Helping Veterans
manage holiday stress: Focus on your mental health and keep stress levels in
check
https://news.va.gov/113447/helping-veterans-manage-holiday-stress/
Former Rochester
Man Going To Prison For More Than 20 Years For His Role In Ponzi And COVID-19
Fraud Schemes
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/former-rochester-man-going-prison-more-20-years-his-role-ponzi-and-covid-19-fraud
Cardiac
Monitoring Companies to Pay More than $44.8 Million to Resolve False Claims Act
Liability Relating to Services Performed by Offshore Technicians
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/cardiac-monitoring-companies-pay-more-448-million-resolve-false-claims-act-liability
Advanced Bionics
LLC to Pay United States $11.36 Million to Resolve FCA Allegations Related to
Cochlear Implant Processors
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/advanced-bionics-llc-pay-united-states-1136-million-resolve-fca-allegations-related
Congress to Pass
an Omnibus Budget Bill. After passing a
week-long Continuing Resolution (CR) last week to keep the government
operating, the House and Senate are expected to approve and send onto the
President, a 4415-page omnibus budget bill this week within days of its
release. The Omnibus bill combines the 12 appropriations bills and will provide
the federal government with $1.7 trillion funding for fiscal year 2023 (Oct. 1,
2022-Sept. 30, 2023). The bill
appropriates $858 billion for Defense, a $76 billion increase from the last
fiscal year. This legislative action essentially ends the 117 Congress. The
118th Congress will be sworn in on January 3, 2023.
See: FRA
NewsBytes, December 23, 2022
HASC Defeats
Request for Inquiry of DoD Woke Policies.
The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) voted down (26-30) a
“resolution of inquiry” to compel the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide
committee with information on the DoD’s policies on gender identity, gender
transition, gender-neutral pronouns, and so-called safe spaces. The HASC
Chairman Rep. Adam Smith (Wash.) who opposed the measure said, “I do believe
this is the mother of all fishing expeditions and that’s all it is.” Ranking
Member Rep. Mike Rogers (Ala.) said “Our troops should not be in the vanguard
for the left’s social agenda.” Pentagon officials have steadfastly denied that
they are focused on woke policies and argue their efforts are only meant to
foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect within the military. Furthermore,
Defense officials dispute the claim that the issue is a source of division
within the ranks.
See: FRA
NewsBytes, December 23, 2022
Remembering the
‘Christmas bombings’ of the Vietnam War’s twilight, 50 years later: Operation
Linebacker II, also called the 'Christmas bombings,' represented the most
intense bombing campaign of the Vietnam War.
https://taskandpurpose.com/history/operation-linebacker-ii-christmas-bombings-vietnam-war-end/
Remembering the
Christmas Truce of 1914
https://www.veteransforpeace.org/
H.R.234 - Korean
American VALOR Act. 01/06/2021 - Referred
to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
02/17/2021 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. 05/04/2021
- Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/234
H.R. 303 – Retired
Pay Restoration Act. This bill allows the receipt of both military retired pay
and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected
disability. Under current law, only individuals with service-connected
disabilities rated at 50% or more receive both without offset. Individuals who were retired or separated
after at least 20 years of military service due to a service-connected
disability shall be eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans'
disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related
special pay. 01/13/2021 -
Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 03/08/2021 -
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. This bill died at the end of the 117th
Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/303
H.R. 333 -
Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act.
This bill modifies provisions related to military retired pay.
Specifically, the bill authorizes veterans with a service-connected disability
of less than 50% to concurrently receive both retired pay and disability
compensation. The bill also makes qualified disability retirees with less than
20 years of retirement-creditable service eligible for concurrent receipt,
subject to specified reductions in retired pay.
01/15/2021 - Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in
addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
03/08/2021 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs. This bill died at the
end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/333
H.R.344 - Women
Veterans TRUST Act. 04/15/2021 -
Subcommittee Hearings Held. This
bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/344
H.R.958 -
Protecting Moms Who Served Act. 02/08/2021
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/16/2021
- Referred to the Subcommittee on
Health. 05/12/2021 - On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to
by voice vote (Passed the House). 05/13/2021
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs. This bill died at the
end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/958
H.R.1057 -
Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act.
08/03/2022 - Became Public Law No: 117-162
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1057
H.R. 1282 – Major
Richard Star Act. This bill provides
that combat-disabled uniformed services retirees with fewer than 20 years of
creditable service may concurrently receive, without reduction, veterans'
disability compensation and retired pay or combat-related special
compensation. 02/24/2021 - Referred to
the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs. 04/12/2021 - Referred to the
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. 10/25/2022 -
Assigned to the Consensus Calendar, Calendar No. 4. This bill died at the end of the 117th
Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1282
H.R. 1361 -
Advancing Uniform Transportation Opportunities for Veterans Act, known as the
AUTO for Veterans Act. 02/25/2021 -
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 04/12/2021 - Referred to
the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
This bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1361
H.R.1585 -
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. On August 10, 2022, the President signed into
law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address
Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or the ‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1585
H.R. 1836, Guard
and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2021.
03/11/2021 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 06/16/2021 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Economic Opportunity. 01/12/2022 - On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 287
– 135. 01/13/2022 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This bill died at the end of the 117th
Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1836
H.R.1972 - Fair
Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2021.
On August 10, 2022, the President signed into law the Sergeant First
Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act
of 2022’’ or the ‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1972
H.R.2127 - Toxic
Exposure in the American Military Act or the TEAM Act. On August 10, 2022, the President signed into
law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address
Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or the ‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2127
H.R.2250 -
Department of Veterans Affairs Information Technology Reform Act of 2021. 03/26/2021 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 06/22/2021 -
Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization. 11/17/2022 - On motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required):
414 - 2, 1 Present. 11/17/2022 -
Received in the Senate. This bill died
at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2250
H.R.2368 -
Conceding Our Veterans' Exposures Now And Necessitating Training Act of 2021 or
the COVENANT Act of 2021. This bill
establishes a presumption of service-connection for certain illnesses related
to exposure to airborne hazards or open burn pits and addresses the care
available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans with
illnesses they assert to be related to exposures during their service. Specifically, the bill establishes a
presumption of service-connection for certain illnesses becoming manifest in
covered veterans to a degree of 10% or more. Under a presumption of
service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are
presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service.
Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded. A covered veteran is any veteran who served
on or after August 2, 1990, in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Somalia, or the United Arab Emirates; or served on or after September
11, 2001, in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen,
Uzbekistan, the Philippines, or other countries the VA determines to be
relevant. Among other elements, the bill
requires the VA to provide medical examinations for veterans who submit a claim
for disability compensation for an illness not listed in the bill but that is
asserted to be related to airborne hazard or open burn pit exposure; authorizes
the VA to stay pending claims for disability compensation related to the
service and illnesses covered by this bill until the implementation of the
bill; and provides VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to
covered veterans. 04/05/2021 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans'
Affairs. 06/22/2021 - Referred to the
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. On August 10, 2022, the President signed into
law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address
Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or the ‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2368
H.R.2372 -
Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act
of 2021. On August 10, 2022, the
President signed into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our
Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or the ‘‘Honoring our
PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2372
H.R.2385 -
Justice for Women Veterans Act. House -
11/04/2021 - Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. This bill died at the end of the 117th
Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2385
H.R.2436 -
Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2021. On August 10, 2022, the President signed into
law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address
Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or the ‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2436
H.R.2521 - To
require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on the feasability
and advisability of furnishing doula services to certain veterans, and for
other purposes. 04/14/2021 - Referred to the House Committee on
Veterans' Affairs. Referred to the
Subcommittee on Health. 12/01/2022 - On motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required):
376 – 44. 12/05/2022 - Received in the
Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This bill died at the end of the 117th
Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2521
H.R.2569 -
Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act.
On August 10, 2022, the President signed into law the Sergeant First
Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act
of 2022’’ or the ‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2569
H.R.2580 -
Palomares Veterans Act of 2021. On
August 10, 2022, the President signed into law the Sergeant First Class Heath
Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or
the ‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2580
H.R.2607 - FASTER
Presumptions Act. On August 10, 2022,
the President signed into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring
our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or the ‘‘Honoring our
PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2607
H.R.2617 -
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.
Omnibus Appropriations Package is a 4415-page bill that passed within
days of its release last December. The Omnibus bill combines the 12
appropriations bills and provides the federal government with $1.7 trillion
funding for fiscal year 2023 (Oct. 1, 2022-Sept. 30, 2023). That legislation
also provides provisions for veterans that include:
Improving mental health care; care for veterans in rural areas; bolster
services for aging veterans; improve research-related matters; expand and
modify programs for homeless veterans.
Establishing a pilot program to provide travel reimbursements for
low-income veterans in advance of medical appointments.
Expanding VA treatment and research of prostate cancer.
Strengthening VA’s mental health care workforce, expand care options, and
support mental health research at the Department.
Improving the Veterans Crisis Line’s staff training, management, and
response to veteran callers at risk of suicide.
12/29/2022 - Became
Public Law No: 117-328.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2617
H.R.2825 - Fort
McClellan Health Registry Act. 07/14/2021
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs of
the Veterans Affairs Committee. On
August 10, 2022, the President signed into law the Sergeant First Class Heath
Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or
the ‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2825
H.R.2935 - VA
Beneficiary Debt Collection Improvement Act.
This bill addresses the administration of debt related to Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and benefits.
Specifically, the bill prohibits an individual from incurring a debt to
the United States that arises from participation in a VA benefits program and
is attributable to the failure of the VA to process information according to
its timeliness standards. The VA must
notify an individual if it has made an overpayment to the individual and
include in the notice information on the right to dispute the overpayment or
request a waiver of indebtedness. The VA is prohibited from taking action
regarding an overpayment until 90 days after the notice is issued, except in
specified circumstances. The VA is
prohibited from charging interest or administrative costs for debts related to
its disability compensation program, pension program, or educational assistance
program. The bill extends from 180 days
to one year the deadline by which an individual may request a waiver for relief
from paying a debt related to VA benefits.
Additionally, the VA is prohibited from seeking to recover a debt if it
determines the cost to the VA to recover the debt would exceed the amount of
the debt itself. The VA must establish an administrative process for the
dispute of a debt's existence or the amount of the debt. The VA is prohibited
from deducting from an individual's VA benefits to offset a debt if the amount
of the debt is being disputed. 04/30/2021
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 05/03/2021 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Oversight and Investigations. 05/04/2021
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 22 - 6. This bill died at the end of the 117th
Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2935
H.R.2992 - Traumatic
Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Law Enforcement Training
Act. 08/16/2022 - Became Public Law No:
117-170.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2992
H.R.3575 - Vet
Center Improvement Act of 2021.
05/28/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This bill died at the end of the 117th
Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3575
H.R.4601 -
Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act.
07/21/2021 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 09/08/2021
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
12/01/2022
- Pursuant to section 5 of H. Res. 1499, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer,
the bill passed under suspension of the rules.
12/05/2022 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This
bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4601
H.R.4772 - Mark
O’Brien VA Clothing Allowance Improvement Act.
07/28/2021 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 09/09/2021
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
12/01/2022
- Pursuant to section 5 of H. Res. 1499, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer,
the bills passed under suspension of the rules.
12/05/2022 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This
bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4772
H.R.4993 -
Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement Act of 2021. 03/16/2022 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.
This bill died at the end of the 117th
Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4993
H.R.5481 - To
name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in
Forest City, North Carolina, as the "Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA
Clinic". 10/05/2021 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans'
Affairs. 11/14/2022 - On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as
amended Agreed to by voice vote. 11/15/2022 - Received in the Senate and Read
twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 12/06/2022 - Passed
Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. 12/16/2022 - Presented to President. 12/19/2022 – Signed by the President and Became
Public Law No: 117-233.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5481
H.R.5721 - VA
Infrastructure Powers Exceptional Research Act of 2021 or the VIPER Act of
2021. This bill addresses research
activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), particularly those
within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). First, the bill provides statutory authority
for the VHA's Office of Research and Development to serve veterans through a
full spectrum of research, technology transfer, and application. Next, the bill exempts VA research activities
from the Paperwork Reduction Act, including research conducted via the Office
of Research and Development. The VA is
authorized to appoint statisticians, economists, data scientists, and other
professionals within the VHA. The bill
provides a three-year authorization for the VA to enter into transactions,
other than contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants, with nontraditional
contractors to carry out extramural basic or applied research. Such
transactions must meet specified criteria (e.g., the research must not be
duplicative of other VA research under another program). Additionally, the VA
must notify Congress within 30 days of entering into a transaction and must
provide specified information and records to the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) and Congress upon request.
The Office of Research and Development is authorized to establish a
grant program for certain individuals employed by specified research
institutions to conduct research related to health care furnished by the VA. The GAO must study the amount of time dedicated
for research for clinician-scientists appointed by the VA. Finally, the bill updates the process by
which the VA uses commercial institutional review boards in sponsored clinical
trials. 10/25/2021 - Referred to the
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 11/02/2021 - Referred to the Subcommittee
on Health. 11/17/2022 - Pursuant to
section 2 of H. Res. 1464, and the motion offered by Mr. Carter (LA), the
following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 5721, as
amended. 11/17/2022 - Received in the
Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This bill died at the end of the 117th
Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5721
H.R.5754 -
Patient Advocate Tracker Act. 09/16/2022
- Became Public Law No: 117-175.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5754
H.R. 5916 -
Wounded Warrior Access Act. 11/09/2021 -
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 11/29/2021 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
09/14/2022 - Pursuant to section 11 of H. Res. 1339, and the motion
offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules:
H.R. 5916, as amended. 09/15/2022 -
Received in the Senate. This bill died
at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5916
H.R.5943 - To
designate the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in
Greenville, South Carolina, as the "Lance Corporal Dana Cornell Darnell VA
Clinic". 11/09/2021 - Referred to
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
11/29/2021 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. 12/01/2022 -
Pursuant to section 5 of H. Res. 1499, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the
bill passed under suspension of the rules.
12/05/2022 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
12/14/2022 - Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. 12/23/2022 - Presented to President. 12/27/2022 - Signed by President. Became
Public Law No: 117-284.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5943
H.R. 6411,
Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022, known as the
STRONG Veterans Act of 2022. 01/18/2022
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 01/20/2022 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Health. 06/23/2022 - On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as
amended Agreed to by voice vote.
07/11/2022 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This
bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6411
H.R.6482 - Camp
Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. On August
10, 2022, the President signed into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson
Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or the
‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6482
H.R.6722 - To
designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic
in French Camp, California, as the "Richard A. Pittman VA Clinic".
02/15/2022 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/28/2022 -
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. 11/14/2022 - On motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. 11/15/2022 - Received in the
Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 12/06/2022
- Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. 12/16/2022 - Presented to President. 12/20/2022 – Signed by the President and Became
Public Law No: 117-235.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6722
H.R.6863 - To
designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Memphis,
Tennessee, as the "Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center"
02/28/2022 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/28/2022 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Health. 11/14/2022 - On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to
by voice vote. 11/15/2022 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred
to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 12/06/2022 - Passed Senate without
amendment by Unanimous Consent. 12/16/2022
- Presented to President. 12/20/2022 – Signed by the President and Became
Public Law No: 117-236.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6863
H.R.7158 -
Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act. 03/18/2022
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 12/01/2022
- Pursuant to section 5 of H. Res. 1499, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer,
the bill passed under suspension of the rules.
12/05/2022 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This
bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7158
H.R.7277 -
Improving Oversight of the Veterans Community Care Providers Act of 2022. 03/29/2022 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 04/05/2022 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations. 1/17/2022 - Pursuant to section 2 of H. Res. 1464, and the
motion offered by Mr. Carter (LA), the following bills passed under suspension
of the rules: H.R. 7277, as amended.
11/17/2022 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This
bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7277
H.R.7299 -
Strengthening VA Cybersecurity Act of 2022 or the SVAC Act of 2022. This bill requires the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and
development center to provide a cybersecurity assessment of at least 3, but no
more than 10, high-impact VA information systems and the effectiveness of the
VA's information security program and information security management
system. The VA must submit a plan to
Congress to address the findings of the assessment. The Government Accountability Office must
review the assessment and the VA's response to the assessment and report its
findings to Congress. 03/30/2022 -
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 07/14/2022 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Technology Modernization. 11/17/2022 -
Pursuant to section 2 of H. Res. 1464, and the motion offered by Mr. Carter
(LA), the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 7299, as
amended. 11/17/2022 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 12/19/2022 - Passed Senate without amendment by
Unanimous Consent. 12/23/2022 - Presented to President. 12/27/2022 – Signed by
the President and Became Public Law No: 117-302.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7299
H.R. 7500 -
Fiscal Year 2022 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization
Act. 10/10/2022 - Signed by President
and became Public Law No: 117-190.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7500
H.R. 7524 -
Aviator Cancer Examination Study Act or the ACES Act. This bill requires the Department of Veterans
Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study the incidence and mortality of
cancer among individuals who served in the regular or reserve components of the
Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps as air crew members of a fixed-wing aircraft
or personnel supporting generation of such an aircraft. 04/14/2022 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 05/10/2022 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs. This
bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7524
H.R.7589 - REMOVE
Copays Act. Passed in the House. 09/29/2022 - Received in the Senate and Read
twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This bill died at the end of the 117th
Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7589
H.R. 7735 –
Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Benefit Act of 2022. 05/12/2022 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 05/17/2022 -
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 09/14/2022 - Pursuant to section 11 of H.
Res. 1339, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed
under suspension of the rules: H.R. 7735, as amended. 09/15/2022 - Received in the Senate. 12/19/2022
- Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. 12/23/2022 - Presented
to President. 12/27/2022 – Signed by the
President and Became Public Law No: 117-308.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7735
H.R.7846 -
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2022. The 8.7% COLA will increase the amount paid
to veterans and their survivors effective December 2022, and will be reflected
in January 2023 compensation payments.
10/10/2022 - Signed by President and became Public Law 117-191.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7846
H.R.7900 -
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. 07/14/2022 - On passage Passed by the Yeas
and Nays: 329 – 101. 07/28/2022 - Received
in the Senate. 10/11/2022 - S.Amdt.6442 Amendment SA 6442
proposed by Senator Reed to Amendment SA 5499. (consideration: CR S6465-6466;
text: CR S6475) To add an effective date.
S.Amdt.5499 Amendment SA 5499 proposed by Senator Reed. (consideration:
CR S6063-6466; text: CR S6063-6465) In the nature of a substitute. This bill died at the end of the 117th
Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7900
H.R.7903 - To
designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic
located in Canton, Michigan, as the "Major General Oliver W. Dillard VA
Clinic". 05/27/2022 - Referred to
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 06/13/2022 - Referred to the
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 11/14/2022 - On motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. 11/15/2022 -
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs. 12/06/2022 - Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous
Consent. 12/16/2022 - Presented to President.
12/20/2022 – Signed by the President and Became Public Law No: 117-237.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7903
H.R.7925 - To
designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic
located in Palm Desert, California, as the "Sy Kaplan VA
Clinic". 05/31/2022 - Referred to
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
06/13/2022 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. 11/14/2022 - On motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. 11/15/2022 - Received in
the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 12/06/2022
- Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. 12/16/2022 - Presented to President. 12/20/2022
– Signed by the President and Became Public Law No: 117-238.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7925
H.R. 7939 – Veterans
Auto and Education Improvement Act of 2022.
06/03/2022 - Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in
addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and the Budget. 06/13/2022 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Economic Opportunity. 09/14/2022 -
Pursuant to section 11 of H. Res. 1339, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer,
the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 7939, as
amended. 09/15/2022 - Received in the
Senate. 12/20/2022 - Passed
Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. 12/22/2022 - On motion that the
House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas
and Nays: (2/3 required): 380 – 35. 12/28/2022
- Presented to President. 01/05/2023 – Signed by the President and Became
Public Law No: 117-333.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7939
H.R.7946 -
Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2022.
06/03/2022 - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition
to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs, and Armed Services. 12/06/2022 - On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 220 – 208.
12/07/2022 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary. This bill
died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7946
H.R.7972 - USS
Frank E. Evans Act. 06/07/2022 -
Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee
on Natural Resources, 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.
This bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7972
H.R. 8260 –
Faster Payments to Veterans’ Survivors Act of 2022. 07/01/2022 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 07/14/2022 -
Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. 09/14/2022 - Pursuant to section 11 of H.
Res. 1339, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed
under suspension of the rules: H.R. 8260, as amended. 09/15/2022 - Received in the Senate. 12/19/2022
- Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. 12/23/2022 - Presented
to President. 12/27/2022 – Signed by the
President and Became Public Law No: 117-313.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8260
H.R.8656 - To
designate the clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Mishawaka,
Indiana, as the "Jackie Walorski VA Clinic". 09/30/2022 Became Public Law No: 117-179.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8656
H.R. 8660 -
Post-9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act.
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to collaborate
with the Small Business Administration to implement a pilot program to provide
financial assistance (in lieu of educational assistance) to eligible
individuals under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for the purpose
of (1) establishing and operating a new qualified business enterprise, or (2)
operating an existing qualified business enterprise. Eligible individuals are
those who (1) are entitled to 36 months of educational assistance under the
Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program, (2) are not in bankruptcy proceedings
at the time of application, and (3) meet credit score requirements. 08/05/2022 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. This bill died at
the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8660
H.R.8750 -
Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act. This bill requires the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program to assess the
effectiveness of providing assisted living services to eligible veterans, including
by assessing the satisfaction of veterans participating in the pilot program.
Eligible veterans are those who (1) are eligible for assisted living services
as determined by the VA; and (2) are already receiving nursing home level care
paid for by the VA, are eligible for such care from the VA, or exceed the
requirements for domiciliary care paid for by the VA but do not meet the
requirements for nursing home level care paid for by the VA. The Inspector General of the VA must report
to Congress on the pilot program, and the VA must submit a follow-up plan to
address any deficiencies that are identified in the report. 08/26/2022 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. This bill died at the
end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8750
S.42 - BUILD for
Veterans Act of 2023. This legislation
would streamline efforts to reduce the infrastructure backlog and improve the
overall management of the capital asset programs of VA. 01/24/2023 - Read twice
and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/42
S. ____ - To
require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to expand or otherwise modify an
existing national cemetery to ensure that full military honors are provided at
such cemetery, to require the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to jointly submit to Congress a report containing a proposal
to increase national cemetery capacity and an assessment of the criteria for
interment at Arlington National Cemetery, and for other purposes.
https://moaaorg-my.sharepoint.com/personal/markb_moaa_org/Documents/Desktop/Expanding%20America's%20National%20Cemetery%20Act%20of%202022_Final.pdf
S. 344 - Major
Richard Star Act. This bill allows a
veteran with a combat-related disability and fewer than 20 years of creditable
service to receive retirement pay, without reduction, concurrent with
disability compensation. 02/22/2021 -
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/17/2021 - Referred to the Committee on
Armed Services. This bill died at the end
of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/344
S.437 - Veterans
Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2021.
On August 10, 2022, the President signed into law the Sergeant First
Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act
of 2022’’ or the ‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/437
S.565 - Mark
Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2021. On August 10, 2022, the President signed into
law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address
Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or the ‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/565
S.810 - Fair Care
for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2021. On
August 10, 2022, the President signed into law the Sergeant First Class Heath
Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or
the ‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/810
S.927 - Toxic
Exposure in the American Military Act or the TEAM Act. This bill requires the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) to expand health care, benefits, and resources for veterans with
conditions related to exposure to toxic substances. Specifically, the bill expands eligibility
for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to include
veterans who (1) were exposed to toxic substances, radiation, or other
conditions, and were awarded certain medals (e.g., the Armed Forces Service
Medal); (2) are eligible for inclusion in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn
Pit Registry; or (3) have been identified by the Department of Defense to have
been possibly exposed during service to an open burn pit, toxic substance, or
specified hazardous sites. (A burn pit is an area used for burning solid waste
in open air without equipment.) The bill
establishes a presumption of service-connection for diseases associated with
exposure to certain toxic substances and that become manifest within a certain
time period; the VA must specify such diseases and requirements through
regulations. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed
in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of
their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may
then be awarded. The bill also requires
the VA to take specified actions to (1) evaluate scientific evidence regarding
associations between diseases and exposure to toxic substances; (2) train its
health care personnel on identifying, treating, and assessing illnesses related
to such exposure; and (3) provide resources to veterans exposed to toxic
substances. 03/23/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs. 04/28/2021 -
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. On August 10, 2022, the
President signed into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our
Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or the ‘‘Honoring our
PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/927
S.952 -
Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act
of 2021. On August 10, 2022, the
President signed into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our
Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or the ‘‘Honoring our
PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/952
S.1039 - A bill
to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve compensation for disabilities
occurring in Persian Gulf War veterans, and for other purposes. On August 10, 2022, the President signed into
law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address
Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or the ‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1039
S. 1147 - Retired
Pay Restoration Act. This bill
authorizes the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability
compensation with respect to any service-connected disability. Under current
law, only veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 50% or more
receive both without offset.
Individuals who
were retired or separated from military service due to a service-connected
disability shall be eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans'
disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related
special pay. 04/15/2021 - Read twice and
referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
This bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1147
S.1151 -
Palomares Veterans Act of 2021. On
August 10, 2022, the signed into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson
Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022’’ or the
‘‘Honoring our PACT Act of 2022’’.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1151
S.1198 - Solid
Start Act of 2022. This act permanently
authorizes and expands the Solid Start program, which is an outreach program
for veterans in their first year of separation from the military. Specifically, the act requires the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) to coordinate with the Department of Defense to
collect updated contact information during transition classes or separation
counseling for members of the Armed Forces who are separating from service;
explain the existence and purpose of the program; call veterans three times
within the first year of separation; publish information about the program in
booklets and on the VA website; provide women veterans with information
tailored to their health care and benefit needs; provide information on access
to state and local resources, such as Vet Centers; gather and analyze data that
assesses the effectiveness of the program; ensure calls are tailored to each
veteran's needs by conducting quality assurance tests; and prioritize outreach
to veterans who have accessed mental health resources prior to separation from
the Armed Forces. Under the act, the VA
is authorized to (1) encourage members of the Armed Forces to provide
additional contact information if they are unreachable following their
separation, and (2) follow up on missed phone calls. 10/17/2022 – Signed by the
President and Became Public Law No: 117-205.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1198
S.1944 - Vet
Center Improvement Act of 2021. 12/15/2021
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment
favorably. This bill died at the end of
the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1944
S. 2159 - A bill
to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of
Veterans Affairs located at 400 College Drive, Middleburg, Florida, as the
"Andrew K. Baker Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic", and for
other purposes. 06/22/2021 - Read twice
and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 02/03/2022 - Passed Senate
without amendment by Unanimous Consent. 02/07/2022 - Received in the House.
11/14/2022 - On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by
voice vote. 11/28/2022 - Presented to President. 12/05/2022 - Signed by the
President and Became Public Law No: 117-220.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/2159
S. 2513 - Brian
Neuman Department of Veterans Affairs Clothing Allowance Improvement Act of 2021.
07/28/2021 - Read
twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 11/17/2021 -
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. 12/15/2021 - Committee on
Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. This bill died at the end of the 117th
Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/2513
S.2604 - Military
Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,
2022. 08/04/2021 - Placed on Senate
Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 114.
This bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/2604
S.2692 - Veterans
Emergency Care Reimbursement Act of 2021.
08/10/2021 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs. This bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/2692
S.2771 - A bill
to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of
Veterans Affairs in San Angelo, Texas, as the "Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell
Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic".
10/17/2022 - Became Public Law No: 117-208.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/2771
S.2794 -
Supporting Families of the Fallen Act. This
bill increases from $400,000 to $500,000 the maximum coverage amount for
members (or former members) of a uniformed service under the Servicemembers'
Group Life Insurance program and the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program. 10/17/2022 - Became Public Law No: 117-209.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/2794
S.3025 -
Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2021. This bill modifies and implements policies
and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and
benefits for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), which
is generally defined as physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a
sexual nature, or sexual harassment that occurred while the veteran was serving
in the military. The VA must report on MST
in the digital age. In the case of any
veteran who claims that a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic
stress disorder) based on MST was incurred or aggravated by active service, the
VA must accept specified diagnoses and evidence as proof of service-connection. The VA may not deny a veteran's claim of
compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST without first
(1) advising the veteran that nonmilitary evidence and behavioral evidence may
constitute credible corroborating evidence, and (2) allowing the veteran an
opportunity to furnish the corroborating evidence or advise the VA of potential
sources of such evidence. The Veterans
Benefits Administration must conduct an annual special focus review on the
accuracy of the processing of claims for disability compensation for
disabilities relating to MST.
Additionally, the bill (1) expands access to mental health care at VA
facilities for survivors of MST, and (2) requires the Government Accountability
Office to report on access to such care for individuals who have experienced
MST. 10/20/2021 - Read twice and
referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/01/2022 - Committee on
Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Tester with an amendment in the nature
of a substitute. Placed on Senate
Legislative Calendar under General Orders.
This bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3025
S.3369 - Max
Cleland VA Medical Center Act.
12/09/2021 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs. 07/28/2022 - Passed Senate
without amendment by Unanimous Consent. 07/29/2022 - Received in the House.
11/17/2022 - On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the
Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 359 – 62. 12/05/2022 - Presented to President. 12/09/2022
– Signed by the President and Became Public Law No: 117-226.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3369
S.4359 - Senator
Johnny Isakson VA Regional Office Act of 2022.
06/08/2022 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs. 07/27/2022 - Passed Senate
without amendment by Unanimous Consent. 11/17/2022 - On motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 418 -
2, 2 Present. 12/05/2022 - Presented to
President. 12/09/2022 – Signed by the President and Became Public Law No:
117-227.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4359
S.4458 - Ensuring
the Best Schools for Veterans Act of 2022.
08/26/2022 - Became Public Law No: 117-174.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4458
S. 4543 - James
M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. 07/18/2022 - Committee on Armed Services.
Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Reed. With written report. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders. Calendar No. 445. This
bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4543
S.4700 - Equal
Access to Contraception for Veterans Act.
08/02/2022 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs. This bill died at the end of
the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4700
S. 4802 – Coast
Guard Authorization Act of 2022.
09/08/2022 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation. 09/14/2022
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported
with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. 09/29/2022 - S.Amdt.6290 Referred to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 12/15/2022 - Placed on
Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 664. This bill died at the end of the 117th
Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4802
S. 4951 - Reduce
and Eliminate Mental Health Outpatient Veteran Copays Act or the REMOVE Copays
Act. This bill prohibits the Department
of Veterans Affairs from imposing or collecting any co-payment for a veteran's
first three mental health outpatient care visits in a calendar year. However,
such prohibition must not apply with respect to the imposition or collection of
copayments for medications. 09/27/2022 - Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This
bill died at the end of the 117th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4951
VETERANS AT
HIGHER RISK FOR ADVANCED STAGES OF SKIN CANCER
https://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2022/veterans-at-higher-risk-for-advanced-stages-of-skin-cancer/
Veterans
organizations comment on halt to VA’s Asset and Infrastructure Review process
https://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2022/veterans-organizations-comment-on-halt-to-vas-asset-and-infrastructure-review-process/
2023 FRA
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA - Fleet Reserve Association
https://www.fra.org/FRA/Web/FRA_Docs/LegislativeAgenda/2023%20FRA%20LEGISLATIVE%20AGENDA.pdf
End the stigma:
Be the one to save one veteran. Learn how to help a veteran in crisis.
https://www.legion.org/betheone
2023 DAV National
Convention, Saturday, August 5 – Tuesday, August 8, 2023. Harrah’s Atlantic City,
777 Harrah’s
Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ 084011
https://www.dav.org/events/2023-national-convention/
2023 NSVA
NATIONAL CONVENTION, August 15th thru August 19th, 2023, San Antonio, Texas
https://nsva.org/
An Explanation
for Gulf War Illness
https://skepticalinquirer.org/2022/08/an-explanation-for-gulf-war-illness/
How a Hostile
America Undermined Its Black World War II Veterans: Servicemembers were
attacked, discredited, and shortchanged on GI benefits—with lasting
implications.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2022/10/black-world-war-wwii-veterans-denied-gi-bill-restoration-act-benefits-half-american-matthew-delmont/
Lee Corfield
Tribute – Dec 29, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nulgOeTOYQ
OBITUARY: Frank L
Corfield, AUGUST 21, 1947 – DECEMBER 26, 2022
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/rochester-pa/frank-corfield-11078639
Golden Rule Peace
Boat Sets Sail for Cuba: Eight people will sail on the Golden Rule and others
members of Veterans For Peace will fly into Cuba to participate in the Arts and
Culture program.
https://www.laprogressive.com/war-and-peace/golden-rule-peace-boat
Soldier Accounted
For From Vietnam War (Green, T.)
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3139077/soldier-accounted-for-from-vietnam-war-green-t/
VA Home Loan
Changes, GI Bill Benefits Among Help for Veterans in Year-End Bills Signed by
Biden
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/12/27/va-home-loan-changes-gi-bill-benefits-among-help-veterans-year-end-bills-signed-biden.html
Spokane VA has
reduced staff despite ongoing effects of troubled computer system as veterans
wait longer for care
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/dec/25/spokane-va-has-reduced-staff-despite-ongoing-effec/
DMVA Digest
Special Edition: A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs, January 3, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/221230C/avf5swwqjv4z.vib?a0=14656
Bee News letter
from our CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation
https://mailchi.mp/65d9db29b003/httpsmcusercontentcomd25e2712d074426dfc955e5e6filesf6ea11de-de2c-7b4f-1f7d-740bd6b1046fbee_news_2022_12pdf?e=decd2b3df4
Veterans Face
Extended Delays for Referrals for Specialty Care Outside VA Facilities,
Watchdog Finds
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/01/05/veterans-face-extended-delays-referrals-specialty-care-outside-va-facilities-watchdog-finds.html
Troubled NJ
veterans home gets temporary CEO and new nursing director, but admissions
remain suspended
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-01-05/nj-veterans-home-temporary-ceo-8659883.html
2023 Veterans
disability compensation rates
https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/
Dispatches
Episode 13: Jan Scruggs
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=8797963463577059
NYC Fort Renames
Street for Vietnam War Infantryman: The main street of Brooklyn, New York’s
Fort Hamilton was renamed in May to honor a Vietnam War veteran who earned the
Medal of Honor
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/1/nyc-fort-renames-street-for-vietnam-war-infantryman
VFW Urges POTUS
to Support Repeal of Concurrent Receipt Policy: VFW National Commander Tim
Borland writes letter to the White House asking for leadership on the issue
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/1/vfw-urges-potus-to-support-repeal-of-concurrent-receipt-policy
Almost a century
ago, the VFW National Home began as a place where families left behind by war
could remain together. Today, the National Home has evolved to meet the
changing needs of America’s military and veterans’ families.
https://vfwnationalhome.org/
VFW Magazine,
January 2023
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/vfw-magazine
Camp Lejeune Justice Act Litigation: If you’ve met with a
VFW-Accredited Service Officer and determined pursuing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit
is right for you, the VFW encourages you to begin the process today by
contacting a VFW-entrusted law firm.
https://www.vfw.org/CampLejeuneHelp
An Entire Decade
of Benefits Denial for Vets After Toxic Chemical Exposure? The VA had been aware of the horrific
diseases veterans might contract at Camp Lejeune since the beginning.
https://www.laprogressive.com/defense/toxic-chemical-exposure
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that
returning home for burial with full military honors is Army Air Forces 1st Lt.
Carl D. Nesbitt, 23, of Lima, Ohio, was assigned to the 569th Bombardment
Squadron, 390th Bombardment Group, 13th Bombardment Wing, 3rd Air Division, 8th
Air Force. On May 29, 1944, the B-17G Flying Fortress bomber Nesbitt was
piloting was shot down by enemy fighters northeast of Leipzig, Germany. His
body was not recovered and there was no evidence of him surviving or being a
prisoner of war. A finding of death was issued a year after the crash. Nesbitt
will be buried in Annville, Pennsylvania, on May 15, 2023. Read about
Nesbitt.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3162685/pilot-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-nesbitt-c/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for
burial with full military honors is Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Melvin B.
Meyer, 25, of Pattonville, Missouri, was assigned to the 569th Bombardment
Squadron, 390th Bombardment Group, 13th Bombardment Wing, 3rd Air Division, 8th
Air Force. On May 29, 1944, the B-17G Flying Fortress bomber on which Meyer was
serving as bombardier was shot down by enemy fighters northeast of Leipzig,
Germany. His body was not recovered and there was no evidence of him surviving
or being a prisoner of war. A finding of death was issued a year after the
crash. Myer will be buried in St. Louis, Missouri, on a date yet to be
determined. Read about
Meyer.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3162679/airman-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-meyer-m/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for
burial with full military honors is Army Pfc. Mark P. Wilson, 20, of
Elizabethton, Tennessee, was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 112th
Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. On Nov. 8, 1944, his unit was tasked
with holding the town of Kommerscheidt, Germany, in the Hürtgen Forest, when he
was reported missing in action. Wilson was never reported as a prisoner of war
and no remains were recovered. He was declared killed in action following the
war. Wilson will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington,
Virginia, on a date yet to be determined. Read about
Wilson.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3166210/soldier-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-wilson-m/
DMVA Digest: A
publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,
January 11, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230104D/2i8p25wjdjjl.vib?a0=14581
About VA
Healthcare-VISN 4
https://www.visn4.va.gov/VISN4/about/index.asp
All veterans in suicidal crisis can now get free mental
health care from VA
https://www.legion.org/veteranshealthcare/257959/va-pay-all-emergency-mental-health-care-starting-next-week
VA Secretary
press conference, Tuesday, February 28, 2023 -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnkNl2whPoQ
The VA looks to
psychedelic drugs to help veterans suffering with PTSD and other disorders
https://news.stlpublicradio.org/health-science-environment/2023-01-05/the-va-looks-to-psychedelic-drugs-to-help-veterans-suffering-with-ptsd-and-other-disorders
Your 2023 State
Veteran Benefits
https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory.html?ESRC=navy-a_230111.nl
New Law Expands
VA Program for Veterans to Buy Vehicles Adapted for Their Disabilities
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/01/09/new-law-expands-va-program-veterans-buy-vehicles-adapted-their-disabilities.html?ESRC=navy-a_230111.nl
Meet the Mikes:
The New Men in Charge of Military and Veterans Oversight in the House
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/01/10/meet-mikes-new-men-charge-of-military-and-veterans-oversight-house.html?ESRC=navy-a_230111.nl
Republicans name chairmen for Armed Services, Vet Affairs
committees
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2023/01/10/republicans-name-chairmen-for-armed-services-vet-affairs-committees/
Many TRICARE
Patients Have Limited Access to a Psychiatrist, Study Finds
https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2023-news-articles/health-care-and-earned-benefits/many-tricare-patients-have-limited-access-to-a-psychiatrist,-study-finds/
Feds Try to Seize
Money, Property from Church Accused of Multimillion-Dollar Scheme Targeting
Vets
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/01/12/feds-try-seize-money-property-church-accused-of-multimillion-dollar-scheme-targeting-vets.html?ESRC=eb_230113.nl
RONALD E. ARCHER
OBITUARY
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/inquirer/name/ronald-e-archer-obituary?id=38379250
Starting Jan. 17,
Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health
care facility for emergency health care at no cost - including inpatient or
crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90
days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=f8bed42d91&view=lg&permmsgid=msg-f%3A1754920131273706469&ser=1
VA plans to waive
some copayments for American Indian, Alaska Native veterans
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-01-11/va-copayments-american-indian-alaska-native-8724012.html
Feds Try to Seize
Money, Property from Church Accused of Multimillion-Dollar Scheme Targeting
Vets
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/01/12/feds-try-seize-money-property-church-accused-of-multimillion-dollar-scheme-targeting-vets.html
Future Destroyer
Will Honor Vietnam War Hero
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/01/11/future-destroyer-will-honor-vietnam-war-hero.html
Stars and Stripes
photo reunites Marine with doctor who saved his life in Vietnam
https://www.stripes.com/history/2023-01-02/marine-doctor-photo-vietnam-reunited-8618889.html
Millions Like Us:
Women Veterans share their stories, offer hope - 2 weeks ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5aVmJBntDQ
VFW Posts and
veterans dedicated to service in their communities are signing up for the
second annual VFW Day of Service.
https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email?mid=11b4300ba44b4bf0bbc350916526072d
$40 & up –
See Tony-winning 'A Soldier's Play' in Philadelphia Forrest Theatre
https://www.travelzoo.com/entertainment/boston-northeast/-40-up-See-Tony-winning-A-Soldier-s-Play-in-Philadelphia-3007899/
Congress Moves
Forward: After 15 votes for Speaker, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) was elected
Speaker of the House. The House approved a rules package, and the House and
Senate began selecting committee Chairman and Ranking Members. Rep. Mike Rogers
(Ala.) was selected as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and Rep.
Adam Smith (Wash.) will serve as Ranking Member. Rep. Mike Bost (Ill.) was
selected as Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and Rep. Mark
Takano (Calif.) will serve as Ranking Member. Sen. Jon Tester (Mont.) was
selected to serve again as Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
and Sen. Jerry Moran (Kan.) was selected to serve again as Ranking member. Sen.
Jack Reed (R.I.) will again serve as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services
Committee and Sen. Roger Wicker (Miss.) will serve as Ranking member. The FRA
looks forward to working with these legislators and all the members of the
118th Congress to make it a productive session.
https://www.fra.org/fra/web/Content/News_Byte/FRA_NewsBytes_January_13_2023.aspx
Two Plead Guilty
To Conspiring To Traffic Stolen Medical Products From The Battle Creek Veterans
Affairs Medical Center
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2023_0111_McAllister-Robertson
New VFW
Initiative to Safeguard Toxic-Exposed Veterans: ‘Veterans do NOT need to pay
for consultations or any other assistance to secure PACT Act benefits’
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/1/new-vfw-initiative-to-safeguard-toxic-exposed-veterans
VFW Joins Navy
Secretary in Ceremony Honoring Hero: The US Navy ship is the first named for a
Filipino Medal of Honor recipient
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/1/vfw-joins-navy-secretary-in-ceremony-honoring-hero
Morris County Man
Admits Defrauding Department of Veterans Affairs and Threatening Federal Agent
https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/morris-county-man-admits-defrauding-department-veterans-affairs-and-threatening-federal
VA proposes rule
that would waive copays for eligible Native American and Alaska Native Veterans
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5851
Comprehensive
Healthcare Inspection of the El Paso VA Health Care System in Texas
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5231
Vet Center
Inspection of Midwest District 3 Zone 3 and Selected Vet Centers
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5230
Care in the
Community Healthcare Inspection of VA Southeast Network (VISN 7)
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5229
Veteran manages
diabetes with lifestyle changes: VA doctor deems diabetes treatment for Veteran
a journey
https://news.va.gov/114414/veteran-manages-diabetes-with-lifestyle-changes/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Army Veteran Alfred Rascon
https://news.va.gov/114650/veteranoftheday-army-alfred-rascon/
Joel Bernstein,
Lance Corporal, E CO, 2ND BN, 4TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF
United States
Marine Corps, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 30, 1946
to August 25, 1966
JOEL BERNSTEIN is
on the Wall at Panel 10E, Line 35
See the full
profile or name rubbing for Joel Bernstein
https://www.virtualwall.org/db/BernsteinJx01a.htm
Jewish Americans
in Military Service during Vietnam
https://nmajmh.org/exhibitions/planned-exhibition-jewish-american-military-service-during-vietnam/
Philadelphia
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
https://pvvm.org/
Between both
sides of the memorial are a series of four raised levels with granite ledges
leading up to the south wall bearing the names of those whose “home of record”
was Philadelphia. The south wall is a semi-circle containing the 648 names,
slightly raised in the center on a higher plane than the opposite north side of
the memorial.
https://pvvm.org/memorial
Joel Bernstein -
Philadelphia Memorial Panel: Panel 3; National Memorial Panel / Row: East 10 /
35
https://pvvm.org/our-heroes/bernstein-joel
Starting Jan. 17,
Veterans in suicidal crisis can go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for
free emergency health care
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5852&fbclid=IwAR2t9f4VJJsS7j3jh4nqidrdtSVw_svaVDprk6MCYy5uN5FwKZW5BUzPWGA
#VeteranOfTheDay
Army Veteran Russell Hamler
https://news.va.gov/114678/veteranoftheday-army-russell-hamler/
Three ways VA’s
workforce diversity benefits you: Join our inclusive, diverse workforce
https://news.va.gov/114437/three-ways-vas-workforce-diversity-benefits-you/
DMVA Digest: A publication of the
Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, January 18, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230112B/4e0kvc68szn9.vib?a0=14838
Shapiro announces
picks for public safety posts in his Cabinet
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2023/01/shapiro-announces-picks-for-public-safety-posts-in-his-cabinet.html
PA VFW Annual
Women Veterans Retreat
https://vfwpa.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=88790
PACT Act –
Veterans - 7 days ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tulW0c76pC0
PACT ACT
Information for survivors
https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/#information-for-survivors
DMVA Digest, A
publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, January
25, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230119A/ewa4hilbf0fu.vib?a0=14496
US Veterans Sail
Historic Peace Boat to Cuba: Veterans For Peace has been calling for an end to
the US blockade of Cuba for many years.
https://www.laprogressive.com/latin-america-2/historic-peace-boat
Join VFP’s “Be
the Change” book club!
https://www.veteransforpeace.org/our-work/working-groups/be-change-book-club
Coalition for
Peace Action
https://www.peacecoalition.org/
Massachusetts
Peace Action
https://masspeaceaction.org/
We Are Today’s
Peace Movement: Peace Action works for smarter approaches to global problems.
https://www.peaceaction.org/
Military Probing
Whether Cancers Linked to Nuclear Silo Work
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/01/23/military-probing-whether-cancers-linked-nuclear-silo-work.html
Woman stole VA
benefits for decades after mom’s death
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/01/22/woman-stole-va-benefits-for-decades-after-moms-death/
VA Secretary
press conference, Tuesday, January 31, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gChidvhC_yA
J&J
Subsidiary DePuy Agrees to Pay $9.75 Million to Resolve Allegations of
Providing Illegal Kickbacks to Surgeon
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/jj-subsidiary-depuy-agrees-pay-975-million-resolve-allegations-providing-illegal
Cincinnati
septuagenarian ordered to repay $461,780 in stolen VA benefits
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/cincinnati-septuagenarian-ordered-repay-461780-stolen-va-benefits
Construction
Company Owner Sentenced for Fraud in Securing Millions of Dollars in Contracts
Intended for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/construction-company-owner-sentenced-fraud-securing-millions-dollars-contracts-intended
DMVA Digest, A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs, February 1, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230125M/86ds84e5q116.vib?a0=14193
Pennsylvania
State Veterans Commission Meeting, Feb. 3, 2023, at 10 AM
https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Commissionsandcouncils/Pages/StateVeteransCommission.aspx
DD214 Available
On-line at
http://vetrecs.archives.gov/
Blue Water Navy
Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019
https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/blue-water-navy.asp
A rabbi went down
with his torpedoed warship in 1943. Today, his cousin ensures his story is not
forgotten.
https://www.jta.org/2023/02/03/united-states/a-rabbi-went-down-with-his-torpedoed-warship-in-1943-today-his-cousin-ensures-his-story-is-not-forgotten
How to Apply for
a Discharge Upgrade
https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/
The Veterans
Consortium Pro Bono Program
https://www.vetsprobono.org/
High turnover on
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee again this session
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2023/01/27/high-turnover-on-house-veterans-affairs-committee-again-this-session/
New House Vets
chair plans focus on PACT Act oversight, medical access
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/02/02/new-house-vets-chair-plans-focus-on-pact-act-oversight-medical-access/
He found an enemy
soldier's diary after a Vietnam War battle. Now he seeks its owner
https://www.yahoo.com/news/found-enemy-soldiers-diary-vietnam-093026533.html
VA secretary aids
in D.C. census count of homeless veterans
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2023/02/02/va-secretary-aids-in-dc-census-count-of-homeless-veterans/
VA offers $30M in
grant funding to assist formerly homeless Veterans
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5855
This Military
Intelligence Hall of Famer Predicted the Tet Offensive
https://www.military.com/history/military-intelligence-hall-of-famer-predicted-tet-offensive.html
VA red tape cuts
off GI bill benefits to US military veterans at foreign schools
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-01-30/gi-bill-foreign-schools-8936602.html
#VeteranOfTheDay
Army Air Corps Veteran Darrell Johnson
https://news.va.gov/115395/veteranoftheday-army-air-corps-darrell-johnson/
VA Gulf War
Research Advisory Committee to meet Feb. 7-9: Committee will host two Veteran
Engagement Sessions
https://news.va.gov/115225/va-gulf-war-research-advisory-committee-feb-7-9/
Don’t skip a beat
on your heart health: Discuss your risk factors for heart disease with your
primary care team
https://news.va.gov/114864/dont-skip-a-beat-on-your-heart-health/
Lynch Syndrome
testing for colorectal cancer: VA expands access to Lynch Syndrome testing for
colorectal cancer
https://news.va.gov/115207/lynch-syndrome-testing-for-colorectal-cancer/
VA program helps
Veterans, caregivers plan for future health care needs
https://news.va.gov/115374/program-helps-veterans-caregivers-plan-needs/
Live Whole Health
#156: Go with the flow
https://news.va.gov/115422/live-whole-health-156-go-with-the-flow/
VFW Action Corps
Weekly, February 6, 2023
https://www.vfw.org/actioncorpsweekly
U.S. House
Committee on Veterans Affairs
https://veterans.house.gov/about/members.htm
Making Sure Vets
Get PACT Act Benefits Is New House Veterans Affairs Chairman's Top Priority
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/01/31/making-sure-vets-get-pact-act-benefits-new-house-veterans-affairs-chairmans-top-priority.html?ESRC=mr_230206.nl
VFW Commemorates
National Black History Month: The VFW takes the opportunity to celebrate
African American contributions to the nation as Black history is American
history
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/1/vfw-commemorates-national-black-history-month
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for
burial with full military honors is: -- Navy Warrant Officer Machinist Daryl H. Goggin, 34, of Everett,
Washington, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at
Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on
Dec. 7, 1941. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits causing it to
quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen,
including Goggin. He will be buried on Aug. 18, 2023, at the National Memorial
Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Honolulu. Read about Goggin.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3281931/uss-oklahoma-sailor-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-goggin-d/
The Defense
POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full
military honors is: - Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Porter M. Pile, 24, of Harlingen,
Texas, was assigned to the 700th Bombardment Squadron, 445th Bombardment Group,
2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force. On Sept. 27, 1944, he was serving as navigator
on a B-24H Liberator bomber that was part of a large mission to bomb the
industrial city of Kassel in northern Hesse, Germany. The formation encountered
heavy resistance from enemy ground and air forces. Several of the crew were
able to bail out, but witnesses did not report seeing Pile escape the aircraft.
His body was not recovered, and he was never reported as a prisoner of war. The
War Department issued a finding of death on Sept. 28, 1945. He will be buried
at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia, on a date yet to be
determined. Read about Pile.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3282104/airman-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-pile-p/
The Defense
POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full
military honors is: -- Army Cpl. Donald L. Dupont, 22, was a member of B
Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was
reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, during battle with enemy forces
near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could
not be recovered, and there was no evidence he was a prisoner of war. Interment
services are pending. Read about Dupont.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3285898/soldier-accounted-for-from-korea-dupont-d/
The Defense
POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full
military honors is: --Army Air Forces 1st Lt. George W. Winger, 25, was
assigned to the 66th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group, 8th Air
Force. On Aug. 1, 1943, the B-24 Liberator aircraft Winger was piloting was hit
by enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed during Operation Tidal Wave. His
remains were not identified following the war. Interment services are pending.
Read about Winger.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3285923/pilot-accounted-for-from-ww-ii-winger-g/
This week in
Congress: State of the Union and start of committee work
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2023/02/06/this-week-in-congress-state-of-the-union-and-start-of-committee-work/
Marine veteran
gets 5 years for assaulting police at Capitol riot
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2023/02/06/marine-veteran-gets-5-years-for-assaulting-police-at-capitol-riot/
They handled
nuclear missiles. Now they’re getting cancer.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/02/03/nuclear-missile-cancer-rates-military/
Vets unemployment
improves, national jobless rate lowest since 1969
https://www.militarytimes.com/education-transition/2023/02/03/vets-unemployment-improves-national-jobless-rate-lowest-since-1969/
Veteran Who
Started Neo-Nazi Group Arrested Again, This Time for Targeting a Power Station
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/02/06/veteran-who-started-neo-nazi-group-arrested-again-time-targeting-power-station.html?ESRC=eb_230207.nl
VA to Congress:
Keep Pandemic Rule Allowing Prescriptions Across State Lines
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/01/31/va-congress-keep-pandemic-rule-allowing-prescriptions-across-state-lines.html?ESRC=mr_230206.nl
In tax season,
how can Veterans maximize their tax benefits?
https://news.va.gov/115594/in-tax-season-veterans-maximize-tax-benefits/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Navy Veteran Georgia Clark Sadler
https://news.va.gov/115185/veteranoftheday-navy-georgia-clark-sadler/
Simulation
training leads to safer patient care: More than 118,000 health professions
trainees train in VA each year
https://news.va.gov/115347/simulation-training-leads-to-safer-patient-care/
Oncology Nurses
Corner: Tiniska J. Brooks
https://news.va.gov/115583/oncology-nurses-corner-tiniska-j-brooks/
The White House
Unity Agenda
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/02/07/fact-sheet-in-state-of-the-union-president-biden-to-outline-vision-to-advance-progress-on-unity-agenda-in-year-ahead/
SHIRLEY FEINGOLD
OBITUARY
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/shirley-feingold-obituary?id=42588083#:~:text=Shirley%20M.%20Feingold%20sadly%20passed,in%2Dlaw%20of%20Adrienne%20Beilick
VA CFBNP
Resources & Webinar Recordings
https://www.va.gov/CFBNP/resourcesandwebinarrecordings.asp
Delaware Valley
Veterans' Home, 2701 Southampton Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19154
https://www.dmva.pa.gov/paveteranshomes/DelawareValleyVeteransHome/Pages/default.aspx
DVVH Newsletter
https://www.dmva.pa.gov/paveteranshomes/DelawareValleyVeteransHome/Documents/DVVH-Newsletter.pdf
WILLISTON MAN
SENTENCED FOR THREATENING DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES
https://www.justice.gov/usao-nd/pr/williston-man-sentenced-threatening-department-veterans-affairs-employees
It's Happening
Now!: Celebrating Black History & Understanding Benefits. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs sent this
bulletin at 02/08/2023 01:02 PM EST
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/bulletins/3479e5f?reqfrom=share
The Paris Peace
Accords, (Vietnamese: Hiệp định Paris về Việt Nam), officially the Agreement on
Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Viet Nam (Hiệp định về chấm dứt chiến
tranh, lập lại hòa bình ở Việt Nam), was a peace treaty signed on January 27,
1973, to establish peace in Vietnam and end the Vietnam War.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Peace_Accords
