Veteran Legislation Status

13 July 2009: Of the 1433 Senate pieces of legislation introduced in the 111th Congress to date, the following are of interest to the non-active duty veteran community.

A good indication on the likelihood a bill of being forwarded to the House or Senate for passage and subsequently being signed into law by the President is the number of cosponsors who have signed onto the bill. An alternate way for it to become law is if it is added as an addendum to another bill such as the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and survives the conference committee assigned to iron out the difference between the House and Senate bills.
At http://thomas.loc.gov you can review a copy of each bill’s text, determine its current status, the committee it has been assigned to, who your representative is and his/her phone number, mailing address, or email/website to communicate with a message or letter of your own making, and if your legislator is a sponsor or cosponsor of it. To separately determine what bills, amendments your representative has sponsored, cosponsored, or dropped sponsorship on refer to http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/d111/sponlst.html To review a numerical list of all bills introduced refer to http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/111search.html The key to increasing co sponsorship is letting legislators know of their constituent’s views on issues. These bills* that are being pushed by various veterans groups for passage and by clicking on that website you can forward a message to your legislator requesting he/she support the bill.

United States Senate website: http://www.senate.gov/ To contact Members of the U.S Senate, go to: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

S.35 : IRS Sales Tax Permanent Deduction. A bill to provide a permanent deduction for State and local general sales taxes. Companion Bill H.R.369. Sponsor: Sen Hutchison, Kay Bailey [TX] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (6) Committees: Senate Finance Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.66 : Disabled Vet Space A. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit former members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability rated as total to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces are entitled to travel on such aircraft. Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (2) Committees: Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.67 : Disabled POW Commissary/Exchange Use. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize certain disabled former prisoners of war to use Department of Defense commissary and exchange stores. Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.68 : Filipino Service Certification. A bill to require the Secretary of the Army to determine the validity of the claims of certain Filipinos that they performed military service on behalf of the United States during World War II. Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.94 : Long-Term Care Family Accessibility Act. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a nonrefundable tax credit for long-term care insurance premiums. Sponsor: Sen Vitter, David [LA] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Finance Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Major Action: 1/13/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.239 : Veterans Health Equity Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that veterans in each of the 48 contiguous States are able to receive services in at least one full-service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration in the State or receive comparable services provided by contract in the State. Sponsor: Sen Shaheen, Jeanne [NH] (introduced 1/14/2009) Cosponsors (1) Companion Bill H.R.190 Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 1/14/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.246 : Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the quality of care provided to veterans in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, to encourage highly qualified doctors to serve in hard-to-fill positions in such medical facilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 1/14/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 1/14/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.252 : Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the capacity of the Department of Veterans Affairs to recruit and retain nurses and other critical health-care professionals, to improve the provision of health care veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/15/2009) Cosponsors (5) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

S.263 : Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.R.1474. Sponsor: Sen Casey, Robert P., Jr. [PA] (introduced 1/15/2009) Cosponsors (3) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.274 : Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act of 2009. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an incentive to hire unemployed veterans. Sponsor: Sen Baucus, Max [MT] (introduced 1/16/2009) Cosponsors (1) Committees: Senate Finance Latest Major Action: 1/16/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.296 : Fair Tax Act of 2009. A bill to promote freedom, fairness, and economic opportunity by repealing the income tax and other taxes, abolishing the Internal Revenue Service, and enacting a national sales tax to be administered primarily by the States. Sponsor: Sen Chambliss, Saxby [GA] (introduced 1/22/2009) Cosponsors (4) Committees: Senate Finance Latest Major Action: 1/22/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.307 : Critical Access Hospital Flexibility Act of 2009. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program and to exempt from the critical access hospital inpatient bed limitation the number of beds provided for certain veterans. Companion Bill H.R.668 Sponsor: Sen Wyden, Ron [OR] (introduced 1/22/2009) Cosponsors (13) Committees: Senate Finance Latest Major Action: 1/22/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.315 : Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.R.32 Sponsor: Sen Feingold, Russell D. [WI] (introduced 1/26/2009) Cosponsors (1) Related Bill H.R.2257 Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.347 : Vet Hand Loss Traumatic Injury Protection. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to distinguish between the severity of a qualifying loss of a dominant hand and a qualifying loss of a non-dominant hand for purposes of traumatic injury protection under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Ensign, John [NV] (introduced 1/29/2009) Cosponsors (1) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.402 : Keeping Our Promise to America's Military Veterans Act. A bill to improve the lives of our Nation's veterans and their families and provide them with the opportunity to achieve the American dream. Sponsor: Sen Snowe, Olympia J. [ME] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (4) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 2/10/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.404 : Veterans' Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.R.1377. Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (1) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 2/10/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.407 : Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009. A bill to increase, effective as of December 1, 2009, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (17) Related bill H.R.1513 Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Senate Reports: 111-24 Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-37 [GPO: Text, PDF]

S.423 : Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009. *A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize advance appropriations for certain medical care accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs by providing two-fiscal year budget authority, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 2/12/2009) Cosponsors (53) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. To support this bill and/or contact your Senators send a message http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=12703276

S.491 : Federal and Military Retiree Health Care Equity Act. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums. Sponsor: Sen Webb, Jim [VA] (introduced 2/26/2009) Cosponsors (38) Companion Bill H.R.1203 Committees: Senate Finance Latest Major Action: 2/26/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.498 : Vet Dental Insurance. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize dental insurance for veterans and survivors and dependents of veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Burr, Richard [NC] (introduced 2/26/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 2/26/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
S.514 : Veterans Rehabilitation and Training Improvements Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance vocational rehabilitation benefits for veterans, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.R.297. Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 3/3/2009) Cosponsors (1) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.535 : SBP DIC Offset Elimination. *A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan by veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.775. Sponsor: Sen Nelson, Bill [FL] (introduced 3/5/2009) Cosponsors (48) Committees: Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 3/5/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.543 : Veteran and Servicemember Family Caregiver Support Act of 2009. A bill to require a pilot program on training, certification, and support for family caregivers of seriously disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces to provide caregiver services to such veterans and members, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 3/6/2009) Cosponsors (12) Companion Bill H.R.785. Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 3/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.546 : Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2009. *A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit certain retired members of the uniformed services who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military service of Combat-Related Special Compensation. Companion Bill H.R.811. Sponsor: Sen Reid, Harry [NV] (introduced 3/9/2009) Cosponsors (40) Committees: Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 3/9/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.572 : Purple Heart Forever Stamp. A bill to provide for the issuance of a "forever stamp" to honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the armed forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart. Companion Bill H.R.1305. Sponsor: Sen Webb, Jim [VA] (introduced 3/11/2009) Cosponsors (12) Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/23/2009 Referred to Senate subcommittee. Status: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs referred to Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security.

S.597 : Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to women veterans, especially those serving in operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.R.1211 Sponsor: Sen Murray, Patty [WA] (introduced 3/16/2009) Cosponsors (20) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 3/16/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.606 : Veterans Corps Program. A bill to amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to establish a Veterans Corps program. Sponsor: Sen Warner, Mark R. [VA] (introduced 3/17/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Latest Major Action: 3/17/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.614 : WASP Gold Medal Award. A bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots ("WASP"). Sponsor: Sen Hutchison, Kay Bailey [TX] (introduced 3/17/2009) Cosponsors (75) Companion Bill H.R.2014 Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-40 [GPO: Text, PDF]

S.642 : Health Care for Members of the Armed Forces Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009. A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to establish registries of members and former members of the Armed Forces exposed in the line of duty to occupational and environmental health chemical hazards, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide health care to veterans exposed to such hazards, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Bayh, Evan [IN] (introduced 3/19/2009) Cosponsors (6) Committees: Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 3/19/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.644 : National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2009.* A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to include service after September 11, 2001, as service qualifying for the determination of a reduced eligibility age for receipt of non-regular service retired pay. Sponsor: Sen Chambliss, Saxby [GA] (introduced 3/19/2009) Cosponsors (12) Companion Bill H.R.208 Related Bill S.831 Committees: Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 3/19/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.658 : Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve health care for veterans who live in rural areas, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Tester, Jon [MT] (introduced 3/19/2009) Cosponsors (7) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 3/19/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.663 : Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II. Sponsor: Sen Nelson, E. Benjamin [NE] (introduced 3/19/2009) Cosponsors (37) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.669 : Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the conditions under which certain persons may be treated as adjudicated mentally incompetent for certain purposes. Sponsor: Sen Burr, Richard [NC] (introduced 3/23/2009) Cosponsors (15) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 6/16/2009 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 78.

S.691 : Colorado National Cemetery for Veterans. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in southern Colorado region, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Bennet, Michael F. [CO] (introduced 3/25/2009) Cosponsors (1) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.699 : South Texas Veterans' Hospital. A bill to provide for the construction by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of a full service hospital in Far South Texas. Sponsor: Sen Cornyn, John [TX] (introduced 3/25/2009) Cosponsors (1) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 3/25/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.700 : Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009. A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to phase out the 24-month waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for Medicare benefits, to eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.R.1708. Sponsor: Sen Bingaman, Jeff [NM] (introduced 3/25/2009) Cosponsors (17) Committees: Senate Finance Latest Major Action: 3/25/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.728 : Veterans' Insurance and Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance veterans' insurance benefits, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 3/26/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.

S.731 : TRICARE Coverage For "Gray Area" Reservists. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for continuity of TRICARE Standard coverage for certain members of the Retired Reserve. Companion Bill H.R.270 Sponsor: Sen Nelson, E. Benjamin [NE] (introduced 3/26/2009) Cosponsors (21) Committees: Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 3/26/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.734 : Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the capacity of the Department of Veterans Affairs to recruit and retain physicians in Health Professional Shortage Areas and to improve the provision of health care to veterans in rural areas, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 3/30/2009) Cosponsors (2) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 3/30/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.746 : Nebraska National Cemetery. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in the Sarpy County region to serve veterans in eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, and northwest Missouri. Sponsor: Sen Nelson, E. Benjamin [NE] (introduced 3/31/2009) Cosponsors (1) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.760 : National World War I Memorial. A bill to designate the Liberty Memorial at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the "National World War I Memorial". Sponsor: Sen McCaskill, Claire [MO] (introduced 4/1/2009) Cosponsors (1) Related Bill H.R.1849 Committees: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Latest Major Action: 4/1/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S.768 : Bataan Gold Medal Initiative. A bill to grant the Congressional Gold Medal to the soldiers from the United States who were prisoners of war at Bataan during World War II. Sponsor: Sen Udall, Tom [NM] (introduced 4/1/2009) Cosponsors (7) Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/1/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

S.772 : Honor Act of 2009. A bill to enhance benefits for survivors of certain former members of the Armed Forces with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury, to enhance availability and access to mental health counseling for members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Bond, Christopher S. [MO] (introduced 4/1/2009) Cosponsors (11) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/1/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.793 : Department of Veterans Affairs Vision Scholars Act of 2009. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a scholarship program for students seeking a degree or certificate in the areas of visual impairment and orientation and mobility.
Sponsor: Sen Brown, Sherrod [OH] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (1) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.801 : Family Caregiver Program Act of 2009. *A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to waive charges for humanitarian care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to family members accompanying veterans severely injured after September 11, 2001, as they receive medical care from the Department and to provide assistance to family caregivers, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (14) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. To support this bill and/or contact your Senators send a message via http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=13104956&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

S.820 : Veterans Mobility Enhancement Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the automobile assistance allowance for veterans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Sanders, Bernard [VT] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.821 : VA Copay Collection Prohibition. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Sanders, Bernard [VT] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read the second time and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.831 : National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2009. *A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to include service after September 11, 2001, as service qualifying for the determination of a reduced eligibility age for receipt of non-regular service retired pay. Sponsor: Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] (introduced 4/20/2009) Cosponsors (17) Related Bill S.644 Committees: Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 4/20/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. To support this bill and/or contact your Senators send a message via http://www.ngaus.org/content.asp?bid=1805

S.832 : MOAA Federal Charter. A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Nelson, Bill [FL] (introduced 4/20/2009) Cosponsors (32) Companion Bill H.R.2017 Committees: Senate Judiciary Latest Major Action: 4/20/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.842 : VA Home Loan Payoff to Mortgagers. A bill to repeal the sunset of certain enhancements of protections of servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosures, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay mortgage holders unpaid balances on housing loans guaranteed by Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] (introduced 4/21/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/21/2009 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.847 : SBP Education Assistance Limitation Exclusion. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that utilization of survivors' and dependents' educational assistance shall not be subject to the 48-month limitation on the aggregate amount of assistance utilizable under multiple veterans and related educational assistance programs. Sponsor: Sen Webb, Jim [VA] (introduced 4/21/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.883 : Medal of Honor Coin. A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the establishment of the Medal of Honor in 1861, America's highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States, to honor the American military men and women who have been recipients of the Medal of Honor, and to promote awareness of what the Medal of Honor represents and how ordinary Americans, through courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism, can challenge fate and change the course of history. Sponsor: Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] (introduced 4/23/2009) Cosponsors (23) Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Latest Major Action: 4/23/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

S.902 : Veteran's Treatment Courts. A bill to provide grants to establish veteran's treatment courts. Sponsor: Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] (introduced 4/27/2009) Cosponsors (2) Related Bill H.R.2127 Committees: Senate Judiciary Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S. 944 - The Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to require the Secretaries of the military departments to give wounded members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces the option of remaining on active duty during the transition process in order to continue to receive military pay and allowances, to authorize members to reside at their permanent places of residence during the process, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Feingold, Russell D. [WI] (introduced 4/30/2009) Cosponsors (3) Committees: Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 4/30/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.977 : Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide improved benefits for veterans who are former prisoners of war, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Murray, Patty [WA] (introduced 5/5/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 5/5/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.998 : Arthur Woolweaver, Jr., Social Security Act Improvements for the Terminally Ill Act. A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to eliminate the five-month waiting period in the disability insurance program, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Brown, Sherrod [OH] (introduced 5/7/2009) Cosponsors (2) Committees: Senate Finance Latest Major Action: 5/7/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.1008 : Military Retired Pay Fairness Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to limit requirements of separation pay, special separation benefits, and voluntary separation incentive from members of the Armed Forces subsequently receiving retired or retainer pay. Sponsor: Sen Shaheen, Jeanne [NH] (introduced 5/7/2009) Cosponsors (3) Companion bill H.R.2302 Committees: Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 5/7/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1015 : Enhanced Disability Compensation for Certain Disabled Veterans. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance disability compensation for certain disabled veterans with difficulties using prostheses and disabled veterans in need of regular aid and attendance for residuals of traumatic brain injury, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Burr, Richard [NC] (introduced 5/11/2009) Cosponsors (2) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 5/11/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1016 : Vet Disability Compensation Award upon Separation. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the commencement of the period of payment of original awards of compensation for veterans who are retired or separated from the Uniformed services for disability. Sponsor: Sen Burr, Richard [NC] (introduced 5/11/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 5/11/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1042 : Illegal Garnishment Prevention Act. A bill to prohibit the use of funds to promote the direct deposit of Veterans and Social Security benefits until adequate safeguards are established to prevent the attachment and garnishment of such benefits. Sponsor: Sen Kohl, Herb [WI] (introduced 5/14/2009) Cosponsors (1) Committees: Senate Finance Latest Major Action: 5/14/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.1055 : Gold Medal Award for 100th Inf Bn & 442nd RCT. A bill to grant the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. Sponsor: Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA] (introduced 5/14/2009) Cosponsors (3) Related bill H.R.347 Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Latest Major Action: 5/14/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

S.1106 : Selected Reserve Continuum of Care Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to require the provision of medical and dental readiness services to certain members of the Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve based on medical need, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Lincoln, Blanche L. [AR] (introduced 5/20/2009) Cosponsors (5) Committees: Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 5/20/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1109 : PRO-VETS Act of 2009. A bill to provide veterans with individualized notice about available benefits, to streamline application processes or the benefits, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [NY] (introduced 5/20/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 5/20/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1118 : DIC Compensation Rate Increase to 55%. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the amount of monthly dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Lincoln, Blanche L. [AR] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (3) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1128 : Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act. A bill to authorize the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of participation in the testing of nuclear weapons or under other circumstances. Sponsor: Sen Roberts, Pat [KS] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (1) Related bill H.R.2553 Committees: Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1160 : Homes for Heroes Act of 2009. A bill to provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans. Sponsor: Sen Schumer, Charles E. [NY] (introduced 6/1/2009) Cosponsors (5) Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Latest Major Action: 6/1/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

S.1166 : Voluntary Support for Reservists and National Guard Members Act of 2009. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow taxpayers to designate part or all of any income tax refund to support reservists and National Guard members. Sponsor: Sen Reid, Harry [NV] (introduced 6/3/2009) Cosponsors (1) Committees: Senate Finance Latest Major Action: 6/3/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.1168 : Nationally Significant Battlefields Protection. A bill to authorize the acquisition and protection of nationally significant battlefields and associated sites of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 under the American Battlefield Protection Program. Sponsor: Sen Schumer, Charles E. [NY] (introduced 6/3/2009) Cosponsors (1) Related Bill H.R.1694 Committees: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Latest Major Action: 7/15/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee on National Parks. Date of scheduled hearing. SD-366. 2:30 p.m.

S.1169 : Uniformed Services with Autism (USA) Heroes Act . A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE. Sponsor: Sen Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [NY] (introduced 6/3/2009) Cosponsors (6) Committees: Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 6/3/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1204 : Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act of 2009. A bill to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 to require the provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Murray, Patty [WA] (introduced 6/8/2009) Cosponsors (1) Related bill H.R.1017 Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 6/8/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1237 : Homeless Women Veterans and Homeless Veterans with Children Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs to include male homeless veterans with minor dependents and to establish a grant program for reintegration of homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Murray, Patty [WA] (introduced 6/11/2009) Cosponsors (2) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 6/11/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1337 : Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2009. A bill to exempt children of certain Filipino World War II veterans from the numerical limitations on immigrant visas. Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 6/24/2009) Cosponsors (3) Committees: Senate Judiciary Latest Major Action: 6/24/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.1347 : Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2009. A bill to amend chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, to allow members of the Armed Forces to sue the United States for damages for certain injuries caused by improper medical care, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Schumer, Charles E. [NY] (introduced 6/24/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Judiciary Latest Major Action: 6/24/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.1394 : Veterans Entitlement to Service Act of 2009. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to acknowledge the receipt of medical, disability, and pension claims and other communications submitted by claimants, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [NY] (introduced 7/6/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 7/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1427 : VA Hospital Quality Report Card. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative to report on health care quality in Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Wyden, Ron [OR] (introduced 7/9/2009) Cosponsors (1) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 7/9/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1429 : PTSD/TBI Discrimination Commission. A bill to establish a commission on veterans and members of the Armed Forces with post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other mental health disorders, to enhance the capacity of mental health care providers to assist such veterans and members, to ensure such veterans are not discriminated against, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Wyden, Ron [OR] (introduced 7/9/2009) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 7/9/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

[Source: http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/111search.html 13 Jul 09 ++]

*Bills that are being pushed by Veterans groups

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Thank you, Bob

100% Disabled Vietnam Vet