LIBERTY BELL CHAPTER 266, VIETNAM
VETERANS OF AMERICA
November 16,
2015, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Since our last Chapter Meeting on November 2, 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:
06/01/2015 - The committee received testimony regarding the Firefighter
Cancer Presumption Act.
10/26/2015 - The committee received testimony regarding Veteran’s Real
Estate Tax Exemption.
PA SENATE VETERANS AFFAIRS &
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, November 18, 2015, 10:00 AM - (to consider Senate Bills No. 1013, 1047 and 1067; and House Bills No.
49 and 602), Room 461, Main Capitol
Thursday, November 19, 2015, 9:30 AM - (public hearing on the
National Guard Youth Challenge Program - Senate Bill No. 56), Carson Long,
Military Academy, 200 N. Carlisle St., New Bloomfield, PA
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE HEARINGS:
U.S. House Committee on Veterans
Affairs
Nov 17, 2015 - Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 1319; H.R. 1603; H.R. 1904;
H.R. 2639; H.R. 3234; H.R. 3471; H.R. 3549; Draft legislation, the Promoting
Responsible Opioid Management and Incorporating Medical Expertise Act; and, a
VA legislative proposal, the VA Purchased Health Care Streamlining and
Modernization Act
Nov 18, 2015 - Choice Consolidation: Assessing VA’s Plan to Improve
Care in the Community (Rescheduled from 11/3/15)
Nov 18, 2015 - Examining VA’s On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship
Program
U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs
Committee Hearings
Nov 17, 2015 - Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 1319; H.R. 1603; H.R. 1904;
H.R. 2639; H.R. 3234; H.R. 3471; H.R. 3549; Draft legislation, the Promoting
Responsible Opioid Management and Incorporating Medical Expertise Act; and, a
VA legislative proposal, the VA Purchased Health Care Streamlining and
Modernization Act
Nov 18, 2015 - Choice Consolidation: Assessing VA’s Plan to Improve
Care in the Community (Rescheduled from 11/3/15)
Nov 18, 2015 - Examining VA’s On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship
Program
COMMONWEALTH OF PA HOUSE BILLS 2015-2016 Session:
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 - Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 21, 2015 (46-0). In the
House - Referred to RULES, Oct. 26, 2015. Re-reported on concurrence from
RULES, as committed, Oct. 26, 2015. House concurred in Senate amendments, Oct.
26, 2015 (198-0). Signed in House, Oct. 26, 2015. Signed in Senate, Oct. 26, 2015. Presented to the Governor, Oct. 27, 2015. Approved by the Governor, Nov. 4, 2015. Act
No. 57.
HB 222 - An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967
(P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public Welfare Code, in public assistance,
prohibiting eligibility for individuals convicted of drug distribution.
Last Action: PN 0218 Referred to HEALTH, Jan. 27, 2015. PN 1587
Reported as amended from HEALTH, May 13, 2015. First consideration, May 13,
2015. Laid on the table, May 13,
2015. Removed from table, May 13, 2015.
Laid on the table, June 25, 2015.
Removed from table, June 25, 2015. Laid on the table, Sept. 29,
2015. Removed from table, Sept. 29,
2015. Laid on the table, Nov. 12, 2015.
Removed from table, Nov. 12, 2015.
HB 406 - An Act amending the act of June 27, 2006 (1st
Sp.Sess., P.L.1873, No.1), known as the Taxpayer Relief Act, in senior citizens
property tax and rent rebate assistance, further providing for definitions and
for filing of claim. Last Action: Re-reported
as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Nov. 9, 2015.
HB 677 - An Act amending the act of December 7, 1990
(P.L.639, No.165), known as the Hazardous Material Emergency Planning and
Response Act, in hazardous material protection, further providing for
establishment and functions of local emergency planning committees and for
emergency reporting requirements. Last Action: Removed from table, Nov.
4, 2015. Laid on the table, Nov. 4,
2015.
HB 727 - An Act amending Titles 24 (Education), 51
(Military Affairs) and 71 (State Government) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes, in Title 24, in preliminary provisions, further providing for
definitions and construction and providing for references; in retirement
membership, contributions and benefits, further providing for mandatory and
optional membership, for credited school service, for waiver of adjustments and
for classes of service, for elections, for eligibility points, for eligibility
for annuities, for eligibility for refunds, for pickup contributions, for
member contributions, for contributions for purchase of credit, for annual
compensation limit, for contributions by Commonwealth, for payments by
employers, for actuarial cost method, for appropriations by Commonwealth, for
return of accumulated deductions, for single life annuity, for disability
annuities, for termination of annuities and payment of benefits; providing for
school employees' defined contribution plan; in administrative and
miscellaneous provisions, further providing for the Public School Employees'
Retirement Board, for administrative duties of board, for health insurance, for
advisory and reporting duties, for application and election duties, for duties
of employers, for rights and duties of school employees and members, for
management of fund and accounts, for Public School Employees' Retirement Fund,
for State accumulation account, for annuity reserve account, for State
guarantee, for taxation, for attachment and assignment of funds, for approval
of domestic relations orders, for irrevocable survivor annuitant and for amendment
of approved domestic relations orders; providing for irrevocable successor
payee; further providing for fraud and adjustment of errors and for payments to
school entities by Commonwealth; providing for payments to school entities by
Commonwealth commencing with the 2015-2016 school year; in health insurance for
retired school employees, further providing for definitions; in Title 51, in
employment preferences and pensions, further providing for military leaves of
absence; in Title 71, in retirement for State employees and officers, further
providing for definitions, for preliminary provisions and for membership,
credited service, classes of service, and eligibility benefits, providing for
State Employees' Defined Contribution Plan, further providing for
contributions, for benefits and for administration, funds and accounts; and
making editorial changes. Last Action: Laid on the table, Nov. 12,
2015. Removed from table, Nov. 12, 2015.
HB 784 - An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6,
No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for the Vets First tax
credit to honor veterans for their service to our country and provide incentives
for their employment. Last Action: Removed from table, Nov.
4, 2015. Laid on the table, Nov. 4, 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 - Third consideration and final
passage, Oct. 20, 2015 (47-1).
(Remarks see Senate Journal Page ), Oct. 20, 2015. Signed
in House, Oct. 21, 2015. Signed in Senate, Oct. 26, 2015. Presented
to the Governor, Oct. 26, 2015. Approved
by the Governor, Nov. 4, 2015. Act No. 58.
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: Re-reported as committed
from APPROPRIATIONS, Nov. 9, 2015. Third
consideration and final passage,
Nov. 9, 2015 (196-1). (Remarks see House
Journal Page ), Nov. 9, 2015. In the
Senate - Referred to PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE, Nov. 13, 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 - Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 21, 2015
(46-0). In the House - Referred to RULES, Oct. 26, 2015. Re-reported on
concurrence from RULES, as committed, Oct. 26, 2015. House concurred in Senate amendments, Oct. 26, 2015 (198-0). Signed
in House, Oct. 26, 2015. Signed in
Senate, Oct. 26, 2015. Presented to
the Governor, Oct. 27, 2015. Approved
by the Governor, Nov. 4, 2015. Act
No. 60.
HB 1460 - An Act to provide from the General Fund for the
expenses of the Executive and Judicial Departments, the State Government
Support Agencies and the General Assembly of the Commonwealth, the public debt
and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, for
certain institutions and organizations, and for the payment of bills incurred
and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015; to
provide appropriations from the State Lottery Fund, the Tobacco Settlement
Fund, the Aviation Restricted Account, the Hazardous Material Response Fund,
The State Stores Fund, the Milk Marketing Fund, the Home Investment Trust Fund,
the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, the Tuition Account Guaranteed
Savings Program Fund, the Banking Fund, the Firearm Records Check Fund, the Ben
Franklin Technology Development Authority Fund, the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, the
Home Improvement Account, the Cigarette Fire Safety and Firefighter Protection
Act Enforcement Fund, the Insurance Regulation and Oversight Fund, the
Pennsylvania Racehorse Development Restricted Receipt Account, the Justice
Reinvestment Fund and the Multimodal Transportation Fund to the Executive
Department; to provide appropriations from the Judicial Computer System
Augmentation Account to the Judicial Department for the fiscal year July 1,
2015, to June 30, 2016; to provide appropriations from the Motor License Fund
for the fiscal year July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, for the proper operation of
several departments of the Commonwealth and the Pennsylvania State Police authorized
to spend Motor License Fund money; to provide for the appropriation of Federal
funds to the Executive Department of the Commonwealth and for the payment of
bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015;
and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds from
the General Fund and the State Lottery Fund for the Executive Department of the
Commonwealth for the fiscal year July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015, and for the
payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2015. Last Action: Removed
from table, Nov. 4, 2015. Laid on the table, Nov. 4, 2015. Removed from table, Nov. 9, 2015. Second
consideration, Nov. 10, 2015. Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Nov. 10,
2015. (Remarks see House Journal Page ),
Nov. 10, 2015 [This appears to replace
the bill vetoed by Governor Wolf]
HB 1676 - A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to
the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for recall of
elected public officers. Last Action: PN
2488 Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Nov. 5, 2015.
HB 1677 - An Act amending Title 65 (Public Officers) of
the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for recall election of State
and local officers, for recall petition process, for review of recall
petitions, for recall election and for prohibited practices. Last Action: PN 2489 Referred to STATE
GOVERNMENT, Nov. 5, 2015.
HB 1678 - An Act establishing the Veteran's
Entrepreneurial Training and Support Program; imposing powers and duties on the
Department of Community and Economic Development; and making an appropriation. Last Action: PN 2490 Referred to
VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Nov. 5, 2015.
HB 1683 - An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of
the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for incentives for volunteers
of fire companies and emergency medical services agencies. Last
Action: PN 2495 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS,
Nov. 5, 2015. PN 2507 Reported as
amended from VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Nov. 10, 2015. First consideration, Nov. 10, 2015. Laid on the table, Nov. 10, 2015.
HB 1688 - An Act providing for a Statewide comprehensive
health care system; establishing the Pennsylvania Health Care Plan and
providing for eligibility, services, coverages, subrogation, participating and
nonparticipating providers, cost containment, quality assurance and for
transitional support and training; establishing the Pennsylvania Health Care
Board, the Pennsylvania Health Care Agency, the Office of Health Care Ombudsman
and the Pennsylvania Health Care Trust Fund; and imposing a payroll tax and an
additional personal income tax. Last Action: PN 2506 Referred to
HEALTH, Nov. 9, 2015.
HB 1689 - An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of
the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for the National Guard Youth
Challenge Program. Last Action: PN 2515 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS, Nov. 12, 2015.
COMMONWEALTH OF PA
HOUSE RESOLUTIONS 2015-2016 Session:
HR 22 - A Resolution recognizing November 14, 2015, as
"World Diabetes Day" in Pennsylvania.
Latest Action(s): Adopted, Nov. 9, 2015 (196-0).
HR 502 - A Resolution adopting a temporary rule of the House
of Representatives relating solely to amendments to the General Appropriation
Bill for the fiscal year 2015-2016, Senate Bill 1000 (2015). Latest Major Action: Laid on the table,
Nov. 4, 2015. Removed from table, Nov.
4, 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: Reported as committed from VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS, Nov. 10, 2015.
HR 561 - A Resolution recognizing November 10, 2015, as
"Marine Corps Day" in Pennsylvania in honor of the United States
Marine Corps' 240th anniversary. Latest
Major Action: Adopted, Nov. 10,
2015 (195-0). (Remarks see House Journal
Page ), Nov. 10, 2015.
HR 562 - A Resolution recognizing the week of November 14
through 22, 2015, as "Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week" in
Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: Adopted,
Nov. 10, 2015 (195-0).
HR 573 - A Resolution honoring all Pennsylvania veterans
who served during war and peace on the occasion of Veterans Day, November 11,
2015. Latest Major Action: PN 2485
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Nov. 5, 2015. Adopted,
Nov. 10, 2015 (195-0). (Remarks see
House Journal Page ), Nov. 10, 2015.
HR 574 - A Resolution commending Korean-American veterans of
the Vietnam Conflict for their service to the United States. Latest
Major Action: PN 2486 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Nov. 5, 2015. Adopted, Nov. 10, 2015 (195-0).
HR 575 - A Resolution designating the week of November 9
through 15, 2015, as "United States Colored Troops Grand Review Week"
in Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: PN 2487 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL
RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Nov. 5, 2015. Adopted,
Nov. 10, 2015 (195-0). (Remarks see
House Journal Page ), Nov. 10, 2015.
HR 576 - A Resolution honoring the Yardley-Makefield
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6393 and Post Past-Commander Russell Davidson for
achieving the highest honor awarded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the
All-American Post, and the All-American Post Commander Award. Latest Major Action: PN 2498 INTRODUCED
AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Nov. 9, 2015. Adopted, Nov. 10, 2015 (195-0).
(Remarks see House Journal Page ), Nov. 10, 2015.
HR 577 - A Resolution recognizing the 150th anniversary of
the closing of Camp Curtin and recognizing the 25th anniversary of the formation
of the Camp Curtin Historical Society. Latest Major Action: PN 2497 INTRODUCED
AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Nov. 9, 2015. Adopted,
Nov. 9, 2015 (196-0). (Remarks see House
Journal Page ), Nov. 9, 2015.
HR 578 - A Resolution recognizing the month of November 2015
as "Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: PN 2499 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Nov. 9, 2015. Adopted, Nov. 10,
2015 (195-0).
HR 579 - A Resolution designating November 2015 as
"American Music Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: PN 2500 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Nov. 9, 2015. Adopted, Nov. 10,
2015 (195-0).
HR 581 - A Resolution urging the President of the United
States and Congress to pass the Permanent Department of Veterans Affairs Choice
Card Act of 2015. Latest Major Action:
PN 2502 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Nov. 9, 2015.
HR 582 - A Resolution designating the month of November 2015
as "Assistive Technology Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: PN 2503 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Nov. 9, 2015. Adopted, Nov. 10,
2015 (195-0).
HR 583 - A Resolution recognizing the month of November 2015
as "National Diabetes Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: PN 2510 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Nov. 12, 2015.
HR 584 - Resolution designating the month of November 2015
as "COPD Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest
Major Action: PN 2511 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE
35, Nov. 12, 2015.
COMMONWEALTH OF PA SENATE BILLS 2015-2016 Session:
SB 490 - An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Pennsylvania Emergency Management
Agency, further providing for organization of agency. Last Action: Third
consideration and final passage,
June 2, 2015 (32-17). (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), June 2, 2015. In the House - Reported as committed
from VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Nov. 10, 2015. First consideration, Nov. 10, 2015. Laid on
the table, Nov. 10, 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 1386 Second
consideration, with amendments, Nov. 9, 2015.
Re-referred to APPROPRIATIONS, Nov. 9, 2015. (Remarks see House Journal
Page ....), Nov. 9, 2015. Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Nov.
10, 2015. Third consideration and final
passage, Nov. 10, 2015 (193-0).
SB 1052 - An Act amending Title
25 (Elections) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in uniform military
and overseas voters, further providing for definitions, for duties and
responsibilities of secretary and for registering to vote. Last Action: PN 1389
Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Nov. 10, 2015.
SB 1053 - An Act amending the act
of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of
1985, further providing for definitions, for State Board of Medicine; and
providing for recreational therapists. Last Action: PN 1390 Referred to
CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, Nov. 10, 2015
SB 1057 - An Act providing for
living wage certification for nursing facilities and for employer
responsibility penalties for nursing facilities; establishing the Employer
Responsibility for Public Assistance Fund; and imposing penalties. Last
Action: PN 1397 Referred to PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE, Nov. 13, 2015.
SB 1067 - An Act amending Title
51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in veterans'
pensions and benefits, further providing for amputee and paralyzed veteran's
pension. Last Action: PN 1404 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS, Nov. 13, 2015.
COMMONWEALTH OF PA
SENATE RESOLUTIONS 2015-2016 Session:
SR 238 - A Resolution directing the Joint State Government
Commission to conduct a study regarding the use of unmanned drones by State and
local agencies, including law enforcement agencies. Last
Action: PN 1395 Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Nov. 13, 2015.
FEDERAL HOUSE
RESOLUTIONS/AMENDMENTS 114th Congress:
None.
FEDERAL HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES LEGISLATION 114th Congress:
H.R.313 : 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.
Related Bills: S.242. Latest Major Action: 9/28/2015
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill
Agreed to by voice vote. 10/26/2015 Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent. 10/26/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate
without amendment by Unanimous Consent. 10/28/2015 Presented to President. 11/5/2015 Signed by President. 11/5/2015 Became
Public Law No: 114-075 [Text, PDF].
H.R.3870 : Atomic
Veterans Healthcare Parity Act. A bill
to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of veterans
who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll as radiation exposed veterans
for purposes of the presumption of service-connection of certain disabilities
by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Latest Major Action: 11/6/2015 Referred
to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
H.R.3879 : Enhanced
Veteran Healthcare Act of 2015. A bill
to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for covered agreements and
contracts between the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and eligible academic
affiliates for the mutually beneficial coordination, use, or exchange of
health-care resources, and for other purposes.
Latest Major Action:
11/6/2015 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee
on Health.
H.R.3883 : Veteran's
Choice Accountability Act. A bill to
improve the provision of health care by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and
for other purposes. Latest Major Action: 11/6/2015 Referred to House subcommittee.
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
H.R.3884 : Veterans
Collaboration Act. A bill to direct the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to promote and
encourage collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and
nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher learning that provide
administrative assistance to veterans. Latest Major Action: 11/6/2015 Referred
to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
H.R.3885 : Veterans
Affairs Transfer of Information and sharing of Disability Examination
Procedures with DOD Doctors Act. A bill
to amend title 10, United States Code, to include a single comprehensive
disability examination as part of the required Department of Defense physical
examination for separating members of the Armed Forces, and for other
purposes. Latest Major Action: 11/6/2015 Referred to House subcommittee.
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial
Affairs.
H.R.3909 : Veterans
Health and Accountability Act. A bill to
amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to expand the
Veterans Choice Program, 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: 11/3/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform, 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.3936 : Veteran
Engagement Team Event Pilot Program. A
bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program
under which the Secretary carries out Veteran Engagement Team events where
veterans can complete claims for disability compensation and pension under the
laws administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes. Latest
Major Action: 11/5/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
H.R.3951 : VA Office
of Health Care Quality. A bill to
establish in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans
Affairs the Office of Health Care Quality.
Latest Major Action:
11/5/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs.
H.R.3954 : Camp
Lejeune Reserve Component VA Medical Services.
To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for access to hospital
care and medical services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs for
certain members of the reserve components who received training at Camp
Lejeune, North Carolina, and for other purposes. Latest
Major Action: 11/5/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
H.R.3958 : Veterans
Health Care Stamp. A bill to provide for
the issuance of a Veterans Health Care Stamp.
Latest Major Action:
11/5/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each
case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of
the committee concerned.
H.R.3960 : Homeless
Female Vet Survey. To provide for a
survey regarding homeless female veterans, and for other purposes. Latest
Major Action: 11/5/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker,
in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
H.R.3963 : Purple
Heart Vet’s Commissary/Exchange Privilege.
To amend title 10, United States Code, to extend military commissary and
exchange store privileges to certain veterans who have been awarded the Purple
Heart and to their dependents. Latest Major Action: 11/5/2015 Referred
to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
H.R.3970 : Abandoned
Homes Renovation for Homeless Vets. A
bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot grant
program to acquire and renovate abandoned homes for homeless veterans. Latest
Major Action: 11/5/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
H.R.3972 : Suicidal
Vet Mental Health Services Enhancement.
A bill to direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to more effectively provide mental health resources for members of the
Armed Forces and veterans at high risk of suicide, and for other purposes. Latest
Major Action: 11/5/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to
the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each
case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of
the committee concerned.
H.R.3974 : VA
Physician Assistant Vet Training Educational Assistance. 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: 11/5/2015 Referred
to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans'
Affairs.
H.R.3975 : First-Time
Vet Homebuyers Tax Credit. 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.
Latest Major Action:
11/5/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee
on Ways and Means.
H.R.3980 : Eliminate
Veterans Choice Program Sunset Date. A
bill to eliminate the sunset date for the Veterans Choice Program of the
Department of Veterans Affairs, to expand eligibility for such program, and for
other purposes. Latest Major Action: 11/5/2015 Referred to House committee. Status:
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
H.R.3989 : Vet
Caregiver Benefits Eligibility. A bill
to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the process for determining
the eligibility of caregivers of veterans to certain benefits administered by
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Latest Major Action: 11/5/2015 Referred
to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans'
Affairs.
FEDERAL SENATE
RESOLUTIONS/AMENDMENTS 114th Congress:
None.
FEDERAL SENATE
BILLS 114th Congress:
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: 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.
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.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.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.
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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