116th Congressional Committee on Veterans’ Affairs continued…

HR 7995 Rep Barr, Andy R-KY 27 JUl 2020

Summary: To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the ability of veterans to access and submit disability benefit questionnaire forms of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Summary: This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to publish on its website the disability benefit questionnaire forms for non-VA medical providers submitting evidence regarding a disability of a claimant for purposes of VA benefits. If the VA updates the questionnaire form, previous versions of the form filed by claimants must be accepted for up to one year after the form was updated. The VA may waive interagency approval processes required to approve a modification to a form if such requirement applies by reason of the form being made public on the website as required by the bill. The Inspector General of the VA must, through 2026, annually report on the use of such forms. [3 Sep 2020]

Summary: This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to publish on its website the disability benefit questionnaire forms for non-VA medical providers submitting evidence regarding a disability of a claimant for purposes of VA benefits. If the VA updates the questionnaire form, previous versions of the form filed by claimants must be accepted for up to one year after the form was updated. The VA may waive interagency approval processes required to approve a modification to a form if such requirement applies by reason of the form being made public on the website as required by the bill. The Inspector General of the VA must, through 2026, annually report on the use of such forms.[20 Oct 2020]

ACTION: 27 Jul 2020 Into in House 27 Jul 2020 Refer to the House Comm on VA 30 Jul 2020 Comm consideration and mark-up session held 30 Jul 2020 Ordered to be reported (amended) by voice vote 16 Sep 2020  Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. 22 Sep 2020   Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. 22 Sep 2020   Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4685-4687) 22 Sep 2020   DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7795. 22 Sep 2020  On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4685) 22 Sep 2020  Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. 23 Sep 2020  Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

Cosponsor: Rep. Luria, Elaine G. [D-VA-2]* 7/27/2020 Rep. Roe, David P. [R-TN-1]* 7/27/2020 Rep. Ruppersberger, C. A. Dutch [D-MD-2] 7/29/2020 Rep. Walorski, Jackie [R-IN-2] 7/30/2020 Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4] 8/14/2020 Rep. Fortenberry, Jeff [R-NE-1] 8/14/2020 Rep. Phillips, Dean [D-MN-3] 9/11/2020 Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5] 9/22/2020

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HR 1070 Kind, Ron D-WI 29 Jul 2020

Summary;Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress.

Summary: This resolution commemorates the work that the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress has done to honor the lives of veterans. Additionally, the resolution encourages veterans and their families to participate in the Veterans History Project. The resolution supports the work of the Library and encourages it to continue providing materials for educators seeking to teach the history of the United States. [1 Oct 2020]

ACTION: 29 Jul 2020 Intro in house 29 Jul 2020  Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Cosponsor: Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-18]* 7/29/2020 Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4]* 7/29/2020 Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]* 7/29/2020 Rep. Burgess, Michael C. [R-TX-26]* 7/29/2020 Rep. Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3] 7/30/2020

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HR 7811 Cunningham, Joe D-SC 29 JUl 2020

Summary: To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a reduction in loan fees for certain veterans affected by major disasters.

Summary: This bill reduces specified Department of Veterans Affairs home loan fees for veterans affected by major disasters. [30 Sep 2021]

NOTICE THE ABOVE SUMMARY WAS DURING 117th not 116th!

ACITON: 29 Jul 2020 Into in House 29 Jul 2020 Refer to the House Comm on VA 6 Oct 2020   Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Cosponsor: Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-18]* 7/29/2020

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HR 7841 McHenry, Patrick R-NC 29 JUl 2020

Summary: To require the purchase by the Federal Government of certain medical supplies and protection equipment be from the United States, and for other purposes.

Summary: This bill requires the federal government to purchase medical supplies and personal protective equipment from the United States, with exceptions for small purchases. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to purchase specified medical supplies (including disinfecting wipes and natural fiber products) and personal protective equipment (including surgical masks, face shields, and foot coverings) from products that are 100% grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States. The bill makes an exception for purchases for amounts not greater than $150,000. The bill applies the Berry Amendment (which requires the Department of Defense to give preference in procurement to domestically produced, manufactured, or home-grown products) to specified supplies and equipment, such as surgical dressing materials, hospital and surgical clothing, and textile medical supplies and equipment. [5 Sep 2020]

Cosponsor: Rep. Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [D-NJ-9]* 7/29/2020 Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9] 7/31/2020 Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1] 7/31/2020 Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9] 7/31/2020 Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12] 7/31/2020 Rep. Abraham, Ralph Lee [R-LA-5] 7/31/2020 Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7] 7/31/2020 Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7] 7/31/2020 Rep. Crawford, Eric A. “Rick” [R-AR-1] 7/31/2020 Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2] 7/31/2020 Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9] 7/31/2020 Rep. Timmons, William R. IV [R-SC-4] 7/31/2020 Rep. Roe, David P. [R-TN-1] 7/31/2020 Rep. Budd, Ted [R-NC-13] 7/31/2020 Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1] 8/4/2020 Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5] 8/7/2020 Rep. Duncan, Jeff [R-SC-3] 8/7/2020 Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2] 8/11/2020 Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4] 8/11/2020 Rep. Davis, Rodney [R-IL-13] 8/14/2020 Rep. Palazzo, Steven M. [R-MS-4] 8/14/2020 Rep. Allen, Rick W. [R-GA-12] 8/14/2020 Rep. Walker, Mark [R-NC-6] 8/14/2020 Rep. Kustoff, David [R-TN-8] 8/14/2020 Rep. Wagner, Ann [R-MO-2] 8/14/2020 Rep. Kelly, Trent [R-MS-1] 8/14/2020 Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17] 8/14/2020 Rep. Bishop, Dan [R-NC-9] 8/18/2020 Rep. Rice, Tom [R-SC-7] 8/18/2020 Rep. Murphy, Gregory [R-NC-3] 8/28/2020 Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8] 8/28/2020 Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray, Jr. [D-CA-39] 9/14/2020 Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8] 9/14/2020 Rep. Malinowski, Tom [D-NJ-7] 9/14/2020 Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6] 9/14/2020 Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5] 9/24/2020 Rep. Gonzalez, Anthony [R-OH-16] 9/29/2020 Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1] 10/13/2020 Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7] 10/27/2020 Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3] 10/27/2020

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HR 7851 Schneider, Bradley Scott D-IL 29 Jul 2020

Summary: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow taxpayers to designate overpayments of tax as contributions and to make additional contributions to the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund, and for other purposes.

Summary: This bill allows taxpayers to contribute tax refund amounts to a Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund established by this bill. The fund shall make expenditures to provide services to homeless veterans through the development and implementation of new and innovative strategies to prevent and end veteran homelessness. [18 Oct 2020]

ACTION: 29 Jul 2020 Into in House 29 Jul 2020   Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. 6 Oct 2020  Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Cosponsor: Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]* 7/29/2020 Rep. Deutch, Theodore E. [D-FL-22]* 7/29/2020 Rep. O’Halleran, Tom [D-AZ-1] 7/31/2020

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HR 7858 Evans, Dwight D-PA 30 JUl 2020

Summary: To require the provision of notice to homeowners regarding available housing relief to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and for other purposes.

Summary; This bill requires servicers of federally-backed mortgage loans to notify borrowers of their eligibility for loan forbearance under existing COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) economic aid programs. Servicers must provide notice not later than 30 days after enactment. Servicers are exempted from providing notice to borrowers who have previously requested forbearance. Federal housing agencies must make available to servicers model notices no later than 7 days after enactment. [30 Mar 2021]

ACTION: 30 Jul 2020 Intro in House 30 Jul 2020  Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

NOTICE THE UPDATE SUMMARY OCCURRED DURING the 117th CONGRESS not 116th?

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HR 7879 Lee, Susie D-NV 30 JUL 2020

Summary:To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program to expand and improve the provision of telehealth services to veterans.

Summary; This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award grants to entities for the expansion of telehealth capabilities and provision of telehealth services to veterans through the VA and the Veterans Community Care Program. The VA must give preference to entities that represent veterans in rural or highly rural areas or entities that operate in a medically underserved community. An entity seeking to establish a telehealth access point for veterans without grant funding is authorized to enter into an agreement with the VA to establish such access point. The VA must assess and report on the barriers veterans face in accessing telehealth services. [25 Aug 2020]

ACTION: 30 Jul 2020 Intro in House 30 Jul 2020 Refer to House Comm on VA 10 Sep 2020  Committee Hearings Held. 30 Sep 2020   Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Cosponsor: Rep. Banks, Jim [R-IN-3]* 7/30/2020 Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1]* 7/30/2020 Rep. Torres Small, Xochitl [D-NM-2]* 7/30/2020 Rep. Schrader, Kurt [D-OR-5] 9/23/2020 Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1] 9/23/2020 Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1] 9/23/2020 Rep. Axne, Cynthia [D-IA-3] 9/23/2020 Rep. Schrader, Kurt [D-OR-5] 9/23/2020 Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1] 9/23/2020 Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1] 9/23/2020 Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large] 9/30/2020 Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2] 9/30/2020 Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2] 9/30/2020 Rep. Kuster, Ann M. [D-NH-2] 9/30/2020 Rep. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ-7] 9/30/2020 Rep. O’Halleran, Tom [D-AZ-1] 9/30/2020 Rep. Davis, Rodney [R-IL-13] 9/30/2020 Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5] 9/30/2020 Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12] 9/30/2020 Rep. Riggleman, Denver [R-VA-5] 11/17/2020 Rep. Murphy, Stephanie N. [D-FL-7] 11/17/2020 Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1] 11/19/2020 Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1] 11/19/2020

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HR 7888 Torres Small, Xochill D-NM 30 JUL 2020

Summary: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a report on the REACH VET program.

SummarY: This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on the Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health—Veterans Enhanced Treatment (REACH VET) program to assess, among other elements, the impact of the program on rates of suicide among veterans. [25 Aug 2020]

ACTION: 30 Jul 2020 Intro in House 30 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. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large]* 7/30/2020 Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]* 7/30/2020 Rep. Riggleman, Denver [R-VA-5] 8/7/2020 Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24] 9/11/2020

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HR 7902 Cartwright, Matt D-PA 31 JUL 2020

Summary: To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to hire psychiatrists.

Summary: This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to appoint a psychiatrist who completes a residency at a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility to a VHA health care position immediately after such residency, without regard to civil service or classification laws, if (1) the psychiatrist meets the qualifications established in regulations prescribed for the position, and (2) the position has been unfilled for at least 35 days. [5 Nov 2020]

ACTION: 31 Jul 2020 Intro in House 31 Jul 2020 Refer to House Comm on VA 6 Oct 2020  Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Cosponsor: Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4]* 7/31/2020 Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-52]* 7/31/2020 Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2]* 7/31/2020 Rep. Loebsack, David [D-IA-2]* 7/31/2020 Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]* 7/31/2020 Rep. Bishop, Sanford D., Jr. [D-GA-2]* 7/31/2020

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HR 7926 Cox, TJ D-CA 4 AUG 2020

Summary: To amend title 38, United States Code, to allow for the electronic request of certain records, and for other purposes.

ACTION: 4 Aug 2020 Intro in House 4 Aug 2020 Refer to House Comm on VA 6 Oct 2020  Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Cosponsor: Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21]* 8/4/2020 Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-16] 9/17/2020 Rep. San Nicolas, Michael F. Q. [D-GU-At Large] 9/30/2020

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HR 7952 Bost, Mike R-IL 7 AUG 2020

Summary: To make certain improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs relating to education, burial benefits, and other matters, and for other purposes.

ACTION: 7 Aug 2020 Intro in HOUSE 7 Aug 2020  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. 6 Oct 2020  Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 6 Oct 2020  Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Cosponsor: Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1]* 8/7/2020 Rep. Roe, David P. [R-TN-1]* 8/7/2020 Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]* 8/7/2020 Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6]* 8/7/2020 Rep. Banks, Jim [R-IN-3]* 8/7/2020 Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1]* 8/7/2020 Rep. Kinzinger, Adam [R-IL-16]* 8/7/2020

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HR 7964 Finkernauer, Abby D-IA 7 AUG 2020

Summary: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out education programs and peer support programs for family members and caregivers of veterans with mental health disorders.

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish an education program and a peer support program for the education and training of family members and caregivers of eligible veterans with mental health disorders. Under this bill, eligible veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system. Such veterans must give permission for their caregiver or family caregiver to participate in either program established under this bill.The VA must establish a four-year education program to provide a course to family members and caregivers of eligible veterans on matters relating to coping with mental health disorders in veterans. In implementing the program, the VA must enter into contracts with certain nonprofit entities with experience in mental health education.Under the peer support program, the VA must provide peer support to family members and caregivers of eligible veterans on matters relating to coping with mental health disorders in veterans. The VA must provide peer support at each location where the education program is provided, and such support must include regular meetings in group settings between peer support coordinators, family members, and caregivers.The VA must conduct a survey of the satisfaction of individuals who have participated in the education program and the peer support program.VA mental health care providers must monitor the progress of the programs. [11 Aug 2021]

ACTION: 7 Aug 2020 Intro in HOUSE 7 Aug 2020  Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. 10 Sep 2020  Committee Hearings Held. 6 Oct 2020   Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Cosponsor: Rep. Curtis, John R. [R-UT-3]* 8/7/2020 Rep. McKinley, David B. [R-WV-1]* 8/7/2020 Rep. Langevin, James R. [D-RI-2] 8/14/2020 Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1] 8/14/2020 Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24] 9/11/2020 Rep. Cox, TJ [D-CA-21] 9/23/2020

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HR 7992 Wagner, Ann R-MO 7 AUG 2020

Summary: To expand access to telehealth services, and for other purposes.

Summary: This bill establishes, expands, and otherwise modifies provisions relating to telehealth services, including by expanding access to telehealth services for veterans, supporting telehealth programs in rural areas, and extending certain Medicare flexibilities that were initially authorized during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). [10 Jan 2021]

AGAIN, LOOK at the summary update: during 117th congress not 116th!

ACTION: 7 Aug 2020 Intro in HOUSE 7 Aug 2020  Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, the Judiciary, 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. 6 Oct 2020  Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Cosponsor: Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12] 9/1/2020

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HR 8005 Golden, Jared D-ME 7 AUG 2020

Summary: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to provide veterans access to computerized cognitive behavioral therapy.

Summary:

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a two-year pilot program to treat eligible veterans suffering from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, or substance use disorder who are already receiving evidence-based therapy from the VA. Under the program, the VA is authorized to use computerized cognitive behavioral therapy to treat eligible veterans.
Eligible veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system. [16 Oct 2020]

ACTION: 7 Aug 2020 Intro in HOUSE 7 Aug 2020  Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. 10 Sep 2020  Committee Hearings Held.

Cosponsor: Rep. Banks, Jim [R-IN-3]* 8/11/2020

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HR 8020 Omar, Illhan D-MN 11 AUG 2020

Summary: To impose an emergency tax on the increase in wealth of billionaires during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to pay for all of the out of pocket healthcare expenses of the uninsured and under-insured, including prescription drugs, for one year.

ACTION: 11 Aug 2020 Intro in HOUSE 11 Aug 2020  Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Oversight and Reform, Veterans’ Affairs, Armed Services, 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. 6 Oct 2020   Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Cosponsor: Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]* 8/11/2020 Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14]* 8/11/2020 Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]* 8/11/2020 Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-13]* 8/11/2020 Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]* 8/11/2020 Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-20]* 8/11/2020 Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]* 8/11/2020 Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-27] 8/14/2020 Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6] 8/18/2020 Rep. Carson, Andre [D-IN-7] 8/22/2020 Rep. Garcia, Jesus G. “Chuy” [D-IL-4] 9/29/2020 Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9] 10/9/2020

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