierville, Tennessee, as the ``Dannie A. Carr 
Veterans Outpatient Clinic.''

Legislative History

    H.R. 2814 was introduced by Representative David Roe on 
June 17, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. This bill had no cosponsors.
    On March 1, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass the bill by voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016 H.R. 2814 was discharged from the Senate 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs by Unanimous Consent and passed 
the Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On May 24, 2016 H.R. 2814 was presented to the President.
    On June 3, 2016 H.R. 2814 was signed by the president and 
became Public Law No: 114-164.

                 FEMALE VETERAN SUICIDE PREVENTION ACT

                              (H.R. 2915)


Summary

    H.R. 2915, Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, would 
direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to identify: (1) 
VA mental health care and suicide prevention programs that are 
most effective for women veterans, and (2) those programs with 
the highest satisfaction rates among women veterans.
    H.R. 2915 would state that it is the sense of Congress that 
veterans who experience combat-related mental health wounds 
should have immediate and consistent access to comprehensive 
mental health care. The VA shall: establish standards and 
procedures to ensure that each covered veteran may access VA 
mental health care in a manner that fully accommodates the 
veteran's obligation to not improperly disclose classified 
information; and disseminate guidance to Veterans Health 
Administration employees, including mental health 
professionals, regarding these standards and procedures: 
``Covered veteran'' means a veteran who: (1) is enrolled in the 
VA health care system; (2) is seeking mental health treatment; 
and (3) in the course of serving in the Armed Forces 
participated in a sensitive (classified) mission or served in a 
sensitive unit primarily involved in training for the conduct 
of, or conducting, special activities or classified missions.

Legislative History

    H.R. 2915 was introduced by Representative Julia Brownley 
on June 25, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had 21 cosponsors.
    On July 14, 2015 the Subcommittee on Health held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 2915 and received testimony from 
the following witnesses: the Honorable Tim Walberg, U.S. House 
of Representatives, 7th Congressional District of Michigan; the 
Honorable Sean Duffy, U.S. House of Representatives, 7th 
Congressional District of Wisconsin; the Honorable Steve 
Stivers, U.S. House of Representatives, 15th Congressional 
District of Ohio; the Honorable Kyrsten Sinema, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 9th Congressional District, Arizona; the 
Honorable Doug Collins, U.S. House of Representatives, 9th 
Congressional District of Georgia; the Honorable Mike Coffman, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 6th Congressional District of 
Colorado; the Honorable Jeff Denham, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 10th Congressional District of California; the 
Honorable Charles Boustany, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Louisiana; and, the Honorable Brad 
Wenstrup, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional 
District of Ohio; Ian de Planque, Legislative Director, The 
American Legion; Adrian Atizado, Assistant National Legislative 
Director, Disabled American Veterans; and, Carlos Fuentes, 
Senior Legislative Associate, National Legislative Service 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; 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; Janet P. Murphy, M.B.A., Acting 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and 
Management, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Jessica Tanner, General 
Attorney Office of General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs.
    On July 22, 2015 the Subcommittee on Health met in an open 
session and ordered H.R. 2915 to be forwarded favorably to the 
Full Committee by voice vote.
    On September 17, 2015 an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 2915 was offered by Rep. Brownley of 
California and was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. 
H.R. 2915, as amended passed the Full Committee by voice vote 
and was favorably forwarded to the Full House by voice vote. 
The Committee Report was filed on December 3, 2015 (H. Rept. 
114-365).
    On February 9, 2016 the House agreed to suspend the rules 
and pass H.R. 2915, as amended by voice vote.
    On February 10, 2016 H.R. 2915 was received in the Senate 
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

     VETERANS EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, AND HEALTHCARE IMPROVEMENT ACT

                              (H.R. 3016)


Summary

    H.R. 3016, Veterans Employment, Education, and Healthcare 
Improvement Act, would include podiatrists within the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) definition of physician, 
and increases their pay grade to match other VA physician 
compensation.
    H.R. 3016 would make the priority for enrollment in the VA 
health care system given to Medal of Honor recipients shall 
increase from third to first, regardless of the date on which 
the medal is awarded. Medal of honor recipients shall be 
eligible for VA: (1) hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary 
care; (2) extended care services for non-service-connected 
disabilities, without having to make a copayment for such 
services; and (3) medications, without having to make a 
copayment for such medications.
    H.R. 3016 would state that the VA may provide the newborn 
child of a woman veteran receiving VA maternity care with post-
delivery care services for at most 42 days (currently 7 days) 
after the child's birth if the veteran delivered the child in a 
VA facility or another facility with which VA has a contract 
for such services.
    H.R. 3016 would state that the Government Accountability 
Office (GAO) shall periodically audit elements of the Veterans 
Health Administration budget.
    H.R. 3016 would state that the VA shall: (1) conduct 
outreach to inform veterans of how to resolve credit issues 
caused by a delayed payment of a claim for emergency hospital 
care, medical services, or other emergency health care 
furnished through a non-VA provider; and (2) establish a toll-
free telephone number for veterans to report such issues to the 
VA's Chief Business Office. The GAO shall evaluate the 
effectiveness of the Chief Business Office in providing timely 
payment of a proper invoice for emergency hospital care, 
medical services, or other emergency health care furnished 
through non-VA providers by the required payment date.
    H.R. 3016 would state that the VA shall carry out a five-
year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of addressing 
veterans' post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic 
stress disorder symptoms through the therapeutic medium of 
educating those veterans in the training and handling of 
service dogs for veterans with disabilities. The program shall 
be carried out through contracts with appropriate 
nongovernmental entities located in close proximity to between 
three and five VA medical centers. Each entity shall be 
certified in service dog training and have a training area for 
educating veterans with mental health conditions in service dog 
training and handling.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3016 was introduced by Representative Brad Wenstrup on 
July 9, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 15 cosponsors, 5 of which were original 
cosponsors.
    On July 14, 2015 the Subcommittee on Health held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 3016 and received testimony from 
the following witnesses: Honorable Tim Walberg, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 7th Congressional District of Michigan; the 
Honorable Sean Duffy, U.S. House of Representatives, 7th 
Congressional District of Wisconsin; the Honorable Steve 
Stivers, U.S. House of Representatives, 15th Congressional 
District of Ohio; the Honorable Kyrsten Sinema, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 9th Congressional District, Arizona; the 
Honorable Doug Collins, U.S. House of Representatives, 9th 
Congressional District of Georgia; the Honorable Mike Coffman, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 6th Congressional District of 
Colorado; the Honorable Jeff Denham, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 10th Congressional District of California; the 
Honorable Charles Boustany, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Louisiana; and, the Honorable Brad 
Wenstrup, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional 
District of Ohio; Ian de Planque, Legislative Director, The 
American Legion; Adrian Atizado, Assistant National Legislative 
Director, Disabled American Veterans; and, Carlos Fuentes, 
Senior Legislative Associate, National Legislative Service 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; 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; Janet P. Murphy, M.B.A., Acting 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and 
Management, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Jessica Tanner, General 
Attorney Office of General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs.
    On July 22, 2015 the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session and ordered H.R. 3016 to be favorably forwarded to the 
Full Committee by voice vote.
    On September 17, 2015 an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute to H.R. 3016 was offered by Rep. Wenstrup of Ohio 
and was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. An 
amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute. to 
H.R. 3016 was offered by Rep. Roe of Tennessee and was adopted 
by the Full Committee by voice vote. An amendment to the 
amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3016 was 
offered by Rep. Takano of California and was not adopted by the 
Full Committee by voice vote. An additional amendment to the 
amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3016 was 
offered by Rep. Takano of California and was not adopted by the 
Full Committee by roll call. An amendment to the amendment in 
the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3016 was offered by Rep. 
Titus of Nevada and was not adopted by the Full Committee by 
voice vote. The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 
3016, as amended was adopted by the Full Committee by voice 
vote. H.R. 3016, as amended passed the Full Committee by voice 
vote and was favorably reported to the Full House by voice 
vote. The Committee Report was filed on December 1, 2015 (H.R. 
Rept. 114-358).
    On February 9, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 3016, as amended by voice vote.
    On February 10, 2016 H.R. 3016 was received in the Senate 
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

                    CONSTRUCTION REFORM ACT OF 2016

                              (H.R. 3106)


Summary

    H.R. 3106, Construction Reform Act of 2016, would require 
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use industry 
standards, standard designs, and best practices in carrying out 
medical facility construction. A super construction project is 
one for the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a 
medical facility involving a total expenditure of more than 
$100 million (but does not include an acquisition by exchange). 
The VA shall provide, on a non-reimbursable basis, a non-VA 
federal entity with: (1) design, planning, and construction 
assistance; (2) project documents; and (3) other assistance 
upon request. With respect to a proposed change to a contract 
entered into by a non-VA federal entity with which the VA has 
entered into an agreement that is estimated at a value of less 
than $250,000, the entity shall issue a final decision 
regarding such change within 30 days. With respect to a 
proposed contract change estimated at a value of $250,000 or 
more: the VA may make recommendations to the entity; the VA may 
issue the final decision regarding the change within 30 days 
after the entity proposes it; and if the VA does not issue a 
final decision within 60 days after the entity proposes the 
contract change, the entity shall issue a final decision 
regarding the change no later than 90 days after it proposes 
the change. The VA shall ensure that each VA employee with 
responsibilities relating to the construction or alteration of 
medical facilities undergoes ongoing professional training and 
development. The VA is prohibited from: obligating or expending 
funds for advance planning or design for any super construction 
project until 60 days after congressional notification, 
obligating funds for a major medical facility project or a 
super construction project by more than 10% of the amount 
approved by law unless certain congressional committees approve 
the obligation, or using bid savings amounts or funds for other 
than their original purpose before 30 days after notifying 
those committees unless each committee approves the obligation. 
The VA shall enter into a contract with an appropriate non-
department federal entity to conduct an external forensic audit 
of: (1) the medical center construction project in Aurora, 
Colorado; and (2) the expenditures relating to any major 
medical facility or super construction project when such 
expenditures exceed the amount approved by law by more than 
25%. The VA must complete a 10-year master plan for: (1) each 
existing VA medical facility by December 31, 2016, and (2) each 
new VA medical facility by not later than the earlier of the 
date on which activation is completed or the date of the 
facility's formal dedication. H.R. 3106 would establish in the 
Office of Inspector General an Assistant Inspector General for 
Construction who shall be responsible for conducting, 
supervising, and coordinating audits, evaluations, and 
investigations of the planning, design, contracting, and 
construction of VA facilities and infrastructure, including 
major and minor construction projects and leases.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3106 was introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller on July 
16, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 2 cosponsors.
    On July 14, 2015 the Subcommittee on Health held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 3106 and received testimony from 
the following witnesses: Honorable Tim Walberg, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 7th Congressional District of Michigan; the 
Honorable Sean Duffy, U.S. House of Representatives, 7th 
Congressional District of Wisconsin; the Honorable Steve 
Stivers, U.S. House of Representatives, 15th Congressional 
District of Ohio; the Honorable Kyrsten Sinema, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 9th Congressional District, Arizona; the 
Honorable Doug Collins, U.S. House of Representatives, 9th 
Congressional District of Georgia; the Honorable Mike Coffman, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 6th Congressional District of 
Colorado; the Honorable Jeff Denham, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 10th Congressional District of California; the 
Honorable Charles Boustany, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Louisiana; and, the Honorable Brad 
Wenstrup, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional 
District of Ohio; Ian de Planque, Legislative Director, The 
American Legion; Adrian Atizado, Assistant National Legislative 
Director, Disabled American Veterans; and, Carlos Fuentes, 
Senior Legislative Associate, National Legislative Service 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; 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; Janet P. Murphy, M.B.A., Acting 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and 
Management, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Jessica Tanner, General 
Attorney Office of General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs.
    On July 22, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in an open 
session and an amendment to H.R. 3106 was offered by Rep. Mike 
Coffman of Colorado and was adopted by the Health Subcommittee 
by voice vote. H.R. 3106, as amended, passed the Health 
Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee 
by voice vote.
    On September 17, 2015 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in open session and an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute to H.R. 3106, as amended was offered by Chairman 
Miller of Florida and was adopted/not adopted. An Amendment to 
the A.N.S. to H.R. 3106, as amended was offered by Rep. 
Brownley of California and was adopted by the Full Committee by 
voice vote. An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3106, as amended was offered by Rep. Rice of 
New York and was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. 
The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3106, as 
amended was adopted by the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 
3106, as amended passed the Full Committee by voice vote and 
was favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote. The 
Committee Report was filed on December 3, 2015 (H. Rept. 114-
364).
    On February 9, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 3106, as amended by voice vote.
    On February 10, 2016 H.R. 3106 was received in the Senate 
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

                                VET ACT

                              (H.R. 3216)


Summary

    H.R. 3216, VET Act, would declare that, if a veteran who is 
enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care 
program requests a medical examination or treatment at an 
emergency department of a VA medical facility, the veteran 
shall be provided with: a medical screening examination to 
determine whether an emergency medical condition exists; and if 
an emergency condition exists, stabilizing medical treatment or 
transfer to another VA or non-VA medical facility. The VA is 
deemed to have met such requirements if it offers to transfer 
the veteran to another medical facility, informs the veteran of 
the transfer's risks and benefits, and the veteran refuses to 
consent to the transfer. If a non-stabilized emergency medical 
condition exists the VA hospital may not transfer the veteran 
unless: the veteran (or individual), after being made aware of 
the risks, makes a written transfer request; a physician 
certifies that the medical benefits of a transfer outweigh the 
risks to the veteran and, in the case of a woman in labor, to 
the unborn child; if a physician is not present in the 
emergency department at the time of transfer, a qualified 
medical person has made such certification after a physician 
has determined that a transfer's benefit outweighs the risk and 
a physician subsequently countersigns the qualified medical 
person's certification; and the transfer is to a medical 
facility with the necessary treatment capacities. A VA or non-
VA medical facility that has specialized capabilities or 
facilities (such as burn units, shock-trauma units, neonatal 
intensive care units, or, with respect to rural areas, regional 
referral centers) shall not refuse to accept a transfer if the 
facility has the capacity to treat the veteran. A VA or non-VA 
medical facility may not delay a medical screening examination 
or further medical examination and treatment in order to 
inquire about a veteran's payment method or insurance status. 
The VA may not take adverse action against a VA employee 
because the employee refuses to authorize the transfer of an 
enrolled veteran with a non-stabilized emergency medical 
condition or because the employee reports a violation of this 
bill.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3216 was introduced by Representative Dan Newhouse on 
July 27, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 13 cosponsors, 3 of which were original 
cosponsors.
    On June 23, 2016 the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 3216 and received testimony 
from the following witnesses: Honorable Doug Lamborn, U.S. 
House of Representatives, 1st Congressional District of Nevada; 
The Honorable Raul Ruiz, U.S. House of Representatives, 36th 
Congressional District of California; The Honorable Beto 
O'Rourke, U.S. House of Representatives, 16th Congressional 
District of Texas; The Honorable Ron DeSantis, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 6th Congressional District of Florida; The 
Honorable Ted Yoho, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Florida; The Honorable Jody Hice, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 10th Congressional District of 
Georgia; The Honorable Dan Newhouse, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 4th Congressional District of Washington; and 
The Honorable David Young, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Iowa; The Honorable Sloan Gibson, 
Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Deputy 
Secretary Gibson was accompanied by Ms. Laura Eskenazi, 
Executive in Charge and Vice Chairman, Board of Veterans 
Appeals; Mr. David McLenachen, Deputy Under Secretary for 
Disability Assistance, Veterans Benefits Administration; and 
Dr. Maureen McCarthy, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for 
Health Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration 
within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was 
also provided by Mr. Raymond Kelley, Director, National 
Legislative Service of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States; Mr. Paul Varela, Assistant National Legislative 
Director with Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Carl Blake, 
Associate Executive Director of Government Relations with the 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Louis J. Celli, Jr., 
Director, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division 
of The American Legion; and Mr. Rick Weidman, Executive 
Director for Policy and Government Affairs with the Vietnam 
Veterans of America; Statements for the Record were provided by 
the following Veterans Service Organizations: American Battle 
Monuments Commission, AMVETS, Court of Appeals for Veterans 
Claims, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military 
Officers Association of America, Military Veterans Advocacy, 
Inc., National Organization of Veterans Advocates, National 
Veterans Legal Services Program, P.A.W.S. Foundation, Stetson 
University College of Law's Veterans Law Institute, U.S. 
Department of Labor.
    On September 21, 2016 the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs met in an open session and ordered H.R. 3216 to be 
favorably forwarded to the House by voice vote.
    On September 26, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3216 by voice vote.
    On September 27, 2016 H.R. 3216 was received in the Senate 
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

                     VA MEDICAL CENTER RECOVERY ACT

                              (H.R. 3234)


Summary

    H.R. 3234, VA Medical Center Recovery Act, would direct the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to publish in the Federal 
Register and on a publicly available VA Internet website a 
compilation of key health metrics for each VA medical center. 
The VA shall: (1) determine on a semiannual basis whether each 
medical center is satisfactory or underperforming; and (2) upon 
a determination of underperformance, send a rapid deployment 
team to the center to ensure that it achieves satisfactory 
performance as quickly as practicable. A rapid deployment team 
shall: identify the areas of the medical center that require 
improvement and whether the center follows directives and best 
practices; establish a performance remediation plan; review the 
status of any disciplinary actions taken at the center, any 
recommendations made by the VA Inspector General, and any 
Government Accountability Office findings; and provide 
appropriate training to the director and staff. The Inspector 
General of the VA shall prioritize investigations regarding 
underperforming medical centers. The Office of Accountability 
Review shall prioritize investigations of whistleblower 
retaliation regarding underperforming medical centers. H.R. 
3234 would state that the VA shall seek to enter into 
partnerships with recognized schools of nursing to provide 
undergraduate nursing students enrolled in such schools with 
standardized training with respect to: the culture of the 
military and veterans; post-traumatic stress disorder; 
traumatic brain injury; amputation and assistive devices; 
environmental, chemical, and toxic exposure; substance use 
disorders; military sexual trauma; suicide; homelessness; 
serious illness at the end of life; and federal benefits, 
services, and resources for veterans.

Legislative History

    On November 17, 2015 the Subcommittee on Health held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 3234 and received testimony from 
the following witnesses: the Honorable Beto O'Rourke, U.S. 
House of Representatives, 16th Congressional District of Texas; 
the Honorable Andy Barr, U.S. House of Representatives, 6th 
Congressional District of Kentucky; the Honorable Matt 
Cartwright, U.S. House of Representatives, 17th Congressional 
District of Pennsylvania; the Honorable Scott Peters, U.S. 
House of Representatives, 52nd Congressional District of 
California; the Honorable Martha Roby, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 2nd Congressional District of Alabama; the 
Honorable Jackie Walorski, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd 
Congressional District of Indiana; the Honorable John Kline, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional District of 
Minnesota; the Honorable Gus Bilirakis, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 12th Congressional District of Florida; Adrian 
Atizado, Deputy National Legislative, Director Disabled 
American Veterans; LaRanda D. Holt, Assistant Director for 
Women and Minority Veterans Outreach, National Veterans Affairs 
and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; and Carlos 
Fuentes, Senior Legislative Associate, National Legislative 
Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Janet 
Murphy, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations 
and Management, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Elias Hernandez, Chief 
Officer, Workforce Management and Consulting Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Harold Kudler, Chief Consultant for Mental 
Health Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Susan Blauert, 
Deputy Assistant General Counsel, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On February 9, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 3234, as amended by voice vote.
    On February 10, 2016 H.R. 3234 was received in the Senate 
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONVEYANCE OF LAND OF THE ILLIANA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM 
      OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS IN DANVILLE, ILLINOIS

                              (H.R. 3262)


Summary

    H.R. 3262 would authorize the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) to convey to the Danville Area Community College 
of Danville, Illinois, all right, title, and interest of the 
United States in and to certain real property, including 
improvements, known as Building Number 48, which is part of the 
VA Illiana Health Care System. As consideration for such 
conveyance, the College shall convey to the United States all 
right, title, and interest in and to certain real property, 
including improvements, near the College Library Building.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3262 was introduced by Representative John Shimkus on 
July 28, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On December 8, 2015 the Subcommittee on Health held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 3262 and received testimony from 
the following witnesses: the Honorable John Shimkus, U.S. House 
of Representatives, 15th Congressional District of Illinois; 
the Honorable Ted Lieu, U.S. House of Representatives, 33rd 
Congressional District, California; the Honorable John L. Mica, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 7th Congressional District of 
Florida; the Honorable Jerry McNerney, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 9th Congressional District of California; and 
the Honorable Mike Coffman, U.S. House of Representatives, 6th 
Congressional District of Colorado; Raymond C. Kelley, Director 
of the National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars 
of the United States; Howard Trace, Director of the National 
Library and Museum Division, The American Legion; Accompanied 
by: Louis Celli Jr., Director of the National Veterans Affairs 
and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Stella S. 
Fiotes, Director of the Office of Construction and Facilities 
Management, Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Vince 
Kane, Special Assistant to the Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    On February 9, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 3262 by voice vote.
    On February 22, 2016 the Senate Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs discharged H.R. 3262 by Unanimous Consent. H.R. 3262 
passed the Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On February 25, 2016 H.R. 3262 was presented to the 
President.
    On February 29, 2016 H.R. 3262 was signed by the President 
and became Public Law No: 114-129.

                  VETERANS MOBILITY SAFETY ACT OF 2016

                              (H.R. 3471)


Summary

    H.R. 3471, Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2016, would 
direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that 
an eligible disabled veteran provided an automobile or other 
conveyance is given the opportunity to make personal selections 
relating to such conveyance. H.R. 3471 would state that the VA 
shall develop a comprehensive policy regarding quality 
standards for providers of modification services to veterans 
under the automobile adaptive equipment program. Such policy 
shall cover: (1) management of the automobile adaptive 
equipment program, (2) development and application of safety 
and quality standards for equipment and installation, (3) 
provider certification by a third party organization or 
manufacturer, (4) education and training of VA personnel, (5) 
provider compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 
1990, and (6) allowance for veterans to receive modifications 
at their residence or location of choice. The VA shall: (1) 
within one year and at least every six years thereafter, update 
VHA Handbook 1173.4 in accordance with such policy; and (2) 
within one year of such update and biennially thereafter 
through 2022, report on policy implementation and facility 
compliance. The VA shall: (1) develop and revise such policy in 
consultation with veteran service organizations, the National 
Highway Transportation Administration, industry 
representatives, manufacturers of automobile adaptive 
equipment, and other entities with relevant expertise; and (2) 
ensure against the use of a certifying entity that has a 
financial conflict of interest regarding the certification of 
an eligible provider.
    H.R. 3471 would state that the VA may appoint licensed 
hearing aid specialists to the Veterans Health Administration. 
The VA shall ensure that: (1) a hearing aid specialist may only 
perform hearing services consistent with the specialist's state 
license related to the practice of fitting and dispensing 
hearing aids, without excluding other qualified professionals 
from rendering services in overlapping practice areas; (2) 
services provided to veterans by hearing aid specialists shall 
be provided as part of the non-medical treatment plan developed 
by an audiologist; and (3) VA medical facilities provide 
veterans with access to the full range of audiologist services. 
The VA shall, within one year and annually thereafter for the 
next five years, report on: (1) veterans access to such hearing 
health services; and (2) VA contracting policies for providing 
hearing health services to veterans in non-VA facilities, 
including the number of veterans referred to audiologists and 
hearing aid specialists.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3471 was introduced by Representative Jackie Walorski 
on September 10, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had 51 cosponsors, 5 of which were 
original cosponsors.
    On November 17, 2015 the Subcommittee on Health held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 3471 and received testimony from 
the following witnesses: the Honorable Beto O'Rourke, U.S. 
House of Representatives, 16th Congressional District of Texas; 
the Honorable Andy Barr, U.S. House of Representatives, 6th 
Congressional District of Kentucky; the Honorable Matt 
Cartwright, U.S. House of Representatives, 17th Congressional 
District of Pennsylvania; the Honorable Scott Peters, U.S. 
House of Representatives, 52nd Congressional District of 
California; the Honorable Martha Roby, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 2nd Congressional District of Alabama; the 
Honorable Jackie Walorski, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd 
Congressional District of Indiana; the Honorable John Kline, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional District of 
Minnesota; the Honorable Gus Bilirakis, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 12th Congressional District of Florida; Adrian 
Atizado, Deputy National Legislative, Director Disabled 
American Veterans; LaRanda D. Holt, Assistant Director for 
Women and Minority Veterans Outreach, National Veterans Affairs 
and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; and Carlos 
Fuentes, Senior Legislative Associate, National Legislative 
Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Janet 
Murphy, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations 
and Management, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Elias Hernandez, Chief 
Officer, Workforce Management and Consulting Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Harold Kudler, Chief Consultant for Mental 
Health Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Susan Blauert, 
Deputy Assistant General Counsel, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On April 29, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in an 
open session and an amendment in the nature of a substitute to 
H.R. 3471 was offered by Rep. Dan Benishek of Michigan. The 
amendment in the nature of a substitute was agreed to by the 
Health Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to favorably 
forward H.R. 3471, as amended, to the Full Committee was 
offered by Ranking Member Julia Brownley of California and was 
adopted by the Health Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met in 
an open session and an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 3471 was offered by Rep. Walorski of Indiana. An 
amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to 
H.R. 3471 was offered by Rep. Benishek of Michigan. The 
amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to 
H.R. 3471 offered by Rep. Benishek was agreed to by the Full 
Committee via a voice vote. The amendment in the nature of a 
substitute, as amended to H.R. 3471, as amended was agreed to 
by the Full Committee via a voice vote; H.R. 3471, as amended 
passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to favorably 
report H.R. 3471, as amended to the House of Representatives 
was offered by Ranking Member Brown and agreed to via voice 
vote. The Committee Report was filed on September 6, 2016 (H. 
Rept. 114-709).
    On September 12, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3471, as amended by voice vote.
    On November 17, 2016 H.R. 3471 was discharged from the 
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs by Unanimous Consent. 
H.R. 3471 passed the Senate with an amendment by Unanimous 
Consent.
    On November 29, 2016 motion to reconsider laid on the table 
agreed to without objection.

          BLACK HILLS NATIONAL CEMETERY BOUNDARY EXPANSION ACT

                              (H.R. 3839)


Summary

    H.R. 3829, Black Hill National Cemetery Boundary Expansion 
Act, would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: 
(1) complete environmental, cultural resource, and other due 
diligence activities on certain public land to confirm its 
suitability for inclusion in the Black Hills National Cemetery, 
South Dakota; and (2) notify the Department of the Interior of 
such activities. After completion of such activities and upon 
receipt by Interior of written confirmation of suitability from 
the VA, the land shall: (1) be withdrawn from all forms of 
appropriation under the public land laws, including the mining 
laws, the mineral leasing laws, and the geothermal leasing 
laws, for as long as it remains under VA administrative 
jurisdiction; (2) be deemed property; and (3) be transferred to 
the VA for use as national cemeteries.
    H.R. 3839 would establish that the Interior shall publish a 
notice containing the legal descriptions of such transferred 
land. The VA shall reimburse Interior for reasonable transfer 
costs, including survey costs.
    H.R. 3839 would establish that upon a determination by the 
VA that all or a portion of such transferred land shall not be 
used for cemetery purposes, the VA shall: (1) notify Interior 
and transfer jurisdiction of the land back to Interior, and (2) 
be responsible for any decontamination costs necessary for 
restoration of the lands to the public lands.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3839 was introduced by Representative Kristi Noem on 
October 27, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs, in addition to the House Committee on 
Natural Resources. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On September 6, 2016 H.R. 3839 was reported amended by the 
Committee on Natural Resources (H. Rept. 114-714) and 
discharged from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The House 
agreed on a motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3839, as 
amended by voice vote.
    On September 12, 2016 H.R. 3839 was read twice by the 
Senate and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under 
General Orders. Calendar No. 624.

                                VET ACT

                              (H.R. 3936)


Summary

    H.R. 3936, VET Act, would direct the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA), beginning not later than October 1, 2016, to 
carry out a three-year pilot program under which the VA shall 
carry out Veteran Engagement Team events to assist veterans in 
completing VA disability and pension claims. Such events shall 
be carried out: during the first year, at least once a month 
within the jurisdiction of each of 10 VA regional offices, 
including at least 2 regional offices in each of the 5 
districts of the Veterans Benefits Administration; during each 
of the second and third years, at least once a month within the 
jurisdiction of each of 15 VA regional offices, including at 
least 3 regional offices in each district; at different 
locations within each regional office's jurisdiction and at 
least 50 miles from any regional office; during the sponsoring 
regional office's normal business hours; and with a sufficient 
number of physicians (to be available for opinions only), 
veteran service and rating representatives, and other 
appropriate claims personnel to initiate, update, and finalize 
the completion and adjudication of claims.
    Amounts shall be paid to a VA employee for event work only 
from amounts otherwise available for the employee's salary. No 
additional appropriations are authorized for such payments. The 
VA shall: (1) collect and analyze event-satisfaction 
information from attending veterans, and (2) report annually to 
Congress on event implementation. The VA may not permanently 
transfer any Veterans Health Administration physician to staff 
an event.
    H.R. 3936 would ensure The Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014 is amended to reduce the aggregate 
amount of awards and bonuses that may be paid by the VA in 
FY2017.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3936 was introduced by Representative Ryan Costello on 
November 5, 2015 and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 6 cosponsors, 1 of which was an original 
cosponsor.
    On April 13, 2016 the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs held a legislative hearing on H.R. 3936 
and received testimony from the following witnesses: Honorable 
Jeff Miller, U.S. House of Representatives, 1st Congressional 
District, Florida; the Honorable Corrine Brown, 5th 
Congressional District, Florida; the Honorable Ryan Costello, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 6th Congressional District, 
Pennsylvania; and the Honorable Mia Love, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 4th Congressional District, Utah; Mr. David R. 
McLenachen, Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Assistance 
with the Veterans Benefits Administration at the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. McLenachen was accompanied 
by Mr. Matt Sullivan, Deputy Under Secretary of Finance and 
Planned and CFO with the National Cemetery Administration with 
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Patrick K. 
Hallinan, Executive Director with the Army National Military 
Cemeteries at the Department of the Army; Mr. Carl Blake, 
Associate Executive Director for Government Relations for the 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy 
Director, National Legislative Service, for the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States; Mr. Paul R. Varela, 
Assistant National Legislative Director for the Disabled 
American Veterans; Ms. Elizabeth Davis, Advocate for Survivors' 
Benefits; and Mr. Edward G. Lilley, Team Leader for the Health 
Policy, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division 
for the American Legion; a statement for the record was proved 
by Mr. John Rowan, National President of Vietnam Veterans of 
America.
    On May 11, 2016 the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs met in an open session and H.R. 3936 
passed the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to 
favorably forward H.R. 3936 to the Full Committee was offered 
by Ranking Member Titus and was adopted by the DAMA 
Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On June 21, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 3936, as amended by voice vote.
    On June 22, 2016 H.R. 3936 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

       VA HEALTH CENTER MANAGEMENT STABILITY AND IMPROVEMENT ACT

                              (H.R. 3956)


Summary

    H.R. 3956, VA Health Center Management Stability and 
Improvement Act, would direct the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) to: (1) develop and implement a plan to hire 
highly qualified directors for each VA medical center that 
lacks a permanent director, and (2) prioritize such hiring for 
the medical centers that have been without a permanent director 
for the longest periods. The plan shall include: (1) a hiring 
deadline; (2) identification of possible hiring impediments; 
and (3) identification of opportunities to promote and train 
candidates from within the VA for senior executive positions, 
including medical center directors.
    H.R. 3956 would state that the VA shall ensure that the 
director of each VA medical facility annually certifies that 
the facility is in full compliance with all provisions of law 
and regulations relating to scheduling appointments for 
veterans hospital care and medical services. The VA may not 
waive any applicable provision of such laws or regulations. If 
unable to make such certification, the director shall provide 
the VA with an explanation of noncompliance and a description 
of compliance actions being taken. If a director does not make 
a certification for any year, each covered official may not 
receive specified awards or bonuses during the subsequent year. 
A covered official is the: (1) director, (2) chief of staff, 
(3) associate director, (4) associate director for patient 
care, and (5) deputy chief of staff.
    H.R. 3956 would state that the VA shall ensure that its 
directives and policies apply uniformly to each VA office or 
facility.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3956 was introduced by Representative Mike Bost on 
November 5, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had 12 cosponsors, 3 of which were 
original cosponsors.
    On April 20, 2016 the Subcommittee on Health held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 3956 and received testimony from 
the following witnesses: the Honorable Lee M. Zeldin, U.S. 
House of Representatives, 1st Congressional District of New 
York; the Honorable Mike Bost, U.S. House of Representatives, 
12th Congressional District of Illinois; the Honorable Ann M. 
Kuster, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional 
District of New Hampshire; the Honorable Elise M. Stefanik, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 21st Congressional District of 
New York; and, the Honorable Jackie Walorski, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 2nd Congressional District of Indiana; Diane 
M. Zumatto, National Legislative Director, AMVETS; Shurhonda Y. 
Love, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Fred S. Sganga, Legislative Officer, 
National Association of State Veterans Homes; Maureen McCarthy, 
M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Patient 
Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Susan Blauert, Chief 
Counsel, Health Care Law Group, Office of General Counsel, on 
behalf of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On April 29, 2016 the Subcommittee on Health met in an open 
session and ordered H.R. 3956 to be favorably forwarded to the 
Full Committee by voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met in 
an open session and an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 3956 was offered by Rep. Bost of Illinois. The 
amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3956 was agreed 
to by the Full Committee via voice vote. H.R. 3956, as amended 
passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to favorably 
report H.R. 3956, as amended to the House of Representatives 
was offered by Ranking Member Brown and agreed to via voice 
vote.
    On May 23, 2016 the House agreed on the motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 3956, as amended by voice vote.
    On May 24, 2016 H.R. 3956 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

    TO DESIGNATE THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMUNITY-BASED 
  OUTPATIENT CLINIC IN LAUGHLIN, NEVADA, AS THE ``MASTER CHIEF PETTY 
                     OFFICER JESSE DEAN VA CLINIC''

                              (H.R. 3969)


Summary

    H.R. 3969 would designate the Department of Veterans 
Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Laughlin, Nevada, 
as the ``Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean VA Clinic.''

Legislative History

    H.R. 3969 was introduced by Representative Joseph Heck on 
November 5, 2015 and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 2 original cosponsors.
    On May 23, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to suspend the 
rules and pass H.R. 3969, as amended by voice vote.
    On September 8, 2016 the Senate Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs discharged H.R. 3969 by Unanimous Consent. H.R. 3969 
passed the Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On September 14, 2016 H.R. 3969 was presented to the 
President.
    On September 23, 2016 H.R. 3969 was signed by the President 
and became Public Law No: 114-220.

                  SUPPORT OUR MILITARY CAREGIVERS ACT

                              (H.R. 3989)


Summary

    H.R. 3989, Support Our Military Caregivers Act, would 
permit an individual to elect to have an independent contractor 
perform an external clinical review of any of the following: a 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denial of an individual's 
application to be a caregiver or family caregiver eligible for 
VA benefits; with respect to an approved application, a VA 
determination of the level or amount of personal care services 
that a veteran requires; a request by a caregiver or family 
caregiver for a reconsideration of the level or amount of 
personal care services that a veteran requires based on post-
application changes; and a revocation of benefits by the VA. 
The VA shall ensure that each external clinical review is 
completed and the individual is notified in writing of the 
results within 120 days of the election.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3989 was introduced by Representative Elise Stefanik 
on November 5, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had 19 cosponsors.
    On April 20, 2016 the Subcommittee on Health held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 3989 and received testimony from 
the following witnesses: the Honorable Lee M. Zeldin, U.S. 
House of Representatives, 1st Congressional District of New 
York; the Honorable Mike Bost, U.S. House of Representatives, 
12th Congressional District of Illinois; the Honorable Ann M. 
Kuster, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional 
District of New Hampshire; the Honorable Elise M. Stefanik, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 21st Congressional District of 
New York; and, the Honorable Jackie Walorski, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 2nd Congressional District of Indiana; Diane 
M. Zumatto, National Legislative Director, AMVETS; Shurhonda Y. 
Love, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Fred S. Sganga, Legislative Officer, 
National Association of State Veterans Homes; Maureen McCarthy 
M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Patient 
Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Susan Blauert, Chief 
Counsel, Health Care Law Group, Office of General Counsel, on 
behalf of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On April 29, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in an 
open session and an amendment to H.R. 3989 was offered by Rep. 
Gus Bilirakis of Florida. The amendment was agreed to by the 
Health Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to favorably 
forward H.R. 3989, as amended, to the Full Committee was 
offered by Ranking Member Julia Brownley of California and was 
adopted by the Health Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met in 
an open session and ordered H.R. 3989, as amended to be 
favorably forwarded to the House by voice vote.
    On May 23, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to suspend the 
rules and pass H.R. 3989, as amended by voice vote.
    On May 24, 2016 H.R. 3989 was received by the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

 TO DIRECT THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO CONVEY TO THE FLORIDA 
 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ALL RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST OF THE 
UNITED STATES TO THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS ``THE COMMUNITY LIVING CENTER'' 
   AT THE LAKE BALDWIN VETERANS AFFAIRS OUTPATIENT CLINIC, ORLANDO, 
                                FLORIDA

                              (H.R. 4056)


Summary

    H.R. 4056 would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs 
to convey to the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs all 
right, title, and interest of the United States in the property 
known as ``The Community Living Center'' at the Lake Baldwin 
Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Orlando, Florida. The deed 
of conveyance shall require all of the property to be used for 
the sole purpose of providing nursing home, domiciliary, or 
adult day health care to veterans.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4056 was introduced by Representative John Mica on 
November 18, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On December 8, 2015 the Subcommittee on Health held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 4056 and received testimony from 
the following witnesses: the Honorable John Shimkus, U.S. House 
of Representatives, 15th Congressional District of Illinois; 
the Honorable Ted Lieu, U.S. House of Representatives, 33rd 
Congressional District, California; the Honorable John L. Mica, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 7th Congressional District of 
Florida; the Honorable Jerry McNerney, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 9th Congressional District of California; and, 
the Honorable Mike Coffman, U.S. House of Representatives, 6th 
Congressional District of Colorado; Raymond C. Kelley, Director 
of the National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars 
of the United States; Howard Trace, Director of the National 
Library and Museum Division, The American Legion; Accompanied 
by: Louis Celli Jr., Director of the National Veterans Affairs 
and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Stella S. 
Fiotes, Director of the Office of Construction and Facilities 
Management, Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Vince 
Kane, Special Assistant to the Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    On February 9, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass the bill, as amended by voice vote.
    On February 22, 2016 the Senate Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs discharged H.R. 4056 by Unanimous Consent. H.R. 4056 
passed the Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On February 25, 2016 H.R. 4056 was presented to the 
President.
    On February 29, 2016 H.R. 4056 was signed by the President 
and became Public Law No: 114-130.

                      JASON SIMCAKOSKI PROMISE ACT

                              (H.R. 4063)


Summary

    H.R. 4063, Jason Simcakoski Promise Act, would direct the 
Department Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand its Opioid Safety 
Initiative to include all VA medical facilities. The VA shall 
establish guidance that each VA health care provider, before 
initiating opioid therapy, use the VA Opioid Therapy Risk 
Report tool, which shall include: (1) information from state 
prescription drug monitoring programs; and (2) a patient's most 
recent information in order to assess the risk for adverse 
outcomes of opioid therapy, including the concurrent use of 
controlled substances such as benzodiazepines. The VA shall 
establish enhanced standards for the use of routine and random 
urine drug tests before and during opioid therapy to help 
prevent substance abuse, dependence, and diversion, including 
that: (1) tests occur at least once each year; and (2) health 
care providers use the test results to tailor pain therapy, 
safeguards, and risk management strategies for each patient. 
The VA shall use the Interdisciplinary Chronic Pain Management 
Training Team Program to provide education and training on pain 
management and safe opioid prescribing practices for managing 
patients with chronic pain. In carrying out the VA Opioid 
Safety Initiative, each VA medical facility shall designate a 
pain management team of health care professionals to coordinate 
pain management therapy for patients experiencing acute and 
chronic pain that is non-cancer related. The VA shall establish 
standard protocols for the designation of pain management teams 
at each VA medical facility. Each protocol shall ensure that 
any health care provider without expertise in prescribing 
analgesics, or who has not completed the required education and 
training, does not prescribe opioids unless such health care 
provider: consults with a provider who has pain management 
expertise or who is on the pain management team; and refers the 
patient to the pain management team for subsequent 
prescriptions and therapy.
    In carrying out the Opioid Safety Initiative and the Opioid 
Therapy Risk Report tool, the VA shall: ensure access by VA 
health care providers to information on controlled substances, 
including opioids and benzodiazepines, prescribed to veterans 
who receive care outside the VA through a state prescription 
drug monitoring program; include such information in the Opioid 
Therapy Risk Report; and require VA health care providers to 
provide to a state's prescription drug monitoring program 
information on prescriptions of controlled substances received 
by veterans in that state. The VA shall report to Congress with 
respect to improving the VA Opioid Therapy Risk Report tool to 
allow for improved real-time tracking and access to data on: 
(1) key clinical indicators regarding the totality of veterans' 
opioid use, (2) concurrent prescribing by VA health care 
providers of opioids in different health care settings, and (3) 
mail-order prescriptions of opioids prescribed to veterans 
under VA-administered laws. The VA shall: maximize the 
availability to veterans of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-
approved opioid receptor antagonists, including naloxone; equip 
each VA pharmacy with such antagonists for outpatient use; and 
expand the Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution program 
to ensure that all veterans in receipt of VA health care who 
are at risk of opioid overdose may access such antagonists and 
training on the proper administration of such antagonists. The 
VA shall include in the Opioid Therapy Risk Report tool: 
information on the most recent time the tool was accessed by a 
VA health care provider with respect to a veteran and the 
results of such veteran's most recent urine drug test; and the 
ability of VA health care providers to determine whether a 
health care provider prescribed opioids to a veteran without 
checking tool information.
    The VA shall modify its computerized patient record system 
to ensure that any health care provider that accesses a 
veteran's record will be immediately notified about whether the 
veteran: (1) is receiving opioid therapy and has a history of 
substance use disorder or prior instances of overdose, (2) has 
a history of opioid abuse, or (3) is at risk of becoming an 
opioid abuser. H.R. 4063 would state that the VA and the 
Department of Defense (DOD) shall ensure that the VA/DOD Pain 
Management Working Group includes a focus on: opioid 
prescribing practices; management of acute and chronic pain, 
including related training for health care providers; 
complementary and integrative health and complementary 
alternative medicines; concurrent use of opioids and 
prescription drugs to treat mental health disorders, including 
benzodiazepines; prescribing opioids to treat mental health 
disorders; coordination in coverage of and consistent access to 
medications prescribed for patients transitioning from DOD to 
VA health care; and identification and treatment of substance 
use disorders.
    The VA and DOD shall ensure that such working group: (1) 
coordinates with other relevant working groups, (2) consults 
with other relevant federal agencies, and (3) and consults with 
VA and DOD regarding any proposed updates to the VA/DOD 
Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Opioid Therapy 
for Chronic Pain. The VA and DOD shall update the VA/DOD 
Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Opioid Therapy 
for Chronic Pain. Matters to be included in such update are 
prescribed.
    H.R. 4063 would ensure that the Government Accountability 
Office shall, within two years, report to Congress on: (1) the 
VA Opioid Safety Initiative, and (2) opioid prescribing 
practices of VA health care providers. Such report shall 
include: improvements to the Opioid Safety Initiative; 
information regarding VA-prescribed opioid-related deaths, 
overall opioid prescription rates for non-cancer, non-
palliative, and non-hospice care patients, concomitant opioid 
and benzodiazepine prescription rates, the prescription of 
opioids to patients without any pain (including non-opioid 
mental health disorders); the effectiveness of opioid therapy; 
and evaluations of the VA's oversight processes regarding 
veterans' opioid use and of its implementation of the VA/DOD 
Guideline for Management of Opioid Therapy. The VA shall: (1) 
report to Congress for five years regarding the prescription of 
opioids at each VA facility to treat non-cancer, non-
palliative, and non-hospice care patients; and (2) notify 
Congress and conduct an investigation through the Office of the 
Medical Inspector if the VA determines that a prescription rate 
is inconsistent with safe care standards.
    H.R. 4063 would establish a VA disclosure of certain 
information to a state controlled substance monitoring program 
in order to prevent misuse of prescription medicines by a 
veteran or dependent is made mandatory.
    H.R. 4063 would state that the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014 is amended to reduce the aggregate 
amount of awards and bonuses that may be paid by the VA in each 
of FY2017-FY2021 to $230 million.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4063 was introduced by Representative Gus Bilirakis on 
November 18, 2015 and referred to the House Veterans' Affairs 
Committee in addition to the House Armed Service Committee. The 
bill had 35 cosponsors, 15 of which were original cosponsors.
    On February 25, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met 
in an open session and an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 4063 was offered by Rep. Bilirakis of 
Florida. An amendment to the A.N.S. to H.R. 4063 was offered by 
Rep. Walorski of Indiana, and a second amendment to the A.N.S. 
to H.R. 4063 was offered by Rep. Walorski of Indiana. The 
second amendment to the A.N.S. to H.R. 4063 offered by Rep. 
Walorski was agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote, 
the first amendment to the A.N.S. to H.R. 4063 offered by Rep. 
Walorski was agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. 
The A.N.S., as amended offered by Rep. Bilirakis was agreed to 
by the Full Committee via voice vote and H.R. 4063, as amended 
passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to favorably 
report H.R. 4063, as amended to the House of Representatives 
was offered by Ranking Member Brown and agreed to via voice 
vote. The Committee Report was filed on May 10, 2016 (H. Rept. 
114-546) and the Armed Services Committee discharged H.R. 4063.
    On May 10, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to suspend the 
rules and pass H.R. 4063, as amended by voice vote.
    On May 11, 2016 H.R. 4063 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans Affairs.

 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMERGENCY MEDICAL STAFFING RECRUITMENT 
                           AND RETENTION ACT

                              (H.R. 4150)


Summary

    H.R. 4150, Department of Veterans' Affairs Emergency 
Medical Staffing Recruitment and Retention Act, would authorize 
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to modify the hours of 
employment for a full-time VA physician or physician assistant 
to be more than or less than 80 hours in a biweekly pay period 
if the total of such employee's hours of employment in a 
calendar year does not exceed 2,080 hours.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4150 was introduced by Representative Raul Ruiz on 
December 1, 2015 and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had 2 cosponsors, 1 of which was an 
original cosponsor.
    On June 23, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 4150 and received testimony from 
the following witnesses: Honorable Doug Lamborn, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 1st Congressional District of Nevada; The 
Honorable Raul Ruiz, U.S. House of Representatives, 36th 
Congressional District of California; The Honorable Beto 
O'Rourke, U.S. House of Representatives, 16th Congressional 
District of Texas; The Honorable Ron DeSantis, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 6th Congressional District of Florida; The 
Honorable Ted Yoho, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Florida; The Honorable Jody Hice, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 10th Congressional District of 
Georgia; The Honorable Dan Newhouse, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 4th Congressional District of Washington; and 
The Honorable David Young, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Iowa; The Honorable Sloan Gibson, 
Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Deputy 
Secretary Gibson was accompanied by, Ms. Laura Eskenazi, 
Executive in Charge and Vice Chairman, Board of Veterans 
Appeals; Mr. David McLenachen, Deputy Under Secretary for 
Disability Assistance, Veterans Benefits Administration; and 
Dr. Maureen McCarthy, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for 
Health Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration 
within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was 
also provided by Mr. Raymond Kelley, Director, National 
Legislative Service of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States; Mr. Paul Varela, Assistant National Legislative 
Director with Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Carl Blake, 
Associate Executive Director of Government Relations with the 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Louis J. Celli, Jr., 
Director, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division 
of The American Legion; and Mr. Rick Weidman, Executive 
Director for Policy and Government Affairs with the Vietnam 
Veterans of America; Statements for the Record were provided by 
the following Veterans Service Organizations: American Battle 
Monuments Commission, AMVETS, Court of Appeals for Veterans 
Claims, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military 
Officers Association of America, Military Veterans Advocacy, 
Inc., National Organization of Veterans Advocates, National 
Veterans Legal Services Program, P.A.W.S. Foundation, Stetson 
University College of Law's Veterans Law Institute, U.S. 
Department of Labor.
    On September 21, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in an open session and an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 4150 was offered by Rep. Raul Ruiz of 
California. The A.N.S. to H.R. 4150 was agreed to by the Full 
Committee and passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A 
motion to favorably report H.R. 4150, as amended, to the House 
of Representatives was offered by Rep. Takano of California and 
agreed to via voice vote. The Committee Report was filed on 
November 14, 2016 (H. Rept. 114-811).
    On December 6, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 4150, as amended by voice vote.
    On December 7, 2016 H.R. 4150, as amended was received in 
the Senate.

    WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOT ARLINGTON INURNMENT RESTORATION ACT

                              (H.R. 4336)


Summary

    H.R. 4336 would direct the Department of the Army to ensure 
that the cremated remains of persons whose service has been 
determined to be active duty service pursuant to the GI Bill 
Improvement Act of 1977 are eligible for above ground inurnment 
in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Such 
provision shall apply with respect to: (1) the remains of a 
person that are not formally interred or inurned as of the date 
of the enactment of this Act, and (2) a person who dies on or 
after such date.
    H.R. 4336 would direct The Department of the Army shall 
report to Congress on Arlington National Cemetery's interment 
and inurnment capacity, including: the estimated date that the 
cemetery will reach maximum interment and inurnment capacity; 
and recommendations for legislative actions and non legislative 
options to ensure that the cemetery's maximum interment and 
inurnment capacity is not reached until well into the future, 
including options with respect to redefining interment and 
inurnment eligibility and expansion opportunities beyond the 
cemetery's current boundaries.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4336 was introduced by Representative Martha McSally 
on January 6, 2016 and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs in addition to the House Armed Services 
Committee. The bill had 191 cosponsors, 24 of which were 
original cosponsors.
    On February 25, 2016 the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs met in an open session and an amendment in the nature 
of a substitute was offered by Rep. Abraham of Louisiana to 
H.R. 4336. An amendment to the A.N.S. was offered by RM Brown 
of Florida. The amendment to the A.N.S. to H.R. 4336 offered by 
Rep. Brown was agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. 
The A.N.S. to H.R. 4336, as amended offered by Rep. Abraham was 
agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. H.R. 4336, as 
amended, passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to 
favorably report H.R. 4336, as amended, to the House of 
Representatives was offered by Ranking Member Brown and agreed 
to via voice vote. The Committee Report was filed on March 21, 
2016 (H. Rept. 114-459) and the bill was discharged from the 
Armed Services Committee.
    On March 22, 2016 the House agreed to suspend the rules and 
pass H.R. 4336, as amended by 385 Yeas and 0 Nays.
    On May 10, 2016 The Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
discharged H.R. 4336 by Unanimous Consent. H.R. 4336 passed the 
Senate with amendments and an amendment to the Title by 
Unanimous Consent.
    On May 11, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to agree to 
the Senate amendments without objection.
    On May 13, 2016 H.R. 4336 was presented to the President.
    On May 20, 2016 H.R. 4336 was signed by the President and 
became Public Law No: 114-158.

                  FASTER CARE FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2016

                              (H.R. 4352)


Summary

    H.R. 4352, Faster Care for Veterans Act of 2016, would 
direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to begin an 18-
month pilot program in at least three Veterans Integrated 
Service Networks (VISNs) under which veterans use an Internet 
website to schedule and confirm appointments at VA medical 
facilities. The pilot program's duration may be extended and 
the number of VISNs may be increased.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4352 was introduced by Representative Seth Moulton on 
January 8, 2016 and was referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had 228 cosponsors, one of which 
was an original cosponsor.
    On December 6, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 4352 by voice vote..
    On December 7, 2016 H.R. 4352 was received in the Senate.

 TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMITTAL OF THE FINAL REPORT REQUIRED 
                       BY THE COMMISSION ON CARE

                              (H.R. 4437)


Summary

    H.R. 4437 would amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014 to extend the deadline for the 
Commission on Care's final report to June 30, 2016. (The 
Commission is charged with examining veterans' access to 
Department of Veterans' Affairs health care and to examine how 
best to organize the Veterans Health Administration, locate 
health resources, and deliver health care to veterans during 
the next 20 years.)

Legislative History

    H.R. 4437 was introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller on 
February 2, 2016 and was referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had one cosponsor.
    On February 9, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass the bill by voice vote.
    On February 22, 2016 the H.R. 4437 was discharged from the 
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee by Unanimous Consent and 
passed the Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On February 25, 2016 H.R. 4437 was presented to the 
President.
    On February 29, 2016 H.R. 4437 was signed by the President 
and became Public Law No: 114-131.

  FISCAL YEAR 2016 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SEISMIC SAFETY AND 
                     CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATION ACT

                              (H.R. 4590)


Summary

    H.R. 4590, Fiscal Year 2016 Department of Veterans' Affairs 
Seismic Safety and Construction Authorization Act, would 
authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out 
the following major medical facility projects (each with 
specified maximum authorized funds): seismic corrections to 
buildings, including retrofitting and replacement of high-risk 
buildings, in San Francisco, California; seismic corrections to 
facilities, including facilities to support homeless veterans, 
at the medical center in West Los Angeles, California; seismic 
corrections to the mental health and community living center in 
Long Beach, California; construction of an outpatient clinic, 
administrative space, cemetery, and columbarium in Alameda, 
California; realignment of medical facilities in Livermore, 
California; construction of a replacement community living 
center in Perry Point, Maryland; and seismic corrections and 
other renovations to several buildings and construction of a 
specialty care building in American Lake, Washington. The bill 
authorizes appropriations for such projects for FY2016 or the 
year in which funds are appropriated for the Construction, 
Major Projects, account. Only specified funds may be used to 
carry out such projects. H.R. 4590 would state that the VA 
shall submit the following information for each project: a line 
item accounting of construction management expenditures, future 
amounts budgeted for construction management, a justification 
for expenditures and future amounts, and any agreement entered 
into by the VA regarding the Army Corps of Engineers providing 
project services.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4590 was introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller on 
February 23, 2016 and was referred to the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On February 25, 2016 the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs met in an open session and an amendment to H.R. 4590 
was offered by Rep. Coffman of Colorado to H.R. 4590. An 
amendment to H.R. 4590 was also offered by Rep. Rice of New 
York. The amendment to H.R. 4590 offered by Rep. Rice was 
agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. The amendment 
to H.R. 4590 offered by Rep. Coffman was also agreed to by the 
Full Committee via voice vote. H.R. 4590, as amended, passed 
the Full Committee via voice vote and a motion to favorably 
report H.R. 4590, as amended, to the House of Representatives 
was offered by Ranking Member Brown and agreed to via voice 
vote. The Committee Report was filed on May 10, 2016 (H. Rept. 
114-545).
    On June 21, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 4590, as amended by voice vote.
    On June 22, 2016 H.R. 4590 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security 
and Governmental Affairs.

   TO EXPAND THE ELIGIBILITY FOR HEADSTONES, MARKERS, AND MEDALLIONS 
FURNISHED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR DECEASED INDIVIDUALS 
     WHO WERE AWARDED THE MEDAL OF HONOR AND ARE BURIED IN PRIVATE 
                   CEMETERIES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

                              (H.R. 4757)


Summary

    H.R. 4757, To expand the eligibility for headstones, 
markers, and medallions furnished by the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs for deceased individuals who were awarded the Medal of 
Honor and are buried in private cemeteries, and for other 
purposes, would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
to furnish at a private cemetery, and upon request, a 
headstone, marker, or medallion that signifies the status of an 
eligible veteran who served in the Armed Forces on or after 
April 6, 1917, as a Medal of Honor recipient. If the VA 
furnished a headstone, marker, or medallion for a deceased 
veteran that does not signify his or her status as a Medal of 
Honor recipient, the VA shall upon request replace that 
headstone, marker, or medallion with one that signifies the 
deceased's status as a Medal of Honor recipient.
    H.R. 4757 was introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller on March 
16, 2016 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On April 13, 2016 the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs held a legislative hearing on H.R. 4757 
and received testimony from the following witnesses: Honorable 
Jeff Miller, U.S. House of Representatives, 1st Congressional 
District, Florida; the Honorable Corrine Brown, 5th 
Congressional District, Florida; the Honorable Ryan Costello, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 6th Congressional District, 
Pennsylvania; and the Honorable Mia Love, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 4th Congressional District, Utah; Mr. David R. 
McLenachen, Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Assistance 
with the Veterans Benefits Administration at the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. McLenachen was accompanied 
by Mr. Matt Sullivan, Deputy Under Secretary of Finance and 
Planned and CFO with the National Cemetery Administration with 
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Patrick K. 
Hallinan, Executive Director with the Army National Military 
Cemeteries at the Department of the Army; Mr. Carl Blake, 
Associate Executive Director for Government Relations for the 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy 
Director, National Legislative Service, for the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States; Mr. Paul R. Varela, 
Assistant National Legislative Director for the Disabled 
American Veterans; Ms. Elizabeth Davis, Advocate for Survivors' 
Benefits; and Mr. Edward G. Lilley, Team Leader for the Health 
Policy, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division 
for the American Legion; A statement for the record was proved 
by Mr. John Rowan, National President of Vietnam Veterans of 
America.
    On May 11, 2016 the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs met in an open session and an A.N.S. to 
H.R.4757 was offered by Rep. Titus of Nevada and was agreed to 
by the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to favorably 
forward H.R. 4757, as amended to the Full Committee was offered 
by Ranking Member Titus and was adopted by the DAMA 
Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On September 21, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in an open session and an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 4757, as amended was offered by Rep. Jeff 
Miller of Florida. The A.N.S. to H.R. 4757, as amended was 
agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. H.R. 4757, as 
amended, passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to 
favorably report H.R. 4757, as amended, to the House of 
Representatives was offered by Acting Ranking Member Takano of 
California and agreed to via voice vote. The Committee Report 
was filed on November 14, 2016 (H. Rept. 114-812).
    On November 29, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4757, as amended by 401 Yeas 
and 0 Nays.
    On November 30, 2016 H.R. 4757 was received in the Senate.

           PROTECTING VETERANS EDUCATIONAL CHOICE ACT OF 2016

                              (H.R. 5047)


Summary

    H.R. 5047, Protecting Veterans' Educational Choice Act of 
2016, would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
counselors who provide specified educational or vocational 
counseling services to provide a requesting veteran or member 
of the Armed Forces with information about the articulation 
agreements (agreements governing the transferability of credits 
toward meeting specific degree or program requirements) of each 
institution of higher learning in which the individual is 
interested. The VA shall: (1) provide a veteran who is 
certified as eligible for VA educational assistance with 
information on education counseling services and articulation 
agreements, and (2) implement this bill within 90 days after 
its enactment.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5047 was introduced by Representative Jody Hice on 
March 25, 2016 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 24 cosponsors, 3 of which were original 
cosponsors.
    On September 21, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in an open session and a motion to favorably report H.R. 
5047 to the House of Representatives was offered by Acting 
Ranking Member Takano of California and agreed to via voice 
vote. The Committee Report was filed on November 14, 2016 (H. 
Rept. 114-813).
    On November 30, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5047 by 411 Yeas and 3 Nays.
    On December 1, 2016 H.R. 5047 was received in the Senate.

                      CHIP IN FOR VETS ACT OF 2016

                              (H.R. 5099)


Summary

    H.R. 5099, CHIP IN for Vets Act of 2016, would authorize 
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a program 
under which it may enter into up to five partnership 
arrangements with a non-federal entity to conduct one or more: 
super construction projects (those for the construction, 
alteration, or acquisition of a medical facility involving a 
total expenditure of more than $100 million); major 
construction projects (those for the construction, alteration, 
or acquisition of a medical facility involving a total 
expenditure of more than $10 million, but not including an 
acquisition by exchange); or major construction projects to 
construct a new cemetery or to develop additional gravesites or 
columbarium niches at an existing cemetery. The selected 
projects may be ones for which: Congress has appropriated 
partial funding or the VA has identified a need for the project 
by listing it on the Major Construction Strategic Capital 
Investment Planning priority list, and a non-federal entity has 
entered or is willing to enter into a formal agreement with the 
VA to independently finance and/or donate acceptable project 
funds at no additional government cost. One of the non-federal 
entity partnership agreements shall be a project to design, 
finance, and construct a new ambulatory care center in Omaha, 
Nebraska.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5099 was introduced by Representative Brad Ashford on 
April 28, 2016 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 4 cosponsors.
    On September 21, 2016, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in an open session and an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 5099 was offered by Rep. Tim Walz of 
Minnesota. An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute was offered by Rep. Julia Brownley of California. 
The amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute 
offered by Rep. Brownley was officially withdrawn from the 
markup agenda by Rep. Brownley of California. The amendment in 
the nature of a substitute to H.R. 5099 was agreed to by the 
Full Committee via voice vote. H.R. 5099, as amended, passed 
the Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to favorably report 
H.R. 5099, as amended, to the House of Representatives was 
offered by Acting Ranking Member Takano of California and 
agreed to via voice vote. The Committee Report was filed on 
November 14, 2016 (H. Rept. 114-814). On December 7, 2016 the 
House agreed to a motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 
5099, as amended by voice vote.
    On December 8, 2016 H.R. 5099, as amended was received in 
the Senate.

                        VET CONNECT ACT OF 2016

                              (H.R. 5162)


Summary

    H.R. 5162, VET Connect Act of 2016, would authorize the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to disclose to non-VA 
entities that provide hospital care or medical treatment to 
veterans (including private entities and other federal 
agencies) records of the identity, diagnosis, prognosis, or 
treatment of any patient in connection with a program relating 
to drug abuse, alcoholism or alcohol abuse, infection with the 
human immunodeficiency virus, or sickle cell anemia.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5162 was introduced by Representative Beto O'Rourke on 
April 29, 2016 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had one cosponsor.
    On June 23, 2016 the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
held a legislative hearing on H.R. 5162 and received testimony 
from the following witnesses: the Honorable Doug Lamborn, U.S. 
House of Representatives, 1st Congressional District of Nevada; 
The Honorable Raul Ruiz U.S. House of Representatives, 36th 
Congressional District of California; The Honorable Beto 
O'Rourke, U.S. House of Representatives, 16th Congressional 
District of Texas; The Honorable Ron DeSantis, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 6th Congressional District of Florida; The 
Honorable Ted Yoho, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Florida; The Honorable Jody Hice, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 10th Congressional District of 
Georgia; The Honorable Dan Newhouse, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 4th Congressional District of Washington; and 
The Honorable David Young, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Iowa; The Honorable Sloan Gibson, 
Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Deputy 
Secretary Gibson was accompanied by, Ms. Laura Eskenazi, 
Executive in Charge and Vice Chairman, Board of Veterans 
Appeals; Mr. David McLenachen, Deputy Under Secretary for 
Disability Assistance, Veterans Benefits Administration; and 
Dr. Maureen McCarthy, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for 
Health Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration 
within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was 
also provided by Mr. Raymond Kelley, Director, National 
Legislative Service of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States; Mr. Paul Varela, Assistant National Legislative 
Director with Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Carl Blake, 
Associate Executive Director of Government Relations with the 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Louis J. Celli, Jr., 
Director, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division 
of The American Legion; and Mr. Rick Weidman, Executive 
Director for Policy and Government Affairs with the Vietnam 
Veterans of America; Statements for the Record were provided by 
the following Veterans Service Organizations: American Battle 
Monuments Commission, AMVETS, Court of Appeals for Veterans 
Claims, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military 
Officers Association of America, Military Veterans Advocacy, 
Inc., National Organization of Veterans Advocates, National 
Veterans Legal Services Program, P.A.W.S. Foundation, Stetson 
University College of Law's Veterans Law Institute, U.S. 
Department of Labor.
    On September 21, 2016, the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs met in an open session and a motion to favorably report 
H.R. 5162 to the House of Representatives was offered by Acting 
Ranking Member Takano of California and agreed to via voice 
vote.
    On September 26, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5162 by voice vote.
    On September 27, 2016 H.R. 5162 was received in the Senate 
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

                              WINGMAN ACT

                              (H.R. 5166)


Summary

    H.R. 5166, WINGMAN Act, would direct the Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide an accredited, permanent 
congressional employee with read-only remote access to the 
electronic Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) claims 
records system of a represented veteran, regardless of whether 
the employee is acting under a power of attorney executed by 
the veteran. The VA shall ensure that access does not allow the 
employee to modify system data. An employee must complete the 
VA certification process required of agents or attorneys in 
order to have system access. Each Member of Congress who elects 
to have an employee participate in the system shall bear the 
certification cost, which shall be paid from the Member's 
representational allowance. Information access by an employee 
shall be deemed: (1) a covered disclosure requiring prior 
consent, with specified exceptions; and (2) a permitted 
disclosure relating to the privacy of individually identifiable 
health information. The VA may not recognize an employee for 
purposes of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of VA 
claims by reason of such system access. ``Accredited, permanent 
congressional employee'' means an employee of a Member of 
Congress who assists constituents with issues regarding federal 
departments or agencies. ``Electronic VBA claims records 
system'' means the VA system that provides claim status 
information, including information about medical records, 
compensation and pension exams records, rating decisions, a 
statement of the case and a supplementary statement of the 
case, a notice of disagreement, and Form-9.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5166 was introduced by Representative Ted Yoho on May 
3, 2016 and was referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 136 cosponsors, 30 of which were original 
cosponsors.
    On June 23, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 5166 and received testimony from 
the following witnesses: the Honorable Doug Lamborn, U.S. House 
of Representatives, 1st Congressional District of Nevada; The 
Honorable Raul Ruiz U.S. House of Representatives, 36th 
Congressional District of California; The Honorable Beto 
O'Rourke, U.S. House of Representatives, 16th Congressional 
District of Texas; The Honorable Ron DeSantis, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 6th Congressional District of Florida; The 
Honorable Ted Yoho, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Florida; The Honorable Jody Hice, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 10th Congressional District of 
Georgia; The Honorable Dan Newhouse, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 4th Congressional District of Washington; and 
The Honorable David Young, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Iowa; The Honorable Sloan Gibson, 
Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Deputy 
Secretary Gibson was accompanied by, Ms. Laura Eskenazi, 
Executive in Charge and Vice Chairman, Board of Veterans 
Appeals; Mr. David McLenachen, Deputy Under Secretary for 
Disability Assistance, Veterans Benefits Administration; and 
Dr. Maureen McCarthy, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for 
Health Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration 
within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was 
also provided by Mr. Raymond Kelley, Director, National 
Legislative Service of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States; Mr. Paul Varela, Assistant National Legislative 
Director with Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Carl Blake, 
Associate Executive Director of Government Relations with the 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Louis J. Celli, Jr., 
Director, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division 
of The American Legion; and Mr. Rick Weidman, Executive 
Director for Policy and Government Affairs with the Vietnam 
Veterans of America; Statements for the Record were provided by 
the following Veterans Service Organizations: American Battle 
Monuments Commission, AMVETS, Court of Appeals for Veterans 
Claims, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military 
Officers Association of America, Military Veterans Advocacy, 
Inc., National Organization of Veterans Advocates, National 
Veterans Legal Services Program, P.A.W.S. Foundation, Stetson 
University College of Law's Veterans Law Institute, U.S. 
Department of Labor.
    On September 21, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in an open session and an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 5166 was offered by Chairman Miller of 
Florida. The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 
5166 was agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. H.R. 
5166, as amended, passed the Full Committee via voice vote; A 
motion to favorably report H.R. 5166, as amended, to the House 
of Representatives was offered by Acting Ranking Member Takano 
of California and agreed to via voice vote.
    On November 29, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5166 by voice vote.
    On November 30, 2016 H.R. 5166 was received in the Senate.

           IMPROVING TRANSITION PROGRAMS FOR ALL VETERANS ACT

                              (H.R. 5229)


Summary

    H.R. 5229, Improving Transition Programs for All Veterans 
Act, would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to study 
and report on programs to assist veterans in their transition 
to civilian life. Such study shall determine the effectiveness 
of current programs, especially concerning the challenges faced 
by women veterans, veterans with disabilities, Native American 
veterans, veterans who are residents of a U.S. territory, 
veterans who are part of the indigenous population of a U.S. 
territory, and other groups of minority veterans with regard 
to: (1) pursuing higher education, (2) entering the civilian 
workforce and translating military experience and skills to the 
job market, and (3) transitioning to civilian life for veterans 
families.
    H.R. 5229 would ensure that no additional funds are 
authorized to carry out the requirements of this bill. Such 
requirements shall be carried out using amounts otherwise 
authorized.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5229 was introduced by Representative Mark Takano on 
May 13, 2016 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had one cosponsor.
    On May 18, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met in 
an open session and an amendment to H.R. 5229 was offered by 
Rep. Takano of California. The amendment to H.R. 5229 was 
agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. H.R. 5229, as 
amended passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to 
favorably report H.R. 5229, as amended to the House of 
Representatives was offered by Ranking Member Brown and agreed 
to via voice vote.
    On May 23, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to suspend the 
rules and pass H.R. 5229, as amended by voice vote.
    On May 24, 2016 H.R. 5229 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

 TO DESIGNATE THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH CARE CENTER IN 
CENTER TOWNSHIP, BUTLER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AS THE ``ABIE ABRAHAM VA 
                                CLINIC''

                              (H.R. 5317)


Summary

    H.R. 5317, would designate the Department of Veterans 
Affairs health care center in Center Township, Butler County, 
Pennsylvania, as the ``Abie Abraham VA Clinic.''

Legislative Summary

    H.R. 5317 was introduced by Representative Mike Kelly on 
May 24, 2015 and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 17 cosponsors.
    On June 21, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 5317 as amended by voice vote.
    On June 22, 2016 H.R. 5317 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

         NO VETERANS CRISIS LINE CALL SHOULD GO UNANSWERED ACT

                              (H.R. 5392)


Summary

    H.R. 5392, No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go 
Unanswered Act, would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs 
(VA) to develop a quality assurance document for carrying out 
the toll-free Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), which shall: (1) 
outline performance indicators and objectives to improve the 
VCL, including at backup call centers; (2) include time frames 
to meet such indicators and objectives; and (3) be consistent 
with guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget. 
The VA shall develop a plan to ensure that each telephone call, 
text message, and other communications received by the VCL, 
including at backup call centers, is answered in a timely 
manner by a person, consistent with the guidance established by 
the American Association of Suicidology. The plan shall include 
guidelines for periodic VCL testing. The VA shall submit the 
document and plan within 180 days.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5392 was introduced by Representative David Young on 
June 7, 2016 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 26 cosponsors.
    On June 23, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 5392 and received testimony from 
the following witnesses: the Honorable Doug Lamborn, U.S. House 
of Representatives, 1st Congressional District of Nevada; The 
Honorable Raul Ruiz U.S. House of Representatives, 36th 
Congressional District of California; The Honorable Beto 
O'Rourke, U.S. House of Representatives, 16th Congressional 
District of Texas; The Honorable Ron DeSantis, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 6th Congressional District of Florida; The 
Honorable Ted Yoho, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Florida; The Honorable Jody Hice, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 10th Congressional District of 
Georgia; The Honorable Dan Newhouse, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 4th Congressional District of Washington; and 
The Honorable David Young, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Iowa; The Honorable Sloan Gibson, 
Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Deputy 
Secretary Gibson was accompanied by, Ms. Laura Eskenazi, 
Executive in Charge and Vice Chairman, Board of Veterans 
Appeals; Mr. David McLenachen, Deputy Under Secretary for 
Disability Assistance, Veterans Benefits Administration; and 
Dr. Maureen McCarthy, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for 
Health Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration 
within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was 
also provided by Mr. Raymond Kelley, Director, National 
Legislative Service of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States; Mr. Paul Varela, Assistant National Legislative 
Director with Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Carl Blake, 
Associate Executive Director of Government Relations with the 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Louis J. Celli, Jr., 
Director, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division 
of The American Legion; and Mr. Rick Weidman, Executive 
Director for Policy and Government Affairs with the Vietnam 
Veterans of America; Statements for the Record were provided by 
the following Veterans Service Organizations: American Battle 
Monuments Commission, AMVETS, Court of Appeals for Veterans 
Claims, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military 
Officers Association of America, Military Veterans Advocacy, 
Inc., National Organization of Veterans Advocates, National 
Veterans Legal Services Program, P.A.W.S. Foundation, Stetson 
University College of Law's Veterans Law Institute, U.S. 
Department of Labor.
    On September 21, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in an open session and a motion to favorably report H.R. 
5392 to the House of Representatives was offered by Acting 
Ranking Member Takano of California and agreed to via voice 
vote.
    On September 26, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5392 by 357 Yeas and 0 Nays.
    On November 16, 2016 H.R. 5392 passed the Senate without 
amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On November 18, 2016 H.R. 5392 was presented to the 
President.
    On November 28, 2016 H.R. 5392 was signed by the President 
and became Public Law No: 114-247.

             ETHICAL PATIENT CARE FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2016

                              (H.R. 5399)


Summary

    H.R. 5399, Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act of 2016, 
would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure 
that each VA physician is informed of the duty to report any 
covered activity committed by another physician that the 
physician witnesses or otherwise directly discovers to the 
applicable state licensing authority within five days. 
``Covered activity'' means any activity occurring in a VA 
medical facility that consists of or causes the provision of 
impaired, incompetent, or unethical health care that requires 
direct reporting under the Code of Medical Ethics of the 
American Medical Association.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5399 was introduced by Representative Phil Roe on June 
7, 2016 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On September 21, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in an open session and H.R. 5399 passed the Full Committee 
via voice vote. A motion to favorably report H.R. 5399 to the 
House of Representatives was offered by Acting Ranking Member 
Takano of California and agreed to via voice vote. The 
Committee Report was filed on November 14, 2016 (H. Rept. 114-
815).
    On December 6, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 5399 by voice vote.
    On December 7, 2016 H.R. 5399 was received in the Senate.

 TO NAME THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TEMPORARY LODGING FACILITY 
   IN INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, AS THE ``DR. OTIS BOWEN VETERAN HOUSE''

                              (H.R. 5509)


Summary

    H.R. 5509 would designate the Department of Veterans 
Affairs temporary lodging facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, as 
the ``Dr. Otis Bowen Veteran House.''

Legislative History

    H.R. 5509 was introduced by Representative Susan Brooks on 
June 16, 2016 and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 8 cosponsors.
    On September 26, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5509 by voice vote.
    On November 30, 2016 the Senate Committee on Veterans' 
discharged H.R. 5509 by Unanimous Consent. H.R. 5509 was passed 
by the Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

                 VETERANS COMPENSATION COLA ACT OF 2016

                              (H.R. 5588)


Summary

    H.R. 5588, Veterans Compensation COLA Act of 2016, would 
direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as 
of December 1, 2016, the rates of veterans' disability 
compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the 
clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and 
dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and 
children. Each such increase shall be the same percentage as 
the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, 
Survivors, and Disability Insurance [OASDI]) of the Social 
Security Act, on the same effective date.
    H.R. 5588 would state that the VA shall publish such 
increased amounts in the Federal Register not later than the 
date on which certain OASDI cost-of-living increases are 
required to be published during FY2017.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5588 was introduced by Representative Ralph Abraham on 
June 28, 2016 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had one cosponsor.
    On July 11, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 5588 by voice vote.
    On July 13, 2016 H.R. 5588 passed the Senate without 
amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On July 14, 2016 H.R. 5599 was presented to the President.
    On July 22, 2016 H.R. 5599 was signed by the President and 
became Public Law No: 114-197.

                       NO HERO LEFT UNTREATED ACT

                              (H.R. 5600)


Summary

    H.R. 5600, No Hero Left Untreated Act, would require the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a one-year 
pilot program to provide access to magnetic EEG/EKG-guided 
resonance therapy technology to larger populations of veterans 
suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain 
injury, military sexual trauma, chronic pain, or opiate 
addiction. The VA shall carry out the program at up to five VA 
facilities, including the proposed Center for Innovation.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5600 was introduced by Representative Stephen Knight 
on June 28, 2016 and was referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had 33 cosponsors, 18 of which were 
original cosponsors.
    On September 21, 2016 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
met in an open session and an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 5600 was offered by Rep. Jackie Walorski of 
Indiana. The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 
5600 was agreed to by the Full Committee and H.R. 5600, as 
amended, passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to 
favorably report H.R. 5600, as amended, to the House of 
Representatives was offered by Rep. Takano of California and 
agreed to via voice vote. The report was filed on November 14, 
2016 (H. Rept. 114-817).
    On November 29, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5600 voice vote.
    On November 30, 2016 H.R. 5600 was received in the Senate.

     VA ACCOUNTABILITY FIRST AND APPEALS MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2016

                              (H.R. 5620)


Summary

    H.R. 5620, VA Accountability First and Appeals 
Modernization Act of 2016, would authorize the Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA) to remove or demote a VA employee based 
on performance or misconduct and provides that specified 
federal employee performance appraisal provisions shall not 
apply to such removals or demotions. The VA may remove such 
individual from the civil service or demote the individual 
through a reduction in grade or annual pay rate. A demoted 
individual shall not be placed on administrative leave or any 
other category of paid leave during the appeals period and can 
receive pay only if he or she reports for duty. An expedited 
appeals process is established under which: (1) an employee 
shall have the right to an appeal before the Merit Systems 
Protection Board (MSPB) within seven days of removal or 
demotion, (2) the MSPB shall issue a decision within 60 days of 
the appeal or the removal or demotion becomes final, (3) an 
MSPB decision and any final removal or demotion may be appealed 
to the U.S. Court of Appeals, and (4) the MSPB may not stay any 
removal or demotion. The VA may not remove or demote an 
employee: (1) without the approval of the Special Counsel if 
the individual seeks corrective action from the Office of 
Special Counsel based on an alleged prohibited personnel 
practice, and (2) until a final decision in the case of a 
whistle blower complaint. The VA shall reduce the federal 
annuity of an individual removed from the VA Senior Executive 
Service (SES) who is convicted of a felony that influenced his 
or her performance while employed in such position. The VA may 
reduce the federal annuity of an individual who was convicted 
of such a felony and was subject to removal or transfer from 
the SES but who left the VA before final action was taken. The 
VA may recoup an award, a bonus, or relocation expenses paid to 
a VA employee under specified circumstances. The VA may 
suspend, reprimand or admonish an SES employee for misconduct 
or performance that does not merit removal. The VA must notify 
an individual five days before taking such proposed action. 
Appeals may be made to the Senior Executive Disciplinary 
Appeals Board (as provided for by this bill) and may not be 
appealed to the MSPB. The bill establishes an additional 
whistle blower complaint process, which shall include 
suspension and removal actions against supervisory employees 
who commit prohibited personnel actions against a whistle 
blower. The bill amends the disability benefits appeals 
process. The bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014 to prohibit payment of an award or 
bonus to any VA SES employee during each of FY2017-FY2021.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5620 was introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller on July 5, 
2016 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
in addition to the House Oversight and Government Reform 
Committee. The bill had 34 cosponsors.
    On September 14, 2016 H.R. 5620 passed the House by 310 
Yeas and 116 Nays.
    On September 15, 2016 H.R. 5620 was received in the Senate 
and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

                  WEST LOS ANGELES LEASING ACT OF 2016

                              (H.R. 5936)


Summary

    H.R. 5936, West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016, would 
authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out 
the following leases at the VA's West Los Angeles Campus in Los 
Angeles, California: any enhanced-use lease of real property 
for supportive housing that principally benefits veterans and 
their families; any lease of real property for not to exceed 50 
years to a third party for services that principally benefit 
veterans and their families and that are related to health and 
wellness, education, vocational training and employment, peer 
activities or recreation, legal and federal benefits 
assistance, volunteerism, family support services, and 
transportation; and a lease of real property for up to 10 years 
to the Regents of the University of California, on behalf of 
the University of California, Los Angeles, if the lease is 
consistent with the VA master plan, the provision of veterans 
services is the predominant focus, and the Regents agree to 
provide non-VA compensated additional services that principally 
benefit veterans and their families. The VA shall not enter 
into land-sharing agreements unless the agreements provide 
additional health care resources and benefit veterans and their 
families in ways other than generating additional revenue. 
Funds received by the VA from a lease shall be credited to the 
applicable VA medical facilities account and shall be 
available, without fiscal year limitation and without further 
appropriation, exclusively for campus renovation and 
maintenance. The VA may, notwithstanding any other provision of 
law other than federal laws relating to environmental and 
historic preservation, grant easements or rights-of-way on, 
above, or under campus lands to: (1) any local or regional 
public transportation authority to construct, operate, or 
maintain public mass transit facilities; and (2) California, 
the County of Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles, any agency 
or political subdivision thereof, or any public utility company 
for the purpose of providing public utilities. The VA may not 
sell or convey to a third party fee simple title to any real 
property or related improvements made at the campus. The VA 
shall ensure that each lease is consistent with the draft 
master plan approved by the VA on January 28, 2016, or 
successor master plans. The VA shall establish, within 180 
days, a Community Veterans Engagement Board to coordinate 
locally with the VA to: (1) identify community goals; and (2) 
provide advice to improve services for veterans, members of the 
Armed Forces, and their families. The VA shall submit, 
annually, an evaluation of all campus leases and land-sharing 
agreements. The VA Inspector General shall report on: (1) all 
campus leases; and (2) the VA's management of land use at the 
campus, including an assessment of efforts to implement the 
master plan.
    H.R. 5936 would ensure the VA may not waive or postpone the 
obligation of a lessee to pay any consideration under an 
enhanced-use lease, including monthly rent. (The enhanced-use 
lease program is a program in which the VA leases under-
utilized real estate to the private sector for developing 
supportive housing and other services for homeless and at-risk 
veterans and their families.) The bill provides that nothing in 
this bill shall be construed to: (1) authorize the VA to enter 
into an enhanced-use lease that authorizes the federal 
government to guarantee a third party loan to a lessee; and (2) 
abrogate or constitute a waiver of the sovereign immunity of 
the United States with respect to any financial agreement 
between a lessee and a third-party relating to an enhanced-use 
lease. The annual report on enhanced-use leases shall include: 
(1) identification of VA actions taken to implement and 
administer such leases, and (2) lease amounts deposited into 
the Medical Care Collection Fund account and the VA's use of 
such funds. Such report shall also include with respect to each 
enhanced-use lease: (1) an overview of the VA's use of 
consideration received to support veterans, (2) the amount of 
consideration received by the VA under or relating to the 
lease, and (3) the costs to the VA of carrying out the lease. 
The bill defines ``major enhanced-use lease'' as an enhanced-
use lease that includes more than $10 million in average annual 
rent. The Government Accountability Office shall submit an 
audit of the enhanced-use lease program within 270 days.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5936 was introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller on 
September 6, 2016 and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. The bill had one cosponsor.
    On September 12, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5936, as amended by voice vote.
    On September 19, 2016 H.R. 5936 passed the Senate without 
amendment by voice vote.
    On September 21, 2016 H.R. 5936 was presented to the 
President.
    On September 29, 2016 H.R. 5936 was signed by the President 
and became Public Law No: 114-226.

TO AMEND TITLE 36, UNITED STATES CODE, TO AUTHORIZE THE AMERICAN BATTLE 
 MONUMENTS COMMISSION TO ACQUIRE, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN THE LAFAYETTE 
   ESCADRILLE MEMORIAL IN MARNES-LA-COQUETTE, FRANCE, AND FOR OTHER 
                                PURPOSES

                              (H.R. 5937)


Summary

    H.R. 5937, would authorize the American Battle Monuments 
Commission to enter into an agreement with the Lafayette 
Escadrille Memorial Foundation to acquire, operate, and 
maintain the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial in Marnes-la-
Coquette, France. The Commission shall ensure the ongoing 
maintenance of the memorial, including the cemetery containing 
the remains of 49 U.S. aviators who died during World War I.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5937 was introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller on 
September 6, 2016 and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs in addition to the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On September 12, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5937, as amended by voice vote.
    On September 20, 2016 H.R. 5937 passed the Senate without 
amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On September 26, 2016 H.R. 5937 was presented to the 
President.
    On September 29, 2016 H.R. 5937 was signed by the President 
and became Public Law No: 114-227.

    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES ACT OF 2016

                              (H.R. 5985)


Summary

    H.R. 5985, Department of Veterans' Affairs Expiring 
Authorities Act of 2016, would extend specified Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA) programs.
    H.R. 5985 would allow the authority for collection of 
copayments for hospital care and nursing home care is extended 
through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would establish the requirement to provide 
nursing home care to certain veterans with service-connected 
disabilities is extended through December 31, 2017.
    H.R. 5985 would require the authorization of appropriations 
for assistance and support services for caregivers is extended 
through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would require the authority for recovery from 
third parties of the cost of care and services furnished to 
veterans with health-plan contracts for non-service-connected 
disability is extended through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would state that the Caregivers and Veterans 
Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 is amended to extend 
through December 31, 2017, authority for the pilot program on 
assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health 
care. The authorization of appropriations for such program is 
extended through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would establish the authority to make grants to 
veterans service organizations for transportation of highly 
rural veterans is extended through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would establish the authority for the pilot 
program on counseling in retreat settings for women veterans 
newly separated from service is extended through December 31, 
2017. The authorization of appropriations for such program is 
extended through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would require the reporting date for the pilot 
program on the use of community organizations and state and 
local entities to ensure that veterans receive eligible 
benefits is changed from 180 days after the program's 
completion to September 30, 2017.
    H.R. 5985 would give authority for the Veterans' Advisory 
Committee on Education is extended through December 31, 2017.
    H.R. 5985 would specify housing loan provisions and 
definitions, including the calculation of the net value of real 
property at the time of foreclosure, are extended through 
FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would give authority relating to vendee loans is 
extended through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would give authority for rehabilitation and 
vocational benefits at VA facilities for members of the Armed 
Forces with severe injuries or illnesses is extended through 
December 31, 2017.
    H.R. 5985 would give authority for homeless veterans 
reintegration programs is extended through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would ensure authority for the homeless women 
veterans and homeless veterans with children reintegration 
program is extended through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would authorize for referral and counseling 
services for veterans at risk of homelessness who are 
transitioning from penal institutions or institutions that 
provide long-term mental health care is extended through 
FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would authorize for housing assistance for 
homeless veterans is extended through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would authorize for financial assistance for 
supportive services for very low-income veteran families in 
permanent housing is extended through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would authorize for the grant program for 
homeless veterans with special needs is extended through 
FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would authorize for the Advisory Committee on 
Homeless Veterans is extended through December 31, 2017.
    H.R. 5985 would authorize for treatment and rehabilitation 
services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, 
including a program to provide homeless veterans with benefits 
and services at certain locations, is extended through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would authorize for transportation of individuals 
to and from VA facilities for vocational rehabilitation, 
counseling, treatment, or care is extended through December 31, 
2017.
    H.R. 5985 would authorize for operation of the VA regional 
office in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines, is extended 
through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would authorize for monthly assistance allowances 
under the Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and 
Special Events is extended through FY 2017.
    H.R. 5985 would establish the requirement to provide annual 
reports to Congress regarding equitable relief in the case of 
administrative error is extended through December 31, 2017.
    H.R. 5985 would establish authorization for appropriations 
for adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and members 
of the Armed Forces is extended through FY2017. The VA may only 
provide such assistance for adaptive sports opportunities 
during FY2010-FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would give authority for the Advisory Committee 
on Minority Veterans is extended through December 31, 2017.
    H.R. 5985 would give the authorization of appropriations 
for homeless veterans' comprehensive services is increased.
    H.R. 5985 would give authority for temporary eligibility 
expansion for specially adapted housing assistance for certain 
veterans with disabilities causing difficulty ambulating is 
extended through FY2017. The VA may not approve more than 30 
assistance applications in each of FY2014-FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would give authority for specially adapted 
housing assistive technology grants is extended through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would state that the VA may not guarantee the 
payment of principal and interest on certain mortgage loan pool 
certificates or other securities issued or approved after 
December 31, 2017.
    H.R. 5985 would give authority to enter into agreement with 
the National Academy of Sciences regarding associations between 
diseases and exposure to dioxin and other chemical compounds in 
herbicides is extended through December 31, 2017.
    H.R. 5985 would give authority for performance of medical 
disabilities examinations by contract physicians is extended 
through December 31, 2017.
    H.R. 5985 would give the current multipliers used in 
calculating the fees the VA may pay to educational institutions 
and apprenticeship providers for reports regarding each 
eligible individual's enrollment in veterans' education or 
training programs and the interruption or termination of their 
participation in such programs is extended through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would state that the requirement for an annual 
report on the Department of Defense-VA Interagency Program 
Office is extended through FY2017.
    H.R. 5985 would state that in the case of an education 
course subject to disapproval because the Department of 
Education has withdrawn recognition of the accrediting agency, 
the VA may continue to treat the course as an approved course 
for up to 18 months unless the VA or the state approving agency 
determines that there is evidence to support such disapproval. 
The VA must notify any veteran enrolled in such course about 
its status.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5985 was introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller on 
September 9, 2016 and referred to the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs in addition to the Committees on Armed 
Services and Budget. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On September 13, 2016 the House agreed on the motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5985, as amended by voice vote.
    On September 19, 2016 H.R. 5985 passed the Senate without 
amendment by 89 Yeas and 0 Nays.
    On September 21, 2016 H.R. 5985 was presented to the 
President.
    On September 29, 2016 H.R. 5985 was signed by the President 
and became Public Law No. 114-228.

 TO NAME THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN LONG 
        BEACH, CALIFORNIA, THE ``TIBOR RUBIN VA MEDICAL CENTER''

                               H.R. 6323


Summary

    H.R. 6323 would name the Department of Veterans Affairs 
health care system in Long Beach, California, the ``Tibor Rubin 
VA Medical Center.''

Legislative History

    H.R. 6323 was introduced by Representative Alan Lowenthal 
on November 15, 2016 and referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs. The bill had 51 cosponsors.
    On November 29, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6323 by voice vote.
    On November 30, 2016 H.R. 6323 was received in the Senate.

    THE JEFF MILLER AND RICHARD BLUMENTHAL VETERANS HEALTH CARE AND 
                    BENEFITS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2016

                              (H.R. 6416)


Summary

    H.R. 6416, the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans 
Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 would make a 
number of improvements to VA disability compensation, appeals, 
burial, education, vocational rehabilitation, small business, 
health care, and homeless programs.
    The bill allows physicians who are under contract with VA 
and with unrestricted licenses to conduct disability 
examinations in any state as well as extends the expansion of 
the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to nine judges through 
2020, which would help the Court address its growing volume of 
cases. H.R. 6416 directs VA to provide a medallion to be 
affixed to a headstone in a private cemetery that signifies the 
grave of a veteran, permits VA to furnish a medallion 
specifically designed for the graves of Medal of Honor 
recipients, and provides Presidential Memorial Certificates to 
those who served in the National Guard or Reserve, even if they 
were never called to active duty.
    Other provisions in this bill make needed improvements to 
education, vocational rehabilitation, and employment benefits 
by: prioritizing vocational rehabilitation services for our 
most disabled veterans; increasing approval and access to 
oversight processes for education programs and schools; 
improving coordination between federal and state agencies who 
provide employment services to veterans; expanding eligibility 
for work-study programs; extending the amount of time spouses 
of fallen servicemembers have to use the GI Bill's Fry 
Scholarship benefits; and, by extending the in-state tuition 
rate limit to dependents of servicemembers who are still 
serving on active duty.
    H.R. 6416 contains numerous provisions that would improve 
the provision of VA health care by: requiring VA to produce an 
annual report on a number of critical measures of care; 
clarifying VA's responsibility to provide medical screenings 
and treatment to individuals requesting to be seen in a VA 
emergency room--including women in labor--and ensuring that VA 
emergency room physicians are afforded the schedule flexibility 
that the nature of their work demands; and, requiring VA to 
enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Medicine 
to conduct an assessment on scientific research relating to the 
descendants of individuals with toxic exposure and, depending 
on the results of those efforts, require VA to establish an 
advisory board to advise the Secretary on further research. The 
bill also includes provisions that would require reforms to 
VA's medical facility construction processes and procedures.

Legislative History

    H.R. 6416 was introduced by Representative Phil Roe on 
December 1, 2016. The bill had 5 original cosponsors.
    On December 6, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 6416 by 419 Yeas and 0 Nays.
    On December 7, 2016 H.R. 6416 was received in the Senate.

 TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTORS OF VETERANS INTEGRATED SERVICE NETWORKS OF 
    THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS WITH 
APPROPRIATE CIVILIAN ACCREDITATION ENTITIES OR APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE 
EVALUATION ENTITIES TO INVESTIGATE MEDICAL CENTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
                            VETERANS AFFAIRS

                              (H.R. 6435)


Summary

    H.R. 6435 would authorize the Directors of Veterans 
Integrated Service Networks of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs to enter into contracts with appropriate civilian 
accreditation entities or appropriate health care evaluation 
entities to investigate medical centers of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs.

Legislative History

    H.R. 6435 was introduced by Representative Markwayne Mullin 
on December 5, 2016. The bill had no cosponsors.
    On December 7, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass H.R. 6435 by voice vote.
    On December 8, 2016 H.R. 6435 was received in the Senate.

                   VETERANS DAY MOMENT OF SILENCE ACT

                               (S. 1004)


Summary

    S. 1004 would direct the President to issue an annual 
proclamation calling on the people of the United States to 
observe two minutes of silence on Veterans Day, beginning at 
3:11 p.m. Atlantic standard time, in honor of the service and 
sacrifice of veterans throughout the history of the nation.

Legislative History

    S. 1004 was introduced by Senator Mark Steven Kirk on April 
16, 2015 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The 
bill had 7 cosponsors, 5 of which were original.
    On November 9, 2015 the Senate Committee on the Judiciary 
discharged S. 1004 by Unanimous Consent. The Senate passed S. 
1004 without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On September 27, 2016 S. 1004 passed the House without 
objection.
    On September 29, 2016 S. 1004 was presented to the 
President.
    On October 7, 2016 S. 1004 was signed by the President and 
became Public Law No. 114-240.

              CHARLES DUNCAN BURIED WITH HONOR ACT OF 2016

                               (S. 3076)


Summary

    S. 3076, Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act of 2016, 
would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), if it 
is unable to identify a deceased veteran's next of kin and if 
it determines that sufficient resources for the furnishing of a 
casket or urn for the burial of such veteran are not otherwise 
available, to furnish a casket or urn for the burial of such 
veteran in a national cemetery (current law) or in a veterans 
cemetery of a state or tribal organization for which the VA has 
provided a grant for the establishment, expansion, and 
improvement of veterans' cemeteries.

Legislative History

    S. 3076 was introduced by Senator Tom Cotton on June 20, 
2016 and referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 
The bill had one cosponsor.
    On September 20, 2016 S. 3076 was discharged from the 
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs by Unanimous Consent. S. 
3076 passed the Senate with an amended by Unanimous Consent.
    On September 26, 2016 S. 3076 was referred to the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
    On December 6, 2016 the House agreed on a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass S. 3076 by voice vote.
    On December 8, 2016 S. 3076 was presented to the President.

   A BILL TO DESIGNATE THE COMMUNITY-BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC OF THE 
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS IN PUEBLO, COLORADO, AS THE ``PFC JAMES 
                            DUNN VA CLINIC''

                               (S. 3283)


Summary

    S. 3283 would designate the Department of Veterans Affairs 
community-based outpatient clinic in Pueblo, Colorado, as the 
``PFC James Dunn VA Clinic.''

Legislative History

    S. 3283 was introduced by Senator Cory Gardner on July 14, 
2016. The bill had one cosponsor.
    On July 14, 2016 S. 3283 was introduced in the Senate, read 
twice, considered, read a third time, and passed without 
amendment by Unanimous Consent.
    On September 28, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to 
suspend the rules and pass S. 3283 by 423 Yeas, 0 Nays, and 1 
Present.
    On October 3, 2016 S. 3283 was presented to the President.
    On October 7, 2016 S. 3283 was signed by the President and 
became Public Law No. 114-243.

  A BILL TO DESIGNATE THE TRAVERSE CITY VA COMMUNITY-BASED OUTPATIENT 
    CLINIC OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS IN TRAVERSE CITY, 
          MICHIGAN, AS THE ``COLONEL DEMAS T. CRAW VA CLINIC''

                               (S. 3492)


Summary

    S. 3492 would designate the Traverse City VA Community-
Based Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
in Traverse City, Michigan, as the ``Colonel Demas T. Craw VA 
Clinic''.

Legislative History

    S. 3492 was introduced by Senator Gary Peters on December 
1, 2016. The bill had one original cosponsor.
    On December 1, 2016 S. 3492 was read twice, considered, 
read a third time, and passed the Senate without amendment by 
Unanimous Consent.
    On December 6, 2016 the House agreed to a motion to suspend 
the rules and pass S. 3492 by voice vote.
    On December 8, 2016 S. 3492 was presented to the President.

Full Committee Markup of H.R. 4591; H.R. 4336; H.R. 4063; H.R. 4129; 
        H.R. 1769; H.R. 3484; and H.R. 4590

    On February 25, 2016, the Full Committee met and marked up 
H.R. 4591, to amend title 38, United States Code to authorize 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into agreements with 
certain health care providers to furnish hospital care, medical 
services, and extended care to veterans, introduced by Chairman 
Jeff Miller of Florida; H.R. 4336, the Women Airforce Service 
Pilot Arlington Inurnment Restoration Act, introduced by Rep. 
Martha McSally of Arizona; H.R. 4063, the Jason Simcakoski 
PROMISE Act, introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis of Florida; H.R. 
4129, the Jumpstart VA Construction Act, introduced by Rep. 
Jerry McNerney of California; H.R. 1769, the Toxic Exposure 
Research Act of 2016, introduced by Rep. Dan Benishek of 
Michigan; H.R. 3484, the Los Angeles Homeless Veterans Leasing 
Act of 2016, introduced by Rep. Ted Lieu of California; and 
H.R. 4590, the Fiscal Year 2016 Department of Veterans Affairs 
Seismic Safety and Construction Authorization Act, introduced 
by Chairman Jeff Miller of Florida.
    On February 25, 2016, an amendment to H.R. 4591 was offered 
by Rep. Mark Takano of California; an amendment to H.R. 4591 
was offered by Rep. Phil Roe of Tennessee; and an amendment to 
H.R. 4591 was offered by Chairman Jeff Miller of Florida. The 
amendment to H.R. 4591 offered by Rep. Mark Takano of 
California was not agreed to via a roll call vote of 13 nays 
and 10 yeas. The amendment to H.R. 4591 offered by Rep. Phil 
Roe was agreed to via voice vote; the amendment to H.R. 4591 
offered by Chairman Jeff Miller of Florida was also agreed to 
via voice vote. H.R. 4591, as amended, passed the Full 
Committee via voice vote. A motion to favorably report H.R. 
4591, as amended to the House of Representatives was offered by 
Ranking Member Corrine Brown of Florida and agreed to via voice 
vote.
    On February 25, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute was offered by Rep. Ralph Abraham of Louisiana to 
H.R. 4336. An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute was offered by Ranking Member Corrine Brown of 
Florida. The amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 4336 offered by Ranking Member Corrine Brown 
of Florida was agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. 
The amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to 
H.R. 4336, as amended offered by Rep. Ralph Abraham of 
Louisiana was agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. 
H.R. 4336, as amended, passed the Full Committee via voice 
vote. A motion to favorably report H.R. 4336, as amended, to 
the House of Representatives was offered by Ranking Member 
Corrine Brown of Florida and agreed to via voice vote.
    On February 25, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 4063 was offered by Rep. Gus Bilirakis of 
Florida. An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 4063 was offered by Rep. Jackie Walorski of 
Indiana, and a second amendment to the amendment in the nature 
of a substitute to H.R. 4063 was offered by Rep. Jackie 
Walorski of Indiana. The second amendment to the amendment in 
the nature of a substitute to H.R. 4063 offered by Rep. Jackie 
Walorski of Indiana was agreed to by the Full Committee via 
voice vote, the first amendment to the amendment in the nature 
of a substitute to H.R. 4063 offered by Rep. Jackie Walorski of 
Indiana was agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. The 
amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Rep. Gus 
Bilirakis of Florida was agreed to by the Full Committee via 
voice vote and H.R. 4063, as amended, passed the Full Committee 
via voice vote. A motion to favorably report H.R. 4063, as 
amended, to the House of Representatives was offered by Ranking 
Member Corrine Brown of Florida and agreed to via voice vote.
    On February 25, 2016, H.R. 4129 passed the Full Committee 
via voice vote. A motion to favorably report H.R. 4129 to the 
House of Representatives was offered by Ranking Member Corrine 
Brown of Florida and agreed to via voice vote.
    On February 25, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1769 was offered by Rep. Dan Benishek of 
Michigan. The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 
1769 was agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote and 
H.R. 1769, as amended, passed the Full Committee via voice 
vote. A motion to favorably report H.R. 1769, as amended, to 
the House of Representatives was offered by Ranking Member 
Corrine Brown of Florida and agreed to via voice vote.
    On February 25, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3484 was offered by Chairman Jeff Miller of 
Florida. The A.N.S. to H.R. 3484 was agreed to by the Full 
Committee via voice vote and H.R. 3484, as amended, passed the 
Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to favorably report 
H.R. 3484, as amended, to the House of Representatives was 
offered by Ranking Member Corrine Brown of Florida and agreed 
to via voice vote.
    On February 25, 2016, an amendment to H.R. 4590 was offered 
by Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado. An amendment to H.R. 4590 was 
also offered by Rep. Kathleen Rice of New York. The amendment 
to H.R. 4590 offered by Rep. Kathleen Rice of New York was 
agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. The amendment 
to H.R. 4590 offered by Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado was also 
agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. H.R. 4590, as 
amended, passed the Full Committee via voice vote and a motion 
to favorably report H.R. 4590, as amended, to the House of 
Representatives was offered by Ranking Member Corrine Brown of 
Florida and agreed to via voice vote.

Markup of H.R. 5178; H.R. 5229; H.R. 4138; H.R. 3286, as Amended; H.R. 
        3471, as Amended; H.R. 3974, as Amended; H.R. 3956; H.R. 4782; 
        H.R. 4087, as Amended; H.R. 2460; H.R. 3989, as Amended; and 
        H.R. 3715, as Amended

    On Wednesday, May 18, 2016, the Full Committee met to mark 
up H.R. 5178, the Veterans Success on Campus Act of 2016, 
introduced by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio; H.R. 5229, to direct 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a study to 
evaluate the effectiveness of programs, especially in regards 
to women veterans and minority veterans, in transitioning to 
civilian life, and for other purposes, introduced by Rep. Mark 
Takano of California; H.R. 4138, to authorize the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to recoup relocation expenses paid to or on 
behalf of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller of Florida; H.R. 3286, as 
amended, the HIRE Vets Act, introduced by Rep. Paul Cook of 
California; H.R. 3471, as amended, the Veterans Mobility Safety 
Act of 2015, introduced by Rep. Jackie Walorski of Indiana; 
H.R. 3974, as amended, the Grow Our Own Directive: Physician 
Assistant Employment and Education Act of 2015, introduced by 
Rep. Ann Kuster of New Hampshire; H.R. 3956, the VA Health 
Center Management Stability and Improvement Act, introduced by 
Rep. Mike Bost of Illinois; H.R. 4782, the Veterans' 
Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2016, introduced 
by Rep. Ralph Abraham of Louisiana; H.R. 4087, as amended, the 
Fair Treatment for Families of Veterans Act, introduced by Rep. 
Mia Love of Utah; H.R. 2460, to amend title 38, United States 
Code, to improve the provision of adult day health care 
services for veterans, introduced by Rep. Lee Zeldin of New 
York; H.R. 3989, as amended, Support Our Military Caregivers 
Act, introduced by Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York; and H.R. 
3715, as amended, the Final Farewell Act of 2015, introduced by 
Ranking Member Corrine Brown of Florida.
    On May 18, 2016, amendments in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 5178 were offered by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio and 
Rep. Mark Takano of California. The amendment to the amendment 
in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 5178 offered by Rep. Mark 
Takano of California failed and was not agreed to by the Full 
Committee on a recorded vote of 10 yeas and 13 noes with 1 
Member not voting. The amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 5178 offered by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio was agreed 
to by the Full Committee by a recorded vote of 14 yeas, 9 noes 
and 1 Member not voting. H.R. 5178, as amended, passed the Full 
Committee via voice vote. A motion to favorably report H.R. 
5178, as amended, to the House of Representatives was offered 
by Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado and agreed to via voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016, an amendment to H.R. 5229 was offered by 
Rep. Mark Takano of California. The amendment to H.R. 5229 was 
agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. H.R. 5229, as 
amended, passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to 
favorably report H.R. 5229, as amended, to the House of 
Representatives was offered by Ranking Member Corrine Brown of 
Florida and agreed to via voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016, an amendment to H.R. 4138 was offered by 
Rep. Kathleen Rice of New York. The amendment to H.R. 4138 
failed and was not agreed to by the Full Committee by a 
recorded vote of 9 yeas, 13 noes and 2 Members not voting. H.R. 
4138 passed the Full Committee via recorded vote of 18 yeas and 
4 noes with 2 Members not voting. A motion to favorably report 
H.R. 4138 to the House of Representatives was offered by Rep. 
Doug Lamborn of Colorado and agreed to via voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 3286, as amended, was offered by Chairman Jeff Miller 
of Florida and was agreed to by the Full Committee via voice 
vote. H.R. 3286, as amended, passed the Full Committee via 
voice vote and a motion to favorably report H.R. 3286, as 
amended, to the House of Representatives was offered by Ranking 
Member Corrine Brown of Florida and agreed to via voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 3471 was offered by Rep. Jackie Walorski of Indiana. An 
amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to 
H.R. 3471 was offered by Rep. Dan Benishek of Michigan. The 
amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to 
H.R. 3471 offered by Rep. Dan Benishek of Michigan was agreed 
to by the Full Committee via a voice vote. The amendment in the 
nature of a substitute, as amended, to H.R. 3471, as amended, 
was agreed to by the Full Committee via a voice vote; H.R. 
3471, as amended, passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A 
motion to favorably report H.R. 3471, as amended, to the House 
of Representatives was offered by Ranking Member Corrine Brown 
of Florida and agreed to via voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 3974, as amended, was offered by Rep. Ann Kuster of New 
Hampshire. The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 
3974, as amended, was agreed to by the Full Committee via voice 
vote. H.R. 3974, as amended, passed the Full Committee via 
voice vote. A motion to favorably report H.R. 3974, as amended, 
to the House of Representatives was offered by Ranking Member 
Brown and agreed to via voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 3956 was offered by Rep. Mike Bost of Indiana. The 
amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3956 was agreed 
to by the Full Committee via voice vote. H.R. 3956, as amended, 
passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to favorably 
report H.R. 3956, as amended, to the House of Representatives 
was offered by Ranking Member Corrine Brown of Florida and 
agreed to via voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 4782 was offered by Rep. Ralph Abraham of Louisiana. An 
additional amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute was offered by Ranking Member Corrine Brown of 
Florida and an amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute was offered by Rep. Julia Brownley of California. 
The amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute 
offered by Rep. Julia Brownley of California was officially 
withdrawn from the markup agenda by Rep. Julia Brownley of 
California. The amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute offered by Ranking Member Corrine Brown of Florida 
failed and was not agreed to by the Full Committee by a 
recorded vote of 9 yeas and 13 noes with 2 Members not voting. 
The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 4782 
offered by Rep. Ralph Abraham of Louisiana was agreed to by the 
Full Committee via voice. H.R. 4782, as amended, passed the 
Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to favorably report 
H.R. 4782, as amended, to the House of Representatives was 
offered by Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado and agreed to via 
voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 4087, as amended, was offered by Chairman Jeff Miller 
of Florida. An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute was offered by Ranking Member Corrine Brown of 
Florida. An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute was offered by Rep. Julia Brownley of California. 
The amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute 
offered by Rep. Julia Brownley of California failed and was not 
agreed to by the Full Committee recorded vote of 9 yeas and 13 
noes with 2 Members not voting. The amendment to the Amendment 
in the Nature of a Substitute offered by Ranking Member Corrine 
Brown of Florida failed and was not agreed to by the Full 
Committee by a recorded vote of 8 yeas, 14 noes, and 2 Members 
not voting. The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 
4087 offered by Chairman Jeff Miller of Florida was agreed to 
by the Full Committee by a recorded vote of 14 yeas, 8 noes, 
and 2 Members not voting. H.R. 4087, as amended, passed the 
Full Committee by a recorded vote of 14 yeas and 8 noes with 2 
Members not voting. A motion to favorably report H.R. 4087, as 
amended, to the House of Representatives was offered by Rep. 
Doug Lamborn of Colorado and agreed to via voice vote.
    On May 18, 2016, H.R. 2460; H.R. 3989, as amended; and, 
H.R. 3715, as amended, were considered en bloc and passed the 
Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to favorably report 
H.R. 2460; H.R. 3989, as amended; and H.R. 3715, as amended, to 
the House of Representatives was offered by Ranking Member 
Corrine Brown of Florida and was agreed to via voice vote.

Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3216, H.R. 4150, H.R. 4764, H.R. 5047, H.R. 
        5083, H.R. 5162, H.R. 5166, H.R. 5392, H.R. 5407, H.R. 5416, 
        H.R. 5420, and H.R. 5428

    On Thursday, June 23, 2016, the Full Committee met in open 
session and conducted a legislative hearing on H.R. 3216, the 
VET Act; H.R. 4150, the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Emergency Medical Staffing Recruitment and Retention Act; H.R. 
4764, the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act 
of 2016; H.R. 5047, the Protecting Veterans' Educational Choice 
Act of 2016; H.R. 5083, the VA Appeals Modernization Act of 
2016; H.R. 5162, the Vet Connect Act of 2016; H.R. 5166, the 
WINGMAN Act; H.R. 5392, the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should 
Go Unanswered Act; H.R. 5407, to amend title 38, United States 
Code, to direct the Secretary of Labor to prioritize the 
provision of services to homeless veterans with dependent 
children in carrying out homeless veterans reintegration 
programs, and for other purposes; H.R. 5416, to amend title 38, 
United States Code, to expand burial benefits for veterans who 
die while receiving hospital care or medical services under the 
Veterans Choice Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
and for other purposes; H.R. 5420, to authorize the American 
Battle Monuments Commission to acquire, operate, and maintain 
the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial in Marne-la-
Coquette, France; and H.R. 5428, Military Residency Choice Act.
    On panel one, testimony was provided by: the Honorable Doug 
Lamborn, U.S. House of Representatives, 1st Congressional 
District of Colorado; the Honorable Raul Ruiz, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 36th Congressional District of California; the 
Honorable Beto O'Rourke, U.S. House of Representatives, 16th 
Congressional District of Texas; the Honorable Ron DeSantis, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 6th Congressional District of 
Florida; the Honorable Ted Yoho, U.S. House of Representatives, 
3rd Congressional District of Florida; the Honorable Jody Hice, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 10th Congressional District of 
Georgia; the Honorable Dan Newhouse, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 4th Congressional District of Washington; and 
the Honorable David Young, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd 
Congressional District of Iowa.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Sloan Gibson, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; accompanied by: Laura Eskenazi, Executive in 
Charge and Vice Chairman, Board of Veterans Appeals; David 
McLenachen, Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Assistance, 
Veterans Benefits Administration; and, Maureen McCarthy, M.D., 
Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health Patient Care 
Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Testimony was also provided by: Raymond 
Kelley, Director, National Legislative Service of the Veterans 
of Foreign Wars of the United States; Paul Varela, Assistant 
National Legislative Director with Disabled American Veterans; 
Carl Blake, Associate Executive Director of Government 
Relations with the Paralyzed Veterans of America; Louis J. 
Celli, Jr., Director, National Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division of The American Legion; and Rick 
Weidman, Executive Director for Policy and Government Affairs 
with the Vietnam Veterans of America.
    Statements for the Record were provided by the following 
Veterans Service Organizations: American Battle Monuments 
Commission, AMVETS, Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Iraq 
and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Officers 
Association of America, Military Veterans Advocacy, Inc., 
National Organization of Veterans Advocates, National Veterans 
Legal Services Program, P.A.W.S. Foundation, Stetson University 
College of Law's Veterans Law Institute, U.S. Department of 
Labor. See, ``Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3216, H.R. 4150, H.R. 
4764, H.R. 5047, H.R. 5083, H.R. 5162, H.R. 5166, H.R. 5392, 
H.R. 5407, H.R. 5416, H.R. 5420, and H.R. 5428,'' Serial No. 
114-75.

Markup of H.R. 4757, as Amended; H.R. 5166; H.R. 4150; H.R. 5099; H.R. 
        5600; H.R. 5047; H.R. 5428; H.R. 3216; H.R. 5162; H.R. 5392; 
        H.R. 5399

    On Wednesday, September 21, 2016, the Full Committee met 
and marked up H.R. 4757, as amended, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to expand the eligibility for headstones, markers, 
and medallions furnished by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
for deceased individuals who were awarded the Medal of Honor 
and are buried in private cemeteries, introduced by Chairman 
Jeff Miller of Florida; H.R. 5166, the Working to Integrate 
Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now (WINGMAN) Act, 
introduced by Rep. Ted Yoho of Florida; H.R. 4150, the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Emergency Medical Staffing 
Recruitment and Retention Act, introduced by Rep. Raul Ruiz of 
California; H.R. 5099, to establish a pilot program on 
partnership agreements to construct new facilities for the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, introduced by Rep. Brad Ashford 
of Nebraska; H.R. 5600, the No Hero Left Untreated Act, 
introduced by Rep. Stephen Knight of California; H.R. 5047, the 
Protecting Veterans' Educational Choice Act of 2016, introduced 
by Rep. Jody Hice of Georgia; H.R. 5428, the Military Residency 
Choice Act, introduced by Rep. Randy Forbes of Virginia; H.R. 
3216, the Veterans Emergency Treatment (VET) Act, introduced by 
Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington; H.R. 5162, the Vet Connect Act 
of 2016, introduced by Rep. Beto O'Rourke of Texas; H.R. 5392, 
the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act, 
introduced by Rep. David Young of Iowa; and, H.R. 5399, the 
Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act of 2016, introduced by 
Rep. Phil Roe of Tennessee.
    On September 21, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 4757, as amended, was offered by Rep. Jeff 
Miller of Florida. The amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 4757, as amended, was agreed to by the Full Committee 
via voice vote. H.R. 4757, as amended, passed the Full 
Committee via voice vote. A motion to favorably report H.R. 
4757, as amended, to the House of Representatives was offered 
by Acting Ranking Member Mark Takano of California and agreed 
to via voice vote.
    On September 21, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 5166 was offered by Chairman Jeff Miller of 
Florida. The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 
5166 was agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. H.R. 
5166, as amended, passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A 
motion to favorably report H.R. 5166, as amended, to the House 
of Representatives was offered by Acting Ranking Member Mark 
Takano of California and agreed to via voice vote.
    On September 21, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 4150 was offered by Rep. Raul Ruiz of 
California. The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 
4150 was agreed to by the Full Committee and passed the Full 
Committee via voice vote. A motion to favorably report H.R. 
4150, as amended, to the House of Representatives was offered 
by Rep. Mark Takano of California and agreed to via voice vote.
    On September 21, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 5099 was offered by Rep. Tim Walz of 
Minnesota. An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute was offered by Rep. Julia Brownley of California. 
The amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute 
offered by Rep. Julia Brownley of California was officially 
withdrawn from the markup agenda by Rep. Julia Brownley of 
California. The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 
5099 was agreed to by the Full Committee via voice vote. H.R. 
5099, as amended, passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A 
motion to favorably report H.R. 5099, as amended, to the House 
of Representatives was offered by Acting Ranking Member Mark 
Takano of California and agreed to via voice vote.
    On September 21, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 5600 was offered by Rep. Jackie Walorski of 
Indiana. The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 
5600 was agreed to by the Full Committee and H.R. 5600, as 
amended, passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to 
favorably report H.R. 5600, as amended, to the House of 
Representatives was offered by Acting Ranking Member Mark 
Takano of California and agreed to via voice vote.
    On September 21, 2016, H.R. 5047, H.R. 5428, H.R. 3216, 
H.R. 5162, H.R. 5392, and H.R. 5399 were considered en bloc and 
passed the Full Committee via voice vote. A motion to favorably 
report H.R. 5047, H.R. 5428, H.R. 3216, H.R. 5162, H.R. 5392, 
and H.R. 5399 to the House of Representatives was offered by 
Acting Ranking Member Mark Takano of California and agreed to 
via voice vote.

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS


                  FULL COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES


Second Session

Full Committee Hearing--1988 To 2016: VETSNET To VBMS; Billions Spent, 
        Backlog Grinds on

    On Tuesday, January 12, 2016, the Full Committee met in 
open session to conduct a hearing to review the Veterans 
Benefits Management System.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Beth McCoy, Deputy Under Secretary for Field Operations at the 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Dawn 
Bontempo, Director Veterans Benefits Management System Program 
Management Office; Steven Schliesman, Assistant Deputy Chief 
Information Officer, Office of Information & Technology; and 
Thomas Murphy Director, Compensation Service Veterans Benefits 
Administration. Valerie C. Melvin Director, Information 
Technology at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, Brent 
Arronte, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Audits and 
Evaluations, Office of Inspector General within the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs also provided testimony; 
Accompanied by: Michael Bowman Director, Information Technology 
and Security Audits Division, Office of Inspector General. See, 
``1988 to 2016: VETSNET to VBMS; Billions Spent, Backlog Grinds 
On,'' Serial No. 114-49.

Site Visit--Los Angeles, California

    On January 19, 2016, the Chairman of the Full Committee 
traveled to Los Angeles California, to conduct an oversight 
visit of the Los Angeles National Cemetery.

Full Committee Hearing--Lost Opportunities for Veterans An Examination 
        of VA's Technology Transfer Program

    On February 3, 2016, the Full Committee met in open session 
and conducted a hearing to examine the Department's technology 
transfer program.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
David Shulkin, M.D., Under Secretary for Health, Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Kyong-Mi Chang, M.D., Chief 
Research and Development Officer with the Veterans Health 
Administration; and Marisue Cody, Ph.D., Director of 
Operations, Office of Research and Development. See ``Lost 
Opportunities for Veterans: An Examination of VA's Technology 
Transfer Program,'' Serial No. 114-52.

Full Committee Hearing--U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget 
        Request for Fiscal Year 2017

    On February 10, 2016, the Full Committee met in open 
session and conducted a hearing to review the Department's 
budget for Fiscal Year 2017.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Robert A. McDonald, Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: the Honorable David Shulkin, 
Under Secretary for Health; Danny Pummill, Acting Under 
Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration; 
Ronald Walters, Interim Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, 
the Honorable LaVerne Council, Assistant Secretary for 
Information and Technology and Chief Information Officer, 
Office of Information and Technology; and, Ed Murray, Interim 
Secretary for Management and Interim Chief Financial Officer.
    Statements for the Record were provided by the U.S. 
Government Accountability Office, Co-Authors of the Independent 
Budget, AMVETS, and The American Legion. See, ``U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2017,'' 
Serial No. 114-53.

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

    On February 23, 2016, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from the Disabled American Veterans on its 
2016 legislative priorities.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Moses A. McIntosh, Jr., National Commander, Disabled American 
Veterans; Accompanied by: J. Marc Burgess, National Adjutant; 
Barry A. Jesinoski, Executive Director, National Headquarters; 
Garry J. Augustine, Executive Director, Washington 
Headquarters; Jim Marszalek, National Service Director; Joy J. 
Ilem, National Legislative Director; John Kleindienst, National 
Director of Voluntary Service; Jeffrey C. Hall, National 
Director of Employment; and, Linda Stake, DAV Auxiliary 
National Commander. See, ``Joint Hearing of the House and 
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees to receive the Legislative 
Presentation of the Disabled American Veterans,'' Serial No. 
114-57.

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

    On February 24, 2016, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from The American Legion on its 2016 
legislative priorities.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Dale Barnett, National Commander of The American Legion; 
Accompanied by: Brett Reistad, Chairman, National Legislative 
Commission; Ralph Bozella, Chairman, National Veterans Affairs 
and Rehabilitation Commission; Ian dePlanque, Director, 
National Legislative Division; Louis Celli Jr., Director, 
National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division; James W. 
Oxford, Chairman, Veterans Employment & Education Commission; 
and Joseph Sharpe, Jr., Director, Veterans Employment & 
Education Division. This hearing was hosted by the Senate 
Veterans' Affairs Committee and therefore does not have a House 
Serial No.

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

    On March 2, 2016, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
John Biedrzycki, Commander in Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars; 
Accompanied by: Jerry Manar, Director, National Veterans 
Service; Bob Wallace, Executive Director; Ray Kelley, Director, 
National Legislative Service; and Al Bucchi, National 
Legislative Chairman. This hearing was hosted by the Senate 
Veterans' Affairs Committee and therefore does not have a House 
Serial No.

Full Committee Hearing--Joint Hearing of the House and Senate Veterans' 
        Affairs Committees To Receive the Legislative Presentation From 
        BVA, GSW, VVA, MOPH, WWP, NGAUS, AMVETS and PVA

    On March 3, 2016, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from multiple Veterans Service Organizations.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Robert ``Dale'' Stamper, National President, Blinded Veterans 
Association; Christine Kinnard, Co-Chair for Government 
Relations Committee, Gold Star Wives of America; Marsha Tansey 
Four, Vice President, Vietnam Veterans of America; Robert 
Puskar, National Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart; 
Ryan Kules, Combat Stress Recovery Director, Wounded Warrior 
Project; Mike Waite, Legislative Director, National Guard 
Association of the United States; James D. Pidgeon, National 
Commander, AMVETS; and Al Kovach, Jr., National President, 
Paralyzed Veterans of America.
    Statements for the Record were provided by: The Association 
of the United States Army, The Association of the United States 
Navy, and the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor 
Memorial Society. See, ``Joint Hearing of the House and Senate 
Veterans' Affairs Committees to receive the Legislative 
Presentation from BVA, GSW, VVA, MOPH, WWP, NGAUS, AMVETS and 
PVA,'' Serial No.

Full Committee Hearing--Joint Hearing of the House and Senate Veterans' 
 Affairs Committees To Receive the Legislative Presentation From FRA, 
     TREA, NASDVA, MOAA, AFSA, AMERICAN EX- POW, NCOA, JWV and IAVA

    On March 16, 2016, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from multiple Veterans Service Organizations.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Virgil Courneya, National President, Fleet Reserve Association; 
Larry Hyland, National President, The Retired Enlisted 
Association; David Brasuell, President, Idaho, National 
Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs; Rene 
Campos, Deputy Director, Government Relations, Military 
Officers Association of America; Rob Frank, Chief Executive 
Officer, Air Force Sergeants Association; Charles Susino, Jr., 
Past National Commander/Legislative Officer, American Ex 
Prisoners of War; Sgt. Major H. Gene Overstreet, President, Non 
Commissioned Officers Association; Jerome Blum, National 
Commander, Jewish War Veterans; and, Paul Rieckhoff, Founder 
and CEO, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. This hearing 
was hosted by the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and 
therefore does not have a House Serial No.

Site Visit--Salem, Virginia

    On March 24, 2016, the Chairman of the Full Committee 
traveled to Salem, Virginia, to conduct an oversight visit to 
the Salem VA Medical Center.

 Full Committee Hearing--A Continued Assessment of Delays in Veterans' 
                         Access to Health Care

    On April 19, 2016, the Full Committee met in open session 
to conduct a hearing reviewing the delays in veterans' access 
to health care.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable David Shulkin, M.D., Under Secretary for Health, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Thomas Lynch, 
M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Clinical 
Operations. Also providing testimony, Debra Draper, Director, 
Health Care Team with the U.S. Government Accountability Office 
and Larry Reinkemeyer, Director, Kansas City Office of Audits 
and Evaluations, Office of Inspector General within the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Gary Abe, 
Acting Assistant Inspector, General for Audits and Evaluations 
with the Office of Inspector General.
    A statement for the record was provided by The American 
Legion. See ``A Continued Assessment of Delays in Veterans' 
Access to Health Care,'' Serial No. 114-65.

Full Committee Hearing--Combating the Crisis: Evaluating Efforts To 
        Prevent Veteran Suicide

    On May 12, 2016, the Full Committee met in open session to 
review the Department's efforts to prevent veteran suicide.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Maureen McCarthy, M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for 
Health for Patient Care Services, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Harold Kudler, M.D., Chief Consultant for 
Mental Health Services; and Caitlin Thompson, M.D., National 
Director for Suicide Prevention. The following individuals also 
provided testimony: Jackie Maffucci, M.D., Research Director, 
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Thomas Berger, 
Executive Director of the Veterans Health Council, Vietnam 
Veterans of America; Kim Ruocco, Chief External Relations 
Officer for Suicide Prevention and Postvention, Tragedy 
Assistance Program for Survivors; and, Joy J. Ilem, National 
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans.
    A statement for the record was provided by the Centerstone 
Military Services. See ``Combating the Crisis: Evaluating 
Efforts to Prevent Veteran Suicide,'' Serial No. 114-68.

Site Visit--Fort Harrison, Montana

    On July 29, 2016, the Chairman of the Full Committee 
traveled to Fort Harrison, Montana, to conduct an oversight 
visit to the Fort Harrison regional office.

Site Visit--Wichita, Kansas

    On July 29, 2016, the Chairman of the Full Committee 
traveled to Wichita, Kansas, to conduct an oversight visit to 
the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center.

Site Visit--St. Louis, Missouri

    On August 2, 2016, the Chairman of the Full Committee 
traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, to conduct an oversight visit 
to the VA St. Louis Health Care System--John Cochran Division.

Site Visit--Fort Harrison, Montana

    On August 3, 2016, the Chairman of the Full Committee 
traveled to Fort Harrison, Montana, to conduct an oversight 
visit to the VA Montana Health Care System.

Site Visit--Omaha, Nebraska

    On August 5, 2016, the Chairman of the Full Committee 
traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, to attend the dedication of the 
Omaha National Cemetery.

Full Committee Business Meeting--Motions To Subpoena Information From 
        the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    On September 7, 2016, the Full Committee met in open 
session to submit a motion to issue a subpoena to the Honorable 
Robert A. McDonald, in his capacity as Secretary of the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs, to produce certain 
documentation to the Committee pertaining to: a) spending on 
artwork and ornamental furnishings from fiscal year 2010 to 
present; and b) evidentiary files associated with the 
Administrative Investigation Board convened on the Aurora, 
Colorado Replacement Medical Center construction project.

Full Committee Hearing--From Tumult To Transformation: The Commission 
        on Care and the Future of the VA Healthcare System

    On September 7, 2016, the Full Committee met in open 
session to discuss the analysis and recommendations included in 
the final report authored by the Commission on Care.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Nancy Schlichting, Chairperson Commission on Care; and, Delos 
M. (Toby) Cosgrove, M.D., Vice Chairperson, Commission on Care.
    Statements for the record were provided by: U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs, American Federation of Government 
Employees, AMVETS, The American Legion, Concerned Veterans for 
America, Disabled American Veterans, The Enlisted Association 
of the National Guard of the United States, Healthcare 
Professionals Federal Unions, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of 
America, Military Officers Association of America, Nurses 
Organization of Veterans Affairs, Paralyzed Veterans of 
America, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Vietnam 
Veterans of America. See, ``From Tumult to Transformation: The 
Commission on Care and the Future of the VA Healthcare 
System,'' Serial No. 114-78.

Full Committee Hearing--An Examination of VA's Misuse of Settlement 
        Agreements

    On September 14, 2016, the Full Committee met in open 
session to conduct a hearing reviewing the Department's misuse 
of settlement agreements.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by the 
Honorable Leigh Bradley, General Counsel at the U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: James Manker, Jr., Acting 
Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits and Steve Young, 
Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and 
Management at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
Testimony was also provided by Eric Bachman, Deputy Special 
Counsel for Litigation and Legal Affairs at the U.S. Office of 
Special Counsel. See, ``An Examination of VA's Misuse of 
Settlement Agreements,'' Serial No. 114-79.

Full Committee Field Hearing--An Assessment of Deficiencies at the 
        Northport VA Medical Center

    On September 20, 2016, the Full Committee met in open 
session to conduct a field hearing at Northport VA Medical 
Center in Northport, New York to assess its deficiencies.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Joan 
E. McInerney, M.D., M.A., M.B.A., F.A.C.E., Network Director, 
Veterans Integrated Service Network 2, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Phillip C. Moschitta, 
Director, Northport VA Medical Center; and Charlene M. 
Thomesen, M.D., Chief of Psychiatry, Northport VA Medical 
Center. Testimony was also provided by Mayer Bellehsen, Ph.D., 
Director, Mildred and Frank Feinberg Division, Unified 
Behavioral Health Center for Military Veterans and their 
Families. See, ``An Assessment of Deficiencies at the Northport 
VA Medical Center,'' Serial No. 114-80.

FULL COMMITTEE ROUNDTABLE--

    On December 6, 2016, the Full Committee held a roundtable 
with Members of the Committee, multiple Veterans Service 
Organizations and award-winning journalist, author and 
documentarian, Sebastian Junger. During the roundtable, Junger 
discussed his latest book, Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging, 
which discusses themes of transition, mental health, and the 
need for inclusion among servicemembers and veterans.

 ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL 
                                AFFAIRS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

First Session

Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 675; H.R. 677; H.R. 
        732; H.R. 800; H.R. 1067; H.R. 1331; H.R. 1379; H.R. 1414; H.R. 
        1569; and H.R. 1607

    On April 14, 2015, the DAMA Subcommittee held a legislative 
hearing on H.R. 675, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living 
Adjustment Act of 2015; H.R. 677, the American Heroes COLA Act 
of 2015; H.R. 732, the Veterans Access to Speedy Review Act; 
H.R. 800, the Express Appeals Act; H.R. 1067, U.S. Court of 
Appeals for Veterans Claims Reform Act; H.R. 1331, the Quicker 
Veterans Benefits Delivery Act of 2015; H.R. 1379, to amend 
title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Board of 
Veterans' Appeals to develop evidence in appeal cases, and for 
other purposes; H.R. 1414, the Pay As You Rate Act; H.R. 1569, 
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; 
and H.R. 1607, the Ruth Moore Act of 2015.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Chellie Pingree, U.S. House of Representatives.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. David R. 
McLenachen, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Disability 
Assistance, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Mr. McLenachen was accompanied by Ms. 
Laura H. Eskenazi, Executive-in-Charge and Vice Chairman, Board 
of Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and 
Mr. David J. Barrans, Assistant General Counsel, Office of 
General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Zachary 
Hearn, Deputy Director for Claims, Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Mr. Blake C. 
Ortner, Deputy Government Relations Director, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America; Mr. Paul R. Varela, Assistant National 
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Ronald B. 
Abrams, Joint Executive Director, National Veterans Legal 
Services Program; Mr. Kenneth M. Carpenter, Founding Member, 
National Organization of Veterans' Advocates. See ``Legislative 
Hearing on H.R. 675; H.R. 677; H.R. 732; H.R. 800; H.R. 1067; 
H.R. 1331; H.R. 1379; H.R. 1414; H.R. 1569; and H.R. 1607,'' 
Serial No. 114-14.

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 675, H.R. 677, H.R. 732, H.R. 1067, H.R. 
        1331, H.R. 1414, H.R. 1569, and H.R. 1607

    On May 14, 2015, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs met and marked up H.R. 1067, the U.S. 
court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Reform Act, introduced by 
Representative Ryan Costello of Pennsylvania; H.R. 1414, the 
Pay As You Rate Act, introduced by Representative Dina Titus of 
Nevada; H.R. 732, the Veterans Access to Speedy Review Act, 
introduced by Representative Raul Ruiz of California; H.R. 
1607, the Ruth Moore Act of 2015, introduced by Representative 
Chellie Pingree of Maine; en Bloc H.R. 675, the Veterans' 
Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2015, introduced 
by Representative Ralph Abraham of Louisiana; H.R. 677, the 
American Heroes COLA Act of 2015, introduced by Representative 
Ralph Abraham of Louisiana; H.R. 1331, the Quicker Veterans 
Benefits Delivery Act of 2015, introduced by Representative 
Timothy Walz of Minnesota; and H.R. 1569, 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, introduced by 
Representative Lee Zeldin of New York.
    On May 14, 2015, an amendment to H.R. 1067 was offered by 
Representative Ryan Costello of Pennsylvania and was adopted by 
voice vote. H.R. 1067, as amended passed the DAMA Subcommittee 
by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee 
by voice vote.
    On May 14, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 1015 was offered by Representative Dina Titus of Nevada 
and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 1414, as amended passed the 
DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to 
the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On May 14, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 732 was offered by Representative Raul Ruiz of 
California and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 732, as amended 
passed the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On May 14, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 1017 was offered by Representative Dina Titus of Nevada 
and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 1607, as amended passed the 
DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to 
the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On May 14, 2015, the bills considered en Bloc (H.R. 675 
introduced by Representative Ralph Abraham of Louisiana; H.R. 
677 introduced by Representative Ralph Abraham of Louisiana; 
H.R. 1331 introduced by Representative Timothy Walz of 
Minnesota; and H.R. 1569 introduced by Representative Lee 
Zeldin of New York) passed the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote 
and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice 
vote.

Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 2214; H.R. 1380; H.R. 
        2706; H.R. 2691; H.R. 303; H.R. 1338; H.R. 1302; H.R. 2605; and 
        H.R. 1384

    On June 24, 2015, the DAMA Subcommittee held a legislative 
hearing on H.R. 2214, the Disabled Veterans' Access to Medical 
Exams Improvement Act; H.R. 1380, 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. 2706, the 
Veterans National Remembrance Act; H.R. 2691, the Veterans' 
Survivors Claims Processing Automation Act of 2015; H.R. 303, 
the Retired Pay Restoration Act; H.R. 1338, the Dignified 
Interment of Our Veterans Act of 2015; H.R. 1302, the VA 
Appeals Backlog Relief Act; H.R. 2605, the Veterans Fiduciary 
Reform Act of 2015; and H.R. 1384, the Honor America's Guard-
Reserve Retirees Act.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Bill Johnson, U.S. House of Representatives.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. David R. 
McLenachen, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Disability 
Assistance Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Mr. Matthew Sullivan, 
Deputy Under Secretary for Finance and Planning, and CFO 
National Cemetery Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs and was also accompanied by Mr. David Barrans, 
Assistant General Counsel Office of General Counsel, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Zachary 
Hearn, Deputy Director for Claims Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Mr. Paul R. 
Varela, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy Director National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Ms. Diane 
Zumatto, National Legislative Director, AMVETS; Mr. Chris 
Neiweem, Legislative Associate, Iraq and Afghanistan, Veterans 
of America. See ``Legislative Hearing on H.R. 2214; H.R. 1380; 
H.R. 2706; H.R. 2691; H.R. 303; H.R. 1338; H.R. 1302; H.R. 
2605; and H.R. 1384,'' Serial No. 144-28.

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 2214, H.R. 800, H.R. 1379, H.R. 1380, H.R. 
        2605, H.R. 1302, H.R. 1338, H.R. 1384, H.R. 2691

    On July 9, 2015, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs met and marked up H.R. 2214 the Disabled 
Veterans' Access to Medical Exams Improvement Act, introduced 
by Representative Ralph Abraham of Louisiana; H.R. 800, the 
Express Appeals Act, introduced by Representative Beto O'Rourke 
of Texas; H.R. 1379, to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
authorize the Board of Veterans' Appeals to develop evidence in 
appeal cases, and for other purposes, introduced by 
Representative Jeff Miller of Florida; H.R. 1380, 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, introduced 
by Representative Jeff Miller of Florida; H.R. 2605, the 
Veterans Fiduciary Reform Act of 2015, introduced by 
Representative Bill Johnson of Ohio; H.R. 1302, the VA Appeals 
Backlog Relief Act, introduced by Representative Bob Latta of 
Ohio; H.R. 1338, the Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act of 
2015, introduced by Representative Bill Shuster of 
Pennsylvania; H.R. 1384, the Honor America's Guard-Reserve 
Retirees Act, introduced by Representative Timothy Walz of 
Minnesota; and H.R. 2691, the Veterans' Survivors Claims 
Processing Automation Act of 2015, introduced by Representative 
Raul Ruiz of California were considered en bloc.
    On July 9, 2015, an amendment to H.R. 2214 was offered by 
Representative Abraham of Louisiana and was adopted by voice 
vote. H.R. 2214, as amended passed the DAMA Subcommittee by 
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by 
voice vote.
    On July 9, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 800 was offered by Representative Dina Titus of Nevada 
and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 800, as amended passed the 
DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to 
the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On July 9, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 1379 was offered by Representative Ralph Abraham of 
Louisiana and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 1379, as amended 
passed the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On July 9, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 1380 was offered by Representative Ralph Abraham of 
Louisiana and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 1380, as amended 
passed the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On July 9, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 2605 was offered by Representative Ralph Abraham of 
Louisiana and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 2605, as amended 
passed the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On July 9, 2015, H.R. 1302 introduced by Representative Bob 
Latta of Ohio; H.R. 1338 introduced by Representative Bill 
Shuster of Pennsylvania; H.R. 1384 introduced by Representative 
Timothy Walz of Minnesota; and H.R. 2691 introduced by 
Representative Raul Ruiz of California were considered en bloc, 
passed the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote, and were favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

First Session

Subcommittee Hearing--Veterans' Dilemma: Navigating the Appeals System 
        for Veterans Claims

    On January 22, 2015, the DAMA Subcommittee held a hearing 
to examine a veterans' dilemma in having to navigate the 
appeals system for Veterans Claims.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Beth 
McCoy, Esquire, Deputy Under Secretary for Field Operations, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Ms. McCoy was accompanied by Mr. Ronald S. Burke, Jr., 
Director, Appeals Management Center, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Ms. 
Laura H. Eskenazi, Esquire Executive-in-Charge and Vice 
Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Gerald 
T. Manar, Deputy Director, National Veterans Service, Veterans 
of Foreign Wars; Mr. Zachary Hearn, Deputy Director for Claims, 
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The American 
Legion; Ms. Diane Boyd Rauber, Esquire, Associate General 
Counsel for Appeals, Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Paul R. 
Varela, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Mr. James R. Vale, Esquire, Director, 
Veterans Benefits Program, Vietnam Veterans of America.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Barton F. 
Stichman, Esquire, Joint Executive Director, National Veterans 
Legal Services Program; and Mr. Kenneth M. Carpenter, Esquire 
Founding Member, National Organization of Veterans' Advocates. 
See ``Veterans' Dilemma: Navigating the Appeals System for 
Veterans Claims,'' Serial No. 114-2.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Arlington, Virginia

    On February 9, 2015, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs staffed DAMA 
Chairman Abraham during an operational update and tour of 
Arlington National Cemetery.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Exploration of the Impact of 
        Character of Discharge

    On February 13, 2015, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs participated in a 
roundtable discussion hosted by the Minority on the topic of 
those who were discharged from the military under other than 
honorable conditions. Members of the Subcommittee in attendance 
included Representatives Abraham, Benishek, Brownley, and 
Titus.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Bethesda, Maryland

    On February 20, 2015, Majority and Minority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
participated in a staff delegation to tour Walter Reed National 
Military Medical Center. Additionally, staff received briefings 
regarding the Warrior Transition Unit, the Integrated 
Disability Evaluation System, the Inpatient Traumatic Brain 
Injury Program, and the NSAB Fisher Houses. Staff also received 
briefings on the Military Advanced Training Center, the John P. 
Murtha Cancer Center, and the National Intrepid Center of 
Excellence.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Impact of VA'S Backlog of Claims 
        and Appeals on Wisconsin Veterans

    On February 25, 2015, Majority and Minority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
assisted the Wisconsin delegation in the coordination of a 
bipartisan Member-level Roundtable discussion on the topic of 
the impact VA's backlog of claims and appeals has had on 
Wisconsin veterans. In attendance included Wisconsin 
Representatives: Representative Sean Duffy, Representative Gwen 
Moore, Representative Jim Sensenbrenner, Representative Ron 
Kind, Representative Reid Ribble, Representative Glenn 
Grothman, Representative Mark Pocan, Representative Paul Ryan, 
as well as Senator Tammy Baldwin. Mr. Danny Pummill, Principal 
Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs, was also in attendance.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Recommendations on Improvement of 
        Veterans' Disability Benefits and Pension Claims Appeals Within 
        the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Judicial System

    On March 4, 2015, Majority and Minority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
staffed a bipartisan roundtable discussion on the topic of 
veterans' disability benefits appeals hosted by DAMA Chairman 
Abraham and DAMA Ranking Member Titus. Attendance included: 
Members of the Majority and Minority of the Subcommittee, Chief 
Judge Bruce Kasold, U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; 
Professor Michael P. Allen, Stetson Law University College of 
Law; Mr. Louis J. Celli, Director, National Legislative 
Division, The American Legion; Mr. Joseph Moor, Bergmann and 
Moore; Ms. Carol W.Scott, Esq., Federal Bar Assoc., Veterans 
and Military Law Section; Mr. Matthew Hill, Esq., Hill & 
Ponton; Mr. Michael Viterna, President, National Organization 
of Veterans' Advocates, Inc.; Mr. Ronald B. Abrams and Mr. 
Barton F. Stichman, Joint Executive Directors, National 
Veterans Legal Services Program; Mr. Blake Ortner, National 
Legislative Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. 
Brendon Gehrke, Senior Legislative Associate, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States; Mr. John Rowan, National President, Vietnam Veterans of 
America; Ms. Amanda Meredith, Staff for the Senate Veterans 
Affairs Chairman; and Mr. Travis Murphy, Staff for the Senate 
Veterans Affairs Ranking Member; Brendon Gehrke, Veterans of 
Foreign Wars; John Rowan, Vietnam Veterans of America.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    On March 20, 2015, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted oversight 
and attended The American Legion briefing with the Director of 
the Philadelphia Regional Office.

Subcommittee Congressional Delegation--Fort Bliss, Texas

    On March 29, 2015, through April 2, 2015, Majority and 
Minority staff of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 
Memorial Affairs accompanied Subcommittee Chairman Abraham to 
Fort Bliss, Texas, to conduct oversight of the Fort Bliss 
Integrated Disability Evaluation System and attend the Second 
Annual Army Trials. Chairman Abraham met with soldiers in the 
Warrior Transition Unit, service members engaged in the medical 
retirement/separation process via Integrated Disability 
Evaluation System, and other veterans. Chairman Abraham also 
received a briefing at the William Beaumont Army Medical 
Center, and received a tour of the facility. Additionally, 
Chairman Abraham received briefings, including a command 
briefing, and information on the installation's capacities, 
capabilities, and deployment platform. While on site, Chairman 
Abraham observed a Transition Assistance Program briefing.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Arlington, Virginia

    On May 7, 2015, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs participated in a 
staff delegation to tour Arlington National Cemetery and Joint 
Base Myer Henderson Hall. The tour included the Arlington 
National Cemetery, an Old Guard briefing, a Caisson Barn tour, 
and a visit to the Army band.

Subcommittee Hearing--Exploring VBA's Fiduciary Program

    On June 11, 2015, the Subcommittee of Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to examine and assess the 
VBA's Fiduciary Program.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. David R. 
McLenachen, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Disability 
Assistance, Director, Pension and Fiduciary Service, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 
who was accompanied by Mr. Michael R. Stephens Director, 
Indianapolis Regional Benefit Office Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who was 
accompanied by Ms. Marcia Hempy, Acting Deputy Director, 
Pension and Fiduciary Service Manager, Columbia Fiduciary Hub, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Mr. Gary Abe, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for 
Audits and Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs, who was accompanied by Mr. 
Quentin Aucoin Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, 
Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, who was accompanied by Mr. Timothy Crowe, Director, 
St. Petersburg Office of Audits and Evaluations, Office of 
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Zachary 
Hearn, Deputy Director for Claims, Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Mr. Sam J. 
Albritton, III, Executive Vice President, Regions Bank; Mr. 
Douglas J. Rosinski, Attorney, Veterans Justice Group, LLC. See 
``Exploring VBA's Fiduciary Program,'' Serial No. 114-26.

Subcommittee Roundtable Site Visit--Subcommittees on Disability 
        Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Military Construction, 
        Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Joint Oversight--
        Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    On June 15, 2015, Members and Majority and Minority staff 
of the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs and the Appropriations Subcommittee on 
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies 
held roundtable discussions at the Philadelphia Regional Office 
to discuss the state of the Philadelphia Regional Office. 
Members and staff met with VBA and Philadelphia Regional Office 
leadership and employees. Attendance included: Representative 
Ralph Abraham of Louisiana; Representative Sanford Bishop of 
Georgia; Representative Brady; Representative C. Brown; 
Representative Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania; Representative 
John Carney of Delaware; Representative Ryan Costello of 
Pennsylvania; Representative Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania; 
Representative Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania; Representative 
Michael Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania; Representative Patrick 
Meehan of Pennsylvania; Ms. Allison Hickey, Under Secretary for 
Benefits, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Linda 
Halliday, Assistant Inspect General for Audits and Evaluations, 
Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Ms. Cathy Gromek, Congressional Relations Officer, 
Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Ms. Nora Stokes, Director, Bay Pines Benefits 
Inspection Division, Office of Inspector General, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Ron Arronte, Director, San 
Diego Benefits Inspections Division, Office of Inspector 
General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Regional Office 
Ms. Diana Rubens, Director, Philadelphia Regional Office; 
Regional Office; Ms. Carol Roane, Assistant Director, 
Philadelphia Regional Office; and Edward J. McQuade, Director, 
Togus R-regional Office Director McQuade.

Subcommittee Site Visit--New Orleans, Louisiana

    On June 28, 2015, through June 30, 2015, Majority staff of 
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
staffed Chairman Abraham on a visit to the New Orleans Regional 
Office. Additionally, staff conducted case file review of 
veterans' claims.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Saint Petersburg, Florida

    On June 30, 2015, to July 2, 2015, Majority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
conducted oversight and received briefings at the St. 
Petersburg Regional Office and the Bay Pines National Cemetery, 
in conjunction with Minority staff.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Chicago, Illinois

    On August 2, 2015, to August 4, 2015, Majority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
conducted oversight and file review at the Chicago Regional 
Office.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Saint Louis, Missouri

    On August 9, 2015, to August 11, 2015, Majority staff of 
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
conducted oversight and received briefings at the St. Louis 
Regional Office, St. Louis Records Management Center, and the 
Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Pensacola, Florida

    On August 11, 2015, to August 13, 2015, Majority staff of 
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
conducted oversight and attended briefings at the Naval Air 
Station Pensacola and Eglin Air Base in conjunction with DAMA 
minority staff. Staff met with Wounded Warriors at Pensacola 
and Eglin. Staff toured the Naval Hospital Pensacola, Eglin 
Fisher House, Eglin Inpatient Multi-Service Unit/ICU, Eglin 
Explosive Ordnance Disposal School, McKinley Climatic Lab, and 
Eglin Petting Zoo. Staff also attended a Naval Air Station 
Pensacola Command Brief, VA collaboration brief, Integrated 
Disability Evaluation System brief, Physical Medicine mission 
brief.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Nashville, Tennessee

    On September 20, 2015, to September 24, 2015, Majority 
staff of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial 
Affairs conducted oversight and file review at the Nashville 
Regional Office and National Call Center. Additionally staff 
conducted oversight of the Systematic Technical Accuracy Review 
facility to assess quality review operations.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Florida

    On October 13, 2015, to October 16, 2015, Majority staff of 
the Subcommittees on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
and Oversight and Investigation conducted an oversight visit of 
the IDES program at the Army Reserve Medical Command at 
Pinellas Park, Florida. Staff also attended a MyVA Advisory 
Committee meeting in Tampa, Florida with Secretary McDonald, 
Deputy Secretary Gibson, Under Secretary for Benefits Hickey, 
and Under Secretary for Health Shulkin. Majority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs also 
conducted oversight and file review at the St. Petersburg 
Regional Office.

Subcommittee Site Visit--North Carolina

    On November 9, 2015 to November 10, 2015, Majority staff of 
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
conducted oversight and attended briefings at the Raleigh 
National Cemetery, the Fort Bragg Integrated Disability 
Evaluation System/Wounded Warrior Programs, and the Winston-
Salem Regional Office.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Baltimore, Maryland

    On November 18, 2015, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted oversight 
and observed Veterans Service Representative training at the 
Veterans Benefits Administration Training Academy at the 
Baltimore Regional Office.

 ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL 
                                AFFAIRS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3936; H.R. 4087; H.R. 
        4757; H.R. 4758; H.R. 4759; H.R. 4782; H.R. 3715; a Draft Bill 
        Entitled ``Medal of Honor Legacy Act;'' a Draft Bill Entitled 
        ``Love Lives on Act of 2016;'' a Draft Bill Entitled ``To Amend 
        Title 38, United States Code, To Improve the Consideration of 
        Evidence by Board of Veterans' Appeals;'' and, a Draft Bill 
        Entitled ``To Amend Title 38, United States Code, to Pay 
        Special Compensation to Certain Veterans With the Loss or Loss 
        of Use of Creative Organs''

    On April 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs met in open session and held a 
legislative hearing on the H.R. 3936, VET Act; H.R. 4087, Fair 
Treatment for Families of Veterans Act; H.R. 4757, To amend 
title 38, United States Code, to expand the eligibility for 
headstones, markers, and medallions furnished by the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs for deceased individuals who were awarded 
the Medal of Honor and are buried in private cemeteries; H.R. 
4758, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the 
award of the Presidential Memorial Certificate to certain 
deceased members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces 
and certain deceased members of the Reserve Officers' Training 
Corps; H.R. 4759, To amend title 38, United States Code, to 
authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay costs 
relating to the transportation of certain deceased veterans to 
veterans' cemeteries owned by a State or tribal organization; 
H.R. 4782, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act 
of 2016; H.R. 3715, Final Farewell Act of 2016; a draft bill 
entitled ``To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve 
the consideration of evidence by Board of Veterans' Appeals;'' 
and, a draft bill entitled ``To amend title 38, United States 
Code, to pay special compensation to certain veterans with the 
loss or loss of use of creative organs.'' On the first panel, 
testimony was provided by the Honorable Jeff Miller, U.S. House 
of Representatives, 1st Congressional District, Florida; the 
Honorable Corrine Brown, 5th Congressional District, Florida; 
the Honorable Ryan Costello, U.S. House of Representatives, 6th 
Congressional District, Pennsylvania; and the Honorable Mia 
Love, U.S. House of Representatives, 4th Congressional 
District, Utah.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. David R. 
McLenachen, Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Assistance 
with the Veterans Benefits Administration at the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. McLenachen was accompanied 
by Mr. Matt Sullivan, Deputy Under Secretary of Finance and 
Planned and CFO with the National Cemetery Administration with 
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Patrick K. 
Hallinan, Executive Director with the Army National Military 
Cemeteries at the Department of the Army also provided 
testimony.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Carl 
Blake, Associate Executive Director for Government Relations 
for the Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Aleks Morosky, 
Deputy Director, National Legislative Service, for the Veterans 
of Foreign Wars of the United States; Mr. Paul R. Varela, 
Assistant National Legislative Director for the Disabled 
American Veterans; Ms. Elizabeth Davis, Advocate for Survivors' 
Benefits; and Mr. Edward G. Lilley, Team Leader for the Health 
Policy, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division 
for the American Legion.
    A statement for the record was proved by Mr. John Rowan, 
National President of Vietnam Veterans of America. See, 
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3936; H.R. 4087; H.R. 4757; H.R. 
4758; H.R. 4759; H.R. 4782; H.R. 3715; a draft bill entitled 
``Medal of Honor Legacy Act;'' a draft bill entitled ``Love 
Lives On Act of 2016;'' a draft bill entitled ``To amend title 
38, United States Code, to improve the consideration of 
evidence by Board of Veterans' Appeals;'' and, a draft bill 
entitled ``To amend title 38, United States Code, to pay 
special compensation to certain veterans with the loss or loss 
of use of creative organs.'' Serial No. 114-62.

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 4892; H.R. 3715; H.R. 4758; H.R. 4087; H.R. 
        4759; H.R. 4782; H.R. 4757; and H.R. 3936

    On May 11, 2016, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs met in open session to markup up H.R. 
4757, the ``To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand 
the eligibility for headstones, markers, and medallions 
furnished by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for deceased 
individuals who were awarded the Medal of Honor and are buried 
in private cemeteries,'' introduced by Chairman Miller of 
Florida; H.R. 4758, ``To amend title 38, United States Code, to 
authorize the award of the Presidential Memorial Certificate to 
certain deceased members of the reserve components of the Armed 
Forces and certain deceased members of the Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps,'' introduced by Chairman Miller of Florida; 
H.R. 4759, ``To amend title 38, United States Code, to 
authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay costs 
relating to the transportation of certain deceased veterans to 
veterans' cemeteries owned by a State or tribal organization,'' 
introduced by Chairman Miller of Florida; H.R. 3936, the 
``Veterans Access to Care Act,'' introduced by Rep. Ryan 
Costello of Pennsylvania; H.R. 4892, ``To amend title 38, 
United States Code, to pay special compensation to certain 
veterans with the loss or loss of use of creative organs,'' 
introduced by Chairman Miller of Florida; H.R. 4782, the 
``Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 
2016,'' introduced by Rep. Abraham of Louisiana; H.R. 4087, 
``Fair Treatment for Families of Veterans Act,'' introduced by 
Rep. Love of Utah; and H.R. 3715, the ``Final Farewell Act of 
2015'', introduced by Rep. Brown of Florida.
    On May 11, 2016 an A.N.S. to H.R. 4757 was offered by Rep. 
Titus of Nevada and was agreed to by the DAMA Subcommittee by 
voice vote. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 4757, as amended 
to the Full Committee was offered by Ranking Member Titus and 
was adopted by the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On May 11, 2016 an A.N.S. to H.R. 4758 was offered by Rep. 
Abraham of Louisiana agreed to by the DAMA Subcommittee by 
voice vote. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 4758, as amended 
to the Full Committee was offered by Ranking Member Titus and 
was adopted by the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On May 11, 2016 an A.N.S. to H.R. 4759 was offered by Rep. 
Abraham of Louisiana and agreed to by the DAMA Subcommittee by 
voice vote. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 4759, as amended 
to the Full Committee was offered by Ranking Member Titus and 
was adopted by the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On May 11, 2016 H.R. 3936 passed the DAMA Subcommittee by 
voice vote. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 3936 to the Full 
Committee was offered by Ranking Member Titus and was adopted 
by the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On May 11, 2016 an A.N.S. to H.R. 4892 was offered by Rep. 
Abraham of Louisiana and substitute for the A.N.S. to H.R. 4892 
was offered by Rep. Titus of Nevada. The substitute for the 
A.N.S. to H.R. 4892 offered by Rep. Titus not adopted by the 
DAMA Subcommittee by a recorded vote of 5 noes; 2 yeas, and 1 
Member not voting. A substitute for the A.N.S. to H.R. 4892 was 
offered by Rep. Ruiz on behalf of Rep. Brownley of California. 
The substitute for the A.N.S. to H.R. 4892 offered by Rep. 
Brownley was adopted by the DAMA Subcommittee by a recorded 
vote of 5 noes; 2 yeas, and 1 Member not voting. The A.N.S. to 
H.R. 4892 offered by Rep. Abraham was adopted by the DAMA 
subcommittee by a recorded vote of 6 yeas, 1 no and 1 Member 
not voting. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 4892, as amended 
to the Full Committee was offered by Rep. Lamborn and was 
adopted by the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On May 11, 2016, an A.N.S. to H.R. 4782 was offered by Rep. 
Titus of Nevada and was not agreed to by the DAMA Subcommittee 
by a recorded vote of 4 noes; 3 yeas; and 1 Member not voting. 
H.R. 4782, passed the DAMA Subcommittee by recorded vote of 7 
yeas and 0 noes. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 4782 to the 
Full Committee was offered by Rep. Lamborn and was adopted by 
the DAMA Subcommittee via voice vote.
    On May 11, 2016, an A.N.S. to H.R. 4087 was offered by Rep. 
Abraham of Louisiana; an amendment to the A.N.S. to H.R. 4087 
was offered by Rep. Titus of Nevada; and an amendment to the 
A.N.S. to H.R. 4087 was offered by Rep. Brownley of California. 
The amendment to the A.N.S. offered by Rep. Titus to H.R. 4087 
was not adopted by the DAMA Subcommittee by a recorded vote of 
5 noes and 3 yeas. The amendment to the A.N.S. offered by Rep. 
Brownley to H.R. 4087 was adopted by the DAMA Subcommittee via 
voice vote. The A.N.S. to H.R. 4087, as amended, was adopted by 
the DAMA subcommittee via voice vote. H.R. 4087, as amended, 
was adopted by the DAMA subcommittee via voice vote and a 
motion to favorably forward H.R. 4087, as amended to the Full 
Committee was offered by Rep. Lamborn and was adopted by the 
DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote. On May 11, 2016 an A.N.S. to 
H.R. 3715 was offered by Rep. Titus of Nevada agreed to by the 
DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to favorably forward 
H.R. 3715, as amended to the Full Committee was offered by 
Ranking Member Titus and was adopted by the DAMA Subcommittee 
by voice vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Second Session

The American Legion Washington Conference--Washington, DC

    On February 18, 2016, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs attended Department 
Service Officer training.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Newnan, Georgia

    On February 26, 2016, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted an 
oversight visit at the CACI scanning facility in Newnan, 
Georgia.

Subcommitee Site Visit--Cleveland, Ohio

    On March 7, 2016, to March 10, 2016, Majority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
conducted oversight and file review at the Chicago regional 
office.

National Organization of Veterans' Advocates (NOVA) Conference--Las 
        Vegas, Nevada

    On March 11, 2016, to March 12, 2016, Majority and Minority 
staff of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial 
Affairs participated in the NOVA Conference. Staff attended 
several workshops for veterans' legal advocates, including a 
discussion conducted by the Honorable Judge Alan G. Lance, Sr., 
on practicing before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims 
and an update from VA conducted by Department of Veterans 
Affairs Program Analyst Allison Blaisdell and Chief, Veterans 
Claims Examiner Jacqueline Imboden.

Subcommittee Hearing--Twenty-Five Years After the Persian Gulf War: An 
        Assessment of Veterans Affairs' Disability Claim Process With 
        Respect to Gulf War Illness

    On March 15, 2016, the Subcommittees on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Oversight and 
Investigations met in open session and held an oversight 
hearing to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs handling 
of disability claims filed by Persian Gulf War veterans. On the 
first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Zachary 
Hearn, Deputy Director for Claims, Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Mr. Aleksandr 
Morosky, Deputy Director, National Legislative Service, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars; Mr. Rick Weidman, Executive Director 
for Policy and Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of America; 
Mr. Richard V. Spataro, Director of Training and Publications, 
National Veterans Legal Services Program; and, Mr. David R. 
McLenachen, Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Assistance, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. McLenachen was 
accompanied by Mr. Bradley Flohr, Senior Advisor, Compensation 
Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See, ``Twenty-Five Years After the Persian 
Gulf War: An Assessment of Veterans Affairs' Disability Claim 
Process with Respect to Gulf War Illness,'' Serial No. 114-59.

Appeals Working Group--Department of Veterans Affairs--Washington, DC

    In March 2016, Majority and Minority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
attended several sessions of the Appeals Working Group, which 
focused on reforming VA's appeals process. Participants 
included representatives from the following organizations: the 
Department of Veterans Affairs; The American Legion; AMVETS; 
Disabled American Veterans; Military Officers Association of 
America; National Association of County Veteran Service 
Officers; National Association of State Directors of Veterans 
Affairs; National Organization of Veterans Advocates; National 
Veterans Legal Services Program; Paralyzed Veterans of America; 
Veterans of Foreign Wars; and, Vietnam Veterans of America;

Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims--Washington, DC

    On March 29, 2016, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs observed the oral 
arguments in the case of Robinson v. McDonald.

Thirteenth Judicial Conference of the U.S. Court of Appeals for 
        Veterans Claims--Washington, DC

    On April 14, 2016, to April 15, 2016, Majority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
attended the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Court of Appeals 
for Veterans Claims. Staff attended several sessions including 
Exams, DBQs & Opinions: Comparing Views moderated by Douglas 
Rosinski, Attorney, Office of Douglas J. Rosinski; and 
panelists: Alan Dinesman, M.D., Office of Disability and 
Medical Assessment, Veterans Health Administration, Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Leticia Flores, Ph.D., Associate 
Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee; 
and Bradley Hennings, Board Member, Board of Veterans' Appeals, 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, staff attended 
remarks from Robert A. McDonald, Secretary, Department of 
Veterans Affairs.

Subcommittee Hearing--Investigating VA's Management of Veterans' Paper 
        Records

    On June 15, 2016, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs met in open session and held an oversight 
hearing to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs handling 
of paper records. On the first and only panel, testimony was 
provided by Ms. Beth McCoy, Deputy Under Secretary for Field 
Operations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. Brent 
Arronte, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Audits and 
Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Ms. McCoy was accompanied by Mr. Brad 
Houston, Director, Office of Business Process, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Arronte was accompanied by Ms. Dana 
Sullivan, Director, San Diego Benefits Inspection Division, 
Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See, ``Investigating VA's Management of Veterans' 
Paper Records,'' Serial No. 114-72.

Subcommittee Roundtable Site Visit--Subcommittee on Disability 
        Assistance and Memorial Affairs--Rayville, Louisiana

    On June 20, 2016, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hosted a roundtable 
to discuss the criteria used to award federal grants to help 
establish state veterans cemeteries. Attendees included: Rep. 
Abraham; Rep. Benishek; Mr. George D. Eisenbach, Director, 
Veterans Cemetery Grants Program, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Mr. Howard Orr, Landscape Architect, NCA Cemetery 
Grants Program, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Homer 
Rodgers, Undersecretary, Louisiana Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Mr. Billy Robbins, Director, State Cemeteries 
Division, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Tim 
Johnson, Director, Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery; and, 
Mr. Scott Franklin, representative of the Franklin family. 
Majority and Minority staff of the subcommittee provided 
support to Chairman Abraham and invited participants.

Subcommittee Hearing--TBI Claims: VA's Failure To Provide Adequate 
        Examinations

    On July 13, 2016, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs Affairs met in open session and held an 
oversight hearing on VA's failure to provide adequate 
examinations for traumatic brain injury claims. On the first 
and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Dave McLenachen, 
Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Assistance, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
Mr. McLenachen was accompanied by Ms. Patricia Murray, Chief 
Officer, Office of Disability and Medical Assessment, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
and, Ms. Mary Glenn, Acting Deputy Director, Operations, 
Compensations Services, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``TBI Claims: VA's Failure 
to Provide Adequate Examinations,'' Serial No. 114-76.

Appeals Management Center Site Visit--Washington, DC

    On July 26, 2016, Majority and Minority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
conducted an oversight visit of the Appeals Management Center.

Subcommittee Site Visit--St. Paul, Minnesota

    On August 16, 2016, to August 19, 2016, Majority staff of 
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
conducted oversight and file review at the Chicago regional 
office.

Honor Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee on Arlington National 
        Cemetery--Arlington, VA

    On August 23, 2016, Majority and Minority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
observed the Honor Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee on 
Arlington National Cemetery meeting which discussed the P.L. 
114-158 requirement that the Secretary of the Army submit a 
report to Congress on the current capacity of Arlington 
National Cemetery and make recommendations for legislative 
actions and nonlegislative options the Secretary of the Army 
considers appropriate to extend the life of the cemetery well 
into the future.

         ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

First Session

Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 456; H.R. 473; H.R. 
        474; H.R. 475; H.R. 476; H.R. 643; H.R. 1038; H.R. 1141; H.R. 
        1187; H.R. 1313; H.R. 1382

    On March 24, 2015 the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session and held a legislative hearing on H.R. 456, 
Reducing Barriers for Veterans Education Act of 2015; H.R. 473, 
Increasing the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability to 
Veterans Act of 2015; H.R. 474, Homeless Veterans' 
Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act of 2015; H.R. 475, 
GI Bill Processing Improvement Act of 2015; H.R. 476, GI Bill 
Education Quality Enhancement Act of 2015; H.R. 643, Veterans 
Education Survey Act of 2015; H.R.1038, Ensuring VA Employee 
Accountability Act; H.R. 1141, GI Bill Fairness Act of 2015; 
H.R. 1187, To amend title 38, United States Code, to adjust 
certain limits on the guaranteed amount of a home loan under 
the home loan program of the Department of Veterans Affairs; 
H.R. 1313, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Relief 
Act; H.R. 1382, Boosting Rates of American Veteran Employment 
Act.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by the Honorable 
Patrick Murphy, U.S. House of Representatives, 18th 
Congressional District, Florida.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Aleks 
Morosky, Deputy Director, National Legislative Service, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Mr. Christopher 
Neiweem, Legislative Associate, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans 
of America; Mr. Steve Gonzalez, Assistant Director, National 
Veteran Employment & Education Division, The American Legion; 
Dr. Joseph W. Wescott, President, National Association of State 
Approving Agencies.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by MG Robert M. 
Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, Education Service, Veterans 
Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Mr. Tom Leney, Executive Director, Small and 
Veteran Business Programs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Ms. Kimberly McLeod, Deputy Assistant General 
Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: 
Mr. John Brizzi, Deputy Assistant General Counsel, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Teresa W. Gerton, Deputy 
Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, 
U.S. Department of Labor. See ``Legislative Hearing on H.R. 
456; H.R.473; H.R. 474; H.R. 475; H.R. 476; H.R. 643; H.R. 
1038; H.R. 1141; H.R. 1187; H.R. 1313; H.R. 1382'' Serial No. 
114-12.

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 473, H.R. 475, H.R. 476, H.R. 1382, H.R. 
        456, H.R. 474, H.R. 643, H.R. 1038, H.R. 1141, H.R. 1187, H.R. 
        1313

    On April 15, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met and marked up H.R. 473, the ``Increasing the Department of 
Veterans Affairs Accountability to Veterans Act of 2015'', 
introduced by Chairman Miller of Florida; H.R. 475, the ``GI 
Bill Processing Improvement Act of 2015,'' introduced by Rep. 
Brad Wenstrup of Ohio; H.R. 476, the ``GI Bill Education 
Quality Enhancement Act of 2015,'' introduced by Rep. Brad 
Wenstrup of Ohio; En Bloc H.R. 456, the ``Reducing Barriers for 
Veterans Education Act of 2015,'' introduced by Rep. Patrick 
Murphy of Florida; H.R. 474, the ``Homeless Veterans' 
Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2015,'' introduced 
by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio; H.R. 643, the ``Veterans 
Education Survey Act of 2015,'' introduced by Rep. Gus 
Bilirakis of Florida; H.R. 1038, the ``Ensuring VA Employee 
Accountability Act,'' introduced by Rep. Ryan Costello of 
Pennsylvania; H.R. 1141, the ``GI bill Fairness Act of 2015,'' 
introduced by Rep. Mark Takano of California; H.R. 1187, ``To 
amend title 38, United States Code, to adjust certain limits on 
the guaranteed amount of a home loan under the home loan 
program of the Department of Veterans Affairs,'' introduced by 
Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York; H.R. 1313, the ``Service Disabled 
Veteran Owned Small Business Relief Act,'' introduced by Rep. 
Jerry McNerney of California.
    On April 15, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 473 was offered by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of 
Ohio and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 473, as amended passed 
the EO Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded 
to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 15, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 475 was offered by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of 
Ohio and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 475, as amended passed 
the EO Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded 
to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 15, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 476 was offered by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of 
Ohio and an amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute was offered by Rep. Mark Takano of California. The 
amendment to the A.N.S. to H.R. 476 was voted on by a recorded 
vote and was not adopted by the EO Subcommittee with a roll 
call vote of 4 yeas to 4 nays. The A.N.S. to H.R. 476 offered 
by Rep. Wenstrup was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 476, as 
amended passed the EO Subcommittee by voice vote and was 
favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 15, 2015, the following bills were considered en 
bloc: H.R. 456 introduced by Rep. Murphy, Florida; H.R. 474 
introduced by Rep. Wenstrup, Indiana; H.R. 643 introduced by 
Rep. Bilirakis, Florida; H.R. 1038 introduced by Rep. Costello, 
Pennsylvania; H.R. 1141 introduced by Rep. Takano, California; 
H.R. 1187 introduced by Rep. Zeldin, New York; H.R. 1313 
introduced by Rep. McNerney, California passed the Economic 
Opportunity Subcommittee by voice vote and were favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.

Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 356; H.R. 832; H.R. 
        1994; H.R. 2133; H.R. 2275; H.R. 2344; H.R. 2360; H.R. 2361; 
        and a Draft Bill Entitled, ``To Amend Title 38, United States 
        Code, To Make Certain Modifications and Improvements in the 
        Transfer of Unused Educational Assistance Benefits Under the 
        Post 9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of 
        Veterans Affairs, and for Other Purposes.''

    On June 2, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session and met in open session and held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 356, Wounded Warrior Employment 
Improvement Act; H.R. 832, Veterans Employment and Training 
Service Longitudinal Study Act of 2015; H.R. 1994, VA 
Accountability Act of 2015; H.R. 2133, Servicemembers' Choice 
in Transition Act; H.R. 2275, Jobs for Veterans Act of 2015; 
H.R. 2344, Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment 
Improvement Act of 2015; H.R. 2360, Career-Ready Student 
Veterans Act; H.R. 2361, Work-Study for Student Veterans Act; 
and a draft bill entitled, ``To amend title 38, United States 
Code, to make certain modifications and improvements in the 
transfer of unused educational assistance benefits under the 
Post 9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.''
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Bill Flores, U.S. House of Representatives, 17th Congressional 
District, Texas; The Honorable Paul Cook, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 8th Congressional District, California; The 
Honorable Sean Patrick Maloney, U.S. House of Representatives, 
18th Congressional District, New York.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Paul R. 
Varela Assistant National Legislative Director Disabled 
American Veterans; Mr. Brendon Gehrke Senior Legislative 
Associate National Legislative Service Veterans of Foreign Wars 
of the United States; Mr. Steve Gonzalez Assistant Director 
Veterans Employment and Education Division The American Legion; 
Mr. David Borer General Counsel American Federation of 
Government Employees, AFL-CIO; Mr. Christopher Neiweem 
Legislative Associate Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; 
Mr. Rick Weidman Executive Director Government Affairs Vietnam 
Veterans of America.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Curtis L. 
Coy Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity Veterans 
Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Ms. Cathy Mitrano Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for the Office of Resource Management Human Resources and 
Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Teresa 
W. Gerton Acting Assistant Secretary Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service U.S. Department of Labor; Dr. Susan S. Kelly 
Director Transition to Veterans Program Office Office of the 
Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness U.S. 
Department of Defense. See ``Legislative Hearing on H.R. 356; 
H.R. 832; H.R. 1994; H.R. 2133; H.R. 2275; H.R. 2344; H.R. 
2360; H.R. 2361; and a draft bill entitled, `To amend title 38, 
United States Code, to make certain modifications and 
improvements in the transfer of unused educational assistance 
benefits under the Post 9/11 Educational Assistance Program of 
the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.''' 
Serial No. 114-23.

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 1994; H.R. 2344; H.R 2360; H.R. 356; H.R. 
        832; H.R. 2275; and H.R. 2361

    On June 25, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met and marked up H.R. 1994, the ``VA Accountability Act of 
2015, introduced by Chairman Miller of Florida; H.R. 2344, the 
``Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Act of 
2015'', introduced by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio; H.R. 2360, 
the ``Career-Ready Student Veterans Act,'' introduced by Rep. 
Mark Takano of California; En Bloc H.R. 356, the ``Wounded 
Warriors Employment Improvement Act'' introduced by Rep. Sean 
Patrick Maloney of New York; H.R. 832, the ``Veterans 
Employment and Training Service Longitudinal Act of 2015'' 
introduced by Rep. Paul Cook of California; H.R. 2275, the 
``Jobs for Veterans Act of 2015'' introduced by Rep. Jeff 
Miller of Florida; H.R. 2361, the ``Work-Study for Student 
Veterans Act'' introduced by Rep. Mark Takano of California.
    On June 25, 2015, an Amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1994 was offered by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of 
Ohio and was voted on by a recorded vote with 5 yeas to 4 nays, 
and was adopted by the EO Subcommittee. A Substitute to the 
Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 1994 was 
offered by Rep. Mark Takano of California and was voted on by a 
recorded vote with 5 nays to 4 yeas, and was not adopted by the 
EO Subcommittee. An Amendment to the Amendment in the nature of 
a substitute to H.R. 1994 was offered by Rep. Kathleen Rice of 
New York and was voted on by a recorded vote with 5 nays to 4 
yeas, and was not adopted by the EO Subcommittee. H.R. 1994, as 
amended passed the EO Subcommittee by voice vote and was 
favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On June 25, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 2344 was offered by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of 
Ohio and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 2344, as amended 
passed the EO Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On June 25, 2015, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 42360 was offered by Rep. Mark Takano of 
California and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 2360, as amended 
passed the EO Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On June 25, 2015, the bills were considered en bloc (H.R. 
356, introduced by Rep. Maloney, New York; H.R. 832, introduced 
by Rep. Cook, California; H.R. 2275, introduced by Rep. Miller, 
Florida; H.R. 2361, introduced by Rep. Takano, California) 
passed the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee by voice vote and 
were favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

First Session

Subcommittee Hearing--A Review of the Transition Assistance Program 
        (TAP)

    On January 27, 2015 the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session and met in open session and 
held a hearing to examine and review the Transition Assistance 
Program.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Davy 
Leghorn, Assistant Director The Veteran Education and 
Employment Commission, The American Legion; Mr. Ryan M. 
Gallucci, Deputy Director National Veterans Service Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States; Ms. Valrica Marshall 
Dunmyer, Chief of Staff and Chief Financial Officer Student 
Veterans of America; Colonel David W. Sutherland, U.S. Army 
(Ret.) Chairman and Co-Founder Easter Seals Dixon Center.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Curtis 
L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity 
Veterans Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Ms. Teresa W. Gerton, Deputy Assistant Secretary 
Veterans' Employment and Training Service U.S. Department of 
Labor; Dr. Susan Kelly, Director Transition to Veterans Program 
Office, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel 
and Readiness Department of Defense. See ``A Review of the 
Transition Assistance Program (TAP),'' Serial No. 114-4.

Subcommittee Hearing--A Review of the President's Fiscal Year 2016 
        Budget Request for the Department of Labor's Veteran Employment 
        and Training Service (VETS)

    On February 12, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session and met in open session and 
held a hearing to review and examine the President's Fiscal 
Year 2016 Budget request for the Department of Labor's veteran 
employment and training services.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Teresa W. 
Gerton, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Davy G. 
Leghorn, Assistant Director, The Veteran Education and 
Employment Commission, The American Legion; Mr. Rick Weidman, 
Executive Director, Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of 
America; Mr. Paul R. Varela, Assistant National Legislative 
Director, Disabled American Veterans. See ``A Review of the 
President's Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Request for the Department 
of Labor's Veteran Employment and Training Service (VETS),'' 
Serial No. 114-8.

Subcommittee Hearing--A Review of Higher Education Opportunities for 
        the Newest Generation of Veterans

    On March 17, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session and held a hearing to assess and review the 
higher education opportunities for the newest generation of 
veterans.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Terence 
Harrison, Manager, Veterans Programs and Services, The 
University of Cincinnati; Mr. Raymond C. Kelley, Director, 
National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States; Mr. Christopher Neiweem, Legislative Associate, 
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Mr. Marc A. Barker, 
President, National Association of Veterans' Program 
Administrators; Trustee William Withrow, Board of Trustees, 
Peralta Community College District.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by MG Robert M. 
Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, Education Service, Veterans 
Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
See ``A Review of Higher Education Opportunities for the Newest 
Generation of Veterans,'' Serial No. 114-10.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Louisville, KY

    On March 30, 2015-April 3, 2015, the Staff Director and the 
Legislative Aide of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
travelled to Louisville, KY to attend a Transition Assistance 
Program (TAP) training course hosted by the United States Army 
and the Army's Soldier for Life program. The purpose of 
attending the course was to learn what the Army is doing to 
properly transition their servicemembers out of active duty 
service into the civilian world. They also had the opportunity 
to speak with various individuals who administer TAP classes 
worldwide and receive feedback on how to improve the program 
for future transitioning servicemembers. Staff from HVAC 
Minority and SVAC Majority and Minority also attended the site 
visit and TAP course.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--To Review the Recommendations Made 
        in the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization 
        Commission

    On April 22, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
hosted a bi-partisan roundtable discussion to discuss the 
recommendations made regarding the G.I. Bill in the Military 
Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission's final 
report. Members of the subcommittee attended the roundtable, as 
did the following: The Honorable Alphonso Maldon, Jr., 
Chairman, Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization 
Commission; Senator Larry Pressler, Commissioner, Military 
Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission; 
Congressman Steve Buyer, Commissioner, Military Compensation 
and Retirement Modernization Commission; Congressman 
Christopher Carney, Commissioner, Military Compensation and 
Retirement Modernization Commission; Mr. Michael Higgins, 
Commissioner, Military Compensation and Retirement 
Modernization Commission; Dr. Dov Zakheim, Commissioner, 
Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission; 
Mr. Steve Gonzalez, Assistant Director, National Veteran 
Employment & Education Division, The American Legion; Mr. 
Brendon Gehrke, Senior Legislative Associate, Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States; Mr. Walter Tillman, Director 
of Programs, Student Veterans of America; Mr. Shaun Rieley, 
Outreach and Research Analyst, Concerned Veterans for America; 
Ms. Susan Lucas, Legislative Director, Reserve Officers 
Association; Mr. Chris Neiweem, Legislative Associate, Iraq and 
Afghanistan Veterans of America; and Mr. Rick Weidman, 
Executive Director, Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of 
America.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Issues With the Cap on Flight 
        Schools for G.I. Bill Funding

    On May 8, 2015, the Staff Director for the Subcommittee on 
Economic Opportunity attended an informal roundtable in 
Washington, D.C. at the headquarters for the Helicopter 
Association International (HAI). The roundtable was an 
opportunity for various flight and helicopter schools who 
belong to HAI to voice their concerns with placing a cap on 
flight school training for GI Bill benefits that was included 
in H.R. 476, introduced by Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and later 
was included in H.R. 3016 and passed out of the Committee. The 
Staff Director of the Subcommittee spoke with the attendees and 
discussed alternative caps on flight training programs, as well 
as provided an update on the bill and where it would move going 
forward.

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

    On July 8, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session and held a hearing to assess and review the 
VA's vocational rehabilitation and employment program.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Paul R. 
Varela, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Ms. Heather Ansley, Associate General 
Counsel for Corporate and Government Relations, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America; Mr. Ross A. Meglathery, MPA, Director of 
VetsFirst, United Spinal Association.
    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; Mr. Ralph Charlip, Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Operations and Management, Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service, U.S. Department Of Labor. See ``A Review of 
VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program,'' Serial 
No. 114-30.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Indianapolis, IN

    On August 18, 2015, the Staff Director for the Subcommittee 
on Economic Opportunity travelled to Indianapolis, IN 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.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Consortium for Citizens With 
        Disabilities Veterans and Military Families Task Force.

    On September 10, 2015, the Staff Director for the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity attended a roundtable 
discussion in Washington D.C. with the Consortium for Citizens 
with Disabilities Veterans and Military Families Task Force. 
The roundtable was an opportunity to discuss issues and 
legislation relating to veterans' employment, VR&E, and 
adaptive housing. Veterans groups attended the roundtable as 
well as other stakeholders in the veterans community who deal 
with employment and transition issues for veterans.

Subcommittee Hearing--A Review of Licensing and Credentialing Standards 
        for Servicemembers and Veterans: Do Barriers Still Remain?

    On September 10, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session and held a hearing to examine 
and review the licensing and credentialing standards for 
servicemembers and veterans, determining whether barriers still 
remain.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Steve 
Gonzalez, Assistant Director National Veterans Employment & 
Education Division, The American Legion; Dr. Roy Swift,, 
Executive Director Workcred, an affiliate of the American 
National Standards Institute (ANSI); Mr. Jamie P. Merisotis, 
President Lumina Foundation; Ms. Denise Roosendaal,l Executive 
Director Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE).
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Teresa 
W. Gerton, Acting Assistant Secretary Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor; Mr. Frank C. 
DiGiovanni, Director Force Readiness and Training, U.S. 
Department of Defense; Mr. David Quam, Deputy Director, Policy 
National Governors Association. See ``A Review of Licensing and 
Credentialing Standards for Servicemembers and Veterans: Do 
Barriers Still Remain,'' Serial No. 114-36.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Advisory Committee on Education

    On October 21, 2015, the Staff Director for the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, attended a roundtable 
discussion in Washington, D.C. with the Advisory Committee on 
Education and provided an update to the attendees on current 
legislation that would make improvements to the GI Bill and 
other education assistance programs administered by VA. The 
Staff Director of the Subcommittee was accompanied at the 
roundtable by staff from SVAC Majority.

Subcommittee Hearing--A Review of VA's Vetsuccess on Campus Program

    On October 22, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session and held a hearing to examine 
and review the VA's VetSuccess on campus program.
    On the first panel testimony was provided by Mr. Terence 
Harrison, Manager Veterans Programs and Services, University of 
Cincinnati; Dr. Lawrence A. Braue, LTC (USA, Ret.), Director 
Office of Veterans Services, University of South Florida; Mr. 
William Hubbard, Vice President of Government Affairs, Student 
Veterans of America; Mr. Ryan Kaufman, Nebraska Veteran Team 
Leader, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
    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 VA's VetSuccess on Campus 
Program,'' Serial No. 114-40.

Subcommittee Hearing--Examining VA's Information Technology Systems 
        that Provide Economic Opportunities for Veterans

    On November 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session and held a hearing to examine 
the economic opportunities for veterans from the VA's 
information technology systems.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Davy 
Leghorn, Assistant Director, National Veterans Employment & 
Education Division, The American Legion; Mr. William Hubbard, 
Vice President of Government Affairs, Student Veterans of 
America.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Curtis 
L. Coy Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity Veterans 
Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Mr. Jack Kammerer Director, Vocational 
Rehabilitation and Employment Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: MG Robert M. Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, 
Education Service Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Mr. Steven 
Schliesman, Assistant Deputy Chief Information Officer, Office 
of Information & Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See ``Examining VA's Information Technology Systems 
that Provide Economic Opportunities for Veterans,'' Serial No. 
114-42.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Advisory Committee on Readjustment 
        for Veterans

    On November 6, 2015, the Staff Director for the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity attended a roundtable 
discussion in Washington, D.C. with the Advisory Committee on 
Readjustment for Veterans. The discussion was focused around 
programs to assist transitioning servicemembers readjust from 
active duty military life to the civilian sector. The Staff 
Director of the Subcommittee was accompanied at the roundtable 
by staff from HVAC Minority and staff from SVAC Majority and 
Minority staff.

Subcommittee Hearing--Examining VA's On-The-Job Training and 
        Apprenticeship Program

    On November 18, 2015, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session to conduct a hearing reviewing 
the on-the-job training and apprenticeship program.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Andrew Sherrill, Director Education, Workforce, and Income 
Security, U.S. Government Accountability Office; Dr. Joseph W. 
Wescott, Legislative Director, National Association of State 
Approving Agencies; MG Robert M. Worley II USAF (Ret.), 
Director, Education Service, Veterans Benefit Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. Eric Seleznow, 
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training 
Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. See ``Examining VA's 
On-The-Job Training and Apprenticeship Program,'' Serial No. 
114-46.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Assessing How To Improve 
        Recruitment, Retention, and Hiring Practices Across VA

    On December 2, 2015, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Economic Opportunity attended and hosted a roundtable 
discussion, along with Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Health, entitled, ``Assessing How to Improve Recruitment, 
Retention, and Hiring Practices across VA.'' Those who attended 
the roundtable discussion included: Samuel B. Retherford, 
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Human Resources 
and Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Melody 
Mikutowski, Acting Chief Consultant, Office of Human Resources 
Management, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Denni Woodmansee, Director of Physician 
Assistant Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Marilyn Park, Legislative 
Representative, American Federation of Government Employees; 
Mike Rosenblatt, Legislative Representative, American 
Federation of Government Employees; Max Stier, President and 
Chief Executive Officer, Partnership for Public Service; 
Kristine Simmons, Vice President of Government Affairs, 
Partnership for Public Service; Samuel Spagnolo M.D., 
President, National Association of VA Physicians and Dentists; 
Scot Burroughs, Board Member, Veterans Affairs Physician 
Assistant Association; Larry Lemos, President, Nurses 
Organization of Veterans Affairs ; Travis Singleton, Senior 
Vice President, Merritt Hawkins; Sean Ebner, President, Staff 
Care; Ed Lilley, Team Leader for Health Policy, Veterans 
Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Matt 
Shuman, Assistant Director, Legislative Division, The American 
Legion; Sarah Dean, Associate Legislative Director, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America; Heather Ansley, Associate General Counsel, 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Shurhonda Love, Assistant 
National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; 
Carlos Fuentes, Senior Legislative Associate, Veterans of 
Foreign Wars; Rick Weidman, Executive Director for Policy and 
Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of America.

         ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITES

Second Session

Joint Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on Draft Legislation To 
        Improve the Authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs To 
        Hire and Retain Physicians and Other Employees of the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs

    On Wednesday, March, 16, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health 
and the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity conducted, in open 
session, a legislative hearing on draft legislation to improve 
the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to hire and 
retain physicians and other employees of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Max Stier, 
President and Chief Executive Officer, on behalf of Partnership 
for Public Service; Roscoe G. Butler, Deputy Director of Health 
Care, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, on 
behalf of The American Legion; Carlos Fuentes, Senior 
Legislative Associate, on behalf of Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States; Carolyn Clancy M.D., Deputy Under Secretary 
for Health for Organizational Excellence, Veterans Health 
Administration, on behalf of U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Dr. Clancy was accompanied by Elias Hernandez, Chief 
Officer, Workforce Management and Consulting, Veterans Health 
Administration, on behalf of U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See, ``Legislative Hearing on draft legislation to 
improve the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
hire and retain physicians and other employees of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs,'' Serial No. 114-60.

Subcommittee Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 748; H.R. 2551; H.R. 
        3286; H.R. 3419; H.R. 4138; A Draft Bill Entitled, ``To Make 
        Certain Improvements in the Laws Administered by the Secretary 
        of Veterans Affairs Relating to Educational Assistance, and for 
        Other Purposes;'' A Draft Bill Entitled, the ``Veterans Success 
        on Campus Act of 2016;'' A Draft Bill Entitled, the ``GI Bill 
        Oversight Act of 2016;'' and a Draft Bill Entitled, ``To Direct 
        the Secretary of Labor to Carry Out a Research Program to 
        Evaluate the Effectiveness of Transition Assistance Program in 
        Addressing Needs of Certain Minority Veterans.''

    On April 14, 2016, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session and held a legislative hearing on the H.R. 
748, GI Bill STEM Extension Act of 2015; H.R. 2551, Veterans' 
Entry to Apprenticeship Act; H.R. 3286, Veterans' Entry to 
Apprenticeship Act; H.R. 3419, Support for Student Veterans 
with Families Act; H.R. 4138, To authorize the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to recoup relocation expenses paid to or on 
behalf of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs; a 
draft bill entitled, ``To make certain improvements in the laws 
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs relating to 
educational assistance, and for other purposes;'' a draft bill 
entitled, the ``Veterans Success on Campus Act of 2016;'' a 
draft bill entitled, the ``GI Bill Oversight Act of 2016;'' and 
a draft bill entitled, ``To direct the Secretary of Labor to 
carry out a research program to evaluate the effectiveness of 
Transition Assistance Program in addressing needs of certain 
minority veterans.''
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by the Honorable 
David McKinley, U.S. House of Representatives, 1st 
Congressional District, West Virginia; the Honorable Paul Cook 
U.S. House of Representatives, 8th Congressional District, 
California, and the Honorable Martha McSally, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 2nd Congressional District, Arizona.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Curtis 
L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity with 
the Veterans Benefits Administration at the U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Mr. Coy was accompanied by Ms. Carin Otero, 
Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for HR Policy and Planning 
in the Office of Human Resources and Administration at the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Sam Shellenberger, Deputy 
Assistant Secretary for Operations with the Veterans' 
Employment and Training Service at the U.S. Department of Labor 
also provided testimony.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Davy 
Leghorn, Assistant Director, Veterans Employment and Education 
Division, The American Legion; Dr. Joseph W. Wescott, 
Legislative Director at the National Association of State 
Approving Agencies; Mr. Walter Ochinko, Policy Director with 
the Veterans Education Success; Mr. Jared Lyon, President & CEO 
with Student Veterans of America; and Mr. Aleks Morosky, Deputy 
Director of National Legislative Service for the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States.
    A statement for the record was provided by Office of 
Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
See Legislative Hearing on H.R. 748; H.R. 2551; H.R. 3286; H.R. 
3419; H.R. 4138; a draft bill entitled, ``To make certain 
improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs relating to educational assistance, and for 
other purposes;'' a draft bill entitled, the ``Veterans Success 
on Campus Act of 2016;'' a draft bill entitled, the ``GI Bill 
Oversight Act of 2016;'' and a draft bill entitled, ``To direct 
the Secretary of Labor to carry out a research program to 
evaluate the effectiveness of Transition Assistance Program in 
addressing needs of certain minority veterans.'' Serial No. 
114-64.

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 3286; H.R. 4138; H.R. 5174; H.R. 5175; H.R. 
        5176; and H.R. 5178

    On May 11, 2016 the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met and marked up H.R. 3286, the ``HIRE Vets Act,'' introduced 
by Rep. Paul Cook of California; H.R. 4138, ``To authorize the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recoup relocation expenses 
paid to or on behalf of employees of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs,'' introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller of Florida; H.R. 
5174, the ``Veterans Education Enhancement Act of 2016,'' 
introduced by Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen of American 
Samoa; H.R. 5175, the ``GI Bill Oversight Act of 2016,'' 
introduced by Rep. Mark Takano of California; H.R. 5176, the 
``Success for All Veterans in Transition Act,'' introduced by 
Rep. Mark Takano of California; and H.R. 5178, the ``Veterans 
Success on Campus Act of 2016,'' introduced by Rep. Brad 
Wenstrup of Ohio.
    On May 11, 2016 an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R.3286 was offered by Rep. Wenstrup of Ohio. The amendment 
in the nature of a substitute was agreed to by the EO 
Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 
3286, as amended to the Full Committee was offered by Ranking 
Member Takano of California and was adopted by the EO 
Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On May 11, 2016 H.R. 4138 passed the EO Subcommittee by a 
recorded vote of 5 yeas to 3 noes. A motion to favorably 
forward H.R. 4138 to the Full Committee was offered by Rep. 
Zeldin of New York and was adopted by the EO Subcommittee by a 
voice vote.
    On May 11, 2016 an amendment to H.R.5174 was offered by 
Rep. Takano of California; The amendment was not agreed to by 
the EO Subcommittee by voice vote; an additional amendment to 
H.R. 5174, was offered by Rep. Takano of California; the 
amendment was agreed to by the EO Subcommittee by voice vote; a 
motion to favorably forward H.R. 5174, as amended to the Full 
Committee was offered by Ranking Member Takano of California 
and was adopted by the EO Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On May 11, 2016, H.R. 5175 and H.R. 5178 were considered by 
the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity en bloc. Both H.R. 
5175 and H.R. 5178 passed the EO Subcommittee by voice vote and 
a motion to favorably forward H.R.5175; and H.R. 5178 to the 
Full Committee was offered by Ranking Member Takano of 
California and were adopted by the EO Subcommittee by voice 
vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Subcommittee Site Visit--Orlando, FL

    On January 9-10, 2016, Staff Director of the Subcommittee 
on Economic Opportunity travelled to Orlando, FL with the 
Chairman to attend the Student Veterans of America annual 
conference and conduct oversight of VA's administration of 
education benefits.

Subcommittee Hearing--Finding Solutions FOR Veteran Homelessness in 
        Southern California

    On January 20, 2016 the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session and held an oversight field 
hearing at the Riverside Community College in Riverside, CA to 
discuss solutions for veterans' homelessness in Southern 
California.
    Testimony was provided by Mr. Emilio Ramirez, Development 
Director, City of Riverside; Ms. Carrie Harmon, Principal 
Development Specialist, County of Riverside; Mr. Stephen Peck, 
President & CEO, U.S.VETS; Mr. Son Nguyen Co-founder & 
President, Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals; 
and Mr. Jose Rivera, Student of the University of California, 
Riverside. See ``Finding Solutions for Veteran Homelessness in 
Southern California,'' Serial No. 114-50.

Subcommittee Hearing--A Review of VA's Loan Guaranty and Specially 
        Adaptive Housing Grant Programs (SAH)

    On February 10, 2016, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session and held a hearing to review 
and examine the Department of Veterans Affairs' Loan Guaranty 
and Specially Adaptive Housing programs and how these benefits 
are being administered.
    Testimony was provided by Ms. Heather Ansley, Associate 
General Counsel for Corporate and Government Relations, 
Paralyzed Veterans of America: Mr. Ross A. Meglathery, 
Director, VetsFirst; Mr. James H. Danis II, President of 
Residential Mortgage Corporation on behalf of the Mortgage 
Bankers Association; Ms. Sherri Meadows, Vice President, 
National Association of Realtors; and Mr. Mike Frueh, Director, 
Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``A Review of VA's Loan 
Guaranty and Specially Adaptive Housing Grant Programs (SAH),'' 
Serial No. 114-54.

Subcommittee Field Hearing--Best Practices in Veteran Hiring

    On February 19, 2016, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session and held an oversight field 
hearing at the Anderson Township Civic Center in Cincinnati, OH 
to discuss how to best recruit and retain veterans in civilian 
jobs and to highlight several local businesses who are hiring 
veterans.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Sergeant 
Dominic F. Gulliford, Recruiting & Background, Cincinnati 
Police Department; Mr. John Sapp, Executive Director, GE 
Aviation; Ms. Stephanie Huff, Chief Human Resources Officer, 
HELP Heating and Air Conditioning; and Mr. Jeff Carper, 
Executive Sales Director, Total Quality Logistics.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Matt 
Disher, Military Recruiting Program Manager, Cintas; Mr. Dan 
Knowles, President & CEO, Tristate Veterans Community Alliance; 
and Mr. Chris Newsome, Director of Strategy Development, 
RecruitMilitary. See ``Best Practices in Veteran Hiring.'' 
Serial No. 114-56.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Veteran Job Fair, Cincinnati, OH

    On February 19, 2016, following the Subcommittee on 
Economic Opportunity oversight field hearing entitled, ``Best 
Practices in Veteran Hiring,'' the Majority and Minority Staffs 
of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity attended 
subcommittee and Rep. Brad Wenstrup helped to host a job fair 
for veterans at the Anderson Township Civic Center in 
Cincinnati Ohio which was hosted by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio. 
National and local companies participated in the job fair and 
gave veterans the opportunity to connect with and speak with 
employers.

Subcommittee Hearing--A Review of Veterans Preference in Federal 
        Government Hiring

    On April 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session and held an oversight hearing to examine 
veterans' preference in Federal hiring.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: The 
Honorable Michael H. Michaud, Assistant Secretary, Veterans' 
Employment and Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor; Ms. 
Carin M. Otero, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for HR 
Policy and Planning, Office of Human Resources and 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. 
Mark D. Reinhold, Associate Director for Employee Services, 
U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Mr. Aleks 
Morosky, Deputy Director, National Legislative Service, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Mr. Daniel P. 
Smith, Assistant Director, Veterans Employment & Education 
Division, The American Legion; and Mr. Rick Weidman, Executive 
Director, Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of America. See, 
``A Review of Veterans Preference in Federal Government 
Hiring,'' Serial No. 114-67.

Subcommittee Hearing--Veterans in Tech: Innovative Careers for All 
        Generations of Veterans

    On May 17, 2016, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session and held an oversight hearing to discuss 
the advantages of recruiting and hiring veterans of all ages in 
the information and technology industry.
    Testimony was provided by the following: Mr. Bernard 
Bergan, Technical Account Manager, Microsoft; Mr. Brian 
Huseman, Vice President, Public Policy, Amazon; Vice Admiral 
Joseph Kernan, Chairman, NS2 Serves; and Mr. Todd Bowers, 
Director, UberMILITARY, Uber. See ``Veterans in Tech: 
Innovative Careers for All Generations of Veterans,'' Serial 
No. 114-69.

Subcommittee Hearing--Examining 21st Century Programs and Strategies 
        for Veteran Job Seekers

    On June 15, 2016, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session and held an oversight hearing to examine 
how veterans are finding jobs in the civilian sector.
    Testimony was provided by the following: The Honorable 
Michael H. Michaud, Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment 
and Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor; Mr. Eric 
Eversole, President, Hiring Our Heroes, U.S. Chamber of 
Commerce Foundation; Mr. Terry D. Howell, Senior Director, 
Military.com; Mr. LeRoy Acosta, Assistant National Legislative 
Director, Disabled American Veterans; and Mr. Greg Call, Head 
of Veterans Program, LinkedIn. See ``Examining 21st Century 
Programs and Strategies for Veteran Job Seekers,'' Serial No. 
114-73.

Subcommittee Site Visit--St. Paul, MN

    On August 17-18, 2016, the Majority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity travelled to St. Paul, MN 
to conduct an oversight visit of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs Regional Benefit Office. During this visit, Majority 
staff met with staff of the Regional Loan Center, the Debt 
Management Center, and the Committee on Waivers all of which 
are located at the Regional Benefit Office.

Subcommittee Site Visit--New Orleans, LA

    On August 23-24, 2016, the Majority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity travelled to New Orleans, 
LA 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.

Subcommittee Site Visit--San Diego, CA

    On October 11-12, 2016, the Professional Staff Member of 
the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity travelled to San 
Diego, CA to conduct oversight of VA's education programs and 
to participate on the legislative panel at the National 
Association of Veterans' Program Administrators' (NAVPA) annual 
conference.

Subcommittee Site Visit--Muskogee, OK

    On October 24-25, 2016, the Majority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity travelled to Muskogee, OK 
to conduct an oversight visit of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs Regional Benefit Office. During this visit, Majority 
staff met with the Director of the Regional Benefit Office as 
well as other staff from the leadership team. The Majority 
staff also visited the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment 
offices, the Education Call Center, and the Regional Processing 
Office all of which are located at the Regional Benefit Office.

                ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

First Session

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on: Draft 
        Legislation To Improve Reproductive Treatment Provided to 
        Certain Disabled Veterans; Draft Legislation To Direct the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) To Submit an Annual Report 
        on the Veterans Health Administration; H.R. 271; H.R. 627; H.R. 
        1369; H.R. 1575; and, H.R. 1769

    On April 23, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct a legislative hearing on: draft legislation 
to improve reproductive treatment provided to certain disabled 
veterans; draft legislation to direct the Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit an annual report on the 
Veterans Health Administration; H.R. 271, the COVER Act; H.R. 
627, to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the 
definition of homeless veteran for purposes of benefits under 
the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; 
H.R. 1369, the Veterans Access to Extended Care Act of 2015; 
H.R. 1575, the Veterans Access to Extended Care Act of 2015; 
and, H.R. 1769, the Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Gus Bilirakis, U.S. House of Representatives, 12th 
Congressional District of Florida; the Honorable Janice Hahn, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 44th Congressional District of 
California; and, the Honorable Jackie Walorski, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 2nd Congressional District of Indiana.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Blake 
Ortner, Deputy Government Relations Director, Paralyzed Veteran 
of America; Louis J. Celli Jr., Director, National Veterans 
Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; John 
Rowan, National President, Vietnam Veterans of America; and, 
Adrian Atizado, Assistant National Legislative Director, 
Disabled American Veterans.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by: Rajiv Jain, 
M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Patient 
Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Janet Murphy, Acting 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and 
Management, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Jennifer Gray, Attorney, 
Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See ``Legislative Hearing on: Draft legislation to 
improve reproductive treatment provided to certain disabled 
veterans; Draft legislation to direct the Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit an annual report on the 
Veterans Health Administration; H.R. 271; H.R. 627; H.R. 1369; 
H.R. 1575; and, H.R. 1769,'' Serial No. 114-17.

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 271, H.R. 627, H.R. 1575, H.R. 1769, and 
        H.R. 2256

    On May 15, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met and marked 
up H.R. 271, the COVER Act, introduced by Rep. Bilirakis of 
Florida; H.R. 627, to expand the definition of homeless veteran 
for purposes of benefits under the laws administered by the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, introduced by Rep. Janice Hahn 
of California; H.R. 1575, to make permanent the pilot program 
on counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly 
separated from service in the Armed Forces, introduced by Rep. 
Corrine Brown of Florida; H.R. 1769, the Toxic Exposure 
Research Act of 2015, introduced by Rep. Dan Benishek of 
Michigan; and, H.R. 2256, the Veterans Information 
Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Dan Benishek of Michigan.
    On May 15, 2015, H.R. 271 passed the Health Subcommittee by 
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by 
voice vote.
    On May 15, 2015, H.R. 627 passed the Health Subcommittee by 
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by 
voice vote.
    On May 15, 2015, H.R. 1575 passed the Health Subcommittee 
by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee 
by voice vote.
    On May 15, 2015, H.R. 1769 passed the Health Subcommittee 
by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee 
by voice vote.
    On May 15, 2015, H.R. 2256 passed the Health Subcommittee 
by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee 
by voice vote.

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 272; 
        H.R. 353; H.R. 359; H.R. 421; H.R. 423; H.R. 1356; H.R. 1688; 
        H.R. 1862; H.R. 2464; H.R. 2914; H.R. 2915; H.R. 3016; and, 
        Draft Legislation To Authorize VA Major Medical Facility 
        Construction Projects for FY 2015 and To Make Certain 
        Improvements in the Administration of VA Medical Facility 
        Construction Projects

    On July 14, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct a legislative hearing on: H.R. 272, the 
Medal of Honor Priority Care Act; H.R. 353, the Veterans' 
Access to Hearing Health Act of 2015; H.R. 359, the Veterans 
Dog Training Therapy Act; H.R. 421, the Classified Veterans 
Access to Care Act; H.R. 423, the Newborn Care Improvement Act; 
H.R. 1356, the Women Veterans Access to Quality Care Act of 
2015; H.R. 1688, to amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014 to designate 20 graduate medical 
education residency positions specifically for the study of 
optometry; H.R. 1862, the Veterans' Credit Protection Act; H.R. 
2464, the Demanding Accountability for Veterans Act of 2015; 
H.R. 2914, the Build a Better VA Act; H.R. 2915, the Female 
Veteran Suicide Prevention Act; H.R. 3016, the VA Provider 
Equity Act; and, draft legislation to authorize VA major 
medical facility construction projects for FY 2015 and to make 
certain improvements in the administration of VA medical 
facility construction projects.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Tim Walberg, U.S. House of Representatives, 7th 
Congressional District of Michigan; the Honorable Sean Duffy, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 7th Congressional District of 
Wisconsin; the Honorable Steve Stivers, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 15th Congressional District of Ohio; the 
Honorable Kyrsten Sinema, U.S. House of Representatives, 9th 
Congressional District, Arizona; the Honorable Doug Collins, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 9th Congressional District of 
Georgia; the Honorable Mike Coffman, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 6th Congressional District of Colorado; the 
Honorable Jeff Denham, U.S. House of Representatives, 10th 
Congressional District of California; the Honorable Charles 
Boustany, U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd Congressional 
District of Louisiana; and, the Honorable Brad Wenstrup, U.S. 
House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional District of Ohio.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Ian de 
Planque, Legislative Director, The American Legion; Adrian 
Atizado, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; and, Carlos Fuentes, Senior Legislative 
Associate, National Legislative Service Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by: 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; Janet P. Murphy, M.B.A., Acting 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and 
Management, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Jessica Tanner, General 
Attorney Office of General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See ``Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 272; H.R. 353; H.R. 
359; H.R. 421; H.R. 423; H.R. 1356; H.R. 1688; H.R. 1862; H.R. 
2464; H.R. 2914; H.R. 2915; H.R. 3016; and, draft legislation 
to authorize VA major medical facility construction projects 
for FY 2015 and to make certain improvements in the 
administration of VA medical facility construction projects,'' 
Serial No. 114-31.

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 272, H.R. 359, H.R. 421, H.R. 423, H.R. 
        1862, H.R. 2464, H.R. 2915, H.R. 3016, and H.R. 3106

    On July 22, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met and marked 
up H.R. 421, the Classified Veterans Access to Care Act, 
introduced by Rep. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona; H.R. 3106, the 
Construction Reform Act of 2015, introduced by Chairman Jeff 
Miller of Florida; En Block H.R. 272, the Medal of Honor 
Priority Care Act introduced by Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan; 
H.R. 359, the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act, introduced by 
Rep. Steve Stivers of Ohio; H.R. 423, the Newborn Care 
Improvement Act, introduced by Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia; 
H.R. 1862, the Veterans' Credit Protection Act, introduced by 
Rep. Charles Boustany of Louisiana; H.R. 2464, the Demanding 
Accountability for Veterans Act, introduced by Rep. Dan 
Benishek of Michigan; H.R. 2915, the Female Veteran Suicide 
Prevention Act, introduced by Rep. Julia Brownley of 
California; H.R. 3016, the VA Provider Equity Act, introduced 
by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio.
    On July 22, 2015, an amendment to H.R. 421 was offered by 
Rep. Julia Brownley of California and was adopted by the Health 
Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 421, as amended, passed the 
Health Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded to the Full 
Committee by voice vote.
    On July 22, 2015, an amendment to H.R. 3106 was offered by 
Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado and was adopted by the Health 
Subcommittee by voice vote. H.R. 3106, as amended, passed the 
Health Subcommittee and was favorably forwarded to the Full 
Committee by voice vote.
    On July 22, 2015, the following bills were considered en 
bloc and passed the Health Subcommittee by voice vote and were 
favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote:
    H.R. 272, the Medal of Honor Priority Care Act (Rep. Tim 
Walberg of Michigan); H.R. 359, the Veterans Dog Training 
Therapy Act (Rep. Steve Stivers of Ohio); H.R. 423, the Newborn 
Care Improvement Act (Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia); H.R. 1862, 
the Veterans' Credit Protection Act (Rep. Charles Boustany of 
Louisiana); H.R. 2464, the Demanding Accountability for 
Veterans Act (Rep. Dan Benishek of Michigan); H.R. 2915, the 
Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act (Rep. Julia Brownley of 
California); and, H.R. 3016, the VA Provider Equity Act (Rep. 
Brad Wenstrup of Ohio).

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 1319; 
        H.R. 1603; H.R. 1904; H.R. 2639; H.R. 3234; H.R. 3471; H.R. 
        3549; Draft Legislation, the Promoting Responsible Opioid 
        Management and Incorporating Medical Expertise Act; and, a VA 
        Legislative Proposal, the VA Purchased Health Care Streamlining 
        and Modernization Act

    On November 17, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in 
open session to conduct a legislative hearing on: H.R. 1319, 
the Ask Veterans Act; H.R. 1603, the Military Sexual Assault 
Victims Empowerment Act; H.R. 1904, the Wounded Warrior 
Workforce Enhancement Act; H.R. 2639, the Marriage and Family 
Therapists for Veterans Act; H.R. 3234, the Failing VA Medical 
Center Recovery Act; H.R. 3471, the Veterans Mobility Safety 
Act of 2015; H.R. 3549, the VA Billing Accountability Act; 
draft legislation, the Promoting Responsible Opioid Management 
and Incorporating Medical Expertise Act; and, a VA legislative 
proposal, the VA Purchased Health Care Streamlining and 
Modernization Act.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Beto O'Rourke, U.S. House of Representatives, 16th 
Congressional District of Texas; the Honorable Andy Barr, U.S. 
House of Representatives, 6th Congressional District of 
Kentucky; the Honorable Matt Cartwright, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 17th Congressional District of Pennsylvania; 
the Honorable Scott Peters, U.S. House of Representatives, 52nd 
Congressional District of California; the Honorable Martha 
Roby, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional District 
of Alabama; the Honorable Jackie Walorski U.S. House of 
Representatives 2nd Congressional District of Indiana; the 
Honorable John Kline, U.S. House of Representatives 2nd 
Congressional District of Minnesota; the Honorable Gus 
Bilirakis, U.S. House of Representatives, 12th Congressional 
District of Florida.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Adrian 
Atizado, Deputy National Legislative, Director Disabled 
American Veterans; LaRanda D. Holt, Assistant Director for 
Women and Minority Veterans Outreach, National Veterans Affairs 
and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; and, Carlos 
Fuentes, Senior Legislative Associate, National Legislative 
Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by: Janet Murphy 
Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and 
Management, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Elias Hernandez Chief 
Officer, Workforce Management and Consulting Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Harold Kudler, Chief Consultant for Mental 
Health Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Susan Blauert, 
Deputy Assistant General Counsel, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
``Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 1319; H.R. 1603; H.R. 1904; H.R. 
2639; H.R. 3234; H.R. 3471; H.R. 3549; Draft legislation, the 
Promoting Responsible Opioid Management and Incorporating 
Medical Expertise Act; and, a VA legislative proposal, the VA 
Purchased Health Care Streamlining and Modernization Act,'' 
Serial No. 114-44.

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 3262; 
        H.R. 3484; H.R. 4056; H.R. 4129; A Draft Bill To Amend the 
        Veterans' Benefits Programs Improvement Act of 1991 To 
        Authorize VA To Sell Pershing Hall; and, VA's Legislative 
        Proposal Regarding Fiscal Year 2016 Construction Projects

    On Tuesday, December 8, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health 
met in open session to conduct a legislative hearing on: H.R. 
3262, to provide for the conveyance of land of the Illiana 
Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs in 
Danville, Illinois; H.R. 3484, the Los Angeles Homeless 
Veterans Leasing Act of 2016; H.R. 4056, to direct the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to convey to the Florida 
Department of Veterans Affairs all right, title, and interest 
of the United States to the property known as ``The Community 
Living Center'' at the Lake Baldwin Veterans Affairs Outpatient 
Clinic, Orlando, Florida; H.R. 4129, the Jumpstart VA 
Construction Act; draft legislation to amend the Veterans' 
Benefits Programs Improvement Act of 1991 to authorize VA to 
sell Pershing Hall; and, VA's legislative proposal regarding 
fiscal year 2016 construction projects.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable John Shimkus, U.S. House of Representatives, 15th 
Congressional District of Illinois; the Honorable Ted Lieu, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 33rd Congressional District, 
California; the Honorable John L. Mica U.S. House of 
Representatives, 7th Congressional District of Florida; the 
Honorable Jerry McNerney, U.S. House of Representatives, 9th 
Congressional District of California; and, the Honorable Mike 
Coffman, U.S. House of Representatives, 6th Congressional 
District of Colorado.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Raymond C. 
Kelley, Director of the National Legislative Service, Veterans 
of Foreign Wars of the United States; Howard Trace, Director of 
the National Library and Museum Division, The American Legion; 
Accompanied by: Louis Celli Jr., Director of the National 
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The American 
Legion.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by: Stella S. 
Fiotes, Director of the Office of Construction and Facilities 
Management, Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Vince 
Kane, Special Assistant to the Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See ``Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 3262; H.R. 
3484; H.R. 4056; H.R. 4129; a draft bill to amend the Veterans' 
Benefits Programs Improvement Act of 1991 to authorize VA to 
sell Pershing Hall; and, VA's legislative proposal regarding 
fiscal year 2016 construction projects,'' Serial No. 114-47.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

First Session

Site Visit--Washington, DC

    On January 27, 2015, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Health traveled to the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center for 
an oversight visit. The purpose of this visit was to tour the 
War-related Illness and Injury Study Center and the Women's 
Health Pavilion as well as learn about the facility's pain 
management program and the Opioid Therapy Risk Report.

Subcommittee Hearing--Examining the Quality and Cost of VA Health Care

    On January 28, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session and conducted a hearing examining the quality and cost 
of VA health care.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Matthew S. Goldberg, Deputy Assistant Director, National 
Security Division, Congressional Budget Office; Carl Blake, 
Associate Executive Director for Government Relations, 
Paralyzed Veterans of America, on behalf of the Co-Authors of 
the Independent Budget; Louis Celli Jr., Director, Veterans 
Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; and, 
James Tuchschmidt, M.D., Acting Principal Deputy Under 
Secretary for Health, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``Examining the Quality and 
Cost of VA Health Care,'' Serial No. 114-5.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Assessing Fertility Challenges for 
        Veterans with Disabilities

    On February 13, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health hosted a 
roundtable discussion entitled, ``Assessing Fertility 
Challenges for Veterans with Disabilities.''

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Improving the Diagnosis, Treatment, 
        and Research of Toxic Exposure

    On March 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health hosted a 
roundtable discussion entitled, ``Improving the Diagnosis, 
Treatment, and Research of Toxic Exposure.''

Site Visit--Minneapolis, MN

    On March 31, 2015, Majority and Minority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Health traveled to the Minneapolis VA Health 
Care System for an oversight visit. The purpose of this visit 
was to assess the operations and management of this full-
service, level 1A facility that houses one of five VA 
polytrauma rehabilitation centers.

Subcommittee Hearing--Overcoming Barriers to More Efficient and 
        Effective VA Staffing

    On May 15, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session and held a hearing to examine the ways that VA can 
overcome barriers in order to function more efficiently and 
effectively with regard to staffing.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: Joan 
Clifford MSM, RN, FACHE, Immediate Past President, Nurses 
Organization of Veterans Affairs; Samuel V. Spagnolo M.D., 
President, National Association of Veterans Affairs Physicians 
and Dentists; Rubina DaSilva PA-C, President, Veterans Affairs 
Physician Assistant Association; Jeff L. Morris J.D., Director 
of Communications and External Affairs, American Board of 
Physician Specialties; and, Nichol L. Salvo, D.P.M., Member and 
Employee, American Podiatric Medical Association.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Thomas 
Lynch, M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for 
Clinical Operations, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Elias 
Hernandez, Deputy Chief Officer for Workforce Management and 
Consulting, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Donna Gage Ph.D., RN, NE-BC, 
Chief Officer of Nursing, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``Overcoming Barriers to 
More Efficient and Effective VA Staffing,'' Serial No. 114-21.

Subcommittee Hearing--Assessing VA's Ability to Promptly Pay Non-VA 
        Providers

    On June 3, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session and held a hearing to examine and assess VA's ability 
to promptly pay non-VA providers.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Asbel Montes, Vice President of Reimbursement and Government 
Affairs, Acadian Ambulance Service; Vince Leist, President and 
Chief Executive Officer, North Arkansas Regional Medical 
Center, American Hospital Association; Sam Cook, President, 
National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association; Gene 
Migliaccio, Dr. P.H., Deputy Chief Business Officer for 
Purchased Care, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Joseph Enderle, Director, 
Purchased Care Operations, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Statements for the Record were 
provided by: the Honorable Charles W. Boustany Jr., M.D.; 
American Medical Response; and, Reimbursement Technologies, 
Inc.--a subsidiary of EmCare, Inc. See ``Assessing VA's Ability 
to Promptly Pay Non-VA Providers,'' Serial No. 114-24.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Leveraging Technology to Improve 
        Veteran Access to and Quality of Care

    On July 16, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health hosted a 
roundtable discussion entitled, ``Leveraging Technology to 
Improve Veteran Access to and Quality of Care.''

Site Visit--Louisville, KY

    On August 20 through August 21, 2015, Majority and Minority 
staff for the Subcommittee on Health traveled to Louisville, 
Kentucky, to conduct an oversight visit to the existing 
Louisville VA Medical Center and the proposed replacement 
medical center construction site. Staff met current local VA 
employees and toured the existing facility as well as visited 
the proposed replacement facility construction site as part of 
the Committee's commitment to conducting aggressive oversight 
of VA major medical facility construction projects.

Site Visit--West Palm Beach, FL

    On August 26 through August 27, 2015, Majority staff for 
the Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Oversight 
and Investigations traveled to West Palm Beach, Florida, for an 
oversight visit to the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center and an 
educational trip at the direction of the Chairman to the Morse 
Life Health System. The West Palm Beach VAMC visit included 
tours of the various clinics and an examination of non-VA care 
management. The Morse Life Health System recently opened its 
Mack Pavilion Rehabilitation Center for patients with cardiac, 
neurological, and orthopedic illnesses and injuries. 
Furthermore, Morse Life established an Aphasia Center to help 
patients with stroke or traumatic brain injuries improve 
communication skills.

Subcommittee Field Hearing--Realizing Quality Rural Care Through 
        Appropriate Staffing and Improved Choice

    On September 1, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in 
open session and held a field hearing at the National Guard 
Armory in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to examine and discuss 
achieving quality care through appropriate staffing and 
improved choice.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: Aaron A. 
Payment, M.P.A., Chairperson, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of 
Chippewa Indians; Anthony Harrington, veteran, Sault Ste. 
Marie, Michigan; David W. Pearce, Commander, Post 3676, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Don Howard, 
Commander, American Legion Post 3; and, Jacqueline Haske, 
Chippewa County Veteran Service Officer.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Gina Capra, 
Director, Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: James Rice, Acting Network Director, Veterans 
Integrated Service Network 12, Veterans Health Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Gail 
McNutt, M.D., Chief of Staff, Oscar G. Johnson VAMC, Iron 
Mountain, Michigan, Veterans Integrated Service Network 12, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See, ``Realizing Quality Rural Care through 
Appropriate Staffing and Improved Choice,'' Serial No. 114-35.

Site Visit--New Orleans, LA

    On September 21 through September 22, 2015, Majority and 
Minority staff for the Subcommittee on Health traveled to New 
Orleans, Louisiana, for an oversight visit to the replacement 
VA medical center construction project. The visit was part of 
the Committee's commitment to continuous, aggressive oversight 
over VA major medical facility construction projects. Staff 
also conducted oversight visits to VA facilities in the 
surrounding area.

Site Visit--San Antonio, TX

    On October 13 through October 15, 2015, Majority and 
Minority staff for the Subcommittee on Health traveled to San 
Antonio, Texas, to conduct an oversight visit to the San 
Antonio VA Polytrauma Center and the Brooks Army Medical Center 
to give staff greater insight into the VA/DOD partnership in 
the region. The trip also included visits to the U.S. Army 
Medical Department Center and School, the Center for the 
Intrepid, the Institute for Surgical Research, the Fisher 
House, and the Warrior Transition Battalion.

Subcommittee Hearing--Evaluating VA Primary Care Delivery, Workload, 
        and Cost

    On October 22, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session and held a hearing to evaluate and examine the VA 
Primary Care Delivery, Workload, and Cost.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: Randall B. 
Williamson, Director, Health Care, Government Accountability 
Office; Thomas Lynch M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for 
Health Clinical Operations, Veterans Health Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Richard C. 
Stark M.D., Director of Primary Care Operations, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Gordon Schectman, M.D., Chief Consultant for 
Primary Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``Evaluating VA Primary 
Care Delivery, Workload, and Cost,'' Serial No. 114-39.

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Enhancing VA's Use of Emerging 
        Technologies to Improve Veteran Function, Mobility, and Care

    On October 27, 2015, the Subcommittee on Health hosted a 
roundtable discussion entitled, ``Enhancing VA's Use of 
Emerging Technologies to Improve Veteran Function, Mobility, 
and Care.''

Subcommittee Roundtable Discussion--Assessing How to Improve 
        Recruitment, Retention, and Hiring Practices Across VA

    On December 2, 2015, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Health attended and hosted a roundtable discussion, along with 
Majority staff for the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, 
entitled, ``Assessing How to Improve Recruitment, Retention, 
and Hiring Practices across VA.''

                ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Joint Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on Draft Legislation to 
        Improve the Authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
        hire and Retain Physicians and other Employees of the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs

    On Wednesday, March, 16, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health 
and the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity met in open 
session to conduct a legislative hearing on draft legislation 
to improve the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
to hire and retain physicians and other employees of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: Max Stier, 
President and Chief Executive Officer, the Partnership for 
Public Service; Roscoe G. Butler, Deputy Director of Health 
Care, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, 
The American Legion; Carlos Fuentes, Senior Legislative 
Associate, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; 
Carolyn Clancy M.D., Deputy Under Secretary for Health for 
Organizational Excellence, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Elias 
Hernandez, Chief Officer, Workforce Management and Consulting, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See, ``Legislative Hearing on draft legislation to 
improve the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
hire and retain physicians and other employees of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs,'' Serial No. 114-60.

Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 2460; H.R. 3956; H.R. 
        3974; H.R. 3989; Draft Legislation to Ensure that each VA 
        Medical Facility Complies with Requirements Relating to 
        Scheduling Veterans for Health Care Appointments and to Improve 
        the Uniform Application of Directives; and, Draft Legislation 
        to Direct VA to Establish a List of Drugs that Require an 
        Increased Level of Informed Consent

    On Wednesday April, 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health 
met in open session to conduct a legislative hearing on: H.R. 
2460, to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the 
provision of adult day health care services for veterans; H.R. 
3956, the VA Health Center Management Stability and Improvement 
Act; H.R. 3974, the Grow Our Own Directive: Physician Assistant 
Employment and Education Act of 2015; H.R. 3989, the Support 
Our Military Caregivers Act; draft legislation to ensure that 
each VA medical facility complies with requirements relating to 
scheduling veterans for health care appointments and to improve 
the uniform application of directives; and, draft legislation 
to direct VA to establish a list of drugs that require an 
increased level of informed consent.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable Lee M. Zeldin, U.S. House of Representatives, 1st 
Congressional District of New York; the Honorable Mike Bost, 
U.S. House of Representatives, 12th Congressional District of 
Illinois; the Honorable Ann M. Kuster, U.S. House of 
Representatives, 2nd Congressional District of New Hampshire; 
the Honorable Elise M. Stefanik, U.S. House of Representatives, 
21st Congressional District of New York; and, the Honorable 
Jackie Walorski, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd 
Congressional District of Indiana.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Diane M. 
Zumatto, National Legislative Director, AMVETS; Shurhonda Y. 
Love, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Fred S. Sganga, Legislative Officer, 
National Association of State Veterans Homes; Maureen McCarthy 
M.D., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Patient 
Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Susan Blauert, Chief 
Counsel, Health Care Law Group, Office of General Counsel, on 
behalf of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``H.R. 
2460; H.R. 3956; H.R. 3974; H.R. 3989; draft legislation to 
ensure that each VA medical facility complies with requirements 
relating to scheduling veterans for health care appointments 
and to improve the uniform application of directives; and, 
draft legislation to direct VA to establish a list of drugs 
that require an increased level of informed consent,'' Serial 
No. 114-66

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 353, H.R. 3471, H.R. 3974, H.R. 3989, H.R. 
        4977, H.R. 2460, and H.R. 3956

    On April 29, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met and 
marked up: H.R. 353, the Veterans' Access to Hearing Health Act 
of 2015, introduced by Rep. Sean Duffy of Wisconsin; H.R. 3471, 
the Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2016, introduced by Rep. 
Jackie Walorski of Indiana; H.R. 3974, the Grow Our Own 
Directive: Physician Assistant Employment and Education Act of 
2016, introduced by Rep. Ann Kuster of New Hampshire; H.R. 
3989, the Support Our Military Caregivers Act, introduced by 
Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York; H.R. 4977, the VA Scheduling 
Accountability Act, introduced by Rep. Jackie Walorski of 
Indiana; H.R. 2460, to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
improve the provision of adult day health care services for 
veterans, introduced by Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York; and, H.R. 
3956, the VA Health Center Management Stability and Improvement 
Act, introduced by Rep. Mike Bost of Illinois.
    On April 29, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 353 was offered by Rep. Dan Benishek of 
Michigan. The amendment in the nature of a substitute was 
agreed to by the Health Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to 
favorably forward H.R. 353, as amended, to the Full Committee 
was offered by Ranking Member Julia Brownley of California and 
was adopted by the Health Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On April 29, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3471 was offered by Rep. Dan Benishek of 
Michigan. The amendment in the nature of a substitute was 
agreed to by the Health Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to 
favorably forward H.R. 3471, as amended, to the Full Committee 
was offered by Ranking Member Julia Brownley of California and 
was adopted by the Health Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On April 29, 2016, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3974 was offered by Rep. Ann Kuster of New 
Hamphsire. The amendment in the nature of a substitute was 
agreed to by the Health Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to 
favorably forward H.R. 3974, as amended, to the Full Committee 
was offered by Ranking Member Julia Brownley of California and 
was adopted by the Health Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On April 29, 2016, an amendment to H.R. 3989 was offered by 
Rep. Gus Bilirakis of Florida. The amendment was agreed to by 
the Health Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to favorably 
forward H.R. 3989, as amended, to the Full Committee was 
offered by Ranking Member Julia Brownley of California and was 
adopted by the Health Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On April 29, 2016, an amendment to H.R. 4977 was offered by 
Rep. Phil Roe of Tennessee. The amendment was agreed to by the 
Health Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to favorably 
forward H.R. 4977, as amended, to the Full Committee was 
offered by Ranking Member Julia Brownley of California and was 
adopted by the Health Subcommittee by voice vote.
    On April 29, 2016, H.R. 2460 and H.R. 3956 were considered 
by the Subcommittee on Health en bloc. H.R. 2460 and H.R. 3956 
passed the Health Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to 
favorably forward H.R. 2460 and H.R. 3956 to the Full Committee 
was offered by Ranking Member Julia Brownley of California and 
was adopted by the Health Subcommittee by voice vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Site Visit--Richmond, Virginia

    On January 14, 2016, Majority and Minority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Health traveled to Richmond, Virginia, for an 
oversight visit to the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center 
and Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center. During the oversight 
visit, Subcommittee staff assessed the operations and 
management of the facility, toured the grounds, and met with 
local facility leaders and subject matter experts to discuss 
issues including: care in the community, the Choice program, 
pain and medication management, access and scheduling, patient 
advocacy and quality management, homelessness, the Caregiver 
program, recruitment and retention, and mental health and 
suicide prevention.

Subcommittee Hearing--Choice Consolidation: Evaluating Eligibility 
        Requirements for Care in the Community

    On February 2, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session and conducted a hearing on eligibility requirements for 
care in the community under VA's plan to consolidate community 
care programs.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: Adrian 
Atizado, Deputy National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Carl Blake, Associate Executive Director for 
Government Relations, Paralyzed Veterans of America; and, Duane 
Williams, Georgia Leadership Fellow, Iraq and Afghanistan 
Veterans of America.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Baligh 
Yehia, M.D., Assistant Deputy Undersecretary for Health for 
Community Care, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Kristin Cunningham, 
Director, Business Policy, Chief Business Office, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
See, ``Choice Consolidation: Evaluating Eligibility 
Requirements for Care in the Community,'' Serial No. 114-51

Subcommittee Hearing--Choice Consolidation: Improving VA Community Care 
        Billing and Reimbursement

    On February 11, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in 
open session and conducted a hearing on billing and 
reimbursement for care in the community under VA's plan to 
consolidate community care programs.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: Randall B. 
Williamson, Health Care Director, Government Accountability 
Office; Gary K. Abe, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for 
Audits and Evaluations, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs: Accompanied by: Larry 
Reinkemeyer, Kansas City Audit Office Director; and, Baligh 
Yehia, M.D., the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health 
for Community Care, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Gene Migliaccio 
M.D., the Deputy Chief Business Officer for Purchased Care, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Roscoe G. 
Butler, the Deputy Director, National Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; and, Carlos 
Fuentes, Senior Legislative Associate, Veterans of Foreign Wars 
of the United States. See, ``Choice Consolidation: Improving VA 
Community Care Billing and Reimbursement,'' Serial No. 114-55

Site Visit--West Palm Beach, Florida

    On March 8, 2016, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Health traveled to West Palm Beach, Florida, to conduct an 
oversight visit to the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. The 
trip occurred in light of a letter signed by Representatives 
Frankel, Hastings, Deutch, and Murphy regarding excessive wait 
times, budget issues, and concerns regarding the Choice 
program. During the trip, staff met with representatives from 
facility leadership and Health Net Federal Services, the Choice 
Program third party administrator in South Florida, to discuss 
these issues.

Site Visit--Canandaigua, New York

    On March 7, 2016, through March 9, 2016, Majority and 
Minority staff for the Subcommittee on Health and Majority 
staff for the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations 
traveled to Canandaigua, New York, to conduct an oversight 
visit to the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) in light of a VA 
Inspector General report detailing serious allegations 
concerning caller response and quality assurance at the VCL. 
The report detailed at least one instance where a veteran was 
transferred to voicemail when calling the VCL. This oversight 
visit allowed staff to assess firsthand what progress, if any, 
VA has made in responding to these allegations.

Subcommittee Hearing--Choice Consolidation: Leveraging Provider 
        Networks to Increase Veteran Access

    On March 22, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session and conducted a hearing on provider networks under VA's 
plan to consolidate care in the community programs.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Billy Maynard, President of Health Net Federal Services; David 
J. McIntyre Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, TriWest 
Healthcare Alliance; and, Baligh Yehia, M.D., Assistant Deputy 
Under Secretary for Health for Community Care, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Gene Migliaccio, M.D., Deputy Chief Business 
Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``Choice 
Consolidation: Leveraging Provider Networks to Increase Veteran 
Access,'' Serial No. 114-61

Subcommittee Hearing--Joint Hearing With Subcommittee on Oversight and 
        Investigations: Evaluating VA IT: Scheduling Modernization and 
        Choice Consolidation

    On April 14, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health and the 
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations met in open 
session and conducted a hearing on the current status and 
intended direction of VA's efforts to modernize information 
technology.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
LaVerne Council, Assistant Secretary for Information and 
Technology and Chief Information Officer, Office of Information 
and Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and, David 
Shulkin M.D., Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Alan Constantian, M.D., Deputy Chief 
Information Officer. See, ``Joint Hearing with Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations: Evaluating VA IT: Scheduling 
Modernization and Choice Consolidation,'' Serial No. 114-63

Subcommittee Field Hearing--Access and Accountability: Examining 
        Obstacles to High Quality Patient Care in Louisiana

    On June 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session conducted a field hearing on the provision of care to 
veteran patients through the Alexandria VA Health Care System 
in Pineville, Louisiana.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: Charles 
Hunter, a local veteran; Gordon Ryder, father of Gerrit Ryder, 
a deceased veteran; Caroll Knott, member and former State 
Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; and, 
Asbel Montes, Vice President of Reimbursement and Government 
Affairs, Acadian Ambulance Service.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Homer 
Rodgers, Under Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
State of Louisiana; and, Janet L. Henderson, M.D., Chief 
Medical Officer of the South Central VA Health Care Network, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Accompanied by: Shannon Novotny, Acting Deputy Network 
Director of the South Central VA Health Care Network, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
and,. Peter C. Dancy Jr., Medical Center Director of the 
Alexandria VA Health Care System. See, ``Access and 
Accountability: Examining Obstacles to High Quality Patient 
Care in Louisiana,'' Serial No. 114-66

Site Visit--Chicago, Illinois

    On June 27, 2016 through June 29, 2016, Majority and 
Minority staff for the Subcommittee on Health traveled to 
Chicago, Illinois, to conduct oversight visits to the Jesse 
Brown VA Medical Center; the Edward Hines Jr. VA Medical 
Center; the Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center; 
and, the VA National Acquisition Center. This oversight trip 
allowed Subcommittee staff to assess the management and 
operations of three major VA medical facilities. The Capt. 
James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, 
Illinois, is operated jointly by VA and the Department of 
Defense and was the subject of a February 2016 Government 
Accountability Office report, which found ongoing leadership 
challenges, workforce management issues, data limitations, and 
difficulties integrating clinical and administrative operations 
including information technology. Also, in February 2016, the 
Subcommittee was contacted by a veteran who was unable to 
access care at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and 
experienced prompt pay issues as a result. Meanwhile, the 
Edward Hines Jr. VA Medical Center in Hines, Illinois, has been 
in the media recently for ongoing infestation and sanitation 
issues in the facility's food preparation areas and for patient 
care concerns. The oversight trip further allowed Subcommittee 
staff to oversee the management and operations of the National 
Acquisition Center, which is responsible for supporting the 
healthcare requirements of VA and other Government Agencies 
through the acquisition and delivery of pharmaceuticals; 
medical, surgical, dental, and patient mobility equipment/
supplies; and, high-technology medical equipment.

Subcommittee Hearing--Technology and Treatment: Telemedicine in the VA 
        Healthcare System

    On August 9, 2016, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session and conducted a field hearing on VA's use of 
telemedicine techniques to increase access to quality care for 
veteran patients.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Zachary Walker, a local veteran;. Herb Rogove M.D., President 
and Chief Executive Officer, C30 Telemedicine; Neil Evans M.D., 
Chief Officer, Office of Connected Care, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and, 
Scotte Hartronft M.D., Chief of Staff, VA Greater Los Angeles 
Healthcare System, VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See, ``Technology and Treatment: Telemedicine in the 
VA Healthcare System,'' Serial No. 114-77.

Site Visit--Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington

    On August 9, 2016, through August 11, 2016 Majority and 
Minority staff for the Subcommittee on Health traveled to 
Portland, Oregon, to conduct an oversight visit to the Portland 
VA Medical Center and the VISN 20 Network Office. The oversight 
visit focused on VA's research efforts, academic affiliate 
partnership, transplant program, and leadership challenges as 
well as care in the community, the Choice program, the 
Caregiver program, and pain management.

Site Visit--Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan

    On October 16, through October 19, 2016, Majority and 
Minority staff for the Subcommittee on Health traveled to 
Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan, to conduct oversight visits to 
the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center and the VA Ann Arbor 
Healthcare System. While in Detroit, Subcommittee staff also 
visited the Henry Ford Health System, which is mentioned 
multiples times throughout the Commission on Care final report 
as a healthcare system that is succeeding in areas--like 
healthcare equity and leadership development--where VA is 
struggling and that could be seen as useful model for VA to 
strive toward.

Site Visit--South Bend, Peru, Marion, and Fort Wayne, Indiana

    On October 17, 2016, through October 21, 2016, Majority 
staff for the Subcommittee on Health and Majority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations traveled to South 
Bend, Peru, Marion, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, to conduct 
oversight visits to the Northern Indiana Healthcare System. The 
oversight visit focused on issues including the implementation 
of the Choice program, staffing shortages, quality of care 
concerns, investigations of the facilities by the Drug 
Enforcement Administration, pain management and opioid use, and 
emergency care.

      ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT & INVESTIGATIONS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

First Session

Subcommittee Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 571, H.R. 
        593, H.R. 1015, H.R. 1016, H.R. 1017, H.R. 1128, and H.R. 1129

    On March 19, 2015 the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations met in open session to conduct a legislative 
hearing on H.R. 571, Veterans Affairs Retaliation Prevention 
Act of 2015; H.R. 593, Aurora VA Hospital Financing and 
Construction Reform Act of 2015; H.R. 1015, Protecting Business 
Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2015; H.R. 1016, Biological 
Implant Tracking and Veteran Safety Act of 2015; H.R. 1017, 
Veterans Information Security Improvement Act; H.R. 1128, 
Department of Veterans Affairs Cyber Security Protection Act; 
H.R. 1129, Veterans' Whistleblower and Patient Protection Act 
of 2015.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Meghan 
Flanz, Director, Office of Accountability Review, Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Dr. Michael Icardi, National 
Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services, 
Veterans Health Administration; Accompanied by: Mr. Stanley 
Lowe, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information Security and 
Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Veteran 
Affairs; Accompanied by: Mr. Dennis Milsten, CCM, Associate 
Executive Director, Office of Operations, Office of 
Construction and Facilities Management, Department of Veterans 
Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Diane 
Zumatto, National Legislative Director, AMVETS; Mr. Frank 
Wilton, Chief Executive Officer, American Association of Tissue 
Banks; Mr. Daimon E. Geopfert, National Leader, Security and 
Privacy Consulting, McGladrey, LLP. See ``Legislative Hearing 
on H.R. 571, H.R. 593, H.R. 1015, H.R. 1016, H.R. 1017, H.R. 
1128, and H.R. 1129,'' Serial No. 114-11.

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 571; H.R. 1015; H.R. 1016; H.R. 1017

    On April 21, 2015 the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations met and marked up H.R. 571, the ``Veterans 
Affairs Retaliation Prevention Act of 2015,'' Introduced by 
Chairman Miller of Florida; H.R. 1015, the ``Protecting 
Business Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2015,'' Introduced 
by Tim Huelskamp of Kansas; H.R. 1016, the ``Biological Implant 
Tracking and Veteran Safety Act of 2015,'' Introduced by Rep. 
Phil Roe of Tennessee; H.R. 1017, the ``Veterans Information 
Security Improvement Act'' Introduced by Rep. Jackie Walorski 
of Indiana.
    On April 21, 2015 H.R. 571, An Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute to H.R. 571 was offered by Rep. Mike Coffman of 
Colorado was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 571, as amended passed 
the O&I Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded 
to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 21, 2015 H.R. 1015, An Amendment in the Nature of 
a Substitute to H.R. 1015 was offered by Rep. Tim Huelskamp of 
Kansas was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 1015, as amended passed 
the O&I Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded 
to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 21, 2015 H.R. 1016, An Amendment in the Nature of 
a Substitute to H.R. 1016 was offered by Rep. Phil Roe of 
Tennessee was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 1016, as amended 
passed the O&I Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 21, 2015 H.R. 1017, An Amendment in the Nature of 
a Substitute to H.R. 1017 was offered by Rep. Jackie Walorski 
of Indiana was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 1017, as amended 
passed the O&I Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

First Session

Subcommittee Hearing--An Examination of Waste and Abuse Associated with 
        VA's Management of Land-Use Agreements

    On February 10, 2015 the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations conducted a hearing examining and evaluating the 
waste and abuse associated with VA's management of land-use 
agreements.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Ms. 
Janet P. Murphy, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Health, 
Operations and Management, Veterans Health Administration; 
Accompanied by: Dr. Skye McDougall, PhD, Acting Director, 
Desert Pacific Healthcare Network, Veterans Health 
Administration; Mr. Stephen Lord, Managing Director, Forensic 
Audits and Investigative Service, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office; Mr. Edward Lilley, Assistant Director 
for Healthcare, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Division, The American Legion.

Subcommittee Hearing--Addressing Continued Whistleblower Retaliation 
        Within VA

    On April 13, 2015 the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations conducted a hearing to address the continued 
whistleblower retaliation within the VA.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Ms. 
Meghan Flanz, Director, Office of Accountability Review, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; The Honorable Carolyn Lerner, 
Special Counsel, Office of Special Counsel; Dr. Christian Head, 
M.D., Associate Director--Chief of Staff--Legal and Quality 
Assurance, Greater Los Angeles VA Health Care System; Dr. 
Maryann Hooker, M.D., Neurologist, Wilmington VA Medical Center 
President, Local 342, American Federation of Government 
Employees; Mr. Richard Tremaine, MBA, Associate Director, VA 
Central Alabama Healthcare System. See, ``Addressing Continued 
Whistleblower Retaliation Within VA,'' Serial No. 114-13.

Subcommittee Hearing--Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in VA's Purchase Card 
        Program

    On May 14, 2015 the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations conducted a hearing to review and examine the 
waste, fraud, and abuse in the VA's Purchase Card Program.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Edward J. Murray, Acting Assistant Secretary for Management and 
Interim Chief Financial Officer, Office of Management, 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Mr. Gregory 
Giddens, Principal Executive Director, Office of Acquisition, 
Logistics and Construction, Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Jan Frye, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Senior Procurement 
Executive, Office of Acquisition and Logistics, Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Mr. Norbert Doyle, Chief 
Procurement & Logistics Officer, Veterans Health 
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Linda A. 
Halliday, Assistant Inspector General for Audits and 
Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Mr. Quentin G. Aucoin, Deputy 
Assistant Inspector General for Investigations (Field 
Operations), Office of Inspector General, Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Mr. Murray Leigh, Director, 
Financial Integrity Division, Office of Audits and Evaluations, 
Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Mr. Kent Wrathall, Director, Atlanta Office of 
Audits and Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, Department 
of Veterans Affairs. See, ``Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in VA's 
Purchase Card Program,'' Serial No. 114-20.

Subcommittee Hearing--Circumvention of Contracts in the Provision of 
        Non-VA Healthcare

    On June 1, 2015 the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations conducted a hearing to examine the circumvention 
of contracts in the provision of non-VA healthcare.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Edward J. Murray Acting Assistant Secretary for Management and 
Interim Chief Financial Officer Office of Management Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Mr. Gregory Giddens 
Principal Executive Director Office of Acquisition, Logistics 
and Construction Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied 
by: Mr. Norbert Doyle Chief Procurement & Logistics Officer 
Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Ms. Phillipa Anderson Assistant General 
Counsel, Government Contracts Office of General Counsel 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Jan Frye Deputy Assistant 
Secretary and Senior Procurement Executive Office of 
Acquisition and Logistics Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Christopher LaBonte United States Army Veteran; Mr. Randall 
Williamson Director, Healthcare United States Government 
Accountability Office. See ``Circumvention of Contracts in the 
Provision of Non-VA Healthcare,'' Serial No. 114-22.

Subcommittee Hearing--Prescription Mismanagement and the Risk of 
        Veteran Suicide

    On June 10, 2015 the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations conducted a hearing to assess the prescription 
mismanagement and the risk of veteran suicide.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by 
Carolyn Clancy, M.D., Interim Under Secretary for Health, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Mr. Michael 
Valentino, Chief Consultant, Pharmacy Benefits Management 
Service, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Harold Kudler, M.D. Chief 
Consultant, Mental Health Services, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Randall Williamson, Director, Health Care Issues, Government 
Accountability Office; Jacqueline Maffucci, Ph.D., Research 
Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. See 
``Prescription Mismanagement and the Risk of Veteran Suicide,'' 
Serial No. 114-25.

Subcommittee Hearing--Joint Hearing With Small Business Committee, 
        Subcommittee on Investigations, Regulations, and Oversight: 
        Manipulation and Fraud in the Reporting of VA Small Business 
        Goals

    On June 23, 2015 the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations conducted a joint hearing with the Small 
Business Committee to examine manipulation and fraud in the 
reporting of VA small business goals.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Jan Frye, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Senior Procurement, 
Executive Office of Acquisition and Logistics, Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Mr. Thomas J. Leney, Executive Director, 
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by Mr. Norbert 
Doyle, Chief Procurement & Logistics Officer, Veterans Health 
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. John 
Shoraka, Associate Administrator, Office of Government 
Contracting & Business Development, Small Business 
Administration; Mr. Kevin Youel Page, Deputy Commissioner, 
Federal Acquisition Service, General Services Administration. 
See ``Joint Hearing with Small Business Committee, Subcommittee 
on Investigations, Regulations, and Oversight: Manipulation and 
Fraud in the Reporting of VA Small Business Goals,'' Serial No. 
114-27.

Subcommittee Hearing--Lack of Oversight of Interagency Agreements--VA 
        Procurement Failures Continued

    On July 21, 2015 the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations conducted a hearing to examine the lack of 
oversight of interagency agreements and to continue the 
assessment on VA procurement failures.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
C. Ford Heard III, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary, 
Procurement Policy, Systems and Oversight, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: Mr. David A. Orso, Executive 
Director, Enterprise Program Management Office, Office of 
Policy and Planning, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Ms. Michele R. Foster, Associate Executive 
Director, Technology Acquisition Center, Office of Acquisition 
Operations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Michele 
Mackin, Director Acquisition and Sourcing Management Team, U.S. 
Government Accountability Office. See, ``Lack of Oversight of 
Interagency Agreements--VA Procurement Failures Continued,'' 
Serial No. 114-33.

Site Visit--Louisville, Kentucky

    On August 20 and 21, 2015, Majority staff for the Oversight 
and Investigations Subcommittee along with Majority staff for 
the Health Subcommittee, Minority staff, and Senate Veterans 
Affairs Committee staff travelled to Louisville, Kentucky on a 
staff delegation for briefings and site visits regarding the 
planned replacement Robley Rex medical center. The Oversight 
and Investigations Subcommittee Majority staff also met with 
local stakeholders about the project. The Health Subcommittee 
Majority and Minority staff and Senate Veterans Affairs 
Committee staff met with VA personnel at the existing Robley 
Rex medical center about healthcare.

Subcommittee Hearing--Joint Subcommittee Hearing of the HVAC 
        Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and OGR 
        Subcommittee on Information Technology: VA and DOD IT: 
        Electronic Health Records Interoperability

    On October 27, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations conducted a joint hearing with the OGR 
Subcommittee on Information Technology to examine VA and DOD IT 
in relation to the interoperability of electronic health 
records.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by The 
Honorable LaVerne Council, Assistant Secretary for Information 
Technology, Chief Information Officer, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Mr. David DeVries, Principal Deputy Chief 
Information Officer U.S. Department of Defense; Mr. Christopher 
Miller, Program Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Defense; 
Ms. Valarie Melvin, Director of Information Management and 
Technology Resources Issues, U.S. Government Accountability 
Office. See, ``Joint Subcommittee Hearing of the HVAC 
Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations & OGR Subcommittee 
on Information Technology: VA and DOD IT: Electronic Health 
Records Interoperability,'' this hearing was hosted by the OGR 
Subcommittee on Information and technology and therefore does 
not have a House Veterans' Affairs Committee serial number.

Subcommittee Hearing--Joint Subcommittee Hearing: Subcommittee on 
        Oversight and Investigations and Small Business Committee, 
        Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce, ``An Examination of 
        Continued Challenges in VA's Vets First Verification Process''

    On November 4, 2015, the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations held a joint hearing with the Small Business 
Committee and Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce to 
assess and examine the challenges within the VA's Vets First 
Verification Process.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. William 
Shear, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, 
United States Government Accountability Office; Mr. Quentin 
Aucoin, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, United 
States Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Tom Leney, Executive 
Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business 
Utilization, United States Department of Veterans Affairs. See 
``Joint Subcommittee Hearing: Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations and Small Business Committee, Subcommittee on 
Contracting and Workforce, ``An Examination of Continued 
Challenges in VA's Vets First Verification Process,'' Serial 
No. 114-43.

Site Visit--Frederick, Maryland

    On November 13, 2015, Majority staff for the Oversight and 
Investigations Subcommittee traveled to Frederick, Maryland to 
tour and receive briefings on the VA Acquisition Academy, 
Warriors to Workforce program, and other recruitment and 
training programs.

      ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT & INVESTIGATIONS


                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Site Visit--Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    On January 11-15, 2016, Majority staff for the Oversight 
and Investigations Subcommittee travelled to the Philadelphia 
VA Medical Center to review suicide prevention, tracking of 
controlled substances, privacy policies, patient safety 
concerns, and utilization of choice programs.

Site Visit--Fredericksburg, Virginia

    On January 28, 2016, Majority staff for the Oversight and 
Investigations Subcommittee travelled to Fredericksburg, 
Virginia to visit the VA Strategic Acquisition Center and 
receive a briefing on its activities.

Site Visit--Marion, Indiana

    On February 16-18, 2016, Majority staff for the Oversight 
and Investigations Subcommittee travelled to the Marion VA 
Medical Center after receiving complaints about the current 
provider shortages and patient care concerns. Staff toured the 
facility and met with whistleblowers.

Subcommittee Hearing--Persian Gulf War: An Assessment of Health 
        Outcomes on the 25th Anniversary

    On Tuesday, February 23, 2016, the Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations held a hearing to evaluate VA's 
treatment of--and health outcomes for--veterans suffering from 
Gulf War Illness.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by 
Carolyn Clancy, M.D., Deputy Under Secretary for Health for 
Organizational Excellence, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Accompanied by: Stephen Hunt, M.D., M.P.H. Director, Post-
Deployment Integrated Care Initiative, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs and Victor Kalasinsky, Ph.D, Senior Program 
Manager, Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Research, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Deborah Cory-Slechta, Ph.D, Professor of 
Environmental Medicine, Pediatrics and Public Health Sciences, 
Acting Chair, Department of Environmental Medicine, University 
of Rochester School of Medicine; Roberta F. White, Ph.D, Chair, 
Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of 
Public Health; Accompanied by: Mr. James H. Binns, Gulf War 
Researcher, Former Chairman, Research Advisory Committee on 
Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses; Mr. Anthony Hardie, Gulf War 
Veteran, Director, Veterans for Common Sense; Accompanied by: 
Mr. David K. Winnett, II, Gulf War Veteran. See, ``Persian Gulf 
War: An Assessment of Health Outcomes on the 25th 
Anniversary,'' Serial No. 114-57.

Site Visit--Evansville and Vincennes, Indiana

    On March 1-4, 2016, Majority staff for the Oversight and 
Investigations Subcommittee travelled to the Evansville Health 
Care Center and the Vincennes Community Based Outpatient 
Clinic. During these site visits, staff met with whistleblowers 
regarding the provider shortage and high turnover rates at the 
Health Care Center and met with pharmacy staff, Choice program 
champions, and toured each facility.

Subcommittee Field Hearing--Addressing VA Opioid Prescriptions and Pain 
        Management Practices

    On Friday, March 4, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a field hearing in Concord, New Hampshire 
to examine VA's opioid prescription management for mental 
health and chronic pain issues.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Peter Kelleher, Chief Executive Officer, Harbor Homes; Ms. 
Christine Weber, Director of Substance Abuse Services, Easter 
Seals Farnum Center; Mr. Joseph Foster, Attorney General, New 
Hampshire Department of Justice; Julie Franklin, M.D., Pain 
Medicine Practitioner, White River Junction, VT VA Medical 
Center; Accompanied by: Grigory Chernyak, M.D., Chief of 
Anesthesiology, Manchester, NH VA Medical Center. See, 
``Addressing VA Opioid Prescriptions and Pain Management 
Practices,'' Serial No. 114-58.

Site Visit--Canandaigua, New York

    On March 7-9, 2016, Majority and Minority staff for the 
Oversight and Investigations and Health Subcommittees travelled 
to Canandaigua VA Medical Center to meet with staff from the VA 
crisis call center. Staff also met with Choice program 
champions and pharmacy staff.

Subcommittee Hearing--Joint Subcommittee Hearing of the Subcommittee on 
        Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Subcommittee on 
        Oversight and Investigations: Twenty-Five Years After the 
        Persian Gulf War: An Assessment of VA's Disability Claim 
        Process With Respect to Gulf War Illness

    On Tuesday, March 15, 2016, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Oversight and Subcommittee on 
Investigations held a hearing to evaluate VA's handling of 
claims processing and appeals for veterans who suffer from 
service connected disabilities related to the war, specifically 
Gulf War Illness.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
David R. McLenachen, Deputy Under Secretary for Disability 
Assistance, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied 
by: Mr. Bradley Flohr, Senior Advisor, Compensation Service, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Mr. Zachary Hearn, Deputy Director for Claims, Veteran 
Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Mr. 
Aleksandr Morosky, Deputy Director, National Legislative 
Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Mr. Rick Weidman, Executive 
Director for Policy and Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of 
America; Mr. Richard V. Spataro, Director of Training and 
Publications, National Veterans Legal Services Program. See, 
``Twenty Five Years After the Persian Gulf War: An Assessment 
of VA's Disability Claim Process with Respect to Gulf War 
Illness,'' Serial No. 114-59.

Site Visit--Denver, Colorado

    On March 18-21, 2016, Majority staff for the Oversight and 
Investigations Subcommittee travelled to the Denver VA Medical 
Center to review VA's tracking of controlled substances, Choice 
program implementation, academic affiliations relationship, and 
the facility's research program. Findings from this site visit 
led to communication with the DEA regarding VA monitoring of 
controlled substances stored on site. Also, staff toured the 
new Aurora, Colorado Medical Center and met with the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers to discuss construction progress.

Subcommittee Hearing--Evaluating VA IT: Scheduling Modernization and 
        Choice Consolidation

    On April 14, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations met in open session to conduct a hearing to 
evaluate scheduling modernization and choice consolidation at 
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by the 
Honorable David Shulkin, M.D., Under Secretary for Health, 
Veterans Health Administration; and the Honorable LaVerne 
Council, Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and 
Chief Information Office of the Office of Information and 
Technology within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Honorable 
Council was accompanied by Mr. Alan Constantian, Deputy Chief 
Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, on 
behalf of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See ``Evaluating 
VA IT: Scheduling Modernization and Choice Consolidation,'' 
Serial No. 114-63.

Subcommittee Field Hearing--Assessing VA Oversight of Drug Prescription 
        Practices and Proper Use of Medical Facilities

    On Friday, May 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a field hearing in Denver, Colorado to 
address numerous issues regarding VA's, prescription, and 
oversight practices for controlled substances as well as its 
appropriate use of medical facilities to benefit veterans.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Ralph Gigliotti, Network Director, Veterans Integrated Service 
Network 19, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied 
by: Ms. Sallie Houser-Hanfelder, Director, Eastern Colorado 
Health Care System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and 
Ellen Mangione, M.D., Chief of Staff, Eastern Colorado Health 
Care System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See, 
``Assessing VA Oversight of Drug Prescription Practices and 
Proper Use of Medical Facilities,'' Serial No. 114-70.

Site Visit--Baltimore, Maryland

    On May 26, 2016, Majority staff for the Oversight and 
Investigations Subcommittee traveled to the Baltimore VA 
Medical Center to tour and question facility leadership on 
certain programs, including pharmacy and drug diversion, mental 
health, research and the VA nonprofit corporations, within 
their facility.

Site Visit--Boston, Massachusetts

    On May 31-June 1, 2016, Majority staff for the Oversight 
and Investigations Subcommittee traveled to the VA Boston 
Healthcare System to tour and question facility leadership on 
certain programs, to include the pharmacy and drug diversion, 
mental health, research and the VA nonprofit corporations, 
within their facility.

Site Visit--Northfield, New Jersey

    On June 5-6, 2016, Majority staff for the Oversight and 
Investigations Subcommittee traveled to the Atlantic County 
Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Northfield, New Jersey to 
review staffing concerns and a veteran suicide outside of the 
facility.

Subcommittee Hearing--VA and Academic Affiliates: Who Benefits?

    On Tuesday, June 7, 2016, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a hearing to address the relationship 
between VA and the academic affiliates, particularly regarding 
issues and concerns related to sole-source contracting, billing 
issues, research funding, space, data, and equipment.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by 
Robert L. Jesse, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Academic Affiliations 
Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied by: 
David Atkins, M.D., M.P.H., Acting Chief Research and 
Development Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and 
Ricky L. Lemmon, Acting Chief Procurement and Logistics 
Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Janis Orlowski, 
MD, MACP, Chief Health Care Officer, Association of American 
Medical Colleges; Nancy Watterson-Diorio, Board Member, 
National Association of Veterans' Research and Education 
Foundations; Mr. Randall Williamson, Director, Health Care 
Issues, Government Accountability Office. See, ``VA and 
Academic Affiliates: Who Benefits?,'' Serial No. 114-71.

Site Visit--Northport, New York

    On August 31-September 2, 2016, Majority staff for the 
Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee traveled to 
Northport, New York to tour and question the VAMC on certain 
programs, to include the pharmacy and drug diversion, mental 
health, research and the VA nonprofit corporations, within 
their facility.

Subcommittee Hearing--VA Procurement: Identifying Obstacles to Reform

    On Tuesday, September 20, 2016, the Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations held an oversight hearing on root 
causes of the procurement problems in the Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA).
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Mr. 
Greg Giddens, Executive Director, Acquisition, Logistics and 
Construction, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Accompanied 
by: Mr. Rick Lemmon, Acting Chief Procurement and Logistics 
Officer, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and Ms. Michele Mackin, Director, Acquisition 
and Sourcing Management, U.S. Government Accountability Office. 
See, ``VA Procurement: Identifying Obstacles to Reform.'' 
Serial No. 114-81.

Site Visit--Fort Wayne, Peru, and South Bend, Indiana

    On October 17-21, 2016, Majority staff for the Oversight 
and Investigations Subcommittee traveled to VA medical 
facilities in Fort Wayne, Indiana; Peru, Indiana; and South 
Bend, Indiana to question VA officials on certain programs, to 
include the pharmacy and drug diversion, mental health, and 
scheduling issues at these facilities.

 MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT AND OTHER EXECUTIVE BRANCH COMMUNICATIONS


First Session

    January 14, 2015: Communication 00071, from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, Veterans Health Administration, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's Major final 
rule Caregivers Program (RIN: 2900-AN94) received January 12, 
2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    February 5, 2015: Communication 00347, from the Director, 
National Legislative Division, The American Legion, 
transmitting a financial statement and independent audit of The 
America Legion, proceedings of the 96th Annual National 
Convention of the American Legion, held in Charlotte, North 
Carolina from August 22-28, 2014, and a report on the 
Organization's activities for the year preceding the 
convention.
    February 11, 2015: Memorial 0004, 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 Ohio, relative to Substitute 
House Resolution No. 283, urging the Congress and the 
Department of Defense to protect and uphold the religious and 
free speech rights of military service members.
    February 11, 2015: Communication 00435, from the Assistant 
Attorney General, Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of 
Justice, transmitting the Attorney General's first quarterly 
report of FY 2015 on the Uniformed Services Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-389.
    February 24, 2015: Memorial 0010, 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 Ohio, relative to Substitute 
House Resolution No. 283, urging the Congress and the 
Department of Defense to protect and uphold the religious and 
free speech rights of military service members.
    February 27, 2015: Communication 00611, from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02REG), Veterans Benefits Administration, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
interim final rule--Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive 
Equipment Certificate of Eligibility for Veterans or Members of 
the Armed Forces with Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (RIN: 2900-
AP26) received February 23, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    February 27, 2015: Communication 00612, from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02REG), Veterans Health Administration, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
final rule--Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program 
(RIN: 2900-AO50) received February 23, 2015, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    March 13, 2015: Communication 00783, from the Deputy 
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs; and the Under 
Secretary, Personnel and Readiness, Department of Defense, 
transmitting the FY 2014 report on the activities of the 
Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence (EACE), 
pursuant to Sec. 723 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense 
Authorization Act of FY 2009, Pub. L. 110-417.
    March 13, 2015: Communication 00781, from the Chief, Impact 
Analyst, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02 REG), Acquisition, Department of Veterans' 
Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--Department 
of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation: Service-Disabled 
Veteran-Owned Small Business Status Protests (RIN: 2900-AM92) 
received March 10, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    March 18, 2015: Communication 00824, from the Assistant 
Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Department of Defense, 
transmitting a draft of proposed legislation titled National 
Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2016''.
    March 23, 2015: Communication 00853, from the Chief, Impact 
Analyst, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02REG), Veterans Benefits Administration, 
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 March 19, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    April 14, 2015: Communication 01116, from the Staff 
performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary, Legislative 
Affairs, Department of Defense, transmitting additional 
legislative proposals from the Department of Defense as a 
follow up to an earlier transmittal of a request for enactment 
of proposed legislation titled the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016.
    April 16, 2015: Communication 01174, from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel, National Cemetery Administration, Department 
of Veterans' Affairs, transmitting the Department's final 
rule--Reimbursement for Caskets and Urns for Burial of 
Unclaimed Remains in a National Cemetery (RIN: 2900-AO99) 
received April 13, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    April 30, 2015: Communication 01346, from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--Technical Corrections 
to 38 CFR Part 3 (RIN:2900-AP33) received April 27, 2015, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801 (a)(1)(A).
    April 30, 2015: Communication 01347, from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--Updating Certain 
Delegation of Authority in VA Medical Regulations (RIN: 2900-
AP17) received April 27, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    May 1, 2015: Communication 01374, from the Chief Impact 
Analyst, Regulation Policy Management, Office of the General 
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's interim final rule--Driving Distance Eligibility 
for the Veterans Choice Program (RIN: 2900-AP24) received April 
27, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    May 5, 2015: Communication 01391, from the Deputy 
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a draft 
bill to authorize $977,600,000 for major medical facility 
construction projects for FY 2015, as well as to amend the 
Department of Veterans Affairs' Enhanced-Use Lease Authority.
    May 8, 2015: Communication 01417, from the Acting Director, 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel 
(02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Health Care for Homeless Veterans 
Program (RIN:2900-AO71) received May 6, 2015, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    May 12, 2015: Communication 01452, from the Deputy 
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a draft 
bill, the ``Department of Veterans Affairs Purchased Health 
Care Streamlining and Modernizing Act,''.
    May 18, 2015: Communication 01516 from Assistant Attorney 
General, Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of Justice, 
transmitting the Attorney General's Second Quarterly Report of 
FY 2015 on the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment 
Rights Act of 1994, pursuant to the Veterans' Benefits 
Improvement Act of 2008, Pub. L. 110-389.
    May 22, 2015: Communication 01585 from the Acting Director, 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel 
(02REG), Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--Health Care 
for Homeless Veterans Program (RIN:2900-A071/WP2012-028) 
received May 20, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    June 2, 2015: Communication 01698, from the Program 
Manager, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02REG), 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 June 1, 2015, 
pursuant to U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    June 9, 2015: Memorial 0050, 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 
Arizona, relative to Senate Concurrent Memorial 1008, urging 
the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to review the 
disability rating process.
    June 17, 2015: Communication 01862, from the Deputy 
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Principal Deputy 
Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, 
Department of Defense, transmitting the Department of Veterans 
Affairs and Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee FY 
2014 Annual Report, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8111.
    June 18, 2015: Memorial 0065, 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 
Oregon, relative to the House Joint Memorial 9, urging the 
Congress to recognize the presumption of a service connection 
for Agent Orange exposure for United States veteran who served 
in the waters defined by the combat zone in Vietnam, and in the 
airspace over the combat zone.
    June 18, 2015: Memorial 0064, 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 
Oregon, relative to the House Joint Memorial 11, urging the 
Congress to support the mission of the Veterans Health 
Administration Office of Rural Health and efforts to improve 
access health care for veterans in rural areas.
    June 25, 2015: Communication 01977, from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--Delegations of 
Authority: Office of the Regulation Policy and Management 
(ORPM) (RIN:2900-AP47) received June 22, 2015, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    June 25, 2015: Communication 01978, from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's interim final rule--Presumption 
of Herbicide Exposure and Presumption of Disability During 
Service for Reservists Presumed Exposed to Herbicide (RIN: 
2900-AP43) received June 22, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A).
    July 7, 2015: Communication 02056, from the Director, 
National Legislative Division, The American Legion, 
transmitting the consolidated financial statements of the 
American Legion as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 with 
supplemental data.
    July 9, 2015: Memorial 0074, Under Clause 3 of Rule XII, a 
memorial of the following title was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the Senate of State of Hawaii, 
relative to Senate Resolution No. 44, urging Congress and the 
President of the United States to support the passage of 
legislation to expedite family reunification for certain 
Filipino veteran of World War II.
    July 15, 2015: Communication 02183, from the Acting 
Director, Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of 
the General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--Agency Interpretation 
of Prosthetic Replacement of a Joint (RIN:2900-AP38) received 
July 14, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Pub. 
L. 104-121, Sec. 251.
    July 15, 2015: Communication 02184, from the Acting 
Director, Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of 
the General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--Uniform 
Administration Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 
Requirements for Federal Awards; Updating References (RIN: 
2900-AP22) received July 14, 2015 pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A); Added by Pub. L. 104-121, Sec. 251.
    July 21, 2015: Communication 02261, from the Secretary, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting pursuant to Sec. 
202 of Pub. L. 113-146, the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014, an update on the status of the 
Commissioner nominations, the current timeline for convening 
the Commission on Care, and a copy of the Commission on Care 
charter.
    July 28, 2015: Communication 02317, from the Assistant 
Attorney General, Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of 
Justice, transmitting the Attorney General's Third Quarterly 
Report of FY 2015 on the Uniformed Services Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, pursuant to the Veterans' 
Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-389).
    September 8, 2015: Communication 02632, from the Acting 
Director, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's interim final rule--Vet Centers 
(RIN: 2900-AP21) received August 10, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A); Added by Pub. L. 104-121, Sec. 251.
    September 8, 2015: Communication 02630, from the Chief 
Impact Analyst, Office of Regulation Policy, Office of the 
General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--Loan Guaranty: 
Adjustable Rate Mortgage Notification Requirements and Look-
Back Period (RIN: 2900-AP25) received August 21, 2015, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Pub. L. 104-121, Sec. 251.
    September 8, 2015: Communication 02631, from the Chief 
Impact Analyst, Office of Regulation Policy and Management, 
Office of the General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans 
Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--Additional 
Compensation on Account of Children Adopted Out of Veteran's 
Family (RIN: 2900-AP18) received August 13, 2015, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Pub. L. 104-121, Sec. 251.
    September 11, 2015: Communication 02720, from the 
Chairperson, Commission on Care, transmitting an update on the 
work of the Commission that was established in Sec. 202 of the 
Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014.
    September 15, 2015: Communication 02778, from the Chief 
Impact Analyst, Regulation Policy and Management Staff, Office 
of the General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--Animals on VA 
Property (RIN:2900-AO39) received September 2, 2015, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Pub. L. 104-121, Sec. 251.
    September 18, 2015: Communication 02867, from the Chief 
Impact Analyst, Regulation Policy and Management Staff, Office 
of the General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--Copayments for 
Medications in 2015 (RIN: 2900-AP15) received September 15, 
2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Pub. L. 104-
121, Sec. 251.
    September 22, 2015: Communication 02919, from the Chief 
Impact Analyst, Office of Regulation Policy and Management, 
Office of the General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans 
Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--Loan 
Guarantee--Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant 
Program (RIN:2900-AO70) received September 21, 2015, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Pub. L. 104-121, Sec. 251.
    October 9, 2015: Communication 03147, from the Secretary, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a letter reporting 
the FY 2015 expenditures from the Pershing Hall Revolving Fund 
for projects, activities, and facilities that support the 
mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs, pursuant to Pub. 
L. 102-86, Sec. 403(d)(6)(c).
    November 17, 2015: Communication 03480, from the Assistant 
Attorney General, Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of 
Justice, transmitting legislative proposals which would 
significantly strengthen the protections afforded to 
servicemembers and their families under existing civil rights 
laws received November 16, 2015.
    November 19, 2015: A message from the President of the 
United States, transmitting the Administration's 2015 National 
Drug Control Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1705; Pub. L. 109-
469, Sec. 706(a); (120 Stat. 3513).
    November 19, 2015: Communication 03525, from the Chief 
Impact Analyst, Office of Regulatory Policy, Office of the 
General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's Major final rule--Expanded Access 
to Non-VA Care through the Veterans Choice Program (RIN:2900-
AP24) received November 17, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104-121 Sec. 251.
    November 30, 2015: Communication 03571, from the Chief 
Impact Analyst, Office of Regulation Policy, Office of the 
General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's direct final rule--Exempting 
Mental Health Peer Support Services from Copayments (RIN:2900-
AP11) received November 20, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104-121 Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 
268).
    December 7, 2015: Communication 03687, from the Chief 
Impact Analyst, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
general Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--Expanded Access to 
Non-VA Care through the Veterans Choice Program (RIN: 2900-
AP60) received December 3, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A); added by Public Law 101-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 
868)
    December 8, 2015: Communication 03727, from the Chief 
Impact Analyst, Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--Uniform 
Administrative Requirement, Cost Principles, and Audit 
Requirements for Federal Awards; Updating References (RIN: 
2900-AP03) received December 3, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A); added by Public Law 104-121 Sec. 251 (110 Stat. 
868).
    December 16, 2015: Communication 03790, from the Secretary, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a draft bill to 
authorize major medical facility projects for the Department of 
Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2016, and other purposes, 
pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8104(a)(2).

 MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT AND OTHER EXECUTIVE BRANCH COMMUNICATIONS


Second Session

    January 5, 2016: Communication 03859 from the National 
Adjutant, Chief Executive Officer, Disabled American Veterans, 
transmitting the reports and proceeding of the 2015 National 
Convention of the Disabled American Veterans, held in Denver, 
Colorado, August 8-11, 2015, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 50308; 
Public Law 105-225, Sec. 50308; (112 Stat. 1345). Referred to 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and ordered to be printed 
January 5, 2016.
    January 11, 2016: Communication 03989 from the Director, 
Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02 REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--Payment of Emergency 
Medication by VA (RIN:2900-AP34) received December 29, 2015, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104-121, 
Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868).
    January 12, 2016: Communication 04028 from the Director, 
Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02 REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--Removal of 
requirement to File Direct-Pay fee Agreements with the Office 
of the General Counsel (RIN: 2900-AP28) received December 29, 
2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 
104-121, Sec 251 (110 Stat. 868).
    January 25, 2016: Communication 4115 from the Chief Impact 
Analyst, Office of Regulation Policy, Office of the General 
Counsel (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Automobile or Other Conveyance and 
Adaptive Equipment Certificate of Eligibility for Veterans or 
Members of the Armed Forces with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 
connected to Military Service (RIN: 2900-AP26) received January 
14, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public 
Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868).
    February 23, 2016: Memorial 0173 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 Michigan, relative to House concurrent Resolution No. 
7, urging the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and 
the United States Congress to create a pilot program in 
Michigan instituting a flexible Veterans Choice Card system 
structured similar to a traditional health care program for all 
veterans in Michigan.
    March 2, 2016: Communication 04549 from the Assistant 
Attorney General, Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of 
Justice, transmitting the Department's First Quarterly Report 
for HY 2016 on the Uniformed Services Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 
4332(b)(1); Public Law 103-353, Sec. 2(a) (as added by Public 
Law 110-389, Sec. 312(c)); (122 Stat. 4165). Referred jointly 
to the Committees on the Judiciary and Veterans' Affairs.
    March 14, 2016: Communication 04639 from the Director, 
Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02 REG), National Cemetery Administration, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting, the Department's 
final rule--Applicants for VA Memorialization Benefits (RIN: 
2900-AO95) received March 10, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 
868).
    March 14, 2016: Communication 04640 from the Director, 
Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the 
General Counsel (02 REG), Veterans Health Administration, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
final rule--Vet Centers (RIN: 2900-AP21) received March 10, 
2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 
104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868).
    March 14, 2016: Communication 04641 from the Chief Impact 
Analyst, Office of Regulation Policy, Office of the General 
Counsel (02 REG), Veterans Health Administration, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Veterans Transportation Service (RIN: 2900-A092) received March 
10, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public 
Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868).
    March 15, 2016: Communication 04653 from the Director, 
National Legislation Division, The American Legion, a financial 
statement and independent audit of The American Legion, and 
proceedings of the 97th Annual National Convention of The 
American Legion, held in Baltimore, Maryland from September 1-
3, 2015, and a report on the organization's activities for the 
year preceding the convention, pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 
10101(b)(1); Public Law 105-225, 10101(b)(1); (112 Stat. 1283).
    March 21, 2016: Communication 04683 from the Assistant 
Secretary for Legislative Affairs, Department of Defense, 
transmitting the draft of proposed legislation entitled the 
``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.'' 
Referred jointly to the Committees on Armed Services, Oversight 
and Government Reform, Education and the Workforce, Veterans' 
Affairs, Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Transportation 
and Infrastructure, Foreign Affairs, House Administration, the 
Judiciary, Natural Resources, and Rules.
    April 11, 2016: Communication 04993 from the Chief Impact 
Analyst, ORPM. Office of the General Counsel (02 REG), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
interim final rule--Telephone enrollment in the VA healthcare 
system (RIN: 2900-AP68) received March 29, 2016, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; 
(110 Stat. 868).
    April 11, 2016: Memorial 0194; Under clause 3 of rule XII, 
a memorial of the following title was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the Senate of the State of Colorado, 
relative to Senate Resolution 16-002, Concerning Restoring the 
Presumption of Service Connection for Agent Orange Exposure for 
United States Vietnam Veterans Through the ``Blue Water Navy 
Vietnam Veterans Act of 2015.''
    April 28, 2016: Communication 05214 from the Secretary, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a draft bill to 
authorize major medical facility projects for the Department of 
Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2017, and for other purposes, 
pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8104(a)(2).
    April 28, 2016: Memorial 0211, Under clause 3 of rule XII, 
a memorial of the following title was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of General Assembly of the State of 
Tennessee, relative to House Joint Resolution No. 481, urging 
Congress to pass bills for the implementation of the Veterans 
Affairs New Veterans Choice Program.
    April 29, 2016: Memorial 0213 Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following title was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the General Assembly of the State of 
Tennessee, relative to House Joint Resolution No. 481, urging 
Congress to pass bills for the implementation of the Veterans 
Affairs New Veterans Choice Program.
    May 3, 2016: Communication 05249 from the Director, 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel 
(02REG), Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Technical Corrections--VA Vocational Rehabilitation and 
Employment Nomenclature Change for Position Title (RIN: 2900-
AP65) received April 29, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868).
    May 3, 2016: Communication 05250 from the Acting Director, 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel 
(02REG), Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, transmitting the Department's final rule--Health Care 
for Certain Children of Vietnam Veterans and Certain Korea 
Veterans--Covered Birth Defects and Spina Bifida (RIN: 2900-
AP09) received April 29, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868).
    May 3, 2016: Communication 05251 the Adjutant General, the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, transmitting the 
proceedings of the 116th National Convention of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States, held in Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania, July 18-22, 2015, pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1332; 
(Public Law 90-620 (as amended by Public Law 105-225, Sec. 3); 
(112 Stat. 1498).
    May 6, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 05306 from the Assistant Attorney General, 
Department of Justice, transmitting the second Quarterly Report 
for FY 2016 on the Uniformed Services Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 
4332(b)(2); Public Law 103-353, Sec. 2(a) (as added by Public 
Law 110-389, Sec. 312(c)); (112 Stat. 4165). Referred jointly 
to the Committee on the Judiciary and Veterans' Affairs.
    May 24, 2016: Memorial 0235 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 
Arizona, relative to House Concurrent Memorial 2006, urging the 
United States Congress to adopt legislation similar to the 
Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015. Referred jointly to the 
Committees on Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs.
    May 25, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 05500 from the Director, Office of Regulation 
Policy and Management, Office of the General Council (02REG), 
Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
transmitting the Department's final rule--General Agency Final 
Regulations Implementing Executive Order 13559: Fundamental 
Principles and Policymaking Criteria for Partnerships With 
Faith-Based and Other Neighborhood Organizations (RIN: 2900-
AP05) received May 19, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); 
Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868). Referred to the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
    June 3, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication from the 05573 from the Acting Director, Office 
of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the Secretary 
(00REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Mailing Address of the Board of 
Veterans' Appeals (RIN: 2900-AP71) received May 26, 2016, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 
251; (110 Stat. 868). Referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.
    June 3, 2016: Petition 0067 Under clause 3 of rule XII, the 
following petition and papers were presented, as follows: By 
the speaker: A petition of the Council of the City of New York, 
NY, relative to Resolution No. 853, calling on Congress to 
pass, and the President to sign, H.R. 1217, also known as the 
Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act of 
2015, which closes loopholes in the current gun background 
check system. Referred jointly to the Committees on the 
Judiciary and Veterans' Affairs.
    June 14, 2016: Petition 0070, Under clause 3 of rule XII, 
the following petition and papers were presented, as follows: 
By the Speaker: A petition of Delaware County Board of 
Supervisors, NY, relative to Resolution No. 68, urging the 
Veterans Affairs Administration to streamline requirements in 
determining conditions for Non-VA Care when veterans are 
seeking emergency care. Referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.
    June 14, 2016: Memorial 0261, Under clause 3 of rule XII, a 
memorial of the following title was presented, as follows: By 
the Speaker: A memorial of the General Assembly of the State of 
Colorado, relative to Senate Resolution 16-002, to encourage 
the United States Congress to restore the presumption of 
service connection for Agent Orange exposure to United States 
veterans who served on the waters off the coast of the Republic 
of Vietnam. Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
    July 1, 2016: Memorial 0279, 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 States of 
Arizona, relative to House Concurrent Memorial 2006, urging the 
United States Congress to adopt legislation similar to the 
Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015. Referred jointly to the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs and Armed Services.
    July 12, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 06020 from the Office Program Manager, Office of 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the Secretary 
(00REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's direct final rule--Authority to Solicit Gifts and 
Donations (RIN: 2900-AP75) received July 8, 2016, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 
868). Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
    July 21, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 06265 from the office Program Manager, Office of 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the Secretary 
(00REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Hospital Care and Medical Services for 
Camp Lejeune Veterans (RIN: 2900-AP59) received July 15, 2016, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 
251; (110 Stat. 868). Referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.
    July 21, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 06264 from the Office Program Manager, Office of 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the Secretary 
(00REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's final rule--Prescriptions in Alaska and U.S. 
Territories and Possessions (RIN: 2900-AP42) received July 15, 
2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, 
Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868). Referred to the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs.
    September 6, 2016: Under Clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 06648 from the Office Program Manager, Office of 
Regulation Policy and Management Staff, Office of the General 
Counsel (00REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Loan Guaranty: Delegation of 
Authority (RIN: 2900-AP77) received August 26, 2016, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 
Stat. 868). Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
    September 6, 2016: 161--The Final Report of the Commission 
on Care. Communication 06649 from the President of the United 
States, transmitting a statement supporting many of the 
recommendations and the underlying objectives offered by the 
Commission on Care in the final report transmitted on July 6, 
2016, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 113-146, Sec. 
202(g)(2); (128 Stat. 1776). Referred to the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs and ordered to be printed September 6, 2016.
    September 6, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 06684 from the Assistant Attorney General, 
Department of Justice, transmitting the Third Quarterly Report 
for FY 2016 on the Uniformed Services Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 
4332(b)(1); Public Law 103-353, Sec. 2(a) (as added by Public 
Law 110-389, Sec. 312(c)); (122 Stat. 4165). Referred jointly 
to the Committees on the Judiciary and Veterans' Affairs.
    September 6, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
communication 06647 from the Office Program Manager, Office of 
Regulation Policy and Management, Office of the General Counsel 
(00REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the 
Department's interim final rule--Veterans Employment Pay for 
Success Grant Program (RIN: 2900-AP72) received August 15, 
2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, 
Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868). Referred to the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs.
    September 7, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
communication 06691 from the Secretary, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, transmitting a letter reporting a violation of the 
Antideficiency Act, in the Medical Support and Compliance 
account (36-0152), pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1351; Public Law 97-
258; (96 Stat. 926). Referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.
    September 13, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
communication 06817 from the Office Program Manager, Office of 
the Secretary (00REG), Office of Regulation Policy and 
Management, Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
final rule--Telephone Enrollment in the VA Healthcare System 
(RIN: 2900-AP68) received September 9, 2016, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 
8687). Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
    September 26, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 06979 from the Office of Program Manager, Office 
of Regulations Policy and Management, Office of the General 
Counsel (00REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting 
the Department's direct final rule--Authority to Solicit Gifts 
and Donations (RIN: 2900-AP75) received September 22, 2016, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 
251; (110 Stat. 868). Referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.
    September 26, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follow: 
Communication 06978 from the Office Program Manager, Office of 
Regulation Policy Management, Office of the Secretary (00REG), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Department's 
withdrawal of proposed rule--Authority to Solicit Gifts and 
Donations (RIN: 2900-AP74) received September 22, 2016, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801 (a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 
251; (110 Stat. 868). Referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.
    September 27, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 07007 from the Chief Impact Analyst, ORPM, Office 
of the General Counsel (02REG), VHA, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, transmitting the Department's interim final rule--
Telephone enrollment in the VA healthcare system (RIN: 2900-
AP68) received September 23, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801 (a) 
(1) (A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868). 
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
    September 28, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 07047 from the Deputy Secretary and Acting Under 
Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Department of 
Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, transmitting the 
Departments' FY 2015 Annual Joint Report, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 
8111 (f) (1); Public Law 96-22, Sec. 301 (a) (as added by 
Public Law 97-174, Sec. 3 (a) (3)); (96 Stat. 73). Referred 
jointly to the Committees on Armed Services and Veterans' 
Affairs.
    November 14, 2016: 172-The 2016 National Convention 
Proceedings of Disabled American Veterans Communication 07431 
from the National Adjutant, Chief Executive Officer, the 
Disabled American Veterans, held in Atlanta Georgia, July 31-
August 3, 2016. Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
and ordered to be printed.
    November 14, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 07455 from the Policy Officer, Army National 
Military Cemeteries, Department of the Army, Department of 
Defense transmitting the Department's final rule--Army National 
Military Cemeteries [Docket No.:USA-2015-HQ-0046] (RIN: 0702-
AA60) received October 5, 2016. Referred jointly to the 
Committees on Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs.
    November 14, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 07463 from the Assistant General, Department of 
Justice transmitting the Attorney General's Fourth Quarterly 
Report for FY 2016 on the Uniformed Services Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act of 1994. Referred jointly to the 
Committees on the Judiciary and Veterans' Affairs.
    November 14, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 07430 from the Office Program Manager, Office of 
Regulation Policy and Management (00REG), Office of the 
Secretary (00REG), Department of Veterans Affairs transmitting 
the Department's interim final rule--Extension of the 
Presumptive Period for Compensation for Gulf War Veterans (RIN: 
2900-AP84) received October 21, 2016. Referred to the Committee 
on Veterans' Affairs.
    November 14, 2016: Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive 
communications were taken from the Speaker's table as follows: 
Communication 07429 from the Office Program Manager, Office of 
Regulation Policy and Management (00REG), Office of the 
Secretary (00REG), Department of Veterans Affairs transmitting 
the Department's final rule--Repayment by VA of Educational 
Loans for Certain Psychiatrists (RIN: 2900-AP57) received 
September 30, 2016. Referred to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.

                                  [all]