[Senate Report 116-51]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


116th Congress }                                             { Report
                                 SENATE
 1st Session   }                                             { 116-51

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

 
 LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES DURING THE 115TH CONGRESS BY THE 
                 SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

                                _______
                                

                 June 26, 2019.--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 115th Congress.

                        I. HEARINGS AND MEETINGS

A. First Session (2017)
    During the First Session of the 115th Congress, the 
Committee held 16 hearings, including one field hearing. At the 
hearings, the Committee heard testimony from 111 witnesses.
    Three hearings (May 17, June 15, and July 11) focused 
exclusively on legislation pending before the Committee. 
Testimony offered at these hearings covered 42 bills.
    The Committee held eight business meetings.
    On May 24, one measure was ordered favorably reported out 
of the Committee; on June 28, one measure was ordered favorably 
reported out of the Committee; on July 26, one measure was 
ordered favorably reported out of the Committee; and on 
November 29, one measure was ordered favorably reported out of 
the Committee. The Committee held three 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 28, March 1 (two hearings), 
March 9, and March 22.
    The Committee held one field hearing during the First 
Session. This hearing was held on November 21 in Columbus, 
Ohio.
B. Second Session (2018)
    During the Second Session of the 115th Congress, the 
Committee held 14 hearings. At the hearings, the Committee 
heard testimony from 39 witnesses.
    One hearing (August 1) focused exclusively on legislation 
pending before the Committee. Testimony offered at this hearing 
covered 15 bills.
    The Committee held four business 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 26, February 28, March 6, March 
7, and March 14.
C. List of Hearings and Meetings Held in the 115th Congress
    (1) Tuesday, January 24, 2017
    Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider the Rules of 
Procedure of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for the 115th 
Congress and a Resolution Authorizing the Expenditures of the 
Committee for the 115th Congress
    (2) Wednesday, February 1, 2017
    Nomination Hearing: Pending Nomination of David J. Shulkin, 
M.D., to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs
    (3) Tuesday, February 7, 2017
    Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider the Pending 
Nomination of David J. Shulkin, M.D., to be Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs
    (4) Tuesday, February 28, 2017
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of Disabled American Veterans
    (5) Wednesday, March 1, 2017
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of The American Legion
    (6) Wednesday, March 1, 2017
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of Veterans of Foreign Wars
    (7) Thursday, March 9, 2017
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of Multiple Veterans Service 
Organizations (Paralyzed Veterans of America, Association of 
the United States Navy, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, 
Non Commissioned Officers Association, Gold Star Wives of 
America, National Association of State Directors of Veterans 
Affairs, Wounded Warrior Project, and National Guard 
Association of the United States)
    (8) Wednesday, March 15, 2017
    Hearing: GAO's High Risk List and the Veterans Health 
Administration
    (9) Wednesday, March 22, 2017
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of Multiple Veterans Service 
Organizations (Jewish War Veterans of the United States of 
America, Fleet Reserve Association, Air Force Sergeants 
Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Ex-
Prisoners of War Organization, Blinded Veterans Association, 
The Retired Enlisted Association, Military Officers Association 
of America, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America)
    (10) Wednesday, May 17, 2017
    Legislative Hearing: Pending Health and Benefits 
Legislation

          S. 23, Biological Implant Tracking and Veteran Safety 
        Act of 2017
          S. 112, Creating a Reliable Environment for Veterans' 
        Dependents Act
          S. 324, State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care 
        Improvement Act of 2017
          S. 543, Performance Accountability and Contractor 
        Transparency Act of 2017
          S. 591, Military and Veteran Caregiver Services 
        Improvement Act of 2017
          S. 609, Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans 
        Act of 2017
          S. 681, Deborah Sampson Act
          S. 764, Veterans Education Priority Enrollment Act of 
        2017
          S. 784, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living 
        Adjustment Act of 2017
          S. 804, Women Veterans Access to Quality Care Act
          S. 899, Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran 
        Transition Improvement Act
          S. 1024, Veterans Appeals Improvement and 
        Modernization Act of 2017
          S. 1094, Department of Veterans Affairs 
        Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017
          S. 1449, Serving our Rural Veterans Act
          S. 1873, Veteran Partners' Efforts to Enhance 
        Reintegration Act

    (11) Wednesday, May 24, 2017
    Business Meeting: Markup of Pending Legislation

     S. 1094 (Committee Print), Department of Veterans 
Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

    (12) Wednesday, June 7, 2017
    Hearing: Examining the Veterans Choice Program and the 
Future of Care in the Community
    (13) Wednesday, June 14, 2017
    Hearing: Fiscal Year 2018 Budget for Veterans' Programs and 
Fiscal Year 2019 Advance Appropriations Requests
    (14) Thursday, June 15, 2017
    Legislative Hearing: Pending Benefits Legislation
          S. 75, Arla Harrell Act
          S. 111, Filipino Veterans Promise Act
          S. 410, Shawna Hill Post-9/11 Education 
        Transferability Act
          S. 473, Educational Development for Troops and 
        Veterans Act of 2017
          S. 758, Janey Ensminger Act of 2017
          S. 798, Yellow Ribbon Improvement Act
          S. 844, GI Bill Fairness Act of 2017
          S. 882, a bill to provide entitlement to Post-9/11 
        Educational Assistance for members of the Armed Forces 
        awarded the Purple Heart
          S. 1192, Veterans TEST Accessibility Act
          S. 1209, a bill to increase special pension for Medal 
        of Honor recipients
          S. 1218, Empowering Federal Employment for Veterans 
        Act of 2017
          S. 1277, Veteran Employment Through Technology 
        Education Courses Act of 2017
          S. ____, a bill to authorize a dependent to transfer 
        Post-9/11 Educational Assistance in cases in which the 
        dependent received entitlement from an individual who 
        subsequently died
          Discussion Draft to improve Post-9/11 Educational 
        Assistance

    (15) Wednesday, June 28, 2017
    Business Meeting: Markup of Pending Legislation
     S. 1024 (Committee Print), Veterans Appeals 
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017

    (16) Tuesday, July 11, 2017
    Legislative Hearing: Pending Health Care Legislation
          S. 115, Veterans Transplant Coverage Act
          S. 426, Grow Our Own Directive: Physician Assistant 
        Employment and Education Act of 2017
          S. 683, Keeping Our Commitment to Disabled Veterans 
        Act of 2017
          S. 833, Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and 
        Support Act of 2017
          S. 946, Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act
          S. 1153, Veterans ACCESS Act
          S. 1261, Veterans Emergency Room Relief Act
          S. 1266, Enhancing Veteran Care Act
          S. 1279, Veterans Health Administration Reform Act of 
        2017
          S. 1325, Better Workforce for Veterans Act
          S. ____, Discussion Draft, The Veterans Choice Act of 
        2017
          S. ____, Discussion Draft, Improving Veterans Access 
        to Community Care Act of 2017
          S. 1550, The Department of Veterans Affairs Quality 
        Employment Act of 2017

    (17) Wednesday, July 19, 2017
    Nomination Hearing: Pending Nominations

          Thomas G. Bowman, of Florida, to be Deputy Secretary 
        of Veterans Affairs
          Brooks D. Tucker, of Maryland, to be an Assistant 
        Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Congressional and 
        Legislative Affairs)
          James Byrne, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, 
        Department of Veterans Affairs
          Michael P. Allen, of Florida, to be a Judge of the 
        United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
          Amanda L. Meredith, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the 
        United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
          Joseph L. Toth, of Wisconsin, to be a Judge of the 
        United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

    (18) Thursday, July 20, 2017
    Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider Pending Nominations

     Thomas G. Bowman, of Florida, to be Deputy 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
     Brooks D. Tucker, of Maryland, to be an Assistant 
Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs (Congressional and 
Legislative Affairs)
     James Byrne, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, 
Department of Veterans Affairs
     Michael P. Allen, of Florida, to be a Judge of the 
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
     Amanda L. Meredith, of Virginia, to be a Judge of 
the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
     Joseph L. Toth, of Wisconsin, to be a Judge of the 
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

    (19) Wednesday, July 26, 2017
    Business Meeting: Markup of Pending Legislation

     S. 1598, Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational 
Assistance Act of 2017

    (20) Wednesday, September 27, 2017
    Hearing: #BeThere: What More Can Be Done to Prevent Veteran 
Suicide?
    (21) Wednesday, October 4, 2017
    Nomination Hearing: Pending Nominations

          Melissa Sue Glynn, of the District of Columbia, to be 
        Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Enterprise 
        Integration
          Cheryl Mason, of Virginia, to be Chairman of the 
        Board of Veterans' Appeals
          Randy Reeves, of Mississippi, to be Under Secretary 
        of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs

    (22) Wednesday, October 25, 2017
    Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider Pending Nominations

     Melissa Sue Glynn, of the District of Columbia, to 
be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Enterprise 
Integration
     Cheryl Mason, of Virginia, to be Chairman of the 
Board of Veterans' Appeals
     Randy Reeves, of Mississippi, to be Under 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs

    (23) Tuesday, November 21, 2017
    Field Hearing: The State of VA Services in Ohio
    (24) Wednesday, November 29, 2017
    Business Meeting: Markup of Pending Legislation

     S. ____, Caring for our Veterans Act of 2017 
(Committee Print)

    (25) Wednesday, January 17, 2018
    Hearing: The State of the VA: A Progress Report on 
Implementing 2017 VA Reform Legislation
    (26) Tuesday, February 27, 2018
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of the Disabled American Veterans
    (27) Wednesday, February 28, 2018
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of The American Legion
    (28) Tuesday, March 6, 2018
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of Multiple Veterans Service 
Organizations (Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, Vietnam 
Veterans of America, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Iraq and 
Afghanistan Veterans of American, Association of the United 
States Navy, Wounded Warrior Project, National Guard 
Association of the United States, Non Commissioned Officers 
Association)
    (29) Wednesday, March 7, 2018
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
    (30) Wednesday, March 14, 2018
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives to receive 
the Legislative Presentation of Multiple Veterans Service 
Organizations (Air Force Sergeants Associations, Blinded 
Veterans Association, Fleet Reserve Association, Gold Star 
Wives of America, Jewish War Veterans of the United States of 
America, Military Officers Association of America, Military 
Order of the Purple Heart, National Association of State 
Directors of Veterans Affairs, The Retired Enlisted 
Association)
    (31) Wednesday, March 21, 2018
    Hearing: Fiscal Year 2019 Budget for Veterans' Programs and 
Fiscal Year 2020 Advance Appropriations Requests
    (32) Wednesday, April 11, 2018
    Nomination Hearing: Pending Nominations

          Paul Lawrence, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary for 
        Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs
          Joseph Falvey, of Michigan, to be a Judge of the 
        Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

    (33) Wednesday, April 18, 2018
    Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider Pending Nominations

     Paul Lawrence, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary 
for Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs
     Joseph Falvey, of Michigan, to be a Judge of the 
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

    (34) Wednesday, June 13, 2018
    Nomination Hearing: Pending Nomination

          John Lowry, III, of Illinois, to be Assistant 
        Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and 
        Training

    (35) Tuesday, June 19, 2018
    Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider Pending Nominations

     John Lowry, III, of Illinois, to be Assistant 
Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training

    (36) Wednesday, June 27, 2018
    Nomination Hearing: Pending Nomination

     Robert L. Wilkie, of North Carolina, to be 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs

    (37) Tuesday, July 10, 2018
    Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider Pending Nominations

     Robert L. Wilkie, of North Carolina, to be 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs

    (38) Wednesday, August 1, 2018
    Legislative Hearing: Pending Legislation

          H.R. 299, Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 
        2018
          S. ____, Veterans Dental Care Eligibility Expansion 
        and Enhancement Act of 2018
          S. 3184, to amend title 38, United States Code, to 
        modify the requirements for applications for 
        construction of State home facilities to increase the 
        maximum percentage of nonveterans allowed to be treated 
        at such facilities, and for other purposes
          Discussion Draft on Transition Assistance Reform
          S. ____, VA Hiring Enhancement Act
          H.R. 5418, Veterans Affairs Medical-Surgical 
        Purchasing Stabilization Act
          S. 1596, BRAVE Act of 2017
          S. 2881, Mare Island Naval Cemetery Transfer Act
          S. 1952, VA Financial Accountability Act of 2017
          S. 1990, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation 
        Improvement Act of 2017
          S. 2485, Medal of Honor Surviving Spouses Recognition 
        Act of 2018
          S. 2748, BATTLE for Servicemembers Act
          S. ____, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
        to establish a program to award grants to persons to 
        provide and coordinate the provision of suicide 
        prevention services for veterans transitioning from 
        service in the Armed Forces who are at risk of suicide 
        and for their families, and for other purposes
          S. ____, Modernization of Medical Records Access for 
        Veterans Act
          S. 514, No Hero Left Untreated Act

    (39) Wednesday, September 5, 2018
    Nomination Hearing: Pending Nominations

          Tamara Bonzanto, of New Jersey, to be Assistant 
        Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Accountability and 
        Whistleblower Protection
          James Paul Gfrerer, of Virginia, to be Assistant 
        Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Information and 
        Technology

    (40) Tuesday, September 18, 2018
    Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider Pending Nominations

     Tamara Bonzanto, of New Jersey, to be Assistant 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Accountability and 
Whistleblower Protection
     James Paul Gfrerer, of Virginia, to be Assistant 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Information and Technology

    (41) Wednesday, September 26, 2018
    Hearing: The State of the VA: A 60-Day Report

    (42) Wednesday, December 19, 2018
    Joint Hearing with the House of Representatives: Tracking 
Transformation: VA MISSION Act Implementation

                            II. LEGISLATION

A. First Session (2017)
    In the First Session, the Committee met in open session on 
May 24, 2017, and ordered favorably reported one piece of 
legislation to the full Senate.

     S. 1094 (Committee Print), Department of Veterans 
Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 
2017, 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 May 11, 2017. On May 24, 2017, the Committee 
ordered it to be reported favorably with an amendment in the 
nature of a substitute and reported the bill out of Committee 
without written report. The measure passed the Senate on June 
6, 2017. The House passed the bill on June 13, 2017, and the 
bill was signed into law on June 23, 2017, as Public Law 115-
41.

    In the First Session, the Committee met in open session on 
June 28, 2017, and ordered favorably reported one piece of 
legislation to the full Senate.

     S. 1024 (Committee Print), Veterans Appeals 
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017, a bill to amend 
title 38, United States Code, 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, and for other purposes. This measure was 
introduced in the Senate on May 3, 2017. The Committee ordered 
it to be reported favorably with an amendment in the nature of 
a substitute on June 28, 2017. On July 10, 2017, the Committee 
reported the bill out of Committee with a written report, 
Senate Report 115-126. On August 1, 2017, the Senate passed the 
House companion bill, H.R. 2288, with an amendment in the 
nature of a substitute containing the language of S. 1024 as 
reported out of Committee, which was signed into law as Public 
Law 115-55 on August 23, 2017.

    In the First Session, the Committee met in open session on 
July 26, 2017, and ordered favorably reported one piece of 
legislation to the full Senate.

     S. 1598, Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational 
Assistance Act of 2017, 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. This 
measure was introduced on July 20, 2017. The Committee ordered 
it to be reported favorably without amendment on July 26, 2017. 
On August 2, 2017, the Committee reported the bill out of 
Committee without written report. On August 2, 2017, the Senate 
passed the House companion bill, H.R. 3218, which was signed 
into law as Public Law 115-48 on August 16, 2017.

    In the First Session, the Committee met in open session on 
November 29, 2017, and ordered favorably reported one piece of 
legislation to the full Senate.

     S. 2193, Caring for our Veterans Act of 2017, an 
original bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve 
health care for veterans, and for other purposes. This measure 
was introduced in the Senate on December 5, 2017. On December 
5, 2017, the Committee reported the bill out of Committee 
without written report. The written report, Senate Report 115-
212, was filed on March 7, 2018.

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

     H.R. 609, a bill to designate the Department of 
Veterans Affairs health care center in Center Township, Butler 
County, Pennsylvania, as the Abie Abraham VA Clinic, was 
discharged by the Committee on February 17, 2017, by unanimous 
consent and passed the Senate the same day without amendment. 
It was signed into law as Public Law 115-9 on March 13, 2017.
     H.R. 1362, a bill to name the Department of 
Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Pago 
Pago, American Samoa, the Faleomavaega Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin VA 
Clinic, was discharged by the Committee on March 15, 2017, by 
unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day without 
amendment. It was signed into law as Public Law 115-16 on March 
31, 2017.
     S. 544, a bill to amend the Veterans Access, 
Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to modify the 
termination date for the Veterans Choice Program, and for other 
purposes, was discharged by the Committee on April 3, 2017, by 
unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day without 
amendment. It passed the House on April 5, 2017, and was signed 
into law as Public Law 115-26 on April 19, 2017.
     S. 12, the Increasing the Department of Veterans 
Affairs Accountability to Veterans Act of 2017, was discharged 
by the Committee on May 25, 2017, by unanimous consent and 
passed the Senate the same day with an amendment.
     S. 114, the Department of Veterans Affairs Bonus 
Transparency Act, was discharged by the Committee on May 25, 
2017, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day. 
This bill was later used by the House as the legislative 
vehicle for the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017, 
which was signed into law as Public Law 115-46 on August 12, 
2017.
     H.R. 2288, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and 
Modernization Act of 2017, was discharged by the Committee on 
August 1, 2017, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate the 
same day with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. It 
was signed into law as Public Law 115-55 on August 23, 2017.
     S. 1282, a bill to redesignate certain clinics of 
the Department of Veterans Affairs located in Montana, was 
discharged by the Committee on August 2, 2017, by unanimous 
consent and passed the Senate the same day with an amendment. 
It was signed into law on as Public Law 115-181 on June 5, 
2018.
     S. 1165, a bill to designate the medical center of 
the Department of Veterans Affairs in Huntington, West 
Virginia, as the Hershel ``Woody'' Williams VA Medical Center, 
was discharged by the Committee on September 7, 2017, by 
unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day without 
amendment.
     H.R. 1329, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-
Living Adjustment Act of 2017, was discharged by the Committee 
on October 25, 2017, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate 
the same day without amendment. It was signed into law on 
November 2, 2017 as Public Law 115-75.
     S. 324, the State Veterans Home Adult Day Health 
Care Improvement Act of 2017, was discharged by the Committee 
on November 9, 2017, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate 
the same day with an amendment. It was signed into law as 
Public Law 115-159 on March 27, 2018.
     S. 1153, the Veterans ACCESS Act, was discharged 
by the Committee on November 9, 2017, by unanimous consent and 
passed the Senate the same day without amendment.
     S. 1266, the Enhancing Veteran Care Act, was 
discharged by the Committee on November 9, 2017, by unanimous 
consent and passed the Senate the same day without amendment. 
It was signed into law on December 20, 2017 and became Public 
Law 115-95.
     H.R. 1545, the VA Prescription Data Accountability 
Act 2017, was discharged by the Committee on November 15, 2017, 
by unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day without 
amendment. It was signed into law on November 21, 2017 as 
Public Law 115-86.

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

     H.R. 2210, a bill to designate the community 
living center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Butler 
Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, as the Sergeant Joseph 
George Kusick VA Community Living Center, passed the Senate by 
unanimous consent on August 1, 2017, without amendment. It was 
signed into law as Public Law 115-47 on August 16, 2017.
     H.R. 3218, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans 
Educational Assistance Act of 2017, passed the Senate by 
unanimous consent on August 2, 2017, without amendment. It was 
signed into law as Public Law 115-48 on August 16, 2017.
     H.R. 3819, the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Expiring Authorities Act of 2017, passed the Senate by 
unanimous consent on September 27, 2017, without amendment. It 
was signed into law as Public Law 115-62 on September 29, 2017.
     H.R. 3949, the Veterans Apprenticeship and Labor 
Opportunity Reform (VALOR Act), passed the Senate by unanimous 
consent on November 15, 2017. It was signed into law as Public 
Law 115-89 on November 21, 2017.

    During the First Session, the Committee also incorporated 
provisions within the Committee's jurisdiction into broader 
legislation.
B. Second Session (2018)
    During the Second Session, the Committee discharged 
numerous bills by unanimous consent, as follows:

     S. 925, the VETS Act of 2017, was discharged by 
the Committee on January 3, 2018, by unanimous consent and 
passed the Senate the same day with an amendment.
     S. 1873, the Veteran PEER Act, was discharged by 
the Committee on January 25, 2018, by unanimous consent and 
passed the Senate by voice vote the same day with an amendment.
     S. 2246, a bill to designate the health care 
center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Tallahassee, 
Florida, as the Sergeant Ernest I. ``Boots'' Thomas VA Clinic, 
and for other purposes, was discharged by the Committee on 
February 14, 2018, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate 
the same day without amendment. It was signed into law as 
Public Law 115-193 on June 25, 2018.
     S. 946, the Veterans Treatment Court Improvement 
Act of 2018, was discharged by the Committee on February 15, 
2018, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day 
with an amendment.
     H.R. 3122, the Veterans Care Financial Protection 
Act of 2017, was discharged by the Committee on February 15, 
2018, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day 
without amendment. It was signed into law as Public Law 115-131 
on March 9, 2018.
     H.R. 1725, a bill 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, was discharged by the 
Committee on February 15, 2018, by unanimous consent and passed 
the Senate the same day without amendment. It was signed into 
law as Public Law 115-130 on March 9, 2018.
     H.R. 3656, a bill 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, was discharged by the 
Committee on March 1, 2018, by unanimous consent and passed the 
Senate the same day without amendment. It was signed into law 
as Public Law 115-136 on March 16, 2018.
     S. 2248, a bill to amend title 38, United States 
Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide 
certain burial benefits for spouses and children of veterans 
who are buried in tribal cemeteries, and for other purposes, 
was discharged by the Committee on March 1, 2018, by unanimous 
consent and passed the Senate the same day without amendment. 
This bill was later used by the House as the legislative 
vehicle for the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, 
which was passed by the Senate on December 19, 2018 and signed 
into law as Public Law 115-407 on December 31, 2018.
     S. 899, the Veterans Providing Health care 
Transition Improvement Act, was discharged by the Committee on 
March 20, 2018, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate the 
same day without amendment. It was signed into law as Public 
Law 115-238 on September 7, 2018.
     S. 2372, the Veterans Cemetery Benefit Correction 
Act, was discharged by the Committee on March 1, 2018, by 
unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day without 
amendment. This bill was later used by the House as the 
legislative vehicle for the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. 
Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems 
and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 or VA 
MISSION Act, which was passed by the Senate on May 23, 2018 and 
signed into law as Public Law 115-182 on June 6, 2018.
     H.R. 2772, the SEA Act of 2018, was discharged by 
the Committee on May 16, 2018, by unanimous consent and passed 
the Senate the same day with an amendment. It was signed into 
law as Public Law 115-188 on June 21, 2018.
     H.R. 3562, a bill 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, was discharged by the Committee on May 16, 
2018, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day 
without amendment. It was signed into law as Public Law 115-177 
on June 1, 2018.
     H.R. 3663, a bill to designate the medical center 
of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Huntington, West 
Virginia, as the Hershel ``Woody'' Williams VA Medical Center, 
was discharged by the Committee on May 24, 2018, by unanimous 
consent and passed the Senate the same day without amendment. 
It was signed into law as Public Law 115-183 on June 15, 2018.
     S. Res 551, a resolution expressing support for 
the designation of the week of June 18 through June 22, 2018, 
as National GI Bill Commemoration Week, was discharged by the 
Committee on June 21, 2018, by unanimous consent and passed the 
Senate the same day without amendment.
     H.R. 4958, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living 
Adjustment Act of 2018, was discharged by the Committee on 
September 25, 2018, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate 
the same day without amendment. It was signed into law as 
Public Law 115-258 on October 9, 2018.
     H.R. 3946, a bill to name the Department of 
Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in 
Statesboro, Georgia, the Ray Hendrix Department of Veterans 
Affairs Clinic, was discharged by the Committee on November 27, 
2018 by unanimous consent and passed the Senate the same day 
with an amendment. It was signed into law as Public Law 115-315 
on December 14, 2018.
     H.R. 1162, No Hero Left Untreated Act, was 
discharged by the Committee on December 19, 2018, by unanimous 
consent and passed the Senate the same day without amendment. 
It was signed into law as Public Law 115-339 on December 21, 
2018.
     S. 3444, a bill to designate the community-based 
outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lake 
Charles, Louisiana, the ``Douglas Fournet Department of 
Veterans Affairs Clinic,'' was discharged by the Committee on 
December 18, 2018, by unanimous consent and passed the Senate 
the same day with an amendment. It was signed into law as 
Public Law 115-421 on January 3, 2019.

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

     H.R. 4533, a bill to designate the health care 
system of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lexington, 
Kentucky as the ``Lexington VA Health Care System'' and to make 
other designations, passed the Senate by unanimous consent on 
February 15, 2018, without amendment. It was signed into law as 
Public Law 115-132 on March 9, 2018.
     H.R. 4910, the Veterans Cemetery Benefit 
Correction Act, passed the Senate by unanimous consent on May 
24, 2018, without amendment. It was signed into law as Public 
Law 115-184 on June 15, 2018.
     H.R. 2147, the Veterans Treatment Court 
Improvement Act of 2018, passed the Senate by unanimous consent 
on August 22, 2018, without amendment. It was signed into law 
as Public Law 115-240 on September 17, 2018.
     S. 3479, the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Expiring Authorities Act of 2018, passed the Senate on 
September 18, 2018, without amendment. It was signed into law 
as Public Law 115-251 on September 29, 2018.
     S. 3777, the Forever GI Bill Housing Payment 
Fulfillment Act of 2018, passed the Senate on December 18, 
2018, without amendment. It was signed into law as Public Law 
115-422 on January 3, 2019.

    During the Second Session, the Committee also incorporated 
provisions within the Committee's jurisdiction into broader 
legislation.
C. Reports
    S. 1024, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization 
Act of 2017. Senate Report 115-126.
    S. 2193, the Caring for our Veterans Act of 2017. Senate 
Report 115-212.
D. Public Laws
            Senate Vehicle
    S. 544, a bill to amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and 
Accountability Act of 2014 to modify the termination date for 
the Veterans Choice Program, and for other purposes, is Public 
Law 115-26.
    S. 1094, Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and 
Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, is Public Law 115-41.
    S. 114, VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017, is 
Public Law 115-46.
    S. 1266, Enhancing Veteran Care Act, is Public Law 115-95.
    S. 324, State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care 
Improvement Act of 2017, is Public Law 115-159.
    S. 1282, a bill to redesignate certain clinics of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs located in Montana, is Public 
Law 115-181.
    S. 2372, the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and 
Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and 
Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018, is 
Public Law 115-182.
    S. 2246, a bill to designate the health care center of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs in Tallahassee, Florida, as the 
Sergeant Ernest I. ``Boots'' Thomas VA Clinic, and for other 
purposes, is Public Law 115-193.
    S. 899, the Veterans Providing Health care Transition 
Improvement Act, is Public Law 115-238.
    S. 3479, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring 
Authorities Act of 2018, is Public Law 115-251.
    S. 2248, the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, 
is Public Law 115-407.
    S. 3444, a bill to designate the community-based outpatient 
clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lake Charles, 
Louisiana, the ``Douglas Fournet Department of Veterans Affairs 
Clinic,'' is Public Law 115-421.
    S. 3777, the Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment 
Act of 2018, is Public Law 115-422.
            House Vehicle
    H.R. 609, a bill to designate the Department of Veterans 
Affairs health care center in Center Township, Butler County, 
Pennsylvania, as the Abie Abraham VA Clinic, is Public Law 115-
9.
    H.R. 1362, a bill to name the Department of Veterans 
Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Pago Pago, 
American Samoa, the Faleomavaega Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin VA Clinic, 
is Public Law 115-16.
    H.R. 2210, a bill to designate the community living center 
of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Butler Township, 
Butler County, Pennsylvania, as the Sergeant Joseph George 
Kusick VA Community Living Center, is Public Law 115-47.
    H.R. 3218, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational 
Assistance Act of 2017, is Public Law 115-48.
    H.R. 2288, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and 
Modernization Act of 2017, is Public Law 115-55.
    H.R. 3819, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring 
Authorities Act of 2017, is Public Law 115-62.
    H.R. 1329, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living 
Adjustment Act of 2017, is Public Law 115-75.
    H.R. 1545, the VA Prescription Data Accountability Act 
2017, is Public Law 115-86.
    H.R. 3949, the VALOR Act, is Public Law 115-89.
    H.R. 1725, the Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act of 
2017, is Public Law 115-130.
    H.R. 3122, the Veterans Care Financial Protection Act of 
2017, is Public Law 115-131.
    H.R. 4533, a bill to designate the health care system of 
the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lexington, Kentucky as 
the ``Lexington VA Health Care System'' and to make other 
designations, is Public Law 115-132.
    H.R. 3656, a bill 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, is Public Law 115-136.
    H.R. 3562, a bill 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, is Public Law 115-177.
    H.R. 3663, a bill to designate the medical center of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs in Huntington, West Virginia, as 
the Hershel ``Woody'' Williams VA Medical Center, is Public Law 
115-183.
    H.R. 4910, the Veterans Cemetery Benefit Correction Act, is 
Public Law 115-184.
    H.R. 1900, National Veterans Memorial and Museum Act, is 
Public Law 115-186.
    H.R. 2772, the Department of Veterans Affairs Senior 
Executive Accountability Act of 2018, is Public Law 115-188.
    H.R. 2147, the Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act of 
2018, is Public Law 115-240.
    H.R. 4958, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living 
Adjustment Act of 2018, is Public Law 115-258.
    H.R. 3946, a bill to name the Department of Veterans 
Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Statesboro, 
Georgia, the Ray Hendrix Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic, 
is Public Law 115-315.
    H.R. 1162, the No Hero Left Untreated Act, is Public Law 
115-339.

                             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 (2017)
    On April 14, 2017, Committee majority staff visited VA's 
National Work Queue command center at a VA facility in 
Washington, DC. The oversight visit included a tour of the 
facility, a briefing on distribution of work at each stage of 
the claims process, a demonstration of the program used to 
create the rules for routing work to regional offices, and a 
demonstration of reporting tools available to the National Work 
Queue staff and to leadership at the regional offices.
    On April 18, 2017, Committee majority staff visited the 
Sheridan VA Medical Center in Sheridan, Wyoming. The oversight 
visit included a meeting with the executive leadership team, 
round tables with clinic schedulers and business office staff, 
a discussion with VA primary care doctors, and a tour of the 
facility.
    On April 20, 2017, Committee majority and minority staff 
visited VA's National Center for Homelessness Among Veterans in 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They met with Center leadership, 
received an overview of the Center, and a briefing from staff 
on ongoing research. Staff also visited the Corporal Michael J. 
Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. They 
met with the medical center's leadership and received briefings 
on non-VA care, behavioral health, opioid treatment, and 
emergency department care. Staff toured the facility and 
visited the facility's scheduling call center.
    On April 21, 2017, Committee majority staff visited the VA 
Medical Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. They met with the director 
of the medical center and staff from Veterans Integrated 
Service Network 19 to discuss concerns about the Veterans 
Choice Program.
    On April 25, 2017, Committee majority staff visited the 
Denver VA Medical Center replacement facility.
    On August 14, 2017, Committee minority staff visited the 
East Los Angeles Vet Center, East Los Angeles Community-Based 
Outpatient Clinic, and Culver City Vet Center. Staff met with 
leadership at each facility and received an overview of their 
operations and relationship with other veterans' providers in 
greater Los Angeles. Staff also received a tour of the 
facilities.
    On August 15, 2017, Committee minority staff visited the 
West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Staff met with leadership 
and received an overview of the medical center, ongoing 
construction projects, and progress in implementing the draft 
master plan. Staff also received a tour of the campus to 
include the various enhanced use lease housing projects.
    On August 16, 2017, Committee majority and minority staff 
visited the San Francisco VA Medical Center. They met with 
leadership and received an overview of the medical center, 
research program, and ongoing construction projects. Staff also 
received a tour of the facility.
    On August 17, 2017, Committee majority and minority staff 
visited the Palo Alto Health Care System. Staff met with 
leadership at the Palo Alto Division located in Palo Alto, 
California. They received an overview of the health care system 
and its capital portfolio and a tour of the campus. Staff 
traveled to the Livermore Division in Livermore, California. 
They received a briefing on the Livermore realignment 
construction project and toured the current facilities. Staff 
then traveled to the Menlo Park Division in Menlo Park, 
California, and received a tour of the welcome center, service 
dog training program, and housing serving homeless and at-risk 
veterans.
    On August 20-23, 2017, Committee minority staff visited VA 
medical facilities in Montana. Staff received a tour of the 
Fort Harrison VA Medical Center and participated in a meeting 
with VA Montana senior leadership, the Ranking Member, and 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding the priorities and 
challenges facing the VA Montana Health Care System. Staff also 
met with non-VA medical providers in Montana, and toured and 
met with personnel at the Missoula and Kalispell Community 
Based Outpatient Clinics.
B. Second Session (2018)
    On February 20-21, 2018, Committee majority staff visited 
the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia. They received 
a briefing from cemetery leadership and toured the cemetery. 
Staff also visited the VA Regional Office in Atlanta, Georgia. 
Staff met with leadership, employees, and toured the facility. 
Committee majority staff also visited the Atlanta VA Medical 
Center, toured the medical center, and met with Veterans 
Integrated Services Network and VA medical center leadership. 
Committee majority and minority staff visited the Veterans 
Crisis Line, received a briefing from leadership and toured the 
call center.
    On April 12, 2018, Committee majority and minority staff 
visited the Board of Veterans Appeals. Staff received a 
demonstration of a web tool that allows veterans to check the 
status of their benefits claims appeals online. Staff also 
toured the facility and met with Board leadership about 
emerging issues and implementation of the Veterans Appeals 
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017.
    On April 13, 2018, Committee majority staff visited VA's 
National Work Queue. Staff met with leadership, received a 
briefing on National Work Queue functions, and toured the 
facility.
    On May 22-25, 2018, Committee majority and minority staff 
attended the Veterans Rural Health Advisory Committee (VRHAC) 
Meeting, held in Biloxi, Mississippi, from May 23 to May 24, at 
the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System. Staff attended 
VRHAC meetings and gave a brief presentation on the VA MISSION 
Act. Staff also shadowed committee members on their tours of 
the facility and adjacent Keesler AFB Oncology and Cardiac 
Centers.
    On June 21, 2018, Committee minority staff visited VA's 
National Work Queue to conduct oversight of its operations.
    On July 8-13, 2018, Committee minority staff participated 
in listening sessions with veterans, community providers and VA 
personnel regarding implementation of the VA MISSION Act in 
Billings, Bozeman, Missoula and Great Falls, Montana.
    On July 19, 2018, Committee majority and minority staff 
visited the North Texas Veterans Health Administration (VHA) 
Health Care System in Dallas, Texas. The focus of the oversight 
was an update on the facility's operations as the second 
largest VHA system as well as its construction program, and a 
brief by Rehabilitation Counseling Service regional leadership. 
The visit included a tour of the facility and a chance to meet 
facility staff and patients.
    On July 20, 2018, Committee majority and minority staff 
visited the soon-to-be-replaced Denver VA Medical Center. Staff 
received a tour of the facility, focused on the services that 
will remain on-site for the near term as other services are 
transferred to the newly opened facility in Aurora, Colorado as 
well as understanding the proposed plan for the disposition of 
the property after all VHA services are transferred. Staff also 
received a tour of the new VHA facility in Aurora, Colorado.
    On July 21, 2018, Committee majority and minority staff 
attended the ceremony commemorating the opening of the new VHA 
facility in Aurora, Colorado.
    On July 24, 2018, Committee majority and minority staff 
participated in the Women Veterans Information Fair at the 
Veterans of Foreign War's National Convention in Kansas City, 
Missouri.
    On October 16, 2018, Committee minority staff visited the 
Creating Options for Veterans' Expedited Recovery (COVER) 
Commission meeting that was open to the public. The topics 
included discussion of available mental health care and 
complimentary and integrative health services at the Palo Alto 
Health Care System (PAHCS). After the Commission meeting, 
minority staff met with the Deputy Chief of Staff for Mental 
Health Operations, the Chief of Recreation Therapy, and the 
Suicide Prevention Coordinator to discuss available services 
and best practices. The visit also included a tour of the 
Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program (PTRP) and a 
meeting with the leadership of the PTRP leadership.
    On October 17, 2018, Committee minority staff attended the 
second day of the COVER Commission meeting at the Menlo Park 
Division of the PAHCS, discussing topics relating to data 
availability and VA PTSD research. The visit also included a 
brief interview with a social worker at the Next Steps Veterans 
Resource Center, which assists veterans through grants 
administered by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the 
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) grant. The 
Committee minority staff also met with the leadership of and 
toured the Women's Trauma Recovery Program and briefly toured 
the Men's Trauma Recovery Program. After visiting the Menlo 
Park Division, staff visited the Golden Gate National Cemetery 
in San Bruno. The visit included a tour as well as a meeting 
with cemetery leadership.
    On October 18, 2018, Committee minority staff visited the 
Oakland Regional Benefit Office (RO). The visit included a 
meeting with the acting director and leadership of the 
vocational rehabilitation and employment (VR&E) and SSD 
programs. The head of the union led a tour of the facility, 
highlighting the different phases a claim goes through before 
being sent back to the veteran. After visiting the Oakland RO, 
the minority staff traveled to Swords to Ploughshares in 
Oakland and met with the Legislative Director and others to 
discuss homeless veteran issues and education and employment.
    On October 22, 2018, Committee majority and minority staff 
traveled to Shepherdstown, West Virginia, to conduct oversight 
and learn about the White House veterans hotline call center. 
They met with the chief veterans experience officer and the 
director of operations for the White House hotline. The visit 
included hotline metrics, how calls are handled, call center 
agent training, funding, policies in place to deal with 
harassment, and backup systems. During the visit, staff were 
able to tour the facility and sit in with a call center agent 
while they handled calls from veterans.
    On October 24-26, 2018, Committee majority staff visited 
the Boston, Massachusetts Vet Center. They toured the facility 
and received a briefing from leadership. Staff also visited the 
Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center in Boston. They met with VA 
medical center leadership and staff on issues related to mental 
health, homelessness, and the Million Veteran Program. In 
addition, Committee majority staff visited non-profits that 
partner with VA in assisting homeless veterans and providing 
mental health care to veterans and their families.

                            IV. NOMINATIONS

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Date of       Date of        Date          Date
                    Name and Position                      Nomination      Hearing      Reported      Confirmed
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Session
 
  David J. Shulkin, M.D.................................    1/20/2017      2/1/2017      2/7/2017     2/13/2017
    Secretary of Veterans Affairs
  Thomas G. Bowman......................................    6/26/2017     7/19/2017     7/20/2017      8/3/2017
    Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs
  Brooks D. Tucker......................................    5/16/2017     7/19/2017     7/20/2017      8/3/2017
    Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for
     Congressional and Legislative Affairs
  James Byrne...........................................    6/26/2017     7/19/2017     7/20/2017      8/3/2017
    General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs
  Michael P. Allen......................................     6/7/2017     7/19/2017     7/20/2017      8/3/2017
    Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for
     Veterans Claims
  Amanda L. Meredith....................................     6/7/2017     7/19/2017     7/20/2017      8/3/2017
    Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for
     Veterans Claims
  Joseph L. Toth........................................     6/7/2017     7/19/2017     7/20/2017      8/3/2017
    Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for
     Veterans Claims
  Melissa Sue Glynn.....................................     8/2/2017     10/4/2017    10/25/2017     11/8/2017
    Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for
     Enterprise Integration
  Cheryl Mason..........................................     9/5/2017     10/4/2017    10/25/2017     11/8/2017
    Chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals
  Randy Reeves..........................................     9/6/2017     10/4/2017    10/25/2017     11/8/2017
    Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial
     Affairs
  Jon J. Rychalski......................................   10/16/2017            --            --    12/21/2017
    Chief Financial Officer, Department of Veterans
     Affairs
Second Session
 
  Joseph L. Falvey......................................   01/24/2018    04/11/2018    04/18/2018    04/26/2018
    Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for
     Veterans Claims
  Ronny L. Jackson......................................   03/20/2018            --            --            --
    Secretary of Veterans Affairs
  Paul R. Lawrence......................................   02/27/2018    04/11/2018    04/18/2018    04/26/2018
    Under Secretary for Benefits, Department of Veterans
     Affairs
  John Lowry III........................................   04/26/2018    06/13/2018    06/19/2018            --
    Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans'
     Employment and Training
  Robert L. Wilkie......................................   06/20/2018    06/27/2018    07/10/2018    07/23/2018
    Secretary of Veterans Affairs
  Tamara Bonzanto.......................................   07/24/2018    09/05/2018    09/18/2018    01/02/2019
    Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for
     Accountability and Whistleblower Protection
  James Paul Gfrerer....................................   07/31/2018    09/05/2018    09/18/2018    01/02/2019
    Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for
     Information and Technology
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    V. BUDGET FOR VETERANS PROGRAMS

A. First Session (2017)
    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 Chairman's Views and Estimates on the Administration's 
proposed fiscal year 2018 budget for veterans' programs. The 
letter submitted is printed below in its entirety:


        [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
        
        

                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

 JOHNNY ISAKSON, Georgia, Chairman

JON TESTER, Montana, Ranking Member  JERRY MORAN, Kansas
PATTY MURRAY, Washington             JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas
BERNARD SANDERS, (I) Vermont         DEAN HELLER, Nevada
SHERROD BROWN, Ohio                  BILL CASSIDY, Louisiana
RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut      MIKE ROUNDS, South Dakota
MAZIE K. HIRONO, Hawaii              THOM TILLIS, North Carolina
JOE MANCHIN III, West Virginia       DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska

     Thomas G. Bowman, Staff 
            Director\1\
Robert J. Henke, Staff Director\2\
  Tony McClain, Democratic Staff 
             Director

\1\Thomas G. Bowman served as Committee majority Staff Director through 
September 5, 2017, after being confirmed as Deputy Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs on August 3, 2017.
\2\Robert J. Henke became the Committee majority Staff Director on 
September 6, 2017.