[Senate Report 115-17]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


115th Congress      }                                 {         Report
                                 SENATE
 1st Session        }                                 {         115-17

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



 
 LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES DURING THE 114TH CONGRESS BY THE 
                 SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

                                _______
                                

                 March 30, 2017.--Ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

         Mr. Isakson, from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

    Pursuant to paragraph 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules 
of the Senate, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs (hereinafter, 
``Committee'') submits its report on legislative and oversight 
activities during the 114th Congress.

                        I. HEARINGS AND MEETINGS

A. First Session (2015)
    During the First Session of the 114th Congress, the 
Committee held 29 hearings, including four field hearings. At 
those events, the Committee heard testimony from 143 witnesses.
    Six hearings (May 13, June 3, June 24, September 16, 
October 6, and November 18) focused exclusively on legislation 
pending before the Committee. Testimony offered at these 
hearings covered 46 bills.
    The Committee held five business meetings.
    On January 21, one measure was ordered favorably reported 
out of the Committee; on July 22, five measures were ordered 
favorably reported out of the Committee; and on December 9, two 
measures were ordered favorably reported out of the Committee. 
The Committee held two meetings to discharge nominations.
    The Committee held five joint hearings with the House 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs in order to receive legislative 
presentations from veterans service organizations. These 
hearings were held on February 24, February 25, March 4, 
March 18, and May 20.
    The Committee held four field hearings during the First 
Session. These hearings were held on April 24 in Denver, 
Colorado; August 21 in Atlanta, Georgia; August 25 in 
Anchorage, Alaska; and December 14 in Gilbert, Arizona.
B. Second Session (2016)
    During the Second Session of the 114th Congress, the 
Committee held 14 hearings. At the hearings, the Committee 
heard testimony from 55 witnesses.
    Three hearings (March 15, May 24, and June 29) focused 
exclusively on legislation pending before the Committee. 
Testimony offered at these hearings covered 35 bills.
    The Committee held two business meetings.
    On May 12, one measure was ordered favorably reported out 
of the Committee. The Committee held one business meeting to 
discharge a nomination.
    The Committee held five joint hearings with the House 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs in order to receive legislative 
presentations from veterans service organizations. These 
hearings were held on February 23, February 24, March 2, 
March 3, and March 16.
C. List of Hearings and Meetings Held in the 114th Congress
    (1) Wednesday, January 21, 2015
    Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider the Rules of the 
Veterans' Affairs Committee for the 114th Congress, a 
Resolution Authorizing the Expenditures of the Committee for 
the 114th Congress, and Pending Legislation before the 
Committee
    Markup of Pending Legislation
     H.R. 203, Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for 
American Veterans Act or the Clay Hunt SAV Act, a bill to 
direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide for the 
conduct of annual evaluations of mental health care and suicide 
prevention programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to 
require a pilot program on loan repayment for psychiatrists who 
agree to serve in the Veterans Health Administration of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

    (2) Tuesday, February 24, 2015
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of Disabled American Veterans
    (3) Wednesday, February 25, 2015
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of The American Legion
    (4) Thursday, February 26, 2015
    Hearing: Fiscal Year 2016 Budget for Veterans' Programs and 
Fiscal Year 2017 Advance Appropriations Request
    (5) Wednesday, March 4, 2015
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of Veterans of Foreign Wars
    (6) Wednesday, March 18, 2015
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of Multiple Veterans Service 
Organizations (Jewish War Veterans, Air Force Sergeants 
Association, The Retired Enlisted Association, Fleet Reserve 
Association, National Association of State Directors of 
Veterans Affairs, National Guard Association of the United 
States, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Gold Star Wives of 
America, and Wounded Warrior Project)
    (7) Tuesday, March 24, 2015
    Hearing: The Veterans Choice Act--Exploring the Distance 
Criteria
    (8) Thursday, March 26, 2015
    Hearing: VA Opioid Prescription Policy, Practice and 
Procedures
    (9) Tuesday, April 21, 2015
    Hearing: Fulfilling the Promise to Women Veterans
    (10) Friday, April 24, 2015
    Field Hearing: Denver Replacement Medical Center
    (11) Wednesday, April 29, 2015
    Hearing: GAO's High Risk List and the Veterans Health 
Administration
    (12) Tuesday, May 5, 2015
    Nomination Hearing: Pending Nominations of David J. Shulkin 
and LaVerne H. Council:

     Dr. David J. Shulkin, Nominee to be Under 
Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
     LaVerne H. Council, Nominee to be Assistant 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Information and Technology, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    (13) Tuesday, May 12, 2015
    Hearing: Exploring the Implementation and Future of the 
Veterans Choice Program
    (14) Wednesday, May 13, 2015
    Legislative Hearing: Pending Benefits Legislation:

          S. 270, Charlie Morgan Military Spouses Equal 
        Treatment Act of 2015
          S. 602, GI Bill Fairness Act of 2015
          S. 627, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
        to revoke bonuses paid to employees involved in 
        electronic wait list manipulations, and for other 
        purposes
          S. 681, Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2015
          S. 1203, 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act
          S. 1493, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living-
        Adjustment Act of 2015
          Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization 
        Commission Legislative Proposals--Regarding Commission 
        Recommendations 11 and 12 (sections 1101-1204)
          Department of Defense Legislative Proposals--
        Regarding Education Benefits, Transition Assistance 
        Program, and Advisory Board on Dose Reconstruction 
        (sections 514, 522, 542, 545, and 1041)
          Discussion Draft including provisions derived from 
        S. 151, S. 241, S. 296, S. 666, S. 695, S. 743, S. 865

    (15) Wednesday, May 20, 2015
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of the Paralyzed Veterans of 
America, AMVETS, Military Officers Association of America, 
Military Order of the Purple Heart, Vietnam Veterans of 
America, Blinded Veterans Association, Iraq and Afghanistan 
Veterans of America, and Non Commissioned Officers Association
    (16) Wednesday, June 3, 2015
    Legislative Hearing: Pending Health Care Legislation:

          S. 297, Frontlines to Lifelines Act of 2015
          S. 425, Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs 
        Reauthorization Act of 2015
          S. 471, Women Veterans Access to Quality Care Act of 
        2015
          S. 684, Homeless Veterans Prevention Act of 2015
          Discussion draft to include provisions from S. 114; 
        S. 172; S. 398; and S. 603
          Discussion draft on provider agreements language
          S. ___, Joint VA-DOD formulary for pain and 
        psychiatric medications

    (17) Tuesday, June 9, 2015
    Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider Pending Nominations:

     Nomination of Dr. David J. Shulkin to be Under 
Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
     Nomination of LaVerne H. Council to be Assistant 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Information and Technology, 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    (18) Wednesday, June 24, 2015
    Legislative Hearing: Pending Health Care and Benefits 
Legislation:

          S. 469, Women Veterans and Families Health Services 
        Act of 2015
          S. 901, Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015
          S. 1082, Department of Veterans Affairs 
        Accountability Act of 2015
          S. 1085, Military and Veteran Caregiver Services 
        Improvement Act of 2015
          S. 1117, Ensuring Veteran Safety Through 
        Accountability Act of 2015
          H.R. 91, Veteran's I.D. Card Act
          Discussion Draft, including provisions derived from 
        S. 1021, S. 1358
          S. ___, Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act
          S. ___, Biological Implant Tracking and Veteran 
        Safety Act

    (19) Wednesday, July 22, 2015
    Business Meeting: Markup of Pending Legislation:

     S. 1493, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living 
Adjustment Act of 2015
     S. 1203 (Committee Print), 21st Century Veterans 
Benefits Delivery and Other Improvements Act
     S. 1082 (Committee Print), Department of Veterans 
Affairs Accountability Act of 2015
     S. 833 (Committee Print), Department of Veterans 
Affairs Medical Facility Earthquake Protection and Improvement 
Act
     S. 627 (Committee Print), a bill to prohibit the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs from awarding bonuses to 
employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to 
whom an adverse finding has been made by the Secretary, and for 
other purposes

    (20) Wednesday, July 29, 2015
    Hearing: Ending Veteran Homelessness
    (21) Friday, August 21, 2015
    Field Hearing: The Veterans Choice Program: Are Problems in 
Georgia Indicative of a National Problem?
    (22) Tuesday, August 25, 2015
    Field Hearing: Exploring the Veterans Choice Program 
Problems in Alaska
    (23) Wednesday, September 16, 2015
    Legislative Hearing: Pending Health and Benefits 
Legislation:

          S. 290, Increasing the Department of Veterans Affairs 
        Accountability to Veterans Act of 2015
          S. 563, Physician Ambassadors Helping Veterans Act
          S. 564, Veterans Hearing Aid Access and Assistance 
        Act
          S. 1450, Department of Veterans Affairs Emergency 
        Medical Staffing Recruitment and Retention Act
          S. 1451, Veterans' Survivors Claims Processing 
        Automation Act of 2015
          S. 1460, Fry Scholarship Enhancement Act of 2015
          S. 1693, a bill to expand eligibility for 
        reimbursement for emergency medical treatment to 
        certain veterans that were unable to receive care from 
        the Department of Veterans Affairs in the 24-month 
        period preceding the furnishing of such emergency 
        treatment, and for other purposes
          S. 1856, a bill to provide for suspension and removal 
        of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs for 
        performance or misconduct that is a threat to public 
        health or safety and to improve accountability of 
        employees of the Department, and for other purposes
          S. 1938, Career Ready Student Veterans Act
          Discussion Draft, a bill to make improvements in the 
        laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
        relating to educational assistance, and for other 
        purposes

    (24) Tuesday, September 29, 2015
    Hearing: Examining the Impact of Exposure to Toxic 
Chemicals on Veterans and the VA's Response
    (25) Wednesday, September 30, 2015
    Nomination Hearing: Pending Nomination of Michael H. 
Michaud, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for 
Veterans' Employment and Training
    (26) Tuesday, October 6, 2015
    Legislative Hearing: Pending Health Care and Benefits 
Legislation:

          S. 717, to designate certain non-Department mental 
        health care providers who treat members of the Armed 
        Forces and veterans as providers who have particular 
        knowledge relating to the provision of mental health 
        care to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and 
        for other purposes
          S. 1676, to increase the number of graduate medical 
        education positions treating veterans, to improve the 
        compensation of health care providers, medical 
        directors, and directors of Veterans Integrated Service 
        Networks of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for 
        other purposes
          S. 1754, to make permanent the temporary increase in 
        number of judges presiding over the United States Court 
        of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and for other purposes
          S. 1885, to improve the provision of assistance and 
        benefits to veterans who are homeless, at risk of 
        becoming homeless, or occupying temporary housing, and 
        for other purposes
          S. 2013, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans 
        Affairs to enter into certain leases at the Department 
        of Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles Campus in Los 
        Angeles, California, and for other purposes
          S. 2022, to increase the amount of special pension 
        for Medal of Honor recipients, and for other purposes

    (27) Tuesday, October 6, 2015
    Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider the Pending 
Nomination of Michael H. Michaud

     Nomination of Michael H. Michaud, Nominee to be 
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and 
Training

    (28) Wednesday, October 28, 2015
    Hearing: VA Mental Health: Ensuring Access to Care
    (29) Tuesday, November 17, 2015
    Nomination Hearing: Pending Nomination of Michael J. Missal

     Michael J. Missal, Nominee to be Inspector 
General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    (30) Wednesday, November 18, 2015
    Legislative Hearing: Pending Health and Benefits 
Legislation:

          S. 2106, a bill to require the Secretary of Veterans 
        Affairs to develop and publish an action plan for 
        improving the vocational rehabilitation services and 
        assistance provided by the Department of Veterans 
        Affairs, and for other purposes
          S. 2134, Grow Our Own Directive: Physician Assistant 
        Employment and Education Act of 2015
          S. 2170, a bill to improve the ability of health care 
        professionals to treat veterans through the use of 
        telemedicine, and for other purposes
          S. 2253, a bill to provide veterans impacted by 
        closures of educational institutions certain relief and 
        restoration of education benefits, and for other 
        purposes
          S. 2291, VA Patient Protection Act

    (31) Wednesday, December 2, 2015
    Hearing: Consolidating Non-VA Care Programs
    (32) Wednesday, December 9, 2015
    Business Meeting: Markup of Pending Legislation:

     S. 290 (Committee Print), Increasing the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability to Veterans Act 
of 2015
     S. 425 (Committee Print), Veterans Homeless 
Programs, Caregiver Services, and Other Improvements Act of 
2015

    (33) Monday, December 14, 2015
    Field Hearing: Keeping the Promise for Arizona Veterans: 
The VA Choice Card, Management Accountability and Phoenix VA 
Medical Center
    (34) Tuesday, December 15, 2015
    Hearing: Is Transition Assistance on Track?
    (35) Tuesday, January 12, 2016
    Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider Pending Nomination

     Nomination of Michael J. Missal, Nominee to be 
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    (36) Thursday, January 21, 2016
    Hearing: VA's Transformation Strategy: Examining the Plan 
to Modernize VA
    (37) Tuesday, February 23, 2016
    Hearing: Fiscal Year 2017 Budget for Veterans' Programs and 
Fiscal Year 2018 Advance Appropriations Request
    (38) Tuesday, February 23, 2016
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives on the 
Legislative Presentation of the Disabled American Veterans
    (39) Wednesday, February 24, 2016
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives on the 
Legislative Presentation of The American Legion
    (40) Wednesday, March 2, 2016
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives on the 
Legislative Presentation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
    (41) Thursday, March 3, 2016
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives on the 
Legislative Presentation of Multiple Veterans Service 
Organizations (Blinded Veterans Association, Gold Star Wives of 
America, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Order of the 
Purple Heart, Wounded Warrior Project, National Guard 
Association of the United States, AMVETS, and Paralyzed 
Veterans of America)
    (42) Tuesday, March 15, 2016
    Legislative Hearing: Pending Legislation:

    S. 2646, Veterans Choice Improvement Act of 2016
    S. 2633, Improving Veterans Access to Care in the Community 
Act
    S. 2473, Express Appeals Act of 2016
    Discussion Draft on title 38, United States Code, 
appointment, compensation, performance management, and 
accountability system for senior executive leaders in the 
Department of Veterans Affairs

    (43) Wednesday, March 16, 2016
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives on the 
Legislative Presentation of Multiple Veterans Service 
Organizations (Fleet Reserve Association, The Retired Enlisted 
Association, National Association of State Directors of 
Veterans Affairs, Military Officers Association of America, Air 
Force Sergeants Association, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Non 
Commissioned Officers Association, Jewish War Veterans, and 
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America)
    (44) Thursday, May 12, 2016
    Business Meeting: Markup of Pending Legislation:

     S. 2921, Veterans First Act, a bill to improve the 
accountability of employees of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs, to improve health care and benefits for veterans, and 
for other purposes

    (45) Tuesday, May 24, 2016
    Legislative Hearing: Pending Legislation:

    S. 2919, State Outreach for Local Veterans Employment 
(SOLVE) Act of 2016
    S. 2896, Care Veterans Deserve Act of 2016
    S. 2888, Janey Ensminger Act of 2016
    S. 2883, Appropriate Care for Disabled Veterans Act of 2016
    S. 2679, Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act
    S. 2520, Newborn Care Improvement Act
    S. 2487, Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act
    S. 2049, a bill to establish in the Department of Veterans 
Affairs a continuing medical education program for non-
Department medical professionals who treat veterans and family 
members of veterans to increase knowledge and recognition of 
medical conditions common to veterans and family members of 
veterans
    S. ___, a bill to reform the rights and processes relating 
to appeals of decisions regarding claims for benefits under the 
laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
    S. ___, Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2016
    S. ___, a bill to expand eligibility for hospital care and 
medical services under section 101 of the Veterans Access, 
Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to include veterans in 
receipt of health services under the pilot program of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs for rural veterans
    Discussion draft, including provisions from the 
Construction Reform Act of 2016, a bill to make certain 
improvements in the administration of Department medical 
facility construction projects
    Discussion draft, including the Department of Veterans 
Affairs proposal to modify requirements under which the 
Department is required to provide compensation and pension 
examinations to veterans seeking disability benefits

    (46) Tuesday, June 21, 2016
    Nomination Hearing: Pending Nomination of Christopher E. 
O'Connor

     Christopher E. O'Connor, Nominee to be Assistant 
Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs, U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs

    (47) Wednesday, June 22, 2016
    Hearing: Examining the Progress and Challenges in 
Modernizing Information Technology at the Department of 
Veterans Affairs
    (48) Wednesday, June 29, 2016
    Legislative Hearing: Pending Legislation:

    S. 244, a bill to require an independent comprehensive 
review of the process by which the Department of Veterans 
Affairs assesses cognitive impairments that result from 
traumatic brain injury for purposes of awarding disability 
compensation, and for other purposes
    S. 603, Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act of 2015
    S. 2210, Veteran PEER Act
    S. 2279, Veterans Health Care Staffing Improvement Act
    S. 2316, a bill to expand the requirements for reissuance 
of veterans benefits in cases of misuse of benefits by certain 
fiduciaries to include misuse by all fiduciaries, to improve 
oversight of fiduciaries, and for other purposes
    S. 2791, Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act
    S. 2958, a bill to establish a pilot program on partnership 
agreements to construct new facilities for the Department of 
Veterans Affairs
    S. 3021, a bill to authorize the use of Post-9/11 
Educational Assistance to pursue independent study programs at 
certain educational institutions that are not institutions of 
higher learning
    S. 3023, Arla Harrell Act
    S. 3032, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment 
Act of 2016
    S. 3035, Maximizing Efficiency and Improving Access to 
Providers at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act of 2016
    S. 3055, Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance 
Reauthorization Act of 2016
    S. 3076, Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act of 2016
    S. 3081, Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member 
Access Now Act
    S. ___, a bill to clarify the scope of procedural rights of 
members of the uniformed services with respect to their 
employment and reemployment rights, to improve the enforcement 
of such employment and reemployment rights, and for other 
purposes
    S. ___, a bill to expand eligibility for readjustment 
counseling to certain members of the Selected Reserve of the 
Armed Forces
    S. ___, a bill to authorize payment by the Department of 
Veterans Affairs for the costs associated with service by 
medical residents and interns at facilities operated by Indian 
tribes and tribal organizations, to require the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to expand medical 
residencies and internships at such facilities, and for other 
purposes
    Discussion Draft to authorize the American Battle Monuments 
Commission to acquire, operate, and maintain the Lafayette 
Escadrille Memorial in Marnes-la-Coquette, France

    (49) Wednesday, September 7, 2016
    Hearing: VHA Best Practices: Exploring the Diffusion of 
Excellence Initiative
    (50) Wednesday, September 14, 2016
    Hearing: The Future of the VA: Examining the Commission on 
Care Report and VA's Response

                            II. LEGISLATION

A. First Session (2015)
    In the First Session, the Committee met in open session on 
January 21, 2015, and ordered favorably reported one piece of 
legislation to the full Senate.

     H.R. 203, Clay Hunt SAV Act, a bill to direct the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide for the conduct of 
annual evaluations of mental health care and suicide prevention 
programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to require a 
pilot program on loan repayment for psychiatrists who agree to 
serve in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department 
of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. This measure was 
introduced in the House on January 7, 2015, and passed the 
House on January 12, 2015. The Committee ordered it to be 
reported favorably without amendment on January 21, 2015. It 
passed the Senate on February 3, 2015, without amendment and 
was signed into law as Public Law 114-2 on February 12, 2015. 
On April 23, 2015, the Committee filed a written report, Senate 
Report 114-34.

    In the First Session, the Committee met in open session on 
July 22, 2015, and ordered favorably reported five pieces of 
legislation to the full Senate.

     S. 1493, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living 
Adjustment Act of 2015, a bill to provide for an increase, 
effective December 1, 2015, in the rates of compensation for 
veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of 
dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of 
certain disabled veterans, and for other purposes. This measure 
was introduced in the Senate on June 3, 2015. The Committee 
ordered it to be reported favorably without amendment on July 
22, 2015. On August 28, 2015, the Committee reported the bill 
out of Committee with a written report, Senate Report 114-122. 
The measure passed the Senate on October 22, 2015.
     S. 1203 (Committee Print), 21st Century Veterans 
Benefits Delivery and Other Improvements Act, a bill to amend 
title 38, United States Code, to improve the furnishing of 
health care to veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
to improve the processing by the Department of claims for 
disability compensation, and for other purposes. This measure 
was introduced in the Senate on May 6, 2015. On July 22, 2015, 
the Committee ordered it reported favorably with an amendment 
in the nature of a substitute and as further amended at the 
Committee meeting. On October 19, 2015, the Committee reported 
the bill out of Committee with a written report, Senate Report 
114-153. It passed the Senate on November 10, 2015.
     S. 1082 (Committee Print), Department of Veterans 
Affairs Accountability Act of 2015, a bill to amend title 38, 
United States Code, to provide for the removal or demotion of 
employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on 
performance or misconduct, and for other purposes. This measure 
was introduced in the Senate on April 23, 2015. On July 22, 
2015, the Committee ordered it reported favorably with 
amendments. On October 19, 2015, the Committee reported the 
bill out of Committee without written report. The Committee 
filed a written report on November 3, 2015, Senate Report 114-
163.
     S. 833 (Committee Print), Department of Veterans 
Affairs Medical Facility Earthquake Protection and Improvement 
Act, a bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
carry out certain major medical facility projects for which 
appropriations were made for fiscal year 2015, and for other 
purposes. This measure was introduced in the Senate on March 
23, 2015. The Committee ordered it reported favorably with 
amendments on July 22, 2015. On August 6, 2015, the Committee 
reported the bill out of Committee without written report.
     S. 627 (Committee Print), a bill to prohibit the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs from awarding bonuses to 
employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to 
whom an adverse finding has been made by the Secretary, and for 
other purposes. This measure was introduced in the Senate on 
March 3, 2015. On July 22, 2015, the Committee ordered it 
reported favorably with an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute. On September 28, 2015, the Committee reported the 
bill out of Committee with a written report, Senate Report 114-
148.

    The Committee met in open session on December 9, 2015, and 
ordered favorably reported two pieces of legislation to the 
full Senate.

     S. 290 (Committee Print), Increasing the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability to Veterans Act 
of 2015, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
improve the accountability of employees of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. This measure was 
introduced in the Senate on January 28, 2015. On December 9, 
2015, the Committee ordered it reported favorably with an 
amendment and reported the bill out of Committee without 
written report on December 9, 2016. The bill passed the Senate 
with an amendment on December 10, 2016, by unanimous consent.
     S. 425 (Committee Print), Veterans Homeless 
Programs, Caregiver Services, and Other Improvements Act of 
2015, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve 
the benefits and health care provided by the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. This measure was 
introduced on February 10, 2015. On December 9, 2015, the 
Committee ordered it reported favorably with an amendment in 
the nature of a substitute and additional amendments adopted at 
the Committee meeting. On December 7, 2016, the Committee 
reported the bill out of Committee with a written report, 
Senate Report 114-395.

    In addition, during the First Session, the Committee 
discharged by unanimous consent several pieces of legislation, 
as follows:

     H.R. 91, Veterans Identification Card Act 2015, a 
bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to issue, upon request, veteran 
identification cards to certain veterans, was discharged from 
Committee on June 22, 2015, and passed the Senate by unanimous 
consent with an amendment the same day. The House passed the 
bill as amended on July 7, 2015, and the bill was signed into 
law as Public Law 114-31 on July 20, 2015.
     S. 1731, a bill to amend title 38, United States 
Code, to waive the minimum period of continuous active duty in 
the Armed Forces for receipt of certain benefits for homeless 
veterans, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
furnish such benefits to homeless veterans with discharges or 
releases from service in the Armed Forces with other than 
dishonorable conditions, and for other purposes, was discharged 
from the Committee on October 29, 2015, by unanimous consent 
and passed the Senate the same day with an amendment.
     H.R. 2693, a bill to designate the arboretum at 
the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, 
Virginia, as the Phyllis E. Galanti Arboretum, passed the House 
December 8, 2015. It was discharged from the Committee on 
December 10, 2015, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate 
the same day without amendment. It was signed into law as 
Public Law 114-103 on December 18, 2015.

    During the First Session, the Committee also advanced the 
following bills without having the bills referred to Committee:

     S. 1568, a bill to extend the authorization to 
carry out the replacement of the existing medical center of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs in Denver, Colorado, to 
authorize transfers of amounts to carry out the replacement of 
such medical center, and for other purposes, was introduced in 
the Senate on June 11, 2015, and passed the Senate the same day 
by unanimous consent without amendment. It passed the House on 
June 12, 2015, without amendment and was signed into law as 
Public Law 114-25 on June 15, 2015.
     S. 2082, Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring 
Authorities Act of 2015, a bill to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to extend certain expiring provisions of law 
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for 
other purposes, was introduced in the Senate on September 25, 
2015, and passed the Senate the same day by unanimous consent 
without amendment. It passed the House on September 30, 2015, 
and was signed into law as Public Law 114-58 on September 30, 
2015.
     S. 2393, Foreclosure Relief and Extension for 
Servicemembers Act of 2015, a bill to extend temporarily the 
extended period of protection for members of uniformed services 
relating to mortgages, mortgage foreclosure, and eviction, and 
for other purposes, was introduced in the Senate on December 
10, 2015, and passed the Senate the same day by unanimous 
consent without amendment. It passed the House on March 21, 
2016, without amendment and was signed into law as Public Law 
114-142 on March 31, 2016.

    During the First Session, the Committee also incorporated 
provisions within the Committee's jurisdiction into broader 
legislation.

     Title IV of H.R. 3236, VA Budget and Choice 
Improvement Act, passed the House on July 29, 2015, and passed 
the Senate on July 30, 2015. It was signed into law as Public 
Law 114-41 on July 31, 2015.
B. Second Session (2016)
    In the Second Session, the Committee met in open session on 
May 12, 2016, and ordered favorably reported one piece of 
legislation to the full Senate.

     S. 2921, the Veterans First Act, to amend title 
38, United States Code, to improve the accountability of 
employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to improve 
health care and benefits for veterans, and for other purposes, 
was introduced on May 11, 2016, and ordered favorably reported 
by the Committee on May 12, 2016. It was reported out of 
Committee without written report on May 16, 2016.

    During the Second Session, the Committee also discharged 
numerous bills by unanimous consent, as follows:

     S. 2422, a bill to authorize the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to carry out certain major medical facility 
projects for which appropriations are being made for fiscal 
year 2016, was discharged from the Committee on January 20, 
2016, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day 
without amendment.
     H.R. 4437, a bill to extend the deadline for the 
submittal of the final report required by the Commission on 
Care, passed the House on February 9, 2016. It was discharged 
from the Committee on February 22, 2016, by unanimous consent 
and passed the Senate the same day without amendment. It was 
signed into law as Public Law 114-131 on February 29, 2016.
     H.R. 4056, a bill to direct the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to convey to the Florida Department of 
Veterans Affairs all right, title, and interest of the United 
States to the property known as ``The Community Living Center'' 
at the Lake Baldwin Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, 
Orlando, Florida, passed the House February 9, 2016. It was 
discharged from the Committee on February 22, 2016, by 
unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day. It was 
signed into law as Public Law 114-130 on February 29, 2016.
     H.R. 3262, a bill to provide for the conveyance of 
land of the Illiana Health Care System of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs in Danville, Illinois, passed the House on 
February 9, 2016. It was discharged by the Committee on 
February 22, 2016, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate 
the same day. It was signed into law as Public Law 114-129 on 
February 29, 2016.
     H.R. 4336, a bill to amend title 38, United States 
Code, to provide for the inurnment in Arlington National 
Cemetery of the cremated remains of certain persons whose 
service has been determined to be active service, passed the 
House with amendment on March 22, 2016. It was discharged from 
the Committee on May 10, 2016, by unanimous consent and passed 
the Senate the same day with amendment. It passed the House as 
amended by the Senate on May 11, 2016, and was signed into law 
as Public Law 114-158 on May 20, 2016.
     H.R. 2814, a bill to name the Department of 
Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in 
Sevierville, Tennessee, the Dannie A. Carr Veterans Outpatient 
Clinic, passed the House on March 1, 2016. It was discharged 
from the Committee on May 18, 2016, by unanimous consent and 
passed the Senate the same day without amendment. It was signed 
into law as Public Law 114-164 on June 3, 2016.
     S. 2487, a bill to direct the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to identify mental health care and suicide 
prevention programs and metrics that are effective in treating 
women veterans as part of the evaluation of such programs by 
the Secretary, and for other purposes, was discharged by the 
Committee on June 7, 2016, by unanimous consent and passed the 
Senate the same day without amendment. It passed the House on 
June 21, 2016, and was signed into law as Public Law 114-188 on 
June 30, 2016.
     H.R. 1762, a bill to name the Department of 
Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in The 
Dalles, Oregon, as the Loren R. Kaufman VA Clinic, passed the 
House on May 23, 2016. It was discharged from Committee on June 
10, 2016, and passed the Senate without amendment the same day. 
It was signed into law as Public Law 114-179 on June 22, 2016.
     S. 3055, Department of Veterans Affairs Dental 
Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2016, a bill to amend title 
38, United States Code, to provide a dental insurance plan to 
veterans and survivors and dependents of veterans, was 
discharged by the Committee on July 13, 2016, by unanimous 
consent and passed the Senate the same day. It passed the House 
on July 14, 2016, without amendment and was signed into law as 
Public Law 114-218 on July 29, 2016.
     H.R. 3969, a bill to designate the Department of 
Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Laughlin, 
Nevada, as the Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean VA Clinic, 
passed the House on May 23, 2016. It was discharged by the 
Committee on September 8, 2016, and passed the Senate the same 
day. It was signed into law as Public Law 114-220 on September 
23, 2016.
     S. 3076, Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act of 
2016, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish caskets 
and urns for burial in cemeteries of States and tribal 
organizations of veterans without next of kin or sufficient 
resources to provide for caskets or urns, and for other 
purposes, was discharged by the Committee on September 20, 
2016, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day 
with an amendment. It passed the House on December 6, 2016, and 
was signed into law as Public Law 114-273 on December 14, 2016.
     S. 3438, a bill to authorize the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to carry out a major medical facility project 
in Reno, Nevada, was discharged by the Committee on November 
29, 2016, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same 
day with an amendment.
     S. 3112, the Department of Veterans Affairs Bonus 
Transparency Act of 2016, a bill to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
submit an annual report regarding performance awards and 
bonuses awarded to certain high-level employees of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, was discharged by the Committee 
on December 10, 2016, by unanimous consent and passed the 
Senate the same day.
     S. 3021, Veterans Education Improvement Act of 
2016 or the VEI Act of 2016, a bill to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to authorize the use of Post-9/11 Educational 
Assistance to pursue independent study programs at certain 
educational institutions that are not institutions of higher 
learning, was discharged by the Committee on December 10, 2016, 
by unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day with an 
amendment.
     H.R. 3471, Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2016, a 
bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain 
improvements in the provision of automobiles and adaptive 
equipment by the Department of Veterans Affairs, was discharged 
by the Committee on November 17, 2016, by unanimous consent and 
passed the Senate the same day with an amendment. It passed the 
House on November 29, 2016, and was signed into law as Public 
Law 114-256 on December 14, 2016.
     H.R. 5509, a bill to name the Department of 
Veterans Affairs temporary lodging facility in Indianapolis, 
Indiana, as the Dr. Otis Bowen Veteran House, was discharged by 
the Committee on November 30, 2016, by unanimous consent and 
passed the Senate the same day. It was signed into law as 
Public Law 114-259 on December 14, 2016.
     H.R. 960, a bill to designate the Department of 
Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newark, 
Ohio, as the Daniel L. Kinnard VA Clinic, was discharged by the 
Committee on December 10, 2016, by unanimous consent and passed 
the Senate the same day. It was signed into law as Public Law 
114-280 on December 16, 2016.

    During the Second Session, the Committee also advanced the 
following bills without having the bills referred to Committee:

     H.R. 5936, West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016, a 
bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter 
into certain leases at the Department of Veterans Affairs West 
Los Angeles Campus in Los Angeles, California, to make certain 
improvements to the enhanced-use lease authority of the 
Department, and for other purposes, was passed by the Senate on 
September 19, 2016, by voice vote and was signed into law as 
Public Law 114-226 on September 29, 2016.
     H.R. 5937, a bill to amend title 36, United States 
Code, to authorize the American Battle Monuments Commission to 
acquire, operate, and maintain the Lafayette Escadrille 
Memorial in Marnes-la-Coquette, France, and for other purposes, 
was passed by the Senate on September 20, 2016, by unanimous 
consent and was signed into law as Public Law 114-227 on 
September 29, 2016.
     H.R. 5985, Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring 
Authorities Act of 2016, a bill to amend title 38, United 
States Code, to extend certain expiring provisions of law 
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for 
other purposes, was passed by the Senate on September 19, 2016, 
by a vote of 89 to 0 and was signed into law as Public Law 114-
228 on September 29, 2016.
     S. 3283, a bill to designate the community-based 
outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in 
Pueblo, Colorado, as the PFC James Dunn VA Clinic, was passed 
by the Senate on July 14, 2016, by unanimous consent and passed 
the House on September 28, 2016. It was signed into law as 
Public Law 114-243 on October 7, 2016.
     H.R. 5392, No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go 
Unanswered Act, a bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to improve the Veterans Crisis Line, was passed by the 
Senate on November 16, 2016, and was signed into law as Public 
Law 114-247 on November 28, 2016.
     S. 3492, a bill to designate the Traverse City VA 
Community-Based Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs in Traverse City, Michigan, as the Colonel Demas T. 
Craw VA Clinic, was passed by the Senate on December 1, 2016, 
by unanimous consent and was passed by the House on December 6, 
2016. It was signed into law as Public Law 114-276 on December 
14, 2016.
     H.R. 5099, Communities Helping Invest through 
Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of 2016 or 
the CHIP IN for Vets Act of 2016, a bill to establish a pilot 
program on partnership agreements to construct new facilities 
for the Department of Veterans Affairs, was passed by the 
Senate on December 10, 2016, by voice vote and was signed into 
law as Public Law 114-294 on December 16, 2016.
     H.R. 6323, a bill to name the Department of 
Veterans Affairs health care system in Long Beach, California, 
the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, was passed by the Senate on 
December 10, 2016, by voice vote and was signed into law as 
Public Law 114-313 on December 16, 2016.
     H.R. 6416, Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal 
Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016, a 
bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain 
improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes, was passed by the 
Senate on December 10, 2016, by voice vote and was signed into 
law as Public Law 114-315 on December 16, 2016.

    During the Second Session, the Committee also incorporated 
provisions within the Committee's jurisdiction into broader 
legislation.

     The Conference report for Title IX of S. 524, 
Jason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act, was passed by the 
House on July 8, 2016, and was passed by the Senate on July 13, 
2016. It was signed into law as Public Law 114-198 on July 22, 
2016.
C. Reports
    H.R. 203, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American 
Veterans Act. Senate Report 114-34.
    S. 1493, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment 
Act of 2015. Senate Report 114-122.
    S. 627, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
revoke bonuses paid to employees involved in electronic wait 
list manipulations, and for other purposes. Senate Report 114-
148.
    S. 1203, 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery and Other 
Improvements Act. Senate Report 114-153.
    S. 1082, Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act 
of 2015. Senate Report 114-163.
    S. 425, Veterans Homeless Programs, Caregiver Services, and 
Other Improvements Act of 2015. Senate Report 114-395.
D. Public Laws
            Senate Vehicle
    Title IX of S. 524, Jason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise 
Act, is included in Public Law 114-198.
    S. 1568, a bill to extend the authorization to carry out 
the replacement of the existing medical center of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs in Denver, Colorado, to 
authorize transfers of amounts to carry out the replacement of 
such medical center, and for other purposes, is Public Law 114-
25.
    S. 2082, Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring 
Authorities Act of 2015, is Public Law 114-58.
    S. 2393, Foreclosure Relief and Extension for 
Servicemembers Act of 2015, is Public Law 114-142.
    S. 2487, Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, is Public 
Law 114-188.
    S. 3076, Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act of 2016, is 
Public Law 114-273.
    S. 3055, Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance 
Reauthorization Act of 2016, is Public Law 114-218.
    S. 3283, a bill to designate the community-based outpatient 
clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Pueblo, 
Colorado, as the PFC James Dunn VA Clinic, is Public Law 114-
243.
    S. 3492, a bill to designate the Traverse City VA 
Community-Based Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs in Traverse City, Michigan, as the Colonel Demas T. 
Craw VA Clinic, is Public Law 114-276.
            House Vehicle
    H.R. 91, Veterans Identification Card Act 2015, is Public 
Law 114-31.
    H.R. 203, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American 
Veterans Act, is Public Law 114-2.
    H.R. 960, a bill to designate the Department of Veterans 
Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newark, Ohio, as 
the Daniel L. Kinnard VA Clinic, is Public Law 114-280.
    H.R. 1762, a bill to name the Department of Veterans 
Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in The Dalles, 
Oregon, as the Loren R. Kaufman VA Clinic, is Public Law 114-
179.
    H.R. 2496, Construction Authorization and Choice 
Improvement Act, is Public Law 114-19.
    H.R. 2693, a bill to designate the arboretum at the Hunter 
Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, as the 
Phyllis E. Galanti Arboretum, is Public Law 114-103.
    H.R. 2814, a bill to name the Department of Veterans 
Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Sevierville, 
Tennessee, the Dannie A. Carr Veterans Outpatient Clinic, is 
Public Law 114-164.
    Title IV of H.R. 3236, VA Budget and Choice Improvement 
Act, is included in Public Law 114-41.
    H.R. 3262, a bill to provide for the conveyance of land of 
the Illiana Health Care System of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs in Danville, Illinois, is Public Law 114-129.
    H.R. 3471, Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2016, is Public 
Law 114-256.
    H.R. 3969, a bill to designate the Department of Veterans 
Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Laughlin, Nevada, 
as the Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean VA Clinic, is 
Public Law 114-220.
    H.R. 4056, a bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs to convey to the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs 
all right, title, and interest of the United States to the 
property known as ``The Community Living Center'' at the Lake 
Baldwin Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Orlando, Florida, 
is Public Law 114-130.
    H.R. 4336, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
provide for the inurnment in Arlington National Cemetery of the 
cremated remains of certain persons whose service has been 
determined to be active service, is Public Law 114-158.
    H.R. 4352, Faster Care for Veterans Act of 2016, is Public 
Law 114-286.
    H.R. 4437, a bill to extend the deadline for the submittal 
of the final report required by the Commission on Care, is 
Public Law 114-131.
    H.R. 5099, Communities Helping Invest through Property and 
Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of 2016, is Public Law 
114-294.
    H.R. 5392, No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go 
Unanswered Act, is Public Law 114-247.
    H.R. 5509, a bill to name the Department of Veterans 
Affairs temporary lodging facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, as 
the Dr. Otis Bowen Veterans House, is Public Law 114-259.
    H.R. 5588, a bill to increase, effective as of December 1, 
2016, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-
connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and 
indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled 
veterans, and for other purposes, is Public Law 114-197.
    H.R. 5936, West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016, is Public 
Law 114-226.
    H.R. 5937, a bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to 
authorize the American Battle Monuments Commission to acquire, 
operate, and maintain the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial in 
Marnes-la-Coquette, France, and for other purposes, is Public 
Law 114-227.
    H.R. 5985, Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring 
Authorities Act of 2016, is Public Law 114-228.
    H.R. 6323, a bill to name the Department of Veterans 
Affairs health care system in Long Beach, California, as the 
Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, is Public Law 114-313.
    H.R. 6416, Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans 
Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016, is Public Law 
114-315.

                             III. OVERSIGHT

    In accordance with its mandate, the Committee engaged in 
oversight of VA health care facilities, VA regional offices, VA 
construction sites, homeless program facilities, educational 
institutions, military facilities, employment program 
facilities, other entities within the Committee's jurisdiction, 
and entities that coordinate with VA in serving veterans. 
Summaries of various oversight activities follow.
A. First Session (2015)
    On March 30-April 1, 2015, Committee Majority and Minority 
staff traveled to the Soldier For Life Transition Assistance 
Program (hereinafter, ``SFL-TAP'') Training Symposium in 
Louisville, Kentucky. Committee staff received briefings on the 
development of new transition assistance policies and 
implementation of career readiness standards, learned about the 
soldier lifecycle model, received feedback from transition 
assistance program managers, and observed breakout training 
sessions for the transition assistance program managers. 
Committee staff also met with SFL-TAP Director Walter Herd to 
discuss challenges in implementing the program.
    On April 7, 2015, Committee Majority staff visited the VA 
Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and toured the facility. 
The visit included a briefing on non-VA care, a meeting with 
Atlanta VA Medical Center Veteran Advisory Committee members, 
and a presentation on the Trinka Davis Veterans Village in 
Carrollton, Georgia. The visit to Atlanta also included a tour 
and briefing on the Fort McPherson/East Point Community Based 
Outpatient Clinic with an emphasis on the Women's Clinic and 
the facilities and programs intended to serve homeless 
veterans, such as Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans and 
Health Care for Homeless Veterans. Majority staff also visited 
two organizations that receive Supportive Services for Veteran 
Families grants from VA.
    On April 23-25, 2015, Committee Majority staff visited the 
Eastern Colorado VA Health Care System. Staff received a 
briefing by the executive leadership team on the Veterans 
Choice Program implementation and challenges. Staff also 
visited the VA regional office in Denver, Colorado, and 
received a briefing on the claims backlog and procedures being 
used to address the problem. Staff met independently with line 
staff for their assessment and opinions for process 
improvements. Staff visited the Veterans Health 
Administration's Chief Business Office's Office of Purchased 
Care, which is responsible for non-VA care billing and 
processing; staff received a briefing on procedures and 
challenges.
    On May 8, 2015, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited Montgomery Works, an American Job Center in Wheaton, 
Maryland, to learn about the services provided under the Jobs 
for Veterans State Grant program administered by Department of 
Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service. Committee 
staff met with the center's director, the Director of Veterans 
Employment and Training for Maryland, a disabled veterans' 
outreach program specialist, and a local veterans' employment 
representative. Committee staff learned about the roles of the 
center staff and how the Federally funded positions work with 
the rest of the center to serve veterans with significant 
barriers to employment.
    On May 22, 2015, Majority and Minority staff visited Walter 
Reed National Military Medical Center, specifically the 
Military Advanced Training Center, to learn about adaptive 
sports programs provided through VA's adaptive sports grants. 
Committee staff met with Walter Reed staff and received a 
briefing on adaptive sports programs offered to veterans and 
servicemembers with disabilities.
    On June 28-29, 2015, Committee Majority staff visited the 
Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 Headquarters in Boston, 
Massachusetts, for an executive briefing by the Veterans 
Integrated Service Network director and leadership team on 
overall implementation and challenges surrounding the Veterans 
Choice Program. Staff also visited the VA regional office in 
Boston for an executive briefing and tour of the facility.
    On August 5-11, 2015, Committee Majority staff visited the 
Veterans Integrated Service Network Headquarters in Phoenix, 
Arizona, for an executive briefing by the Veterans Integrated 
Service Network director and leadership staff on overall 
implementation and challenges confronting the Veterans Choice 
Program, especially at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Staff 
also toured the facility and attended a briefing by the acting 
director on overall operations of the Phoenix VA Health Care 
System. Staff visited one of the Phoenix VA Health Care 
System's Community-Based Outpatient Clinics. Staff also toured 
the VA regional office in Phoenix and received a briefing by 
the director and leadership team. Staff visited the New Mexico 
VA Health Care System and received an executive briefing by the 
director and leadership team on the implementation and 
challenges of the Veterans Choice Program.
    On August 10-12, 2015, Committee Majority and Minority 
staff visited the VA Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia, 
specifically VA's lead research site for its study to determine 
if service dogs are effective therapy for post traumatic stress 
disorder. Committee staff met with members of the research team 
and received a briefing on the study. Staff also visited VA's 
Health Eligibility Center. This visit included a tour and 
overview of the facility and its functions, as well as meetings 
with leadership and staff. Committee staff subsequently 
traveled to the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System's 
Montgomery campus. This visit included meetings with leadership 
and clinicians, as well as an update on non-VA care.
    On August 18-24, 2015, Committee Majority staff visited the 
James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Bay Pines VA Health Care 
System, and Orlando VA Medical Center. At each location, staff 
was provided an executive briefing and tour of the facility. 
The briefings focused on the status of construction initiatives 
and the Veterans Choice Program implementation and challenges. 
At the Bay Pines VA Health Care System, staff was provided a 
separate briefing on the Military Sexual Trauma in-residence 
and out-patient programs.
    On August 19, 2015, Committee Majority staff visited the 
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and Clinics in Tampa, 
Florida. Staff met with facility leadership and received 
briefings on the Veterans Choice Program, Care in the Community 
programs, staff vacancies, policies in support of women 
veterans, and the Veterans' Justice Outreach Program.
    On August 20-21, 2015, Committee Majority and Minority 
staff visited the VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky, 
during a joint visit that included House Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs Majority and Minority staff. The visit included a 
facility overview briefing and tour. Staff also received an 
update on the replacement VA Medical Center and toured the 
future construction site. The visit to Louisville included 
briefings on the Veterans Choice Program implementation, 
telehealth initiatives, women veterans program, and other 
unique programs to the Louisville VA Medical Center, to include 
arts in healing, peer support, and homelessness initiatives. 
Staff also visited with VA scheduling clerks, the human 
resources department, and the pain clinic.
    On August 24, 2015, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited the Anchorage VA Healthcare System. The visit included 
a facility overview and tour. Staff also visited the South 
Central Foundation to discuss Care in the Community programs in 
Alaska.
    On August 26, 2015, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited the Bristol Bay Native Association (hereinafter, 
``BBNA'') in Dillingham, Alaska, and Manokotak, Alaska, to 
discuss veterans issues with BBNA and local veterans.
    On August 27, 2015, Committee Majority staff visited a 
facility of the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health 
System in Gainesville, Florida. Staff toured the facility and 
received briefings on the Veterans Choice Program, Care in the 
Community programs, the Veterans' Justice Outreach Program, 
women veteran programs, staff vacancies, and transcatheter 
aortic valve replacements--a minimally invasive heart valve 
replacement procedure.
    On October 13, 2015, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited VA's Chief Business Office in Denver, Colorado, to 
discuss Care in the Community programs with the Purchased Care 
staff and have a tour of the facility.
    On November 20, 2015, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited a VA facility in Washington, DC. Staff received a 
briefing on VA's Live Manual initiative and observed a 
demonstration of the technology. Staff also toured the National 
Work Queue command center in the same facility.
B. Second Session (2016)
    On January 6, 2016, Committee Majority staff visited the VA 
regional office and Insurance center in Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania. The areas of focus included briefings on the 
general state of the office following a number of Inspector 
General reports regarding that office; the Veterans Benefits 
Management System; the centralized mail portals for two 
scanning contractors; the exception processing portal and fax 
process used by the Pension Management Center; the National 
Call Center; the National Pension Call Center; and the VA 
Insurance service. The oversight visit included demonstrations 
of the Veterans Benefits Management System, the mail portals, 
the fax system, the mail intake process for the Insurance 
service, and the Veterans Insurance Claims Tracking and 
Response System. The oversight visit included touring the call 
centers and observing calls in progress.
    On January 6-8, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited the VA Medical Center campus in West Los Angeles, 
California. Staff visited an organization that receives 
Supportive Services for Veteran Families grants from VA. The 
visit also included a tour of the West Los Angeles VA campus 
and an update on VA's master plan for the campus, which is 
being developed in response to a January 2015 legal settlement 
and includes housing for homeless veterans. The update on the 
master plan also included meetings with VA staff and 
stakeholders.
    On January 29, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited a VA facility in Washington, DC. Staff received a 
briefing on VA's Stakeholder Enterprise Portal and observed a 
demonstration of that technology.
    On February 4, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited the National Capital Region Business Office in 
Washington, DC, to observe functions of the Vocational 
Rehabilitation and Employment program. Committee staff observed 
the orientation briefing provided to applicants and observed an 
intake evaluation of an applicant conducted by a vocational 
rehabilitation counselor. The Director of Vocational 
Rehabilitation and Employment Services discussed challenges 
related to staffing and information technology experienced 
across the program and some of the unique solutions the 
Washington, DC, office was pursuing to address those issues.
    On February 5, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited the Washington, DC, VA's Community Resource and 
Referral Center. Staff received a briefing, providing an 
overview of the facility and its services for homeless 
veterans. Staff also toured the facility.
    On February 26, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited Friendship Place, in Washington, DC, which provides 
services to the homeless, including veterans, and receives VA 
Supportive Services for Veteran Families grant funding from VA. 
The visit included a briefing by Friendship Place staff and a 
tour of their program office.
    On April 26, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited the Perry Point VA Medical Center in Perry Point, 
Maryland. Staff received a briefing, providing an overview of 
the VA Maryland Health Care System and the replacement 
community living center project. Staff toured the existing 
community living center and received a driving tour of the 
campus.
    On July 20, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited the Wilmington VA Medical Center in Wilmington, 
Delaware. The oversight visit included an overview of the 
facility and a tour. The primary focus of the trip was to 
engage in a discussion of the facility's human resources 
challenges and adverse employment actions.
    On July 25-29, 2016, Committee Majority staff visited 
several sites throughout Georgia that provide services to 
transitioning servicemembers and veterans. Committee staff 
visited Georgia Southern University and met with student 
veterans and administrators to discuss the delivery of veterans 
educational assistance and on-campus support programs. 
Committee staff also visited Ft. Gordon, Georgia, and observed 
transition assistance classes on employment skills and career 
technical training. Staff also learned about America's Warrior 
Partnership and the grants they provide to local communities to 
connect veterans with local resources. Committee staff visited 
University of Georgia and participated in a round table 
discussion with student veterans on challenges they faced in 
using their education benefits. Committee staff also visited 
Emory University to review their process for certifying veteran 
enrollment to VA and receive feedback on the benefit programs. 
Committee staff finished this trip by visiting the Atlanta VA 
regional office to meet with staff from Education Service and 
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment services and conduct a 
tour of the facility.
    On July 26, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff, 
along with House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Majority and 
Minority staff, visited VA's Appeals Management Center 
(hereinafter, ``AMC'') in Washington, DC. The primary focus of 
the oversight was potential changes in the scope of AMC's work 
and a general update on AMC's performance. The oversight visit 
included a tour of the facility and a demonstration of the 
Veterans Benefits Management System.
    On August 2, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited the VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. Staff 
received a tour of the Polytrauma Inpatient Unit and the 
prosthetics department, both located in the main medical center 
building. The tour also included a tour of an additional 
building that houses both the Transitional Rehabilitation 
Center and the Assistive Technology Program. Staff met with 
leadership to discuss numerous programs at the Richmond VA 
Medical Center.
    On August 3, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited the VA Medical Center in Washington, DC. Staff received 
an overview of the Medical Center and a briefing on the War 
Related Illness and Injury Study Center (hereinafter, 
``WRIISC''). Staff toured the WRIISC and the Integrative Health 
and Wellness facilities. The tour also included a visit to the 
Women's Health Clinic.
    On August 9-10, 2016, Committee Majority staff visited the 
Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, the 
Atlanta VA Medical Center, and the Health Eligibility Center in 
Atlanta, Georgia. At the Norwood VA Medical Center and the 
Atlanta VA Medical Center, staff received an overview of the 
facilities and a tour. At the Health Eligibility Center, staff 
received on overview of the programs carried out at the Health 
Eligibility Center and a tour of space that will house the new 
Veterans Crisis Line back-up call center.
    On August 10, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in 
Washington, DC. The areas of focus included the Court's 
facility, information technology solutions, and use of recall 
judges. The oversight visit included touring the Court's 
library, Public Office, courtroom, and Chief Judge's chambers. 
The oversight visit also included a demonstration of the 
Court's electronic filing system.
    On August 15-16, 2016, Committee Majority staff visited the 
Savannah Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic. Staff received a 
briefing on VA health care and services to veterans in the 
Savannah area, particularly homeless veterans. Staff also 
toured the new outpatient clinic. In addition, staff visited 
the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center for a tour and briefing, 
specifically focusing on homeless veterans and caregivers 
services.
    On August 22-23, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority 
staff visited the Veterans Crisis Line, the Homeless Veterans 
Call Center, and the Caregivers Support Line, all based out of 
the Canandaigua VA Medical Center. The visit included briefings 
and tours of all three call centers.
    On August 23, 2016, Committee Majority staff participated 
in the 2016 National Association of State Approving Agencies 
Summer Training and Business Meeting to present on legislative 
topics related to veterans education programs. Committee staff 
discussed a number of pending legislative provisions as well as 
several pressing issues related to approval of flight training 
degrees and online institutions.
    On August 24, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited the Milwaukee VA regional office, the Milwaukee Pension 
Management Center, the Milwaukee Fiduciary Hub, and a VA 
scanning contractor (Data Dimensions in Janesville, Wisconsin). 
The focus was on information technology solutions used by 
various VA business lines, appeals processing, and scanning and 
centralized mail services provided by the VA contractor. The 
oversight visit included demonstrations of the Veterans 
Benefits Management System, the electronic mail portal, 
VETSNET, and the Beneficiary Fiduciary Field System. Staff also 
toured the contractor's scanning facility and were provided 
with an overview of each aspect of the scanning and centralized 
mail functions.
    On August 25, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
visited the St. Paul VA regional office, St. Paul Pension 
Management Center, and St. Paul Loan Guaranty Center. The focus 
of the visit was on information technology solutions used by 
various business lines. The oversight visit included 
demonstrations of the Veterans Benefits Management System, 
CAPRI, CAATS, the pension mail portal, VACOLS, WebLGY, Loan 
Safe Appraisal Manager, SAHSHA, and VALERI.
    On August 27, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority staff 
traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio, to participate in a discussion 
with The American Legion's National Legislative Commission. 
Committee staff discussed legislative action and challenges in 
the 114th Congress along with likely priorities for the 115th 
Congress. Commission members shared their concerns and 
priorities with Committee staff.
    On August 30-31, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority 
staff visited Pine Ridge, South Dakota, to learn more about VA 
homeless programs on the reservation, and specifically, the 
tribal HUD-VASH demonstration program. The Oglala Sioux Tribe 
of the Pine Ridge Reservation was the first to house a veteran 
with HUD-VASH. Staff met with Oglala Sioux Lakota Housing, 
toured a HUD-VASH home, toured the Lakota Freedom Veterans 
Cemetery, the Pine Ridge VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 
the Grant and Per Diem program facility on the reservation, and 
the Indian Health Services facility, which is a VA Compensated 
Work Therapy job site. Staff received briefings on VA services, 
specifically homeless services, on the reservation and also 
participated in a roundtable with local veterans.
    On October 10-14, 2016, Committee Majority and Minority 
staff visited several sites around San Diego, California, 
related to servicemember transition and veterans benefits. 
Committee staff participated in a legislative panel at the 
National Association of Veterans' Program Administrators 2016 
Annual Conference to discuss legislative action related to 
veterans educational assistance. Committee staff also visited 
San Diego State University to learn about the services they 
provide to student veterans and about the VA's Veterans Success 
On Campus counselor assigned there. Committee staff also 
visited Naval Base San Diego to learn about their transition 
assistance program for separating servicemembers and how they 
connect them to local resources. Committee staff also visited 
an American Job Center in San Diego and met with disabled 
veterans' outreach program specialists, local veterans' 
employment representatives, and staff administering the Jobs 
for Veterans State Grant program for California.

                            IV. NOMINATIONS

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Date of       Date of        Date          Date
                    Name and Position                      Nomination      Hearing      Reported      Confirmed
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Session
 
  LaVerne H. Council....................................    3/19/2015      5/5/2015      6/9/2015     6/23/2015
    Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for
     Information and Technology
  David J. Shulkin......................................    3/19/2015      5/5/2015      6/9/2015     6/23/2015
    Under Secretary for Health
  Michael H. Michaud....................................    7/30/2015     9/30/2015     10/6/2015    11/19/2015
    Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans'
     Employment and Training
  Michael J. Missal.....................................    10/5/2015    11/17/2015     1/12/2016     4/19/2016
    Inspector General
 
Second Session
 
  Christopher E. O'Connor...............................     6/6/2016     6/21/2016           N/A           N/A
    Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for
     Congressional and Legislative Affairs
  Thomas J. Murphy......................................    12/6/2016           N/A           N/A           N/A
    Under Secretary for Benefits
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    V. BUDGET FOR VETERANS PROGRAMS

A. First Session (2015)
    Pursuant to the requirements of section 301(d) of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, Chairman Isakson of the 
Committee submitted a letter to the Budget Committee reflecting 
the Committee's Views and Estimates on the Administration's 
proposed fiscal year 2016 budget for veterans' programs. The 
letter submitted is printed below in its entirety:




B. Second Session (2016)
    Pursuant to the requirements of section 301(d) of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, Chairman Isakson submitted a 
letter to the Budget Committee reflecting the Committee's Views 
and Estimates on the Administration's proposed fiscal year 2017 
budget for veterans' programs. The letter submitted is printed 
below in its entirety:



                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

 JOHNNY ISAKSON, Georgia, Chairman
RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut, Ranking MemberN, Kansas
PATTY MURRAY, Washington             JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas
BERNARD SANDERS, (I) Vermont         DEAN HELLER, Nevada
SHERROD BROWN, Ohio                  BILL CASSIDY, Louisiana
JON TESTER, Montana                  MIKE ROUNDS, South Dakota
MAZIE K. HIRONO, Hawaii              THOM TILLIS, North Carolina
JOE MANCHIN III, West Virginia       DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska
   Tom Bowman, Republican Staff 
             Director
   John Kruse, Democratic Staff 
      Director, First Session
  Ethan Saxon, Democratic Staff 
     Director, Second Session

                                  [all]