Veterans Message To Congress, We're Not Disposable!

Members of Congress hope that no one noticed they were responsible for how veterans were treated in this country. Any wonder why they feel like they do?

Legislation Within the Jurisdiction of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Veterans' measures generally.
Pensions of all the wars of the U.S., general and special.
Life insurance issued by the government on account of service in the Armed Forces.
Compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and education of veterans.
Veterans' hospitals, medical care, and treatment of veterans.
Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief.
Readjustment of servicemen to civilian life.
National Cemeteries.
Complete Jurisdiction of the Committee

The Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was established March 15, 1989, with Cabinet rank, succeeding the Veterans Administration and assuming responsibility for providing federal benefits to veterans and their dependents. Led by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, VA is the second largest of the 14 Cabinet departments and operates nationwide programs of health care assistance services and national cemeteries.

1930

The Veterans Administration was created by Executive Order S.398, signed by President Herbert Hoover on July 21, 1930. At that time, there were 54 hospitals, 4.7 million living veterans, and 31,600 employees.

1946
House Veterans Affairs Committee

The Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives was authorized by enactment of Public Law 601, 79th Congress, which was entitled "Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946." Section 121(a) of this Act provides: "there shall be elected by the House at the commencement of each Congress the following standing committees": Nineteen Committees are listed and No. 18 quotes: "Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to consist of 27 Members." This Act has since been amended so that there are now 22 Standing Committees in the House of Representatives. The number of Members (Representatives) authorized to serve on each Committee has been changed from time to time. There are currently 29 members of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

VA History in Brief

WWII

On Feb. 1, 1946, Bradley reported that the VA was operating 97 hospitals with a total bed capacity of 82,241 patients. Hospital construction then in progress projected another 13,594 beds. Money was available for another 12,706 beds with the construction of 25 more hospitals and additions to 11 others. But because of the demobilization, the total number of veterans would jump to more than 15 million within a few months. The existing VA hospitals were soon filled to capacity, and there were waiting lists for admission at practically all hospitals. In addition, there were 26,057 nonservice-connected cases on the hospital waiting list.

Until more VA hospitals could be opened, the Navy and Army both made beds available. To handle the dramatic increase in veterans claims, VA Central Office staff was increased in two years from 16,966 to 22,008. In the same period, field staff, charged with providing medical care, education benefits, disability payments, home loans and other benefits, rose from 54,689 employees to 96,047.

Korea

The Korean War, creating new veterans on top of the millions who came home from World War II, brought additional workloads to the VA. The number of VA hospitals between 1942 and 1950 had increased from 97 to 151. As of November 30, 1952, the VA had a workforce of some 164,000 employees working at the Central Office and its 541 hospitals, regional offices and other field stations. A daily average of 128,000 veterans received medical and domiciliary care. Each year 2.5 million veterans received outpatient and dental care at VA facilities. Each month 2.5 million veterans and dependents received $125 million in compensation and pensions.

Vietnam

Congress at first limited benefits for the Vietnam War to veterans whose service occurred between Aug. 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975. Congress later expanded the period to Feb. 28, 1961, for veterans who served in country. During this period, more than 6 million Vietnam-era veterans were separated from military service. A major difference of Vietnam-era veterans from those of earlier wars was the larger percentage of disabled. Advances in airlift and medical treatment meant that many wounded and injured personnel survived who would have died in earlier wars. By 1972 there were 308,000 veterans with disabilities connected to military service.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs

President Reagan signed legislation in 1988 to elevate VA to Cabinet status and, on March 15, 1989, the Veterans Administration became the Department of Veterans Affairs. Edward J. Derwinski, VA administrator at the time, was appointed the first Secretary of Veterans Affairs. As reorganized, the department included three main elements: the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration, which was renamed the Veterans Health Administration; the Veterans Benefits Administration; and the National Cemetery System.

Gulf War

The Persian Gulf War, which began in August 1990 as Operation Desert Shield and became Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, created a new climate in U.S. society favorable to military personnel and veterans benefits. As of July 1, 1992, there were 664,000 Persian Gulf War veterans, not including Reservists called up for active duty. Of these, 88,000, or 13.2 percent, were women.

The Rise (and Fall) of the VA Backlog, TIME, By Brandon Friedman, June 03, 2013

On the January afternoon Eric Shinseki took over as the nation’s seventh VA secretary, he inherited a mess.

To his immediate front, the former Army chief of staff faced a paper mountain of 391,127 separate disability claims—filed by veterans from every conflict since World War II. Nearly a quarter of the claims (more than 85,000) had been languishing in the system for more than six months.

Expanding eligibility for veterans affected by PTSD and Agent Orange more than doubled the claims backlog.

As if the paper weren’t problem enough, Shinseki and his staff soon learned that thousands of Vietnam War veterans—many with whom he likely served—had been barred from claiming disability benefits for conditions related to their exposure to the toxic defoliant Agent Orange.

The gravity of this situation in early 2009—with one war ending and another still raging—was not lost on the new boss. Compounding his problem, however, was the fact that he had little to work with in terms of a technological solution. VA was paper-bound, its IT system antiquated—and it had been this way for years.

Everyone knew this.

Everyone but members of Congress since all they've done for decades is blame the VA when they were supposed to be responsible for taking care of veterans. After all, they control all the funding, make the rules and pass all the bills.

This is from New York Times

Veterans Affairs Faces Surge of Disability Claims, By JAMES DAO Published: July 12, 2009

Veterans advocates say the actual backlog is nearing one million, if minor claims, educational programs and appeals of denied claims are factored in. They point to the discovery last year of benefits applications in disposal bins at several department offices as evidence of shoddy handling of claims. And they assert that they routinely see frustratingly long delays on what seem like straightforward claims.

One group, Veterans for Common Sense, has obtained records showing that some veterans are calling suicide hotlines to talk about their delayed disability claims. The group has called on the department to replace Veterans Benefits Administration leaders.

“We’re not saying vets are threatening to commit suicide over the claims issues,” said Paul Sullivan, executive director of the group. “We’re saying V.A.’s claim situation is so bad that it is exacerbating veterans’ already difficult situations.”

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, has emerged as one of the most prevalent disability claims, after ailments like back pain and knee injuries. Not only are many new veterans receiving a diagnosis of the disorder, but an increasing number of Vietnam veterans are also reporting symptoms for the first time, officials and advocates said.

Ok, so while Congress has managed to forget what they were supposed to do, veterans remembered. They have a message for politicians, WE'RE NOT DISPOSABLE!

This dumpster was supplied by Pro-Demo

Mickey Grosman

Veterans keep having to help other veterans out of where Congress

keeps sending them.

Veterans have more news coming for members of Congress

Check back tomorrow!

UPDATE, here's the video

Rural Veterans Access to Care Act

Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report

Capitol Hill Watch House Veterans' Affairs Committee Approves Veterans' Health Care Bills
[Jul 17, 2008]
The House Veterans' Affairs Committee on Wednesday approved several bills related to health care services for veterans, CQ HealthBeat reports. One of the bills (HR 1527), sponsored by Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), would establish a three-year pilot program that would allow "highly rural" veterans enrolled in four of the Department of Veterans Affairs' 21 health care networks to receive health services through outside providers. The bill defines highly rural as veterans seeking primary care who live more than 60 miles from the nearest veterans' facility; veterans seeking acute hospital care who live more than 120 miles from a facility; and those seeking tertiary care who live more than 240 miles from a facility (Lubbes, CQ HealthBeat, 7/16). The bill also would allow veterans to access care at other facilities if VA determines that travel would be difficult for veterans or is "not in the best interest of the veteran" (Povich, CongressDaily, 7/17).

Rural Veterans Access to Care Act (Introduced in House)

HR 1527 IH


110th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 1527
To amend title 38, United States Code, to allow highly rural veterans enrolled in the health system of the Department of Veterans Affairs to receive covered health services through providers other than those of the Department, and for other purposes.


IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 14, 2007
Mr. MORAN of Kansas (for himself and Mr. LATHAM) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to allow highly rural veterans enrolled in the health system of the Department of Veterans Affairs to receive covered health services through providers other than those of the Department, and for other purposes.


Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Rural Veterans Access to Care Act'.

SEC. 2. ENHANCED CONTRACT CARE AUTHORITY FOR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF VETERANS IN HIGHLY RURAL AREAS.

(a) Contract Care for Highly Rural Veterans- Section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

`(e)(1) A highly rural veteran who is enrolled in the system of patient enrollment established under section 1705(a) of this title may elect to receive covered health services for which such veteran is eligible through a non-Department health-care provider. Such an election shall be made by submission to the Secretary of an application in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary prescribes. The Secretary shall authorize such services to be furnished to such veteran pursuant to contracting with such a provider to furnish such services to such veteran.

`(2) For purposes of this subsection, a highly rural veteran is one who--

`(A) resides in a location that is--

`(I) more than 60 miles driving distance from the nearest Department health-care facility providing primary care services, if the veteran is seeking such services;

`(ii) more than 120 miles driving distance from the nearest Department health-care facility providing acute hospital care, if the veteran is seeking such care; or

`(iii) more than 240 miles driving distance from the nearest Department health-care facility providing tertiary care, if the veteran is seeking such care; or

`(B) in the case of a veteran who resides in a location less than the distance indicated in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of subparagraph (A), as applicable, experiences such hardship or other difficulties in travel to the nearest appropriate Department health-care facility that such travel is not in the best interest of the veteran, as determined by the Secretary pursuant to regulations prescribed for purposes of this subsection.

`(3) For purposes of this subsection, a covered health service is any hospital care, medical service, rehabilitative service, or preventative health service authorized to be provided by the Secretary under this chapter or any other provision of law.

`(4) For purposes of this subsection, a health-care provider is any qualified entity or individual furnishing a covered health service.

`(5) In meeting the requirements of this subsection, the Secretary shall--

`(A) consult with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a partnership to coordinate care for rural veterans conducted at critical access hospitals, community health centers, and rural health clinics; and

`(B) expand the use of fee-basis care through which private hospitals, health-care facilities, and other third-party health-care providers are reimbursed.'.

(b) Effective Date- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall implement the amendment made by subsection (a) not later than October 1, 2008.

SEC. 3. AUTHORITY OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PHARMACIES TO DISPENSE MEDICATIONS TO HIGHLY RURAL VETERANS ON PRESCRIPTIONS WRITTEN BY NON-DEPARTMENT PRACTITIONERS.

Section 1712 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

`(f) Subject to section 1722A of this title, the Secretary shall furnish to a highly rural veteran, as described in section 1703(e)(2) of this title, such drugs and medicines as may be ordered on prescription of a duly licensed physician in the treatment of any illness or injury of the veteran. Such drugs and medicines shall be furnished in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as apply to a prescription written by a Department physician.'.
click post title for more of these bills

Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing Empty Chairs

Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
June 7, 2014

Readers of Wounded Times have been taking a trip down memory lane into the abyss. When looking back at the problems in the Department of Veterans Affairs we know that it isn't political since both sides failed but it is about politicians.

As Americans were deluded into believing the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee was serious about the problems our veterans face, it turned out to be a lot of talk from a lot of politicians leaving empty chairs in their place.

As representatives of veterans groups sat down to talk about what veterans were dealing with, you can see the empty chairs around Senator Bernie Sanders

That video clip came after Senator Richard Burr walked out of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee meeting as soon as veterans groups were seated.

After seeing all the empty chairs, we can be assured they really don't care or an issue this huge would have had every chair full of politicians actually doing something instead of just pretending to care.

After the veterans representatives were done testifying, Burr returned and dismissed them,

I lost count on how many groups I am involved with. It is not just something I do once in a while. It is an obsession because I have been surrounded by veterans all my life. The saddest part of all of this is things are this bad after decades of broken promises from politicians. Empty chairs may explain why things are the way they are. Too much political games and too few interested in doing the right thing.

The Veterans Affairs Committee has been doing a lot but no one seems to be willing to discuss what they did wrong.

Take a look at when Democrats held the House at all the things they did. Starting backwards makes a lot of sense.

111th Congress

1/22/2010 Improvements Ahead for Post 9/11-G.I. Bill Claims System

1/21/2010 House Veterans' Affairs Committee Meets with VSO Leaders

12/16/2009 Clear Need for Procurement Reform at VA:

12/7/2009 Herseth Sandlin Leads Discussion on Educational Options for Veterans

12/7/2009 House Committee Examines How Federal Dollars Get to Local Veterans for Health Care

12/7/2009 More than 200 Members of Congress Agree: Agent Orange Veterans Deserve Compensation for Their Sacrifice!!

11/4/2009 House of Representatives Votes to Enhance Veteran Protections: A Congressional “Thank You” for Veterans Day

10/28/2009 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Advances Bills to Enhance Veteran Protections

10/23/2009 Landmark Legislative Victory for Veterans!

10/22/2009 Chairman Filner Supports Veteran Athletes and Military Paralympic Program

10/22/2009 Landmark Legislative Victory for America’s Veterans!!

10/21/2009 Emergency Stipends Successfully Reach Veteran Students

10/16/2009 Secretary Shinseki Provides Update on the State of the VA to Congressional Panel

10/14/2009 Chairman Bob Filner Releases Statement on Agent Orange Decision

10/14/2009 Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee Advances Bills to Enhance Veteran Protections

10/14/2009 Hall Leads Discussion on Proposed Regulation Change Regarding PTSD Determinations for Veterans

10/8/2009 House Passes Historic Bill to Secure Timely Funding for Veterans’ Health Care

10/2/2009 VA Provides Encouraging Progress Report on Going Green

9/29/2009 Congressional Panel Spotlights Waste, Inappropriate Use of VA Resources

9/25/2009 Most – Not All – Veterans Getting Prescription Drugs They Need

9/25/2009 Congressional Panel Calls on VA to Do More to Honor Sacrifice of America’s Veterans

9/17/2009 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Roundtable on Veterans’ Treatment Courts

9/15/2009 Filner Applauds VA Decision to Restart National Vietnam Veterans Longitudinal Study

9/14/2009 The American Legion Presents Legislative Agenda to Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

9/14/2009 Herseth Sandlin Urges Stronger Management Oversight of VA Projects

September 2009

9/25/2009 Congressional Panel Calls on VA to Do More to Honor Sacrifice of America’s Veterans

9/17/2009 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Roundtable on Veterans’ Treatment Courts

9/15/2009 Filner Applauds VA Decision to Restart National Vietnam Veterans Longitudinal Study

9/14/2009 The American Legion Presents Legislative Agenda to Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

9/14/2009 Herseth Sandlin Urges Stronger Management Oversight of VA Projects

August 2009

8/5/2009 Filner Bill Allows Elderly Veterans to Use Their Earned Medicare Dollars for VA Health Care

8/5/2009 California Veterans to Get Full GI Bill Benefit: Agreement between State of California and VA Will Result in Dramatic Increase in Benefits for Yellow Ribbon Program

July 2009

7/31/2009 VA’s Limited Scope of Research Prevents Gulf War Vets From Getting the Benefit of the Doubt

7/31/2009 VA Stumbles in Providing Vocational Rehab to Veterans

7/30/2009 Paralympians Inspire Others to Be Better and Do More

7/30/2009 VA’s Limited Scope of Research Prevents Gulf War Vets From Getting the Benefit of the Doubt

7/27/2009 House Passes Bill to Provide Unprecedented Support to Veteran Caregivers

7/23/2009 Critical Warning Signs Missed at Philly VA Weak Oversight Efforts Fail to Protect Veterans

7/21/2009 State Approving Agencies See Expanded Role Under Post-9/11 G.I. Bill

7/21/2009 Hearing Spotlights Immediate Needs of Nation’s Women Veterans

7/15/2009 Veterans’ Affairs Committee Passes Bill to Provide Training and Support for Veteran Caregivers

7/14/2009 Deadline Looms for VA-DOD Interagency Office on Military Electronic Health Records

7/13/2009 House Votes to Strengthen Work Study Program for Returning Veterans

7/10/2009 House Passes Advance Appropriations for Veterans Health Care in Veterans Funding Bill

7/10/2009 House Approves Filner Amendment to Support Paralympic Program for Injured Vets

June 2009

6/26/2009 VA Set for Start of Post-9/11 GI Bill on August 1

6/25/2009 House Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Provide Greater Support to Veterans and Survivors

6/24/2009 House Passes Historic Bill to Secure Timely Funding for Veterans’ Health Care

6/24/2009 House Votes to Improve Care for Women Veterans

6/23/2009 House Subcommittee Reviews Claims Process for Veterans

6/19/2009 VA Addresses Failures of Contaminated Equipment Use

6/19/2009 House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health Reviews Legislation

6/12/2009 CARES Process Lacks Transparency, Performance Measures

6/10/2009 Veterans’ Affairs Committee Passes Historic Bill to Secure Timely Funding for Veterans’ Health Care

6/8/2009 House Affirms Commitment to Nation’s Veterans, Men and Women in Uniform

6/8/2009 More Support for Caregivers of Veterans Needed

6/3/2009 Too Many Unmet Needs for America’s Veterans: Losing Veterans to our Streets May 2009

5/21/2009 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Roundtable to Address Issues Confronting Women Veterans

5/20/2009 VA Unresponsive to Questions, Needs of Gulf War Veterans

5/20/2009 As VA Reaches Out to Veterans, Health Care Access Issues Magnify

5/19/2009 House Passes Bills to Honor America’s Veterans: A Congressional Thank You for Memorial Day

5/14/2009 House Subcommittee Reviews Appellate Process for Veterans

5/14/2009 House Subcommittee Reviews Appellate Process for Veterans

5/14/2009 Federal Contractors Not Taking Necessary Steps to Employ Veterans, Say Veterans Groups

5/13/2009 Private Sector Groups Present Cutting Edge Technology and Treatment Options for Veterans at Hearing

5/12/2009 House Votes to Thank WWII Service of Merchant Mariners

5/8/2009 Congress Must Act to Restore Earned Benefits to All Vietnam Veterans – Including “Blue Water” Vets!

5/6/2009 Veterans’ Affairs Committee Advances Legislation

April 2009

4/30/2009 Chairman Hall Holds Hearing to Discuss the COMBAT PTSD Act, H.R. 952

4/30/2009 Filner Applauds Passage of Budget Resolution that Increases Veterans’ Funding

4/30/2009 Care Coordination for Seriously Injured Veterans Improving

4/30/2009 Filner Holds Hearing on Advance Appropriations for Veterans’ Health Care

4/6/2009 Chairman Filner Names Martin L. Herbert Majority Staff Director of Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee

4/2/2009 Filner Applauds Passage of House Budget Resolution that Increases Veterans’ Funding March 2009

3/30/2009 House Subcommittee Reviews Combat PTSD

3/30/2009 House Advances Important Veterans Bills

3/25/2009 Veterans’ Affairs Committee Advances Legislation

3/23/2009 Filner Reintroduces Bill to Help Vietnam Veterans Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease

3/19/2009 Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittees Advance Legislation to Improve Care and Benefits for Veterans

3/19/2009 Health Subcommittee Reviews New and Existing Health Care Programs for Rural Veterans

3/18/2009 VFW Presents Legislative Goals at Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

3/17/2009 Veterans Groups Present Legislative Goals at Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

3/17/2009 Billing Our Heroes: It’s DOA!

3/17/2009 DOD and VA Let Veterans with Eye Injuries Down

3/13/2009 Filner Releases Views on VA Budget Request

3/10/2009 Obama Budget 2010: Responding to the Needs of Our Veterans

3/6/2009 Veterans Groups Present Legislative Goals at Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

3/3/2009 Health Subcommittee Reviews Legislation

3/3/2009 House Subcommittees Probe Mishandling of Veterans Disability Claims

February 2009

2/26/2009 DAV Presents Legislative Agenda at Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

2/26/2009 Filner Honored for Protecting Veterans’ Education Benefits

2/26/2009 Obama Budget 2010: Responding to the Needs of Our Veterans

2/26/2009 New G.I. Bill On Track for August

2/14/2009 Finally, Equity for Filipino WWII Veterans!!

2/14/2009 Filner Pledges to Fight for Budgets Worthy of Our Veterans

2/13/2009 Filner and Akaka Reintroduce Legislation to Secure Timely Funding for Veterans’ Health Care through Advance Appropriations

2/13/2009 Filner Introduces Bill to Ensure Parity for Veterans Taking On-Line Courses

2/11/2009 Congressional Leaders, Veterans Orgs and Former VA Official to Hold Press Conference Supporting Advanced Funding of Veteran's Health Care

2/9/2009 Filner Reintroduces Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act
v 2/5/2009 “Shinseki Off to Great Start,” says Filner

2/2/2009 Keeping the Promise: A Veterans Agenda for the 111th Congress

2/2/2009 Filner Urges More Veterans Spending in Stimulus Package January 2009

1/22/2009 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Adopts Oversight Plan for the 111th Congress and Officially Names Members

1/21/2009 FILNER APPLAUDS CONFIRMATION OF VA SECRETARY SHINSEKI

1/15/2009 FILNER APPALLED BY LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY, LEADERSHIP AT VA

December 2008

12/17/2008 Filner Discusses Veterans Issues on Dr. Phil Show

12/8/2008 Filner Pleased With Obama Pick of General Shinseki to Run Troubled VA

November 2008

11/20/2008 Filner Re-elected Chair of House Vets Committee

11/19/2008 Filner to VA: Confidence in VA Completely Shattered by Recent Document Shredding

11/18/2008 Herseth Sandlin Continues to Monitor Progress of New G.I. Bill

October 2008

10/14/2008 Filner Victorious in Fight for Expansion of Veterans’ Health Care and Benefits

10/14/2008 Congressman Filner’s Bill Extends Purple Heart to All Deceased Prisoners of War!

10/1/2008 Filner Applauds Enactment of Veterans’ Spending Bill

September 2008

9/24/2008 Filner Leads House in Passage of Comprehensive Bills to Help Veterans Prevent Foreclosure, Access the Health Care They Need and Receive Earned Disability Benefits in a Timely Fashion

9/19/2008 Veterans Benefit Administration in Need of Improved Training, Performance Management and Accountability

9/18/2008 Chairman Filner Introduces Legislation to End Delays and Stop Budget Shortfalls for Veterans Health Care Funding

9/18/2008 House Passes Legislation to Honor Nation’s Veterans

9/16/2008 House Veterans’ Subcommittee Raises Concerns about VA Approach to Implementing New G.I. Bill Benefits

9/16/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Assesses Suicide Prevention Efforts at the VA

9/15/2008 The Veterans’ Affairs Committees of the House and Senate Hold a Joint Hearing for The American Legion to Present Legislative Priorities

9/11/2008 House Passes Bill to Improve VA Home Loan Program and Sends COLA Bill to President’s Desk

July 2008

7/31/2008 House Passes Comprehensive Legislative Package to Improve Veterans Care and Augment Needed Services

7/25/2008 REPRESENTATIVES BRADY AND FILNER CRITICAL OF VA LIMITATIONS ON VOTER REGISTRATION

7/24/2008 Important Veterans Provisions Included in Comprehensive Housing Bill

7/23/2008 Congress Must Act to Restore Earned Benefits to All Vietnam Veterans – Including “Blue Water” Vets!

7/18/2008 Agent Orange Equity Act Press Conference, Wednesday, July 23

7/16/2008 House Veterans Committee Approves Comprehensive Legislative Package to Improve Veterans Care and Augment Needed Services

7/15/2008 Understanding the Journey of War Veterans:

7/15/2008 VA Details New Suicide Awareness Campaign at House Veterans Oversight Hearing

7/10/2008 Subcommittee Approves Legislation to Increase Access for Mental Health Care for Veterans’ Families

7/10/2008 Improvement Needed for Rehab Program at VA

7/9/2008 First – DO NO HARM!!

June 2008

6/30/2008 New G.I. Bill for Nation’s Veterans Becomes Law

6/26/2008 House of Representatives Votes to Name VA Facilities after Heroic Veterans

6/26/2008 Subcommittee Approves Legislation to Help Veterans Readjust After Military Deployments

6/26/2008 Health Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Provide Mental Health Treatment for Family Members of Veterans

6/24/2008 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: When the National Guard and Reserves Come Home

6/23/2008 Subcommittee Reviews Bills to Improve Quality of Life for Returning Veterans

6/17/2008 Filner to the VA: Suspend drug study IMMEDIATELY! IT MAY CAUSE SUICIDE!

6/12/2008 Veterans’ Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Bolster Disability Benefits for Veterans

6/11/2008 House of Representatives Passes Veterans Legislation

6/11/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Approves Legislation to Establish Epilepsy Centers of Excellence

6/11/2008 Improving Care for America’s Wounded Warriors

6/5/2008 Health Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Bolster Health Care for Veterans

May 2008

5/23/2008 Filner Releases Statement on VA Blue Ribbon Commissions

5/22/2008 Veterans in Need of Clear and Simple Outreach to Access VA Benefits & Services

5/22/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Hearing: Need for Health Care Providers at VA Continues

5/21/2008 House of Representatives Passes Veterans Legislation

5/8/2008 Chairman Filner Statement on Veterans Provisions in Housing Legislation

5/6/2008 The Truth About Veterans’ Suicides

5/1/2008 Chairman Filner Statement on the G.I. Bill

April 2008

4/16/2008 Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Improve Transition for Returning ServiceMembers and Veterans

4/10/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee Reviews Historic Legislation to Reform the VA Benefits Claims Processing System

4/9/2008 Our Homeless Heroes: A Moral Disgrace for Our Nation
v 4/3/2008 House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees Hold Joint Hearing

4/2/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Oversight Hearing to Address Vision Needs of Veterans with TBI

4/1/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Hearing: More Research Needed on Effective and Comprehensive PTSD Treatment

March 2008

3/13/2008 Chairman Filner Lauds Passage of Budget

3/13/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Oversight Hearing to Examine Care of Seriously Wounded Veterans

3/13/2008 The U.S. Paralympic Military Program: A Dynamic Rehabilitative Therapy for Our Injured Heroes

3/11/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Examines Treatment of Substance Use Disorders and Associated Mental Health Conditions at the VA

3/6/2008 House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees Hold Joint Hearing

3/4/2008 House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees Hold Joint Hearing

3/4/2008 House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees Hold Joint Hearing

February 2008

2/28/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Explores Expanding Mental Health Services for Families of Veterans

2/28/2008 Will Our Veterans Survive the Housing Crisis?

2/27/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing on VA Construction for 2009

2/26/2008 VA Disability Rating System in Need of Comprehensive and Immediate Repair

2/14/2008 House of Representatives Offers National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans

2/14/2008 “VA’s Claims Processing System is in Need of 21st Century Reform”

2/13/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Reviews Expiring Programs at the VA

2/13/2008 Bush Budget 2009: Misplaced Priorities for America’s Veterans

2/7/2008 Bush Budget 2009: Failing to Respond to the Needs of Our Veterans

2/6/2008 Veterans Group Recognizes Filner as “Legislator of the Year”

2/5/2008 No New Taxes for America’s Veterans!

January 2008

1/29/2008 Veteran Laments VA Claims Process: “We Are Not Alone”

1/29/2008 VA Inspector General: Marion VA Was In Disarray

1/28/2008 New Law Improves VA Health Care for America’s Returning Service Members and Veterans

1/17/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Update the Montgomery G.I. Bill

December 2007

12/19/2007 House of Representatives Passes Legislation to Modernize the VA Medical Center in Atlanta

12/19/2007 Filner Introduces Legislative Package to Help Veterans Survive the Subprime Mortgage Crisis

12/12/2007 Stopping Veteran Suicides: VA Not Reaching the Veterans that Need the Help

12/12/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Holds Joint Subcommittee Hearing to Examine VA Outpatient Waiting Times

12/11/2007 House of Representatives Passes Veterans Legislation

12/6/2007 Chairman Filner Names Kimberly Ross Staff Director of DAMA Subcommittee

12/6/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hosts Presidential Management Fellow

12/5/2007 Congressman Filner Introduces Bill to Provide Paralympics Programs to Disabled Veterans

November 2007

11/16/2007 Our Nation’s Veterans: Stopping Suicides and Ending Homelessness!

11/7/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Passes the Fair Benefits for Guard and Reserve Act

11/6/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) released the following statement on the Marion Veterans Affairs Medical Center:

11/5/2007 House of Representatives Passes Legislation Honoring America’s Veterans in Preparation for Veterans Day

11/1/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing on the VA Construction Process

October 2007

10/31/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hosts Army Congressional Associate

10/30/2007 Filner Statement on Nomination of James B. Peake

10/25/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Holds Hearing on the Department of Labor VETS Program

10/24/2007 House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee Holds Hearing on the Sharing of Electronic Medical Records between DoD and VA

10/23/2007 House of Representatives Passes Veterans Legislation

10/18/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Holds Hearing on the Montgomery G.I. Bill

10/17/2007 Filner praises Dole/Shalala recommendations – but urges a more radical shake-up of the bureaucracy!

10/17/2007 House Veterans Affairs’ Committee Hearing Examines the Long-Term Costs of the Current Conflicts

10/16/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Hearing Examines Benefits Disparities within the Veterans Benefits Administration

10/10/2007 House Veterans Affairs’ Committee Reviews Findings of the Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission

10/4/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing on VA Research Programs

10/3/2007 House Veterans Affairs’ Committee Hearing Examines Funding the VA of the Future

September 2007

9/27/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Improving Services for

Homeless Veterans

9/26/2007 House VA Committee Continues Oversight of VA Information Technology Security

9/25/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Holds Hearing on VA’s Polytrauma Centers

9/25/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Holds Hearing on VA Appeals Process

9/20/2007 The American Legion Presents Legislative Agenda to Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

9/20/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Jobs for Returning Veterans

9/19/2007 Shalala and Dole Provide Details on Commission Recommendations to House VA Committee

9/18/2007 VA Secretary Jim Nicholson to Report on Current Issues – and to Say “Goodbye”!

9/6/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Jobs for Returning Veterans

July 2007

7/30/2007 House of Representatives Passes Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007

7/30/2007 House of Representatives Passes Legislation to Address the Immediate Needs of Returning Veterans and Expand Benefits for WWII Merchant Mariners

7/25/2007 “Personality Disorder”: A Deliberate Misdiagnosis To Avoid Veterans’ Health Care Costs!

7/18/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Symposium on Traumatic Brain Injury

7/17/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Passes Five Bills

7/17/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Passes Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007

June 2007

6/25/2007 House of Representatives Votes to Name Four VA Facilities after Medal of Honor Recipients

6/20/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Hearing on Health Care Equity for All Veterans

6/18/2007 Chairman Filner Names David M. Tucker Chief Counsel for the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

6/15/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Applauds House Passage of Veterans Spending Bill

May 2007

5/23/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds VA Disability Claims Roundtable

5/23/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Filner Pleased at House Passage of Bills Honoring America’s Veterans

5/22/2007 Congress Passes Resolution to Recognize the Service of United States Merchant Marine Veterans on National Maritime Day

5/17/2007 House Passes Budget Resolution

5/16/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Symposium on PTSD

5/3/2007 VA Officials that Miscalculated the Needs of our Veterans Awarded Significant Bonuses
v April 2007

4/19/2007 Progress for America’s Veterans

April 2007

4/16/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Hearing on Past-due “Thank You” to Members of the United States Merchant Marines

March 2007

3/30/2007 VA Treatment Centers Lack Access to Troop Medical Records

3/29/2007 Budget Resolution Passes House

3/28/2007 Wounded Warrior Assistance Act Passes House

3/27/2007 Veterans Groups Join Democrats in Support of Budget Resolution

3/23/2007 Chairman Filner Supports Proposed Budget Increase for Veterans

3/22/2007 House Passes Three Bills to Improve Veterans’ Benefits

3/16/2007 Skelton-Hunter-Snyder-Mchugh-Filner Introduce the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007

3/15/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Reports Three Bills

3/6/2007 House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees Hold Joint Hearing

3/2/2007 Filner Statement on Walter Reed Army Medical Center

February 2007

2/27/2007 House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees Hold Joint Hearing

2/15/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Hearing on Equity for Filipino Veterans

2/13/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Stakeholders Summit to Identify Legislative Priorities

Years and years later, things have gotten worse. Now we may finally know why. It seems that there have been far too many politicians pushing for the privatization of veterans care. In other words, turning "With the words, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan,” as President Lincoln said into "treat them like everyone else and let companies make money off them."

After all, when you have so many empty chairs, they really haven't paid much attention to their duty to the men and women after veterans did their duty with their lives.

Is “Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act” more of the same? Probably.

Do reporters read the bills the president signs?

Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
January 4, 2020

If your email box is like mine, it was full of the latest "plan" to prevent veterans from committing suicide, “Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act” but none of them seem to have thought about all the other "plans" or as they put it "efforts" to actually do what they claim the bill will do.

Start with this executive order going back to 2018

January 9, 2018
Trump expands mental health benefits to decrease suicide rates among new veterans
USA TODAY
Donovan Slack

WASHINGTON — President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday to provide more benefits to service members transitioning from the military to civilian life in an effort to decrease veteran suicides.

Veterans who have recently left the military are between two and three times more likely to commit suicide than active duty service members, and nearly 20% of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or depression.

The order directs the departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to submit a plan within 60 days to provide “seamless access to mental health treatment and suicide prevention resources.” read it here

That one did about as much good as this suicide prevention bill for police officers in 2019.

A bill sponsored by Sen. Josh Hawley to prevent police officer suicides with expanded mental health services will head to President Donald Trump’s desk.

The bipartisan bill authorizes $7.5 million annually over the next five years for suicide prevention programs and other treatment to assist officers and their families.

Hawley, R-Missouri, introduced the legislation following a Kansas City police officer’s suicide in February. It passed the House by unanimous consent Wednesday afternoon after clearing the Senate without opposition in May.

And yet, President Trump followed the other executive order with another one in March of 2019

The president made the announcement during a signing ceremony for an executive order aimed to address veteran suicides. Roughly 20 veterans per day take their own lives, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In 2016, the suicide rate among veterans was 1.5 times higher than non-veterans, according to the VA. The order creates a new Cabinet-level task force, run by Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, but that also includes the defense, health and human services and homeland security secretaries. The task force's job is to create a "public health roadmap" to improve veterans' quality of life and end veteran suicides. It's unclear what that will look like yet.

In that video you'll hear this

Supporting veterans in distress is a critical priority for our entire administration - everybody in the administration. Last year, I signed into law the largest funding bill for the VA in its history, which included $8.6 billion for veterans in mental health services. I also signed an executive order directing the Department of Defense, Veteran Affairs, and Homeland Security to ensure our veterans have seamless access to mental health care and suicide prevention resources. These efforts focus on veterans the first year after they separate from military service when they are at the heightened-risk area.

There are more but you get the idea. You will also hear a lot more on money and other things they were claiming they would do.

I wonder if anyone bothered to actually read the bill?
President Trump signs Brindisi-authored veteran suicide prevention act

The bill requires the Comptroller General of the United States to “conduct an assessment of the responsibilities, workload, and vacancy rates of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Prevention Coordinators.” The job of a Suicide Prevention Coordinator is to identify veterans that are high-risk and make sure they receive appropriate care.

Judging by the news reports, no one did, but you can. Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act

AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Thursday, the third day of January, two thousand and nineteen

To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an assessment of the responsibilities, workload, and vacancy rates of Department of Veterans Affairs suicide prevention coordinators, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act”.

SEC. 2. COMPTROLLER GENERAL ASSESSMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES, WORKLOAD, AND VACANCY RATES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SUICIDE PREVENTION COORDINATORS.

(a) Assessment Required.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an assessment of the responsibilities, workload, training, and vacancy rates of Department of Veterans Affairs suicide prevention coordinators. Such assessment shall include a determination of—

(1) the extent to which the use and staffing of suicide prevention coordinators varies between Department facilities; and

(2) the extent to which the Secretary provides oversight of suicide prevention coordinators.

(b) Report To Congress.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report containing the findings of the assessment required by subsection (a).

In other words, more of the same we have seen in the last decade.

This one may actually make a difference.

H. R. 5516 To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts with States or to award grants to States to promote health and wellness, prevent suicide, and improve outreach to veterans, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 19, 2019
Mr. Levin of California introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts with States or to award grants to States to promote health and wellness, prevent suicide, and improve outreach to veterans, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act”.

SEC. 2. AUTHORITY FOR SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO AWARD CONTRACTS AND GRANTS TO STATES TO PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS, PREVENT SUICIDE, AND IMPROVE OUTREACH TO VETERANS.
(a) In General.—Chapter 63 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by redesignating sections 6307 and 6308 and sections 6308 and 6309, respectively; and
(2) by inserting after section 6306 the following new section 6307:
Ҥ 6307. Contracts and grants to promote health and wellness, prevent suicide, and improve outreach to veterans

“(a) Purpose.—It is the purpose of this section to provide for assistance by the Secretary to States to carry out programs that promote health and wellness, strengthen the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programs, and offer a high probability of improving outreach and assistance to veterans and the spouses, children, and parents of veterans, to ensure that such individuals are fully informed about, and assisted in applying for, any veterans and veterans-related benefits and programs (including State veterans programs) for which they may be eligible.

“(b) Contracts.— (1) The Secretary may enter into a contract with a State in order to carry out, coordinate, improve, or otherwise enhance health and wellness programs, comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programs, and outreach by the Department and the State (including outreach with respect to a State, county, or other local veterans program).

“(2) As a condition of entering into a contract with a State under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall require the State to submit to the Secretary a detailed plan for the use of any funds provided to the State pursuant to the contract and to meet the outcome measures developed by the Secretary under subsection (c)(4).

“(3) Each contract entered into with a State under this subsection to carry out an activity shall include a requirement that the State carry out the activity through—
“(A) the county veterans service officers of the State; or
“(B) if a county veterans service officer does not exist in the State or exists only in portions of the State, an appropriate State, local, or tribal entity as determined by the Secretary.
“(c) Grants.— (1) The Secretary may award a grant to a State to be used—
“(A) to carry out, coordinate, improve, or otherwise enhance—
“(i) health and wellness programs;
“(ii) comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programs;
“(iii) outreach activities; or
“(iv) activities to assist in the development and submittal of claims for veterans and veterans-related benefits; or
“(B) to increase the number of county veterans service officers serving in the State by hiring new, additional county veterans service officers.
“(2) A State that receives a grant under this subsection to carry out an activity described in paragraph (1)(A) shall carry out the activity through—
“(A) a county veterans service officer of the State; or
“(B) if a county veterans service officer does not exist in the State or exists only in portions of the State, an appropriate State, local, or tribal entity as determined by the Secretary.
“(3) (A) To be eligible for a grant under this subsection, a State shall submit to the Secretary an application therefor at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
“(B) Each application submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
“(i) A detailed plan for the use of the grant.
“(ii) A description of the programs through which the State will meet the outcome measures developed by the Secretary under paragraph (4).
“(4) (A) The Secretary shall develop and provide to the recipient of a grant under this subsection written guidance on outcome measures, policies of the Department, and procedures for applying for grants under this section.
“(B) The Secretary shall review the performance of each State that receives a grant under this section and shall make information regarding such performance publicly available.
“(C) In the case of a State that is a recipient of a grant under this subsection that does not meet the outcome measures developed by the Secretary, the Secretary shall require the State to submit a remediation plan under which the State shall describe how and when it plans to meet such outcome measures. The Secretary must approve such plan before the Secretary may award a subsequent grant to that State under this subsection.
“(5) A grant under this subsection—
“(A) shall be used—
“(i) to expand existing programs, activities, and services;
“(ii) to hire new, additional county veterans service officers; or
“(iii) for travel and transportation to facilitate carrying out clause (i) or (ii); and
“(B) shall be used to supplement and not supplant State and local funding that is otherwise available.
“(6) A grant under this subsection may be used to provide education and training, including on-the-job training, for State, county, local, and tribal government employees who provide (or when trained will provide) veterans outreach services in order for those employees to obtain accreditation in accordance with procedures approved by the Secretary and, for employees so accredited, for purposes of continuing education.
“(7) A grant awarded under paragraph (1)(A) may be used to carry out, coordinate, improve, or otherwise enhance an activity carried out pursuant to a contract entered into under subsection (b).
“(d) County Veterans Service Officer Defined.—In this section, the term ‘county veterans service officer’ includes—
“(1) a local equivalent veterans service officer; and
“(2) a tribal veterans service officer or tribal veteran representative.
“(e) Funding.— (1) Amounts for the activities of the Department under this section shall be budgeted and appropriated through a separate appropriation account.
“(2) In the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department budget for any fiscal year (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31), the Secretary shall include a separate statement of the amount requested to be appropriated for that fiscal year for the account specified in paragraph (1).
“(f) Authorization Of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024, $50,000,000 to carry out this section.”.
(b) Clerical Amendment.—The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 63 of such title is amended by striking the items relating to sections 6307 and 6308 and inserting the following new items:
“6307. Contracts and grants to promote health and wellness, prevent suicide, and improve outreach to veterans.
“6308. Outreach for eligible dependents.
“6309. Biennial report to Congress.”

President Trump is no different than other presidents on this one since we have heard over and over again what they said mattered, but the end result, showed they really didn't bother to change anything other than the name that was going on a repeat bill.

Suicide Prevention? No amount of money can fix what failed already

With the posting of Senator Baucus Sponsored another Suicide Prevention Bill it is a good time to look back at other things our elected officials tried to do over the years. When you think of the millions of dollars spent repeating the same things over and over again yet discovering such deplorable results as increased military suicides along with attempted suicides, you should really be wondering when they will get a clue no amount of money can fix what has already failed.

The Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act

H.R. 327 would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans. Detailed Summary

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on September 27, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) suicide among veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious problem; and (2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in developing and implementing the comprehensive program outlined in this Act, should take into consideration the special needs of such veterans and of elderly veterans who are at high risk for depression and experience high rates of suicide.

Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans. Requires the program to include: (1) mandatory training for appropriate staff and contractors of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who interact with veterans; (2) mental health assessments of veterans; (3) designation of a suicide prevention counselor at each Department medical facility; (4) research on best practices for suicide prevention; (5) mental health care for veterans who have experienced sexual trauma while in military service; (6) 24-hour veterans' mental health care availability; (7) a toll-free hotline; and (8) outreach and education for veterans and their families.

Authorizes the Secretary to develop and carry a peer support counseling program as part of such program.

Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the program.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 10/24/2007: Presented to President.

Omission of Bean bill described as baffling
Holt and East Brunswick family vow to continue fight for improved veterans’ services
BY LAUREN CIRAULO Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK — A bill named for a Middlesex County veteran and intended to strengthen treatment resources for returning soldiers will not be funded this year.

The bill’s sudden removal from the federal Defense Authorization Act of 2011 has angered a local family as well as Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ), who introduced the legislation in honor of East Brunswick native, U.S. Army Sgt. Coleman Bean.

According to Holt, it was Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Ranking Member U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) who yanked the measure, believing it to be unnecessary.

A call to McCain’s office requesting comment was not immediately returned.

“When I learned that Sen. McCain removed this provision at the last minute, I was furious,” Holt said. “A serious gap exists in military suicide prevention efforts — a gap that needlessly cost the life of one young central New Jersey resident.”

Coleman Bean took his life on Sept. 6, 2008, at the age of 25, a few months after returning from his second tour in Iraq. He had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after his first tour, but Bean had limited access to veterans services as a member of the U.S. Army’s Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) and was called back to duty without receiving treatment.

Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act of 2011

For Immediate Release August 31, 2012
Fact Sheet: President Obama Signs Executive Order to Improve Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama will sign an Executive Order directing key federal departments to expand suicide prevention strategies and take steps to meet the current and future demand for mental health and substance abuse treatment services for veterans, service members, and their families.

Ensuring that all veterans, Active, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families receive the support they deserve is a top priority for the Obama Administration. Since September 11, 2001, more than two million service members have deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan with unprecedented duration and frequency. Long deployments and intense combat conditions require optimal support for the emotional and mental health needs of our service members and their families. The Obama Administration has consistently expanded efforts to ensure our troops, veterans and their families receive the benefits they have earned and deserve, including providing timely mental health service. The Executive Order signed today builds on these efforts.

President Obama’s Executive Order

The Executive Order signed by President Obama:

Strengthens suicide prevention efforts across the Force and in the veteran community: The Executive Order directs the VA to increase the VA veteran crisis line capacity by 50% by the end of the year.

Under the Executive Order, VA will ensure that any veteran identifying him or herself as being in crisis connects with a mental health professional or trained mental health worker within 24 hours or less.

VA will work with the Department of Defense to develop and implement a national 12 month suicide prevention campaign focused on connecting veterans to mental health services.

Enhances access to mental health care by building partnerships between VA and community providers:

In service areas where VA has faced challenges in hiring and placing mental health service providers and continues to have unfilled vacancies or long wait times, the Executive Order Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to work with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish at least 15 pilot sites. In pilot sites, VA will contract with community health centers, community mental health clinics, community substance abuse treatment facilities and other HHS grantees and community resources to help reduce VA mental health waiting lists. Under the Executive Order, HHS and VA will develop a plan for a rural mental health recruitment initiative to promote opportunities for VA and rural communities to share mental health providers when demand is insufficient for either to support a full-time provider.

Increases the number of VA mental health providers serving our veterans:

Under the Executive Order, VA will hire 800 peer-to-peer support counselors to empower veterans to support other veterans and help ensure that their mental health care and overall service needs are met. VA has launched an effort to hire 1,600 new mental health professionals to serve veterans. The Executive Order directs VA to use its pay-setting authorities, loan repayment and scholarships, partnerships with health care workforce training programs, and collaborative arrangements with community-based providers to recruit, hire, and place 1,600 mental health professionals by June, 2013. Since, 2009, the VA has expanded its mental health programs, hiring more than 3,500 mental health professionals since 2009.

Promotes mental health research and development of more effective treatment methodologies:

The Executive Order directs the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education to develop a National Research Action Plan that will include strategies to improve early diagnosis and treatment effectiveness for TBI and PTSD.

The Executive Order further directs the Department of Defense and Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive mental health study with an emphasis on PTSD, TBI, and related injuries to develop better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Launch a government-wide collaborative effort to address these issues through a Military and Veterans Mental Health Interagency Task Force:

The Executive Order establishes an Interagency Task Force, including the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, the Domestic Policy Council, National Security Staff, the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy, which will make recommendations to the President on additional strategies to improve mental health and substance abuse treatment services for veterans, service members, and their families.

Supporting our Military, Veterans, and their Families
The President has taken key steps to protect and strengthen the health of our military, veterans and their families here at home. Many of these initiatives are supported by agencies across the federal government and collaborative partnerships with states and communities.

Health Care
For the first time ever, 135 medical schools have committed to exchanging leading research on PTSD and TBI and will also train future physicians to better understand veteran health needs. More than 150 state and national nursing organizations and over 650 nursing schools have committed to ensure our nation’s 3 million nurses are prepared to meet the unique health needs of veterans and their families by educating the current and future nurses of America to have a better understanding of PTSD and TBI.

President Obama signed the “caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010”, into law which helps our most seriously injured post-9/11 veterans and their family caregivers with a monthly stipend; access to health insurance; mental health services and counseling; and comprehensive VA caregiver training and respite care. The Department of Labor has proposed new regulations for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to support military families and caregivers. This rule would implement statutory changes to the FMLA, expanding leave to family members caring for veterans who have suffered a serious injury or illness.

In July 2010, the VA published a historic change to its rules, streamlining the process and paperwork needed by combat veterans to pursue a claim for disability pay for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The VA expanded its workforce by over 2,600 people to handle applications for disability pay. The VA is also using technology and new approaches to help veterans get their benefits by accepting online applications for initial disability benefits, initiating an innovation competition, launching pilot initiatives, and investing over $128 million in a paperless Veterans Benefits Management System.

The administration is utilizing partnerships to reduce the stigma associated with seeking treatment for behavioral health issues. Make the Connection, a campaign launched by the Department of Veterans Affairs, is creating ways for veterans and their family members to connect with the experiences of other veterans and access the information and resources to help these families confront the challenges of transitioning from service to daily civilian life.

Licensing and Credentials
Nearly 35 percent of military spouses in the labor force require licenses or certification for their profession. Many military spouses hold occupational licenses and routinely move across state lines, causing licensing requirements to disproportionately affect the military spouse population. The First Lady and Dr. Biden encouraged all 50 governors to pass legislation by 2014 to reduce the financial and administrative strains that 100,000 military spouses incur from trying to get their state licenses or certification credentials to transfer from state to state as they move. Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden encouraged governors to take Action in February 2012 when only 11 states had legislation on the books. 26 states now have measures in place to support military spouses and the initiative is on-track to meet the 2014 goal.

Education
The Department of Defense has awarded $180 million in grants to support military-connected public school districts. These grants support improved academic programs for military children. More than 400,000 students from military families across all grade levels are impacted by these grant projects.

The Department of Defense has awarded approximately $25 million to military-connected Local Education Agencies (LEAs) this summer to focus on increasing student achievement and easing transitions through research-based academic and support programs.

The Department of Defense, in collaboration with the Council of State Governments' (CSG) National Center for Interstate Compacts developed the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (the Compact) to address the educational transition issues of children of military families. The Compact covers transition issues including class placement, records transfer, immunization requirements, course placement, graduation requirements, exit testing, and extra-curricular opportunities. States adopt the Compact through legislation, and as a result, join the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3). To date, 39 states have approved the Compact and these states are home to 89 percent of school age children whose active duty parents are assigned to military installations in the United States. We will continue to work with leaders to encourage the 11 remaining states approve the Compact and become members of MIC3.

VA eased the Post-9/11 GI Bill application process within the eBenefits portal, including transferability to spouses or children for service members with over six years of service. Servicemembers can now apply on-line to transfer the benefits of their Post-9/11 GI Bill to eligible beneficiaries.

Housing
On top of the historic settlements completed by the Federal government and 49 state Attorneys General, major mortgage servicers will be providing relief to thousands of service member and veteran households. A review will be conducted of every service member household foreclosed upon since 2006. Those wrongly foreclosed upon will be compensated equal to a minimum of lost equity, plus interest and a refund for money lost because they were wrongfully denied the opportunity to reduce their mortgage payments. Additionally, these organizations will pay $10 million into a VA fund that guarantees loans on favorable terms for veterans.

The Administration is working to end veteran homelessness through leveraging broad support at Federal, State, and local levels in both the public and private sectors. Working with over 4,000 community agencies, the VA and HUD have successfully placed more than 37,000 veterans in permanent housing with dedicated case managers and access to high-quality VA health care since 2009. To ensure we reach out to our homeless veterans, the VA created a National Registry for Homeless Veterans and established a National Homeless Hotline. Veteran homelessness was reduced by nearly 12 percent between January 2010 and January 2011.

In 2011, VA helped save 72,391 Veteran and military borrowers with VA-guaranteed loans from foreclosure, a 10% increase from the prior year. VA has helped nearly 59,000 borrowers avoid foreclosure so far in 2012. The home loan guaranty program helps Veterans and their families purchase homes, often with no down payment required. The program expects to guaranty the 20 millionth loan in early November 2012.

Using their Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan, also known as the Streamline Refinance, VA refinances existing VA loans into new loans with lower interest rates, or adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) into fixed rate mortgages. In 2011, this program saved an average of $202 per month in individual payment reductions and 1.42% in interest rates. This equates to saving military and veterans $24 million a month and $293 million per year.

Financial Readiness
The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Financial Education and Financial Access has helped military families identify predatory lending practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) established an office of service member affairs to ensure that the CFPB addresses the financial challenges that confront military families and strengthens protections against abusive financial practices.

Thank you Congressman Filner and Congresswoman Pelosi for what you did for veterans

There are a lot of people really happy this morning. I can see the people wanting to not pay taxes anymore happy but when I think about the people who will suffer because of this, it makes me heartsick. I only pray the Republicans who voted for the reversal of the leadership in the House will pay attention to what their politicans are doing and not doing for our veterans. You have to hold them accountable!

For now I want to thank Congressman Filner and Congresswoman Pelosi for what their leadership did for the sake of our veterans.

110th "Liberal" House did these for veterans under Congressman Filner and Congresswoman Pelosi. But some voters still wanted to hate the "Dems" in congress no matter what they did that was right, just, long overdue and taking care of the veterans they claim to love.

December 2008
12/17/2008 Filner Discusses Veterans Issues on Dr. Phil Show

12/8/2008 Filner Pleased With Obama Pick of General Shinseki to Run Troubled VA
November 2008
11/20/2008 Filner Re-elected Chair of House Vets Committee

11/19/2008 Filner to VA: Confidence in VA Completely Shattered by Recent Document Shredding

11/18/2008 Herseth Sandlin Continues to Monitor Progress of New G.I. Bill
October 2008
10/14/2008 Filner Victorious in Fight for Expansion of Veterans’ Health Care and Benefits

10/14/2008 Congressman Filner’s Bill Extends Purple Heart to All Deceased Prisoners of War!

10/1/2008 Filner Applauds Enactment of Veterans’ Spending Bill
September 2008
9/24/2008 Filner Leads House in Passage of Comprehensive Bills to Help Veterans Prevent Foreclosure, Access the Health Care They Need and Receive Earned Disability Benefits in a Timely Fashion

9/19/2008 Veterans Benefit Administration in Need of Improved Training, Performance Management and Accountability

9/18/2008 Chairman Filner Introduces Legislation to End Delays and Stop Budget Shortfalls for Veterans Health Care Funding

9/18/2008 House Passes Legislation to Honor Nation’s Veterans

9/16/2008 House Veterans’ Subcommittee Raises Concerns about VA Approach to Implementing New G.I. Bill Benefits

9/16/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Assesses Suicide Prevention Efforts at the VA

9/15/2008 The Veterans’ Affairs Committees of the House and Senate Hold a Joint Hearing for The American Legion to Present Legislative Priorities

9/11/2008 House Passes Bill to Improve VA Home Loan Program and Sends COLA Bill to President’s Desk
July 2008
7/31/2008 House Passes Comprehensive Legislative Package to Improve Veterans Care and Augment Needed Services

7/25/2008 REPRESENTATIVES BRADY AND FILNER CRITICAL OF VA LIMITATIONS ON VOTER REGISTRATION

7/24/2008 Important Veterans Provisions Included in Comprehensive Housing Bill

7/23/2008 Congress Must Act to Restore Earned Benefits to All Vietnam Veterans – Including “Blue Water” Vets!

7/18/2008 Agent Orange Equity Act Press Conference, Wednesday, July 23

7/16/2008 House Veterans Committee Approves Comprehensive Legislative Package to Improve Veterans Care and Augment Needed Services

7/15/2008 Understanding the Journey of War Veterans:

7/15/2008 VA Details New Suicide Awareness Campaign at House Veterans Oversight Hearing

7/10/2008 Subcommittee Approves Legislation to Increase Access for Mental Health Care for Veterans’ Families
7/10/2008 Improvement Needed for Rehab Program at VA

7/9/2008 First – DO NO HARM!!
June 2008
6/30/2008 New G.I. Bill for Nation’s Veterans Becomes Law

6/26/2008 House of Representatives Votes to Name VA Facilities after Heroic Veterans

6/26/2008 Subcommittee Approves Legislation to Help Veterans Readjust After Military Deployments

6/26/2008 Health Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Provide Mental Health Treatment for Family Members of Veterans

6/24/2008 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: When the National Guard and Reserves Come Home

6/23/2008 Subcommittee Reviews Bills to Improve Quality of Life for Returning Veterans

6/17/2008 Filner to the VA: Suspend drug study IMMEDIATELY! IT MAY CAUSE SUICIDE!

6/12/2008 Veterans’ Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Bolster Disability Benefits for Veterans

6/11/2008 House of Representatives Passes Veterans Legislation

6/11/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Approves Legislation to Establish Epilepsy Centers of Excellence

6/11/2008 Improving Care for America’s Wounded Warriors

6/5/2008 Health Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Bolster Health Care for Veterans
May 2008
5/23/2008 Filner Releases Statement on VA Blue Ribbon Commissions

5/22/2008 Veterans in Need of Clear and Simple Outreach to Access VA Benefits & Services

5/22/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Hearing: Need for Health Care Providers at VA Continues

5/21/2008 House of Representatives Passes Veterans Legislation

5/8/2008 Chairman Filner Statement on Veterans Provisions in Housing Legislation

5/6/2008 The Truth About Veterans’ Suicides

5/1/2008 Chairman Filner Statement on the G.I. Bill
April 2008
4/16/2008 Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Improve Transition for Returning Service Members and Veterans

4/10/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee Reviews Historic Legislation to Reform the VA Benefits Claims Processing System

4/9/2008 Our Homeless Heroes: A Moral Disgrace for Our Nation

4/3/2008 House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees Hold Joint Hearing
4/2/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Oversight Hearing to Address Vision Needs of Veterans with TBI

4/1/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Hearing: More Research Needed on Effective and Comprehensive PTSD Treatment
March 2008
3/13/2008 Chairman Filner Lauds Passage of Budget

3/13/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Oversight Hearing to Examine Care of Seriously Wounded Veterans

3/13/2008 The U.S. Paralympic Military Program: A Dynamic Rehabilitative Therapy for Our Injured Heroes

3/11/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Examines Treatment of Substance Use Disorders and Associated Mental Health Conditions at the VA

3/6/2008 House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees Hold Joint Hearing

3/4/2008 House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees Hold Joint Hearing

3/4/2008 House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees Hold Joint Hearing
February 2008
2/28/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Explores Expanding Mental Health Services for Families of Veterans

2/28/2008 Will Our Veterans Survive the Housing Crisis?

2/27/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing on VA Construction for 2009

2/26/2008 VA Disability Rating System in Need of Comprehensive and Immediate Repair

2/14/2008 House of Representatives Offers National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans

2/14/2008 “VA’s Claims Processing System is in Need of 21st Century Reform”

2/13/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Reviews Expiring Programs at the VA

2/13/2008 Bush Budget 2009: Misplaced Priorities for America’s Veterans

2/7/2008 Bush Budget 2009: Failing to Respond to the Needs of Our Veterans

2/6/2008 Veterans Group Recognizes Filner as “Legislator of the Year”

2/5/2008 No New Taxes for America’s Veterans!
January 2008
1/29/2008 Veteran Laments VA Claims Process: “We Are Not Alone”

1/29/2008 VA Inspector General: Marion VA Was In Disarray

1/28/2008 New Law Improves VA Health Care for America’s Returning Service Members and Veterans

1/17/2008 House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Update the Montgomery G.I. Bill
December 2007
12/19/2007 House of Representatives Passes Legislation to Modernize the VA Medical Center in Atlanta
12/19/2007 Filner Introduces Legislative Package to Help Veterans Survive the Subprime Mortgage Crisis

12/12/2007 Stopping Veteran Suicides: VA Not Reaching the Veterans that Need the Help

12/12/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Holds Joint Subcommittee Hearing to Examine VA Outpatient Waiting Times

12/11/2007 House of Representatives Passes Veterans Legislation

12/6/2007 Chairman Filner Names Kimberly Ross Staff Director of DAMA Subcommitte

12/6/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hosts Presidential Management Fellow

12/5/2007 Congressman Filner Introduces Bill to Provide Paralympics Programs to Disabled Veterans
November 2007
11/16/2007 Our Nation’s Veterans: Stopping Suicides and Ending Homelessness!

11/7/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Passes the Fair Benefits for Guard and Reserve Act

11/6/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) released the following statement on the Marion Veterans Affairs Medical Center:

11/5/2007 House of Representatives Passes Legislation Honoring America’s Veterans in Preparation for Veterans Day

11/1/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing on the VA Construction Process
October 2007
10/31/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hosts Army Congressional Associate

10/30/2007 Filner Statement on Nomination of James B. Peake

10/25/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Holds Hearing on the Department of Labor VETS Program

10/24/2007 House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee Holds Hearing on the Sharing of Electronic Medical Records between DoD and VA

10/23/2007 House of Representatives Passes Veterans Legislation

10/18/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Holds Hearing on the Montgomery G.I. Bill

10/17/2007 Filner praises Dole/Shalala recommendations – but urges a more radical shake-up of the bureaucracy!

10/17/2007 House Veterans Affairs’ Committee Hearing Examines the Long-Term Costs of the Current Conflicts

10/16/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Hearing Examines Benefits Disparities within the Veterans Benefits Administration

10/10/2007 House Veterans Affairs’ Committee Reviews Findings of the Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission

10/4/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing on VA Research Programs

10/3/2007 House Veterans Affairs’ Committee Hearing Examines Funding the VA of the Future
September 2007
9/27/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Improving Services for Homeless Veterans
9/26/2007 House VA Committee Continues Oversight of VA Information Technology Security

9/25/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Holds Hearing on VA’s Polytrauma Centers

9/25/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Holds Hearing on VA Appeals Process

9/20/2007 The American Legion Presents Legislative Agenda to Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

9/20/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Jobs for Returning Veterans

9/19/2007 Shalala and Dole Provide Details on Commission Recommendations to House VA Committee

9/18/2007 VA Secretary Jim Nicholson to Report on Current Issues – and to Say “Goodbye”!

9/6/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Jobs for Returning Veterans


July 2007
7/30/2007 House of Representatives Passes Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007

7/30/2007 House of Representatives Passes Legislation to Address the Immediate Needs of Returning Veterans and Expand Benefits for WWII Merchant Mariners

7/25/2007 “Personality Disorder”: A Deliberate Misdiagnosis To Avoid Veterans’ Health Care Costs!

7/18/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Symposium on Traumatic Brain Injury

7/17/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Passes Five Bills

7/17/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Passes Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007
June 2007
6/25/2007 House of Representatives Votes to Name Four VA Facilities after Medal of Honor Recipients

6/20/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Hearing on Health Care Equity for All Veterans

6/18/2007 Chairman Filner Names David M. Tucker Chief Counsel for the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

6/15/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Applauds House Passage of Veterans Spending Bill
May 2007
5/23/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds VA Disability Claims Roundtable

5/23/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Filner Pleased at House Passage of Bills Honoring America’s Veterans

5/22/2007 Congress Passes Resolution to Recognize the Service of United States Merchant Marine Veterans on National Maritime Day

5/17/2007 House Passes Budget Resolution

5/16/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Symposium on PTSD

5/3/2007 VA Officials that Miscalculated the Needs of our Veterans Awarded Significant Bonuses
April 2007
4/19/2007 Progress for America’s Veterans


April 2007
4/16/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Hearing on Past-due “Thank You” to Members of the United States Merchant Marines
March 2007
3/30/2007 VA Treatment Centers Lack Access to Troop Medical Records

3/29/2007 Budget Resolution Passes House

3/28/2007 Wounded Warrior Assistance Act Passes House

3/27/2007 Veterans Groups Join Democrats in Support of Budget Resolution

3/23/2007 Chairman Filner Supports Proposed Budget Increase for Veterans

3/22/2007 House Passes Three Bills to Improve Veterans’ Benefits

3/16/2007 Skelton-Hunter-Snyder-Mchugh-Filner Introduce the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007

3/15/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Reports Three Bills

3/6/2007 House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees Hold Joint Hearing

3/2/2007 Filner Statement on Walter Reed Army Medical Center
February 2007
2/27/2007 House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees Hold Joint Hearing

2/15/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Hearing on Equity for Filipino Veterans

2/13/2007 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Stakeholders Summit to Identify Legislative Priorities


111th Congress under the same leadership

1/22/2010 Improvements Ahead for Post 9/11-G.I. Bill Claims System

1/21/2010 House Veterans' Affairs Committee Meets with VSO Leaders

12/16/2009 Clear Need for Procurement Reform at VA:

12/7/2009 Herseth Sandlin Leads Discussion on Educational Options for Veterans

12/7/2009 House Committee Examines How Federal Dollars Get to Local Veterans for Health Care

12/7/2009 More than 200 Members of Congress Agree: Agent Orange Veterans Deserve Compensation for Their Sacrifice!!

11/4/2009 House of Representatives Votes to Enhance Veteran Protections: A Congressional “Thank You” for Veterans Day

10/28/2009 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Advances Bills to Enhance Veteran Protections

10/23/2009 Landmark Legislative Victory for Veterans!

10/22/2009 Chairman Filner Supports Veteran Athletes and Military Paralympic Program

10/22/2009 Landmark Legislative Victory for America’s Veterans!!

10/21/2009 Emergency Stipends Successfully Reach Veteran Students

10/16/2009 Secretary Shinseki Provides Update on the State of the VA to Congressional Panel

10/14/2009 Chairman Bob Filner Releases Statement on Agent Orange Decision

10/14/2009 Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee Advances Bills to Enhance Veteran Protections

10/14/2009 Hall Leads Discussion on Proposed Regulation Change Regarding PTSD Determinations for Veterans

10/8/2009 House Passes Historic Bill to Secure Timely Funding for Veterans’ Health Care

10/2/2009 VA Provides Encouraging Progress Report on Going Green

9/29/2009 Congressional Panel Spotlights Waste, Inappropriate Use of VA Resources

9/25/2009 Most – Not All – Veterans Getting Prescription Drugs They Need

9/25/2009 Congressional Panel Calls on VA to Do More to Honor Sacrifice of America’s Veterans

9/17/2009 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Roundtable on Veterans’ Treatment Courts

9/15/2009 Filner Applauds VA Decision to Restart National Vietnam Veterans Longitudinal Study

9/14/2009 The American Legion Presents Legislative Agenda to Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

9/14/2009 Herseth Sandlin Urges Stronger Management Oversight of VA Projects


September 2009
9/25/2009 Congressional Panel Calls on VA to Do More to Honor Sacrifice of America’s Veterans

9/17/2009 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Roundtable on Veterans’ Treatment Courts

9/15/2009 Filner Applauds VA Decision to Restart National Vietnam Veterans Longitudinal Study

9/14/2009 The American Legion Presents Legislative Agenda to Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

9/14/2009 Herseth Sandlin Urges Stronger Management Oversight of VA Projects
August 2009
8/5/2009 Filner Bill Allows Elderly Veterans to Use Their Earned Medicare Dollars for VA Health Care

8/5/2009 California Veterans to Get Full GI Bill Benefit: Agreement between State of California and VA Will Result in Dramatic Increase in Benefits for Yellow Ribbon Program
July 2009
7/31/2009 VA’s Limited Scope of Research Prevents Gulf War Vets From Getting the Benefit of the Doubt

7/31/2009 VA Stumbles in Providing Vocational Rehab to Veterans

7/30/2009 Paralympians Inspire Others to Be Better and Do More

7/30/2009 VA’s Limited Scope of Research Prevents Gulf War Vets From Getting the Benefit of the Doubt

7/27/2009 House Passes Bill to Provide Unprecedented Support to Veteran Caregivers

7/23/2009 Critical Warning Signs Missed at Philly VA Weak Oversight Efforts Fail to Protect Veterans

7/21/2009 State Approving Agencies See Expanded Role Under Post-9/11 G.I. Bill

7/21/2009 Hearing Spotlights Immediate Needs of Nation’s Women Veterans

7/15/2009 Veterans’ Affairs Committee Passes Bill to Provide Training and Support for Veteran Caregivers

7/14/2009 Deadline Looms for VA-DOD Interagency Office on Military Electronic Health Records

7/13/2009 House Votes to Strengthen Work Study Program for Returning Veterans

7/10/2009 House Passes Advance Appropriations for Veterans Health Care in Veterans Funding Bill

7/10/2009 House Approves Filner Amendment to Support Paralympic Program for Injured Vets
June 2009
6/26/2009 VA Set for Start of Post-9/11 GI Bill on August 1

6/25/2009 House Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Provide Greater Support to Veterans and Survivors

6/24/2009 House Passes Historic Bill to Secure Timely Funding for Veterans’ Health Care

6/24/2009 House Votes to Improve Care for Women Veterans

6/23/2009 House Subcommittee Reviews Claims Process for Veterans
6/19/2009 VA Addresses Failures of Contaminated Equipment Use

6/19/2009 House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health Reviews Legislation

6/12/2009 CARES Process Lacks Transparency, Performance Measures

6/10/2009 Veterans’ Affairs Committee Passes Historic Bill to Secure Timely Funding for Veterans’ Health Care

6/8/2009 House Affirms Commitment to Nation’s Veterans, Men and Women in Uniform

6/8/2009 More Support for Caregivers of Veterans Needed

6/3/2009 Too Many Unmet Needs for America’s Veterans: Losing Veterans to our Streets
May 2009
5/21/2009 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Roundtable to Address Issues Confronting Women Veterans

5/20/2009 VA Unresponsive to Questions, Needs of Gulf War Veterans

5/20/2009 As VA Reaches Out to Veterans, Health Care Access Issues Magnify

5/19/2009 House Passes Bills to Honor America’s Veterans: A Congressional Thank You for Memorial Day

5/14/2009 House Subcommittee Reviews Appellate Process for Veterans

5/14/2009 House Subcommittee Reviews Appellate Process for Veterans

5/14/2009 Federal Contractors Not Taking Necessary Steps to Employ Veterans, Say Veterans Groups

5/13/2009 Private Sector Groups Present Cutting Edge Technology and Treatment Options for Veterans at Hearing

5/12/2009 House Votes to Thank WWII Service of Merchant Mariners

5/8/2009 Congress Must Act to Restore Earned Benefits to All Vietnam Veterans – Including “Blue Water” Vets!

5/6/2009 Veterans’ Affairs Committee Advances Legislation
April 2009
4/30/2009 Chairman Hall Holds Hearing to Discuss the COMBAT PTSD Act, H.R. 952

4/30/2009 Filner Applauds Passage of Budget Resolution that Increases Veterans’ Funding

4/30/2009 Care Coordination for Seriously Injured Veterans Improving

4/30/2009 Filner Holds Hearing on Advance Appropriations for Veterans’ Health Care

4/6/2009 Chairman Filner Names Martin L. Herbert Majority Staff Director of Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee

4/2/2009 Filner Applauds Passage of House Budget Resolution that Increases Veterans’ Funding
March 2009
3/30/2009 House Subcommittee Reviews Combat PTSD
3/30/2009 House Advances Important Veterans Bills

3/25/2009 Veterans’ Affairs Committee Advances Legislation

3/23/2009 Filner Reintroduces Bill to Help Vietnam Veterans Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease

3/19/2009 Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittees Advance Legislation to Improve Care and Benefits for Veterans

3/19/2009 Health Subcommittee Reviews New and Existing Health Care Programs for Rural Veterans

3/18/2009 VFW Presents Legislative Goals at Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

3/17/2009 Veterans Groups Present Legislative Goals at Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

3/17/2009 Billing Our Heroes: It’s DOA!

3/17/2009 DOD and VA Let Veterans with Eye Injuries Down

3/13/2009 Filner Releases Views on VA Budget Request

3/10/2009 Obama Budget 2010: Responding to the Needs of Our Veterans

3/6/2009 Veterans Groups Present Legislative Goals at Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

3/3/2009 Health Subcommittee Reviews Legislation

3/3/2009 House Subcommittees Probe Mishandling of Veterans Disability Claims
February 2009
2/26/2009 DAV Presents Legislative Agenda at Joint Hearing of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

2/26/2009 Filner Honored for Protecting Veterans’ Education Benefits

2/26/2009 Obama Budget 2010: Responding to the Needs of Our Veterans

2/26/2009 New G.I. Bill On Track for August

2/14/2009 Finally, Equity for Filipino WWII Veterans!!

2/14/2009 Filner Pledges to Fight for Budgets Worthy of Our Veterans

2/13/2009 Filner and Akaka Reintroduce Legislation to Secure Timely Funding for Veterans’ Health Care through Advance Appropriations

2/13/2009 Filner Introduces Bill to Ensure Parity for Veterans Taking On-Line Courses

2/11/2009 Congressional Leaders, Veterans Orgs and Former VA Official to Hold Press Conference Supporting Advanced Funding of Veteran's Health Care

2/9/2009 Filner Reintroduces Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act

2/5/2009 “Shinseki Off to Great Start,” says Filner
2/2/2009 Keeping the Promise: A Veterans Agenda for the 111th Congress

2/2/2009 Filner Urges More Veterans Spending in Stimulus Package
January 2009
1/22/2009 House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Adopts Oversight Plan for the 111th Congress and Officially Names Members

1/21/2009 FILNER APPLAUDS CONFIRMATION OF VA SECRETARY SHINSEKI

1/15/2009 FILNER APPALLED BY LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY, LEADERSHIP AT VA

House Veterans Work

It is terrible that we're going to head backwards because no one on the news bothered to tell veterans and their families how much was done for them and who did it. I talk to Republican voters all the time and none of them had a clue. Too bad the media never told them what was going on and who was lying about what.