[House Report 115-1120]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                 Union Calendar No. 887

115th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 115-1120

                        REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES

                                 of the

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

                                 of the

                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                               during the

                     ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

                              pursuant to

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

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]




January 2, 2019.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed
              
              
                           _________
              
                U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
                   
33-947                  WASHINGTON : 2018                    
              
              
              
              
              
                          LETTER OF SUBMITTAL

                              ----------                              

                          House of Representatives,
                            Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
                                   Washington, DC, January 2, 2019.
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 115th 
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,
                                        David P. Roe, M.D.,
                                                          Chairman.
                                                          
                            C O N T E N T S

                              ----------                              
                                                                   Page
Activities of the Full Committee.................................     1
Activities of the Subcommittee on Health.........................    27
Activities of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity...........    39
Activities of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations...    54
Activities of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and 
  Memorial Affairs...............................................    65
Activities of the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization.......    79






                                                 Union Calendar No. 887
                                                 
115th Congress  }                                           {  Report
                         HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session     }                                           { 115-1120

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



 
 REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS OF THE 
   HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DURING THE ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

                                _______
                                

January 2, 2019.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

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

                              R E P O R T

                    ACTIVITIES OF THE FULL COMMITTEE


First Session

                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Business Meeting--Formal Organization of the 115th Congress

    On January 21, 2017, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
held a meeting to formally organize for the 115th Congress. In 
this meeting the Committee adopted a resolution for the 
Committee rules for the 115th Congress, a resolution to approve 
the ratios of the Subcommittees, a resolution to approve the 
Vice-Chairman and Majority Subcommittee Chairmen, a resolution 
to approve the Ranking Members of the Subcommittees, a 
resolution to approve the Majority Membership of the 
Subcommittees, a resolution to approve the Minority Membership 
of the Subcommittees, a resolution to approve the Committee 
staff, and a resolution to adopt the Committee Oversight Agenda 
for the 115th Congress.
    The major oversight agenda items included: effectiveness of 
transition assistance program (TAP), accountability and civil 
service reform, education training and GI benefits, appeals 
modernization, national cemeteries, care in the community, 
capitol asset review, mental health and suicide prevention, 
whistleblowers, and electronic health records.\1\ A summary of 
the actions taken related to the oversight plan are detailed in 
this report.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\The Committee's 115th Oversight Plan is printed in House Report 
115-69.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Business Meeting--Resolution To Assign Congressman Kilili Sablan, 
        Congresswoman Esty, and Congressman Scott Peters to HVAC 
        Subcommittees

    On February 15, 2018, the House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs met to formally approve Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty, 
Congressman Kilili Sablan, and Congressman Scott Peters be 
assigned to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The 
Committee also formally assigned Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty 
to be the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Legislative Hearing--Joint Hearing With the Senate Committee on 
        Veterans' Affairs--HVAC/SVAC Joint Hearing To Receive the 
        Legislative Presentation of the Disabled American Veterans

    On February 28, 2017, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
held a joint hearing with the Senate Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs to receive the legislative presentation of the Disabled 
American Veterans. Testimony was provided by David W. Riley, 
National Commander, on behalf of Jim Marszalek, National 
Service Director; Joy J. Ilem, National Legislative Director; 
Garry J. Augustine Executive Director, Washington Headquarters; 
J. Marc Burgess, National Adjutant; Barry A. Jesinoski, 
Executive Director, National Headquarters; John Kleindienst, 
National Director of Voluntary Service; Jeffrey C. Hall, 
National Director of Employment; and Frances Costa, DAV 
Auxiliary National Commander. This hearing was hosted by the 
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and therefore does not 
have a House Serial Number.

Legislative Hearing--Joint Hearing With the Senate Committee on 
        Veterans' Affairs--Joint Hearing To Receive the Legislative 
        Presentation of the American Legion

    On March 1, 2017, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
joint hearing with the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs to 
receive the legislative presentation of The American Legion. 
Testimony was provided by Charles Schmidt, National Commander; 
James Oxford, Chairman, National Legislative Commission; Ralph 
Bozella, Chairman, National Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation 
Commission; Matthew Shuman, Director, National Legislative 
Division; Louis Celli, Jr., Director, National Veterans Affairs 
and Rehabilitation Division; Paul Dillard, Chairman, Veterans 
Employment & Education Commission; Joseph Sharpe, Jr., 
Director, Veterans Employment & Education Division. This 
hearing was hosted by the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
and therefore does not have a House Serial Number.

Markup--H.R. 369, H.R. 1181, H.R. 1259, H.R. 1367, AND H.R. 1379.

    On March 8, 2017, the Full Committee met and marked up H.R. 
369, as amended, to eliminate the sunset of the Veterans Choice 
Program, and for other purposes, introduced by Chairman David 
P. Roe of Tennessee; H.R. 1181, Veterans 2nd Amendment 
Protection Act, introduced by Chairman David P. Roe of 
Tennessee; H.R. 1259, as amended, VA Accountability First Act 
of 2017, introduced by Chairman David P. Roe of Tennessee; H.R. 
1367, to improve the authority of the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to hire and retain physicians and other employees of 
the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes, 
introduced by Representative Brad Wenstrup of Ohio; and H.R. 
1379, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the 
entitlement to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 
Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs for members of the Armed Forces awarded the Purple 
Heart, introduced by Representative Scott Peters of California.
    On March 8, 2017, an amendment to H.R. 369 was offered by 
Ranking Member Tim Walz of Minnesota, and was agreed to by 
voice vote. H.R. 369, as amended, passed the Full Committee by 
voice vote and was favorably reported to the Full House by 
voice vote.
    On March 8, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1181 was offered by Representative Elizabeth 
Esty of Connecticut, and was not adopted by Full Committee 
voice vote. H.R. 1181 passed the Full Committee by voice vote 
and was favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote.
    On March 8, 2017, an amendment to H.R. 1259 was offered by 
Ranking member Tim Walz of Minnesota, and was not adopted by 
Full Committee voice vote. An amendment in the nature of 
substitute to H.R. 1259 was offered by Representative Ann 
McLane Kuster of New Hampshire, and was not adopted by Full 
Committee voice vote. An amendment in the nature of substitute 
to H.R. 1259 was introduced by Representative Mark Takano of 
California, and was not adopted by Full Committee voice vote. 
H.R. 1259 passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was 
favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote.
    On March 8, 2017, H.R. 1367 passed the Full Committee by 
voice vote and was favorably reported to the Full House by 
voice vote.
    On March 8, 2017, an amendment in the nature of substitute 
to H.R. 1379 was introduced by Representative Scott Peters of 
California, and was agreed to by voice vote. H.R. 1379, as 
amended, passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was 
favorably reported to the Full House by voice vote.

Legislative Hearing--Joint Hearing with the Senate Committee on 
        Veterans' Affairs--HVAC/SVAC Hearing to Receive the Legislative 
        Presentations From Multiple Veterans Service Organizations 
        (PVA, AUSN, AMVETS, VVA, NCOA, GSW, NASDVA, WWP, NGAUS)

    On March 9, 2017, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
joint hearing with the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs to 
receive the legislative presentations from multiple veteran 
service organizations (PVA, AUSN, AMVETS, VVA, NCOA, GSW, 
NASDVA, WWP, NGAUS). This hearing was hosted by the Senate 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs and therefore does not have a 
House Serial Number. Testimony was provided by: Mr. Al Kovach, 
Jr., National President, Paralyzed Veterans of America; RADM 
Garry E. Hall, USN (Ret.), National Executive Director, 
Association of the United States Navy; Mr. Harold Chapman, 
National Commander, AMVETS (American Veterans); Mr. John Rowan, 
National President, Vietnam Veterans of America; MCPOCG Vincent 
Patton, III, (Ret.), President and National Commander, Non 
Commissioned Officer Association; Ms. Misty Brammer, Gold Star 
Wives of America; Mr. Randy Reeves, President, National 
Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs; Lt. Gen. 
Michael S. Linnington (Ret.), Chief Executive Officer, Wounded 
Warrior Project; MG Gus Hargett, USA (Ret.), President, 
National Guard Association of the United States. This hearing 
was hosted by the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and 
therefore does not have a House Serial Number.

Legislative Hearing--Joint Hearing of the House and Senate Veterans' 
        Affairs Committees To Receive the Legislative Presentations 
        From JWV, FRA, AFSA, MOPH, American Ex-POW, BVA, TREA, MOAA and 
        IAVA

    On March 22, 2017 the Full Committee held a joint hearing 
with the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs to receive 
testimony from multiple veterans' organizations (JWV, FRA, 
AFSA, MOPH, American Ex-POW, BVA, TREA, MOAA, and IAVA) on 
their 2017 legislative priorities.
    Testimony was provided by Col. Carl A. Singer, USA Retired, 
National Commander, Jewish War Veterans of the United States of 
America; Donald Larson, National President, Fleet Reserve 
Association; Mark Stevenson, Chief Operating Officer, Air Force 
Sergeants Association; Hershel Gober, National Commander, 
Military Order of the Purple Heart; Charles, Susino, Jr., 
National Commander, American Ex-Prisoners of War Organization; 
Mr. Dale Stamper, National President, Blinded Veterans 
Association; John I. Adams, National President, The Retired 
Enlisted Association; Aniela Szymanski, Government Relations 
Director for Veterans Benefits, Military Officers Association 
of America; and Allison Jaslow, Chief of Staff, Iraq and 
Afghanistan Veterans of America. This hearing was hosted by the 
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and therefore does not 
have a House Serial Number.

Legislative Hearing--On a Draft Bill Entitled ``Veterans Appeals 
        Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017''

    On Tuesday, May 2, 2017, the Full Committee held a 
legislative hearing on a draft bill entitled ``Veterans Appeals 
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017''.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Dina Titus, U.S. House of Representatives.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. David C. 
Spickler, Executive in Charge/Acting Vice Chairman, Board of 
Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Spickler was accompanied by Mr. David R. McLenachen, Director, 
Appeals Management Office, Veterans Benefits Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, testimony 
was provided by Mr. Louis J. Celli, Director, National Veterans 
Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Mr. 
Jim Marszalek, National Service Director, Disabled American 
Veterans; and, Mr. Ryan M. Gallucci, Director, National 
Veterans Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States.
    A Statement for the Record was provided by Military 
Officers Association of America, National Association of State 
Directors of Veterans Affairs, National Organization of 
Veterans' Advocates, National Veterans Legal Services Program, 
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Military-Veterans Advocacy Inc., 
and Vietnam Veterans of America. See ``Legislative Hearing on 
the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 
2017'' Serial No. 115-12

Markup--H.R. 91, H.R. 467, H.R. 1005, H.R. 1162, H.R. 1329 as Amended, 
        ANS to H.R. 1461, H.R. 1545, and H.R. 1662, H.R. 1725 as 
        Amended, and H.R. 2288

    On May 17, 2017, the Full Committee met and marked up H.R. 
91, the Building Supportive Networks for Women Veterans Act, 
introduced by Representative Julia Brownley of California; H.R. 
467, the VA Scheduling Accountability Act, introduced by 
Representative Jackie Walorski of Indiana; H.R. 1005, to 
improve the provision of adult day health care service for 
veterans, introduced by Representative Lee Zeldin of New York; 
H.R. 1162, No Hero Left Untreated Act, introduced by 
Representative Stephen Knight of California; H.R. 1329, 
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2017, 
introduced by Representative Mike Bost of Illinois; amendment 
in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 1461, VET Protection Act 
of 2017, introduced by Representative Mark Takano of 
California; H.R. 1545, the VA Prescription Data Accountability 
Act of 2017, introduced by Representative Ann McLane Kuster of 
New Hampshire; H.R. 1662, to prohibit smoking in any VHA 
facility, introduced by Representative Brad Wenstrup of Ohio; 
H.R. 1725, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
submit certain reports relating to medical evidence submitted 
in support of claims for benefits under the laws administered 
by the Secretary, introduced by Representative Timothy Walz of 
Minnesota; H.R. 2288, Veterans Appeals Improvement and 
Modernization Act of 2017, introduced by Representative Mike 
Bost of Illinois.
    On May 17, 2017, H.R. 91; H.R. 467; H.R. 1005; H.R. 1162; 
H.R. 1329, as amended; H.R. 1461, as amended; H.R. 1545; H.R. 
1662; H.R. 1725, as amended; and H.R. 2288 passed the Full 
Committee by voice vote and were favorably forwarded to the 
Full House by voice vote.

Roundtable Discussion--Improving Access, Quality, and Efficiency: 
        Exploring Organizational Changes for the Veterans Health 
        Administration

    On June 15, 2017, the Full Committee hosted a roundtable 
discussion entitled, ``Improving Access, Quality, and 
Efficiency: Exploring Organizational Changes for the Veterans 
Health Administration.''

Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3218, the Harry W. 
        Colmery Veteran Educational Assistance Act of 2017

    On July 17, 2017, the Full Committee met in open session to 
conduct a legislative hearing on H.R. 3218, the Harry W. 
Colmery Veteran Educational Assistance Act of 2017.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: 
Representative Kevin McCarthy of California; Representative 
Mark Takano of California; Representative Gus Bilirakis of 
Florida, Representative Scott Peters of California; 
Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado, Representative Brad 
Wenstrup of Ohio; Representative John Rutherford of Florida; 
Representative Jim Banks of Indiana; Representative Luke Messer 
of Indiana; Representative Paul Cook of California.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Mr. Curtis 
L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary, Economic Opportunity, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
who was accompanied by Mr. James Ruhlman, Assistant Director 
for Policy and Procedures, Education Service, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Patrick D. Murray, Associate Director, 
National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States; Mr. William Hubbard, Vice President of 
Government Affairs, Student Veterans of America; Mr. John 
Kamin, Assistant Director, Veteran Employment and Education, 
The American Legion; and Ms. Ashlynne Haycock, Senior 
Coordinator, Education Support Services, Tragedy Assistance 
Program for Survivors. See, ``Legislative hearing on H.R. 3218, 
the Harry W. Colmery Veteran Educational Assistance Act of 
2017,'' Serial No. 115-25

Roundtable Discussion--The Opioid Crisis: A Roundtable Discussion on 
        Impacts, Challenges, and Solutions for Veterans

    On July 18, 2017, the Full Committee hosted a roundtable 
discussion entitled, ``The Opioid Crisis: A Roundtable 
Discussion on Impacts, Challenges, and Solutions for 
Veterans.''

Markup--H.R. 95, H.R. 282, ANS to H.R. 918, H.R. 918, ANS to H.R. 1058, 
        H.R. 1058, H.R. 1690 as Amended, H.R. 2006, H.R. 2749, H.R. 
        2772, H.R. 2781, ANS to H.R. 3218, and H.R. 3262.

    On July 19, 2017, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
markup of the following legislation: H.R. 95, the Veterans 
Access to Child Care Act, introduced by Representative Julia 
Brownley of California; H.R. 282, Military Residency Choice 
Act, introduced by Representative Elise Stefanik of New York; 
H.R. 918, the Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act, 
introduced by Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado; H.R. 
1058, the VA Provider Equity, introduced by Representative Brad 
Wenstrup of Ohio; H.R. 1690, as amended, Department of Veterans 
Affairs Bonus Transparency Act, introduced by Representative 
Claudia Tenney of New York; H.R. 2006, VA Procurement 
Efficiency and Transparency Act, introduced by Representative 
Mike Coffman of Colorado; H.R. 2749, Protecting Business 
Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2017, introduced by 
Representative Jack Bergman of Michigan; H.R. 2772, SEA Act of 
2018, introduced by Representative Scott Taylor of Virginia; 
H.R. 2781, Ensuring Veteran Enterprise Participation in 
Strategic Sourcing Act, introduced by Representative Neal Dunn 
of Florida; H.R. 3218, Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational 
Assistance Act of 2017, introduced by Representative Jodey 
Arrington of Texas; and H.R. 3262, as amended, the Grow Our Own 
Directive: Physician Assistant Employment and Education Act of 
2017, introduced by Representative Ann McLane Kuster.
    On July 19, 2017, An amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 95 was offered by Representative Julia 
Brownley of California and was agreed to by voice vote. H.R. 
95, as amended, passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was 
favorably forwarded to the Full House by voice vote.
    On July 19, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 918 was offered Representative Mike Coffman 
of Colorado. An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 918 was offered by Representative Beto 
O'Rourke of Texas and was agreed to by voice vote. An amendment 
to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 918 was 
offered by Representative Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon of Puerto 
Rico and was agreed to by voice vote. The amendment in the 
nature of a substitute, as amended, was agreed to by voice 
vote. H.R. 918, as amended, passed the Full Committee by voice 
vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full House by voice 
vote.
    On July 19, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1058 was offered by Representative Brad 
Wenstrup of Ohio. An amendment to the amendment in the nature 
of a substitute to H.R. 1058 was offered by Representative Brad 
Wenstrup of Ohio and was agreed to by voice vote. The amendment 
in the nature of a substitute, as amended, was adopted by voice 
vote. H.R. 1058, as amended, passed the Full Committee by voice 
vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full House by voice 
vote.
    On July 19, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3218 was offered by Representative Phil Roe 
of Tennessee. An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3218 was offered by Representative Jodey 
Arrington of Texas and was agreed to by voice vote. An 
amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to 
H.R. 3218 was offered by Representative Kathleen Rice of New 
York and was agreed to by voice vote. H.R. 3218, as amended, 
was forwarded favorably to the Full House by voice vote.

Roundtable--Veteran Care in Rural Areas: Increasing Access Through 
        Choice and Capacity Improvement

    On August 10, 2017, the Full Committee conducted a 
roundtable discussion in Duluth, Minnesota, entitled, ``Veteran 
Care in Rural Areas: Increasing Access through Choice and 
Capacity Improvement.''

Roundtable Discussion--VA Capital Asset Review

    On September 7, 2017, the Full Committee hosted a 
roundtable discussion entitled, ``Roundtable Discussion on VA 
Capital Asset Review.''

Roundtable Discussion--Roundtable Discussion on Care in the Community

    On October 3, 2017, The Full Committee hosted a roundtable 
discussion entitled, ``Roundtable Discussion on Care in the 
Community.''

Legislative Hearing--Draft Legislation, the Asset and Infrastructure 
        Review Act of 2017, and H.R. 2773, To Authorize the Secretary 
        of Veterans Affairs To Sell Pershing Hall

    On October 12, 2017, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met 
in open session to conduct a legislative hearing on draft 
legislation, the Asset and Infrastructure Review--or, AIR--Act 
of 2017, and H.R. 2773, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to sell Pershing Hall.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by 
Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Joy J. 
Ilem, National Legislative Director, Disabled American 
Veterans; Louis J. Celli Jr., Director, Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Carl Blake, 
Associate Executive Director of Government Relations, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America; Carlos Fuentes, Director, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States; Dave Wise, Director, Physical Infrastructure Team, U.S. 
Government Accountability Office; and Regan L. Crump MSN, DrPH, 
Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Policy and 
Planning, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs, who was accompanied by James M. Sullivan, 
Director, Office of Asset Enterprise Management, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``Draft legislation, the 
Asset and Infrastructure Review Act of 2017, and H.R. 2773, to 
authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to sell Pershing 
Hall,'' Serial No. 115-XX.\2\
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    \2\Hearing serial numbers marked ``XX'' indicate GPO has not 
published the final hearing documents.
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Markup--H.R. 1066, H.R. 3122, H.R. 3561, H.R. 3562, H.R. 3656, H.R. 
        3657

    On October 12, 2017, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
held a markup on the following legislation: H.R. 1066, to 
direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to the 
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives a report regarding the organizational structure 
of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes, 
introduced by Representative Derek Kilmer of Washington; H.R. 
3122, to protect individuals who are eligible for increased 
pension under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs on the basis of need of regular aid and attendance from 
dishonest, predatory, or otherwise unlawful practices, and for 
other purpose, introduced by Representative Matt Cartwright of 
Pennsylvania; H.R. 3561, to amend title 38, United States Code, 
to permit appraisers approved by the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to make appraisals for purposes of chapter 37 of such 
title based on inspections performed by third parties, 
introduced by Representative Jodey Arrington of Texas; H.R. 
3562, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish assistance for 
adaptations of residences of veterans in rehabilitation 
programs under chapter 31 of such title, and for other 
purposes, introduced by Representative Jodey Arrington of 
Texas; H.R. 3656, to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
provide for a consistent eligibility date for provision of 
Department of Veterans Affairs memorial headstones and markers 
for eligible spouses and dependent children of veterans whose 
remains are unavailable, introduced by Representative Jim Banks 
of Indiana; H.R. 3657, to amend title 38, United States Code, 
to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide 
headstones and markers for the graves of spouses and children 
of veterans who are buried in tribal cemeteries, introduced by 
Representative Bruce Poliquin of Maine.
    On October 12, 2017, H.R. 1066 was agreed to via voice vote 
and was reported to the Full House favorably.
    On October 12, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3122 was offered by Representative Elizabeth 
Esty and was agreed to via voice vote. H.R. 3122, as amended, 
was passed via voice vote and reported to the Full House 
favorably.
    On October 12, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3561 was offered by Representative Jodey 
Arrington from Texas and was agreed to via voice vote. H.R. 
3561, as amended, was passed via voice vote and reported to the 
Full House favorably.
    On October 12, 2017, H.R. 3562 was agreed to via voice vote 
and was reported to the Full House favorably.
    On October 12, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3656 was offered by Representative Jim Banks 
of Indiana and was agreed to via voice vote. H.R. 3656, as 
amended, was passed via voice vote and was reported to the Full 
House favorably.
    On October 12, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3657 was offered by Representative Bruce 
Poliquin of Maine and was agreed to via voice vote. H.R. 3657, 
as amended, was passed via voice vote and was reported to the 
Full House favorably.

Roundtable--International Falls, Minnesota

    On October 20, 2017, Ranking Member Tim Walz, 
Representative Rick Nolan and Minority staff conducted a 
Roundtable with veterans in International Falls, MN to discuss 
issues unique to veterans living in a rural area of the 
northern Midwest. The roundtable was an opportunity for 
veterans to share their views on (1) a lack of health care 
providers in rural communities, (2) a division between local 
VSO staff and national leaders, (3) a desire to gain access to 
veteran-centric healthcare in their communities.

Legislative Hearing--Draft Legislation To Establish a Permanent 
        [Veterans Choice Program]; Draft Legislation To Modify VA's 
        Authority To Enter Into Agreements With State Homes To Provide 
        Nursing Home Care to Veterans, To Direct the Secretary To Carry 
        Out a Program To Increase the Number of Graduate Medical 
        Education Residency Positions, and for Other Purposes; the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) Legislative Proposal, 
        the Veteran Coordinated Access and Rewarding Experiences (CARE) 
        Act; H.R. 1133; H.R. 2123; H.R. 2601; and, H.R. 3642.

    On October 24, 2017, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met 
in open session to conduct a legislative hearing on: draft 
legislation to establish a permanent [Veterans Choice Program]; 
draft legislation to modify VA's authority to enter into 
agreements with State homes to provide nursing home care to 
veterans, to direct the Secretary to carry out a program to 
increase the number of graduate medical education residency 
positions, and for other purposes; the Department of Veterans 
Affairs' (VA's) legislative proposal, the Veteran Coordinated 
Access and Rewarding Experiences (CARE) Act; H.R. 1133; H.R. 
2123; H.R. 2601; and H.R. 3642.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: 
Representative Jim Banks of Indiana; Representative Mike 
Gallagher of Wisconsin; Representative John R. Carter of Texas; 
Representative Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania; Representative 
Neal P. Dunn of Florida; and Representative Andy Barr of 
Kentucky.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: the 
Honorable David J. Shulkin, M.D., Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs, who was accompanied by Carolyn Clancy M.D., 
Executive in Charge, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs, and Laurie Zephyrin M.D., MPH, 
MBA, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Community 
Care, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by: Adrian M. 
Atizado, Deputy National Legislative, Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Roscoe G. Butler, Deputy Director for Health 
Care, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The 
American Legion; and Kayda Keleher, Associate Director, 
National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States. See, ``draft legislation to establish a 
permanent [Veterans Choice Program]; draft legislation to 
modify VA's authority to enter into agreements with State homes 
to provide nursing home care to veterans, to direct the 
Secretary to carry out a program to increase the number of 
graduate medical education residency positions, and for other 
purposes; the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) 
legislative proposal, the Veteran Coordinated Access and 
Rewarding Experiences (CARE) Act; H.R. 1133; H.R. 2123; H.R. 
2601; and, H.R. 3642.,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Markup--H.R. 299, Amendment to the ANS to H.R. 299, H.R. 1133, ANS to 
        H.R. 1133, H.R. 1900, ANS to H.R. 1900, H.R. 2123, H.R. 2601, 
        ANS to H.R. 2601, H.R. 3634, H.R. 3705, ANS to H.R. 3705, H.R. 
        3949, H.R. 4173, ANS to H.R. 4173

    On November 2, 2017, the Full Committee met and marked up 
the following legislation: H.R. 299, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to clarify presumptions relating to the exposure 
of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the Republic 
of Vietnam, and for other purposes, introduced by 
Representative David Valadao of California; H.R. 1133, the 
Veterans Transplant Coverage Act of 2017, introduced by 
Representative John Carter of Texas; H.R. 1900, to designate 
the Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio, as the 
National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and for other purposes, 
offered by Representative Steve Stivers of Ohio; H.R. 2123, the 
Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support Act of 2017, 
introduced by Representative Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania; 
H.R. 2601, the Veterans Increased Choice for Transplanted 
Organs and Recovery Act of 2017, introduced by Representative 
Neal Dunn of Florida; H.R. 3634, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to ensure that individuals may access 
documentation verifying the monthly housing stipend paid to the 
individual under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program 
of the Department of Veterans Affairs, introduced by 
Representative James Himes of Connecticut; H.R. 3705, to direct 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to require the use of 
certified mail and plain language in certain debt collection 
activities, introduced by Representative Chellie Pingree of 
Maine; H.R. 3949, as amended, To amend title 38, United States 
Code, to provide for the designation of State approving 
agencies for multi-State apprenticeship programs for purposes 
of the educational assistance programs of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, introduced by Representative Ro Khanna of 
California; H.R. 4173, the Veterans Crisis Line Study Act of 
2017, introduced by Representative Jim Banks of Indiana; and an 
amendment to H.R. 4173 offered by Jim Banks of Indiana.
    On November 2, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 299 was offered by Representative Phil Roe 
of Tennessee. An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 299 was offered by Representative Timothy 
Walz of Minnesota and agreed to via voice vote. H.R. 299, as 
amended, was passed by the Full Committee by voice vote and was 
favorably forwarded to the Full House by voice vote.
    On November 2, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1133 was offered by Representative Brad 
Wenstrup of Ohio and agreed to by voice vote. H.R. 1133, as 
amended, passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was 
favorably forwarded to the Full House by voice vote.
    On November 2, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1133 offered by Representative Brad Wenstrup 
of Ohio was agreed to via voice vote. H.R. 1133, as amended, 
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full House by voice vote.
    On November 2, 2017, amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1900 offered by Representative Phil Roe of 
Tennessee. Amendment to the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1900 offered by Representative Timothy Walz 
of Minnesota was agreed to via voice vote. H.R. 1900, as 
amended, passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was 
favorably forwarded to the Full House by voice vote.
    On November 2, 2017, H.R. 2123 passed the Full Committee by 
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full House by 
voice vote.
    On November 2, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 2601 was offered by Representative Neal Dunn 
of Florida and agreed to by voice vote. H.R. 2601, as amended, 
passed the Full Committee by voice vote and was favorably 
forwarded to the Full House by voice vote.
    On November 2, 2017, H.R. 3634 passed the Full Committee by 
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full House by 
voice vote.
    On November 2, 2017, H.R. 3705 passed the Full Committee by 
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full House by 
voice vote. Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 
3705 offered by Representative Elizabeth Esty of Connecticut 
was passed via voice vote.
    On November 2, 2017, H.R. 3949, as amended, passed the Full 
Committee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full 
House by voice vote.
    On November 2, 2017, an amendment to H.R. 4173 was offered 
by Representative Jim Banks and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 
4173, as amended, passed the Full House by voice vote and was 
favorably forwarded to the Full House by voice vote.

Markup--H.R. 4243, the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act

    On November 8, 2017, the Committee on Veterans Affairs met 
in open session to markup H.R. 4243, the VA Asset and 
Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act, introduced by Chairman David 
Roe of Tennessee.
    On November 8, 2017, an amendment to H.R. 4243, was offered 
by Representative Kilili Sablan of the Northern Mariana Islands 
and was agreed to by voice vote.
    On November 8, 2017, an amendment to H.R. 4243 was offered 
and then withdrawn by Representative Ann Kuster from New 
Hampshire.
    On November 8, 2017, an amendment to H.R. 4243 was offered 
and then withdrawn by Representative Julia Brownley of 
California.
    On November 8, 2017, H.R. 4243, as amended, passed the Full 
Committee by a recorded vote of 13 yeas and 10 nays. H.R. 4243, 
as amended, and was favorably forwarded to the Full House by 
voice vote.

Markup--H.R. 4242, the VA Care in the Community Act

    On December 19, 2017, the Committee on Veterans Affairs met 
in open session to markup H.R. 4242, the VA Care in the 
Community Act, introduced by Chairman David Roe of Tennessee.
    On December 19, 2017, the following amendments to H.R. 4242 
were considered en bloc and passed by voice vote: an amendment 
offered by Representative John Rutherford of Florida; an 
amendment offered by Representative Neal Dunn of Florida; an 
amendment offered by Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado; 
an amendment offered by Representative Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon 
of Puerto Rico; an amendment offered by Representative Julia 
Brownley of California; and an amendment offered by 
Representative Gus Bilirakis of Florida.
    On December 19, 2017, an amendment was offered and then 
withdrawn by Representative Elizabeth Esty of Connecticut.
    On December 19, 2017, an amendment was offered and then 
withdrawn by Representative Elizabeth Esty of Connecticut.
    On December 19, 2017, an amendment was offered by 
Representative David P. Roe of Tennessee, the Chairman of the 
full Committee, was agreed to by voice vote.
    On December 19, 2017, an amendment was offered and then 
withdrawn by Representative David P. Roe of Tennessee, the 
Chairman of the full Committee.
    On December 19, 2017, an amendment was offered by 
Representative David P. Roe of Tennessee, the Chairman of the 
full Committee, was agreed to by voice vote.
    On December 19, 2017, amendment was offered by 
Representative Mark Takano of California and was not agreed to 
by voice vote.
    On December 19, 2017, amendment was offered by 
Representative Mark Takano of California and was not agreed to 
by a recorded vote of 9 yeas to 14 noes.
    On December 19, 2017, an amendment was offered by 
Representative Mark Takano of California was not agreed to by 
voice vote.
    On December 19, 2017, an amendment offered by 
Representative Ann Kuster of New Hampshire was agreed to by 
voice vote.
    On December 19, 2017, an amendment was offered by 
Representative Julia Brownley of California and was not agreed 
to by a recorded vote of 9 yeas to 14 noes.
    On December 19, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute was offered by Representative Tim Walz of Minnesota, 
the Ranking Member of full Committee. The amendment in the 
nature of a substitute was not agreed to by a recorded vote of 
9 yeas to 14 noes.
    On December 19, 2017, H.R. 4242, as amended, passed the 
Full Committee by a recorded vote of 14 yeas and 9 nays. H.R. 
4242, as amended, and was favorably forwarded to the Full House 
by recorded vote of 14 yeas and 9 noes.

Second Session

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

    On February 27, 2018, the Full Committee held a joint 
hearing with the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs to 
receive testimony from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) on 
the organization's 2018 legislative priorities.
    Testimony was provided by the following members of DAV: Jim 
Marszalek, National Service Director; Joy J. Ilem, National 
Legislative Director; Garry J. Augustine, Executive Director, 
Washington Headquarters; J. Marc Burgess, National Adjutant; 
Barry A. Jesinoski, Executive Director, National Headquarters; 
John Kleindienst, National Director of Voluntary Service; 
Jeffrey C. Hall, National Director of Employment; and William 
Johniken, DAV Auxiliary National Commander. This hearing was 
hosted by the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and 
therefore does not have a House Serial Number. This hearing was 
hosted by the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and 
therefore does not have a House Serial Number.

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

    On February 28, 2018, the Full Committee participated in a 
joint hearing with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to 
receive testimony from The American Legion on its 2018 
Legislative Priorities.
    Testimony was provided by: Denise H. Rohan, National 
Commander, who was accompanied by: Paul Dillard, Chairman, 
National Legislative Commission; Ralph Bozella, Chairman, 
National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission; 
Matthew Shuman, Director, National Legislative Division; Louis 
Celli, Jr., Director, National Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division; Randall Fisher, Chairman, Veterans 
Employment & Education Commission; and Joseph Sharpe, Director, 
Veterans Employment & Education Division. This hearing was 
hosted by the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and 
therefore does not have a House Serial Number.

Legislative Hearing--Joint Hearing of the House and Senate Veterans' 
        Affairs Committees to Receive the Legislative Presentations 
        From PVA, AMVETS, VVA, AXPOW, IAVA, AUSN, WWP, NGAUS, and NCOA

    On March 6, 2018, the Full Committee held a joint hearing 
with the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs to receive 
testimony from Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), American 
Veterans (AMVETS), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), American 
Ex-Prisoners of War (AXPOW), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of 
America (IAVA), Association of the United States Navy (AUSN), 
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), National Guard Association of 
the United States (NGAUS), and Non Commissioned Officers 
Association (NCOA) on the their 2018 legislative priorities.
    Testimony was provided by David Zurfluh, National 
President, Paralyzed Veterans of America; Marion Polk, National 
Commander, American Veterans; John Rowan, National President, 
Vietnam Veterans of America; Charles Susino, Jr., National 
Commander, American Ex-Prisoners of War; Melissa Bryant, Chief 
Policy Officer, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; RADM 
Christopher W. Cole, USN (Ret.), National Executive Director, 
Association of the United States Navy; Rene Bardorf, Senior 
Vice President, Government and Community Relations, Wounded 
Warrior Project; BG Roy Robinson (Ret.), President, National 
Guard Association of the United States; and MCPOCG Vincent 
Patton, III, (Ret.), President and National Commander, Non 
Commissioned Officers Association. This hearing was hosted by 
the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and therefore does 
not have a House Serial Number.

Roundtable Discussion on the Family Caregiver Program

    On March 6, 2018, the Full Committee held a roundtable 
discussion entitled, ``Roundtable Discussion on the Family 
Caregiver Program.''

Legislative Hearing--Joint Hearing of the House and Senate Veterans' 
        Affairs Committees to receive the Legislative Presentation of 
        the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

    On March 7, 2018, the Full Committee held a joint hearing 
with the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs to receive 
testimony from the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States. On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by 
the following members of VFW: Ryan Gallucci, National Veterans 
Service Director; Keith Harman, National Commander in Chief; 
Richard Morrison, National Legislative Committee Chairman; Bob 
Wallace, Washington Office Executive Director. This hearing was 
hosted by the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and 
therefore does not have a House Serial Number.

Legislative Hearing--Joint Hearing of the House and Senate Veterans' 
        Affairs Committees to Receive the Legislative Presentation of 
        Multiple Veterans Service Organizations (FRA, JWV, AFSA, BVA, 
        MOPH, NASDVA, MOAA, TREA, GSW)

    On March 14, 2018, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held 
a joint hearing with the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
to receive testimony from: FRA, JWV, AFSA, BVA, MOPH, NASDVA, 
MOAA, TREA, GSW. On the first and only panel, testimony was 
provided by: John Adams, National President, The Retired 
Enlisted Association; Verdie Bowen, President, National 
Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs; Rene 
Campos, Senior Director for Government Relations, Military 
Officers Association of America; Cyndie Gibson, Gold Star Wives 
of America; Jeff Ledoux, International President, Air Force 
Sergeants Association; Paul L. Mimms, Vice President, Blinded 
Veterans Association; William Starkey, National President, 
Fleet Reserve Association; Neil Van Ess, National Commander, 
Military Order of the Purple Heart; and Paul D. Warner, PhD., 
National Commander, Jewish War Veterans. This hearing was 
hosted by the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and 
therefore does not have a House Serial Number.

Roundtable Discussion--VA's Implementation of Appeals Reform

    On March, 28, 2018, the Full Committee held a bipartisan 
roundtable discussion on the topic of VA's implementation of 
appeals reform, hosted by Chairman Phil Roe and Ranking Member 
Tim Walz. Attendance included Members of the Majority and 
Minority of the Committee, The Honorable Thomas G. Bowman, 
Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; The 
Honorable Cheryl L. Mason, Chairman, Board of Veterans' 
Appeals, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. David R. 
McLenachen, Director, Appeals Management Office, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Mr. David J. Barrans, Chief Counsel, Benefits Law Group, Office 
of General Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. 
Marcy Jacobs, Executive Director, Digital Services, Office of 
Information and Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Ms. Elizabeth H. Curda, Director, Education, 
Workforce, and Income Security Team, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office; Mr. James T. Whitcomb, Senior Analyst, 
Education, Workforce, and Income Security Team, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office; Mr. Louis J. Celli, Director, National 
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The American 
Legion; Mr. Denny Boller, National Service Director, AMVETS; 
Mr. Jim Marszalek, National Service Director, Disabled American 
Veterans; Mr. Mike McLaughlin, Legislative Liaison, National 
Association of County Veterans Service Officers; Ms. Diane Boyd 
Rauber, Executive Director, National Organization of Veterans' 
Advocates; Mr. Barton F. Stichman, Executive Director, National 
Veterans Legal Services Program; Mr. Steven Henry, Associate 
Legislative Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America; Ms. Lauren 
Barefoot, National Veterans Service Manager of Training and 
Quality Assurance, Veterans of Foreign Wars; and, Ms. Kelsey 
Yoon, Director, Veterans Benefits Program, Vietnam Veterans of 
America. Serial No. 115-XX.

Business Meeting--To Assign New Committee Member

    On May 8, 2018, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
business meeting to assign Representative Conor Lamb of 
Pennsylvania as a Democratic Member of the Committee and to the 
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for the 115th 
Congress.

Markup--H.R. 299; H.R. 1972; H.R. 2147; H.R. 3642; H.R. 3832; H.R. 
        4245; H.R. 4334; H.R. 4451, as amended; H.R. 4635; H.R. 4830, 
        as amended; H.R. 4958; H.R. 5044; H.R. 5215; H.R. 5418; H.R. 
        5520; and H.R. 5674

    On May 8, 2018 the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
markup of the following legislation: H.R. 299, Blue Water Navy 
Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017; H.R. 1972, VA Billing 
Accountability Act; H.R. 2147, Veterans Treatment Court 
Improvement Act of 2018; H.R. 3642, Military SAVE Act; H.R. 
3832, Veterans Opioid Abuse Prevention Act; H.R. 4245, 
Veterans' Electronic Health Record Modernization Oversight Act 
of 2017; H.R. 4334, Improving Oversight of Women Veterans' Care 
Act of 2018; H.R. 4451 AS AMENDED, Homeless Veterans' 
Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act of 2018; H.R. 4635, 
to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the 
number of peer-to-peer counselors providing counseling for 
women veterans, and for other purposes.; H.R. 4830 AS AMENDED, 
SIT-REP Act; H.R. 4958, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living 
Adjustment Act of 2018; H.R. 5044, Service-Disabled Veterans 
Small Business Continuation Act; H.R. 5215, Veterans Affairs 
Purchase Card Misuse Mitigation Act; H.R. 5418; H.R. 5520, 
Veterans Affairs Medical-Surgical Purchasing Stabilization Act; 
and H.R. 5674, VA MISSION Act of 2018.
    On May 8, 2018, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 1972 was offered by Representative John Rutherford of 
Florida and was agreed to by voice vote. A motion to favorably 
forward H.R. 1972, as amended, to the Full House was offered by 
Ranking Member Tim Walz of Minnesota and agreed to by voice 
vote.
    On May 8, 2018, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 2147 was offered by Representative Mike Coffman of 
Colorado and was agreed to by voice vote. A motion to favorably 
forward H.R. 2147, as amended, to the House was offered by 
Ranking Member Tim Walz of Minnesota and agreed to by voice 
vote.
    On May 8, 2018, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 3642 was offered by Representative Bruce Poliquin of 
Maine and was agreed to by voice vote. A motion to favorably 
forward H.R. 3642, as amended, to the House was offered by 
Ranking Member Tim Walz of Minnesota and agreed to by voice 
vote.
    On May 8, 2018, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 3832 was offered by Representative Neal Dunn of Florida 
and was agreed to by voice vote. A motion to favorably forward 
H.R. 3832, as amended, to the House was offered by Ranking 
Member Tim Walz of Minnesota and agreed to by voice vote.
    On May 8, 2018, an amendment in the nature of a substitute 
to H.R. 4635 was offered by Representative Mike Coffman of 
Colorado and was agreed to by voice vote. A motion to favorably 
forward H.R. 4635, as amended, to the House was offered by 
Ranking Member Tim Walz of Minnesota and agreed to by voice 
vote.
    On May 8, 2018, an amendment to H.R. 5520 was offered by 
Representative Brad Wenstrup of Ohio and was agreed to by voice 
vote. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 5520, as amended, to 
the House was offered by Ranking Member Tim Walz of Minnesota 
and agreed to by voice vote.
    On May 8, 2018, amendment #1 to H.R. 5674 was offered by 
Representative Tim Walz of Minnesota and was not agreed to by a 
recorded vote of 8 ayes to 13 noes. Amendment #2 to H.R. 5674 
was withdrawn by Ranking Member Tim Walz of Minnesota. 
Amendment #3 to H.R. 5674 was offered by Representative Tim 
Walz of Minnesota and was not agreed to by recorded vote of 8 
ayes to 13 noes. An amendment to H.R. 5674 was offered by 
Representative Beto O'Rourke of Texas and was not agreed to by 
voice vote. Three amendments to H.R. 5674 were offered by 
Representative Julia Brownley of California and were withdrawn 
by Representative Julia Brownley of California. An amendment in 
the nature of a substitute to H.R. 5674 was offered by 
Representative Tim Walz of Minnesota and was not agreed to by a 
recorded vote of 8 ayes to 14 noes. A motion to favorably 
forward H.R. 5674 to the House was offered by Representative 
Bilirakis of Florida and agreed to by roll call vote of 20 ayes 
and 2 noes.
    On May 8, 2018, H.R. 4245; H.R. 4334; H.R. 4451, as 
amended; H.R. 4830 as amended; H.R. 4958; H.R. 5044; H.R. 5215; 
H.R. 5418 were considered en bloc. A motion to favorably 
forward the en bloc bills to the House was offered by Ranking 
Member Tim Walz of Minnesota and agreed to by voice vote.

Legislative Hearing--Member Day: Testimony and Proposals on the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs

    On May 16, 2018, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
hearing allowing non-Committee members of the U.S. House of 
Representatives to testify on Department of Veterans' Affairs 
related issues in front of the Committee. On the first panel 
testimony was provided by Representative Brian Mast of Florida; 
Representative David Rouzer of North Carolina; Representative 
French Hill of Arkansas; Representative Markwayne Mullin of 
Oklahoma; and Representative Thomas Suozzi of New York. On the 
second panel, testimony was provided by Representative Jackie 
Walorski of Indiana; Representative Bruce Westerman of 
Arkansas; Representative Stacey Plaskett of the U.S. Virgin 
Islands; Representative Earl ``Buddy'' Carter of Georgia; and 
Representative Peter DeFazio of Oregon. On the third panel, 
testimony was provided by Representative James Renacci of Ohio; 
Representative Stephanie Murphy of Florida; and Representative 
Daniel Kildee of Michigan. On the fourth panel, testimony was 
provided by Representative Steve Stivers of Ohio; 
Representative Paul Ruiz of California; Representative Denny 
Heck of Washington; and Representative Bradley Schneider of 
Illinois. On the fifth panel, testimony was received by Mike 
Johnson of Louisiana; Representative Ron DeSantis of Florida; 
Representative Vicky Hartzler of Missouri; Representative Dina 
Titus of Nevada; Representative Andy Biggs of Arizona; and 
Representative Gergorio Kilili Camacho Sablen of the Northern 
Mariana Islands. On the sixth panel, testimony was provided by 
Representative Ruben Kihuen of Nevada; Representative Tom 
O'Halleran of Arizona; Representative Juan Vargas of 
California; and Representative Bill Flores of Texas. On the 
seventh panel, testimony was provided by Representative Dana 
Rohrabacher of California; Representative Peter Welch of 
Vermont; and Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts. On 
the eighth panel, testimony was provided by Representative Lee 
Zeldin of New York; Representative Dave Brat of Virginia; 
Representative Ted Lieu of California; Representative Jacky 
Rosen of Nevada; and Representative Greg Gianforte of Montana. 
On the ninth and final panel, testimony was provided by 
Representative Cathy McMorris Rogers of Washington; 
Representative Madeline Bordallo of Guam; and Representative 
Eddie Johnson of Texas. See, ``Legislative Hearing: Member Day: 
Testimony and Proposals on the Department of Veterans 
Affairs,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Business Meeting--To Consider a Resolution Designating Republican 
        Members of Subcommittees

    On May 22, 2018, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
Full Committee business meeting to add Representative Brian 
Mast of Florida as a Republican member of the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs as well as a member of the Subcommittees on 
Health and Economic Opportunity. The Committee also assigned 
Representative Neal Dunn of Florida to be Chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Health.

Roundtable--Roundtable Discussion on Graduate Medical Education

    On June 13, 2018, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
roundtable to discuss to the VA Graduate Medical Education 
program, particularly regarding improving the (1) quality and 
oversight of graduate medical education training experiences 
within VA; (2) collaboration between VA and external partners, 
such as the academic affiliates and other federal entities; and 
(3) clinical access in rural and underserved areas; and (4) 
utilization and progress regarding the 1,500 GME slots 
authorized by the Choice Act, as well as prospective uses for 
the increased authorities contained within the VA MISSION Act.
    The attendees at the roundtable were Karen Sanders, MD, 
Deputy Chief, Office of Academic Affiliations, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Kathleen Klink, MD, Acting Chief Officer, 
Office of Academic Affiliations, Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Monica Lypson, MD, Director Medical and Dental 
Education, Office of Academic Affiliations, Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Christopher Pelic, MD, Clinical Director of 
Graduate and Dental Education, Office of Academic Affiliations, 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Jane Carreiro, DO, Vice 
President for Health Affairs and Dean University of New England 
on behalf of the American Association of Colleges of 
Osteopathic Medicine; Janis Orlowski, MD, MACP, Chief Health 
Care Officer on behalf of the Association of American Medical 
Colleges; Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD, President and CEO of the 
Wright Centers for Graduate Medical Education and Medical Group 
on behalf of the American Association of Teaching Health 
Centers; Rowen Zetterman, MD, MACP, MACG, Chair of the Board of 
the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; 
Richard Thomas, MD, President, Uniformed Services University of 
the Health Sciences on behalf of the Department of Defense; 
Erin Fraher, PhD, MPP, Deputy Director, Cecil Sheps Center for 
Health Services Research, University of North Carolina; 
Veronica Mallett, MD, MMM, Senior Vice President for Health 
Affairs, Dean School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College; 
Jerry Kooiman, MPA, Assistant Dean for External Relations, 
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine; and 
Jonathan Espenschied, MD, Washington State University.

Business Meeting--To Assign Representative Bill Flores of Texas to 
        Subcommittees; Amend the Committee Rules to Establish a 
        Subcommittee on Technology Modernization; Set the Membership 
        Ratio of the Subcommittee; Assign a Chair and Ranking Member of 
        the Subcommittee; Assign Majority and Minority Members of the 
        Subcommittee; and for Other Purposes

    On July 12, 2018, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
business meeting to assign Bill Flores of Texas to the 
Subcommittees on Health and Economic Opportunity. The Committee 
Amended Rule 5 of Committee Rules. The Committee also 
established the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, the 
Subcommittee's ratio, as well as majority and minority members 
of the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization. All proposed 
resolutions were adopted by the Full Committee via voice vote.

Markup--H.R. 2409; H.R. 2787, as Amended; H.R. 5538; H.R. 5649; H.R. 
        5693; H.R. 5864; H.R. 5882; H.R. 5938, as Amended; H.R. 5974, 
        as Amended; H.R. 6066, as Amended

    On July 12, 2018, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
markup of the following legislation: H.R. 2409, to allow 
servicemembers to terminate their cable, satellite television, 
and Internet access service contracts while deployed; H.R. 
2787, as amended, Veterans-Specific Education for Tomorrow's 
Health Professionals Act; H.R. 5538, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to provide for the inclusion of certain additional 
periods of active duty service for purposes of suspending 
charges to veterans' entitlement to educational assistance 
under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs during periods of suspended participation in vocational 
rehabilitation programs; H.R. 5649, Navy SEAL Chief Petty 
Officer William ``Bill'' Mulder (Ret.) Transition Improvement 
Act of 2018; H.R. 5693, as amended, Long-Term Care Veterans 
Choice Act; H.R. 5864, VA Hospitals Establishing Leadership 
Performance Act; H.R. 5882, Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief 
Act; H.R. 5938, as amended, Veterans Serving Veterans Act of 
2018; H.R. 5974, as amended, VA COST SAVINGS Enhancements Act; 
and H.R. 6066, as amended to amend title 38, United States 
Code, to improve the productivity of the management of 
Department of Veterans Affairs health care, and for other 
purposes.
    On July 12, 2018, an amendment to H.R. 2787 was offered by 
Representative Mark Takano of California and was agreed to by 
voice vote. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 2787, as 
amended, to the Full House was offered by Ranking Member Tim 
Walz of Minnesota and adopted by voice vote.
    On July 12, 2018, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 5693 was offered by Chairman Phil Roe of 
Tennessee and was agreed to by voice vote. A motion to 
favorably forward H.R. 5693 as amended, to the House was 
offered by Ranking Member Walz of Minnesota and adopted by 
voice vote.
    On July 12, 2018, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 6066, as amended, was offered by 
Representative Ann McLane Kuster of New Hampshire and was not 
agreed to by voice vote. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 
6066, as amended, to the House was offered by Vice Chairman Gus 
Bilirakis of Florida and adopted by voice vote.
    On July 12, 2018, H.R. 2409; H.R. 5538; H.R. 5864; H.R. 
5882; H.R. 5938, as amended; and H.R. 5974, as amended, were 
considered en bloc. A motion to favorably forward the en bloc 
bills to the House was offered by Ranking Member Tim Walz of 
Minnesota and adopted by voice vote.

                    ACTIVITIES OF THE FULL COMMITTEE


First Session

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Oversight Hearing--Assessing the VA IT Landscape: Progress and 
        Challenges

    On February 7, 2017, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
held a hearing to assess the major information technology 
modernization projects and programs underway at VA, including 
an examination of their histories, objectives, cost and 
schedule goals, as well as the choices that must be made in the 
future regarding their directions.
    Testimony was provided by Rob C. Thomas, II, Acting 
Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and Chief 
Information Officer, Office of Information and Technology, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs, accompanied by Jennifer S. Lee, 
M.D., Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Policy and 
Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Bradley Houston, Director, Office of Business 
Integration, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; and David A. Powner, Director, IT 
Management Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office. 
Statements for the record were provided by The American Legion; 
Blinded Veterans Association; Disabled American Veterans; and 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars. See, ``Assessing the VA IT 
Landscape: Progress and Challenges,'' Serial No. 115-57.

Oversight Hearing--``Shaping the Future: Consolidating and Improving VA 
        Community Care''

    On March 7, 2017, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
hearing titled ``Shaping the Future: Consolidating and 
Improving VA Community Care''. On the first panel, testimony 
was provided by the Honorable John McCain, U.S. Senator, 
Arizona. On the second panel, testimony was provided by the 
Honorable David J. Shulkin, M.D., Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans' Affairs who was accompanied by Dr. Baligh Yehia, 
M.D., Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Community Care, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans' 
Affairs. Testimony was also provided by the Honorable Michael 
J. Missal, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans' 
Affairs; and Randy Williamson, Director, Health Care, U.S. 
Government Accountability Office. Serial No. 115-5.

Site Visit--Phoenix, Arizona & Ft. Huachuca, Arizona

    On March 30--April 3, 2017 Ranking Member Tim Walz and 
minority staff traveled to Phoenix, AZ to conduct an oversight 
visit of the Phoenix VA Medical Center, and Ft. Huachuca, AZ to 
observe the Department of Defense Soldier For Life and 
Transition Assistance Programs. At the Phoenix VA Medical 
Facility Representative Walz toured the facility, met with 
veterans and local facility leaders, received updates on the 
progress of the Choice Program implementation, and assessed the 
operations and management of the facility.

Oversight Hearing--An Assessment of Ongoing Concerns at the Veterans 
        Crisis Line

    On April 4, 2017, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met in 
open session to conduct an oversight hearing on the Department 
of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Crisis Line (VCL).
    Testimony was provided by: the Honorable Michael J. Missal, 
Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Kayda Keleher, Legislative 
Associate, National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States; Melissa Bryant, Director of 
Intergovernmental Affairs, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of 
America; and Steve Young, Deputy Under Secretary for Operations 
and Management, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs, who was accompanied by Matthew Eitutis, 
Acting Executive Director, Office of Member Services, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
See, ``An Assessment of Ongoing Concerns at the Veterans Crisis 
Line,'' Serial No. 115-9.

Oversight Hearing--U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request 
        for Fiscal Year 2018

    On May 24, 2017, the Full Committee met to discuss the 
Department of Veterans Affairs' Fiscal Year 2018 budget request 
to Congress.
    Testimony was provided by: the Honorable David J. Shulkin 
M.D., Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who was 
accompanied by Edward Murray, Acting Assistant Secretary for 
Management and Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Mark Yow, Chief Financial Officer, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
James Manker, Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary for 
Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Matthew Sullivan, Deputy Under Secretary for 
Finance and Planning and Chief Financial Officer, National 
Cemetery Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
and Rob Thomas, Acting Assistant Secretary for Information and 
Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year 
2018,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--Overcoming PTSD: Assessing VA's Efforts To Promote 
        Wellness and Healing

    On June 7, 2017, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met in 
open session to conduct an oversight hearing on post-traumatic 
stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans.
    Testimony was provided by: Brendan O'Byrne, Veteran, United 
States Army; Sebastian Junger, Author, Tribe: on Homecoming and 
Belonging; Zach Iscol, Executive Director, Headstrong Project, 
and Veteran, United States Marine Corps; Paul Downs, Staff 
Member, Boulder Crest Retreat Team, Operation Warrior Wellness, 
The David Lynch Foundation, and Veteran, United States Marine 
Corps; and Harold Kudler M.D., Acting Assistant Deputy Under 
Secretary for Patient Care Services, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who was 
accompanied by Brad Flohr, Senior Advisor, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See, 
``Overcoming PTSD: Assessing VA's Efforts to Promote Wellness 
and Healing,'' Serial No. 115-16.

Oversight Hearing--Care Where It Counts: Assessing VA's Capital Asset 
        Needs

    On July 12, 2017, the Committee on Veterans Affairs met in 
open session to conduct an oversight hearing on the Department 
of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) capital asset program.
    Testimony was provided by: The Honorable Anthony Principi, 
Former Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Roscoe 
G. Butler, Deputy Director for Health Care, Veterans Affairs 
and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Debra Draper, 
Director, Health Care Team, Government Accountability Office; 
and James M. Sullivan, Director, Office of Asset Enterprise 
Management, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who was 
accompanied by Regan Crump MSN, DrPH, Assistant Deputy Under 
Secretary for Health, Policy, and Planning, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See, 
``Care Where It Counts: Assessing VA's Capital Asset Needs,'' 
Serial No. 115-22.

Oversight Hearing--New Names, Same Problems: The VA Medical Surgical 
        Prime Vendor Program

    On December 7, 2017, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
held a hearing on the VA Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor (MSPV) 
program, including its ``Next Generation'' and ``2.0'' 
iterations.
    Testimony was provided by Ricky Lemmon, Acting Chief 
Procurement and Logistics Officer, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 
accompanied by Phillip Christy, Acting Executive Director, 
Office of Acquisition Operations, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Shelby Oakley, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing 
Management, U.S. Government Accountability Office; and Roger 
Waldron, President, The Coalition for Government Procurement. A 
statement for the record was provided by AdvaMed. See, ``New 
Names, Same Problems: The VA Medical Surgical Prime Vendor 
Program,'' Serial No. 115-57.

Second Session

Oversight Hearing--The Denver Replacement Medical Center: Light at the 
        End of the Tunnel?

    On January 17, 2018, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
held a hearing on the completion of construction and beginning 
of activation at the new Rocky Mountain Regional Medical Center 
in Aurora, Colorado.
    Testimony was provided by Stella Fiotes, AIA, Acting 
Principal Executive Director, Office of Acquisition, Logistics, 
and Construction, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 
accompanied by Dennis Milsten, Associate Executive Director, 
Office of Construction and Facilities Management, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs and Ralph Gigliotti, FACHE, 
Network Director, VISN 19, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Lloyd Caldwell, Director of 
Military Programs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer; and Andrew Von 
Ah, Director, Physical Infrastructure Team, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office. See, ``The Denver Replacement Medical 
Center: Light at the End of the Tunnel?'' Serial No. 115-57.

Oversight Hearing--Appeals Reform: Will VA's Implementation Effectively 
        Service Veterans?

    On Tuesday, January 30, 2018, the Full Committee held a 
hearing to examine VA's implementation of the Veterans Appeals 
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Thomas G. Bowman, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Mr. Bowman was accompanied by The Honorable Cheryl L. 
Mason, Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Mr. David R. McLenachen, Director, Appeals 
Management Office, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; and, Mr. David J. Barrans, 
Chief Counsel, Benefits Law Group, Office of General Counsel, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, testimony 
was provided by The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller 
General, U.S. Accountability Office; Mr. Dodaro was accompanied 
by Ms. Elizabeth H. Curda, Director, Education, Workforce, and 
Income Security Team, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Jim 
Marszalek, National Service Director, Disabled American 
Veterans; Ms. Diane Boyd Rauber, Esq., Executive Director, 
National Organization of Veterans' Advocates; and, Mr. Steven 
Henry, Associate Legislative Director, Paralyzed Veterans of 
America.
    A Statement for the Record was provided by The American 
Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. 
See, ``Appeals Reform: Will VA's Implementation Effectively 
Service Veterans?'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--VA Caregiver Support Program: Correcting Course for 
        Veteran Caregivers

    On February 6, 2018, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs met 
in open session to discuss the Department of Veterans Affairs' 
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: The 
Honorable David Shulkin M.D., Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs, who was accompanied by Margaret (Meg) Kabat 
LCSW-C, CCM, Acting Chief Consultant, Care Management, Chaplain 
and Social Work Service, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs and Richard M. Allman M.D., 
Chief Consultant, Geriatrics and Extended Care Service, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Adrian 
Atizado, Deputy National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Sarah Dean, Associate Legislative Director, 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; and Steven Schwab, Executive 
Director, The Elizabeth Dole Foundation. See, ``VA Caregiver 
Support Program: Correcting Course for Veteran Caregivers,'' 
Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request 
        for Fiscal Year 2019

    On February 15, 2018, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
held a hearing to receive VA's testimony on its Fiscal Year 
2019 budget request.
    Testimony was provided by The Honorable David J. Shulkin 
M.D., Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 
accompanied by The Honorable Jon Rychalski, Assistant Secretary 
for Management and Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Mark Yow, Chief Financial Officer, Veterans 
Health Administration; James Manker, Acting Principal Deputy 
Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration; 
Matthew Sullivan, Deputy Under Secretary for Finance and 
Planning, National Cemetery Administration; and Richard 
Chandler, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Resource Management, 
Office of Information and Technology, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See, ``U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2019,'' Serial No. 115-57.

Oversight Field Hearing--Partnering, Payment, and Provider Access: VA 
        Community Care in North Carolina

    On March 23, 2018, the Full Committee met in open session 
to conduct an oversight field hearing in Fayetteville, North 
Carolina, to discuss strategies to improve the Department of 
Veterans Affairs' care in the community programs--including the 
Choice program--to facilitate access to timely, quality care 
for veterans in North Carolina both inside the Department's 
healthcare system and in the community.
    Testimony was provided by: David W. Catoe, FHFMA, Assistant 
Vice-President, Patient Financial Services, Atrium Health; 
Sarah Verardo, Executive Director, The Independence Fund; Staff 
Sergeant Gary B. Goodwin (Ret.), Veteran, U.S. Army; Chief 
Master Sergeant Daryl D. Cook, Chief, Fire Emergency Services, 
145th Civil Engineering Squadron/Civil Engineering Flight, 
North Carolina Air National Guard; and DeAnne M. Seekins MBA, 
Network Director, VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, who was accompanied by Mark E. Shelhorse M.D., Interim 
Medical Center Director, Fayetteville VA Medical Center, Chief 
Medical Officer, VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs and Joseph Enderle, Program Manager, Veterans Choice 
and VA Timely Payment Initiative, Delivery Operations, Office 
of Community Care, Veterans Health Administration. See, 
``Partnering, Payment, and Provider Access: VA Community Care 
in North Carolina,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--The Curious Case of the VISN Takeover: Assessing 
        VA's Governance Structure

    On May 22, 2018, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
hearing on the organization and performance of VA's Veterans 
Integrated Service Networks.
    Testimony was provided by Carolyn Clancy, M.D., Executive 
in Charge, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs, accompanied by W. Bryan Gamble, M.D., Deputy 
Chief of Staff, Orlando VA Medical Center, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; The 
Honorable Michael J. Missal, Inspector General, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; and Roscoe G. Butler, Deputy Director for 
Health Care, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Division, The American Legion. See, ``The Curious Case of the 
VISN Takeover: Assessing VA's Governance Structure,'' Serial 
No. 115-57.

Oversight Hearing--VA Electronic Health Record Modernization: the 
        Beginning of the Beginning

    On June 26, 2018, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a 
hearing on the VA Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) 
program.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Peter 
O'Rourke, Acting Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, accompanied by John Windom, Program Executive Officer, 
Electronic Health Record Modernization Program, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; John Short, Chief Technology Officer, 
Electronic Health Record Modernization Program, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; and Ashwini Zenooz, M.D., Chief Medical 
Officer, Electronic Health Record Modernization Program, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; and Vice Admiral Raquel Bono, 
Director, Defense Health Agency, U.S. Department of Defense. On 
the second panel, testimony was provided by John Windom, 
Program Executive Officer, Electronic Health Record 
Modernization Program, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 
accompanied by John Short, Chief Technology Officer, Electronic 
Health Record Modernization Program, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs, and Ashwini Zenooz, M.D., Chief Medical 
Officer, Electronic Health Record Modernization Program, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Zane Burke, President, Cerner 
Corporation; and David Powner, Director of IT Management 
Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office. See, ``VA 
Electronic Health Record Modernization: The Beginning of the 
Beginning,'' Serial No. 115-57.

Oversight Hearing--Department of Veterans' Affairs Accountability and 
        Whistleblower Protection Act: One Year Later

    On July 17, 2018 the Full Committee met in an open session 
to conduct an oversight hearing on implementation of Department 
of Veterans' Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower 
Protection Act of 2017.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: Mr. Peter 
O'Rourke, Acting Secretary U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
who was accompanied by Mr. Kirk Nicholas, Acting Executive 
Director, Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Mr. Nathan Maenle, 
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Human Resources 
and Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Mr. J. 
David Cox Sr., National President, American Federation of 
Government Employees (AFGE). See, ``Department of Veterans' 
Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act: One 
Year Later,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--Assessing Whether VA is on Track to Successfully 
        Implement Appeals Reform

    On Tuesday, July 24, 2018, the Full Committee held a 
hearing to explore the Department of Veterans Affairs' progress 
towards full implementation of the Veterans Appeals Improvement 
and Modernization Act of 2017.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Paul R. Lawrence, Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Mr. Lawrence was accompanied by The Honorable Cheryl L. Mason, 
Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Mr. David R. McLenachen, Director, Appeals 
Management Office, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Richard J. Hipolit, Deputy 
General Counsel for Legal Policy, Office of General Counsel, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and, Mr. Lloyd Thrower, 
Deputy Chief Information Officer, Account Manager, Benefits 
Portfolio, Office of Information & Technology, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, testimony was provided by 
Ms. Elizabeth H. Curda, Director, Education, Workforce, and 
Income Security Team, U.S. Government Accountability Office; 
Ms. Curda was accompanied by Mr. James T. Whitcomb, Assistant 
Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Team, U.S. 
Government Accountability Office. See, ``Assessing Whether VA 
Is On Track to Successfully Implement Appeals Reform.'' Serial 
No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--Veteran Suicide Prevention: Maximizing Effectiveness 
        and Increasing Awareness

    September 27, 2018, the Full Committee met in open session 
to discuss the Department of Veterans Affairs' efforts to 
prevent suicide among veterans.
    Testimony was provided by: Gregory K. Brown Ph.D., 
Director, Center for the Prevention of Suicide, Research 
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry Perelman School 
of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Michael C. Richardson, 
Vice President of Independent Services and Mental Health, 
Wounded Warrior Project; Lt Col James R. Lorraine USAF (Ret.), 
President and Chief Executive Officer, America's Warrior 
Partnership; Bill Mulcahy, Co-Founder, Guard Your Buddy; and 
Keita Franklin LCSW, Ph.D., National Director, Suicide 
Prevention, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, who was accompanied by Michael W. Fisher MSW, Chief 
Readjustment Counseling Officer, Readjustment Counseling 
Service, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See, ``Veteran Suicide Prevention: Maximizing 
Effectiveness and Increasing Awareness,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--Is VA Ready for Full Implementation of Appeals 
        Reform?

    On Wednesday, December 12, 2018, the Full Committee held a 
hearing to explore the Department of Veterans Affairs' progress 
towards full implementation of the Veterans Appeals Improvement 
and Modernization Act of 2017.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. James 
Byrne, Acting Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Mr. Byrne was accompanied by The Honorable Cheryl L. 
Mason, Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Mr. David R. McLenachen, Director, Appeals 
Management Office, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Lloyd Thrower, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, testimony was provided by 
The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General; U.S. 
Accountability Office; Mr. Dodaro was accompanied by Ms. 
Elizabeth H. Curda, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income 
Security Team, U.S. Government Accountability Office. See, ``Is 
VA Ready for Full Implementation of Appeals Reform?'' Serial 
No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--Tracking Transformation: VA Mission Act 
        Implementation

    On December 19, 2018, the Full Committee met in open 
session to conduct an oversight hearing of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs' implementation of the MISSION Act 180 days 
after enactment.
    Testimony was provided by: The Honorable Robert Wilkie, 
Secretary, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, who was 
accompanied by Melissa Glynn Ph.D., Assistant Secretary, Office 
of Enterprise Integration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 
and Steven L. Lieberman M.D., Executive in Charge, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
See, ``Tracking Transformation: VA MISSION Act 
Implementation,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

                ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH


First Session

                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing On: Draft Legislation, the 
        Veterans Affairs Medical Scribe Pilot Act of 2017; H.R. 91; 
        H.R. 95; H.R. 467; H.R. 907; H.R. 918; H.R. 1005; H.R. 1162; 
        H.R. 1545, and H.R. 1662

    On March 29, 2017, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct a legislative hearing on the following: 
draft legislation, the Veterans Affairs Medical Scribe Pilot 
Act of 2017; H.R. 91, the Building Supportive Networks for 
Women Veterans Act; H.R. 95, the Veterans' Access to Child Care 
Act; H.R. 467, the VA Scheduling Accountability Act; H.R. 907, 
the Newborn Care Improvement Act; H.R. 918, the Veterans Urgent 
Access to Mental Health Care Act; H.R. 1005, to improve the 
provision of adult day health care services for veterans; H.R. 
1162, the No Hero Left Untreated Act; H.R. 1545, to clarify 
VA's authority to disclose certain patient information to State 
controlled substance monitoring programs; and H.R. 1662, to 
prohibit smoking in any facility of the Veterans Health 
Administration.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: 
Representative Phil Roe of Tennessee; Representative Jackie 
Walorski of Indiana; Representative Doug Collins of Georgia; 
Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado; Representative Stephen 
Knight of California; and Representative Ann M. Kuster of New 
Hampshire.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Kayda 
Keleher, Legislative Associate, National Legislative Service, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Shurhonda Y. 
Love, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled 
American Veterans; Sarah S. Dean, Associate Legislative 
Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America; and Jennifer S. Lee, 
M.D., Deputy Under Secretary for Health and for Policy and 
Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Susan Blauert, Chief 
Counsel for the Health Care Law Group, Office of the General 
Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``the 
Veterans Affairs Medical Scribe Pilot Act of 2017; H.R. 91; 
H.R. 95; H.R. 467; H.R. 907; H.R. 918; H.R. 1005; H.R. 1162; 
H.R. 1545, and H.R. 1662,'' Serial No. 115-8.

Markup--H.R. 91, H.R. 95, H.R. 467, H.R. 907, H.R. 918, H.R. 1005, H.R. 
        1162, H.R. 1545, H.R. 1662, and H.R. 1848

    On April 6, 2017, the Subcommittee on Health met and marked 
up: H.R. 91, the Building Supportive Networks for Women 
Veterans Act, introduced by Representative Julia Brownley of 
California; H.R. 95, the Veterans' Access to Child Care Act, 
introduced by Representative Julia Brownley of California; H.R. 
467, the VA Scheduling Accountability Act, introduced by 
Representative Jackie Walorski of Indiana; H.R. 907, the 
Newborn Care Improvement Act, introduced by Representative Doug 
Collins of Georgia; H.R. 918, the Veteran Urgent Access to 
Mental Healthcare Act, introduced by Representative Mike 
Coffman of Colorado; H.R. 1005, to improve the provision of 
adult day health care services for veterans, introduced by 
Representative Lee Zeldin of New York; H.R. 1162, the No Hero 
Left Untreated Act, introduced by Representative Stephen Knight 
of California; H.R. 1545, to clarify the authority of the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disclose certain patient 
information to State controlled substance monitoring programs 
introduced by Representative Ann Kuster of New Hampshire; H.R. 
1662, to prohibit smoking in any facility of the Veterans 
Health Administration, introduced by Representative Brad 
Wenstrup of Ohio; and H.R. 1848, the Veterans Affairs Medical 
Scribe Pilot Act of 2017, introduced by Representative Phil Roe 
of Tennessee.
    On April 6, 2017, H.R. 91; H.R. 95; H.R. 467; H.R. 907; 
H.R. 918; H.R. 1005; H.R. 1162; H.R. 1545; H.R. 1662; and H.R. 
1848 were considered by the Subcommittee on Health en bloc. 
H.R. 91; H.R. 95; H.R. 467; H.R. 907; H.R. 918; H.R. 1005; H.R. 
1162; H.R. 1545; H.R. 1662; and H.R. 1848 all passed the Health 
Subcommittee by voice vote. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 
91; H.R. 95; H.R. 467; H.R. 907; H.R. 918; H.R. 1005; H.R. 
1162; H.R. 1545; H.R. 1662; and H.R. 1848 to the Full Committee 
was offered by Ranking Member Julia Brownley of California and 
adopted by voice vote.

Legislative Hearing--H.R. 93; H.R. 501; H.R. 1063; H.R. 1066; H.R. 
        1943; H.R. 1972; H.R. 2147; H.R. 2225; H.R. 2327; and, A Draft 
        Bill To Make Certain Improvements in VA's Health Professionals 
        Educational Assistance Program

    On September 26, 2017, the Subcommittee on Health met in 
open session to conduct a legislative hearing on the following: 
H.R. 93, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for 
increased access to Department of Veterans Affairs medical care 
for women veterans; H.R. 501, VA Transparency Enhancement Act 
of 2017; H.R. 1063, Veteran Prescription Continuity Act; H.R. 
1066, VA Management Alignment Act of 2017; H.R. 1943, Restoring 
Maximum Mobility to Our Nation's Veterans Act of 2017; H.R. 
1972, VA Billing Accountability Act; H.R. 2147, Veterans 
Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018; H.R. 2225, Veterans 
Dog Training Therapy Act; H.R. 2327, PAWS Act of 2017; and a 
draft bill to make certain improvements in VA's Health 
Professionals Educational Assistance Program.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: 
Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan; Representative Beto 
O'Rourke of Texas; Representative Derek Kilmer of Washington; 
Representative Steve King of Iowa; Representative Lloyd Smucker 
of Pennsylvania; Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado; 
Representative Steve Stivers of Ohio; Representative Ron 
DeSantis of Florida; and Representative John Rutherford of 
Florida.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Keronica 
Richardson, Assistant Director of Women and Minority Veterans, 
Outreach, National Security Division, The American Legion; Rick 
Weidman, Executive Director for Policy and Government Affairs, 
Vietnam Veterans of America; Amy Webb, National Legislative 
Policy Advisor, AMVETS; and Harold Kudler M.D., Acting 
Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Patient Care 
Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Catherine Biggs-Silver, 
Executive Director for Mission, Planning, and Analysis, Human 
Resources and Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See, ``H.R. 93; H.R. 501; H.R. 1063; H.R. 1066; H.R. 
1943; H.R. 1972; H.R. 2147; H.R. 2225; H.R. 2327; and, a draft 
bill to make certain improvements in VA's Health Professionals 
Educational Assistance Program,'' Serial No. 115-31.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

First Session

Site Visit--Memphis, TN

    On January 30--February 2, 2017, Majority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Health traveled to the Memphis, Tennessee, to 
conduct an oversight visit of the Memphis VA Medical Center. 
During the oversight visit, Subcommittee staff assessed the 
operations and management of the facility, toured the grounds, 
and met with local facility leaders to discuss issues 
including: human resources, quality of care, community care, 
privacy, controlled substances, mental health, engineering, 
productivity, and information technology.

Roundtable Discussion--Introductory VSO Roundtable

    On February 1, 2017, the Subcommittee on Health hosted a 
roundtable discussion entitled, ``Introductory VSO 
Roundtable.''

Oversight Hearing--Healthy Hiring: Enabling VA To Recruit and Retain 
        Quality Providers

    On March 22, 2017, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct an oversight hearing on the ability of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration 
to recruit and retain high quality clinical and administrative 
employees.
    Testimony was provided by: Max Stier, President and Chief 
Executive Officer, Partnership for Public Service; Louis J. 
Celli Jr., Director of National Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Steve Young, 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and 
Management, Veterans Heath Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Paula Molloy Ph.D., 
Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Workforce 
Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and Robert Goldenkoff, Director of Strategic 
Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office who was 
accompanied by Debra A. Draper Ph.D., Director of Health Care, 
U.S. Government Accountability Office. See, ``Healthy Hiring: 
Enabling VA to Recruit and Retain Quality Providers,'' Serial 
No. 115-7

Site Visit--Dayton, OH

    On April 5-6, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Health traveled to the Dayton, Ohio, to conduct a visit to the 
Dayton VA Medical Center. The purpose of this visit was to 
attend the Community Care Listening Session hosted at the 
Dayton VA Medical Center.

Site Visit--Nashville and Mountain Home, TN

    On April 10-13, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Health traveled to Nashville and Mountain Home, Tennessee, 
to conduct oversight visits of the Tennessee Valley Healthcare 
System-Nashville Campus-and the James H. Quillen VA Medical 
Center. The oversight trip allowed Subcommittee staff to assess 
and compare the management and operations of two VA medical 
centers, one in an urban area and one in a rural area.

Roundtable Discussion--Veteran Caregivers: A Roundtable Discussion on 
        the Challenges and Future of VA's Caregiver Support Program

    On April 27, 2017, the Subcommittee on Health hosted a 
roundtable discussion entitled, ``Veteran Caregivers: A 
Roundtable Discussion on the Challenges and Future of VA's 
Caregiver Support Program.''

Hearing--VA Specialized Services: Lower Extremity Conditions

    On May 2, 2017, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct an oversight hearing on lower extremity 
injuries and conditions among veteran patients.
    Testimony was provided by: Steven L. Goldman DPM, MBA, 
President, American Board of Podiatric Medicine; Seth 
Rubenstein DPM, Treasurer, Board of Trustees, Immediate Past 
Chairman of Legislative Committee, American Podiatric Medical 
Association; Col. James Ficke MD (ret.), Member of American 
Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, American Association of 
Orthopaedic Surgeons; Jeffrey M. Brandt CPO, Member, American 
Orthotics and Prosthetics Association; and Jeffrey Robbins DPM, 
Chief of Podiatry, Veterans Heath Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``VA Specialized Services: 
Lower Extremity Conditions,'' Serial No. 115-13.

Site Visit--Pittsburgh, PA

    On May 8-10, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Health traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to conduct an 
oversight visit of the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center. During the 
oversight visit, Subcommittee staff assessed the research 
office, nonprofit corporations, academic affiliations community 
care, caregivers, pharmacy and pain management, mental health, 
union representation, transplants, abandoned property, and site 
logistics--such as staff training and information technology 
systems.

Oversight Hearing--FY 2018 Department of Veterans Affairs Budget 
        Request for the Veterans Health Administration

    On June 22, 2017, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct an oversight hearing on the Department of 
Veterans Affairs' fiscal year 2018 budget submission for 
medical programs. During the hearing, the Subcommittee focused 
particularly on the President's budget request as it relates to 
medical and mental health care, medical and prosthetic 
research, construction and infrastructure, and veteran 
homelessness.
    Testimony was provided by: Joy Ilem, National Legislative 
Director, Disabled American Veterans; Carl Blake, Associate 
Executive Director, Government Relations, Paralyzed Veterans of 
America; Carlos Fuentes, Director, National Legislative 
Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Matthew 
Shuman, Director, Legislative Division, The American Legion; 
and Poonam Alaigh M.D., MSHCPM, FACP, Acting Under Secretary 
for Health, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Mark W. Yow MBA, Chief 
Financial Officer, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``FY 2018 Department of 
Veterans Affairs Budget Request for the Veterans Health 
Administration,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--Maximizing Access and Resources: An Examination of 
        VA Productivity and Efficiency

    On July 13, 2017, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct an oversight hearing on clinical 
productivity and efficiency in the Department of Veterans 
Affairs healthcare system.
    Testimony was provided by: C. Sharif Ambrose, Principal, 
Grant Thornton LLP; Randall B. Williamson, Director, Health 
Care, Government Accountability Office; Jonathan B. Perlin 
M.D., Ph.D., President, Clinical Services Group, Chief Medical 
Officer, HCA Healthcare, Inc.; and Carolyn Clancy M.D., Deputy 
Under Secretary for Organizational Excellence, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who was 
accompanied by Murray D. Altose M.D., Chief of Staff, Louis 
Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Veterans Integrated Service 
Network 10, Veterans Heath Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See, ``Maximizing Access and Resources: An 
Examination of VA Productivity and Efficiency,'' Serial No. 
115-24.

Roundtable Discussion--Telehealth Progress and Opportunities for VA 
        Health Care

    On September 12, 2017, the Subcommittee on Health hosted a 
roundtable discussion entitled, ``Telehealth Progress and 
Opportunities for VA Health Care.''

Site Visit--Clarksburg, WV

    On September 18-20, 2017, Majority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Health traveled to Clarksburg, West Virginia, 
to conduct an oversight visit of the Louis A. Johnson VA 
Medical Center. During the oversight visit, Subcommittee staff 
assessed a number of issues, such as suicide prevention, the 
privacy office, community care, mental health, work therapy 
program, human resources, union representation, engineering 
department, pharmacy department, controlled substances and 
opioid initiative, emergency room function, quality management, 
management, telehealth, academic affiliations, and logistics.

                ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH


Second Session

                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 1506; H.R. 2322; H.R. 
        3832; H.R. 4334; H.R. 4635; A Draft Bill To Authorize VA to 
        Conduct and Support Research on the Efficacy and Safety of 
        Medicinal Cannabis; and, A Draft Bill To Make Certain 
        Improvements in the Family Caregiver Program

    On Tuesday, April 17, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health met 
in open session to conduct a legislative hearing on the 
following: H.R. 1506, the VA Health Care Provider Education 
Debt Relief Act of 2017; H.R. 2322, the Injured and Amputee 
Veterans Bill of Rights; H.R. 3832, the Veterans Opioid Abuse 
Prevention Act; H.R. 4334, the Improving Oversight of Women 
Veterans' Care Act of 2017; H.R. 4635, to direct the secretary 
of Veterans Affairs to increase the number of peer-to-peer 
counselors providing counseling for women veterans, and for 
other purposes; a draft bill to authorize VA to conduct and 
support research on the efficacy and safety of medicinal 
cannabis; and, a draft bill to make certain improvements in the 
Family Caregiver Program.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: 
Representative Beto O'Rourke of Texas; Representative Tim 
Walberg of Michigan; Representative Neal Dunn of Florida; 
Representative Luis Correa of California; and Representative 
Mike Coffman of Colorado.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Louis J. 
Celli, Director, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Division, The American Legion; Adrian M. Atizado, Deputy 
National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; 
Sarah S. Dean, Associate Legislative Director, Paralyzed 
Veterans of America; and Kayda Keleher, Associate Director 
National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States. See, ``H.R. 1506; H.R. 2322; H.R. 3832; H.R. 
4334; H.R. 4635; a draft bill to authorize VA to conduct and 
support research on the efficacy and safety of medicinal 
cannabis; and, a draft bill to make certain improvements in the 
Family Caregiver Program,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 2787, H.R. 3696, H.R. 
        5521, H.R. 5693, H.R. 5864, H.R. 5934, H.R. 5974, and H.R. 6066

    On June 13, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct a legislative hearing on the following 
bills: H.R. 2787, the Veterans-Specific Education for 
Tomorrow's Medical Doctors (VET MD) Act; H.R. 3696, the Wounded 
Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act; H.R. 5521, the VA Hiring 
Enhancement Act; H.R. 5693, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice 
Act; H.R. 5864, the VA Hospitals Establishing Leadership 
Performance (VA HELP) Act; H.R. 5938, the Veterans Serving 
Veterans Act of 2018; H.R. 5974, the Department of Veterans 
Affairs Creation of On-Site Treatment Systems Affording 
Veterans Improvements and Numerous General Safety Enhancements 
(VA COST SAVINGS) Act; and H.R. 6066, to improve the 
productivity of the management of Department of Veterans 
Affairs health care.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: 
Representative Vicky Hartzler of Missouri; Representative Marcy 
Kaptur of Ohio; Representative Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania; 
Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana; Representative Mike 
Bostt of Illinois; Representative Jeff Denham of California; 
Representative Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon of Puerto Rico; and 
Representative Brad Wenstrup of Ohio.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Roscoe 
Butler, Deputy Director for Health Care, Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation, The American Legion; Jeremy Villanueva, 
Associate National Legislative Director, Disabled American 
Veterans; Kayda Keleher, Associate Director, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States; and Jessica Bonjorni, Acting Assistant Deputy Under 
Secretary for Health for Workforce Services, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who was 
accompanied by Dayna Cooper, Director, Home and Community-Based 
Programs, Veterans Health Administration U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See, ``Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 2787; 
H.R. 3696; H.R. 5521; H.R. 5693; H.R. 5864; H.R. 5934; H.R. 
5974; and H.R. 6066,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Markup--H.R. 2787, H.R. 3696, H.R. 5693, H.R. 5864, H.R. 5938, H.R. 
        5974, and H.R. 6066

    On June 27, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct a markup of the following bills: An 
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 2787, the 
Veterans-Specific Education for Tomorrow's Medical Doctors (VET 
MD) Act, introduced by Representative Marcy Kaptur of Ohio; An 
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 3696, the 
Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act, introduced by 
Representative Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania; An Amendment in 
the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 5693, the Long Term Care 
Veterans Choice Act, introduced by Representative Clay Higgins 
of Louisiana; An Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to 
H.R. 5864, the VA Hospitals Establishing Leadership Performance 
(VA HELP) Act, introduced by Representative Jenniffer Gonzalez-
Colon of Puerto Rico; H.R. 5938, the Veterans Serving Veterans 
Act of 2018; H.R. 5974, the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Creation of On-Site Treatment Systems Affording Veterans 
Improvements and Numerous General Safety Enhancements (VA COST 
SAVINGS) Act; and An Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to 
H.R. 6066, to improve the productivity of the management of 
Department of Veterans Affairs health care, introduced by 
Representative Brad Wenstrup of Ohio.
    On June 27, 2018, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 2787 was offered by Representative Mark 
Takano of California. An amendment to the amendment in the 
nature of a substitute to H.R. 2787 was offered by 
Representative Neal Dunn of Florida. The amendment to the 
amendment in the nature of a substitute was agreed to by voice 
vote. The amendment in the nature of a substitute, as amended, 
was agreed to by voice vote. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 
2787, as amended, to the Full Committee was offered by 
Representative Julia Brownley of California and agreed to by 
voice vote.
    On June 27, 2018, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 3696 was offered by Representative Luis 
Correa of California and was agreed to by voice vote. A motion 
to favorably forward H.R. 3696, as amended, to the Full 
Committee was offered by Ranking Member Julia Brownley of 
California and agreed to by voice vote.
    On June 27, 2018, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 5693 was offered by Representative Clay 
Higgins of Louisiana and was agreed to by voice vote. A motion 
to favorably forward H.R. 5693, as amended, to the Full 
Committee was offered by Ranking Member Julia Brownley of 
California and agreed to by voice vote.
    On June 27, 2018, a motion to favorably forward H.R. 5864, 
as introduced, to the Full Committee was offered by Ranking 
Member Julia Brownley of California and agreed to by voice 
vote.
    On June 27, 2018, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 5938 was offered by Representative Jenniffer 
Gonzalez-Colon of Puerto Rico and was agreed to by voice vote. 
A motion to favorably forward H.R. 5938, as amended, to the 
Full Committee was offered by Ranking Member Julia Brownley of 
California and agreed to by voice vote.
    On June 27, 2018, an amendment to H.R. 5974 was offered by 
Representative Amata Radewagen of American Samoa and was agreed 
to by voice vote. A motion to favorably forward H.R. 5974, as 
amended, to the Full Committee was offered by Ranking Member 
Julia Brownley of California and agreed to by voice vote.
    On June 27, 2018, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 6066 was offered by Chairman Neal Dunn of 
Florida and was agreed to by voice vote. A motion to favorably 
forward H.R. 6066, as amended, to the Full Committee was 
offered by Ranking Member Julia Brownley and agreed to by voice 
vote

Legislative Hearing--H.R. 5413 and H.R. 6418

    On September 13, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health met in 
open session to conduct a legislative hearing on H.R. 5413, the 
Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act of 
2018; and H.R. 6418, the VA Website Accessibility Act of 2018.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: 
Representative Brian Mast of Florida; and Representative 
Elizabeth Esty of Connecticut.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Melanie 
Brunson, Director of Government Relations, Blinded Veterans 
Association; Matthew Shuman, Director, National Legislative 
Division, The American Legion; and Jose Ramos, Legislative 
Director, Wounded Warrior Project. See, ``Legislative Hearing 
on H.R. 5413 and H.R. 6418,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Roundtable Discussion--VA's Progress With Regard To the GAO High Risk 
        List

    On January 10, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health hosted a 
roundtable discussion entitled, ``Roundtable Discussion: VA's 
progress with regard to the GAO High Risk List.''

Joint Oversight Hearing of the Subcommittee on Health and the 
        Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity--Addressing Veteran 
        Homelessness: Current Position; Future Course

    On January 18, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health and 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity met in open session to 
conduct an oversight hearing on the efforts of the Department 
of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, and the Department of Labor to reduce veteran 
homelessness.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: John F. 
Clancy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tristate 
Veterans Community Alliance; Angela F. Williams, President and 
Chief Executive Officer, Easterseals, Inc.; Stephen Peck, 
President and Chief Executive Officer U.S. VETS; John W. 
Martin, Development Director, The Opportunity Center; and 
Kathryn Monet, Chief Executive Officer, National Coalition for 
Homeless Veterans.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Matt 
Miller, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor; Dominique Blom, 
General Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Public and Indian 
Housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and 
Thomas Lynch M.D., Deputy Under Secretary for Health for 
Clinical Operations, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs, who was Accompanied by Keith W. 
Harris Ph.D., Director of Clinical Operations, Homeless 
Programs Office, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``Addressing Veteran 
Homelessness: Current Position; Future Course,'' Serial No. 
115-XX.

Roundtable Discussion--VSO Discussion

    On March 7, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health hosted a 
roundtable discussion entitled, ``VSO Discussion.''

Site Visit--San Juan, PR

    On March 11 through March 12, 2018, The Chairman of the 
Full Committee and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health 
traveled to San Juan and Arecibo, Puerto Rico, to conduct an 
oversight visit of the Veterans Affairs Caribbean Healthcare 
System in San Juan and the Veterans Affairs Arecibo Clinic in 
Arecibo. Staff assessed the operations of both locations 
following Hurricane Maria.

Oversight Field Hearing--VA Healthcare: Maximizing Resources in Puerto 
        Rico

    On March 12, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct an oversight field hearing to discuss the 
provisions of Department of Veterans Affairs' medical and 
mental health care programs, as well as VA care in the 
community programs, with a focus on the best use of available 
resources in Puerto Rico.
    Testimony was provided by: Agustin Montanez-Allman, Puerto 
Rico State Director of Veterans' Affairs; Rafael Rodriguez 
M.D., Puerto Rico Secretary of Health; Victor Ramos M.D., 
Puerto Rico College of Physicians and Surgeons; and Miguel 
LaPuz M.D., Director, VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8), 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, who was accompanied by Antonio Sanchez M.D., Acting 
Director, VA Caribbean Healthcare System, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Lewis 
Ratchford Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary, Emergency Management 
& Resilience, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``VA 
Healthcare: Maximizing Resources in Puerto Rico'' Serial No. 
115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--FY 2019 Department of Veterans Affairs Budget 
        Request for the Veterans Health Administration

    On March 15, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct an oversight hearing on the Department of 
Veterans Affairs fiscal year (FY) 2019 budget submission for 
medical programs.
    Testimony was provided by: Adrian M. Atizado, Deputy 
National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; 
Sarah S. Dean, Associate Legislative Director, Government 
Relations Department, Paralyzed Veterans of America; Patrick 
Murray, Associate Director, National Legislative Service, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Matthew J. 
Shuman, Director, National Legislative Division, The American 
Legion; and Carolyn M. Clancy M.D., Executive in Charge, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, who was accompanied by Rachel Mitchell, Deputy Chief 
Financial Officer, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``FY 2019 Department of 
Veterans Affairs Budget Request for the Veterans Health 
Administration,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Joint Oversight Hearing of the Subcommittee on Health and the 
        Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation--VA Research: 
        Focusing on Funding, Findings, and Partnerships

    On May 17, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health and the 
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations met in open 
session to conduct an oversight hearing to address 
accountability issues regarding Department of Veterans Affairs' 
partnerships with Nonprofit Research and Education 
Corporations, academic affiliates, and other entities to 
administer research funding and conduct and support research 
efforts.
    Testimony was provided by: Ms. Robin Rusconi, Chair, Board 
of Directors, National Association of Veterans Research & 
Education Foundation; Paul Klotman, M.D., President, CEO, and 
Executive Dean, Baylor College of Medicine, On behalf of 
Association of American Medical Colleges; and Carolyn Clancy, 
M.D., Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Organization 
Excellence, Veterans Health Administration, Department of 
Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Rachel B. Ramoni 
D.M.D., Sc.D., Chief Research and Development Officer, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
See, ``VA Research: Focusing on Funding, Findings, and 
Partnerships,'' Serial No. 115-57.

Oversight Hearing--An Assessment of the Potential Health Effects of 
        Burn Pit Exposure Among Veterans

    On June 7, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to discuss the potential long-term health effects of 
burn pit exposure among veterans.
    Testimony was provided by: Tom Porter, Legislative 
Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Kenneth 
Wiseman, Associate Legislative Director, Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States; and Ralph L. Erickson, M.D., Dr.PH, 
Chief Consultant, Post-Deployment Health, Office of Patient 
Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Drew A. Helmer M.D., 
M.S., Director, War Related Illness and Injury Study Center and 
Airborne Hazards Center of Excellence, VA New Jersey Health 
Care System, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See ``An Assessment of the Potential Health 
Effects of Burn Pit Exposure among Veterans,'' Serial No. 115-
XX.

Oversight Hearing--More Than Just Filling Vacancies: A Closer Look at 
        VA Hiring Authorities, Recruiting, and Retention

    On June 21, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to discuss staffing for the Department of Veterans 
Affairs healthcare system.
    Testimony was provided by: Max Stier, President and Chief 
Executive Officer, Partnership for Public Service; Debra A. 
Draper, Director, Health Care, Government Accountability 
Office; The Honorable Michael J. Missal, Inspector General, 
Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Peter Shelby, Assistant Secretary for the Office 
of Human Resources and Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs, who was accompanied by Jessica Bonjorni, 
Acting Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for 
Workforce Services, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``More Than Just Filling 
Vacancies: A Closer look at VA Hiring Authorities, Recruiting, 
and Retention,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Joint Roundtable Discussion of the Subcommittee on Health and the 
        Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs--
        Burn Pits and Potential Exposures: Establishing Links to 
        Benefits and Health Care

    On July 18, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health and 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held 
a joint roundtable discussion entitled, ``Burn Pits and 
Potential Exposures: Establishing Links to Benefits and Health 
Care.''

Roundtable Discussion--Current Practices and Future Trends of VA 
        Prosthetic Care

    On July 25, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health held a 
roundtable discussion entitled, ``Current Practices and Future 
Trends of VA Prosthetic Care.''

Oversight Field Hearing--Va Long-Term Care: What's Working, What's Not, 
        and How To Best Serve Our Aging Veterans

    On July 30, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health met in open 
session to conduct an oversight field hearing in Camarillo, 
California, on long-term care for veterans and a veteran's 
choices for care as they age or face catastrophic injuries or 
illnesses.
    Testimony was provided by: Katy Krul, Acting Executive 
Director, Oxnard Family Circle ADHC; Mike McManus, County of 
Ventura Veterans Service Officer; Thomas Martin, Assistant 
Deputy Secretary, Homes Division California Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and Teresa Boyd, D.O., Acting Assistant 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Operations and 
Management, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs, who was accompanied by Dr. Scotte Hartronft, 
M.D., Chief of Staff, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See, ``VA Long-Term Care: What's Working, What's Not, 
and How to Best Serve Our Aging Veterans,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Site Visit--Los Angeles, CA

    On July 30, 2018, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Health traveled to Los Angeles, California, to conduct an 
oversight visit of the Greater LA Health Care System to assess 
campus construction and medical center operations.

Site Visit--Gainesville and Lake City, FL

    On August 9-10, 2018, The Chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Health traveled to Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, to 
conduct oversight visits to the North Florida/South Georgia 
Veterans Health System located in Gainesville and the Lake City 
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Lake City

Site Visit--Pago Pago, AS, and Honolulu, HI

    On August 26-31, 2018, Majority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Health traveled to Pago Pago, American Samoa, and Honolulu, 
Hawaii, to conduct an oversight visit to assess the care 
available to veterans in American Samoa and Hawaii.

Site Visit--Washington, D.C.

    On October 11, 2018, Majority Staff for the Subcommittee on 
Health conducted an oversight visit of the U.S. VETS 
Washington, D.C. location to assess the organization's 
comprehensive services provided to homeless and at-risk for 
homelessness veterans through partnership with the Department 
of Veterans Affairs.

Site Visit--Manchester, NH, and White River Junction, VT

    On October 16-18, 2018, Majority staff from the 
Subcommittee on Health traveled to Manchester, New Hampshire, 
and White River Junction, Vermont, to conduct oversight visits 
of the Manchester Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the White 
River Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the National 
Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the White River 
Junction Vet Center.

Site Visit--Sheperdstown, WV

    On October 22, 2018, Majority and Minority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Health traveled to Shepherdstown, West 
Virginia, to conduct an oversight visit of the White House Call 
Center and to assess the operations and management of the White 
House Hotline.

Travel--New Orleans, LA

    On October 30-November 1, 2018, Majority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Health traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana, to 
attend the 2018 National Veterans Small Business Engagement.

         ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY


First Session

                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Legislative Hearing--A Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1461, the Veterans, 
        Employees, and Taxpayers Protection Act of 2017

    On March 21, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session to conduct a legislative hearing on H.R. 
1461, the Veterans, Employees, and Taxpayers Protection Act of 
2017.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: Ms. Kimberly 
Perkins McLeod, Acting Executive Director, Labor Management 
Relations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who was 
accompanied by Mr. Rondy Waye, Human Resources Policy Advisor, 
Office of Human Resources and Management, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Ms. Shirley Parker Blommel, President, Local 
390, St. Cloud VA Health Care System, American Federation of 
Government Employees, AFL-CIO; and Mr. Derk A. Wilcox, Senior 
Attorney, Mackinac Center for Public Policy. See, ``A 
legislative hearing on H.R. 1461, the ``Veterans, Employees, 
and Taxpayers Protection Act of 2017,'' Serial No. 115-6

Legislative Hearing--A Legislative Hearing On The Following Bills: H.R. 
        282; H.R. 1690; H.R. 2631; H.R. 2772; A Draft Bill Entitled, 
        ``To Amend Title 38, United States Code, To Authorize the 
        Secretary of Veterans Affairs To Furnish Assistance for 
        Adaptations of Residences of Veterans in Rehabilitation 
        Programs Under Chapter 31 Of Such Title, and for Other 
        Purposes;'' and A Draft Bill Entitled, ``To Amend Title 38, 
        United States Code, To Permit Appraisers Approved by the 
        Secretary of Veterans Affairs To Make Appraisals for Purposes 
        of Chapter 37 of Such Title Based on Inspections Performed by 
        Third Parties''

    On June 29, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session to conduct a legislative hearing on the 
following bills: H.R. 282, Military Residency Choice Act; H.R. 
1690, Department of Veterans Affairs Bonus Transparency Act; 
H.R. 2631, Justice for Servicemembers Act of 2017; H.R. 2772, 
SEA Act of 2018; a draft bill entitled, ``To amend title 38, 
United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to furnish assistance for adaptations of residences of 
veterans in rehabilitation programs under chapter 31 of such 
title, and for other purposes;'' and a draft bill entitled, 
``To amend title 38, United States Code, to permit appraisers 
approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make 
appraisals for purposes of chapter 37 of such title based on 
inspections performed by third parties.''
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: 
Representative Elise Stefanik of New York; Representative 
Robert Wittman of Virginia; Representative Claudia Tenney of 
New York; Representative David Cicilline of Rhode Island; and 
Representative Scott Taylor of Virginia.
    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, who was accompanied by Ms. Tia Butler, Executive 
Director, Corporate Senior Executive Management Office, Human 
Resources and Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, and Mr. Jeffrey London, Director, Loan Guaranty 
Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Maj. Gen. Jeffrey E. Phillips, USAR (Ret.), 
Executive Director, Reserve Officers Association; and Mr. 
Gabriel Stultz, Legislative Counsel, Paralyzed Veterans of 
America. See, ``A legislative hearing on H.R. 282; H.R. 1690; 
H.R. 2631; H.R. 2772; a draft bill entitled, ``To amend title 
38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to furnish assistance for adaptations of residences of 
veterans in rehabilitation programs under chapter 31 of such 
title, and for other purposes;'' and a draft bill entitled, 
``To amend title 38, United States Code, to permit appraisers 
approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make 
appraisals for purposes of chapter 37 of such title based on 
inspections performed by third parties,'' Serial No. 115-21.

Markup--H.R. 282, H.R. 1690, and H.R. 2772

    On July 12, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met and marked up: H.R. 282, the Military Residency Choice Act, 
introduced by Representative Elise Stefanik of New York; H.R. 
1690, the Department of Veterans Affairs Bonus Transparency 
Act, introduced by Representative Claudia Tenney of New York; 
and H.R. 2772, the VA Senior Executive Accountability Act or 
the `SEA Act,' introduced by Representative Scott Taylor of 
Virginia.
    On July 12, 2017, an amendment to H.R. 1690 was offered by 
Representative Beto O'Rourke of Texas and was adopted by voice 
vote. H.R. 1690, as amended, passed the Subcommittee on 
Economic Opportunity by voice vote and was favorably forwarded 
to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On July 12, 2017, H.R. 282 and H.R. 2772 were considered by 
the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity en bloc. H.R. 282 and 
H.R. 2772 passed the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity by 
voice vote and were favorably forwarded to the Full Committee 
by voice vote.

Legislative Hearing--A Legislative Hearing on the Following Bills: H.R. 
        815; H.R. 3018; H.R. 3634; H.R. 3949; H.R. 3965; A Draft Bill 
        Entitled, ``To Amend Title 38, United States Code, to Eliminate 
        the Applicability of Certain Provisions of the Administrative 
        Procedure Act to Housing and Business Loan Programs of the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs''; and a Draft Bill Entitled, 
        ``To Amend Title 38, United States Code, to Make Certain 
        Improvements to the Use of Educational Assistance Provided by 
        the Department of Veterans Affairs for Flight Training 
        Programs''

    On October 11, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session to conduct a legislative 
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 815, 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. 3018, Veterans' Entry to 
Apprenticeship Act; H.R. 3634, Securing Electronic Records for 
Veterans' Ease Act of 2017; H.R. 3949, VALOR Act; H.R. 3965, 
Veterans Armed for Success Act; a draft bill entitled, ``to 
amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the 
applicability of certain provisions of the Administrative 
Procedure Act to housing and business loan programs of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs''; and a draft bill entitled, 
``To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain 
improvements to the use of educational assistance provided by 
the Department of Veterans Affairs for flight training 
programs.''
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: 
Representative John H. Rutherford of Florida; Representative 
James A. Himes of Connecticut; Representative Martha McSally of 
Arizona; and Representative Ro Khanna of California.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Major 
General Robert M. Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, Education 
Service, Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Mr. Jeffrey London, 
Director, Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. John 
Kamin, Assistant Director, Veterans Employment and Education, 
The American Legion; and Mr. William Hubbard, Vice President of 
Government Affairs, Student Veterans of America. See ``A 
legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 815; H.R. 
3018; H.R. 3634; H.R. 3949; H.R. 3965; a draft bill entitled, 
``To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the 
applicability of certain provisions of the Administrative 
Procedure Act to housing and business loan programs of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs''; and a draft bill entitled, 
``To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain 
improvements to the use of educational assistance provided by 
the Department of Veterans Affairs for flight training 
programs,'' Serial No. 115-33.

Markup of H.R. 815; H.R. 3018; H.R. 3634; H.R. 3949; H.R. 3965; and a 
        Draft Bill Entitled, ``To Amend Title 38, United States Code, 
        to Make Certain Improvements to the Use of Educational 
        Assistance Provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs for 
        Flight Training Programs''

    On October 25, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met and marked up: H.R. 815, 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 Representative Lee 
Zeldin of New York; H.R. 3018, the Veterans' Entry to 
Apprenticeship Act introduced by Representative Martha McSally 
of Arizona; H.R. 3634, the Securing Electronic Records for 
Veterans' Ease Act of 2017 introduced by Representative Jim 
Himes of Connecticut; H.R. 3949, the Veteran Apprenticeship and 
Labor Opportunity Reform (VALOR) Act introduced by 
Representative Ro Khanna of California; H.R. 3965, the Veterans 
Armed for Success Act introduced by Representative John 
Rutherford of Florida; and a draft bill entitled, to amend 
title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to 
the use of educational assistance provided by the Department of 
Veterans Affairs for flight training programs.
    On October 25, 2017, an Amendment in the Nature of a 
Substitute to H.R. 3949 was offered by Representative Beto 
O'Rourke of Texas. An amendment to the Amendment in the Nature 
of a Substitute to H.R. 3949 was offered by Representative Jim 
Banks of Indiana and was adopted by voice vote. The amendment 
in the nature of a substitute, as amended, was adopted by voice 
vote. H.R. 3949, as amended, passed the Subcommittee on 
Economic Opportunity by voice vote and was favorably forwarded 
to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On October 25, 2017, H.R. 815; H.R. 3018; H.R. 3634; H.R. 
3965; and a draft bill entitled, ``To amend title 38, United 
States Code, to make certain improvements to the use of 
educational assistance provided by the Department of Veterans 
Affairs for flight training programs'' were considered by the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity en bloc. H.R. 815; H.R. 
3018; H.R. 3634; H.R. 3965; and a draft bill entitled, ``To 
amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain 
improvements to the use of educational assistance provided by 
the Department of Veterans Affairs for flight training 
programs'' passed the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity by 
voice vote and were favorably forwarded to the Full Committee 
by voice vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

First Session

Roundtable Discussion--Examining the Results of the National Veterans 
        Education Success Tracker

    On February 7, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity held a roundtable to examine and discuss the 
results of the NVEST project that was completed by the Student 
Veterans of America, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and 
the National Student Clearinghouse.

Oversight Hearing--the Use of Official Time for Union Activities at the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs

    On February 16, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session to conduct a joint oversight 
hearing with the Subcommittee on Government Operations of the 
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to discuss 
the Government Accountability (GAO) report entitled, ``Union 
Activities. VA Could Better Track the Amount of Official Time 
Used by Employees,'' and how the use of official time at the 
Department of Veterans Affairs needs to be improved.
    Testimony was provided by: Ms. Cindy Brown Barnes, Director 
of Education, Workforce and Income Security, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office; Mr. J. David Cox, Sr., National 
President, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-
CIO; Mr. Trey Kovacs, Policy Analyst, Competitive Enterprise 
Institute; and Ms. Kimberly Perkins McLeod, Acting Executive 
Director for Labor Management Relations, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See, ``The Use of Official Time for Union 
Activities at the Department of Veterans Affairs,'' Serial No. 
115-3.

Roundtable Discussion--Examining Modern Day Learning Opportunities for 
        Veterans

    On March 9, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
hosted a roundtable to discuss modern day learning 
opportunities for veterans and how to make certain programs 
such as micro degrees, tech boot camps, distance learning etc. 
more accessible to veterans.

Oversight Hearing--Assessing VA Approved Appraisers and How To Improve 
        the Program for the 21st Century

    On April 4, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session to conduct an oversight hearing of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Service and VA-
approved appraisers. During the hearing, the Subcommittee 
primarily focused on the need for an improved appraisal 
process, especially for veteran homebuyers who live in rural 
communities.
    Testimony was provided by: Mr. Jeffrey London, Director, 
Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Mr. 
Gerald Kifer, Supervisory Appraiser, Loan Guaranty Service, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Ms. Michelle Brady, 2016 Real Property Valuation 
Committee Chair, National Association of Realtors; Mr. Stephen 
S. Wagner, Vice President, Appraisal Institute; and Mr. Russell 
Johnson, Chief Revenue Officer, Clear Capital. See, ``Assessing 
VA Approved Appraisers and How to Improve the Program for the 
21st Century,'' Serial No. 115-10.

Site Visit--Buffalo, NY

    On April 17-19, 2017, the Majority Staff Director and the 
Professional Staff Member for the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity traveled to Buffalo, New York, to conduct an 
oversight visit of the Buffalo Regional Processing Office. 
During the oversight visit, Subcommittee staff assessed the 
facility's management and ability to process GI Bill claims in 
an accurate and timely manner; examined the space for the 
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment counselors located 
there; and met with management to discuss any challenges that 
exist at the facility among the leadership team and the rest of 
the facility's staff.

Oversight Hearing--Improving the Quality and Timeliness of GI Bill 
        Processing for Student Veterans

    On June 8, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session to conduct an oversight hearing of the 
quality and timeliness of the processing of GI Bill claims. 
During the hearing, the Subcommittee primarily focused on the 
information and technology (IT) systems for processing GI Bill 
claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the sharing of 
information for GI Bill claims between the Departments of 
Veterans Affairs and Defense.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Major General Robert M. Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, 
Education Service, Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Mr. Lloyd 
Thrower, Acting Information Technology Account Manager, 
Benefits Portfolio, Office of Information & Technology, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs and Ms. Roberta ``Robbie'' Lowe, 
Director, Debt Management Center, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Mr. Lernes J. Hebert, Acting Deputy Assistant 
Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy, U.S. 
Department of Defense who was accompanied by Mr. Mark 
Breckenridge, Deputy Director, Defense Manpower Data Center, 
U.S. Department of Defense. See, ``Improving the Quality and 
Timeliness of GI Bill Processing for Student Veterans,'' Serial 
No. 115-18.

Roundtable Discussion--Examining Student Veteran Outcomes and Ways in 
        Which We Can Measure the Quality of Schools

    On June 21, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
hosted a roundtable to discuss student veteran outcomes and 
opportunities to measure the quality of schools based on these 
outcomes.

Site Visit--Providence, RI

    On August 14-15, 2017, the Majority Staff Director and the 
Professional Staff Member for the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity travelled to Providence, Rhode Island to conduct 
oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs' education 
programs and to participate on the legislative panel at the 
National Association of State Approving Agencies' (NASAA) 
annual conference.

Site Visit--Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

    On August 21-24, 2017, the Majority Staff Director and the 
Professional Staff Member as well as the Minority Professional 
Staff Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
travelled to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington (JBLM) to 
conduct oversight of the Army's Transition Assistance Program 
(TAP) and to visit Microsoft's Software & Systems Academy for 
Veterans. During the visit, Subcommittee staff attended various 
seminars held at JBLM for transitioning servicemembers as well 
as attended a couple of the transition classes mandated through 
TAP. Subcommittee staff also met with Army leadership at JBLM 
to discuss any access issues they are having for servicemembers 
to attend TAP and how the program can be improved.

Site Visit--Arlington/Fort Myer, VA

    On September 19, 2017, the Minority Staff Director and the 
Professional Staff Member for the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity traveled to the Army Soldier for Life-Transition 
Assistance Program Headquarters to conduct an oversight visit 
on the Army's transition and Career Skills programs. During the 
oversight visit, Subcommittee staff met with leadership and 
received briefings on the program's current capabilities and 
future scope. Subcommittee staff then traveled to Joint Base 
Myer-Henderson Hall to conduct an oversight visit on Transition 
Assistance Program classes. Subcommittee staff met with program 
administrators, watched classes, and met with service members.

Oversight Hearing--How to Improve Access to GI Bill Approved 
        Apprenticeship Programs and How These Programs Benefit Veterans

    On September 27, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session to conduct an oversight hearing 
on apprenticeship programs approved for GI Bill benefits and 
how the approval process can be improved to make 
apprenticeships more accessible to student veterans and 
employers.
    On the first panel and only panel, testimony was provided 
by: Major General Robert M. Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, 
Education Service, Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Joseph W. Wescott, 
Legislative Director, National Association of State Approving 
Agencies; Mr. Paul Marchand; Executive Vice President and Chief 
Human Resources Officer, Charter Communications; and Mr. Dan 
Penski, Special Assistant to the General President, 
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. See, ``How 
to Improve Access to GI Bill Approved Apprenticeship Programs 
and How these Programs Benefit Veterans,'' Serial No. 115-32.

Site Visit--Phoenix, AZ

    On October 6-8, 2017, the Majority Professional Staff 
Member for the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity traveled to 
Phoenix, Arizona to attend the Tragedy Assistance Program for 
Survivors' (TAPS) National Military Suicide Seminar and Good 
Grief Camp. During the trip, Subcommittee staff was able to 
examine the services that TAPS provides to grieving families, 
as well as meet with surviving families to discuss what 
additional services they need from the Department of Veterans 
Affairs.

Oversight Hearing--A Review of the Interagency Transition Assistance 
        Program and the Need for Enhanced Outcome Measurements

    On November 8, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session to conduct an oversight hearing 
of the Transition Assistance Program. During the hearing, the 
Subcommittee primarily focused on the recently released GAO 
report, entitled ``Transition Veterans--DoD Needs to Improve 
Performance Reporting and Monitoring for the Transition 
Assistance Program.'' The Subcommittee discussed the need for 
the improved tracking of outcomes from program participants by 
the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Labor.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: Ms. Cindy 
Brown Barnes, Director, Education, Workforce and Income 
Security, U.S. Government Accountability Office; Ms. Margarita 
Devlin, Executive Director, Benefits Assistance Service, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department Of Veterans 
Affairs; Mr. Ivan E. Denton, Director, Office of National 
Programs, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, U.S. 
Department of Labor; and Mr. Judd H. Lyons, Director, Defense 
Personnel and Family Support Center, Office of the Under 
Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, U.S. 
Department of Defense.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Brigadier 
General Robert Bennett, Adjutant General, United States Army; 
Rear Admiral Karl O. Thomas, Director, 21st Century Sailor 
Office, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, United States 
Navy; Brigadier General Kathleen A. Cook, Director, Air Force 
Services, Manpower, Personnel and Services, United States Air 
Force; and Brigadier General Kurt W. Stein, Director, Marine 
and Family Programs, United States Marine Corps. See, ``A 
Review of the Interagency Transition Assistance Program and the 
Need for Enhanced Outcome Measurements,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Field Hearing--Best Practices in Veterans Education and 
        Transition to Civilian Life (Lubbock, TX)

    On November 17, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session to conduct an oversight field 
hearing at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. During the 
hearing, the Subcommittee primarily focused on best practices 
for student veterans at Texas Tech University and how schools, 
community providers and others can assist student veterans in 
their education and their transition to civilian life.
    Testimony was provided by: Dr. Tedd Mitchell, President, 
Health Sciences Center, Texas Tech University; Mr. Aaron Kyle 
Chapman, USMC, School of Nursing Veteran Liaison, Health 
Sciences Center, Texas Tech University; Colonel Lou Ortiz, USAF 
(Ret.), Director, Military and Veterans Programs, Texas Tech 
University; Ms. Nicole Meyer, USAF, Student Veteran, Bachelor 
of Science in Nursing, Angelo State University, Mr. Ikaika 
(Kai) Iuta, USA, Student Veteran, Bachelor of Arts in 
Psychology, Texas Tech University; Colonel David J. Lewis, USAF 
(Ret.), Director of Veterans Services, StarCare Specialty 
Health System. See, ``Best Practices in Veterans Education and 
Transition to Civilian Life,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Site Visit--Washington, DC

    On November 28, 2017, the Minority Staff Director and the 
Professional Staff Member for the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity traveled to the National Capital Region Benefits 
Office to conduct an oversight visit on Vocational 
Rehabilitation and Employment Programs. During the oversight 
visit, Subcommittee staff observed an Orientation Session and 
intake/counseling sessions for new participants in the program. 
Subcommittee staff also met with staff and management to 
discuss any challenges that exist with executing the program 
and are specific to the National Capital Region. Subcommittee 
staff followed this visit up with a strategy call on the 
program's future with VA Central Office staff on December 4th.

Oversight Hearing--An Update on the Implementation of the Forever GI 
        Bill, the Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017

    On December 12, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session to conduct an oversight hearing 
to receive an update from the Department of Veterans Affairs 
about the implementation of the Harry W. Colmery Educational 
Assistance Act of 2017.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by: 
Major General Robert M. Worley II USAF (Ret.), Director, 
Education Service, Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by Mrs. 
Charmain Bogue, Deputy Director, Education Service, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
and Mr. Lloyd Thrower, Acting Information Technology Account 
Manager, Benefits Portfolio, Office of Information & 
Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. William 
Hubbard, Vice President of Government Affairs, Student Veterans 
of America; Mrs. Kathleen Moakler, Director, External Relations 
and Policy Analysis, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. 
See, ``An Update on the Implementation of the Forever GI Bill, 
the Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017,'' 
Serial No. 115-XX.

         ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY


Second Session

                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 1206; H.R. 3023; H.R. 
        3940; H.R. 4451; H.R. 4830; H.R. 4835; H.R. 5044; and a Draft 
        Bill Entitled, ``VA Home Loan Improvement Act of 2018.''

    On March 20, 2018, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session to conduct a legislative hearing on H.R. 
1206, Reducing Barriers for Veterans Education Act of 2017; 
H.R. 3023, to amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate 
the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay 
reporting fees to educational institution; H.R. 3940, Veterans 
Education Disaster Assistance Act; H.R. 4451, Homeless 
Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act of 2018; 
H.R. 4830, SIT-REP Act; H.R. 4835, Job TOOLS for Veterans Act; 
H.R. 5044, Service-Disabled Veterans Small Business 
Continuation Act; and a draft bill entitled, ``VA Home Loan 
Improvement Act of 2018.''
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by 
Representative Gus Bilirakis of Florida; Representative Brad 
Wenstrup of Ohio; Representative Ted Poe of Texas; 
Representative Luke Messer of Indiana; and Representative Steve 
Russell of Oklahoma.
    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 who was accompanied by Mr. Jeffrey London, Director, 
Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. John J. Kamin, Assistant 
Director, Veterans Employment and Education Division, The 
American Legion; Ms. Ashlynne Haycock, Manager, Education 
Services, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors; and Mr. 
William Hubbard, Vice President of Government Affairs, Student 
Veterans of America. See, ``Legislative hearing on: H.R. 1206; 
H.R. 3023; H.R. 3940; H.R. 4451; H.R. 4830; H.R. 4835; H.R. 
5044; and a draft bill entitled, ``VA Home Loan Improvement Act 
of 2018,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Markup--H.R. 1206; H.R. 3023; H.R. 3940; H.R. 4451; H.R. 4830; H.R. 
        4835; and H.R. 5044

    On April 11, 2018, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met and marked up: H.R. 1206, the Reducing Barriers for 
Veterans Education Act of 2017, introduced by Representative 
Luke Messer of Indiana; H.R. 3023, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to eliminate the authority of the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to pay reporting fees to educational 
institution, introduced by Representative Steve Russell of 
Oklahoma; H.R. 3940, the Veterans Education Disaster Assistance 
Act, introduced by Representative Ted Poe; H.R. 4451, the 
Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act 
of 2018, introduced by Representative Brad Wenstrup of Ohio; 
H.R. 4830, the Servicemembers Improved Transition through 
Reforms for Ensuring Progress Act introduced by Representative 
Gus Bilirakis of Florida; H.R. 4835, Job TOOLS for Veterans 
Act, introduced by Representative Elizabeth Etsy of 
Connecticut; and H.R. 5044, the Service-Disabled Veterans Small 
Business Continuation Act, introduced by Representative Steve 
Chabot of Ohio.
    On April 11, 2018, an amendment to H.R. 4830 was offered by 
Representative Gus Bilirakis of Florida and was adopted by 
voice vote. H.R. 4830, as amended, passed the Subcommittee on 
Economic Opportunity by voice vote and was favorably forwarded 
to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 11, 2018, an amendment to H.R. 4451 was offered by 
Representative Brad Wenstrup of Ohio and was adopted by voice 
vote. H.R. 4451, as amended, passed the Subcommittee on 
Economic Opportunity by voice vote and was favorably forwarded 
to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 11, 2018, H.R. 1206, H.R. 3023, H.R. 3940, H.R. 
4835, and H.R. 5044 were considered by the Subcommittee on 
Economic Opportunity en bloc. H.R. 1206, H.R. 3023, H.R. 3940, 
H.R. 4835, and H.R. 5044 passed the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity by voice vote and were favorably forwarded to the 
Full Committee by voice vote.

Legislative Hearing--A Legislative Hearing on the Following Bills: H.R. 
        2409; H.R. 5452; H.R. 5538; H.R. 5644; H.R. 5649; and H.R. 5882

    On May 23, 2018, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session to conduct a legislative hearing on the 
following bills: H.R. 2409, to Allow Servicemembers to 
Terminate Their Cable, Satellite Television, and Internet 
Access Service Contracts While Deployed; H.R. 5452, Reduce 
Unemployment for Veterans of All Ages Act of 2018; H.R. 5538, 
to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the 
inclusion of certain additional periods of active duty service 
for purposes of suspending charges to veterans' entitlement to 
educational assistance under the laws administered by the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs during periods of suspended 
participation in vocational rehabilitation programs; H.R. 5644, 
VET OPP Act; H.R. 5649, Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William 
``Bill'' Mulder (Ret.) Transition Improvement Act of 2018; and 
H.R. 5882, Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by: 
Representative Julia Brownley of California; Representative 
Scott Peters of California; Representative Brad Wenstrup of 
Ohio, Representative Cheri Bustos of Illinois; and 
Representative Ryan Costello of Pennsylvania.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by: Ms. 
Margarita Devlin, Principal Deputy Undersecretary for Benefits, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Mr. John Kamin, Assistant Director, Veterans 
Employment and Education Division, The American Legion; Ms. 
Lauren Augustine, Vice President of Government Affairs, Student 
Veterans of America; and Ms. Rebecca Burgess, Program Manager, 
Program on American Citizenship, American Enterprise Institute. 
See, ``A legislative hearing on: H.R. 2409; H.R. 5452; H.R. 
5538; H.R. 5644; H.R. 5649; and H.R. 5882,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Markup--H.R. 282, H.R. 1690, and H.R. 2772

    On July 12, 2017, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met and marked up: H.R. 282, the ``Military Residency Choice 
Act,'' introduced by Representative Elise Stefanik of New York; 
H.R. 1690, the ``Department of Veterans Affairs Bonus 
Transparency Act,'' introduced by Representative Claudia Tenney 
of New York; and H.R. 2772, the ``VA Senior Executive 
Accountability Act or the `SEA Act,''' introduced by 
Representative Scott Taylor of Virginia.
    On July 12, 2017, an amendment to H.R. 1690 was offered by 
Representative Beto O'Rourke of Texas and was adopted by voice 
vote. H.R. 1690, as amended, passed the Subcommittee on 
Economic Opportunity by voice vote and was favorably forwarded 
to the Full Committee by voice vote.
    On July 12, 2017, H.R. 282 and H.R. 2772 were considered by 
the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity en bloc. H.R. 282 and 
H.R. 2772 passed the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity by 
voice vote and were favorably forwarded to the Full Committee 
by voice vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Site Visit--Student Veterans of America National Convention, San 
        Antonio, TX

    On January 4-7, 2018, the Majority Staff Director and the 
Professional Staff Member for the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity travelled to San Antonio, TX to conduct oversight 
of the Department of Veterans Affairs' education programs and 
to participate on the legislative panel at the Student Veterans 
of America annual conference.

Oversight Hearing--Home Loan Churning Practices and How Veteran 
        Homebuyers Are Being Affected

    On January 10, 2018, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session to conduct an oversight hearing 
on the churning of refinanced VA loans and the impact this 
practice was having on veteran homebuyers and housing market.
    Testimony was provided by: Mr. Jeffrey London, Director, 
Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by: Mr. John 
Bell, Deputy Director, Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Michael R. Bright, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating 
Officer, Government National Mortgage Association; Mr. J. David 
Motley, CMB, President, Colonial Savings, F.A. on behalf of the 
Mortgage Bankers Association; Mr. Brock Cooper, General 
Counsel, Veterans United Home Loans. See, ``Home Loan Churning 
Practices and How Veteran Homebuyers are being affected,'' 
Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--Addressing Veteran Homelessness: Current Position; 
        Future Course

    On January 18, 2018, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity and the Subcommittee on Health met in open session 
to conduct a joint oversight hearing of programs of the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Labor 
(DoL) that assist homeless veterans with a focus on program 
effectiveness and costs.
    On the first panel testimony was provided by: Mr. John F. 
Clancy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tristate 
Veterans Community Alliance; Ms. Angela F. Williams, President 
and Chief Executive Officer, Easterseals, Inc.; Mr. Stephen 
Peck, President and Chief Executive Officer, U.S. VETS; Mr. 
John W. Martin, Development Director, the Opportunity Center; 
and Ms. Kathryn Monet, Chief Executive Officer, National 
Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
    On the second panel testimony was provided by: Mr. Matt 
Miller, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor; Ms. Dominique Blom, 
General Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Public and Indian 
Housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and 
Dr. Thomas Lynch M.D., Deputy Under Secretary for Health for 
Clinical Operations, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs who was Dr. Keith W. Harris 
Ph.D., Director of Clinical Operations, Homeless Programs 
Office, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See, ``Addressing Veteran Homelessness: 
Current Position; Future Course,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Roundtable Discussion--Examine the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) 
        and a Servicemember's Transition Into Civilian Life

    On January 30, 2018, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity held a roundtable to review the TAP program. 
Participants included the military services, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department 
of Labor, and representatives from several veteran service 
organizations.

Roundtable Discussion--Examine a Servicemember's Transition Into 
        Civilian Life

    On February 6, 2018, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity held a roundtable to examine and programs of 
services provided by community service organizations that help 
servicemembers transition to civilian life.

Oversight Hearing--U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2019 
        Budget: Veterans Benefits Administration and the Board of 
        Veterans' Appeals

    On March 15, 2018, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
and the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial 
Affairs met in open session to conduct a joint oversight 
hearing of Fiscal Year 2019 budget request for the Veterans 
Benefit Administration and the Board of Veterans Appeals.
    Testimony was provided by: the Honorable Cheryl L. Mason, 
Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs who was accompanied by: Mr. James E. Manker, 
Jr., Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs and Mr. Lloyd Thrower, Deputy Chief Information 
Officer, Account Manager for Benefits, Office of Information 
and Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Matthew Shuman, Director, Legislative Division, The American 
Legion; Mr. Shane L. Liermann, Assistant National Legislative 
Director, Disabled American Veterans; and Ms. Lauren Augustine, 
Director of Policy, Student Veterans of America. See, ``U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2019 Budget: 
Veterans Benefits Administration and the Board of Veterans' 
Appeals,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Site Visit--Midwestern Education Compact Conference, Chicago, IL

    On May 3-4, 2018, the Majority Staff Director for the 
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity travelled to Chicago, IL 
to conduct oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs' 
education programs and to participate on the legislative panel 
at the Midwestern Education Compact annual conference.

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

    On May 17, 2018, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session to conduct an oversight hearing of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs' Vocational Rehabilitation and 
Employment (VR&E) program. The subcommittee focused on 
implementation of the new case management system for VR&E 
claims which had not been completed.
    Testimony was provided by: Mr. Jack Kammerer, Director, 
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
who was accompanied by: Mr. Lloyd Thrower, Deputy Chief 
Information Officer, Account Manager for Benefits, Office of 
Information and Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Ms. Heather Ansley, Esq., MSW, Acting Associate 
Executive Director of Government Relations, Paralyzed Veterans 
of America; Ms. Cassandra Vangellow, Esq., Legal and Policy 
Fellow, Student Veterans of America; and Mr. Shane L. Liermann, 
Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled American 
Veterans. See, ``Assessing VA Approved Appraisers and How to 
Improve the Program for the 21st Century,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--Hiring and Retaining Veterans for the Modern Day 
        Workforce

    On June 26, 2018, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session to conduct an oversight hearing to examine 
the hiring and retention of veterans by American companies.
    Testimony was provided by: Ms. Elizabeth O'Brien, Senior 
Director of Military Spouse Programs, Hiring Our Heroes, U.S. 
Chamber of Commerce Foundation; Brigadier General Gary M. 
Profit USA (Ret.), Senior Director, Military Programs, Walmart; 
Mr. Matt Kress, Manager, Veterans and Military Affairs, 
Starbucks Coffee Company; Mr. Charles J. Sevola Jr., Vice 
President, Head of Veterans Initiatives, Prudential Financial; 
Mr. Robert Douthit, Senior Director, Americas Customer 
Solutions Centers, Dell EMC. See, ``Hiring and Retaining 
Veterans for the Modern Day Workforce,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--An Update on the Implementation of the Forever GI 
        Bill: Is VA Ready for August 1st

    On July 18, 2018, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
met in open session to conduct an oversight hearing on the 
implementation of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational 
Assistance Act of 2017. During the hearing, the subcommittee 
focused on VA's efforts to improve IT systems to be able to 
adjudicate education claims electronically.
    Testimony was provided by: Major General Robert M. Worley 
II USAF (Ret.), Director, Education Service, Veterans Benefit 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who was 
accompanied by Mr. Lloyd Thrower, Deputy Chief Information 
Officer, Benefits Portfolio, Office of Information & 
Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans, Mrs. Charmain Bogue, 
Deputy Director, Education Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Daniel 
McCune, Executive Director, Enterprise Portfolio Management 
Division, Office of Information and Technology, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs. See, ``An Update on the Implementation of 
the Forever GI Bill: Is VA Ready for August 1st,'' Serial No. 
115-XX.

Site Visit--Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Training 
        Conference, Detroit, MI

    On August 8, 2018, the Majority and Minority Staff 
Directors for the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity 
travelled to Detroit, MI to conduct oversight of the Department 
of Veterans Affairs' vocational rehabilitation and employment 
program and to participate on the legislative panel at the 
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment training conference.

Oversight Hearing--A Review of VA's Specially Adaptive Housing Grant 
        Programs (SAH)

    On September 6, 2018, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session to conduct an oversight hearing 
on the performance of the specially adaptive housing grant 
program.
    Testimony was provided by: Mr. Jeffrey London, Director, 
Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Brigadier General Tom 
Landwermeyer, USA (Ret.), President and Chief Executive 
Officer, Homes For Our Troops, Inc.; Mr. Steven Henry, 
Associate Legislative Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America; 
and Mr. Ryan Kules, Director of Combat Stress and Recovery, 
Wounded Warrior Project. See, ``A Review of VA's Specially 
Adaptive Housing Grant Programs (SAH),'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Site Visit--Regional Processing Office, Muskogee, OK

    On October 24-25, 2018, the Majority and Minority Staff 
Director for the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and 
Legislative Assistant for the Full Committee travelled to 
Muskogee, OK to conduct oversight of the processing of Post-9/
11 GI Bill claims and associated delays that occurred during 
the fall semester of 2018.

Oversight Hearing--A Continued Review of GI Bill Payment Delays

    On November 15, 2018, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Opportunity met in open session to conduct an oversight hearing 
on the implementation of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans 
Educational Assistance Act of 2017 and associated payment 
delays.
    Testimony was provided by: The Honorable Paul R. Lawrence 
Ph.D., Undersecretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefit 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who was 
accompanied by: Major General Robert M. Worley II USAF (Ret.), 
Director, Education Service, Veterans Benefit Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Bill James, Deputy 
Assistant Secretary for Development and Operations, Office of 
Information & Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
and Mr. John J. ``Jack'' Galvin, Associate Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Information Technology Operations and Services 
Office of Information and Technology, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Testimony was also provided by Mr. Richard 
Crowe, Senior Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton. See, ``A 
Continued Review of GI Bill Payment Delays,'' Serial No. 115-
XX.

      ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT & INVESTIGATIONS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

First Session

Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 2006; H.R. 2749; H.R. 
        2781; and, a Draft Bill, to Improve the Hiring, Training, and 
        Efficiency of Acquisition Personnel and Organizations of the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs, and for Other Purposes

    On June 29, 2017, the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations met in open session to conduct a legislative 
hearing on H.R. 2006, the VA Procurement Efficiency and 
Transparency Act; H.R. 2749, the Protecting Business 
Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2017; H.R. 2781, the Ensuring 
Veteran Enterprise Participation in Strategic Sourcing Act; and 
a draft bill to improve the hiring, training, and efficiency of 
acquisition personnel and organizations of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
    Testimony was provided by Thomas Burgess, Associate Deputy 
Assistant Secretary, Office of Logistics and Supply Chain 
Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, accompanied by 
Thomas Leney, Executive Director, Small and Veteran Business 
Programs, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business 
Utilization, Department of Veterans Affairs; Kaitlin Gray, 
Assistant Director, National Veterans Employment and Education 
Division, The American Legion; Patrick Murray, Associate 
Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign 
Wars; and Wayne Simpson, Member, National Veterans Small 
Business Coalition. A statement for the record was provided by 
Associated General Contractors of America. See ``Legislative 
Hearing on H.R. 2006, H.R. 2749, H.R. 2781, and, a draft bill, 
to improve the hiring, training, and efficiency of acquisition 
personnel and organizations of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs, and for other purposes,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Markup--Markup of H.R. 2006, H.R. 2749, H.R. 2781, and H.R. 3169

    On July 12, 2017, the Subcommittee on Oversight & 
Investigations met in open session and marked up H.R. 2006, the 
VA Procurement Efficiency and Transparency Act; H.R. 2749, the 
Protecting Business Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2017; 
H.R. 2781, the Ensuring Veteran Enterprise Participation in 
Strategic Sourcing Act; and H.R. 3169, the VA Acquisition 
Workforce Improvement and Streamlining Act.
    H.R. 2006, H.R. 2749, H.R. 2781, and H.R. 3169 were each 
favorably reported to the full committee, without amendment, by 
voice vote.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

First Session

Site Visit--Memphis, Tennessee

    On January 30-February 2, 2017, Majority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the 
Subcommittee on Health traveled to the Memphis VA Medical 
Center to examine areas including human resources, union 
relations, quality management, and credentialing and 
privileging issues.

Site Visit--Cincinnati, Ohio

    On February 8-10, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Oversight and Investigations traveled to the Cincinnati VA 
Medical Center to investigate the facility's utilization of its 
nonprofit corporation and management of its research program, 
as well as the nature of the facility's affiliation with the 
University of Cincinnati. The Subcommittee also examined the 
medical center's human resources, controlled substances, 
sterilization, transplant, mental health, and consult 
management departments.

Oversight Hearing--Assessing VA's Risks for Drug Diversion

    On February 27, 2017, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a hearing to address oversight of 
controlled substances and Drug Free Workplace programs at 
Department of Veterans' Affairs medical centers.
    Testimony was provided by Carolyn Clancy, M.D., Deputy 
Under Secretary for Health for Organizational Excellence, 
Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
accompanied by Michael A. Valentino, R.Ph., MHSA, Chief 
Consultant, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, Veterans 
Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Nick 
Dahl, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Audits and 
Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, accompanied by Emorfia Valkanos, R.Ph., 
Health Systems Specialist, Office of Healthcare Inspections, 
Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Randall B. Williamson, Director, Healthcare Team, Government 
Accountability Office; and Keith Berge, M.D., Consultant in 
Anesthesiology and Chair, Mayo Clinic Enterprise-wide 
Medication Diversion Prevention Committee. A statement for the 
record was provided by the American Society of 
Anesthesiologists. See, ``Assessing VA's Risks for Drug 
Diversion,'' Serial No. 115-57.

Site Visit--Cleveland, Ohio

    On March 12-14, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Oversight and Investigations and the Subcommittee on Health 
traveled to the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center to 
investigate the medical center's management of its research 
program and utilization of its nonprofit corporation, as well 
as the nature of its relationship with its academic affiliates. 
Staff also assessed the medical center's controlled substances 
and pain management departments, as well as the facility's 
intermediate care technician program.

Site Visit--Richmond, Virginia

    On March 23, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations and the Subcommittee on Health 
traveled to the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in 
Richmond, Virginia to investigate the medical center's 
transplant program and its affiliation with Virginia 
Commonwealth University.

Site Visit--Washington, DC

    On April 12, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations traveled to the Washington, DC VA 
Medical Center to continue investigating the medical center's 
management of logistics and physical infrastructure, as well as 
ongoing concerns with the medical center's general operations.

Site Visit--Washington, DC

    On May 4, 2017, Representative Tim Walz, Representative Ann 
McLane Kuster, Representative Mark Takano, Representative Gerry 
Connolly, and minority staff for the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs traveled to the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center to 
investigate allegations of logistics and supply mismanagement, 
and patient care delays.

Site Visit--Boston, Massachusetts

    On April 26-28, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Oversight and Investigations and the Subcommittee on Health 
traveled to the VA Boston Healthcare System to investigate the 
medical center's management of its research program, as well as 
the utilization of its nonprofit corporation and the nature of 
the medical center's relationships with academic affiliates 
Boston University and Harvard University. Staff also evaluated 
the facility's pharmacy and pain management departments.

Site Visit--Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

    On May 8-10, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations traveled to the VA Pittsburgh 
Healthcare System to investigate the medical center's 
management of its physical infrastructure, as well as the 
nature of the facility's affiliation with the University of 
Pittsburgh and the management of its transplant program. Staff 
also assessed the medical center's community care, pharmacy, 
pain management, mental health, human resources, research, and 
logistics departments.

Oversight Hearing--VA Financial Management

    On May 24, 2017, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a hearing to evaluate VA financial 
management policies and practices.
    Testimony was provided by Laurie Park, Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Finance, Office of Management, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, accompanied by Mitchel Sturm, Acting Deputy 
Chief Financial Officer, Veterans Benefits Administration; 
Beryl Davis, Director, Financial Management and Assurance, 
Government Accountability Office; Nick Dahl, Deputy Assistant 
Inspector General for Audits and Evaluations, Office of 
Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs, accompanied 
by Sue Schwendiman, Director, Financial Audit Division, Office 
of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs; and Julie 
Larsen, Team Leader, Pension Maintenance Center and Debt 
Management, The American Legion. See, ``VA Financial 
Management,'' Serial No. 115-57.

Oversight Hearing--VA and Academic Affiliates: Who's Benefiting Now?

    On June 8, 2017, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a hearing to address time spent by VA 
physicians between the department and its academic affiliates 
and to discuss the role and utilization of VA nonprofit 
corporations.
    Testimony was provided by Carolyn Clancy, M.D., Deputy 
Under Secretary for Health for Organizational Excellence, 
Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
accompanied by Rachel Ramoni, M.D., Chief Research and 
Development Officer, Veterans Health Administration, Department 
of Veterans Affairs, and Karen Sanders, M.D., Deputy Chief 
Academic Affairs Officer, Veterans Health Administration, 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Rick Starrs, Chief Executive 
Officer, National Association of Veterans Research and 
Education Foundations, accompanied by Nancy Watterson-Diorio, 
Executive Director, Boston VA Research Institute; and 
Christopher Colenda, M.D., MPH, President Emeritus, The West 
Virginia University Health System and Senior Advisor, Veterans 
Affairs Association of American Medical Colleges. A statement 
for the record was provided by Christian Kreipke, Ph.D. See, 
``VA and Academic Affiliates: Who's Benefiting Now?,'' Serial 
No. 115-57.

Site Visit--Spokane, Washington

    On June 26-29, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations traveled to the Mann-Grandstaff VA 
Medical Center in Spokane, Washington to investigate concerns 
regarding the medical center's general management, patient 
satisfaction with their experience at the facility. Other areas 
of concern included human resources, construction and 
contracting management, capital asset management, and the 
emergency medicine department.

Joint Oversight Hearing--Joint Subcommittee Hearing of the Subcommittee 
        on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Subcommittee 
        on Oversight and Investigations--Examining VA's Processing of 
        Gulf War Illness Claims

    On July 13, 2017, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs and the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a joint hearing to review VA's handling of 
disability claims by veterans who may have developed medical 
conditions related to their service in the Southwest Asia 
theater of operations.
    Testimony was provided by Bradley Flohr, Senior Advisor, 
Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, accompanied by Patrick Joyce, 
M.D., MPH, Chief, Occupational Health Clinics, Washington VA 
Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs; Melissa Emrey-
Arras, Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security, 
Government Accountability Office, Zachary Hearn, Deputy 
Director for Claims, Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Division, The American Legion; Michael Figlioli, Deputy 
Director, National Veterans Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; 
and Anthony Hardie, National Board Chair & Director, Veterans 
for Common Sense. Statements for the record were provided by 
the National Gulf War Resource Center, Paul Sullivan, Denise 
Nichols, and Kirt Love. See, ``Examining VA's Processing of 
Gulf War Illness Claims,'' Serial No. 115-57.

Site Visit--Providence, Rhode Island

    On July 27, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations traveled to the Providence VA 
Medical Center to continue oversight into VA healthcare and 
services, specifically academic affiliates, research, VA 
nonprofit corporations, the VA graduate medical education 
programming, and the Choice program.

Field Hearing--VA Home Telehealth: Looking Behind the Numbers

    On August 30, 2017, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a field hearing in Traverse City, Michigan 
to examine the planning and management of VA telehealth, 
specifically regarding information technology and the home 
telehealth program.
    Testimony was provided by Kevin Galpin, M.D., Executive 
Director, Telehealth Services, Office of Connected Care, 
Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
accompanied by Alan R. Constantian, Ph.D, Deputy Chief 
Information Officer, VHA Account Manager for Clinical 
Functions, Office of Information & Technology, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, and Pamela J. Reeves, M.D., Director, John D. 
Dingell Detroit VA Medical Center, Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Thomas Wong, D.O., Senior Physician, Office of 
Healthcare Inspections, Office of Inspector General, Department 
of Veterans Affairs. See, ``VA Home Telehealth: Looking Behind 
the Numbers,'' Serial No. 115-57.

Site Visit--Las Vegas, Nevada

    On September 11, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Oversight and Investigations traveled to the VA Southern 
Nevada Healthcare System in Las Vegas, Nevada accompanied by VA 
staff to assess the facility's management of community care, 
telehealth, and challenges relating to a growing patient 
population and difficulties recruiting and retaining staff.

Oversight Hearing--VA Mail Management: The Case of the $11,257 Package

    On September 12, 2017, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a hearing on problems in the Department of 
Veterans Affairs' management of its outgoing mail.
    Testimony was provided by John Oswalt, Executive Director 
for Privacy, Office of Information and Technology, Department 
of Veterans Affairs; and Lori Rectanus, Director, Physical 
Infrastructure Issues, Government Accountability Office. See, 
``VA Mail Management: The Case of the $11,257 Package,'' Serial 
No. 115-57.

Site Visit--Manchester, New Hampshire

    On September 14-15, 2017, Majority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations traveled to the 
Manchester, NH VA Medical Center to examine issues including 
operating room cleanliness, sterile processing of reusable 
medical equipment, drug diversion, and facilities management.

Field Hearing--an Assessment of Leadership Failures at the Manchester, 
        NH VA Medical Center

    On September 18, 2017, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a field hearing in Pembroke, New Hampshire 
to address leadership deficiencies at the VA New England 
Healthcare System and the Manchester, New Hampshire VA Medical 
Center.
    Testimony was provided by Carolyn Clancy, M.D., Deputy 
Under Secretary for Health for Organizational Excellence, 
Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
accompanied by Michael Mayo-Smith, M.D., M.P.H., Director, VA 
New England Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
and Alfred Montoya, Jr., Acting Director, Manchester, NH VA 
Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs; William E. 
Kois, M.D., Pain Management Specialist, Manchester, NH VA 
Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs; and David J. 
Kenney; Chairman, New Hampshire State Veterans Advisory 
Committee. Statements for the record were provided by several 
whistleblowers from the Manchester, NH VA Medical Center. See, 
``An Assessment of Leadership Failures at the Manchester, NH VA 
Medical Center,'' Serial No. 115-57.

Site Visit--Manchester, New Hampshire

    On September 18, 2017, Minority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Oversight and Investigations traveled to the Manchester, NH 
VA Medical Center to examine allegations related to operating 
room cleanliness, sterile processing of reusable medical 
equipment, drug diversion, facilities management, and minor 
construction at the facility.

Site Visit--Clarksburg, West Virginia

    On September 20-22, 2017, Majority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the 
Subcommittee on Health traveled to the Louis A. Johnson VA 
Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia to investigate the 
operation of the medical center's emergency room, as well as 
the management of the Privacy Office. Staff also examined other 
areas including controlled substances, mental health, and human 
resources, and assessed other ongoing concerns with 
construction and contracting management.

Roundtable--Implementation of the Kingdomware Decision in the Veterans 
        First Contracting Program

    On October 11, 2017, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a roundtable discussion on the Veterans 
First Contracting Program and the implementation of the 
Kingdomware Supreme Court ruling.
    The attendees at the roundtable were: Kaitlin Gray, 
Assistant Director of Veterans Employment and Education 
Division, The American Legion; Jordan Howard, Director of 
Federal and Heavy Construction Division, Associated General 
Contractors of America; Roger Waldron, President, the Coalition 
for Government Procurement; LeRoy Acosta, Assistant National 
Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Lee 
Ellingburg, Vice President of Government Business and Strategy, 
Philips Healthcare, Member of Medical Imaging and Technology 
Alliance; Scott Denniston, Executive Director, National Veteran 
Small Business Coalition; David Berteau, President and CEO, 
Professional Services Council; Phillip Christy, Acting 
Executive Director of Office of Acquisition Operations, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Jan Frye, Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Acquisition and Logistics, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Rick Lemmon, Acting Chief Procurement and 
Logistics Officer, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Carlos Fuentes, Director of 
National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Site Visit--Marion, Illinois

    On October 17-19, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Oversight and Investigations traveled to the Marion, 
Illinois VA Medical Center to investigate numerous concerns 
regarding its operations and management, including human 
resources, physical infrastructure management, radiology, 
quality management, and the community living center.

Site Visit--Washington, DC

    On November 13, 2017, Majority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Oversight and Investigations traveled to the Washington, DC 
VA Medical Center to investigate concerns in areas including 
sterile processing, research, pharmacy, engineering, and 
information technology.

Oversight Hearing--Examining VA's Failure To Address Provider Quality 
        and Safety Concerns

    On November 29, 2017, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a hearing on the reliability of VA medical 
centers' clinical competency reviews and VA's compliance with 
reporting clinicians to their respective state licensing boards 
and the National Practitioner Data Bank.
    Testimony was provided by Gerard R. Cox, M.D., M.H.A., 
Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Organizational 
Excellence, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, accompanied by 
Shereef M. Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A., Assistant Deputy Under 
Secretary for Health, Quality, Safety, and Value, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Humayun J. Chaudhry, D.O., 
M.S., M.A.C.P., M.A.C.O.I., President and Chief Executive 
Officer, Federation of State Medical Boards; and Randall 
Williamson, Director, Health Care, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office. See, ``Examining VA's Failure to Address 
Provider Quality and Safety Concerns,'' Serial No. 115-57.

      ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT & INVESTIGATIONS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Legislative Hearing--Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3497; H.R. 4245; a 
        Draft Bill Regarding Purchase Card Misuse; and, a Draft Bill 
        Regarding the Medical Surgical Prime Vendor Program

    On March 7, 2018, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations met in open session to conduct a legislative 
hearing on H.R. 3497, H.R. 4245, a draft bill regarding 
purchase card misuse, and a draft bill regarding the Medical 
Surgical Prime Vendor program.
    Testimony was provided by Fred Mingo, Director of Program 
Control, Program Executive Office, Electronic Health Record 
Modernization Program, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 
accompanied by Ricky Lemmon, Acting Deputy Chief Procurement 
Officer, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs, John Adams, Director of Corporate Travel, 
Office of Management, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and 
Katrina Tuisamatatele, Health Portfolio Director, Office of 
Information and Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Louis Celli, Jr., Director, Veterans Affairs & 
Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; and, Scott 
Denniston, Executive Director, National Veterans Small Business 
Coalition. See, ``Legislative hearing on H.R. 3497, H.R. 4245, 
a draft bill regarding purchase card misuse, and a draft bill 
regarding the medical surgical prime vendor program,'' Serial 
No. 115-57.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Site Visit--Denver, Colorado

    On January 3-5, 2018, Majority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Oversight and Investigations traveled to the Denver VA 
Medical Center and the replacement medical center construction 
project in Aurora, Colorado to investigate concerns in areas 
including research, the progress and quality of the 
construction project, and the transition plan for transferring 
services from the existing facility to the new facility.

Site Visit--Big Spring, Texas

    On February 20-23, 2018, Majority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations traveled to the 
Big Spring VA Medical Center to investigate concerns in areas 
including primary care, the medical center's affiliations with 
academic institutions, staffing, and capital asset management.

Site Visit--Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

    On March 27-28, 2018, Majority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Oversight and Investigations and Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs to the Pittsburgh Regional 
Office and National Cemetery of the Alleghenies to investigate 
concerns in areas including staffing, records management, 
foreign claims and claims management.
    On March 29, 2018, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations traveled to VISN 4 in Pittsburgh 
to investigate concerns in areas including VISN oversight and 
responsibilities, logistics, contracting, human resources, 
quality management and patient safety.

Site Visit--Linthicum, Maryland

    On April 12, 2018, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations traveled to the Veterans 
Integrated Service Network 5 headquarters in Linthicum, 
Maryland to investigate concerns in areas including logistics 
and supply chain management, staffing, and oversight of the 
Washington, DC Medical Center's management of supply chain and 
quality care issues.

Site Visit--Washington State

    On April 18-19, 2018, Majority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Oversight and Investigations traveled to the Madigan Army 
Medical Center and Bremerton Naval Hospital to review the 
implementation challenges experienced by the Department of 
Defense's MHS GENESIS electronic health record system.
    On April 20, 2018, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations conducted a site visit to the 
American Lake VA Medical Center to review infrastructure issues 
and the division of labor between that facility and the nearby 
Seattle VA Medical Center.

Oversight Hearing--VA Logistics Modernization: Examining the RTLS and 
        Catamaran Projects

    On May 8, 2018, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a hearing on two of VA's logistics 
modernization projects, the Catamaran inventory system and the 
Real Time Location System (RTLS).
    Testimony was provided by Tammy Czarnecki, Assistant Deputy 
Under Secretary for Health for Administrative Operations, 
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, accompanied by Alan Constantian, Deputy Chief 
Information Officer and Account Manager for Health, Office of 
Information and Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Nicholas Dahl, Deputy Assistant Inspector General 
for Audits and Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs, accompanied by Michael Bowman, 
Director for Information Technology and Security Audits 
Division, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See, ``VA Logistics Modernization: Examining 
the RTLS and Catamaran Projects,'' Serial No. 115-57.

Joint Oversight Hearing--Joint Subcommittee Hearing of the Subcommittee 
        on Health and the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
        Investigations--VA Research: Focusing on Funding, Findings, and 
        Partnerships

    On May 17, 2018, the Subcommittee on Health and 
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on 
accountability issues regarding VA partnerships with Nonprofit 
Research and Education Corporations, academic affiliates, and 
other entities to administer research funding and conduct and 
support research efforts; the extent to which VA's research 
projects and priorities display a concentrated focus on issues 
and conditions that are specific to or prevalent among the 
veteran population; and the extent to which VA effectively 
translates research findings to clinical settings to benefit 
veteran patients.
    Testimony was provided by Robin L. Rusconi J.D., Chair, 
Board of Directors, National Association of Veterans' Research 
& Education Foundations; Paul Klotman M.D., President, Chief 
Executive Officer, and Executive Dean, Baylor College of 
Medicine, on behalf of Association of American Medical 
Colleges; Carolyn Clancy M.D., Executive in Charge, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 
accompanied by Rachel B. Ramoni D.M.D., Sc.D., Chief Research 
and Development Officer, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. See, ``VA Research: Focusing on 
Funding, Findings, and Partnerships,'' Serial No. 115-57.

Site Visit--Spokane, Washington

    On May 29-31, 2018, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations and Subcommittee on Health 
traveled to the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center to assess 
that facility's progress in improving its graduate medical 
education program.

Joint Oversight Hearing--Joint Subcommittee Hearing of the Subcommittee 
        on Oversight and Investigations and the Committee on Small 
        Business Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations--
        Achieving Government-Wide Verification of Service Disabled 
        Veteran Owned Small Businesses

    On July 17, 2018, the Committee on Small Business 
Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations and 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight 
and Investigations held a hearing to examine the progress of VA 
and the Small Business Administration (SBA) in harmonizing 
definitions and regulations related to service-disabled 
veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and SBA's readiness to 
assume the remaining verification functions and the benefits of 
extending verification of SDVOSBs government-wide.
    Testimony was provided by Thomas Leney, Executive Director, 
Small and Veteran Business Programs, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Robb Wong, Associate Administrator, Office of 
Government Contracting and Business Development, U.S. Small 
Business Administration, accompanied by William Gould, Office 
of Government Contracting & Business Development, U.S. Small 
Business Administration; and Davy Leghorn, Assistant Director, 
Veterans Employment and Education Division, The American 
Legion. See, ``Achieving Government-wide Verification of 
Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses,'' Serial No. 
115-57.

Roundtable--Roundtable Discussion on Improving the Delivery of Health 
        Care to Veterans in Rural Areas

    On August 9, 2018, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a roundtable discussion on ways VA and 
community health care providers can increase their coordination 
to improve community care, rural health, training opportunities 
for clinicians, and resource sharing.
    The attendees at the roundtable were: Carolyn Clancy, MD, 
Deputy Undersecretary for Discovery, Education & Affiliated 
Networks, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Thomas Klobucar, 
PhD, Acting Executive Director, Office of Rural Health, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Kathleen Klink, MD, FAAP, 
Acting Deputy Chief Officer, Office of Academic Affiliations, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Edward T. Bope, MD, 
Director, Graduate Medical Education Expansion, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Kenneth Jones, PhD, Acting Chief, Health 
Professions Education and Director, Associated Health 
Education, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; James W. Rice, 
Director, Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center; Marie A. DeWitt, 
MD; Chief of Staff, Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center; Andrea 
Collins, MSN, RN, Associate Director for Patient Care Services, 
Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center; Sarah Buckley, RN, BSN, 
Community Care/Home & Community Based Care Director, Oscar G. 
Johnson VA Medical Center; Renee Oshinski, Network Director, 
Veterans Integrated Service Network 12; Scott Pawlikowski, MD, 
Deputy Chief Medical Officer--Primary Care Lead, Veterans 
Integrated Service Network 12; Stuart K. Johnson, DO, FAAFP, 
Community Assistant Dean, Michigan State University College of 
Human Medicine--Upper Peninsula Campus; Jerry O. Kooiman, MPA, 
Assistant Dean, External Relations, Michigan State University 
College of Human Medicine; Lisa Grill Dodson, MD, Campus Dean--
Central Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin; Laura L. 
Coleman, PhD, President, Bay College; Matt Barron, Vice 
President of Academic Affairs, Bay College; Gina Wollner, 
Manager of Business Development & Community Engagement, Bay 
College--West Campus; Wael Khouli, MD, Chief Medical Officer, 
UP Health System--Marquette; John J. Schon, MPA, Administrator 
& CEO, Dickinson County Healthcare System; Floyd Lindholm, 
Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50, Upper Peninsula 
Association of American Legion Posts; Frank Lombard, Upper 
Peninsula Regional Coordinator, Michigan Veterans Affairs 
Agency & Michigan Association of Counties; Dennis Olson, 
President, Dickinson County Veterans Affairs Committee; Craig 
Salo, Service Officer, Marquette County Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Joe Stevens, Commissioner, District 1, Dickinson 
County Board of Commissioners.

Oversight Hearing--Reusable Medical Equipment: Continuing to Examine 
        VHA's Sterile Processing Problems

    On September 5, 2018, the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a hearing on issues with sterile processing 
of reusable medical equipment (RME) within the Veterans Health 
Administration.
    Testimony was provided by Teresa D. Boyd, D.O., Assistant 
Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Operations, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs, accompanied by Beth Taylor, 
D.H.A., R.N., N.E.A.-B.C., Deputy Assistant Deputy Under 
Secretary for Health for Clinical Operations, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Sharon Silas, Acting Director, Health 
Care, U.S. Government Accountability Office; and John Daigh, 
M.D., Assistant Inspector General for Healthcare Inspections, 
Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. See, ``Reusable Medical Equipment: Continuing to 
Examine VHA's Sterile Processing Problems,'' Serial No. 115-57.

Site Visit--Bay Pines and Tampa, Florida

    On October 29-November 1, 2018, Majority staff for the 
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations traveled to the CW 
Bill Young VA Medical Center in Bay Pines, Florida and the 
James A Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Staff 
assessed the facilities' effectiveness in areas such as mental 
health and suicide prevention, polytrauma services, and 
radiology.

 ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL 
                                AFFAIRS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

First Session

Legislative Hearing--H.R. 105, H.R. 299, H.R. 1328, H.R. 1329, H.R. 
        1390, H.R. 1564, and a Draft Bill Entitled ``Quicker Veterans 
        Benefits Delivery Act of 2017.''

    On April 5, 2017, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs met in open session and held a legislative 
hearing on H.R. 105, the Protect Veterans from Financial Fraud 
Act of 2017; H.R. 299, the Blue Water Vietnam Veterans Act of 
2017; H.R. 1328, the American Heroes COLA Act of 2017; H.R. 
1329, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act 
of 2017; H.R. 1390, 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. 1564, the VA Beneficiary Travel Act of 2017; and a draft 
bill entitled ``Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act of 2017.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by 
Representative Mike Bost of Illinois; Representative Julia 
Brownley of California; Representative Jim Banks of Indiana; 
Representative Jack Bergman of Michigan; and Representative 
David G. Valadao of California.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Beth 
Murphy, Director, Compensation Services, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Murphy 
was accompanied by Dr. Ralph L. Erickson, Chief Consultant for 
Post Deployment Health Service, Veterans Health Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Ms. Patricia Watts, 
Director, Legislative and Regulatory Service, National 
Cemeteries Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Zachary 
Hearn, Deputy Director, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Division, The American Legion; Mr. Rick Wiedman, Executive 
Director, Policy and Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of 
America; Mr. Patrick Murray, Associate Director, National 
Legislative Service; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Mr. Leroy 
Acosta, Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled 
Veterans of America; and Mr. John B. Wells, Executive Director, 
Military-Veterans Advocacy, Inc.
    A statement for the record was provided by Representative 
Timothy J. Walz of Minnesota; and the Paralyzed Veterans of 
America. See, ``H.R. 105, H.R. 299, H.R. 1328, H.R. 1329, H.R. 
1390, H.R. 1564, and a Draft Bill Entitled ``Quicker Veterans 
Benefits Delivery Act of 2017.'' Serial No. 115-11.

Markup--H.R. 105, H.R. 1328, H.R. 1329, H.R. 1390, H.R. 1564, and H.R. 
        1725

    On April 27, 2017, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs met in open session to markup 
H.R. 1329, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment 
Act of 2017, introduced by Representative Mike Bost of Illinois 
; H.R. 1390, 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 Representative Jim Banks of Indiana; H.R. 1725, 
the Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act of 2017, introduced 
by Representative Timothy J. Walz of Minnesota; H.R. 105, the 
Protect Veterans from Financial Fraud Act of 2017, introduced 
by Representative Julia Brownley of California; H.R. 1328, the 
American Heroes COLA Act of 2017, introduced by Representative 
Mike Bost of Illinois; and H.R. 1564, the VA Beneficiary Travel 
Act of 2017, introduced by Representative Jack Bergman of 
Michigan.
    On April 27, 2017, an amendment to H.R. 1329 was offered by 
Representative Mike Bost of Illinois and was adopted by voice 
vote. H.R. 1329, as amended, passed the DAMA Subcommittee by 
voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by 
voice vote.
    On April 27, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1390 was offered by Representative Jim Banks 
of Indiana. H.R. 1390, as amended, passed the DAMA Subcommittee 
by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the Full Committee 
by voice vote.
    On April 27, 2017, an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute to H.R. 1725 was offered by Representative Elizabeth 
Esty of Connecticut. H.R. 1725, as amended, passed the DAMA 
Subcommittee by voice vote and was favorably forwarded to the 
Full Committee by voice vote.
    On April 27, 2017, H.R. 105, introduced by Representative 
Julia Brownley of California; H.R. 1328, introduced by 
Representative Mike Bost of Illinois; and H.R. 1564, introduced 
by Representative Jack Bergman of Michigan were considered en 
bloc, passed the DAMA Subcommittee by voice vote, and were 
favorably forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.

Legislative Hearing--H.R. 1721, H.R. 1900, H.R. 3122, H.R. 3656, H.R. 
        3657, and a Draft Bill Entitled ``Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act 
        of 2017.''

    On September 13, 2017, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs met in open session and held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 1721, to direct the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to designate at least one city in the United 
States each year as an ``American World War II City'', and for 
other purposes; H.R. 1900, the National Veterans Memorial and 
Museum Act; H.R. 3122, the Veterans Care Financial Protection 
Act of 2017; H.R. 3656, to establish a consistent applicability 
date for provision of memorial headstones and markers for 
eligible non-veteran individuals; H.R. 3657, to expand 
authority to provide headstones and markers to eligible spouses 
and dependents in tribal veterans cemeteries; and a draft bill 
entitled ``Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017.''
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by 
Representative David Rouzer of North Carolina; Representative 
Steve Stivers of Ohio; Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio; 
Representative Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania; Representative 
Jim Banks of Indiana; and Representative Chellie Pingree of 
Maine.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. 
Elizabeth H. Curda, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income 
Security Team, U.S. Government Accountability Office; and Mr. 
Matthew T. Sullivan, Deputy Under Secretary for Finance and 
Planning and Chief Financial Officer, National Cemetery 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Sullivan was accompanied by Ms. Roberta Lowe, Director, Office 
of Internal Controls, Acting Director, Debt Management Center, 
Office of Management, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and 
Ms. Cheryl Rawls, Director, Pension & Fiduciary Service, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs.
    On the third panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Alex 
Zhang, Assistant Director, National Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Mr. LeRoy Acosta, 
Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled American 
Veterans; Mr. Blake C. Ortner, Deputy Government Relations 
Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America; Ms. Kathleen Moakler, 
Director, Survivor Advocacy, Tragedy Assistance Program for 
Survivors; and Mr. John Towles, Deputy Director, National 
Legislative Service; Veterans of Foreign Wars. Serial No. 115-
29.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

First Session

Site Visit--Baltimore, Maryland

    On January 26, 2017, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted an 
oversight visit to the Baltimore Regional Office.

Oversight Hearing--Exploring National Work Queue's Impact on Claims 
        Processing

    On February 14, 2017, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to explore 
National Work Queue's impact on claims processing.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Thomas J. 
Murphy, Acting Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Murphy 
was accompanied by Mr. Willie C. Clark, Sr., Deputy Under 
Secretary for Field Operations, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. 
Ronald S. Burke, Jr., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for 
Field Operations, National Work Queue, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Zachary 
Hearn, Deputy Director, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Division, The American Legion; Mr. Ryan M. Gallucci, Deputy 
Director, National Veterans Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; 
and Ms. Kelsey Yoon, Director, Veterans Benefits, Vietnam 
Veterans of America. Serial No. 115-2.

Site Visit--Montgomery, Alabama

    On February 21-23, 2017, Majority staff of the Subcommittee 
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted 
oversight at the Montgomery Regional Office. Additionally, 
staff conducted case file review of veterans' claims.

Roundtable Discussion--Appeals

    On March, 28, 2017, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a bipartisan roundtable 
discussion on the topic of veterans' appeals hosted by DAMA 
Chairman Mike Bost and DAMA Ranking Member Elizabeth Esty. 
Attendance included Members of the Majority and Minority of the 
Subcommittee, Mr. David R. McLenachen, Director, Appeals 
Management Center, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. David C. Spickler, 
Executive in Charge/Acting Vice Chairman, Board of Veterans' 
Appeals, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Cheryl L. 
Mason, Interim Principal Deputy Vice Chairman, Board of 
Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Donnie Hachey, Chief Counsel for Operations, Board of Veterans' 
Appeals, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. James 
Ridgway, Chief Counsel for Strategy, Innovation, and Program, 
Board of Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Mr. Patrick Littlefield, Executive Director, VA Center 
for Innovation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Daniel 
Bertoni, Managing Director, Physical Infrastructure, U.S. 
Government Accountability Office; Ms. Melissa Jaynes, Analyst-
in-Charge for GAO report, U.S. Government Accountability 
Office; Mr. Mark Bird, Assistant Director, Information 
Technology, U.S. Government Accountability Office; Mr. Louis J. 
Celli, Director, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Division, The American Legion; Mr. Jim Marszalek, National 
Services Director, Disabled American Veterans; Ms. Aniela 
Szymanski, Government Relations Director for Veterans Benefits, 
Military Officers Association of America; Mr. Ed Zackery, 
President, National Association of County Veterans Service 
Officers; Mr. Randy Reeves, President, National Association of 
State Directors of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Diane Boyd Rauber, 
Executive Director, National Organization of Veterans' 
Advocates; Mr. Ron Abrams, Joint Executive Director, National 
Veterans Legal Services Program; Mr. Gabriel Stultz, 
Legislative Counsel, Government Relations, Paralyzed Veterans 
of America; Ms. Lauren Barefoot, Manager of Training & Quality 
Assurance, National Veterans Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; 
and Ms. Kelsey Yoon, Director, Veterans Benefits, Vietnam 
Veterans of America.

Site Visit--Albuquerque, New Mexico

    On May 8-12, 2017, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted oversight 
at the Albuquerque Regional Office and Santa Fe National 
Cemetery. Additionally, staff conducted case file review of 
veterans' claims.

Oversight Hearing--Examining VA'S Processing of Gulf War Illness Claims

    On July 13, 2017, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs and the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations held a hearing to examine VA's processing of 
Gulf War Illness Claims.
    Testimony was provided by Ms. Melissa Emrey-Arras, 
Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security, U.S. 
Government Accountability Office; Mr. Zachary Hearn, Deputy 
Director for Claims, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Division, The American Legion; Mr. Michael S. Figlioli, Deputy 
Director, National Veterans Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; 
Mr. Anthony Hardie, National Board Chair & Director, Veterans 
for Common Sense; and Mr. Bradley Flohr, Senior Advisor, 
Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Flohr was accompanied by 
Dr. Patrick Joyce, Chief, Occupational Health Clinics, 
Washington VA Medical Center, Veterans Health Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    A statement for the record was provided by Mr. Paul 
Sullivan, Director of Veteran Outreach, Bergmann & Moore, LLC; 
Mr. Kirt Love, Director, Desert Storm Battle Registry; and Mr. 
Robert Brown, President, National Gulf War Resource Center. 
Serial No. 115-23.

Roundtable Discussion--Disability Examinations

    On July, 18, 2017, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance an Memorial Affairs a bipartisan roundtable 
discussion on the topic of disability examinations, hosted by 
DAMA Chairman Bost and DAMA Ranking Member Esty. Attendance 
included Members of the Majority and the Minority of the 
Subcommittee, Ms. Beth Murphy, Director, Compensation Services, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Ms. Mary Glenn, Deputy Director for Contract 
Examinations, Compensation Services, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. 
Patricia Murray, Chief Officer, Office of Disability and 
Medical Assessment, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Zachary Hearn, Deputy 
Director of Claims, National Veterans Affairs and 
Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Mr. Leroy Acosta, 
Assistant National Legislative Director, Disabled American 
Veterans; Mr. Steven Henry, Associate Director of Field 
Services, Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Brad Hazell, 
Assistant Director, Compensation and Pension Policy, Veterans 
of Foreign Wars; Ms. Kelsey Yoon, Director, Veterans Benefits, 
Vietnam Veterans of America; Mr. Grant Kim, Chief Executive 
Officer, QTC Management, Inc.; and Ms. Jessalyn Viera, Chief 
Operating Officer, Veterans Evaluation Services, Inc.

Oversight Hearing--PTSD Claims: Assessing Whether VBA Is Effectively 
        Serving Veterans

    On July 25, 2017, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to assess whether VBA is 
effectively serving veterans that apply for a disability claim 
based on PTSD.
    Testimony was provided by Mr. Gerardo Avila, Deputy 
Director, Medical Evaluation Board, Physical Evaluation Board, 
and Department of Defense Correction Board, National Veterans 
Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Mr. 
Martin Caraway, Associate Member and National Partner, National 
Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. 
Ronald S. Burke, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary, Office for 
Field Operations, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Burke was accompanied by 
Mr. Bradley Flohr Senior Advisor, Compensation Service, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; Ms. Patricia Murray, Chief Officer, Office of 
Disability and Medical Assessment, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Dr. 
Stacey Pollack, National Director, Program Policy 
Implementation, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs. Serial No. 115-26.

Site Visit--Waco, Texas

    On July 31, 2017, to August 4, 2017, Majority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
conducted oversight at the Waco Regional Office and Dallas-Fort 
Worth National Cemetery. Staff also toured the Central Texas 
State Veterans Cemetery. Additionally, staff conducted case 
file review of veterans' claims.

Site Visit--San Juan, Puerto Rico

    On August 16, 2017, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted oversight 
at the San Juan Regional Benefits Office and Puerto Rico 
National Cemetery. Additionally, staff conducted case file 
review of veterans' claims.

Oversight Hearing--Examining How VBA Can Effectively Prevent and Manage 
        Overpayments

    On October 25, 2017, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to explore how 
the Department is managing overpayments to veterans who receive 
disability compensation or pension benefits.
    Testimony was provided by Mr. David G. Spivey, Deputy 
Director, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Division, The American Legion; Mr. Shane L. Liermann, Assistant 
National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; Mr. 
John Towles, Deputy Director, National Legislative Service, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars; and Mr. Willie C. Clark, Sr., Deputy 
Under Secretary for Field Operations, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Clark 
was accompanied by Ms. Beth Murphy, Director, Compensation 
Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and Ms. Roberta Lowe, Acting Director, Debt 
Management Center, Office of Management, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. See, ``Examining How VBA Can Effectively 
Prevent and Manage Overpayments.'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Site Visit--Tijuana, Mexico

    On October 5-6, 2017, Representative Mark Takano, 
Representative Kathleen Rice, Representative Luis Correa, 
Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Representative Norma 
Torres, and minority staff for the Subcommittee Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs traveled to Tijuana, Mexico to 
meet with U.S. military veterans who have been deported, and to 
conduct fact finding on the impediments faced by deported 
veterans to accessing their veterans benefits.

Site Visit--Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    On October 18-20, 2017, Majority staff of the Subcommittee 
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted 
oversight at the Philadelphia Regional Office. Additionally, 
staff conducted a case file review of a veteran's claim.

Site Visit--Wilmington, Delaware

    On October 20, 2017, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted oversight 
at the Wilmington Regional Office.

Roundtable Discussion--Appeals Modernization

    On November 30, 2017, Majority and Minority Staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs led 
a bipartisan roundtable discussion on the topic of appeals 
reform. Attendance included Staff of the Majority and Minority 
of the Subcommittee, Staff of the Majority and Minority of the 
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs; David C. Spickler, 
Executive in Charge/Acting Vice Chairman, Board of Veterans' 
Appeals, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. David R. 
McLenachen, Director, Appeals Management Office, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Mr. Lloyd Thrower, Deputy CIO, IT Account Manager for Benefits, 
Office of Information and Technology, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Mr. Brian Griffin, Deputy Chief Counsel, 
Benefits Law Group, Office of General Counsel, U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Elizabeth H. Curda, Director, 
Education, Workforce, and Income Security, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office; Mr. Jamie Whitcomb, Senior Analyst, 
Education, Workforce, and Income Security, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office; Mr. David G. Spivey, Deputy Director, 
National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The 
American Legion; Mr. Duayne Driscoll, Deputy National Service 
Director, AMVETS; Mr. Jim Marszalek, National Service Director, 
Disabled American Veterans; Mr. Martin Caraway, 1st Vice 
President, National Association of County Veterans Service 
Officers; Mr. James Prosser, Assistant Secretary for Veterans 
Affairs, North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans 
Affairs, National Association of State Directors of Veterans 
Affairs; Ms. Diane Boyd Rauber, Executive Director, National 
Organization of Veterans' Advocates; Mr. Barton F. Stichman, 
Joint Executive Director, National Veterans Legal Services 
Program; Ms. Aniela Szymanski, Deputy Director for Veterans 
Benefits, Government Relations, Military Officers Association 
of America; Mr. Jamie Rudert, Associate General Counsel, 
Paralyzed Veterans of America; Mr. Ryan M. Gallucci, Director, 
National Veterans Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States; Ms. Kelsey Yoon, Director, Veterans Benefits 
Program, Vietnam Veterans of America; Mr. Nicholas Holtz, 
Digital Services Expert, Appeals Lead, United States Digital 
Service; and Mr. Chris Given, Digital Services Expert, Data 
Lead, United States Digital Service.

Site Visit--Bethesda, Maryland

    On December 4, 2017, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs Chairman Mike Bost led a Congressional 
Delegation to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. 
Subcommittee Chairman Mike Bost and Representative Aumua Amata 
Coleman Radewagen of American Samoa traveled to Bethesda, 
Maryland to conduct oversight of the Walter Reed National 
Military Medical Center's Integrated Disability Evaluation 
System. Chairman Mike Bost and Representative Aumua Amata 
Coleman Radewagen met with service members undergoing the 
medical retirement/separation process via the Integrated 
Disability Evaluation System. Chairman Bost and Representative 
Radewagen also received briefings on the Amputee Patient Care 
program and the Service Element Wounded Warrior program. 
Additionally, Chairman Mike Bost and Representative Aumua Amata 
Coleman Radewagen toured the Military Advanced Training Center, 
the Fisher House, and the National Intrepid Center of 
Excellence.

Oversight Hearing--Pre-Discharge Claims Programs: Are VA and DOD 
        Effectively Serving Separating Military Personnel

    On December 13, 2017, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to explore how 
the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are managing 
Integrated Disability Evaluation System, Benefits Delivery at 
Discharge, and Quick Start claims.
    Testimony was provided by Dr. Terry A. Adirim, Deputy 
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Services Policy and 
Oversight, U.S. Department of Defense; Mr. Gerardo Avila, 
Deputy Director, Medical Evaluation Board/Physical Evaluation 
Board/Department of Defense Correction Board, National Veterans 
Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion; Mr. 
Ryan M. Gallucci, Director, National Veterans Service, Veterans 
of Foreign Wars; and Mr. Willie C. Clark, Sr., Deputy Under 
Secretary for Field Operations, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Clark 
was accompanied by Ms. Beth Murphy, Director, Compensation 
Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and Ms. Patricia Murray; Chief Officer, 
Office of Disability and Medical Assessment, Veterans Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See, 
``Pre-Discharge Claims Programs: Are VA and DOD Effectively 
Serving Separating Military Personnel.'' Serial No. 115-XX.

 ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL 
                                AFFAIRS


                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Legislative Hearing--H.R. 888, H.R. 4335, H.R. 4910, and H.R. 4958

    On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs met in open session and held a 
legislative hearing on H.R. 888, to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to improve dependency and indemnity compensation 
for survivors of certain totally disabled veterans; H.R. 4335, 
the Servicemember Family Burial Act; H.R. 4910, the Veterans 
Cemetery Benefit Correction Act; and, H.R. 4958, the Veterans' 
Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by 
Representative Mike Bost of Illinois; Representative J. Luis 
Correa of California; and, Representative Austin Scott of 
Georgia.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Ms. Cheryl 
Rawls, Director, Pension & Fiduciary Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. Rawls 
was accompanied by Ms. Lisa J. Pozzebon, Executive Director, 
Office of Cemetery Operations, National Cemetery 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
Additionally, testimony was provided by Mr. Larry L. Lohmann, 
Assistant Director, National Legislative Division, The American 
Legion; and, Mr. Carlos Fuentes, Director, National Legislative 
Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    A statement for the record was provided by Representative 
Walter B. Jones of North Carolina; and the National Park 
Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. See, ``Legislative 
Hearing on H.R. 888, H.R. 4335, H.R. 4910, and H.R. 4958.'' 
Serial No. 115-XX.

Legislative Hearing--H.R. 4312, H.R. 6409, and H.R. 6420.

    On Tuesday, September 5, 2018, the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs met in open session 
and held a legislative hearing on H.R. 4312, the Fallen Warrior 
Battlefield Cross Memorial Act; H.R. 6409, the Honoring 
Veterans' Families Act; and, H.R. 6420, To permit the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program to conduct 
cemetery research and produce educational materials for the 
Veterans Legacy Program.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by 
Representative James B. Renacci Ohio; Representative Doug 
LaMalfa of California; and, Representative Conor Lamb of 
Pennsylvania.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Matthew 
T. Sullivan, Deputy Under Secretary for Finance and Planning 
and Chief Financial Officer, National Cemetery Administration, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Sullivan was 
accompanied by Dr. Bryce A. Carpenter, Program Manager, 
Veterans Legacy Program, National Cemetery Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, testimony was 
provided by Mr. Greg Nembhard, Assistant Director, Claims 
Discharge Upgrade, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Division, The American Legion; and, Mr. Carlos Fuentes, 
Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign 
Wars.
    A statement for the record was provided by Disabled 
American Veterans. See, ``Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4312, 
H.R. 6409, and H.R. 6420.'' Serial No. 115-XX.

                          OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

Second Session

Joint Oversight Hearing--U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal 
        Year 2019 Budget: Veterans Benefits Administration and the 
        Board of Veterans' Appeals

    On Thursday, March 15, 2018, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs and the Subcommittee on 
Economic Opportunity held a hearing to examine the Department 
of Veteran Affairs' budget request for Fiscal Year 2019 for the 
Veterans Benefits Administration and the Board of Veterans' 
Appeals.
    Testimony was provided by The Honorable Cheryl L. Mason, 
Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Ms. Mason was accompanied by Mr. James E. 
Manker, Jr., Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary for 
Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; and, Mr. Lloyd Thrower, Deputy Chief 
Information Officer, Account Manager for Benefits, Office of 
Information and Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Additionally, testimony was provided by Mr. Matthew J. 
Shuman, Director, Legislative Division, The American Legion; 
Mr. Shane L. Liermann, Assistant National Legislative Director, 
Disabled American Veterans; and, Ms. Lauren Augustine, Director 
of Policy, Student Veterans of America. See, ``U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2019 Budget: Veterans Benefits 
Administration and the Board of Veterans' Appeals.'' Serial No. 
115-XX.

Site Visit--Little Rock, Arkansas

    On January 30, 2018 to February 2, 2018, Majority staff of 
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
conducted oversight at the Little Rock Regional Office and 
Little Rock National Cemetery. Additionally, staff conducted 
case file review of veterans' claims.

Site Visit--Atlanta, Georgia

    On February 20, 2018, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Majority staff 
of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee conducted bicameral 
oversight at the Atlanta Regional Office and the Georgia 
National Cemetery.

Site Visit--U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims--Washington, 
        District of Columbia

    On March 5, 2018, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs observed the oral 
argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims 
in the case of the Monk v. Shulkin.

Site Visit--Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

    On March 27-28, 2018, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Majority staff 
of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations conducted 
oversight at the Pittsburgh Regional Office and the National 
Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

Site Visit--Board of Veterans' Appeals--Washington, District of 
        Columbia

    On April 12, 2018, Majority and Minority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and 
Majority and Minority staff of the Senate Veterans' Affairs 
Committee attended a briefing with the Chairman of the Board of 
Veterans' Appeals and an expert from United States Digital 
Service on updates to the Department of Veterans Affairs' 
website that would better enable veterans to determine the 
status of their appeal.

Oversight Hearing--Review of VA's Life Insurance Programs

    On Wednesday, April 25, 2018, the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to 
explore VA's administration of life insurance programs for 
veterans and active duty servicemembers.
    Testimony was provided by Mr. Robert Reynolds, Deputy Under 
Secretary for Disability Assistance, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Reynolds was accompanied by Mr. Vincent E. Markey, Director, 
Insurance Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, testimony was 
provided by Mr. Jeff Steele, Assistant Director, National 
Legislative Division, The American Legion; and, Mr. Ken 
Wiseman, Associate Director, National Legislative Service, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars. See, ``Review of VA's Life Insurance 
Programs.'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--Honoring Heroes: Memorializing Our Nation's Veterans

    On Thursday, June 7, 2018, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to review 
cemeteries managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and 
the American Battle Monuments Commission.
    Testimony was provided by The Honorable Randy C. Reeves, 
Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, National Cemetery 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Reeves 
was accompanied by Mr. Ronald E. Walters, Principal Deputy 
Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, National Cemetery 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
Additionally, testimony was provided by The Honorable William 
M. Matz, Jr., Secretary, American Battle Monuments Commission; 
Mr. Gerardo Avila, Deputy Director, Medical Evaluation Board/
Physical Evaluation Board/Department of Defense Correction 
Board, National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, 
The American Legion; and, Mr. Ken Wiseman, Associate Director, 
National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars. See, 
``Honoring Heroes: Memorializing Our Nation's Veterans.'' 
Serial No. 115-XX.

Roundtable--Burn Pits and Potential Toxic Exposures: Establishing Links 
        to Benefits and Health Care

    On Wednesday, July 18, 2018, the Subcommittee on Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs and the Subcommittee on Health 
held a bipartisan roundtable discussion to discuss barriers to 
health care and benefits through the Department of Veterans 
Affairs for veterans who may have been exposed to burn pits 
during service in the Armed Forces, hosted by DAMA Chairman 
Mike Bost, DAMA Ranking Member Elizabeth Esty, Health Chairman 
Neal Dunn, and Health Ranking Member Julia Brownley. Attendance 
included House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Phil 
Roe; Members of the Majority and Minority of the Subcommittees; 
Representative Raul Ruiz of California; Dr. Loren Erickson, 
Chief Consultant, Post Deployment Health Services, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Dr. 
Drew Helmer, Director, War Related Illness and Injury Study 
Center and Airborne Hazards Center of Excellence, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Vincent Mitchell, Program Analyst, Post-9/11 Era Environmental 
Health Program, Post Deployment Health Services, Veterans 
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ms. 
Beth Murphy, Director, Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Bradley Flohr, Senior Advisor, Director of Compensation 
Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Mr. Carlos Fuentes, Director, National 
Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Mr. Thomas 
Porter, Legislative Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of 
America; Mr. Derek Fronabarger, Director, Legislative Affairs, 
Wounded Warrior Project; Ms. Cathy Wiblemo, Associate Director, 
Vietnam Veterans of America; Mr. Tom Berger, Member, Veterans 
Health Council, Vietnam Veterans of America; Mr. Roscoe Butler, 
Deputy Director for Health Care, The American Legion; Ms. Rene 
A. Campos, Senior Director, Government Relations for Veterans-
Wounded Warrior Care, Military Officers Association of America; 
Mr. Walter Sweeney, Lead, Toxic Exposure Initiative, Tragedy 
Assistance Program for Survivors; Ms. Rosie Torres, Co-founder 
and Executive Director, Burn Pits 360; Ms. Lauren Price, 
Founder and Managing Director, Veteran Warriors; Ms. Roberta 
Wedge, Senior Program Officer, Health and Medicine Division, 
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; 
and, Mr. Guy LoFaro, Assistant Director, Defense Capabilities 
and Management, Government Accountability Office.

Site Visit--Reno, Nevada and Sacramento, California

    On July 30, 2018 to August 3, 2018, Majority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
conducted oversight at the Reno Regional Office and Sacramento 
Valley National Cemetery. Additionally, staff conducted case 
file review of veterans' claims.

Site Visit--Newark, New Jersey

    On August 6-10, 2018, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted oversight 
at the Newark Regional Office. Additionally, staff conducted 
case file review of veterans' claims.

Site Visit--Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

    On August 6, 2018, Minority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted oversight 
at the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Regional Benefits Office and 
Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

Site Visit--Veterans Benefits Administration--Washington, District of 
        Columbia

    On August 27, 2018, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Majority and 
Minority staff of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee 
attended a briefing on VBA's disability contract examination 
office.

Site Visit--St. Paul, Minnesota

    On August 28-30, 2018, Minority staff of the Subcommittee 
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted 
oversight at the St. Paul, Minnesota Regional Benefits Office 
and the Ft. Snelling National Veterans Cemetery.

Site Visit--Arlington National Cemetery--Arlington, Virginia

    On September 6, 2018, Majority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs attended the 
Millennium Expansion Dedication Ceremony.

Site Visit--Boston, Massachusetts

    On September 17-21, 2018, Majority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 
conducted oversight at the Boston Regional Office. 
Additionally, staff conducted case file review of veterans' 
claims.

Site Visit--Veterans Benefits Administration--Washington, District of 
        Columbia

    On September 18, 2018, Majority staff of the Subcommittee 
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs attended a 
briefing with the Under Secretary for Benefits on the VA's 
plans to address issues identified in three recent Office of 
Inspector General reports on unwarranted medical reexaminations 
for disability benefits, processing inaccuracies involving 
veterans' intent to file submissions for benefits, and denied 
posttraumatic stress disorder claims related to military sexual 
trauma.

Roundtable--Enewetak Atoll Cleanup: Potential Radiation Exposure

    On Wednesday, September 26, 2018, the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a bipartisan 
roundtable discussion on the Enewetak Atoll cleanup and 
potential radiation exposure, hosted by DAMA Chairman Mike Bost 
and DAMA Ranking Member Elizabeth Esty. Attendance included 
Members of the Majority and Minority of the Subcommittees; 
Representative Grace Meng of New York; Representative Madeleine 
Z. Bordallo of Guam; Mr. Brian Condon, Assistant Director, 
Veterans Programs, Fleet Reserve Association; Mr. Harry B. 
Daniel II, Veteran; Mr. John Baenen, Veteran; Mr. Kenneth 
Brownell, Veteran; Mr. Keith Kiefer, National Commander, 
National Association of Atomic Veterans; Mr. Greg Nembhard, 
Deputy Director, Claims Services, The American Legion; Dr. 
David A. Butler, Scholar; Director, Office of Military and 
Veterans Health, Health and Medicine Division, The National 
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Dr. Charles 
Ferguson, Director, Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board, 
Division of Earth and Life Studies, The National Academies of 
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Dr. Michael Kuliasha, 
Director, Nuclear Technologies Department, Defense Threat 
Reduction Agency, U.S. Department of Defense; Dr. Paul Blake, 
Lead, Nuclear Test Personnel Review Program, Defense Threat 
Reduction Agency, U.S. Department of Defense; Ms. Beth Murphy, 
Director, Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. 
Bradley Flohr, Special Advisor, Compensation Service, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
and, Mr. Carlos Fuentes, Director, National Legislative 
Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Site Visit--Denver, Colorado and Colorado Springs, Colorado

    On October 15-18, 2018, Majority staff of the Subcommittee 
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted 
oversight at the Denver Regional Office, Denver Training 
Facility, and Pikes Peak National Cemetery. Additionally, staff 
conducted case file review of veterans' claims.

Site Visit--Nashville, Tennessee

    On October 24-25, 2018, Minority staff of the Subcommittee 
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted 
oversight at the Nashville, Tennessee Regional Benefits Office 
and the Nashville National Veterans Cemetery.

Site Visit--Nashville, Tennessee

    On October 25-26, 2018, Minority staff of the Subcommittee 
on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted 
oversight at the Jackson, Mississippi Regional Benefits Office 
and the Corinth National Veterans Cemetery.

Site Visit--Board of Veterans' Appeals--Washington, District of 
        Columbia

    On October 26, 2018, Majority and Minority staff of the 
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and 
Majority and Minority staff of the Senate Veterans' Affairs 
Committee attended a briefing with the Chairman of the Board of 
Veterans' Appeals on VA's progress implementing appeals 
modernization as well as the status of the Rapid Appeals 
Modernization Program.

Oversight Hearing--Exploring VA's Oversight of Contract Disability 
        Examinations

    On Thursday, November 15, 2018, the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to 
examine VA's oversight of disability examinations conducted by 
contract medical examiners.
    On the first and only panel, testimony was provided by Ms. 
Margarita Devlin, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for 
Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs; Ms. Devlin was accompanied by Ms. Beth 
Murphy, Director, Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mary 
Glenn, Deputy Director, Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and, Mr. 
Phillip W. Christy, Deputy Executive Director, Office of 
Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Additionally, testimony was provided by Ms. 
Elizabeth H. Curda, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income 
Security Team, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
    A statement for the record was provided by Veterans of 
Foreign Wars. See, ``Exploring VA's Oversight of Contract 
Disability Examinations.'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--VA's Development and Implementation of Policy 
        Initiatives

    On Thursday, November 29, 2018, the Subcommittee on 
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to 
evaluate VA's methods for developing and implementing policy 
changes and initiatives to better process claims.
    On the first panel, testimony was provided by The Honorable 
Paul R. Lawrence, Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; 
Mr. Lawrence was accompanied by Mr. Willie C. Clark, Sr., 
Deputy Under Secretary for Field Operations, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and, Ms. 
Beth Murphy, Director, Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
Additionally, testimony was provided by The Honorable Michael 
J. Missal, Inspector General, Office of Inspector General, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    On the second panel, testimony was provided by Mr. Matthew 
J. Shuman, Director, Legislative Division, The American Legion; 
Mr. Shane L. Liermann, Assistant National Legislative Director, 
Disabled American Veterans; and, Mr. Carlos Fuentes, Director, 
National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars. See, 
``VA's Development and Implementation of Policy Initiatives.'' 
Serial No. 115-XX.

     ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZATION\3\

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \3\The Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, which was 
established on July 12, 2018, does not have legislative jurisdiction.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Second Session

Site Visit--Fort Wayne, Indiana

    On August 1-2, 2018, Majority staff for the Subcommittee on 
Technology Modernization traveled to the Fort Wayne VA Medical 
Center to collect information on the facility's configuration 
and use of the Veterans Health Information Systems and 
Technology Architecture (VistA) and Computerized Patient Record 
System (CPRS) as well as on the staff's views of such systems 
and needs in a forthcoming electronic health record 
replacement. Subcommittee Chairman Jim Banks joined the 
oversight visit on August 2, 2018.

Site Visit--Seattle, Washington

    On August 29-30, 2018, Majority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Technology Modernization and Chairman Jim Banks traveled to 
the Seattle VA Medical Center, one of the initial 
implementation sites for the Department of Veterans Affairs' 
Electronic Health Record Modernization program, to assess the 
facility's readiness for the implementation. Staff and Chairman 
Banks also travelled to nearby Bremerton Naval Hospital, one of 
the Defense Department's initial operating capability sites for 
its Military Health System Genesis electronic health record 
program, to observe the system post-implementation and gather 
lessons learned.

Oversight Hearing--The Role of the Interagency Program Office in VA 
        Electronic Health Record Modernization

    On September 13, 2018, the Subcommittee on Technology 
Modernization held a hearing to examine the management 
structure of the Electronic Health Record Modernization program 
and the suitability and performance of the Interagency Program 
Office to serve as the single point of accountability for 
efforts to achieve electronic health record interoperability 
between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department 
of Defense.
    Testimony was provided by Dr. Lauren Thompson, Director of 
the Interagency Program Office, U.S. Department of Defense, 
accompanied by Dr. Helga Rippen, Deputy Director of the 
Interagency Program Office, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Mr. John Windom, Acting Chief Health Information 
Officer and Program Executive Officer, Office of Electronic 
Health Record Modernization, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs; and Ms. Carol Harris, Director of Information 
Technology Acquisition Management Issues, U.S. Government 
Accountability Office. See, ``The Role of the Interagency 
Program Office in VA Electronic Health Record Modernization,'' 
Serial No. 115-XX.

Oversight Hearing--180-Day Review of the Electronic Health Record 
        Modernization Program

    On November 14, 2018, the Subcommittee on Technology 
Modernization held a hearing to examine the Electronic Health 
Record Modernization program's activities and accomplishments 
throughout its first 180 days, and to review its planned 
activities over the course of 2019.
    Testimony way provided by Mr. John Windom, Executive 
Director, Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, accompanied by Dr. Laura 
Kroupa, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Office of Electronic 
Health Record Modernization, U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, and Mr. John Short, Chief Technology Integration 
Officer, Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mr. Travis Dalton, 
President of Government Services, Cerner Corporation. See, 
``180-Day Review of the Electronic Health Record Modernization 
Program,'' Serial No. 115-XX.

Site Visit--Spokane, Washington

    On December 2-3, 2018, Majority staff for the Subcommittee 
on Technology Modernization and Representative Jack Bergman 
traveled to the Spokane VA Medical Center, one of the initial 
implementation sites for the Department of Veterans Affairs' 
Electronic Health Record Modernization program, to assess the 
facility's readiness for the implementation.