LIBERTY BELL CHAPTER 266, VIETNAM
VETERANS OF AMERICA
October 19,
2015, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Since our last Chapter Meeting on October 5, 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 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
Nov 3, 2015 - Choice Consolidation: Assessing VA’s Plan to Improve Care
in the Community
U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs
Committee Hearings
None scheduled.
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. PN 2255
Reported as amended from VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Sept. 30,
2015. First consideration, Sept. 30,
2015. Re-referred to APPROPRIATIONS,
Oct. 14, 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.
Approved by the
Governor, Oct. 7, 2015. Act No. 43.
HB 138 - An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of
the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for soliciting by first
responder organizations. Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, May 13, 2015 (190-1). In the
Senate - Second consideration, Oct. 14, 2015.
HB 602 - An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of
the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Pennsylvania National Guard, further
providing for the pay of officers and enlisted personnel in active State
service. Last Action: Removed from table, Oct. 7, 2015.
HB 735 - An Act designating a bridge on that portion of
State Route 147 over the Wiconisco Creek, Millersburg Borough, Dauphin County,
as the Private Warren Snyder Memorial Bridge. Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, April 21, 2015 (194-0). (Remarks see House Journal Page ), April 21,
2015. In the Senate - Laid on the table, Oct. 14, 2015.
HB 792 - An Act amending the act of December 3, 1959
(P.L.1688, No.621), known as the Housing Finance Agency Law, further providing
for the Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund. Last
Action:
Third consideration and final passage, June 2, 2015 (195-0). In the
Senate - Re-reported as committed
from APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 13, 2015.
HB 824 - An Act amending Title 2 (Administrative Law and
Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for
confidentiality of personal information of public safety officials. Last
Action: Laid on the table, Oct. 5, 2015.
Removed from table, Oct. 5, 2015.
HB 946 - An Act providing for pharmacy audit procedures. Last Action: PN 2321 Reported as
amended from HEALTH, Oct. 7, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 7, 2015. Laid on
the table, Oct. 7, 2015.
HB 947 - An Act providing for registration of pharmacy
benefits managers and for maximum allowable cost transparency. Last Action: PN 2322 Reported as
amended from HEALTH, Oct. 7, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 7, 2015. Laid on
the table, Oct. 7, 2015.
HB 967 - An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for industrial hemp research;
imposing powers and duties on the Department of Agriculture and the Legislative
Reference Bureau; abrogating a regulation; and making a related repeal. Last
Action: PN 2312 Reported as amended from AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS,
Oct. 6, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 6, 2015. Laid on the table, Oct. 6, 2015.
HB 1113 - An Act providing for certification of community
paramedics, for community paramedicine service coverage by casualty insurance
carriers and for medical assistance reimbursement. Last Actions: PN 2357
Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Oct. 15, 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 from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept.
30, 2015. Third consideration and final
passage, Sept. 30, 2015 (194-0). In the Senate - Referred to JUDICIARY,
Oct. 14, 2015.
HB 1170 - An Act designating a portion of Blair Mill Road
in Montgomery County as the PVT William H. Walls, U.S.M.C. Memorial
Highway. Last Action: Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 5,
2015. First consideration, Oct. 5, 2015.
Laid on the table, Oct. 5, 2015.
Removed from table, Oct. 6, 2015. Second consideration, Oct. 7,
2015. Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS,
Oct. 7, 2015.
HB 1233 - An Act providing for summaries or copies of
patient test results to be sent directly to a patient or the patient's designee
when there is a finding of a significant abnormality; and providing for duties
of the Department of Health. Last
Action: PN 2323 Reported as amended from HEALTH, Oct. 7, 2015. First
consideration, Oct. 7, 2015. Laid on the
table, Oct. 7, 2015.
HB 1275 - An Act amending the act of May 1, 1933
(P.L.216, No.76), known as The Dental Law, further providing for definitions,
for public health dental hygiene practitioner and for restricted faculty
license. Last Action: Third
consideration and final passage,
June 29, 2015 (193-0). In the Senate - Reported as committed from
CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, Sept. 30, 2015. First
consideration, Sept. 30, 2015. PN 2336
Amended on second consideration, Oct. 13, 2015. Second consideration, Oct. 14,
2015.
HB 1310 - An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of
the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in emergency telephone service,
providing for prohibited release of information. Last Action: Second consideration,
Oct. 5, 2015. Re-committed to
APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 5, 2015. Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS,
Oct. 6, 2015. Third consideration and final
passage, Oct. 6, 2015 (199-0). In the Senate - Referred to VETERANS
AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Oct. 9, 2015.
HB 1317 - An Act designating a bridge on that portion of
U.S. Route 15 over State Route 114, Mechanicsburg Borough, Cumberland County as
the Corporal Jonathan Dean Faircloth Memorial Bridge. Last
Action: Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 5, 2015. First
consideration, Oct. 5, 2015. Laid on the
table, Oct. 5, 2015. Removed from table,
Oct. 6, 2015. Second consideration, Oct. 7, 2015. Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 7, 2015.
HB 1540 - An Act amending the act of May 13, 2015
(P.L.14, No.3), entitled, "An act designating the interchange of State
Route 43 at the Mon-Fayette Expressway Interchange with State Route 88, known
as Exit 28, in Washington County as the Marine Cpl. Thomas R. Matty Memorial
Interchange; designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 1013, known as
Knupp Road, over the Hypocrite Creek, Fairfield Township, Westmoreland County,
as the PFC LeRoy D. "Whitey" Schaller Bridge; designating a portion
of State Route 711 in New Florence Borough through St. Clair Township,
Westmoreland County, as the Veterans Highway; designating a bridge on that
portion of State Route 88 over Muddy Creek, Cumberland Township, Greene County,
as the Army Corporal Richard W. Kowalewski, Jr., Memorial Bridge; designating
the bridge carrying U.S. Route 322 over the east branch of the Brandywine Creek
in West Bradford and East Caln Townships, Chester County, as the Robbie and
Ryan Miller Memorial Bridge; designating the bridge located on State Route 34
that connects the banks of the Juniata River in Newport, Perry County, as the
Paul Reider bridge; and designating a portion of State Route 2029 and 2049,
also known as Bath Road, in Bristol Township, Bucks County, as the Sergeant
George Stuckey Memorial Road," further providing for the Army Corporal
Richard W. Kowalewski, Jr., Memorial Bridge. Last Action: Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 5,
2015. First consideration, Oct. 5, 2015.
Laid on the table, Oct. 5, 2015.
Removed from table, Oct. 6, 2015.
HB 1577 - An Act designating a bridge on that portion of
State Route 580, over the west branch of the Susquehanna River, Cherry Tree
Borough, Indiana County, as the Airman Second Class Gerald Emmett Johnson
Memorial Bridge. Last Action: PN
2271 Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 30, 2015.
HB 1579 - An Act designating a bridge on that portion of
State Route 62 over the Allegheny River, Tionesta Borough, Forest County, as
the Lt. Col. Michael McLaughlin/AMVETS Post 113 Memorial Bridge. Last Action: PN 2273 Referred to
TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 30, 2015.
HB 1597 - An Act designating a portion of State Route
2026, also known as Blair Mill Road, in Montgomery County as the Private First
Class Paul T. Wright Memorial Highway. Last
Action: PN 2304 Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 5, 2015.
HB 1607 - Joint Resolution proposing separate and
distinct amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
further providing for terms of members and for the Legislative Reapportionment
Commission. The proposal would increase the length of the term for a Representative
in the General Assembly to four years and place half of the House districts on
the ballot for election every two years.
Representatives would be limited to three successive terms for a total
of 12 years of service. Additionally,
the Senate would see the length of its terms increased to six years. Senators would be limited to two successive
terms for a total of twelve years of service.
By extending terms, the legislation seeks to improve the efficiency of
the General Assembly by eliminating the constant election cycle for members of
the House of Representative. In
addition, the legislation imposes term limits in order to ensure that the
makeup of the General Assembly is representative of the changing population of
the Commonwealth. Last Action: PN 2325 Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Oct. 8, 2015.
HB 1613 - An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration of vehicles, further
providing for person with disability plate and placard. Last Action: PN 2329 Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 8, 2015.
HB 1615 - An Act prohibiting certain conduct in public
office; and prescribing penalties. Under this proposal, abuse of office would
be a criminal offense if an elected official, public officer or public employee
would (1) intentionally compel a public employee to perform an activity knowing
the activity is not related to the performance of the duties of the office held
by the elected official or public officer and (2) intentionally compel a public
contractor to provide a good or service for the private pecuniary benefit of
the elected official, public officer or another person. A violation would constitute a misdemeanor of
the second degree. However, if the
aggregate value of the activities, goods or services performed would exceed
$2,000, a violation would be a third degree felony. A person who falsely reports an alleged
violation would also be subject to criminal prosecution. Last
Action: PN 2331 Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Oct. 8, 2015.
HB 1619 - An Act authorizing the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact; providing for
the form of the compact; and imposing additional powers and duties on the
Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Interstate Medical Licensure
Compact. Last Action: PN 2348 Referred to HEALTH, Oct. 14, 2015.
HB 1622 - An Act establishing the naturally occurring
retirement community program; and providing for powers and duties of the
Department of Aging. Last Action: PN 2349 Referred to AGING
AND OLDER ADULT SERVICES, Oct. 14, 2015.
HB 1630 - An Act amending the act of July 9, 1976
(P.L.817, No.143), known as the Mental Health Procedures Act, establishing an
Assertive Community Treatment Program in the Department of Human Services. Last
Action:
PN 2365 Referred to HEALTH, Oct. 15, 2015.
COMMONWEALTH OF PA
HOUSE RESOLUTIONS 2015-2016 Session:
HR 424 - A Resolution memorializing Congress to examine
existing Federal laws relating to sober living arrangements. Latest
Major Action: PN 2046 Referred to HUMAN SERVICES, July 20, 2015. PN 2278
Reported as amended from HUMAN SERVICES, Sept. 30, 2015.
HR 433 - A Resolution honoring community health centers for
providing quality and affordable primary and preventive health care services
for 50 years. Latest Major Action: Adopted, Oct. 5, 2015 (196-0).
HR 474 - A Resolution observing September 15 through October
15, 2015, as "Hispanic Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: Adopted, Oct. 5,
2015 (197-0).
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: Adopted, Oct. 5,
2015 (196-0).
HR 477 - A Resolution recognizing the Democratic State
Committee Latino Task Force and newly formed Pennsylvania Democratic Latino
Caucus and its members in observance of "Hispanic Heritage Month" in
Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: Adopted, Oct. 5, 2015 (195-1).
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: Adopted, Oct. 5,
2015 (196-0). (Remarks see House Journal
Page ), Oct. 5, 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: Adopted, Oct. 7,
2015 (200-0).
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: Adopted, Oct. 6,
2015 (199-0).
HR 512 - A Resolution designating the month of September as
"Code Green: First Responders Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month"
in Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: PN 2257 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL
RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Sept. 30, 2015.
Adopted, Sept. 30, 2015
(195-0). (Remarks see House Journal Page
), Sept. 30, 2015.
HR 517 - A Resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of
the American Diabetes Association. Latest
Major Action: PN 2281 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Oct. 1, 2015. Adopted, Oct. 6,
2015 (199-0). (Remarks see House Journal
Page ), Oct. 6, 2015.
HR 518 - A Resolution
commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Daughters of the American
Revolution. Latest Major Action: PN 2282 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL
RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 1, 2015. Adopted,
Oct. 6, 2015 (199-0). (Remarks see House
Journal Page ), Oct. 6, 2015.
HR 524 - A Resolution designating the week of October 18
through 24, 2015, as "Freedom from Workplace Bullies Week" in
Pennsylvania to help Commonwealth residents recognize workplace bullying, stop
bullying and gain the tools needed to appropriately deal with workplace
violence and bullying. Latest Major Action: PN 2292 INTRODUCED
AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 5, 2015.
HR 527 - A Resolution urging the Pennsylvania delegation to
the 114th Congress of the United States to support the passage of the Toxic
Exposure Research Act of 2015. Latest
Major Action: PN 2295 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS, Oct. 5, 2015.
HR 531 - A Resolution designating October 21, 2015, as
"Biomedical Research Day" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: PN 2315 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Oct. 6, 2015.
HR 533 - A Resolution designating the week of October 19
through 23, 2015, as "No Place for Hate Week" in Pennsylvania and
commending the Anti-Defamation League for its outstanding efforts to promote
peace, brotherhood and goodwill. Latest
Major Action: PN 2322 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Oct. 8, 2015.
HR 536 - A Resolution honoring and recognizing Pennsylvania's
American Indian peoples and communities and recognizing the first Saturday in
October of every year as "Indigenous Peoples Day" in
Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: PN 2338 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL
RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 14, 2015.
COMMONWEALTH OF PA SENATE BILLS 2015-2016 Session:
SB 170 - An Act providing for museum preservation and for
grant program; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum
Commission; establishing the Pennsylvania Museum Preservation Fund; and making
an appropriation. Last Action: PN
1304 Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Oct. 7, 2015.
SB 609 - An Act establishing a task force on prostate cancer
and related chronic prostate conditions; and providing for powers and duties of
the task force, the Department of Health, the Insurance Department, the Department
of Aging and the Department of Human Services, and for prevention and education
strategies. Related bills: HB 804 and SB
605. Last Action: Third
consideration and final passage,
June 25, 2015 (49-0). In the House - PN 1308 Reported as
amended from HEALTH, Oct. 7, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 7, 2015. Laid on the table, Oct. 7, 2015.
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: Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 30, 2015 (48-0). In
the House - Referred to PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, Oct. 1, 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: Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 30, 2015 (48-0). In
the House - Referred to PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, Oct. 1, 2015.
SB 747 - An Act amending the act of March 20, 2002 (P.L.154,
No.13), known as the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (Mcare)
Act, further providing for punitive damages; providing for punitive damages
study; and imposing duties on the Insurance Commissioner. The legislation will
require the Insurance Commissioner to study the amount of punitive damages paid
by the following in the last 10 years; 1) physicians 2) long-term care nursing
facilities licensed by the Department of Health and 3) personal care homes
licensed by the Department of Human Services in the Commonwealth. State
agencies shall cooperate with the Commissioner as necessary to obtain this
information. The Commissioner shall
complete the study within one year of the effective date of the act. The study would be submitted to the Chairman
and Minority Chairman of the Banking and Insurance Committee of the Senate and
the Chairman and Minority Chairman of the Insurance Committee of the House of
Representatives. Last Action: Third
consideration and final passage,
June 25, 2015 (40-9). In the House - Removed from table, Oct. 6,
2015. Laid on the table, Oct. 6, 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: Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 13, 2015 (49-0).
SB 890 - An Act designating the bridge carrying State Route
6011 (Harrison Avenue) over Roaring Brook in the City of Scranton, Lackawanna
County, as the Colonel Frank Duffy Memorial Bridge. Last
Action: Third consideration and final
passage, July 13, 2015 (47-0). In the House - Reported as committed
from TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 5, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 5, 2015. Laid on the table, Oct. 5, 2015. Removed from table, Oct. 6, 2015. Second
consideration, Oct. 7, 2015. Re-referred
to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 7, 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: Second consideration, Oct. 14, 2015.
SB 983 - An Act amending Title 75
(Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration of
vehicles, further providing for person with disability plate and placard. Last Action: Re-referred to
APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 13, 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: Second
consideration, Oct. 14, 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: Second
consideration, Oct. 14, 2015.
SB 1013 - An Act amending Title
51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for
voluntary veterans' preference in private employment. This bill would allow a private employer to
adopt and apply a veterans’ employment policy which would need to: be in
writing, include a statement an employer has and applies a preference in a job
posting, be provided to an applicant upon hire and all employees annually; and
be applied uniformly. The bill would
exempt an employer who has adopted and applies a policy in compliance with the
act from violations of State and Local equal employment opportunities law. For purposes of this act, a veteran would
include surviving spouses and a spouse of a disabled veteran. This bill would leave the decision whether or
not to adopt a policy solely up to an employer.
There would be no mandate on an employer to have a veterans’
preference. Allowing private employers
to adopt a veterans’ preference has been signed into law in a number of states
including: California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. Last
Action: PN 1309 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS,
Oct. 9, 2015.
SB 1025 - An Act amending the act
of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929,
establishing the Office of State Inspector General. Currently, the Inspector General is a
cabinet-level official who is appointed by, and reports to, the Governor. Pennsylvania is among a small minority of states
that does not have a separate statute providing for the appointment, term and
duties of the Inspector General.
Currently, the office only exists if the Governor wishes it to continue
by Executive Order. This legislation
would create, by law, this important post and provide that the Inspector
General be nominated by the Governor and confirmed by two-thirds of the
Senate. Under this bill, the Inspector
General would serve a term of 6 years and could serve no more than 2
terms. The goal is to create this
office in a manner that will allow our Inspector General to work independently
from the influence of any one Governor, who now can unilaterally direct the
detection of waste, fraud and abuse in state government. Last
Action: PN 1311 Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Oct. 9, 2015.
COMMONWEALTH OF PA
SENATE RESOLUTIONS 2015-2016 Session:
SR 171 - A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and
Finance Committee to conduct a study relating to the feasibility and
cost-effectiveness of utilizing privately owned veterans care facilities to
augment the Commonwealth's six State-owned veterans care facilities. Last Action: Adopted, Oct. 13, 2015. Transmitted
as directed, Oct. 14, 2015.
SR 201 - A Resolution recognizing the month of October 2015
as "Italian-American Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. Last
Action: PN 1291 Introduced and adopted,
Sept. 29, 2015. (Remarks see Senate
Journal Page ....), Sept. 29, 2015.
SR 202 - A Resolution recognizing the week of September 20
through 26, 2015, as "Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Week" in Pennsylvania. Last Action: PN 1292 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 29, 2015. (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept.
29, 2015. Transmitted as directed, Sept. 30, 2015.
SR 204 - A Resolution designating the month of October 2015
as "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania. Last Action: PN 1296 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 29, 2015. (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....),
Sept. 29, 2015.
SR 205 - A Resolution designating the week of October 25
through 31, 2015, as "Pro Bono Week" in Pennsylvania. Last
Action: PN 1298 Introduced and adopted,
Sept. 30, 2015.
SR 206 - A Resolution designating the month of October 2015
as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Last Action: PN 1299 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 30, 2015. (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept.
30, 2015. Transmitted as directed, Oct. 6, 2015.
SR 209 - A Resolution designating the week of October 18 through
25, 2015, as "Homeless Children's Awareness Week" in
Pennsylvania. Last Action: PN 1316 Introduced and adopted, Oct. 13, 2015.
(Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 13, 2015.
SR 210 - A Resolution recognizing October 21, 2015, as
"Biomedical Research Day" in Pennsylvania. Last
Action: PN 1317 Introduced and adopted,
Oct. 13, 2015. (Remarks see Senate
Journal Page ....), Oct. 13, 2015.
SR 212 - A Resolution recognizing November 10, 2015, as
"Marine Corps Day" in Pennsylvania in honor of the United States
Marine Corps' 240th anniversary of its founding. Last
Action: PN 1319 Introduced and adopted,
Oct. 14, 2015. (Remarks see Senate
Journal Page ....), Oct. 14, 2015.
FEDERAL HOUSE
RESOLUTIONS/AMENDMENTS 114th Congress:
H.CON.RES.81 : Providing for
corrections to the enrollment of the bill H.R. 1735. Latest
Major Action: 10/7/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Resolution
agreed to in Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. Latest
Action: 10/8/2015 Message on Senate action sent to the House.
H.RES.457 : Amending the Rules of
the House of Representatives to require that the House be in session at least
40 hours each week other than a week that is designated as a district work
period. Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Rules.
H.RES.474 : Recognizing the
important contribution and added value of mental health and psychosocial support
services and the importance of building such capacity in humanitarian and
development contexts. Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred
to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce,
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.477 : Recommending the
designation of a Presidential Special Envoy to the Balkans to evaluate the
successes and shortcomings of the implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords in
Bosnia and Herzegovina, to provide policy recommendations, and to report back
to Congress within one year. Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred
to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
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: 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). 10/7/2015 Conference report agreed to in Senate: Senate agreed to conference
report by Yea-Nay Vote. 70 - 27. Record Vote Number: 277. [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.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: 10/5/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the
Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
H.R.3507 : To designate the facility of the United States
Postal Service located at 99 West 2nd Street in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, as the
"Lieutenant Colonel James 'Maggie' Megellas Post Office". Latest
Major Action: 9/15/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
H.R.3510 : Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity
Strategy Act of 2015. Latest Major Action: 10/7/2015 Referred
to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred
to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
H.R.3603 : To grant a Federal charter to the National
American Indian Veterans, Incorporated. Latest Major Action: 10/5/2015 Referred
to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and
Border Security.
H.R.3677 : Opioid Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of
2015. Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.3681 : Improving Access to Emergency Psychiatric Care
Act. Latest Major Action: 10/2/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.3684 : Preserving Teacher Loan Forgiveness for Military
Spouses Act of 2015. Latest Major Action: 10/6/2015 Referred
to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Education and
the Workforce.
H.R.3686 : Veterans Care and Reporting Enforcement Act. Latest
Major Action: 10/6/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
H.R.3693 : IRGC Terrorist Sanctions Act of 2015. Latest
Major Action: 10/6/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.R.3696 : Latest Title: Medicare Premium Fairness Act of
2015. Related Bills: S.2148. Latest
Major Action: 10/7/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.3698 : Military Enlistment Opportunity Act of 2015. Latest
Major Action: 10/7/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the Committee on Armed Services, 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.R.3708 : Prevent a December Government Shutdown Act. Latest
Major Action: 10/8/2015 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.3709 : Helping our Rural Veterans Receive Health Care
Act. Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
H.R.3712 : Improving Access to Mental Health Act. Latest
Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
H.R.3715 : Final Farewell Act of 2015. Latest
Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
H.R.3737 : Responsibly Paying Our Nation's Bills Act. Latest
Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Ways and Means.
H.R.3739 : Veterans' Expanded Trucking Opportunities
Act. Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
H.R.3741 : Commission to Verify Iranian Nuclear Compliance
Act. Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.R.3746 : State Marihuana And Regulatory Tolerance
Enforcement Act. Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.3755 : To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act
to provide for the disregard of certain resident slots that include Department
of Veterans Affairs training in determining payments for direct graduate
medical education costs, and for other purposes. Latest
Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy
and Commerce, and 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.R.3757 : To provide that Members of Congress shall be paid
last whenever the Treasury is unable to satisfy the obligations of the United
States Government in a timely manner because the public debt limit has been
reached. Latest Major Action: 10/16/2015 Referred to House committee.
Status: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
H.R.3761 : To increase Social Security and military
retirement benefits by 2.9 percent, and base future cost-of-living increase
adjustments to the Consumer Price Index for the elderly. Latest
Major Action: 10/16/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Armed
Services, 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.
FEDERAL SENATE
RESOLUTIONS/AMENDMENTS 114th Congress:
S.RES.264 : A resolution designating September 23, 2015, as
"National Falls Prevention Awareness Day" to raise awareness and
encourage the prevention of falls among older adults. Latest
Major Action: 9/22/2015 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.281 : A resolution designating the week of October 5
through October 9, 2015, as "National Health Information Technology
Week" to recognize the value of health information technology in
transforming and improving the healthcare system for all people in the United
States. Latest Major Action: 10/7/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status:
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a
preamble by Voice Vote.
S.RES.282 : A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of
American Diabetes Month. Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred
to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
S.RES.284 : A resolution recognizing the importance of
mental health globally and highlighting the contributions and value of mental
health, psychosocial support, and human capacity, particularly in development
contexts and humanitarian settings. Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred
to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
FEDERAL SENATE
BILLS 114th Congress:
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: 10/6/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status:
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
S.2013 : Los Angeles Homeless Veterans Leasing Act of 2015. Latest
Major Action: 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: 10/6/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee
actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
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.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.
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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