Federal Senate Bills for Veterans as of 021516

FEDERAL SENATE BILLS 114^th Congress:

S.12 : Latest Title: Hire More Heroes Act of 2015.  Related Bills: H.R.22.  Latest Major Action: 1/6/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.20 : Latest Title: Social Security Lock-Box Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 1/6/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Budget.

S.41 :  Veterans Travel Tax Relief Act of 2015.  A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a deduction for travel expenses to medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with examinations or treatments relating to service-connected disabilities.  Latest Major Action: 1/7/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.99 : Latest Title: Notch Fairness Act of 2015.  Related Bills: H.R.314.  Latest Major Action: 1/7/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.103 : Latest Title: Ensuring Pay for Our Military Act.  Latest Major Action: 1/7/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

S.114 :  Public Access to VA Research.  A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide the public with access to research of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 1/7/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.119 : Wounded Veterans Recreation Act of 2015.  A bill to amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to provide for a lifetime National Recreational Pass for any veteran with a service-connected disability.  Latest Major Action: 1/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S.136 : Gold Star Fathers Act of 2015.  A bill to amend chapter 21 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that fathers of certain permanently disabled or deceased veterans shall be included with mothers of such veterans as preference eligibles for treatment in the civil service.  Latest Major Action: 1/8/2015 Introduced in Senate.  5/5/2015 Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson without amendment. With written report No. 114-35. 5/11/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.  9/18/2015 Reported by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 114-263. 9/28/2015 Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.  9/30/2015 Presented to President.  10/7/2015 Signed by President.  10/7/2015 Became Public Law No: 114-062 [Text, PDF].

S.151 : Filipino Veterans Promise Act.  A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to establish a process to determine whether individuals claiming certain service in the Philippines during World War II are eligible for certain benefits despite not being on the Missouri List, and for other purposes.  Related bill H.R.135.  Latest Major Action: 1/13/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.167 : Clay Hunt SAV Act.  Latest Title: A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide for the conduct of annual evaluations of mental health care and suicide prevention programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to require a pilot program on loan repayment for psychiatrists who agree to serve in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 1/13/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  2/3/15 Passed by Senate.  Note: For further action, see H.R.203, which became Public Law 114-2 on 2/12/2015.

S.170 : Latest Title: CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2015.  Related Bills: H.R. 218, H.R.220. Latest Major Action: 1/13/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.171 :  VA Beneficiary Travel Program.   A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for coverage under the beneficiary travel program of the Department of Veterans Affairs of certain disabled veterans for travel in connection with certain special disabilities rehabilitation, and for other purposes.  Related bills:  H.R.281.  Latest Major Action: 1/13/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.172 :  Access to Appropriate Immunizations for Veterans Act of 2015.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for certain requirements relating to the immunization of veterans, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 1/13/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.185 : Latest Title: PATH Act. The PATH Act addresses the need for new drugs to fight antibiotic-resistant bugs that pose a threat to not only military members recovering from wounds sustained in fighting for our country. Soldiers who once died from their battlefield wounds are now surviving those injuries but are succumbing to potentially lethal, drug-resistant infections.  In fact, more than a third of wounded warriors injured in Iraq and Afghanistan developed a bacterial or fungal infection, according to the Department of Defense. Latest Major Action: 1/16/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.207 :  Veterans Access to Community Care Act of 2015.  A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to use existing authorities to furnish health care at non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities to veterans who live more than 40 miles driving distance from the closest medical facility of the Department that furnishes the care sought by the veteran, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 1/21/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.218 :  Veterans to Paramedics Transition Act of 2015.  A bill to facilitate emergency medical services personnel training and certification curriculums for veterans. Related bill:  Latest Major Action: 1/21/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.223 :  Homeless Vet VA Pilot Program.  A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program on awarding grants for provision of furniture, household items, and other assistance to homeless veterans to facilitate their transition into permanent housing, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 1/21/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.241 :  Military Family Relief Act of 2015.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the payment of temporary compensation to a surviving spouse of a veteran upon the death of the veteran, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 1/22/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.242 :  Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2015.  A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide leave to any new Federal employee who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 30 percent or more for purposes of undergoing medical treatment for such disability, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 1/22/2015 Introduced in Senate.  1/22/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. 3/4/2015: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.  7/23/2015 Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson without amendment. With written report No. 114-89. 7/28/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.  7/29/2015 Held at the desk.  H.R.313 Signed by President 11/05/2015 as P.L. 115-75.

S.244 :  Review of VA TBI Assessment Process.  A bill to require an independent comprehensive review of the process by which the Department of Veterans Affairs assesses cognitive impairments that result from traumatic brain injury for purposes of awarding disability compensation, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 1/22/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.270 : Latest Title: Charlie Morgan Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 5/13/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.271 : Latest Title: Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2015.  Would permit additional retired service members who have service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation or combat-related special pay and retired pay.280  Latest Major Action: 1/27/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.285 :  VAMC Aurora CO Construction authorization.   A bill to authorize the construction of a replacement medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Aurora, Colorado, and to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with the Chief of Engineers to act as the construction agent with respect to such construction, and for other purposes.  Related bills:  H.R.593. Latest Major Action: 1/28/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

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. 12/9/2015: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.

S.297 :  VA Intermediate Care Technician Pilot Program. A bill to revive and expand the Intermediate Care Technician Pilot Program 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.

S.327 : Audit the Pentagon Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 2/2/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.  [See: http://www.moaa.org/Main_Menu/Take_Action/The_Bottom_Line/2015_The_Bottom_Line/The_Bottom_Line_-_What_s_Next_for_Concurrent_Receipt_.html ]

S.374 :   Extend VA Choice Act.  A bill to amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to extend the requirement of the Secretary to furnish hospital care and medical services through non-Department of Veterans Affairs entities to veterans residing in certain locations.  Latest Major Action: 2/4/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.398 :   VA Chiropractic Care and Services.   A bill to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 and title 38, United States Code, to require the provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and to expand access to such care and services, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 2/5/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.425 : Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act of 2015.  Seeks to allow certain nursing homes to accept eligible veterans when other VA health care plans are not an option, particularly when the veteran resides in a rural area. Related Bill:HR 474. Latest Major Action: 2/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 6/3/2015: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.  12/9/2015: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

S.448 :  TRICARE Program/ Health Savings Account Coordination.   A bill to provide for coordination between the TRICARE program and eligibility for making contributions to a health savings account, and for other purposes.  Related bills: H.R. 868.  Latest Major Action: 2/11/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

S.469 :  DoD/VA Vet Reproductive Assistance.   A bill to improve the reproductive assistance provided by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to severely wounded, ill, or injured members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their spouses or partners, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 2/11/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  6/22/2015 Hearing held. 6/22/2015 Markup of bill. [MOAA supports this bill.]  To support this bill and/or contact your legislators send a message via DAV’s Action Network at https://www.votervoice.net/link/target/dav/M89G43NBR.aspx

S.471 : Women Veterans Access to Quality Care Act of 2015.  A bill to improve the provision of health care for women veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 2/12/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. [DAV supports this bill – see: http://www.dav.org/learn-more/about-dav/national-commander-message/ ]  To support this bill and/or contact your legislators send a message via DAV’s Action Network athttp://www.dav.org/can/?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f39381%2fRespond%3funregistered%3dutfLUolQQ6UvShV58ZC60w%26vvcgRD%3dA4875Jrg4f%26vvsbr%3dS2zJFJMO-swsIclNlA_3gw

S.524 : Latest Title: Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2015.  Related Bills: H.R.953, H.R.2463. Latest Major Action: 1/27/2016:Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. 2/11/2016:Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.  2/12/2015:Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.563 :  Physician Ambassadors Helping Veterans Act.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Physician Ambassadors Helping Veterans program to seek to employ physicians at the Department of Veterans Affairs on a without compensation basis in practice areas and specialties with staffing shortages and long appointment waiting times.  Latest Major Action: 2/25/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.564 :  Veterans Hearing Aid Access and Assistance Act.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to include licensed hearing aid specialists as eligible for appointment in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 2/25/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.602 :  GI Bill Fairness Act of 2015.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to consider certain time spent by members of reserve components of the Armed Forces while receiving medical care from the Secretary of Defense as active duty for purposes of eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 2/26/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  To support this bill and/or contact your legislators send a message via MOAA’s Action Network http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=66029686

S.603 :  Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act of 2015.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make permanent the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transport individuals to and from facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with rehabilitation, counseling, examination, treatment, and care, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 2/26/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.604 : Veteran Education Empowerment Act.  A bill to reauthorize and improve a grant program to assist institutions of higher education in establishing, maintaining, improving, and operating Veteran Student Centers.  Latest Major Action: 2/26/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

S.627 :   Revoke VA Wait List  Manipulator’s  Bonus.  A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to revoke bonuses paid to employees involved in electronic wait list manipulations, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 3/3/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 6/22/2015 Markup of bill.

S.657 : Latest Title: Caregivers Expansion and Improvement Act of 2015.  The bill would extend the VA Family Caregiver Support Program to severely injured veterans of all eras.  Related Bills: H.R.1899.  Latest Major Action: 3/4/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  [DAV supports this bill – see: http://www.dav.org/learn-more/about-dav/national-commander-message/ ]

S.670 :  Vet Firearm Registration Amnesty Period.  A bill to provide an amnesty period during which veterans and their family members can register certain firearms in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 3/4/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.681 :   Clarify Presumptions of Nam Exposure for Certain Vets.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify presumptions relating to the exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the Republic of Vietnam, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 3/9/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 5/13/2015: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.684 :   Improve Homeless Vet Services.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the provision of services for homeless veterans, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 3/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 6/3/2015: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.695 :  VA Study on Unclaimed Vet Remains.   A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on matters relating to the burial of unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: H.R.1338.  Latest Major Action: 3/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.707 : Opioid Overdose Reduction Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 3/11/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.714 :  Dod/VA Expanded Use of Psychiatric Medicine PHs.  A bill to require the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly conduct a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of expanding the use by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs of physician assistants specializing in psychiatric medicine, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 3/11/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.715 :  DoD/VA Mental Health Care Improvement.  A bill to improve the provision of mental health care to members of the Armed Forces and veterans from the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 3/11/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.717 :  Non-VA/DoD Mental Health Care Providers. A bill to designate certain non-Department mental health care providers who treat members of the Armed Forces and veterans as providers who have particular knowledge relating to the provision of mental health care to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 3/11/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.733 :  Exempt WWII Filipino Vet Children from Visa Limits.  A bill to exempt children of certain Filipino World War II veterans from the numerical limitations on immigrant visas and for other purposes.  Related bill: HR 483.  Latest Major Action: 3/12/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.739 : Veterans Access to Extended Care Act.  A bill to modify the treatment of agreements entered into by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish nursing home care, adult day health care, or other extended care services, and for other purposes.  The bipartisan legislation will allow veterans greater access to LTC services in their communities.  Specifically, it will enable veterans to stay in nursing homes near loved ones and friends, because the homes will be able to receive Veterans Administration reimbursement  without burdensome red tape.  Latest Major Action: 3/16/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  [See: http://thehill.com/policy/defense/235801-bill-would-give-vets-more-access-to-long-term-care-facilities ]

S.743 : Honor America's Guard-Reserve Retirees Act of 2015.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to recognize the service in the reserve components of the Armed Forces of certain persons by honoring them with status as veterans under law, and for other purposes  Latest Major Action: 3/16/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.761 : Veterans Access to Care Act.  A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to designate certain medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs as health professional shortage areas, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 3/17/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.788 :  Termination of VA Whistleblower Retaliators.  A bill to require the termination of any employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs who is found to have retaliated against a whistleblower. Related bills: HR 571 and HR 1129. Latest Major Action: 3/18/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.795 : Latest Title: A bill to enhance whistleblower protection for contractor and grantee employees.  Latest Major Action: 2/10/2016 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

S.804 : Latest Title: Medicare CGM Access Act of 2015.  Related Bills: H.R.1427.  Latest Major Action: 3/19/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.832 :  VA Services for Selected Reserves.  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the provision of behavioral health readiness services to certain members of the Selected Reserve of the Armed Forces based on need, to expand eligibility to such members for readjustment counseling from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 3/23/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.833 :  VA Project FY 2015 Authority.  A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out certain major medical facility projects for which appropriations were made for fiscal year 2015, and for other purposes.  Related Bills:  H.R.1543.  Latest Major Action: 3/23/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 6/22/2015 Markup of bill.

S.839 : Latest Title: Preserve Access to Medicare Rural Home Health Services Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 3/23/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.841 :  Expand VA Choice Act Care to Include Mental Health Care.  A bill to expand eligibility for health care under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to include certain veterans seeking mental health care, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: H.R.1604.  Latest Major Action: 3/23/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.843 : Latest Title: Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 3/24/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.861 : Latest Title: Preventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 3/25/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.864 : Latest Title: National Nursing Shortage Reform and Patient Advocacy Act.  Related Bills: H.R.1602.  Latest Major Action: 3/25/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.865 : Latest Title: Ruth Moore Act of 2015. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the disability compensation evaluation procedure of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for veterans with mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: H.R.1607.  Latest Major Action: 3/25/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.868 : Latest Title: Justice for Former American Hostages in Iran Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 3/26/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S.874 : Latest Title: Second Amendment Enforcement Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 3/26/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

S.879 : Latest Title: Americans Giving Care to Elders (AGE) Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 3/26/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.884 : Latest Title: Health Care Safety Net Enhancement Act of 2015.  Related Bills: H.R.836.  Latest Major Action: 3/26/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.885 : Latest Title: National POW/MIA Remembrance Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 3/26/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

S.895 : Latest Title: Servicemember and Veteran Protection Act of 2015. A bill to allow members of the Armed Forces to defer principal on Federal student loans for a certain period in connection with receipt of orders for mobilization for war or national emergency, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 3/27/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.901 : Latest Title: Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015.  A bill to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances during service in the Armed Forces that are related to that exposure, to establish an advisory board on such health conditions, and for other purposes.  Related bill: HR 1769. Latest Major Action: 4/13/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 6/22/2015 Hearing held. [Note: The VA is opposed to this bill, so it will take a ground-swell of support from veterans and their families to get this passed.]  [See: http://www.stripes.com/news/us/bill-calls-for-dod-to-publish-toxic-exposure-evidence-1.341844 ] [MOAA supports this bill.] [TREA strongly supports this legislation and we urge you to contact your Senators and Representative and ask them to support S.901 in the Senate and H.R. 1769 in the House of Representatives.]  To support this bill and/or contact your legislators send a message via VVA’s action alert at http://capwiz.com/vva/issues/alert/?alertid=63293526

S.957 :   Veteran Entrepreneur Capital Access.  A bill to increase access to capital for veteran entrepreneurs to help create jobs.  Latest Major Action: 4/23/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

S.979 :  Eliminate DIC Reduction of SBP.  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan by veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: H.R.1591.  Latest Major Action: 4/16/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.995 : Latest Title: Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015.  Related Bills: H.R.1890. Latest Major Action: 5/12/2015 By Senator Hatch from Committee on Finance filed written report. Report No. 114-42. Additional and Minority views filed.  Senate Reports:  114-42.

S.997 :  Aurora  VAMC Authorization Extension.  A bill to extend the authorization for the major medical facility project to replace the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Aurora, Colorado, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers to manage the construction of such project, to transfer the authority to carry out future major medical facility projects of the Department from the Secretary to the Army Corps of Engineers, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 4/16/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1021 :  VA Master's Degree Degree Grant Program.   A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award grants to establish, or expand upon, master's degree programs in orthotics and prosthetics, and for other purposes.  Related bills: H.R.1904.  Latest Major Action: 4/21/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 6/22/2015 Hearing held.

S.1070 :  GI Bill Transfer Rule Clarification.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for clarification regarding the children to whom entitlement to educational assistance may be transferred under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 4/23/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1082 :  Removal/Demotion of VA Employees.   A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the removal or demotion of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on performance or misconduct, and for other purposes. Related Bills: H.R.1994.   Latest Major Action: 4/23/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 6/22/2015 Hearing held. 6/22/2015 Markup of bill. 6/24/2015: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.   7/22/2015 Markup of bill.

S.1085 :  Latest Title: A bill to expand eligibility for the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to expand benefits available to participants under such program, to enhance special compensation for members of the uniformed services who require assistance in everyday life, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 4/23/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  [See: http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/health-care/2015/04/27/va-veterans-caregivers-murray/26312053/ ]  [MOAA supports this bill.]

S.1105 :  Homeless Vet Dependent Children Caretaker Per Diem.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize per diem payments under comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans to furnish care to dependents of homeless veterans, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 4/28/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1117 : Authorize VA Secretary to Fire Execs for Misconduct.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to remove senior executives of the Department of Veterans Affairs for performance or misconduct to include removal of certain other employees of the Department, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 4/28/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 6/22/2015 Hearing held.

S.1118 : Latest Title: 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.  Latest Major Action: 4/28/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1126 : Latest Title: A bill to modify and extend the National Guard State Partnership Program.  Related bills: H.R. 1614.  Latest Major Action: 4/29/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1203 : 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the processing by the Department of Veterans Affairs of claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 5/13/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.  6/22/2015 Markup of bill. 7/22/2015 Markup of bill. 10/19/2015 Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Isakson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 114-153. 11/10/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.  12/3/2015 Referred to House subcommittee: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.  [See also: http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-heller-lead-va-backlog-working-group-in-release-of-new-report-legislation-to-address-claims-delay ] To support this bill and/or contact your legislators send a message via MOAA’s Action Network http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=66031636

S.1257 : Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Fairness Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 5/7/2015  Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1286 :  Pro Bono Legal Assistance for Veterans Before the U.S. COVA & BOVA.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to reduce the backlog of appeals of decisions of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs by facilitating pro bono legal assistance for veterans before the United States Court of Veterans Appeals and the Board of Veterans' Appeals, to provide the Secretary with authority to address unreasonably delayed claims, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 5/11/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1290 :  TRICARE Health Plan Access.  A bill to ensure the ability of covered beneficiaries under the TRICARE program to access care under a health plan under such program in each TRICARE program region, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 5/12/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1303 :  Improve Vet Education Enrollment.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the enrollment of veterans in certain courses of education, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: H.R.2282.  Latest Major Action: 5/12/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1356 : Latest Title: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016.  Related Bills: H.CON.RES.90, H.R.1735, H.R.2252.  Latest Major Action:  5/14/2015 Introduced in Senate.  5/14/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. 11/5/2015 Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 370 - 58 (Roll no. 618). 11/10/2015 Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate bill (S. 1356) by Yea-Nay Vote. 91 - 3. Record Vote Number: 301. 11/17/2015 Presented to President. 11/25/2015 Signed by President. 11/25/2015 Became Public Law No: 114-92 [GPO: Text, PDF]. Here are several highlights that you should be aware of: Military Retirement Pay.  The new law changes the way retirement is calculated for people entering service on or after Jan. 1, 2018.  There will also be an "open season" for personnel currently on active duty who have less than 12 years active duty on Dec. 31, 2017.

The new retirement plan is known as the "Modernized Retirement System" and will require the military to match up to 5% of a member's TSP contribution.  However, the retired pay percentage of basic pay will drop to 40% for 20 years service, 60% for 30 years service, and 80% for 40 years service.  If a member leaves the military before serving 20 years they will still get the TSP benefit.  TRICARE Pharmacy Changes.  The retail cost for a 30 day supply of generic drugs will go from $8 to $10, and brand name drugs will go from $20 to $24.  For mail-order pharmacy, the cost a 90 day supply will go from $16 to $20 for brand name drugs and $46 to $49 for non-formulary drugs.  [Source: NAUS Weekly Update Watchdog for December 11 2015]  The President signed into law the revised National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA-S. 1356), which does the following: •Creates a new “blended” retirement system for those joining military service on or after January 1, 2018; •Revokes a one-percent COLA cut for future retirees under age 62; •Increases pharmacy co-pays for family members and retirees for prescriptions filled off base or by mail. These increases will range from $2 to $4 depending on whether drugs are brand-name or filled at retail outlets; •Provides a one-time offer to certain former TRICARE Prime beneficiaries to regain TRICARE Prime coverage; •Increases annual active duty pay by 1.3 percent; •Provides for Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) benefits for a second spouse when the first divorced spouse is deceased; and •Reduces BAH rates by one percent each year until 2019. [Source: FRA Today, January 2016, p. 8]

S.1358 : Hmong Veterans' Service Recognition Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to inter in national cemeteries individuals who supported the United States in Laos during the Vietnam War era.  Related Bills: H.R.2327.  Latest Major Action: 5/14/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 6/22/2015 Hearing held.

S.1376 : National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. An original bill 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.  Related Bills: H.R.1735.  Latest Major Action: 5/19/2015 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 88.

S.1386 : Latest Title: Icebreaker Recapitalization Act.  Latest Major Action: 5/19/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1392 : A bill to require certain practitioners authorized to prescribe controlled substances to complete continuing education.  Latest Major Action: 5/20/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.1400 : Vet Owned Businesses Access to Surplus Prosperity. A bill to amend the Small Business Act to direct the task force of the Office of Veterans Business Development to provide access to and manage the distribution of excess or surplus property to veteran-owned small businesses.  Latest Major Action: 5/20/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

S.1410 : Latest Title: A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide grants to improve the treatment of substance use disorders.  Latest Major Action: 5/21/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.1450 : VA Physician Employment Hours. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to modify the hours of employment of physicians and physician assistants employed on a full-time basis by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Latest Major Action: 5/21/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1451 : VA Survivor Benefits Claim Paperwork. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adjudicate and pay survivor's benefits without requiring the filing of a formal claim, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 5/21/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1452 : VA Emergency Medical Treatment Reimbursement. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for reimbursements for emergency medical treatment and to require that the Department of Veterans Affairs be treated as a participating provider for the recovery of the costs of certain medical care, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 5/21/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1455 : A bill to provide access to medication-assisted therapy, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 5/22/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.1460 : Extend Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program to cover recipients of the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry scholarship, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: H.R.2487.  Latest Major Action: 5/22/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

S.1463 : Access to Community Care for Veterans Act of 2015. A bill to amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to modify the distance requirement for expanded availability of hospital care and medical services for veterans through the use of agreements with non-Department of Veterans Affairs entities.  Latest Major Action: 5/26/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, 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.

S.1493 : Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2015.  A bill to provide for an increase, effective December 1, 2015, in the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans, and for other purposes. Related Bills: H.R.675.  Latest Major Action: 6/3/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 6/22/2015 Markup of bill. 7/22/2015 Markup of bill.

S.1496 : Ensuring Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Accountability Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to retain a copy of any reprimand or admonishment received by an employee of the Department in the permanent record of the employee.  Related Bills: H.R.1038.  Latest Major Action: 6/3/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1555 :  Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015.  A bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the Filipino veterans of World War II, in recognition of the dedicated service of the veterans during World War II.  Related Bills: H.R.2737.  Latest Major Action: 6/11/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

S.1557 :  Servicemember Student Loan Affordability Act of 2015.  A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend the interest rate limitation on debt entered into during military service to debt incurred during military service to consolidate or refinance student loans incurred before military service, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: H.R.2718.  Latest Major Action: 6/11/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1558 : Latest Title: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2016.  Related Bills: H.R.2029, H.R.2685, S.2130.  Latest Major Action: 6/11/2015 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 115.

S.1567 :  Vet Mental Health Disorder Discharge Characterization Review.  A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for a review of the characterization or terms of discharge from the Armed Forces of individuals with mental health disorders alleged to affect terms of discharge.  Latest Major Action: 6/11/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1568 :  VAMC Denver CO Funding.  A bill to extend the authorization to carry out the replacement of the existing medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Denver, Colorado, to authorize transfers of amounts to carry out the replacement of such medical center, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 6/15/2015 Became Public Law No: 114-25 [GPO: Text, PDF]

S.1587 : Latest Title: Authority for the Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Act. Related Bills: H.R.4208.  Latest Major Action: 6/16/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S.1603 :  Border Jobs for Veterans Act of 2015.  A bill to actively recruit members of the Armed Forces who are separating from military service to serve as Customs and Border Protection Officers.  Related Bills: H.R.2835.  Latest Major Action: 6/24/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

S.1611 : Latest Title: Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015.  Related Bills: H.R.1402, H.R.1987, H.R.2038, H.R.2284, H.R.4188, S.1191, S.1316.  Latest Major Action: 6/18/2015 Introduced in Senate.  11/30/2015 Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 114-168.  11/30/2015 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 302.

S.1628 : Latest Title: A bill to preserve the current amount of basic allowance for housing for certain married members of the uniformed services.  Latest Major Action: 6/18/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

 

S.1641 : Latest Title: Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act .  Latest Major Action: 6/22/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  [MOAA supports this bill.] To support this bill and/or contact your legislators send a message via the NGAUS Action Network http://www.ngaus.org/advocating-national-guard/take-action?url=http://www.capwiz.com/ngaus/issues/alert/?alertid=66824776&type=CO

S.1664 : Latest Title: Military and Veterans Education Protection Act.  Related Bills: H.R.3988. Latest Major Action: 6/24/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.1676 : A bill to increase the number of graduate medical education positions treating veterans, to improve the compensation of health care providers, medical directors, and directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.   Latest Major Action: 6/24/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 10/6/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.1693 :  Vet Emergency Medical Treatment Reimbursement.   A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for reimbursement for emergency medical treatment to certain veterans that were unable to receive care from the Department of Veterans Affairs in the 24-month period preceding the furnishing of such emergency treatment, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 6/25/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1721 :  VA/DoD Joint Uniform Formulary for Systemic Pain and Psychotropic Drugs.   A bill to require the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a joint uniform formulary with respect to systemic pain and psychotropic drugs that are critical for the transition of an individual from receiving health care services furnished by the Secretary of Defense to health care services furnished by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 7/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1731 :  Minimum Service Waiver to Provide VA Homeless Benefits.   A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to waive the minimum period of continuous active duty in the Armed Forces for receipt of certain benefits for homeless veterans, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish such benefits to homeless veterans with discharges or releases from service in the Armed Forces with other than dishonorable conditions, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 7/9/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1754 : Latest Title: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make permanent the temporary increase in number of judges presiding over the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 7/14/2015 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 10/6/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.1766 :  Restore Honor to Service Members Act.  A bill to direct the Secretary of Defense to review the discharge characterization of former members of the Armed Forces who were discharged by reason of the sexual orientation of the member, and for other purposes. Related Bills: H.R. 3068.  Latest Major Action: 7/15/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1775 :  World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act.  A bill to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to accept additional documentation when considering the application for veterans status of an individual who performed service as a coastwise merchant seaman during World War II, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 7/15/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1797 :  Connect with Veterans Act of 2015.  A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a voluntary national directory of veterans to support outreach to veterans, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 7/16/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

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.1880 : Latest Title: Helping Veterans Save for Health Care Act of 2015. Related Bills: H.R.2514. Latest Major Action: 7/28/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.1885 :  Veteran Housing Stability Act of 2015.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the provision of assistance and benefits to veterans who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or occupying temporary housing, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 7/29/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 10/6/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.1895 : A bill to amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act for purposes of making claims under such Act based on exposure to atmospheric nuclear testing.  Latest Major Action: 7/29/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S. 1945 : Latest Title: Mental Health Reform Act of 2015. Latest Major Action: 8/5/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.1955 :  Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act.  A bill to amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to provide for equitable allotment of land to Alaska Native veterans.  Related Bills:  H.R.2387.  Latest Major Action: 8/5/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S.1982 :  Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Act of 2015.  A bill to authorize a Wall of Remembrance as part of the Korean War Veterans Memorial and to allow certain private contributions to fund the Wall of Remembrance.  Related Bills: H.R.1475.  Latest Major Action: 8/5/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S.1991 : A bill to eliminate the sunset date for the Choice Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to expand eligibility for such program, and for other purposes.  Related bill H.R. 3183. Latest Major Action: 8/5/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1993 : A bill to establish the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps to place youth and veterans in the United States in national service positions to protect, restore, and enhance the great outdoors of the United States, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 8/5/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S.2000 :  Veterans Access to Long Term Care and Health Services Act.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into certain agreements with non-Department of Veterans Affairs health care providers if the Secretary is not feasibly able to provide health care in facilities of the Department or through contracts or sharing agreements, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: S.2179.  Latest Major Action: 8/5/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

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. 10/6/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

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. 10/6/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

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. Became Public Law No: 114-58.  [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.

S.2119 : Iran Policy Oversight Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S.2120 : Veterans Justice Outreach Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2127 : Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

S.2130 : An Act Making Appropriations for National Security and for Other Purposes, 2016.  Latest Major Action: 10/6/2015 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 249.

S.2134 : A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to provide educational assistance to certain former members of the Armed Forces for education and training as physician assistants of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to establish pay grades and require competitive pay for physician assistants of the Department, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 10/5/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2137 : Military Family Stability Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/6/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.2144 : North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/6/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S.2148 : Latest Title: Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2015.  Related Bills: H.R.3696.  Latest Major Action: 10/7/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2160 : Military Enlistment Opportunity Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/7/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.2170 : Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2173 : Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2175 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the role of podiatrists in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2179 : Veteran CARE Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2180 : Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.2181 : Default Prevention Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/20/2015 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 273.

S.2182 : Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/20/2015 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 274.

S.2184 : Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/20/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S.2195 : A bill to prohibit the indefinite detention of persons by the United States and for other purp

oses.  Latest Major Action: 10/22/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.2197 : Securing Care for Seniors Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/22/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2207 : A bill to require the Secretary of State to offer rewards of not less than $10,000,000 for information that leads to the arrest or conviction of suspects in connection with the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.  Latest Major Action: 10/27/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S.2210 : Veteran Partners' Efforts to Enhance Reintegration Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/27/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2221 : Ensuring Access to Affordable and Quality Home Care for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/29/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.2223 : A bill to transfer administrative jurisdiction over certain Bureau of Land Management land from the Secretary of the Interior to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for inclusion in the Black Hills National Cemetery, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 10/29/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S.2229 :  Veterans Scheduling Accountability Act.  A bill to require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct audits relating to the timely access of veterans to hospital care, medical services, and other health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Latest Major Action: 11/3/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2251 : SAVE Benefits Act.  A bill to provide for a supplementary payment to Social Security beneficiaries, supplemental security income beneficiaries, and recipients of veterans benefits, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: H.R.4012.  Latest Major Action: 11/5/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2253 : Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Education Relief and Restoration Act of 2015.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide veterans affected by closures of educational institutions certain relief and restoration of educational benefits, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: H.R. H.R.3991.  Latest Major Action: 11/18/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.2263 : HIRE Vets Act.  A bill to encourage effective, voluntary private sector investments to recruit, employ, and retain men and women who have served in the United States military with annual Federal awards to private sector employers recognizing such investments, and for other purposes.  Related Bills H.R. 3286.  Latest Major Action: 11/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.2265 :   Improve Rural Area VA Health Care.  A bill to improve the provision of health care by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans in rural and highly rural areas, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 11/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2268 : Dust Off Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act.  A bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the United States Army Dust Off crews of the Vietnam War, collectively, in recognition of their extraordinary heroism and life-saving actions in Vietnam.  Latest Major Action: 11/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

S.2273 : STARTUP Vets Act of 2015.  A bill to require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish an incubator and accelerator grant program for veterans and members of the Armed Forces.  Latest Major Action: 11/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

S.2277 : Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act of 2015.  A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit for veteran first-time homebuyers and for adaptive housing and mobility improvements for disabled veterans, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: H.R.3975.  Latest Major Action: 11/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2279 :  VA Health Care Worker (Vet) Recruitment.   A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to increase efficiency in the recruitment and hiring by the Department of Veterans Affairs of health care workers that are undergoing separation from the Armed Forces, to create uniform credentialing standards for certain health care professionals of the Department, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 11/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2291 : VA Patient Protection Act of 2015.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish procedures within the Department of Veterans Affairs for the processing of whistleblower complaints, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 11/18/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.2316 :  Reissuance Of Veterans Benefits Requirements.   A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the requirements for reissuance of veterans benefits in cases of misuse of benefits by certain fiduciaries to include misuse by all fiduciaries, and to improve oversight of fiduciaries, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 11/19/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2331 : Amend Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.  A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to make invalid and unenforceable predispute arbitration agreements with respect to controversies arising under provisions of such Act and to preserve the rights of servicemembers to bring class actions under such Act, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 11/19/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2334 : Biological Implant Tracking and Veteran Safety Act of 2015.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adopt and implement a standard identification protocol for use in the tracking and procurement of biological implants by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Related Bills: H.R.1016.  Latest Major Action: 11/30/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2343 : Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 12/2/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2344 : Liberty Through Strength Act II.  Latest Major Action: 12/2/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.2347 : Foreclosure Relief and Extension for Servicemembers Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 12/3/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2357 : Foreclosure Relief and Extension for Servicemembers Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 12/3/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2362 : Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 12/7/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.2363 : State Refugee Security Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 12/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.2364 : Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 12/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2372 : Requiring Reporting of Online Terrorist Activity Act.  Latest Major Action: 12/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.2377 : Defeat ISIS and Protect and Secure the United States Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 12/9/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.2382 : Strengthening Medicare Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 12/9/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2387 : Protection of Social Security Benefits Restoration Act.  Latest Major Action: 12/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2389 : Preserve Access to Medicare Rural Home Health Services Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 12/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2393 : Foreclosure Relief and Extension for Servicemembers Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 12/11/2015 Held at the desk.

S.2422 :  VA Secretary Authorization to Initiate Certain Projects.   A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out certain major medical facility projects for which appropriations are being made for fiscal year 2016.  Latest Major Action: 12/18/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 1/20/2016 Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

S.2423 : Latest Title: A bill making appropriations to address the heroin and opioid drug abuse epidemic for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: H.R.4447.  Latest Major Action: 12/18/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

S.2437 : Latest Title: Women Airforce Service Pilot Arlington Inurnment Restoration Act of 2016.  Related Bills: H.R.4336.  Latest Major Action: 1/11/2016 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2473 :  VA Alternative Appeals Process.  A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to provide veterans the option of using an alternative appeals process to more quickly determine claims for disability compensation, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 1/28/2016 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

 

S.2487 :  Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act.  A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to identify mental health care and suicide prevention programs and metrics that are effective in treating women veterans as part of the evaluation of such programs by the Secretary, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: H.R.2915. Latest Major Action: 2/3/2016 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

 

S.2493 :  Senior Vet (75+) Hospital Care and Medical Services.  A bill to expand eligibility for hospital care and medical services under section 101 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to include veterans who are age 75 or older, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 2/3/2016 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

 

S.2507 :  Medal of Honor Surviving Spouses Recognition Act of 2016.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide payment of Medal of Honor special pension under such title to the surviving spouse of a deceased Medal of Honor recipient, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 2/4/2016 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

 

S.2520 :  Newborn Care Improvement Act.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to newborn children.  Latest Major Action: 2/9/2016 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

 

S.2521 :  Military SAVE Act.  A bill to amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to improve the treatment at non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities of veterans who are victims of military sexual assault, and for other purposes.  Related Bills:  H.R.1603.  Latest Major Action: 2/9/2016 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

 

S.2527 :  Sergeant Daniel Somers Classified Veterans Access to Care Act.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the mental health treatment provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans who served in classified missions.  Related Bills:  H.R.421.  Latest Major Action: 2/10/2016 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

 

S.2545 :  VA Reimbursement Modification for Health Care Providers.   A bill to modify the requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs for reimbursing health care providers under section 101 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 2/11/2016 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

 

S.2554 :  VA Employee Removal/Demotion.  A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the removal or demotion of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on performance or misconduct, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 2/11/2016 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.