LIBERTY BELL CHAPTER 266, VIETNAM
VETERANS OF AMERICA
October 5,
2015, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Since our last Chapter Meeting on September 14, 2015, the
following bills and items of concern from a legislative perspective have come,
or are pending, before the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania General Assembly and
the U.S. Congress for action. Any items pending as of the last meeting, but
that had no action taken on them since the last meeting, are not included in
this report, unless they were inadvertently omitted from the previous report.
PA GENERAL ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE:
For the PA Senate Calendar, see:
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTM
For the PA House of Representatives Calendars, see:
and
PA HOUSE VETERANS AFFAIRS &
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE HEARINGS:
PA SENATE VETERANS AFFAIRS &
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE HEARINGS:
U.S. House Committee on Veterans
Affairs
Oct 7, 2015 - A Call for System-Wide Change: Evaluating the Independent
Assessment of the Veterans Health Administration
Oct 21, 2015 - An Examination of the VA Office of Inspector General’s
Final Report on the Inappropriate Use of Position and the Misuse of the
Relocation Program and Incentives
Oct 22, 2015 - Evaluating VA Primary Care Delivery, Workload, and Cost
Oct 22, 2015 - A Review of VA’s VetSuccess on Campus Program
U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs
Committee Hearings
09/16/15 2:30 PM - Pending Legislation, Russell Senate Office Building
SR-418.
09/29/15 10:00AM - Examining the Impact of Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
on Veterans and the VA’s Response -
Russell Senate Office Building SR-418
09/30/15 02:30PM - Pending Nomination of Michael H. Michaud, Nominee to
be Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training - Russell SR-418
10/06/15 02:30PM - Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider the Pending
Nomination of Michael H. Michaud
- Russell Senate Office Building SR-418
10/06/15 02:30PM - Pending Health Care and Benefits Legislation - Russell Senate Office Building SR-418
COMMONWEALTH OF PA HOUSE BILLS 2015-2016 Session:
HB 62 - An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of
the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in grants to fire companies and
volunteer services, further providing for award of grants. Last Action: Re-reported as
committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 21, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 21, 2015 (197-0). In the
Senate - Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Sept. 25,
2015.
HB 75 - An Act amending the act of September 27, 1961
(P.L.1700, No.699), known as the Pharmacy Act, providing for nonresident
pharmacies. To require pharmacies
located outside of Pennsylvania to register with the State Board of Pharmacy if
they fill prescription orders for residents of the Commonwealth. Among other provisions in the bill, in order
to register nonresident pharmacies will be required to have a valid license in
their home state and provide a copy of their most recent inspection
report. Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, Feb. 25, 2015 (198-0). In the
Senate - Second consideration, Sept. 16, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 18, 2015 (49-0). Signed
in House, Sept. 21, 2015. Signed in Senate, Sept. 28, 2015. Presented
to the Governor, Sept. 29, 2015.
HB 175 - An Act amending the act of April 26, 2006 (P.L.91, No.29),
known as the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans' Benefit Act, further providing for
application for compensation and for Commonwealth indebtedness. Bill would extend the application deadline to
8/31/18. Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, June 2, 2015 (195-0). (Remarks see House Journal
Page ), June 2, 2015. In the Senate
- PN 2179 Re-reported as amended from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 16, 2015. Second
consideration, Sept. 17, 2015. Third
consideration and final passage, Sept.
18, 2015 (49-0). In the House - Referred to RULES, Sept. 21, 2015. See: http://thedailyreview.com/news/pa-persian-gulf-conflict-veterans-bonus-will-end-aug-31-unless-senate-votes-for-extension-1.1931343
and http://wesa.fm/post/lawmaker-wants-senate-act-now-veterans-benefit-set-expire
.
HB 222 - An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967
(P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public Welfare Code, in public assistance,
prohibiting eligibility for individuals convicted of drug distribution.
Last Action: Laid on the table, Sept. 29, 2015. Removed from table, Sept. 29, 2015.
HB 478 - An Act establishing guidelines and procedures
governing certain investigations of correctional officers by the Department of
Corrections; authorizing certain civil suits by correctional officers; and
providing for impact of collective bargaining agreements and for summary
suspensions. Last Action: Laid on
the table, Sept. 21, 2015. Removed from
table, Sept. 21, 2015.
HB 677 - An Act amending the act of December 7, 1990
(P.L.639, No.165), known as the Hazardous Material Emergency Planning and
Response Act, in hazardous material protection, further providing for
establishment and functions of local emergency planning committees and for
emergency reporting requirements. Last Action: Re-reported as committed
from RULES, Sept. 21, 2015. Laid on the
table, Sept. 21, 2015.
HB 727 - An Act amending Titles 24 (Education), 51
(Military Affairs) and 71 (State Government) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes, in Title 24, in preliminary provisions, further providing for
definitions and construction and providing for references; in retirement
membership, contributions and benefits, further providing for mandatory and
optional membership, for credited school service, for waiver of adjustments and
for classes of service, for elections, for eligibility points, for eligibility
for annuities, for eligibility for refunds, for pickup contributions, for
member contributions, for contributions for purchase of credit, for annual
compensation limit, for contributions by Commonwealth, for payments by
employers, for actuarial cost method, for appropriations by Commonwealth, for
return of accumulated deductions, for single life annuity, for disability
annuities, for termination of annuities and payment of benefits; providing for
school employees' defined contribution plan; in administrative and
miscellaneous provisions, further providing for the Public School Employees'
Retirement Board, for administrative duties of board, for health insurance, for
advisory and reporting duties, for application and election duties, for duties
of employers, for rights and duties of school employees and members, for
management of fund and accounts, for Public School Employees' Retirement Fund,
for State accumulation account, for annuity reserve account, for State
guarantee, for taxation, for attachment and assignment of funds, for approval
of domestic relations orders, for irrevocable survivor annuitant and for
amendment of approved domestic relations orders; providing for irrevocable
successor payee; further providing for fraud and adjustment of errors and for
payments to school entities by Commonwealth; providing for payments to school
entities by Commonwealth commencing with the 2015-2016 school year; in health
insurance for retired school employees, further providing for definitions; in
Title 51, in employment preferences and pensions, further providing for
military leaves of absence; in Title 71, in retirement for State employees and
officers, further providing for definitions, for preliminary provisions and for
membership, credited service, classes of service, and eligibility benefits,
providing for State Employees' Defined Contribution Plan, further providing for
contributions, for benefits and for administration, funds and accounts; and
making editorial changes. Last Action: Laid on the table, Sept. 29,
2015. Removed from table, Sept. 29,
2015.
HB 784 - An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6,
No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for the Vets First tax
credit to honor veterans for their service to our country and provide
incentives for their employment. Last Action: Re-reported as committed
from RULES, Sept. 21, 2015. Laid on the
table, Sept. 21, 2015.
HB 928 - An Act amending the act of February 9, 1999
(P.L.1, No.1), known as the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital facilities,
further providing for appropriation for and limitation on redevelopment
assistance capital projects. Last
Action: Re-reported as committed from RULES, Sept. 21, 2015. Laid on the table, Sept. 21, 2015.
HB 929 - An Act amending the act of February 9, 1999
(P.L.1, No.1), known as the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital
facilities, further providing for procedures for capital budget. Last
Action: Re-reported as committed from RULES, Sept. 21, 2015. Laid on the table, Sept. 21, 2015.
HB 930 - An Act amending the act of February 9, 1999
(P.L.1, No.1), known as the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital
facilities, further providing for appropriation for and limitation on
redevelopment assistance capital projects. Last
Action: Re-reported as committed from RULES, Sept. 21, 2015. Laid on the table, Sept. 21, 2015.
HB 1167 - An Act amending the act of November 24, 1998
(P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime Victims Act, in enforcement, providing
for State income tax intercept. Last Actions: Re-reported as committed,
Sept. 21, 2015. Laid on the table, Sept. 21, 2015. Removed from table, Sept. 24, 2015. Second
consideration, Sept. 29, 2015.
Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 29, 2015.
HB 1279 - An Act designating a section of Christopher
Columbus Boulevard between Oregon Avenue and Washington Avenue in the City of
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, as the William J. Guarnere and Edward James
Heffron Memorial Boulevard. Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, June 28, 2015
(192-0). (Remarks see House Journal Page
), June 28, 2015. In the Senate - PN
2218 Reported as amended from TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 29, 2015. First
consideration, Sept. 29, 2015.
HB 1313 - An Act amending the act of December 19, 1988
(P.L.1262, No.156), known as the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act,
further providing for definitions, for games of chance permitted, for prize
limits, for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers and for
licensing of eligible organizations; and imposing a club licensee tax. Last Action:
PN 2224 Referred to GAMING OVERSIGHT, Sept. 29, 2015.
HB 1460 - An Act to provide from the General Fund for the
expenses of the Executive and Judicial Departments, the State Government
Support Agencies and the General Assembly of the Commonwealth, the public debt
and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, for
certain institutions and organizations, and for the payment of bills incurred
and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015; to
provide appropriations from the State Lottery Fund, the Tobacco Settlement
Fund, the Aviation Restricted Account, the Hazardous Material Response Fund,
The State Stores Fund, the Milk Marketing Fund, the Home Investment Trust Fund,
the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, the Tuition Account Guaranteed
Savings Program Fund, the Banking Fund, the Firearm Records Check Fund, the Ben
Franklin Technology Development Authority Fund, the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, the
Home Improvement Account, the Cigarette Fire Safety and Firefighter Protection
Act Enforcement Fund, the Insurance Regulation and Oversight Fund, the
Pennsylvania Racehorse Development Restricted Receipt Account, the Justice
Reinvestment Fund and the Multimodal Transportation Fund to the Executive
Department; to provide appropriations from the Judicial Computer System
Augmentation Account to the Judicial Department for the fiscal year July 1,
2015, to June 30, 2016; to provide appropriations from the Motor License Fund
for the fiscal year July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, for the proper operation of
several departments of the Commonwealth and the Pennsylvania State Police
authorized to spend Motor License Fund money; to provide for the appropriation
of Federal funds to the Executive Department of the Commonwealth and for the
payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June
30, 2015; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State
funds from the General Fund and the State Lottery Fund for the Executive
Department of the Commonwealth for the fiscal year July 1, 2014, to June 30,
2015, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close
of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015. Last
Action: Re-reported as committed from RULES, Sept. 21, 2015. Laid on the table, Sept. 21, 2015. [This appears to replace the bill vetoed by
Governor Wolf]
HB 1544 - An Act providing for Sickle Cell Disease or
Sickle Cell Trait testing. Last Action: PN 2227 Referred to
HEALTH, Sept. 29, 2015.
HB 1560 - An Act amending Title 25 (Elections) of the
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in voting procedures, further providing for
application for absentee ballots. Last Action: PN 2240 Referred to STATE
GOVERNMENT, Sept. 29, 2015.
HB 1569 - An Act amending the act of July 10, 2015 (P.L.148, No.29),
entitled "An act designating the Conodoguinet Bridge on that portion of
State Route 641 over the Conodoguinet Creek, Hopewell Township, Cumberland
County, as the Army Pfc. Harold 'Sam' E. Barrick Memorial Bridge; designating
the bridge located on that portion of State Route 865, over the railroad tracks
and Main Street in Bellwood, Blair County, as the Dominec M. 'Patsy' Padula
Memorial Bridge; designating the bridge on that portion of State Route 940 over
Tobyhanna Creek (Pocono Lake) in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County, as the
Sullivan Bridge; designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 155 over
the Allegheny River, Port Allegany Borough and Liberty Township, McKean County,
as the Port Allegany Veterans Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge on that
portion of Local Route T-325 over the Allegheny River, Coudersport Borough,
Potter County, as the Lt. William E. Daisley, Jr., Memorial Bridge; designating
the bridge on that portion of State Route 3005 over the outlet of Lily Lake,
Conyngham Township, Luzerne County, as the Senior Officer Eric J. Williams
Memorial Bridge; designating the bridge on that portion of State Route 3005
over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Greenwood Township, Clearfield
County, as the 1st Lieutenant Wendell Elbert Ross Memorial Bridge; designating
a bridge on that portion of State Route 3007 over the Redbank Creek,
Summerville Borough, Jefferson County, as the Summerville Veterans Memorial
Bridge; and renaming the bridge on that portion of U.S. Route 219 over U.S.
Route 422 in Ebensburg Borough, Cambria County, as the Alexander Miller
Abercrombie Memorial Bridge," further providing for the Dominec M. "Patsy"
Padula Memorial Bridge. Last Action: PN 2249 Referred to
TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 29, 2015.
HB 1600 - An Act amending Titles 51 (Military Affairs)
and 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in
veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for
regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General
Services, for bonding and progress payments and for reports; providing for
business fee exemption; making editorial changes; in administrative practice
and procedure, further providing for diverse business participation; and
providing for the status of a veteran-owned small business and a service-disabled
veteran-owned small business. Last Action: PN 2252 Referred to
COMMERCE, Sept. 29, 2015.
COMMONWEALTH OF PA
HOUSE RESOLUTIONS 2015-2016 Session:
HR 14 - A Resolution designating the month of October 2015
as "Chiropractic Health and Wellness Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Action(s): Adopted, Sept. 21,
2015 (197-0).
HR 421 - A Resolution recognizing the month of September
2015 as "National Recovery Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 21,
2015 (197-0). (Remarks see House Journal
Page ), Sept. 21, 2015.
HR 434 - A Resolution recognizing September 25, 2015, as
"International Ataxia Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 21,
2015 (197-0).
HR 436 - A Resolution commemorating September 2, 2015, as
"V-J Day" in Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 29, 2015 (192-0). (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Sept. 29,
2015.
HR 437 - A Resolution urging the Congress of the United
States and the Department of Defense to expeditiously address the safety and
protection of United States Armed Forces personnel within the borders of the
United States. Latest Major Action: Adopted,
Sept. 24, 2015 (199-0).
HR 449 - A Resolution designating September 27, 2015, as
"First Responder Appreciation Day" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 21,
2015 (197-0). (Remarks see House Journal
Page ), Sept. 21, 2015.
HR 451 - A Resolution recognizing the month of September
2015 as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania and
acknowledging the importance of raising public awareness of the threat and
causes of prostate cancer. Latest Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 21, 2015 (197-0).
HR 457 - A Resolution designating the month of September
2015 as "Emergency Preparedness Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 24,
2015 (198-0).
HR 458 - A Resolution recognizing the month of September
2015 as "Senior Center Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 24,
2015 (198-0).
HR 459 - A Resolution designating the week of September 13
through 19, 2015, as "Direct Support Professionals Week" in
Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: Adopted,
Sept. 24, 2015 (198-0).
HR 461 - A Resolution designating September 18, 2015, as
"Falls and Flu Prevention and Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: Referred to RULES, Sept. 24, 2015.
HR 463 - A Resolution designating the month September 2015
as "Military Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: Adopted,
Sept. 24, 2015 (198-0).
HR 464 - A Resolution recognizing September 11, 2015, as
"Keystone Wounded Warrior Day" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 21,
2015 (197-0). (Remarks see House Journal
Page ), Sept. 21, 2015.
HR 465 - A Resolution celebrating the 2015 World Meeting of
Families in Philadelphia and Pope Francis' inaugural visit to the United
States. Latest Major Action: PN 2182 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL
RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Sept. 18, 2015.
HR 468 - A Resolution honoring and remembering the five
fallen service members who were killed or mortally wounded during a mass
shooting at a joint Navy and Marine Corps facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee,
on July 16, 2015. Latest Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 21, 2015 (197-0). (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Sept. 21,
2015.
HR 469 - A Resolution urging the Congress of the United
States to reject the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action relating to Iran's
nuclear program. Latest Major Action: PN 2220 Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Sept.
29, 2015.
HR 473 - A Resolution designating November 2, 2015, as
"Veterans, Record Your Discharge Day" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: PN 2183 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Sept. 18, 2015.
HR 474 - A Resolution observing September 15 through October
15, 2015, as "Hispanic Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: PN 2184 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Sept. 18, 2015.
HR 475 - A Resolution honoring Jose Molina, Executive
Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, for his
extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to the Commonwealth in
observance of "Hispanic Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: PN 2185 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Sept. 18, 2015.
HR 480 - A Resolution recognizing September 23, 2015, as
"National Falls Prevention Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: PN 2190 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Sept. 18, 2015. Adopted, Sept. 21, 2015 (197-0).
(Remarks see House Journal Page ), Sept. 21, 2015.
HR 482 - A Resolution recognizing September 15 through
October 15, 2015, as "National Hispanic Heritage Month" in
Pennsylvania and honoring Captain Michael Anthony Bastone, Sr., of the
Philadelphia Sheriff's Office in conjunction with this observance. Latest
Major Action: PN 2192 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Sept. 18, 2015.
HR 486 - A Resolution honoring female veterans who
heroically served our country as members of the United States Armed
Forces. Latest Major Action: PN 2195 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL
RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Sept. 18, 2015. Adopted,
Sept. 29, 2015 (192-0). (Remarks see
House Journal Page ), Sept. 29, 2015.
HR 489 - A Resolution recognizing the week of October 19
through 23, 2015, as "National Medical Assistants Recognition Week"
in Pennsylvania in recognition of the quality care, support and vital services
provided by medical assistants in this Commonwealth. Latest
Major Action: PN 2198 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Sept. 18, 2015.
HR 490 - A Resolution recognizing the month of October 2015
as "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania and
October 16, 2015, as "National Mammography Day" in Pennsylvania to
promote awareness of breast cancer issues and encourage women and men to take
action to protect themselves against breast cancer. Latest
Major Action: PN 2199 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Sept. 18, 2015.
HR 491 - A Resolution designating September 21, 2015, as
"Peace Day" in Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: PN 2200 INTRODUCED
AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Sept. 18, 2015. Adopted, Sept. 24, 2015 (198-0).
HR 492 - A Resolution designating the month of September
2015 as "Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: PN 2201 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL
RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Sept. 18, 2015. Adopted,
Sept. 24, 2015 (198-0).
HR 494 - A Resolution designating the month of September
2015 as "Pain Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: PN 2203 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Sept. 18, 2015. Adopted, Sept. 21, 2015 (197-0).
HR 496 - A Resolution recognizing September 11, 2015, as the
14th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, Al Qaeda attacks on our nation and
honoring the sacrifices of the victims and first responders. Latest
Major Action: PN 2205 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Sept. 18, 2015 Adopted, Sept.
24, 2015 (198-0).
HR 498 - A Resolution designating September 21, 2015, as
"Women In Bio Day" in Pennsylvania.
Latest Major Action: PN 2207
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Sept. 18, 2015. Adopted,
Sept. 24, 2015 (198-0).
HR 500 - A Resolution urging the Congress of the United
States to establish a national day of recognition for the veterans of the
Vietnam War and designating the 50th anniversary of the Battle in the Ia Drang
Valley, November 14, 2015, as "Vietnam Veteran Recognition Day" in
Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action:
PN 2172 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Sept. 11,
2015.
HR 502 - A Resolution adopting a temporary rule of the House
of Representatives relating solely to amendments to the General Appropriation
Bill for the fiscal year 2015-2016, Senate Bill 1000 (2015). Latest Major Action: PN 2208
Introduced, Sept. 21, 2015.
HR 507 - A Resolution recognizing the week of September 20
through 26, 2015, as "National Rehabilitation Awareness Celebration
Week" in Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: PN 2214 INTRODUCED
AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Sept. 22, 2015.
HR 509 - A Resolution designating the month of September
2015 as "Sepsis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: PN 2216 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Sept. 22, 2015. Adopted, Sept. 24, 2015 (198-0).
COMMONWEALTH OF PA SENATE BILLS 2015-2016 Session:
SB 685 - An Act amending the act of December 20, 1985
(P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, providing for
visiting team physician. Last Action: Reported as committed from
CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, Sept. 17, 2015. First consideration, Sept. 17, 2015.
SB 686 - An Act amending the act of October 5, 1978
(P.L.1109, No.261), known as the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act, providing
for visiting team physician. Last Action: Reported as committed from
CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, Sept. 17, 2015. First
consideration, Sept. 17, 2015.
SB 772 - An Act amending the act of March 23, 1972 (P.L.136,
No.52), known as the Professional Psychologists Practice Act, further providing
for definitions and for temporary license; allowing applicants to take test
sooner; defining board's powers; making editorial changes; and making a
repeal. Last Action: Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept.
28, 2015. Second consideration, Sept.
29, 2015.
SB 879 - An Act
providing for the establishment of a savings program by the Treasury Department
to encourage savings accounts for individuals with disabilities; establishing
the Pennsylvania ABLE Savings Program and the ABLE Savings Program Fund; and
imposing duties on the Treasury Department.
Last Action: PN 1238
Re-reported as amended from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 16, 2015. Second consideration, Sept. 17, 2015. Third
consideration and final passage,
Sept. 18, 2015 (49-0). (Remarks see
Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 18, 2015.
In the House - Referred to
FINANCE, Sept. 29, 2015.
SB 913 - An Act making appropriations
to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. Last Action: Laid on the table, Sept. 17, 2015.
SB 914 - A Supplement to the act
of November 30, 1965 (P.L.843, No.355), entitled "An act providing for the
establishment and operation of Temple University as an instrumentality of the
Commonwealth to serve as a State-related university in the higher education
system of the Commonwealth; providing for change of name; providing for the
composition of the board of trustees; terms of trustees, and the power and
duties of such trustees; providing for preference to Pennsylvania residents in
tuition; providing for public support and capital improvements; authorizing
appropriations in amounts to be fixed annually by the General Assembly;
providing for the auditing of accounts of expenditures from said
appropriations; authorizing the issuance of bonds exempt from taxation within
the Commonwealth; requiring the President to make an annual report of the
operations of Temple University," making an appropriation for carrying the
same into effect; providing for a basis for payments of such appropriation; and
providing a method of accounting for the funds appropriated and for certain
fiscal information disclosure. Last Action: Laid on the table, Sept.
17, 2015.
SB 915 - A Supplement to the act
of July 28, 1966 (3rd Sp.Sess., P.L.87, No.3), known as the University of
Pittsburgh--Commonwealth Act, making appropriations for carrying the same into
effect; and providing for a basis for payments of such appropriations, for a
method of accounting for the funds appropriated and for certain fiscal
information disclosure. Last Action:. Laid on the table, Sept. 17, 2015.
SB 916 - A Supplement to the act
of July 7, 1972 (P.L.743, No.176), known as the Lincoln University-Commonwealth
Act, making an appropriation for carrying the same into effect; providing for a
basis for payments of the appropriation; and providing a method of accounting
for the funds appropriated and for certain fiscal information disclosure. Last Action: Laid on the table, Sept.
17, 2015.
SB 956 - An Act designating a
bridge on that portion of State Route 711 over the Loyalhanna Creek in Ligonier
Township, Westmoreland County, as the Lieutenant Eric Eslary Memorial
Bridge. Last Action: Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 29,
2015. First consideration, Sept. 29,
2015.
SB 988 - An Act designating a bridge on that portion
of State Route 403 over the Two Lick Creek, Borough of Clymer, Indiana County
as the Sergeant James Robert Pantall Memorial Bridge. Pantall was from CLYMER, PA, and is listed
on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Last Action: Reported as committed from
TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 29, 2015. First
consideration, Sept. 29, 2015.
SB 989 - An Act designating a bridge on that portion
of State Route 580 over the Susquehanna River, Cherry Tree Borough, Indiana
County, as the Airman Second Class Gerald Emmett Johnson Memorial Bridge. Last
Action: Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 29, 2015. First
consideration, Sept. 29, 2015.
SB 1000 - An Act to provide from
the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive and Judicial Departments,
the State Government Support Agencies and the General Assembly of the
Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July
1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, for certain institutions and organizations, and for
the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2015; to provide appropriations from the State Lottery
Fund, the Tobacco Settlement Fund, the Aviation Restricted Account, the
Hazardous Material Response Fund, The State Stores Fund, the Milk Marketing
Fund, the Home Investment Trust Fund, the Emergency Medical Services Operating
Fund, the Tuition Account Guaranteed Savings Program Fund, the Banking Fund,
the Firearm Records Check Fund, the Ben Franklin Technology Development
Authority Fund, the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, the Home Improvement Account, the
Cigarette Fire Safety and Firefighter Protection Act Enforcement Fund, the
Insurance Regulation and Oversight Fund, the Pennsylvania Racehorse Development
Restricted Receipt Account, the Justice Reinvestment Fund and the Multimodal Transportation
Fund to the Executive Department; to provide appropriations from the Judicial
Computer System Augmentation Account to the Judicial Department for the fiscal
year July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016; to provide appropriations from the Motor
License Fund for the fiscal year July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, for the proper
operation of several departments of the Commonwealth and the Pennsylvania State
Police authorized to spend Motor License Fund money; and to provide for the
appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive Department of the Commonwealth
and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2015. Last Action: PN
1232 Referred to APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 15, 2015. Reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS,
Sept. 16, 2015. First consideration,
Sept. 16, 2015. Second consideration,
Sept. 17, 2015. Third consideration and final
passage, Sept. 18, 2015 (30-19).
(Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 18, 2015. In the House - Referred to APPROPRIATIONS,
Sept. 21, 2015. Reported as committed
from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 21, 2015.
First consideration, Sept. 21, 2015.
Laid on the table, Sept. 21, 2015.
Removed from table, Sept. 21, 2015.
Second consideration, Sept. 22, 2015.
Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 22, 2015. Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS,
Sept. 24, 2015. Third consideration and final
passage, Sept. 24, 2015 (117-83).
(Remarks see House Journal Page ....), Sept. 24, 2015. Signed in House, Sept. 24, 2015. Presented to the Governor, Sept. 28,
2015. Vetoed by the Governor, Sept. 29, 2015. Veto
No. 7. In the Senate - Bill, together with Governor's Veto Message, laid
on the table, Sept. 29, 2015.
SB 1001 - An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929
(P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in special funds, further
providing for funding, for State Workers' Insurance Board and for expiration;
in the Tobacco Settlement Fund, further providing for use; in the Pennsylvania
Race Horse Development Fund, further providing for distribution; in general
budget implementation, further providing for the Department of Community and
Economic Development and for the Pennsylvania State Police; providing for
2015-2016 budget implementation and for 2015-2016 restrictions on
appropriations for funds and accounts; and making related repeals. Last
Action: PN 1233 Referred to APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 15, 2015. Reported as
committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 16, 2015. First consideration, Sept. 16,
2015. Second consideration, Sept. 17,
2015. Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 18, 2015 (30-19).
(Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 18, 2015. In the House - Referred to APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 21, 2015. Reported
as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 21, 2015. First consideration, Sept.
21, 2015. Laid on the table, Sept. 21,
2015. Removed from table, Sept. 21, 2015.
Second consideration, Sept. 22, 2015.
Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 22, 2015. Re-reported as committed
from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 24, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 24, 2015 (113-86).
(Remarks see House Journal Page ....), Sept. 24, 2015. Signed in Senate, Sept. 28, 2015. Signed in House, Sept. 24, 2015. Presented to the Governor, Sept. 28, 2015. Vetoed by the Governor, Sept. 29, 2015. Veto No. 8. In the Senate - Bill, together with Governor's Veto
Message, laid on the table, Sept. 29, 2015.
SB 1019 - An Act amending Title
51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for
the delivery of services and programs to veterans with cognitive mental
disability and emotional trauma; and establishing the Office of Veterans'
Mental Health Awareness. Last Action: PN 1285 Referred to
VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Sept. 29, 2015.
COMMONWEALTH OF PA
SENATE RESOLUTIONS 2015-2016 Session:
SR 136 - A Resolution condemning economic, social, cultural
and other boycotts of Israel and growing incidents of anti-Semitism. Last
Action: PN 0979 Referred to RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, May 29, 2015. Reported
as committed from RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, Sept. 17, 2015. Adopted, Sept. 18, 2015 (49-0). (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept.
18, 2015. Transmitted as directed, Sept. 21, 2015.
SR 149 - A Concurrent Resolution urging the Congress to take
all necessary action to prohibit any force structure changes, to prohibit any
transfer of AH-64 Apache helicopters from the National Guard, and maintain the
Army National Guard at 350,200 soldiers until the National Commission on the
Future of the Army has reported its findings; and urging the United States Army
to reverse its decision to deactivate the 55th Armored Brigade Combat Team, and
to reverse its decision to transfer any National Guard AH-64 Apache helicopters
to active duty. Last Action: Adopted, June 22, 2015 (49-0).
In the House - Adopted, June
30, 2015 (191-3). In the Senate - Re-reported on concurrence from RULES AND EXECUTIVE
NOMINATIONS, as committed, Sept. 29, 2015.
Senate concurred in House amendments, Sept. 29, 2015 (47-0). (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept.
29, 2015.
SR 173 - A Resolution designating July 31, 2015, as
"Heat Stroke Prevention Day" in Pennsylvania. Last
Action: PN 1239 Introduced and adopted,
Sept. 16, 2015.
SR 174 - A Resolution recognizing the week of September 17
through 23, 2015, as "Constitution Week" in Pennsylvania. Last
Action: PN 1240 Introduced and adopted,
Sept. 16, 2015. (Remarks see Senate
Journal Page ....), Sept. 16, 2015.
SR 176 - A Resolution recognizing the life and legacy and
expressing condolences upon the passing of Julian Bond, civil rights icon,
legislator and professor. Last Action: PN 1242 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 16, 2015. (Remarks see
Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 17, 2015.
SR 178 - A Resolution recognizing the holiday beginning with
Rosh Hashanah and concluding with Yom Kippur.
Last Action: PN 1244
Introduced and adopted, Sept. 16, 2015. (Remarks
see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 16, 2015.
SR 180 - A Resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of
the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Last
Action: PN 1246 Introduced and adopted,
Sept. 17, 2015. (Remarks see Senate
Journal Page ....), Sept. 17, 2015.
Transmitted as directed, Sept. 18, 2015.
SR 181 - A Resolution recognizing September 21, 2015, as
"International Day of Peace" and supporting the ideals observed at
this worldwide event. Last Action: PN 1247 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 17, 2015. (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept.
17, 2015.
SR 182 - A Resolution recognizing the 25th Anniversary of
the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 2015. Last Action: PN 1248 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 17, 2015.
(Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 17, 2015.
SR 183 - A Resolution observing September 15 through October
15, 2015, as "Hispanic Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania in recognition
of the achievements of Hispanic Americans in our Commonwealth. Last Action: PN 1249 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 17, 2015. (Remarks see
Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 17, 2015.
SR 184 - A Resolution recognizing the month of September
2015 as "Hunger Action Month" in Pennsylvania. Last
Action: PN 1250 Introduced and adopted,
Sept. 17, 2015. (Remarks see Senate
Journal Page ....), Sept. 17, 2015.
SR 185 - A Resolution designating the month of September
2015 as "Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month" and September 26, 2015, as
"Brain Aneurysm Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. Last
Action: PN 1251 Introduced and adopted,
Sept. 17, 2015. (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 17, 2015.
SR 188 - A Resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of
the enactment of the Social Security Amendments of 1965 creating the Medicare
and Medicaid programs. Last Action: PN 1254 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 18, 2015. (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept.
18, 2015. Transmitted as directed, Sept. 21, 2015.
SR 189 - A Resolution designating the month of September
2015 as "Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Last
Action: PN 1255 Introduced and adopted,
Sept. 18, 2015. (Remarks see Senate
Journal Page ....), Sept. 18, 2015.
SR 190 - A Resolution recognizing the month of September
2015 as "National Recovery Month" in Pennsylvania and encouraging
relatives and friends of individuals battling mental illness or substance abuse
to implement preventive measures, recognize the signs of a problem and guide
those in need to appropriate treatment and recovery support services. Last
Action: PN 1256 Introduced and adopted,
Sept. 18, 2015. (Remarks see Senate
Journal Page ....), Sept. 18, 2015.
SR 193 - A Resolution designating the week of November 29
through December 5, 2015, as "Jewish Community Center Week" in
Pennsylvania. Last Action: PN 1259 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 18, 2015.
(Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 18, 2015. Transmitted as
directed, Sept. 21, 2015.
SR 196 - A Resolution designating the week of November 9
through 15, 2015, as "United States Colored Troops Grand Review Week"
in Pennsylvania. Last Action: PN 1279 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 28, 2015.
(Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 28, 2015.
FEDERAL HOUSE
RESOLUTIONS/AMENDMENTS 114th Congress:
H.J.RES.61 : Hire More Heroes Act
of 2015. Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate floor actions. Status: Motion
by Senator McConnell to commit to Senate Committee on Appropriations with
instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 2685)
made in Senate. Note: This measure is the
vehicle for FY2016 Continuing Appropriations. It was the vehicle in the Senate
for congressional disapproval of the Iran nuclear agreement. [Senate CR to Keep Government Open Fails. The Senate failed to pass SJR 61, a
Continuing Resolution (CR) that would have kept the government operating at FY
2015 spending levels until December 11, 2015. The measure included a provision
to defund Planned Parenthood and failed to get the required 60 votes (47-52) on
a motion to stop debate (cloture motion). House Leadership has indicated they
will move next week to approve a “clean” CR to avoid a government shutdown—but
only after they also vote on a CR that includes a prohibition of federal
funding for Planned Parenthood. The House and Senate have to pass a CR before
October 1, 2015—the start of the new fiscal year—to avoid a (partial)
government shutdown. (Source: FRA NewsBytes September 25 2015)]
H.J.RES.65 : Authorization of Use
of Force Against Iran Resolution. Latest Major Action: 9/8/2015 Referred
to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.J.RES.66 : Iran Accountability
and Enforcement Resolution. Latest Major Action: 9/9/2015 Referred
to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.CON.RES.74 : Authorizing the
use of the Capitol Grounds for an event to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of
the Million Man March. Latest Major Action: 9/16/2015
Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Resolution agreed to in Senate without
amendment by Unanimous Consent. Latest Action: 9/17/2015 Message on
Senate action sent to the House.
H.CON.RES.75 : Expressing the
sense of Congress that those who commit or support atrocities against
Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities, including Yezidis,
Turkmen, Sabea-Mandeans, Kaka'e, and Kurds, and who target them specifically
for ethnic or religious reasons, are committing, and are hereby declared to be
committing, "war crimes", "crimes against humanity", and
"genocide". Latest Major Action: 9/9/2015 Referred
to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.CON.RES.77 : Recognizing the
70th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations. Latest
Major Action: 9/16/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.CON.RES.78 : Expressing the
sense of Congress that the President in consultation with the Department of the
Treasury should apply economic sanctions against Chinese businesses and
state-owned enterprises that can be linked to cyberattacks against United
States entities. Latest Major Action: 9/18/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.RES.408 : Providing for
consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 64) disapproving of the
agreement transmitted to Congress by the President on July 19, 2015, relating
to the nuclear program of Iran; and for other purposes. House Reports: 114-256. Latest
Major Action: 9/17/2015 House floor actions. Status: Pursuant to the
provisions of H. Res. 421 , H. Res. 408 is laid on the table.
H.RES.410 : Expressing the sense
of the House of Representatives that the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of
2015 does not apply to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Iran and
submitted to Congress on July 19, 2015, because the Joint Comprehensive Plan of
Action is a treaty and, pursuant to Article II of the U.S. Constitution, the
Senate must give its advice and consent to ratification if the Joint
Comprehensive Plan of Action is to be effective and binding upon the United
States. Latest Major Action: 9/8/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.RES.411 : Finding that the
President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review
Act of 2015. Latest Major Action: 9/10/2015 Passed/agreed to in House. Status:
On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 245 - 186 (Roll
no. 492). Latest Action: 9/10/2015 Motion to reconsider laid on the table
Agreed to without objection.
H.RES.412 : Providing for
consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 411) finding that the President has
not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015;
providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3461) to approve the Joint
Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to
the nuclear program of Iran; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R.
3460) to suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to
waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application
of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of
Iran. House Reports: 114-259. Latest
Major Action: 9/10/2015 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to
the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 - 186 (Roll no. 491).
H.RES.413 : Honoring the victims
of hate crimes of Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment, in the aftermath
of September 11, 2001, where individuals were targeted by violence and hatred,
because they were Muslim or perceived to be Muslim. Latest
Major Action: 9/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the
House Committee on the Judiciary.
H.RES.423 : Expressing support
for the designation of October 2015 as Special Operations Forces Appreciation
Month in order to honor members of United States Special Operations Forces for
their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Latest
Major Action: 9/16/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
H.RES.425 : Expressing support
for designation of September 2015 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness
Month". Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.RES.429 : Congratulating
Captain Kristen Griest and First Lieutenant Shaye Haver on their graduation
from Ranger School. Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
H.RES.435 : Recognizing the
persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, especially Christians and
Yezidis, by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as Daesh, and
calling for the immediate prioritization of accepting refugees from such
communities. Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in
each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction
of the committee concerned.
H.RES.438 : Supporting the
designation of a week as National Federal Nurse Recognition Week. Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Referred
to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and
Commerce.
H.RES.440 : Calling for urgent
international action on behalf of Iraqi and Syrian civilians facing a dire
humanitarian crisis and severe persecution because of their faith or ethnicity
in the Nineveh Plain region of Iraq and Khabor, Kobane, and Aleppo regions of
Syria. Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.RES.443 : Commending the Departments
of Defense and Veterans Affairs for their joint campaign to raise awareness
during September, Suicide Prevention Month, to reduce suicide among members of
the United States Armed Forces and veterans.
Latest Major Action:
9/25/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on
Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a
period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
committee concerned.
H.RES.447 : Calling upon the
President to use the United States' voice and vote in the United Nations
Security Council to condemn the ongoing sexual violence against women and
children from Yezidi, Christian, Shabak, and other religious communities by
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant militants as crimes against humanity, to
prosecute all perpetrators and those complicit in these crimes, and to support
other United Nations member states prosecuting these perpetrators and those
complicit. Latest Major Action: 9/29/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee
on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in
each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction
of the committee concerned.
H.RES.449 : Providing for
consideration of the bill (H.R. 3457) to prohibit the lifting of sanctions on
Iran until the Government of Iran pays the judgments against it for acts of
terrorism, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the
conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 1735) to authorize appropriations
for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy,
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other
purposes; and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules. House Reports: 114-273. Latest
Major Action: 10/1/2015 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to
the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 241 - 181 (Roll no. 530). Latest
Action: 10/1/2015 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without
objection.
H.RES.451 : Expressing the sense
of the House of Representatives that Sergeant Charles Martland, a decorated
member of the Special Forces, should be reinstated in the United States
Army. Latest Major Action: 9/30/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
H.AMDT.706 to H.R.348 An
amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 114-261 to preserve the current
law relating to the permitting projects that could be a potential target for a
terrorist attack or that involves chemical facilities and other critical
infrastructure. Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 House amendment not agreed to.
Status: On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment (A009) Failed by recorded
vote: 176 - 232 (Roll no. 515).
FEDERAL HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES LEGISLATION 114th Congress:
H.R.1735 : Latest Title: National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2016. A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016
for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction,
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other
purposes. Related Bills: H.RES.255,
H.RES.260, H.R.2026, H.R.2055, H.R.2133.
Latest Major Action(s): 6/18/2015
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 71
- 25. Record Vote Number: 215 9/29/2015
Conference report H. Rept. 114-270 filed.
10/1/2015 Conference report
agreed to in House: On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the
Yeas and Nays: 270 - 156 (Roll no. 532). [See also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCAXFvrhDTo
] [See also: http://consumerist.com/2015/05/13/legislators-once-again-trying-to-delay-new-lending-protections-for-military-personnel/
] [See also: http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2015-Articles/VFW-Against-Privatizing-Commissaries/
] [The $612 billion bill includes $89
billion for war-related activities, also known as overseas contingency
operations, or OCO. $38 billion of that
latter figure is for base budget-related operation and maintenance. The funding shift to the OCO account, which
is exempt from federal spending caps, fully funds defense at President Obama’s
requested level without relying on the President to agree to entitlement
reforms. President Obama vowed Wednesday
to veto the annual defense policy bill demanding an increase in non-defense spending
and escalating a clash over mandatory spending caps. The President objects to the use of OCO funds
to end-run spending limits under sequestration caps. The defense bill calls for a 1.3-percent pay
raise for military members, slower growth in basic allowances for housing (BAH)
so troops pay 5 percent of the costs by 2019, overhauling the retirement system
to include a 401(k)-like benefit in 2018, higher TRICARE pharmacy co-pays for
retirees, and letting commanders authorize troops to carry firearms on U.S.
bases, among other provisions. A vote in
the Senate on the conference report is expected next week. As expected, the NDAA would overhaul the
military retirement system by offering troops a 401(k)-like plan with full
vesting after just two years of service and matching contributions of up to 5
percent of basic pay after four years of service. Under the military's existing defined-benefit
plan, most officers and enlisted personnel who serve 20 years receive annual
retirement pay equal to half of their average basic pay over their last three
years of service. The legislation would reduce that figure from 50 percent to
40 percent, in part to fund a 401(k)-like defined-contribution Thrift Savings
Plan for the more than eight in 10 service members who leave the military
without getting any retirement benefit.
The so-called blended retirement plan would also let a service member
take part of his retirement pay as a lump-sum payment after 12 years of service
and after 20 years. The overhaul wouldn't take effect until 2018 "to allow
DoD and relevant stakeholders time for implementation," the summary
states. Unfortunately the bill also
includes a troop pay raise of only 1.3 percent rather than 2.3 percent for next
year. The Pentagon proposed the lower
figure, which compares to a 1 percent bump in basic pay service members
received the past two years. But it's less than the 2.3 percent estimated
increase in private-sector wage growth (Employment Cost Index), which military
pay is supposed to track by law. Lawmakers
rejected proposals to overhaul the military commissary system and ordered the
Defense Commissary Agency to plan for making the system self-funded by
2018. They asked officials to submit a
report by March 1 on how the commissary, which receives $1.4 billion a year in
taxpayer funding, could find savings by privatizing operations, working with
grocers to provide military discounts, closing stores or combining the
commissary and exchange systems. They also blocked the commissary from making
changes in how produce is shipped to stores in Asia. Base Commanders May Allow Carrying of
Personal Weapons. The NDAA calls for
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter to establish a process by December 31 in which
commanders can authorize a service member at a military installation, reserve
center, recruiting location or defense facility in the U.S. to carry a gun on
the premises if he or she "determines that carrying such a firearm is
necessary as a personal- or force-protection measures." "Tragic domestic attacks on DOD
personnel, including those at Little Rock, Chattanooga, and Fort Hood,
convinced Conferees that a one-size-fits-all force protection standard for
domestic installations is inadequate, especially where carrying personal
firearms is involved," the document states. Source: NAUS Watchdog for Oct 2 2015.]
H.R.2029 : Military
Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,
2016. A bill making appropriations for
military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes. Latest
Major Action: 4/24/2015 Introduced in House. 4/24/2015 The House Committee on
Appropriations reported an original measure, H. Rept. 114-92, by Mr. Dent. 4/30/2015 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 255 - 163 (Roll no. 193). 5/21/2015
Committee on Appropriations. Reported by Senator Kirk with an amendment in the
nature of a substitute. With written report No. 114-57. 10/1/2015 Senate floor actions: Cloture on
the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50
- 44. Record Vote Number: 273. [Democrats on Thursday blocked plans for a
nearly $164 billion VA/Military Construction bill for fiscal 2016 over
objections to Republicans’ overarching spending plans and a lack of progress on
a compromise budget deal. The procedural
move follows similar decisions to stall the fiscal 2016 defense appropriations
bill earlier this year and echoes President Obama’s pledge to veto any budget
measure that does not repeal mandatory spending caps looming over all federal
operations. The VA appropriations bill,
which also includes military construction funds, would have provided a 3
percent budget increase for the new fiscal year. It’s another spending boost
for the department, which has seen its total budget nearly triple since the
late 1990s. The VA budget is not subject
to the spending caps. But just before Thursday’s vote, the White House
reiterated plans for a veto of the VA spending measure. Source: NAUS Watchdog for Oct 2 2015.]
H.R.3423 : Agent Orange Extension Act of 2015. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code,
and the Agent Orange Act of 1991 to extend the certain authorities of the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding associations between diseases and
exposure to dioxin and other chemical compounds in herbicides. Latest
Major Action: 7/29/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
8/6/2015: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs. [Agent Orange Act
Extension Stalls. Congressman Tim Walz
(Minn.) recently introduced the FRA-supported “Agent Orange Extension Act,”
(H.R. 3423) which would extend the original sunset deadline of the Agent Orange
Act of 1991 by two years. The extension would ensure that Vietnam veterans
exposed to Agent Orange receive just compensation and care. The 1991 Act
expires on September 30, 2015; the legislation would extend its sunset to
September 30, 2017. FRA warned the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees
regarding the sunset of the Act during its March 18, 2015 testimony. The Agent Orange Act of 1991 (AOA)
established a presumption of service connection for diseases associated with
Agent Orange exposure, relieving Vietnam veterans from the burden of providing
evidence that their illness was a result of military service. This law directs the
National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to periodically research and review diseases
that might be associated with Agent Orange exposure. The VA is required to add
diseases the NAS finds to have a positive association to Agent Orange exposure
to the VA’s list of presumptive service-connected diseases. Since the enactment
of the AOA, the NAS has issued reports that have led to the presumption of
service connection for diseases such as Parkinson’s, B-cell leukemia and early
onset peripheral neuropathy. Without these studies, thousands of Vietnam era
veterans would have gone without the benefits they greatly deserve. If the AOA expires, the VA would no longer be
obligated to review the NAS report or add any new diseases to the presumption
of service list, which could result in denying thousands of veterans their
right to compensation. The bill has stalled in the House Veterans Affairs
Committee Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee. Members are
urged to use the FRA Action Center (www.fra.org/action-center) and can call the
Subcommittee Chairman, Rep. Ralph Abraham (La.) Capitol Hill office
(202-225-8490) to explain that the AOA expires September 30, 2015 and ask that
the bill be approved immediately.
(Source: FRA NewsBytes September
25 2015)]
H.R.3449 : To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to
extend honorary citizenship to otherwise qualified noncitizens who enlisted in
the Philippines and died while serving on active duty with the United States
Armed Forces during certain periods of hostilities, and for other
purposes. Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 House committee/subcommittee
actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
H.R.3457 : Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism
Act. Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Passed/agreed to in House. Status:
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 251 - 173 (Roll no. 533). Latest
Action: 10/1/2015 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without
objection.
H.R.3460 : To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority
of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise
limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the
nuclear program of Iran. Latest Major Action: 9/15/2015 Received
in the Senate.
H.R.3461 : To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of
Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of
Iran. Latest Major Action: 9/11/2015 Failed of passage/not agreed to in
House. Status: On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 162 - 269, 1 Present
(Roll no. 493). Latest Action: 9/11/2015 Motion to reconsider laid on the table
Agreed to without objection.
H.R.3471 : Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2015. Latest
Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to
the Subcommittee on Health.
H.R.3476 : Prevent a Government Shutdown Act of 2015. Latest
Major Action: 9/10/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a
period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
committee concerned.
H.R.3484 : Los Angeles Homeless Veterans Leasing Act of
2015. Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House subcommittee.
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
H.R.3491 : To amend title 38, United States Code, to
increase the amount of special pension for Medal of Honor recipients, and for
other purposes. Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House subcommittee.
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial
Affairs.
H.R.3499 : Veteran Disability Rating Parity Act. Latest
Major Action: 9/11/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Ways and Means.
H.R.3518 : Stop Civil Asset Forfeiture Funding for Marijuana
Suppression Act of 2015. Latest Major Action: 9/16/2015 Referred
to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
H.R.3547 : Lawrence J. Hackett Jr. Vietnam Veterans Agent
Orange Fairness Act. Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred
to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
H.R.3549 : VA Billing Accountability Act. Latest
Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to
the Subcommittee on Health.
H.R.3558 : Perpetual POW/MIA Stamp Act. Latest
Major Action: 9/18/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
H.R.3573 : Refugee Resettlement Oversight and Security Act
of 2015. Latest Major Action: 9/18/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
H.R.3580 : 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, and for other purposes.
Latest Major Action:
9/18/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs.
H.R.3589 : Midshipmen Education Certainty Act. Latest
Major Action: 9/22/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Armed Services.
H.R.3595 : Increased Authorizations for the Denver VA
Medical Center Construction Project Act.
Latest Major Action:
9/25/2015 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee
on Health.
H.R.3596 : Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring
Authorities Act of 2015. Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred
to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
H.R.3616 : Defending Our Defenders Act. Latest
Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and
Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case
for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
committee concerned.
H.R.3628 : Pay Our Military Act. Latest
Major Action: 9/28/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Appropriations.
H.R.3633 : District of Columbia Government Shutdown
Avoidance Act of 2015. Latest Major Action: 9/28/2015 Referred
to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform.
H.R.3635 : Latest Title: Federal Employee Retroactive Pay
Fairness Act. Related Bills:
H.R.1024. Latest Major Action: 9/29/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
H.R.3639 : Veterans Access to Care Act. Latest
Major Action: 9/29/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.3640 : Mental Health Awareness Semipostal Stamp
Act. Latest Major Action: 9/29/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition
to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently
determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as
fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
H.R.3649 : To amend titles 10, 32, and 37 of the United
States Code to authorize the establishment of units of the National Guard in
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Latest
Major Action: 9/29/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Armed Services.
H.R.3654 : To require a report on United States strategy to
combat terrorist use of social media, and for other purposes. Latest
Major Action: 9/30/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the
Judiciary, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently
determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as
fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
H.R.3656 : To prohibit the sale or distribution of tobacco
products to individuals under the age of 21.
Latest Major Action:
9/30/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee
on Energy and Commerce.
FEDERAL SENATE
RESOLUTIONS/AMENDMENTS 114th Congress:
S.RES.249 : A resolution honoring the Red Land Little League
Team of Lewisberry, Pennsylvania for the performance of the team in the 2015
Little League World Series. Latest Major Action: 9/9/2015 Referred
to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
S.RES.250 : A resolution relative to the death of Richard
Schultz Schweiker, former United States Senator for the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: 9/9/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status:
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a
preamble by Unanimous Consent.
S.RES.251 : A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate
that the congressional review provision of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review
Act of 2015 does not apply to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action announced
on July 14, 2015, because the President failed to transmit the entire agreement
as required by such Act, and that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action would
only preempt existing Iran sanctions laws as "the supreme Law of the
Land" if ratified by the Senate as a treaty with the concurrence of two
thirds of the Senators present pursuant to Article II, section 2, clause 2, of
the Constitution or if Congress were to enact new implementing legislation that
supersedes the mandatory statutory sanctions that the Joint Comprehensive Plan
of Action announced on July 14, 2015, purports to supersede. Latest
Major Action: 9/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to
the Committee on Foreign Relations.
S.RES.257 : A resolution congratulating Captain Kristen
Griest and First Lieutenant Shaye Haver on their graduation from Ranger
School. Latest Major Action: 9/21/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status:
Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by
Unanimous Consent.
S.RES.259 : A resolution honoring the bravery and heroism of
those who selflessly prevented a deadly terrorist attack and saved countless
lives while aboard a passenger train bound from Amsterdam to Paris on August
21, 2015. Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status:
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a
preamble by Unanimous Consent.
S.RES.268 : A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate
regarding the Syrian refugee crisis. Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Referred
to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
S.AMDT.2669 to H.J.RES.61 Making continuing appropriations
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 Motion to table amendment SA 2669 agreed to in
Senate by Voice Vote.
S.AMDT.2670 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 SA 2670 fell when SA 2669 was tabled.
S.AMDT.2671 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 SA 2671 fell when SA 2670 fell.
S.AMDT.2672 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 Motion to table amendment SA 2672 agreed to in
Senate by Voice Vote.
S.AMDT.2673 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 SA 2673 fell when SA 2672 was tabled.
S.AMDT.2674 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 SA 2674 fell when the motion to commit was tabled.
S.AMDT.2675 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 SA 2675 fell when SA 2674 fell.
S.AMDT.2676 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 SA 2676 fell when SA 2675 fell.
S.AMDT.2677 to S.1632 To require that the Director of National
Intelligence assess the capability of the United States Government to help
implement the 5-year strategy to counter the regional threat of Boko
Haram. Latest Major Action: 9/22/2015 Senate amendment agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 2677 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
S.AMDT.2680 to H.J.RES.61 Making continuing appropriations for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)
S.AMDT.2681 to H.J.RES.61 To change the enactment date. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)
S.AMDT.2682 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)
S.AMDT.2683 to H.J.RES.61 To change the enactment date. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)
S.AMDT.2684 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)
S.AMDT.2685 to H.J.RES.61 To change the enactment date. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)
S.AMDT.2686 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)
S.AMDT.2687 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature. Latest
Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)
S.AMDT.2689 to H.R.719 Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal
year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes. Latest
Major Action: 9/30/2015 Considered by Senate.
S.AMDT.2690 to H.R.719 To change the enactment date. Latest Major Action: 9/30/2015 Proposed
amendment SA 2690 withdrawn in Senate.
S.AMDT.2691 to H.R.719 To change the enactment date. Latest Major Action: 9/28/2015 SA 2691
(the instructions of the motion to refer) fell when cloture invoked on the
motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 719
with an amendment (SA 2689).
S.AMDT.2692 to H.R.719 Of a perfecting nature. Latest Major Action: 9/28/2015 SA 2692 fell when SA 2691 fell.
S.AMDT.2693 to H.R.719 Of a perfecting nature. Latest Major Action: 9/28/2015 SA 2693 fell when SA 2692 fell.
S.AMDT.2694 to H.R.1020 To make a conforming amendment. Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate
amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2694 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous
Consent.
S.AMDT.2700 to S.2082 To prohibit the transfer of amounts from the
Veterans Choice Fund to fund the increase of the authorization to carry out the
medical facility construction project of the Department of Veterans Affairs in
Denver, Colorado. Latest Major Action:
9/25/2015 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2700 agreed to in
Senate by Unanimous Consent.
FEDERAL SENATE
BILLS 114th Congress:
S.290 : VA Employee
Accountability. 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. Latest
Major Action: 1/28/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice
and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 9/16/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee
actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
S.1856 : VA Employee Suspension
and Removal. A bill to amend title 38,
United States Code, 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. Latest Major Action: 7/23/2015 Referred
to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs. 9/16/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee
actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
S.2013 : Los Angeles Homeless Veterans Leasing Act of 2015. Latest
Major Action: 9/9/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and
referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
S.2022 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the
amount of special pension for Medal of Honor recipients, and for other
purposes. Latest Major Action: 9/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee.
Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
S.2035 : Federal Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2015. Latest
Major Action: 9/16/2015 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative
Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 229.
S.2040 : Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. Latest
Major Action: 9/16/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice
and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
S.2048 : Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of
2015. Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 Referred to Senate committee.
Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
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, and for other purposes. Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 Referred
to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs.
S.2052 : Latest Title: Department of Veterans Affairs Billing
Accountability Act of 2015. Related Bills: H.R.3549. Latest
Major Action: 9/17/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice
and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
S.2062 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend
authority for operation of the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office
in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines.
Latest Major Action:
9/21/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
S.2081 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend
authorities for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to expand presumption of
service connection for compensation for diseases the Secretary determines are
associated with exposure to herbicide agents, and for other purposes. Latest
Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice
and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
S.2082 : Latest Title: Department of Veterans Affairs
Expiring Authorities Act of 2015.
Related Bills: H.R.3596, S.2048. Latest
Major Action(s): 9/25/2015 Introduced in Senate. 9/25/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed
Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
9/30/2015 Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and
pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 423 - 0 (Roll no.
526). 9/30/2015 Presented to President. 9/30/2015
Signed by President. [This
legislation amends title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring
provisions of law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for
other purposes. The health care
provisions extended through fiscal year 2016. Some of these include: Authority
for collection of copayments for hospital care and nursing home care,
Authorization of appropriations for assistance and support services for
caregivers, Authority for recovery from
third parties of the cost of care and services furnished to veterans with
health-plan contracts for non-service-connected disability, Authority for the
pilot program on assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving
health care, Authority to make grants to veterans service organizations for
transportation of highly rural veterans, Authority for Department of Defense
(DOD)-VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, and Authority for the pilot program on counseling
in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service.
The legislation also extends through Dec. 31, 2016, the
requirement to provide nursing home care to certain veterans with
service-connected disabilities and extends through fiscal year 2017 authority
for the Joint DOD-VA Demonstration Fund.
This bill additionally
authorizes $1.675 billion for the completion of the VA Medical Center in
Denver. At a meeting NAUS attended on
Wednesday, with the Majority Staff of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, it
was disclosed that when the building in Denver was finally finished it would
additionally take over $300 million for medical equipment, furniture and
IT. It appears the final bill for this
one VA Medical Center, which the construction of has been taken over by the
Army Corps of Engineers, will cost over $2 billion dollars. Source: NAUS Watchdog for Oct 2 2015.]
S.2086 : Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act. Latest
Major Action: 9/28/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice
and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
S.2088 : A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 90 Cornell Street in Kingston, New York, at the "Staff
Sergeant Robert H. Dietz Post Office Building". Latest
Major Action: 9/28/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice
and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
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. Latest Major Action: 9/30/2015 Referred to Senate committee.
Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Grassroots
lobbying is an effective way to let your Representative and Senators know your
opinion, which is key to increasing co-sponsorship on veteran related bills and
subsequent passage into law.
NOTE: For an electronic version of this document, please
send an email message to the below signed at: lholman@prodigy.net .
For more news of interest to veterans and patriots, see my
blog at http://newsfromldh.blogspot.com
.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry D. Holman
Larry D. Holman, Government Affairs Chairman
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