HR 7541 Lee, Susie D-NV 9 JUl 2020
Summary: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Summary: This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program for the purpose of improving safety and suicide care for veterans. The program must be implemented at five VA medical centers, including one that serves veterans in rural and remote areas. [6 Jul 2020]
ACTION: 9 Jul 2020 Intro in HOUSE 9 Jul 2020 Refer to House Comm on VA 8 Sep 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. 10 Sep 2020 Committee Hearings Held.
Cosponsor: Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray, Jr. [D-CA-39]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Rose, Max [D-NY-11]* 7/9/2020 Rep. San Nicolas, Michael F. Q. [D-GU-At Large] 7/16/2020 Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1] 8/11/2020 Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24] 9/15/2020 Rep. Riggleman, Denver [R-VA-5] 11/17/2020
COPYCAT AND BS BILL
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BS Bill not Vet related
HR 7550 McEachin, Donald D-VA 9 JUL 2020
Summary: To direct the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to inventory Confederate commemorative works on certain Federal lands, and for other purposes.
Summary: This bill directs the Departments of the Interior, Defense, and Veterans Affairs to each conduct a full inventory of specified Confederate commemorative works, including flags and other symbols or signage, on the public lands under their jurisdiction.
Using such inventories, the National Park Service shall conduct a special resource study to examine the works commemorating and interpreting the Civil War and commemorating, with respect to such war, the soldiers, people on the home front and battle lines, and related locations in the United States from 1861 through 1865. Among contents required to be identified by the study are historical assessments of each work, the suitability and feasibility of retaining works, identification of properties that could meet the criteria for designation as national historic sites, and an evaluation of historical research. [29 Sep 2020]
ACTION: 9 Jul 2020 Intro in HOUSE 9 Jul 2020 Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Veterans’ Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. 14 Jul 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands. 21 Jul 2020 Subcommittee Hearings Held. 8 Sep 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Cosponsor: Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5] 7/22/2020 Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7] 7/29/2020 Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-20] 7/29/2020
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HR 7563 Schneider, Bradley Scott D-IL 9 JUl 2020
SummarY: To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize veterans who are entitled to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to use such entitlement to participate in a career transition internship program for veterans.
Summary (notice the date of this update…not in the 116th Congress yet gets an update during the 117th congress): This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a program to match veterans who are entitled to educational assistance with internships to provide such veterans with work experience and marketable skills. The VA shall establish criteria that employers must meet to participate in the program. The following employers are excluded from participating in the program: (1) government agencies, (2) employers who cannot provide the VA with certain assurances, and (3) employers who have previously participated in the program and failed to abide by its requirements. The VA shall pay individuals who are full-time participants in such an internship the amount of educational assistance payable to those participating in a full-time apprenticeship or other on-job training programs. Interns shall be considered as employees of the VA, not the program employer, for purposes of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Additionally, each intern and employer shall provide the VA with a monthly certification that the intern worked at least 35 hours each week performing functions that provided the individual with valuable experience. The VA and the Department of Labor shall create and publicize a website to serve as a portal for the program. The VA shall (1) minimize the administrative burdens incurred by employers due to their participation in the program, and (2) ensure that employer participation is at no cost to the employer. [5 Oct 2021]
ACTION: 9 Jul 2020 Intro in HOUSE 9 Jul 2020 Refer to House Comm on VA 8 Sep 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Cosponsor: Rep. Yoho, Ted S. [R-FL-3]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Flores, Bill [R-TX-17]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Gaetz, Matt [R-FL-1]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-15]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2]* 7/9/2020 Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Lipinski, Daniel [D-IL-3]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM-3]* 7/9/2020 Rep. O’Halleran, Tom [D-AZ-1]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]* 7/9/2020 Rep. Hartzler, Vicky [R-MO-4] 7/13/2020
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HR 7584 DeFazio, Peter D-OR 13 JUl 2020
Summary: To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize individuals who are pursuing programs of rehabilitation, education, or training under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to receive work-study allowances for certain outreach services provided through congressional offices, and for other purposes.
Summary:
This bill expands the list of work-study activities that qualify for payment of work-study allowances under Department of Veterans Affairs rehabilitation, training, and education programs. Under the bill, the following activities carried out at the offices of Members of Congress qualify as work-study activities: the distribution of information to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents concerning benefits and services; and
the preparation and processing of documents, including those used to file veterans benefits claims. [8 Oct 2020]
ACTION: 13 Jul 2020 Intro in HOUSE 13 Jul 2020 Refer to House Comm on VA 9 Sep 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Cosponsor: Rep. Walden, Greg [R-OR-2]* 7/13/2020 Rep. Allred, Colin Z. [D-TX-32]* 7/13/2020 Rep. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large]* 7/13/2020
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COPYCAT BILL
HR 7600 Ruiz, Raul D-CA 13 Jul 2020
Summary: To expand the scope of the Department of Veterans Affairs open burn pit registry.
Summary: This bill expands the scope of the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry of the Department of Veterans Affairs by including burn pits located in Egypt and Syria under the definition of open burn pits. The registry allows certain veterans and service members to document their exposures and report health concerns related to exposure to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits (areas used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) while serving in certain locations. [5 Nov 2020]
ACTION: 13 Jul 2020 Intro in HOUSE 13 Jul 2020 Refer to House Comm on VA 8 Sep 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Cosponsor: Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-8]* 7/13/2020 Rep. Welch, Peter [D-VT-At Large]* 7/13/2020
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BS BILL not VET RELATED AND Summary update during 117th congress not 116th
HR 7638 Kennedy, Joseph D-MA 16 JUl 2020
Summary: To establish certain employment protections for temporary workers, and for other purposes
Summary: This bill establishes various requirements related to temporary workers, including providing such workers with (1) wages that are not less than those of permanent employees performing substantially similar work, (2) descriptions of work assignments, and (3) itemized statements of wages. [27 Mar 2021]
ACTION: 16 Jul 2020 Intro in HOUSE 16 Jul 2020 Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on House Administration, Oversight and Reform, the Judiciary, Veterans’ Affairs, Armed Services, Energy and Commerce, and 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. 7 Aug 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States. 8 Sep 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
Cosponsor: Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5]* 7/16/2020 Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2] 7/30/2020 Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2] 8/4/2020 Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33] 8/4/2020 Rep. Garcia, Jesus G. “Chuy” [D-IL-4] 8/18/2020 Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5] 8/18/2020 Rep. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] 8/18/2020 Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7] 8/18/2020 Rep. Garcia, Jesus G. “Chuy” [D-IL-4] 8/18/2020 Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-10] 8/28/2020 Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17] 8/28/2020 Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-11] 9/11/2020
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HR 7684 Golden, Jared D-ME 20 JUL 2020
Summary: To require the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to evaluate members of the Armed Forces and veterans who have tested positive for a virus certified as a pandemic for potential exposure to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals or other airborne contaminants, to conduct a study on the impact of such a pandemic on members and veterans with such exposure, and for other purposes.
Summary: This bill requires the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that the first health assessment conducted for a member of the Armed Forces or veteran after such an individual tests positive for a virus certified as a pandemic includes an evaluation of whether the individual has been (1) based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit was used, or (2) exposed to toxic airborne chemicals or contaminants relating to service in the Armed Forces. A burn pit is an area used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment. If such an evaluation establishes that an individual was based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit was used, or that the individual was exposed to toxic airborne chemicals or contaminants, the individual must be enrolled in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry unless they opt out of enrollment. The VA’s Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence must conduct a study on the health impacts of infection with a virus designated as a global pandemic, including the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19), to members of the Armed Forces and veterans who have been exposed to open burn pits and other toxic exposures. The study must be analyzed to assist in preparation for potential future pandemics. [5 Oct 2020]
ACTION: 20 Jul 2020 Intro in HOUSE 20 Jul 2020 Referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. 30 Sep 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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HR 7687 Kildee, Daniel D-MI 20 JUL 2020
Summary: To protect firefighters from exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, to establish a presumption of service connection for certain veterans exposed to such substances, and for other purposes.
Summary: This bill addresses firefighter and veteran exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds (e.g., weatherproof clothing). The bill authorizes the use of pre-disaster hazard mitigation funding for the remediation of PFAS at fire training facilities. The National Institute of Standards and Technology in the Department of Commerce must commence a study and report on the contents and composition of new and unused personal protective equipment worn by firefighters in relation to PFAS. For certain conditions associated with exposure to PFAS, the bill provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital care and medical services to veterans who served on active duty at military installations at which individuals were exposed to PFAS. Service by veterans as reservists or civilian firefighters shall be considered active duty service for eligibility purposes if such service occurred during a period specified by the VA on the applicable military installations. The bill also provides eligibility for VA hospital care and medical services for exposure-related conditions to the family members of such veterans and civilian firefighters. The bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified illnesses or diseases related to PFAS exposure that manifest in veterans (including reservists or veterans serving as civilian firefighters) who served on active duty at a military installation where they were exposed to PFAS. 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. [10 Dec 2020]
ACTION: 20 Jul 2020 Intro in HOUSE 20 Jul 2020 Referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. 21 Jul 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. 6 Oct 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Cosponsor: Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]* 7/20/2020 Rep. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI-8]* 7/20/2020
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HR 7727 Pappas, Chris D-NH 22 Jul 2020
Summary: To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that grants provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for State veterans’ cemeteries do not restrict States from authorizing the interment of certain deceased members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces in such cemeteries, and for other purposes.
Summary: This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from establishing a condition for a cemetery grant that restricts the ability of a state to inter certain reservists (or spouses) at a state-owned veterans’ cemetery solely because such individuals are ineligible for burial in an open national cemetery. Specifically, as a condition for grants, the VA cannot restrict the ability of a state to inter a member of a reserve component whose service was terminated under honorable conditions; member of the Army National Guard or Air National Guard whose service was terminated under honorable conditions; member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps of the Army, Navy, or Air Force who died under honorable conditions while a member; and spouse of any member described above. The VA is prohibited from (1) denying an application for a grant solely on the basis that the recipient state may use funds to expand, improve, operate, or maintain a veterans’ cemetery to allow for the internment of the specified reservists; and (2) enforcing certain conditions on grants for state veterans’ cemeteries that were established before the date of enactment of this bill. [23 Feb 2021]
ACTION: 22 Jul 2020 Intro in HOUSE 22 Jul 2020 Refer to House Comm on VA
Cosponsor: Rep. Palazzo, Steven M. [R-MS-4]* 7/22/2020 Rep. Kuster, Ann M. [D-NH-2]* 7/22/2020 Rep. Gabbard, Tulsi [D-HI-2] 8/14/2020
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HR 7728 Roe, David R-TN 22 Jul 2020
Summary: To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish presumptions of service-connection for members of the Armed Forces who contract COVID-19 under certain circumstances, and for other purposes.
BELOW SUMMARY WAS intro during the 2nd half of the 117th congress
Summary: This bill establishes, for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, a presumption of service-connection if COVID-19 symptoms manifest within a specified time period in individuals serving in the military or reserves during qualified periods of duty (i.e., active duty, training duty, or full-time National Guard duty). For individuals who become disabled or die as a result of COVID-19, it shall be presumed the individual became disabled or died during a qualified period of duty. An individual who was disabled or died due to COVID-19 and was on training duty or full-time National Guard duty shall be furnished death or disability benefits as if the individual were a veteran, without regard to whether such individual’s duty period would constitute active military service. [23 FEB 2022]
ACTION: 22 Jul 2020 Intro in HOUSE 22 Jul 2020 Referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. 6 Oct 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Cosponsor: Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-41]* 7/22/2020 Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]* 7/22/2020 Rep. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large]* 7/22/2020 Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12]* 7/22/2020 Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1]* 7/22/2020 Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26] 8/4/2020
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HR 7747 Kelly, Robin D-IL 23 Jul 2020
Summary: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress an annual report on the Solid Start program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Summary: This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to annually report on its Solid Start program, which is an outreach program for those in their first year of separation from the military. The report must exclude any personally identifiable information regarding a veteran. [18 Aug 2020]
ACTION: 23 Jul 2020 Intro in HOUSE 23 Jul 2020 Refer to House Comm on VA 10 Sep 2020 Committee Hearings Held. 6 Oct 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Cosponsor: Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-18]* 7/23/2020 Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24] 9/11/2020 Rep. Cox, TJ [D-CA-21] 9/23/2020
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HR 7784 Rice, Kathleen D-NY 24 JUl 2020
Summary: To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the staffing, transparency, and accountability of the law enforcement operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
BELOW summary was during the 117th congress not 116th
Summary:
This bill updates the staffing and responsibilities of police forces of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Specifically, the bill requires the VA to ensure that each of its police forces designates an employee to serve as a point of contact for its employees and the public regarding (1) statistical information (e.g., the use of force and weapons discharge), (2) complaints and investigations regarding officers at the facility, and (3) the provision of information to a person regarding personal arrest or other police matters. The bill also requires the VA to provide information on the public websites of police facilities regarding specified statistical information and directions on how to contact the point of contact or receive information about specific matters. The VA must provide annual training on (1) recognizing, defining, understanding, and avoiding racial profiling and implicit bias and best practices regarding the duty to intervene; and (2) preventing suicide among the population served by police officers. Finally, the bill requires VA police officers to wear body cameras that have a field of view at least as broad as the officers’ vision and capture footage of the officers’ activities. The audio and video of the camera must be activated whenever an officer is responding to a call for service or other stop, except in situations where it is impossible or dangerous for the officer to do so. The VA’s guidance on body cameras must be made publicly available. [23 Sep 2021]
ACTION: 24 Jul 2020 Into in House 24 Jul 2020 Refer to the House Comm on VA 10 Sep 2020 Committee Hearings Held. 6 Oct 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
Cosponsor: Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]* 7/24/2020
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HR 7785 Rose, Max D-NY 24 Jul 2020
Summary: To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain employment and reemployment rights to members of the National Guard who perform State active duty.
Summary: This bill extends certain employment and reemployment rights and benefits to members of the National Guard who perform state active duty. [25 Aug 2020]
ACTION: 24 Jul 2020 Into in House 24 Jul 2020 Refer to the House Comm on VA 15 Sep 2020 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 17 Sep 2020 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. 17 Sep 2020 Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Cosponsor: Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17] 8/28/2020
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Veteran 411 